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Because You Are Mine #3
Porque Somos Um Só
Ian: Misterioso, dominante, um homem habituado a conseguir tudo o que quer.
Francesca: Fascinante, uma mulher que não tinha noção nenhuma de até onde estava disposta a ir em nome do amor.
Em Porque Somos Um Só, Ian e Francesca são obrigados a confrontar-se com a paixão extravagante que os uniu no passado e forçados a encarar os segredos mais íntimos que ameaçam separá-los para sempre. Os segredos de um passado ao qual não podem fugir. O mistério que atraiu e seduziu Francesca, e que a enfeitiçou com um desejo proibido. Para ambos, o próximo passo é libertação total…
Francesca: Fascinante, uma mulher que não tinha noção nenhuma de até onde estava disposta a ir em nome do amor.
Em Porque Somos Um Só, Ian e Francesca são obrigados a confrontar-se com a paixão extravagante que os uniu no passado e forçados a encarar os segredos mais íntimos que ameaçam separá-los para sempre. Os segredos de um passado ao qual não podem fugir. O mistério que atraiu e seduziu Francesca, e que a enfeitiçou com um desejo proibido. Para ambos, o próximo passo é libertação total…
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
72 people are currently reading
2913 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kery
174 books2,696 followersBeth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
November 11, 2013
Review to come...but I absolutely LOVED this book!
December 9, 2021
This was my second time reading this book well my first time reading as I listened to it on audio the first time. This book picks up six months after the first book Ian left Francesca after his mother's death and finding out the his father was a rapist. Turns out Ian and Lucien are brothers. Francesca is lost without Ian going thru her days heartbroken for the lover that has called or reached out to her. When Lucien tells her that they need her help in a business matter with Noble Enterprises she agrees to help. I hated Ian's cousin Gerard he was a jealous man who wanted what Ian had including Francesca. After almost being kidnapped Francesca goes to England to be with Ian's family for the holiday's when Ian shows up her world is thrown for a loop. Francesca is angry at him for leaving her and I didn't blame her. Ian knows that she is suffering and is willing to do anything to help her so when she comes to him for sex he lets her take the lead, but he knows she needs more. This two have some hot crazy sex that turns out Gerard is recording and using a maid to get off with he wants Francesca but with Ian there he has no luck because she is still in love with Ian. Ian also finds another brother Kam Reardon in France living in the house that was once his fathers and he is also good with mechanics like Ian and his father was. When Ian returns to France without her Francesca follows him and he is made that she showed up he didn't want her to see the house he is living and trying to find answers as to why is father was a rapist she also tells him she saw a half man who turned out to be Kam. I love this series the sex scenes were hot it was a story about a man trying to find out why he came to be his mother was sick and when she looked at him she saw her rapist. Francesca never gave up on Ian even when she was mad at him. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading about Kam and Lin.
July 23, 2016
4 Tortured Ian Stars
If you like tortured heroes, then Because We Belong is for you.
This is the continuation of Ian and Francesca’s story. Ian is distraught after finding out who his father is. He travels to France to seek out his roots. He doesn’t tell anyone where he is and loses all contact with Francesca.
It is 6 months later and Francesca is still dealing with the aftermath of being left alone. She wants to move on, but it’s difficult when Ian has left her control of his company.
Review
I wanted to love and hate Ian at the same time. There’s a good 25% of the book where Ian and Francesca are separated (we all know I am not a fan of this), but it wasn’t so bad this time. You can really feel Francesca’s pain. She loves Ian so much but he LEFT HER! She wants to move on, but she has to be the front woman of Ian’s company now.
Ian he’s just this damaged character that I kind of understood and then kind of didn’t. He wants to know how he came about, but he doesn’t believe he can do it with people, so he leaves his love behind. I would consider him very selfish and a tad bit frustrating.
The love between Ian and Francesca is very apparent and it’s very romantic. There’s so much tension between the two because of Ian breaking Francesca’s heart, it makes a juicy read. At times I felt that Francesca was a bit too understanding, I wanted her to make Ian really pay and have him suffer.
Regardless if you are an Ian and Francesca fan, then you will not be disappointed.
Series Order
AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
If you like tortured heroes, then Because We Belong is for you.
This is the continuation of Ian and Francesca’s story. Ian is distraught after finding out who his father is. He travels to France to seek out his roots. He doesn’t tell anyone where he is and loses all contact with Francesca.
It is 6 months later and Francesca is still dealing with the aftermath of being left alone. She wants to move on, but it’s difficult when Ian has left her control of his company.
Review
I wanted to love and hate Ian at the same time. There’s a good 25% of the book where Ian and Francesca are separated (we all know I am not a fan of this), but it wasn’t so bad this time. You can really feel Francesca’s pain. She loves Ian so much but he LEFT HER! She wants to move on, but she has to be the front woman of Ian’s company now.
Ian he’s just this damaged character that I kind of understood and then kind of didn’t. He wants to know how he came about, but he doesn’t believe he can do it with people, so he leaves his love behind. I would consider him very selfish and a tad bit frustrating.
The love between Ian and Francesca is very apparent and it’s very romantic. There’s so much tension between the two because of Ian breaking Francesca’s heart, it makes a juicy read. At times I felt that Francesca was a bit too understanding, I wanted her to make Ian really pay and have him suffer.
Regardless if you are an Ian and Francesca fan, then you will not be disappointed.
Series Order
AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZONhttp://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
November 2, 2013
3.75 stars
BECAUSE WE BELONG is the third full length instalment in Beth Kery’s Because You Are Mine contemporary, erotica adult series. Kery is known for her ‘serial’ style of writing including the first set in the series ‘Because You Are Mine’. I am not a fan of the serial style novel therefore I was more than pleased that Because We Belong was released as a full-length novel from the outset.
The premise of Because We Belong continues the story of Ian and Francesca who were the focus of the first series Because You Are Mine. Francesca is the young woman hired to paint a scene for billionaire Ian Noble’s lobby and in the ensuing weeks to months, the couple will fall in love but not before the reality of Ian’s lifestyle demands have Francesca reconsidering what her heart really wants. Ian has a dark and kinky side-likes to experiment in the BDSM lifestyle-and hopes to draw Francesca into his life. But Ian also has a secret-one that involves his ailing and mentally ill mother –and the truth of the situation continues in Because We Belong.
There is also a second serial novel ‘When I’m With You’ focusing on Ian’s best friend Lucien and herein lies a bit of a conundrum for me. I did not read this particular instalment and therefore I am not sure how much information was revealed about the relationship between Lucien and Ian that is addressed and continues in Because We Belong. Are you confused? Well, so am I. On to the review.
Ian Noble is missing. Not that he is lost or abducted but no one has heard from Ian (including his now fiancé Francesca) in over six months. The prologue of the story finds Ian hinting at life without Francesca and within a few pages and a fast forward of six months we learn that Ian has packed up and left control of his billion dollar enterprise to Francesca. With a new deal on the horizon, Francesca is pulled into the Noble family dysfunctional dynamics and eventually finds herself the target of a mad man for reasons not yet known. With an invitation to celebrate the upcoming holiday anniversary of Ian’s grandparents (in England), Francesca and the family will finally come face to face with Ian where Francesca is once again targeted but the who and the why will soon become suspect.
Ian and Francesca’s sexual relationship picks ups immediately even though Ian has been missing without any explanation for six months. Their attraction to one another is visceral, almost palpable and yet, Francesca had been destroyed by Ian’s disappearance and subsequent silence. The sex scenes are sensual, hot, disturbing and aggressive. Ian needs Francesca at the basest level to survive, yet his actions of the previous six months leaves Francesca reeling when Ian refuses to tell her why. And to complicate matters, Ian is expected to disappear once again.
As the storyline progresses, more about the family history and Ian’s mother’s illness are revealed. And so much more about Ian’s birth father and family will play a pivotal role in Ian’s disappearance.
Because We Belong is an erotic storyline about a second chance at love; at family; and the realization that not everything and everyone is what or who they claim to be. The family tree reaches beyond what anyone could have imagined and those caught up in the branches are innocent of the father’s sins just as those that are guilty of the family lies. This is a story of jealousy and betrayal; love and hate; heartbreak and sorrow; love and understanding. And about one woman who has stood be her man through everything-good and bad.
Beth Kery pulls the reader into a richly detailed story of one man’s descent into the unknown at the hands of a man he never knew. Kery reveals plenty of background information about the recent history of one family and their fight to save one of their own. And in the end, Francesca’s love for Ian will be the catalyst that allows Ian to begin the long journey to recovery.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
\
www.thereadingcafe.com
BECAUSE WE BELONG is the third full length instalment in Beth Kery’s Because You Are Mine contemporary, erotica adult series. Kery is known for her ‘serial’ style of writing including the first set in the series ‘Because You Are Mine’. I am not a fan of the serial style novel therefore I was more than pleased that Because We Belong was released as a full-length novel from the outset.
The premise of Because We Belong continues the story of Ian and Francesca who were the focus of the first series Because You Are Mine. Francesca is the young woman hired to paint a scene for billionaire Ian Noble’s lobby and in the ensuing weeks to months, the couple will fall in love but not before the reality of Ian’s lifestyle demands have Francesca reconsidering what her heart really wants. Ian has a dark and kinky side-likes to experiment in the BDSM lifestyle-and hopes to draw Francesca into his life. But Ian also has a secret-one that involves his ailing and mentally ill mother –and the truth of the situation continues in Because We Belong.
There is also a second serial novel ‘When I’m With You’ focusing on Ian’s best friend Lucien and herein lies a bit of a conundrum for me. I did not read this particular instalment and therefore I am not sure how much information was revealed about the relationship between Lucien and Ian that is addressed and continues in Because We Belong. Are you confused? Well, so am I. On to the review.
Ian Noble is missing. Not that he is lost or abducted but no one has heard from Ian (including his now fiancé Francesca) in over six months. The prologue of the story finds Ian hinting at life without Francesca and within a few pages and a fast forward of six months we learn that Ian has packed up and left control of his billion dollar enterprise to Francesca. With a new deal on the horizon, Francesca is pulled into the Noble family dysfunctional dynamics and eventually finds herself the target of a mad man for reasons not yet known. With an invitation to celebrate the upcoming holiday anniversary of Ian’s grandparents (in England), Francesca and the family will finally come face to face with Ian where Francesca is once again targeted but the who and the why will soon become suspect.
Ian and Francesca’s sexual relationship picks ups immediately even though Ian has been missing without any explanation for six months. Their attraction to one another is visceral, almost palpable and yet, Francesca had been destroyed by Ian’s disappearance and subsequent silence. The sex scenes are sensual, hot, disturbing and aggressive. Ian needs Francesca at the basest level to survive, yet his actions of the previous six months leaves Francesca reeling when Ian refuses to tell her why. And to complicate matters, Ian is expected to disappear once again.
As the storyline progresses, more about the family history and Ian’s mother’s illness are revealed. And so much more about Ian’s birth father and family will play a pivotal role in Ian’s disappearance.
Because We Belong is an erotic storyline about a second chance at love; at family; and the realization that not everything and everyone is what or who they claim to be. The family tree reaches beyond what anyone could have imagined and those caught up in the branches are innocent of the father’s sins just as those that are guilty of the family lies. This is a story of jealousy and betrayal; love and hate; heartbreak and sorrow; love and understanding. And about one woman who has stood be her man through everything-good and bad.
Beth Kery pulls the reader into a richly detailed story of one man’s descent into the unknown at the hands of a man he never knew. Kery reveals plenty of background information about the recent history of one family and their fight to save one of their own. And in the end, Francesca’s love for Ian will be the catalyst that allows Ian to begin the long journey to recovery.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
\
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 13, 2013
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at Seductive Musings.
This review contains spoilers for Because You Are Mine and When I’m With You, the first two stories in the series. You could try to read Because We Belong as a stand-alone book, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
After having to read the previous stories in this series as serial novels, it was a huge relief for me that Because We Belong was being released as a complete book from the start. The prologue takes place hours before the dramatic moment in When I’m With You when Ian found out that his mother had died and that he and his good friend had both been fathered by the same man who had raped their mothers and thousands of other women before his death. We then move forward six months to find that Ian has been missing that entire time, with only his personal assistant Lin knowing where he is or what he is doing. Francesca has moved back into the house she once shared with all her old roommates while trying to go on without Ian, angry and sad that he has refused to contact her even once. When Lucien returns to ask for Francesca’s help in managing a delicate financial crisis at Noble Enterprises, her decision sets off a chain of events that put her in danger from an unknown enemy and force her to confront the mania driving the man she doesn’t want to live without.
I loved Ian and Francesca so much in Because You Are Mine, and hated having to wait each week for the next entry in the story. When I’m With You was a good read in its own right, but because the focus was on Lucien and Elise, it was less compelling for me right up until that heart-slamming chapter when Lucien revealed his relationship to Ian just before Ian found out his mother had died, leaving that same night to see his family in England. I was shocked to find that Ian was still gone and not communicating with Francesca months after that night, and that got me even more hooked into Because We Belong, as I wondered what the hell was going on with Ian and what might happen next.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I tore through Because We Belong as fast as I was able to read without skimming or missing a single word. All of Francesca’s feelings were front and center in this book and I felt what she did as it was happening. My relief was palpable when Ian finally made contact, yet I cheered her on as she made him see just how much he had hurt her by his absence, and never allowing him to succumb entirely to his obsession with his late father’s past.
In Because We Belong, the passion between Ian and Francesca is just as deep and true and undeniable as it ever was, and their intimate moments burn up the pages whenever they come together. The growing threat to Francesca’s life is intrinsic to the overall story but never overwhelms the romance between Ian and Francesca as they rediscover the love they both had feared they’d lost. Best of all, the end of the story sets up another book in the series, so we’ll be able to see more happy moments between Ian and Francesca now that they’ve defeated both the internal and external threats to their happiness. Because We Belong is a fantastic entry in the Because You Are Mine series and was worth every minute I had to wait before I got to read it.
Ratings
Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 4 (BDSM elements including light bondage, anal sex and voyeurism, threats of sexual violence and discussion of rape)
This review contains spoilers for Because You Are Mine and When I’m With You, the first two stories in the series. You could try to read Because We Belong as a stand-alone book, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
After having to read the previous stories in this series as serial novels, it was a huge relief for me that Because We Belong was being released as a complete book from the start. The prologue takes place hours before the dramatic moment in When I’m With You when Ian found out that his mother had died and that he and his good friend had both been fathered by the same man who had raped their mothers and thousands of other women before his death. We then move forward six months to find that Ian has been missing that entire time, with only his personal assistant Lin knowing where he is or what he is doing. Francesca has moved back into the house she once shared with all her old roommates while trying to go on without Ian, angry and sad that he has refused to contact her even once. When Lucien returns to ask for Francesca’s help in managing a delicate financial crisis at Noble Enterprises, her decision sets off a chain of events that put her in danger from an unknown enemy and force her to confront the mania driving the man she doesn’t want to live without.
I loved Ian and Francesca so much in Because You Are Mine, and hated having to wait each week for the next entry in the story. When I’m With You was a good read in its own right, but because the focus was on Lucien and Elise, it was less compelling for me right up until that heart-slamming chapter when Lucien revealed his relationship to Ian just before Ian found out his mother had died, leaving that same night to see his family in England. I was shocked to find that Ian was still gone and not communicating with Francesca months after that night, and that got me even more hooked into Because We Belong, as I wondered what the hell was going on with Ian and what might happen next.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I tore through Because We Belong as fast as I was able to read without skimming or missing a single word. All of Francesca’s feelings were front and center in this book and I felt what she did as it was happening. My relief was palpable when Ian finally made contact, yet I cheered her on as she made him see just how much he had hurt her by his absence, and never allowing him to succumb entirely to his obsession with his late father’s past.
In Because We Belong, the passion between Ian and Francesca is just as deep and true and undeniable as it ever was, and their intimate moments burn up the pages whenever they come together. The growing threat to Francesca’s life is intrinsic to the overall story but never overwhelms the romance between Ian and Francesca as they rediscover the love they both had feared they’d lost. Best of all, the end of the story sets up another book in the series, so we’ll be able to see more happy moments between Ian and Francesca now that they’ve defeated both the internal and external threats to their happiness. Because We Belong is a fantastic entry in the Because You Are Mine series and was worth every minute I had to wait before I got to read it.
Ratings
Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 4 (BDSM elements including light bondage, anal sex and voyeurism, threats of sexual violence and discussion of rape)
January 26, 2014
4.5 stars!
Ian Noble - 30 years old/Billionaire/Playboy/British and French/Royalty/Dark hair/Blue eyes/Dom
Francesca Arno - 23 years old/American/Painter - Master student of Arts/Graduated in Architectures and Arts/Red-gold hair/Brown eyes/Innocent
Loved Book 1 and I loved this Book 3, which is actually the second book dedicated to Ian and Francesca's story, since book 2 was dedicated to Lucien Ian's best friend and recently discovered half brother. It was necessary to see Ian and Francesca's story develop...because people grew to love them and book one only give a glimpse of their beautiful and tormented love.
The story itself deserves 5 stars, but just because the sex scenes sometimes were too long (1-2 chapters) I have to give less!
The story development in Book 2 was unexpected and impressive, I liked that this second part of the story took place in UK..in a royal environment and that inspected more of Ian's life and gave light about his parents story and took his and Francesca's love story into a total new level, putting their love in test many times.
Book 2 has mind blowing sex, but also a lot of drama...a lot of intrigues and war for power and money between members of Ian's family!
I totally ship Ian and Francesca, they're an other hot and lovely couple who will take your breath away :D For those who love the Dom/Submissive erotica romances this is a great one, even some small things like billionaire-student/dom-submissive might remind to 50 shades, the story is totally different and really worthy!
I hope Beth Kery could give us an other book dedicated to Ian and Francesca, because I love them!!! So crossing fingers for a book 5!
Book 4 is the story of Ian's second brother Kam and Lin (Ian's EA)...waiting forward to read it too.
Ian Noble - 30 years old/Billionaire/Playboy/British and French/Royalty/Dark hair/Blue eyes/Dom
Francesca Arno - 23 years old/American/Painter - Master student of Arts/Graduated in Architectures and Arts/Red-gold hair/Brown eyes/Innocent
Loved Book 1 and I loved this Book 3, which is actually the second book dedicated to Ian and Francesca's story, since book 2 was dedicated to Lucien Ian's best friend and recently discovered half brother. It was necessary to see Ian and Francesca's story develop...because people grew to love them and book one only give a glimpse of their beautiful and tormented love.
The story itself deserves 5 stars, but just because the sex scenes sometimes were too long (1-2 chapters) I have to give less!
The story development in Book 2 was unexpected and impressive, I liked that this second part of the story took place in UK..in a royal environment and that inspected more of Ian's life and gave light about his parents story and took his and Francesca's love story into a total new level, putting their love in test many times.
Book 2 has mind blowing sex, but also a lot of drama...a lot of intrigues and war for power and money between members of Ian's family!
I totally ship Ian and Francesca, they're an other hot and lovely couple who will take your breath away :D For those who love the Dom/Submissive erotica romances this is a great one, even some small things like billionaire-student/dom-submissive might remind to 50 shades, the story is totally different and really worthy!
I hope Beth Kery could give us an other book dedicated to Ian and Francesca, because I love them!!! So crossing fingers for a book 5!
Book 4 is the story of Ian's second brother Kam and Lin (Ian's EA)...waiting forward to read it too.
May 4, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book soooooooo much! The plot was incredible, such a great book!
November 11, 2013
Title: Because We Belong
Author: Beth Kerry
Publisher/Year: Penguin 11/5/13
Length: 368 pages
Series: Because you are Mine #3
Overview
The "wicked good storytelling" (Jaci Burton) of New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery continues inBecaue We Belong, the new Because You Are Mine novel
IAN...“[the] hero...dark, mysterious, and very dominant” (Smexy Books), a sexual force to be reckoned with, a man accustomed to getting what he wants.
FRANCESCA...“a fascinating heroine” (Heroes and Heartbreakers), a woman who had no idea how far she was willing to go in the name of love.
Introduced in New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery’s erotic phenomenon Because You Are Mine, they aroused an “addictive and delicious” (USA Today) romance that dared to break the rules of attraction.
In Because We Belong Ian and Francesca return to reignite the exquisite passions that drew them together, and to finally face the intimate secrets that threatened to separate them forever. The secrets of an inescapable past that was one man’s darkest mystery—a darkness that seduced one woman and forever held her spellbound with forbidden desire. For both of them, the next step is total abandon.
My Thoughts
I think that all of us who have invested time with this couple really wanted the best outcome possible for them, but knowing how volatile things could be with Ian and his past in general, the chance of things working out smoothly were slim to none.
We left off with this couple when everything was falling apart for Ian. He learned more information from Lucien than he thought he'd find, and then his mother's health deteriorated so quickly that she passed and things went downhill from there since you know that Ian will always blame himself for that. Francesca was left helpless because the man that she loved, her other half up and left her without even a way to get in touch, and she didn't know where to go from there. Thankfully she was able to cling back to her friendships pre-Ian, and Davie took her back in and helped her survive. It's only when things seem to be getting a little bit better that the other shoe drops .
Lucien comes knocking on the door one day saying that they all NEED Francesca to come back since Ian left all power and authority in his company to her and they need to make a decision about acquiring a company that we know Ian wanted. Gerard (Ian's Cousin) and James/Anne, the grandparents are all on the board and try to do what they can to teach Francesca what she needs to know to help make an informed decision on what to do. Lucky for Francesca, she's got great intuition and decides that there's too much risk in something that Gerard is pushing to do that she sides with Lucien to make another choice. As that's happening, fear for her safety comes along since she's almost kidnapped one day while out running with Davie, and that's just the start of another spiral out of control.
The whole family goes back to England for James and Anne's anniversary ball and for the holidays and Ian learns that there's been an attempt on Francesca. He returns to see to her safety, while finding that things aren't as good as they seem. He's got a sense that Gerard has motives outside of helping out Ian's company -namely making moves on Francesca and doing things underhandedly. Ian also isn't srue what to make of things while he's back since he knows that he still loves Francesca more than anything, but he can't be with her until he's sorted out his past and that's not something that seems like it's going to happen anytime soon.
Francesca spends a lot of her time and energy trying to fight her anger with him for leaving while knowing that it's not a battle that she can win. she wants to understand what drives Ian but needs the help from others to figure it out .
What i enjoyed about this final installment of the series is that you know clearly what the motives are for a lot of actions and you can follow the clear delineated path that they take - but you spend chapter after chapter wondering when it'll manifest. I think that it's nice when you expect things but they aren't really detractiona from the story. I also like that we get another sibling in the mix and i have a feeling that this isn't the last that we've heard of him. i like how he pops up at the most inopportune times and yet at the times of need as well. as we come to expect, someone gets killed, maybe a few people do actually - there's a threat on folks' lives which is nice, and some great passion which keeps this romance and story going. i think that the power that we get from Ian is exactly what makes this story nice and the way that Francesca responds is a great compliment.
I hope that we get more from them - there was a teaser of a book to come in the spring that may give me a bit more of what i want - and i'm looking forward to that story since it'll give us a glimpse into someone that we barely know. 2 someones perhaps. i hope you guys enjoy this final installment in Ian and Francesca's tale.
Author: Beth Kerry
Publisher/Year: Penguin 11/5/13
Length: 368 pages
Series: Because you are Mine #3
Overview
The "wicked good storytelling" (Jaci Burton) of New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery continues inBecaue We Belong, the new Because You Are Mine novel
IAN...“[the] hero...dark, mysterious, and very dominant” (Smexy Books), a sexual force to be reckoned with, a man accustomed to getting what he wants.
FRANCESCA...“a fascinating heroine” (Heroes and Heartbreakers), a woman who had no idea how far she was willing to go in the name of love.
Introduced in New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery’s erotic phenomenon Because You Are Mine, they aroused an “addictive and delicious” (USA Today) romance that dared to break the rules of attraction.
In Because We Belong Ian and Francesca return to reignite the exquisite passions that drew them together, and to finally face the intimate secrets that threatened to separate them forever. The secrets of an inescapable past that was one man’s darkest mystery—a darkness that seduced one woman and forever held her spellbound with forbidden desire. For both of them, the next step is total abandon.
My Thoughts
I think that all of us who have invested time with this couple really wanted the best outcome possible for them, but knowing how volatile things could be with Ian and his past in general, the chance of things working out smoothly were slim to none.
We left off with this couple when everything was falling apart for Ian. He learned more information from Lucien than he thought he'd find, and then his mother's health deteriorated so quickly that she passed and things went downhill from there since you know that Ian will always blame himself for that. Francesca was left helpless because the man that she loved, her other half up and left her without even a way to get in touch, and she didn't know where to go from there. Thankfully she was able to cling back to her friendships pre-Ian, and Davie took her back in and helped her survive. It's only when things seem to be getting a little bit better that the other shoe drops .
Lucien comes knocking on the door one day saying that they all NEED Francesca to come back since Ian left all power and authority in his company to her and they need to make a decision about acquiring a company that we know Ian wanted. Gerard (Ian's Cousin) and James/Anne, the grandparents are all on the board and try to do what they can to teach Francesca what she needs to know to help make an informed decision on what to do. Lucky for Francesca, she's got great intuition and decides that there's too much risk in something that Gerard is pushing to do that she sides with Lucien to make another choice. As that's happening, fear for her safety comes along since she's almost kidnapped one day while out running with Davie, and that's just the start of another spiral out of control.
The whole family goes back to England for James and Anne's anniversary ball and for the holidays and Ian learns that there's been an attempt on Francesca. He returns to see to her safety, while finding that things aren't as good as they seem. He's got a sense that Gerard has motives outside of helping out Ian's company -namely making moves on Francesca and doing things underhandedly. Ian also isn't srue what to make of things while he's back since he knows that he still loves Francesca more than anything, but he can't be with her until he's sorted out his past and that's not something that seems like it's going to happen anytime soon.
Francesca spends a lot of her time and energy trying to fight her anger with him for leaving while knowing that it's not a battle that she can win. she wants to understand what drives Ian but needs the help from others to figure it out .
What i enjoyed about this final installment of the series is that you know clearly what the motives are for a lot of actions and you can follow the clear delineated path that they take - but you spend chapter after chapter wondering when it'll manifest. I think that it's nice when you expect things but they aren't really detractiona from the story. I also like that we get another sibling in the mix and i have a feeling that this isn't the last that we've heard of him. i like how he pops up at the most inopportune times and yet at the times of need as well. as we come to expect, someone gets killed, maybe a few people do actually - there's a threat on folks' lives which is nice, and some great passion which keeps this romance and story going. i think that the power that we get from Ian is exactly what makes this story nice and the way that Francesca responds is a great compliment.
I hope that we get more from them - there was a teaser of a book to come in the spring that may give me a bit more of what i want - and i'm looking forward to that story since it'll give us a glimpse into someone that we barely know. 2 someones perhaps. i hope you guys enjoy this final installment in Ian and Francesca's tale.
August 24, 2016
Though I enjoyed the other books and anticipated this one, I only gave it 3 stars. I was disappointed. I like parts of it, but the overall feel was too wordy. It took too many words to describe the mostly non-original action. Thus taking away from the excitement.
At the end of the previous book, Francisca and Ian are engaged. At the beginning of this one, it’s six months later. Ian is acting odd. Francisca feels something is wrong. Then he disappears without a word, leaving Francisca in limbo, feeling totally empty. This reminds me of the part in the second book of Twilight where Edward leaves Bella. (Same storyline).
Several of Ian’s family and friends help her rejoin the world. Lucian and Elise are the best friends they could have. Elise is as wise and helpful as she was in her book. Ian’s grandparents are sweet, but their characters are kind of flat. I have no idea what Clarisse was supposed to be doing other than muddying the action.
And I hate Gerald!! Though he probably was the most intriguing character in that he did get my emotions stirred. (That says a lot for how much better Ian could have been). His convoluted plans are what moves the plot along.
But once back in the world, I found Francisca to be very strong. I liked how she refused to let Ian back into her life without an explanation. Taking control of their relationship. Then later she refuses to let him keep her out of the loop again.
Ian was not as exciting as I hoped. He hadn’t learned anything from the relationship problems before. He was just as overly protective, exasperating and domineering as ever. The sex scenes were not as innovative and unique as I expected of Ian. And he was selfish. For example: in the bedroom where he tells her he wants to make love to her, he ends up just using her for his own pleasure. And in very unoriginal ways.
I wish Ian had found something more interesting at Trevor Gaines house. There was a lot of unused potential there. Even his unexpected houseguest could have been played up more. And Ian’s struggle with his psychological problems drags a lot towards the end.
Fave scenes: Francisca’s surprise at the ball, watching Ian get fitted for a suit and the preparations before police come.
At the end of the previous book, Francisca and Ian are engaged. At the beginning of this one, it’s six months later. Ian is acting odd. Francisca feels something is wrong. Then he disappears without a word, leaving Francisca in limbo, feeling totally empty. This reminds me of the part in the second book of Twilight where Edward leaves Bella. (Same storyline).
Several of Ian’s family and friends help her rejoin the world. Lucian and Elise are the best friends they could have. Elise is as wise and helpful as she was in her book. Ian’s grandparents are sweet, but their characters are kind of flat. I have no idea what Clarisse was supposed to be doing other than muddying the action.
And I hate Gerald!! Though he probably was the most intriguing character in that he did get my emotions stirred. (That says a lot for how much better Ian could have been). His convoluted plans are what moves the plot along.
But once back in the world, I found Francisca to be very strong. I liked how she refused to let Ian back into her life without an explanation. Taking control of their relationship. Then later she refuses to let him keep her out of the loop again.
Ian was not as exciting as I hoped. He hadn’t learned anything from the relationship problems before. He was just as overly protective, exasperating and domineering as ever. The sex scenes were not as innovative and unique as I expected of Ian. And he was selfish. For example: in the bedroom where he tells her he wants to make love to her, he ends up just using her for his own pleasure. And in very unoriginal ways.
I wish Ian had found something more interesting at Trevor Gaines house. There was a lot of unused potential there. Even his unexpected houseguest could have been played up more. And Ian’s struggle with his psychological problems drags a lot towards the end.
Fave scenes: Francisca’s surprise at the ball, watching Ian get fitted for a suit and the preparations before police come.
November 3, 2013
I received an ARC of this book. I have read the complete series and I think I like this one the most. It has mystery and suspense. The story of Ian and Francesca continue. This is the story about Ians fears. He needs to find out more about his past and who exactly his real father is and why he is such a mystery. After he suddenly disappears after his mothers death and no one hears from him except one person. Then just while he is gone a business transaction comes up and Francesca finds out that she has been left in charge of his business and its up to her to make the final decision but Gerard, has other plans. But Francesca decides its beside to listen to Luciens side or what he thinks that Ian would do. But then she is invited to go to Ians grandparents anniversary ball and from then and on the story gets juicy. This erotic romance book has the pages smoking. I loved this book and the story of Ian and Francesca and how their love conquers all. Their love is everlasting!! I highly recomend this book because once you start it you wont put it down till your at the last page. Cheers Beth Kery. Another great story!
December 24, 2013
“ I had never felt more dark standing next to your brilliance, never so hollow beside your fullness.”
" I want to be with you more than anything Francesca. But I can't do that until I feel....whole."
This was a great ending to Ian and Francesca’s story. They struggled to find their way…and in the end love conquered all. He needed Francesca’s strength to make him face his demons and find his answers. I was surprised that Ian left the way he did but I also understood his motives. This story had a lot more suspense compared to the other installment and there was a lot of sex. Beth Kery writes very steamy sex scenes so it was great to read. Ian and Francesca sizzled just as much as before. I loved Ian’s alpha-male character and I loved Francesca’s strength. She is his perfect match! We were also introduced to Kam Reardon …Ian’s half-brother and I look forward to reading his story in the New Year. Like always Beth Kery did an awesome job…definitely a 5+star book!
" I want to be with you more than anything Francesca. But I can't do that until I feel....whole."
This was a great ending to Ian and Francesca’s story. They struggled to find their way…and in the end love conquered all. He needed Francesca’s strength to make him face his demons and find his answers. I was surprised that Ian left the way he did but I also understood his motives. This story had a lot more suspense compared to the other installment and there was a lot of sex. Beth Kery writes very steamy sex scenes so it was great to read. Ian and Francesca sizzled just as much as before. I loved Ian’s alpha-male character and I loved Francesca’s strength. She is his perfect match! We were also introduced to Kam Reardon …Ian’s half-brother and I look forward to reading his story in the New Year. Like always Beth Kery did an awesome job…definitely a 5+star book!
November 7, 2013
This story leaves off from the Because You Are Mine and When I'm With You Series. To fully understand all the characters it would be best to read those first. Now for this book, it is explosive. Ian has left Francesca following his mother's death. No one knows where he is. Only after a company comes available does Ian's Grandparents have to rally Francesca to buy this company as head of the board he put in place in his absence. This eventually leads to his return after a threat is recognized. Will their love survive.? Can they survive what is coming or will one or both of them end up dead? Well can't give everything away so just read it! It is a fabulous book! You will never know what hit you in the end!
November 8, 2013
Loved it beth kery you are brilliant!! Can't wait for the next book about kam!!
November 14, 2013
An absolute page turner. You will be glued page after page... Probably the best to date... I love them both, I've grown attached to the whole family...
November 18, 2013
Gostei, acho que teve um final bem escolhido :)
November 5, 2013
Omg fantastic
July 5, 2013
I can't wait until everyone gets to my favorite scene... *grin*
November 24, 2013
" I want to be with you more than anything Francesca. But I can't do that until I feel....whole."-Ian
When I found out that Beth Kery was writing a different conclusion novel for Ian and Francesca, I was ecstatic. I read Because You Are Mine and I loved it the only thing I didn't love was the ending of the series I was left wanting more especially in the emotional category so when I heard Because We Belong was coming out and it was going to be the conclusion of the series where as Ian and Francesca is concern, I couldn't wait! and let me tell you Beth Kery delivered , WOW want an amazing story. I fell in love with Ian Noble as oppose to the love and hate relationship I had with him at the beginning of this amazing love story. And want a brilliant ending I felt like Beth Kery surely created a wonderful ending that I was satisfied with. Everything came in full circle with this book all the questions I had were answered and we got to see a vulnerable and emotional side of Ian that I didn't see in the series which I loved. We got all the emotions and insecurities of both characters in this book and I couldn't ask for anything more. Loved it. Great job Beth Kery your writing was superb and you surely got me on the edge of my seat with all of the excitement, drama, mystery, emotion, and eroticism that this book had.
"There is no other woman for me. If I can never feel myself worthy of you, then I'll never want another. If I can't find a place at your side, it means I'll go through life alone.
Because We Belong starts right where we left off in the last book we have happy newly engaged Ian and Francesca basking in their love and doing what they both do so well loving each other in every way, but Ian unfortunately finds out some devastating news and everything changes, fast forward 6 months later and we see Francesca back at her old apartment with her old roommate depressed and living life without Ian Noble because Ian left her and she hasn't heard or seen him for over 6 months. Everyone is worried over his whereabouts of Ian's family, friends and Francesca are worried sick, but little did Francesca know that once Ian left he had left her in charge of his company and this is were the story begins,but to find out what happens next you have to read this story trust me its amazing.
"You're going to get it later, for getting me hard while I was in such a vulnerable situation."-Ian
This book had everything a good book needs in my opinion it had mystery , questions answered, love, emotion, and the kinky sex we all know and love. WoW if you thought Because You Are Mine was hot, you will be pleasantly surprise that this book does not fall short in the hotness category . Hot is not even the correct word to describe Ian and Francesca's love making . OMG!!! you will definitely want a cold shower after this book. Trust me when I say hot. This book introduces us to knew characters that you will grow to hate and love, and I'm happy to announce that Beth Kery is writing another book in the series about a character you will meet in this book that you will love I know I love him already so I know you will too. " Since I saw You will come out May 2014 and its about Lin Soong Ian's personal assistant and savior with a very special male lead (but I can't say who) if you haven't read this book yet. Go start reading!!!!!
" I think you look like a thousand suns in my eyes. I've never seen you so radiant."-Ian
I give this book 4 erotic hot stemming and lovable stars. If you loved the Because You Are Mine series and you loved Ian Noble and Francesca Arno you need to read this story. I'm telling you if your a fan it's a must read. You will not be disappointed mysteries are solved and questions are answered. This book is the wonderful conclusion of the love story of Ian and Francesca. Must read people I can't stress it enough.This book had the perfect ending for these two amazing and lovable characters.
" Believe it Ian. We're exactly where we belong."- Francesca
November 13, 2013
Source: eARC for Honest Review via Penguin Group USA | Berkley | NAL
Finally Ian and Francsesca get their HEA....not.
Ian and Francsesca start making progress with their relationship but it all comes to a halt when Ian finds out the truth of his father. With the combination of the loss of his mother. He flees.
I was so pissed at Ian for leaving but the more the story went on the more you understood and your heart went out to Ian. I may not have agreed to how he dealt with it but I got it.
For Francsesca she is trying to move on but she can't. So, when Ian needs her in a way she can help she does. With this she gets thrown back into the fold of Ian's family and stumbles across elements of danger which pulls Ian out of hiding.
Fascinating how every one deals with their own personal demons and drama. For Ian his fears are valid but in his shit storm of emotions he just wants to feel good enough for someone as light and loving as Francsesca .
Ian and Francsesca passion is palpable an can't be denied. Beth Kery knows how to right some steamy scenes.
Even with a shitload of angst and drama Ian and Francsesca's love can't be denied.
Love this series. It has a perfect combo of sexy, steam, angst, drama, heartbreak and love.
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Finally Ian and Francsesca get their HEA....not.
Ian and Francsesca start making progress with their relationship but it all comes to a halt when Ian finds out the truth of his father. With the combination of the loss of his mother. He flees.
I was so pissed at Ian for leaving but the more the story went on the more you understood and your heart went out to Ian. I may not have agreed to how he dealt with it but I got it.
For Francsesca she is trying to move on but she can't. So, when Ian needs her in a way she can help she does. With this she gets thrown back into the fold of Ian's family and stumbles across elements of danger which pulls Ian out of hiding.
Fascinating how every one deals with their own personal demons and drama. For Ian his fears are valid but in his shit storm of emotions he just wants to feel good enough for someone as light and loving as Francsesca .
Ian and Francsesca passion is palpable an can't be denied. Beth Kery knows how to right some steamy scenes.
Even with a shitload of angst and drama Ian and Francsesca's love can't be denied.
Love this series. It has a perfect combo of sexy, steam, angst, drama, heartbreak and love.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
October 14, 2016
NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Este libro no me gusto para nada es más lo que hizo fue basicamente arruinarme esta saga Porqué?... se preguntaran tiene tantas cosas mal:
**SPOLER ALERT**
Este libro no me gusto para nada es más lo que hizo fue basicamente arruinarme esta saga Porqué?... se preguntaran tiene tantas cosas mal:
**SPOLER ALERT**
November 13, 2013
Well, well, well!
Explosive stuff! After reading the prologue, I was quietly shocked! wanted to shake Ian by his shoulders, what was he thinking, actually he wasn't, couldn't have been.
Blooming Francesca, although in the name of love I probably would have moaped around too, missing the love of my life, not understanding what was going on.
Loved that we got caught up with Lucian and Elise, both really good friends to both of them.
So Francesca gets called in to help run Ian's company, although she doesn't want too, she eventually relents and goes into the boardroom, held her head high and got on with it, so thankful she had Lucian to guide her, as well as Ian's grand parents. oh my Gerard, nasty creature, admittedly I didn't figure this out straight away, but glad he got his comeuppance!
He was a nasty piece of work, the more the truth unfolded, the more he deserved what he got! fancy thinking he could buy Francesca's affection. Stupid Clarissa, but I guess she was keeping Gerard sweet, or so she thought.
I loved how gutsy Francesca was, to both Ian and Gerard, and I was most certainly team Ian all the way, so wanted them to work it out. The dress for the party sounded so beautiful, you certainly kept us guessing about the outcome, my heart was in my mouth on more than one occasion. Kept me on the edge of my seat quite a bit.
Absolutely adored the epilogue, and thought you had the bedroom scenes down perfectly!
This was a great book depicting second chance live, with a whole lot of suspense thrown in.
Explosive stuff! After reading the prologue, I was quietly shocked! wanted to shake Ian by his shoulders, what was he thinking, actually he wasn't, couldn't have been.
Blooming Francesca, although in the name of love I probably would have moaped around too, missing the love of my life, not understanding what was going on.
Loved that we got caught up with Lucian and Elise, both really good friends to both of them.
So Francesca gets called in to help run Ian's company, although she doesn't want too, she eventually relents and goes into the boardroom, held her head high and got on with it, so thankful she had Lucian to guide her, as well as Ian's grand parents. oh my Gerard, nasty creature, admittedly I didn't figure this out straight away, but glad he got his comeuppance!
He was a nasty piece of work, the more the truth unfolded, the more he deserved what he got! fancy thinking he could buy Francesca's affection. Stupid Clarissa, but I guess she was keeping Gerard sweet, or so she thought.
I loved how gutsy Francesca was, to both Ian and Gerard, and I was most certainly team Ian all the way, so wanted them to work it out. The dress for the party sounded so beautiful, you certainly kept us guessing about the outcome, my heart was in my mouth on more than one occasion. Kept me on the edge of my seat quite a bit.
Absolutely adored the epilogue, and thought you had the bedroom scenes down perfectly!
This was a great book depicting second chance live, with a whole lot of suspense thrown in.
January 1, 2015
Ed eccoci qui con il gran finale per Ian e Francesca, perché non poteva non essere un gran finale! In questo terzo capitolo affiora anche un bel po' di suspense, quindi wowwissimooo :D Lo stile di Beth Kery come al solito è superlativo - è inutile, continuerò ad osannarla e a dichiararla dea del genere erotico, anche se sono l'unica in Italia a pensarla così! Descrizioni al punto giusto, narrazione più che fluida... come si fa a non amare ogni sua opera? E soprattutto, come si fa a non sbavare per Mr Noble? :woot: dark, dark, dark! Non la storia, ma lui :3 Bello, dannato, possente angelo caduto che fa arricciare le dita dei piedi e non solo :P Francesca abbastanza fiera nel sostenerlo, visto che il signorino è sparito per sei mesi dopo che le aveva chiesto di sposarlo o.O e tutto perché deve capire che razza di depravato fosse suo padre... Ognuno ha le sue ragioni che vanno rispettate, quindi niente da eccepire. E il finale adrenalinico?! OMG Beth! Taaanta paura :o Strepitoso... tranne l'arrivo del marmocchio sul finale - perché bisogna vivere felici e contenti con un figlio, non lo capisco proprio... Maaaa standing ovation per la mitica Beth Kery!
July 18, 2014
4.5 Satisfying Stars
I'm going to make this review short and sweet.
But first, I don't know HOW the heck I failed to have the existence of this book under my radar after all this time. It was released last year no less, last freaking year and where had I been?!
Okay, enough with the fuss and let's dive down to the business. This book was just as amazing alright. The last book sure has left me hanging (mind you, it did end with a HEA, but I felt something was amiss) and Because We Belong delivers what I needed the most from Ian and Francesca, a proper closure (with a healthy dose of suspense that is) AND... and what matters most for me personally, a satisfying epilogue. I definitely recommend for everyone who has read Because You Are Mine series to also read the continuation of Ian and Francesca in Because We Belong. Thank you Ms. Kery, I enjoyed the ride.
I'm going to make this review short and sweet.
But first, I don't know HOW the heck I failed to have the existence of this book under my radar after all this time. It was released last year no less, last freaking year and where had I been?!
Okay, enough with the fuss and let's dive down to the business. This book was just as amazing alright. The last book sure has left me hanging (mind you, it did end with a HEA, but I felt something was amiss) and Because We Belong delivers what I needed the most from Ian and Francesca, a proper closure (with a healthy dose of suspense that is) AND... and what matters most for me personally, a satisfying epilogue. I definitely recommend for everyone who has read Because You Are Mine series to also read the continuation of Ian and Francesca in Because We Belong. Thank you Ms. Kery, I enjoyed the ride.
February 7, 2015
Trilogía terminada. Debo decir que esta última parte se me ha hecho bastante tediosa. No he soportado la actitud de Ian durante casi la mitad de la novela. Pero bueno, al final siempre acababa sacándome la sonrisa, porque sí, al fin y al cabo Ian es solo un romántico sobreprotector con poca autoestima debido a sus orígenes. Me ha gustado conocer más de sus orígenes, como también que aparecieran Lucien y Elise ❤ El final es obvio, pero no esperaba otra cosa. Ha estado bien, pero me han faltado muchas cosas, y quitaría muchas otras. Sin embargo le pongo un 3 porque ha conseguido emocionarme y tiene todo lo que le pido a una novela erótica como esta: amor, sexo, ternura, pasión y algo de trama (aunque esta sea obvia).
December 8, 2013
O final da triologia que não me cativou assim tanto, embora tenha tido ali uns momentos muito interessantes achei a história um bocadinho forçada.
O facto do Ian ter de se pugar dos fantasmas do passado, isolando-se e nada dizendo às pessoas que lhe eram mais queridas, não gostei.
Ele regressar e encontrar-se só com a amada na festa? Não gostei... não houve tempo quando chegou para ir ter com ela? Não me cabe na cabeça... não existia telefones de qualquer forma?
O final, tudo acaba bem, tal como nos do Grey, casam, ficam felizes para sempre e têm um filho.
Quando é que estas triologias deixam de ter um final esperado?
Da triologia é a que leva menos estrelas 3*.
O facto do Ian ter de se pugar dos fantasmas do passado, isolando-se e nada dizendo às pessoas que lhe eram mais queridas, não gostei.
Ele regressar e encontrar-se só com a amada na festa? Não gostei... não houve tempo quando chegou para ir ter com ela? Não me cabe na cabeça... não existia telefones de qualquer forma?
O final, tudo acaba bem, tal como nos do Grey, casam, ficam felizes para sempre e têm um filho.
Quando é que estas triologias deixam de ter um final esperado?
Da triologia é a que leva menos estrelas 3*.
January 12, 2014
3.5* Intriguing yet completely unrealistic for both the story and the characters. The only thing that got me going was the writing which isn't bad at all. The characters are ridiculous really, if Ian wasn't a millionaire, no woman would touch him with a barge pole, let alone forgive him so easily for leaving her without a word for 6 months. The sex scenes are interesting but too abundant and she must climax about 4 or 5 times every session. Just silly. Still the quality of the writing is worth giving it a read if the first to parts weren't split in 2 chapters per book, very annoying.
August 25, 2017
Neste livro, voltamos novamente ao romance entre Ian e Francesa que dá uma reviravolta no segundo livro. Segredos que aparecem à tona e que podem ameaçar destruir a felicidade deste casal. Afinal o pai de Ian, tinha um outro filho, e Ian não reage da melhor forma possível. Erotismo ao mais alto nível, como sempre e que acaba sempre por surpreender e não ser sempre a mesma coisa. Adorei.
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December 16, 2013
as always Ian and Francesca love is intense and hot! I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen with Gerard! I loved that Ian resolved his issues with Francesca's help and love
August 3, 2015
Loved every minute of it!
August 7, 2014
its half ayear since Ian left..it took BETH 84 pages to let Francs and Ian meet.(84 -294 pages)
just 2 stars for the on & on lengthy fruitless lines ,though i loved the Gerard conspiracy.
this review along with my reading progress cantain some quotes...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8361...
#1 because you are mine (1-8)
#2 when am with you (1-8)
#3 because we belong
#4 since i saw you
■ . “I hate you for making me need you so much
■ He didn’t move a muscle, frightened he’d shatter the spell. He caught a whiff of her scent, of her hair. Her body. No, she’s not a dream.
■ Had his desire been so sharp he’d called her to him? For
■ She hadn’t been sleeping. He wasn’t surprised, but seeing her pain firsthand was yet another festering wound.
■ I’ve been doing just fine without you, Ian.”
“You’re lying,” she heard him say quietly.
“Why would you assume that?” she asked under her breath as chatting people started to move past them as they left the dance floor.
“You’re the other half of me. I feel like something has been ripped out of my chest not being with you. I think it’s the same for you.”
■ She wasn’t sure what she was feeling at that moment, so how could anyone else accurately interpret her mood?
■ Francesca,
Forgive me for being remiss and leaving you so unprepared
■ I could bottle that look in your eyes, I would.”
She was in such a powerful
■ She reread the same paragraph four times, unable to absorb what the words meant. The sheets felt cool and sensual against her shower-heated skin.
■ . “You think it’s an odd request, don’t you?”
“No. I don’t share your need, but I understand it, Ian. I do,” she added pointedly.
■ so men have little hope in figuring them out. You’re very inward. Secretive. A real conundrum.”
■ “You’re an enigma—only giving your secrets away to the worthy.”
■ I am the Cat that walks by himself, and all places are alike to me. Her heart seemed to contract at the poignant, remembered line from the Kipling poem that she had always associated with Ian, even before she had been introduced to him.
■ Her heart seemed to contract at the poignant, remembered line from the Cat that walks by himself, and all places are alike to me. Her heart seemed to contract at the poignant, remembered line from the Kipling poem that
■ “There’s nothing wrong with needing someone,” he said quietly, his nostrils flaring slightly. “There’s nothing wrong with needing. Period.”
■ She had said the words he craved, given him the balm that soothed his bruised spirit.
■ The calm after the storm, he thought . . . and perhaps before another.
■ she put out her arms. Her chest ached at the vision of him coming to her. He accepted her embrace, taking her into his.
■ She had said the words he craved, given him the balm that soothed his bruised spirit.
■ “Open your eyes, Francesca,” he demanded quietly.
“No,” she said shakily, determined to keep some tiny part of herself inviolate. Safe. She’d given all of herself once, and felt the consequence every second of her life.
■ hating to see her this way. Francesca was not born to be a cynic. He palmed her jaw and smoothed his thumb over her pale, smooth cheek as if he could erase her sadness . . . her desperation. “You’re tearing at yourself, bloodying your spirit. You think you want to escape the bonds that hold you secure, but in reality, you need to be held tighter.”
■ “Why should I let you bind me tighter when you’ll leave again soon, and I’ll be alone, fighting against the bonds . . . bleeding once again?”
“Because I’ll try my damnedest to come back.”
“Promise me.”
He blinked at her harsh demand. “I can’t.”
■ “You’re going to get it later, for getting me hard while I was in such a vulnerable situation,” he muttered against her lips a moment later.
“I was just watching,” she defended breathlessly.
He stood, his absence disorienting her.
“It was enough. Pl
■ “And you dress to the left, if I recall correctly?” the tailor asked briskly.
“Correct,” Ian said, holding Francesca’s stare. She frowned slightly, confused by the tailor’s question. It took her a second to puzzle out that the tailor was asking which way Ian’s cock rode in his pants, so as to allot for the volume in his measurements. Ian must have noticed her eyes
■ He was considering denying her, nevertheless; she could tell. She went up on her toes, brushing the front of her body against his solid form, and pressed her mouth to his, shameless in her attempt to convince him. That’s all it took, and his arms were satisfyingly surrounding her as he took control, returning her kiss with blistering heat.
“You shouldn’t take so much pride in being convincing,” he said a
■8 Their differing backgrounds and styles of dressing had been a point of self-consciousness and awkwardness on Francesca’s part since the beginning of their relationship. Ian, on the other hand, was typically sublimely nonchalant in regard to how she dressed, expecting everyone to treat her like a queen no matter how she was garbed.
I want you to know that I am far from being critical of your appearance. Whether you’re in pearls or your Cubs T-shirt, I find you to be extremely attractive. Perhaps you haven’t noticed?
■ He couldn’t resist her, period, and therein lay the crux of the problem. If
■ she was being so much more generous than he deserved.
■ “Because I love you doesn’t give me the right to demand that you be different than what you are . . . who you are. Because I disagree with you, and because I believe you’re dealing with your grief in a self-defeating way doesn’t change the fact that I love you. And always will.”
■ She seems to understand you better than I do,” she said, perhaps a little regretfully, her fragrant breath softly fanning his face.
His eyebrows tilted up. “I think we both know it’s not the same. She’s my grandmother. Not my lover.”
“Am I? Your lover?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
“Always,” he said, brushing his lips against hers. “Whether you’re in my arms or not.”
■ she gave, did that mean he deserved
■ From where had this loving come on her part? This generosity? He couldn’t understand it. All he could do was drown in it.
■ He clamped his mouth shut. He felt the pain rise up in his chest, and tamped it down willfully. Anger filled the empty space. This is why he didn’t like confrontations. It ripped the scab off old wounds. Made him feel, when that was the last thing he wanted to do.
■ Francesca that he reminded her of a man feasting madly the night before he was forced into a barren imprisonment, but then she quickly shoved aside the thought, finding it unbearable to consider for long.
■ Didn’t saying he was sorry imply—even in a small way—that he realized he had some choice in how he responded to all of this? Didn’t saying he was sorry imply—even in a small way—that he realized he had some choice in how he responded to all of this?
■ Now she knew why. Looking into his eyes, seeing how rigid his facial muscles grew, how his stare grew hot enough to burn, she realized what a fragile thing his control was . . . How desperately he worked to restrain it.
■ you are mine, no matter what happens.”
■ couldn’t comprehend your trust in me. I still don’t.”
■ He always said her eyes undid him.
■ “You’re going to get it later, for getting me hard while I was in such a vulnerable situation,” he muttered against her lips a moment later.
“I was just watching,” she defended breathlessly.
He stood, his absence disorienting her.
“It was enough. Pl
■ “And you dress to the left, if I recall correctly?” the tailor asked briskly.
“Correct,” Ian said, holding Francesca’s stare. She frowned slightly, confused by the tailor’s question. It took her a second to puzzle out that the tailor was asking which way Ian’s cock rode in his pants, so as to allot for the volume in his measurements. Ian must have noticed her eyes
■ He was considering denying her, nevertheless; she could tell. She went up on her toes, brushing the front of her body against his solid form, and pressed her mouth to his, shameless in her attempt to convince him. That’s all it took, and his arms were satisfyingly surrounding her as he took control, returning her kiss with blistering heat.
“You shouldn’t take so much pride in being convincing,” he said a
■ Their differing backgrounds and styles of dressing had been a point of self-consciousness and awkwardness on Francesca’s part since the beginning of their relationship. Ian, on the other hand, was typically sublimely nonchalant in regard to how she dressed, expecting everyone to treat her like a queen no matter how she was garbed.
I want you to know that I am far from being critical of your appearance. Whether you’re in pearls or your Cubs T-shirt, I find you to be extremely attractive. Perhaps you haven’t noticed?
■ He couldn’t resist her, period, and therein lay the crux of the problem. If
■ she was being so much more generous than he deserved.
■ “Because I love you doesn’t give me the right to demand that you be different than what you are . . . who you are. Because I disagree with you, and because I believe you’re dealing with your grief in a self-defeating way doesn’t change the fact that I love you. And always will.”
■ She seems to understand you better than I do,” she said, perhaps a little regretfully, her fragrant breath softly fanning his face.
His eyebrows tilted up. “I think we both know it’s not the same. She’s my grandmother. Not my lover.”
“Am I? Your lover?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
“Always,” he said, brushing his lips against hers. “Whether you’re in my arms or not.”
■ She seems to understand you better than I do,” she said, perhaps a little regretfully, her fragrant breath softly fanning his face.
His eyebrows tilted up. “I think we both know it’s not the same. She’s my grandmother. Not my lover.”
���Am I? Your lover?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
“Always,” he said, brushing his lips against hers. “Whether you’re in my arms or not.”
■ He clamped his mouth shut. He felt the pain rise up in his chest, and tamped it down willfully. Anger filled the empty space. This is why he didn’t like confrontations. It ripped the scab off old wounds. Made him feel, when that was the last thing he wanted to do.
■ From where had this loving come on her part? This generosity? He couldn’t understand it. All he could do was drown in it
■ Now she knew why. Looking into his eyes, seeing how rigid his facial muscles grew, how his stare grew hot enough to burn, she realized what a fragile thing his control was . . . How desperately he worked to restrain it.
■ Francesca that he reminded her of a man feasting madly the night before he was forced into a barren imprisonment, but then she quickly shoved aside the thought, finding it unbearable to consider for long.
■ She realized fully for the first time that he wouldn’t be standing there at all if he hadn’t given Ian his promise he’d look after her while Ian was at the press conference. If it weren’t for that pledge to his brother, Francesca was certain Lucien would be upstairs despite police orders, searching for his wife.
■ He held her tight against him, his hands moving over her back, rubbing her almost frantically, as if he wanted to make sure her flesh was real. She
■ She’d been sitting in the circle of his arm on one of the couches in the sitting room, her cheek resting on his chest, lulled by the comfort of his steady heartbeat and the warmth of the fire.
■ He knew if she tried to talk him out of it, he might listen, so he’d preferred to leave her in the dark about the exact nature of what he planned. Damn
■ Her chin went up. He was glad to see the flash of defiance and anger in her eyes. He’d much rather see that than her sadness
■ Her light rap struck him like a death knell.
■ He would drain her, taint her . . . all because he was too weak to stay away from her
■ He must have realized early on that the cycles of women who lived together often synchronized.
■ Fear gripped at her heart and throat. Once Ian was convinced that the threat against her had passed, would he leave again?
■ Why were her thoughts so morbid and depressing?
■ both of them desperate to jump into the bright blaze of passion and life, wild to escape the lingering menace of death
■ He held her tight against him, his hands moving over her back, rubbing her almost frantically, as if he wanted to make sure her flesh was real.
■ still can’t believe it,” he murmured, caressing her belly.
“I expect it’ll take both of us some time to get accustomed to the idea that a baby is growing in there.”
“I don’t mean the baby. I mean . . . I do. But I didn’t mean just that. I meant I still can’t believe you’re mine. Most of the day I do, but at moments like this it seems so . . . incredible.” She
■ When Ian sat in one of the wooden recliners, she made for the one next to it, but he pulled her toward him.
“Come here,” he said. “You can’t think I’d let you sit over there when I haven’t seen you in days.”
“Of course not,” she said drolly, laughing. She started to sit in his lap, her back to his front, but he stopped her.
■ She’d missed him like sin.
■ It’s going to be okay. You’re going to be all right.”
“I know,” he said.
She stifled a bark of hysterical laughter. Arrogant even now. “How do you know?”
“Because I didn’t go through all this, only to die now,”
■ her sweetness wasn’t just a temporary escape from all this darkness, but a true home.
His rightful place.
■ But love is the strongest antidote to your fears . . . and
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