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Domino #1
Domino Effect
Start of Domino series
Peter Rostovich is an enigmatic international artist with ties to the Russian mafia. He manipulates everyone he comes in contract with and nobody can figure him out—not even himself. More than that, he has a taste for bondage, which he infuses into his art.
Virginal Nancy Delaney is an aspiring reporter who tries to crack Peter’s shell. His work is like nothing she’s ever seen—complete with a live sculpture that gets the exhibit shut down by the police.
Peter hates reporters, but Nancy captivates him to the point where he makes her part of his exhibit within seconds of meeting her. He introduces her to the world of BDSM, but his involvement in the criminal underworld puts Nancy in the sights of his fiercest enemy.
Inside Scoop: This is the first part of a trilogy that blends sex, bondage and international thrills into one exciting read, but watch out for the cliffhanger ending. You’ll be hanging on the edge, waiting for book two.
A Romantica® contemporary BDSM erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Publisher’s Note: Previously self-published in 2013.
Peter Rostovich is an enigmatic international artist with ties to the Russian mafia. He manipulates everyone he comes in contract with and nobody can figure him out—not even himself. More than that, he has a taste for bondage, which he infuses into his art.
Virginal Nancy Delaney is an aspiring reporter who tries to crack Peter’s shell. His work is like nothing she’s ever seen—complete with a live sculpture that gets the exhibit shut down by the police.
Peter hates reporters, but Nancy captivates him to the point where he makes her part of his exhibit within seconds of meeting her. He introduces her to the world of BDSM, but his involvement in the criminal underworld puts Nancy in the sights of his fiercest enemy.
Inside Scoop: This is the first part of a trilogy that blends sex, bondage and international thrills into one exciting read, but watch out for the cliffhanger ending. You’ll be hanging on the edge, waiting for book two.
A Romantica® contemporary BDSM erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Publisher’s Note: Previously self-published in 2013.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 20, 2016
Domino Effect is a good start for this series. The author's writing style is great and the romance scenes are well written. It's quite sexy..
Nancy Delaney is a college student who is covering a story on an art gallery in behalf of her roommate, Hannah. She's not really an art critic but it was something that is out of her comfort zone. The art pieces are erotic, sensual and BDSM-related. The artist is a mysterious, hot Ukranian guy named Peter Rostovich and he's not a fan of reporters because he holds many secrets. Except for Nancy, whom he find fascinating, smart and demure.
When the gallery was shut down by the police due to the public indecency. Nancy knew it will be a good, juicy story and the challenge is to get as many information as she can from Rostovich. Rumor has it he is part of Russian mob and crimes. To be involved with him is dangerous but she can't stay away from him. (She trust him on kinky stuffs too.) The ending is a cliffhanger and I'm curious what happens next.
The things that I didn't enjoyed in this book are:
- Nancy is too forward to engage with all those kinky stuffs. Given that she's a virgin and doesn't have any orientation with BDSM until she saw erotic stuffs on the art gallery. Tbh, I find her too aggressive.
- Some parts are quite repetitive.
- The characters fell flat. Peter Rostovich is too mellow.
- The suspense aspect lacked the thrill and it somewhat confused me
I hope the next one is better. I'm crossing my fingers because this has a potential.
Nancy Delaney is a college student who is covering a story on an art gallery in behalf of her roommate, Hannah. She's not really an art critic but it was something that is out of her comfort zone. The art pieces are erotic, sensual and BDSM-related. The artist is a mysterious, hot Ukranian guy named Peter Rostovich and he's not a fan of reporters because he holds many secrets. Except for Nancy, whom he find fascinating, smart and demure.
When the gallery was shut down by the police due to the public indecency. Nancy knew it will be a good, juicy story and the challenge is to get as many information as she can from Rostovich. Rumor has it he is part of Russian mob and crimes. To be involved with him is dangerous but she can't stay away from him. (She trust him on kinky stuffs too.) The ending is a cliffhanger and I'm curious what happens next.
The things that I didn't enjoyed in this book are:
- Nancy is too forward to engage with all those kinky stuffs. Given that she's a virgin and doesn't have any orientation with BDSM until she saw erotic stuffs on the art gallery. Tbh, I find her too aggressive.
- Some parts are quite repetitive.
- The characters fell flat. Peter Rostovich is too mellow.
- The suspense aspect lacked the thrill and it somewhat confused me
I hope the next one is better. I'm crossing my fingers because this has a potential.
August 7, 2014
Quick review for a not so quick read. I really don't have much to say about "Domino Effect." Really, I don't, and that's a bad thing. Usually, I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt to a book if it manages to engage me on some levels of the read, but my first read from Jill Elaine Hughes had me wondering how on earth this got published by Ellora's Cave, let alone by any publisher at all of romance. It's like it wasn't even from a veteran writer of erotica - this managed to cram every single stereotype that could pass muster into its framework. The writing was juvenile and trite, the presentation was lazy, and the story had me laughing for the wrong reasons in what was purportedly an "erotic thriller."
I don't get the hype at all. I seriously don't. This is one of those few times I really regret picking up a narrative at all for the time it took me to peruse - it was that horribly written. It's not even that it offended me for the content, it's the fact that it's a narrative that tries to take itself seriously, without even the backing to carry it as a story in its purported genre.
The story, in a nutshell, depicts a 20 something reporter (Nancy) who pretty much makes mention of and obsesses over her virginity every chance she gets. Lo and behold, she meets a convenient Ukrainian lover (Peter) whom she falls head over heels in lust for at an art exhibit which he sponsors. He awakens every part of her body and makes her want to "do" things she's never done. When he gets his art project shut down for indecency (let's just say there's actually a couple that's engaging in a sex act while purportedly showing their "art"), Nancy and Peter's relationship begins taking a very predictable turn of sexy insta-times, and then some odd subplot about a sex trafficking ring which lends into an abrupt cliffhanger with no kind of lead-in or anticipation for the next book in the series.
This book plays into every possible ignorant stereotype about virginity that possibly exists. The heroine is incredibly sexually and socially naive, and her voice is grating. It's like the book tries to sell you on the idea that the things she observes are extremely sexy and intimate, but without the intimacy and maturity to make it work. It reads like a poorly written erotic fanfic that wants to skirt around using sexual terms and elicit a few immature chuckles. The heroine's in her head all the time, and if I'm not turned off by the fact that she's bemoaning about all these things she supposedly lacking being a virgin, then it's gloating about Peter and her ability to have a sex drive within the drop of a hat, based on a supposed "alter ego" he awakens within her.
We're not even going to discuss how she recounts her one and only time with a guy when she was a virgin to jumping into BDSM level sex acts and having multiple orgasms in a row.
Try a few ridiculous quotes in tow:
"I was sure if my secret got out, thousands of women would beat a path to my door, demanding answers and perhaps a magic potion of some kind. Orgasms like that were a rare and precious thing. I might not know much about sex, but I knew that."
"Oh, Nancy, we’ve hardly begun and you’ve come already? My
dear girl, what shall I do with you?” Peter’s voice cut into my reverie. I’d come? Is that what he said? As in an orgasm? Was that really what orgasms felt like? I’d never had one. I’d never even tried to give myself one. Not even when my Human Sexuality professor told us to masturbate and then write about how it felt as a homework assignment. I’d just made something up based on what I’d read in Tropic of Cancer. I’d gotten a B-minus on the paper, which I made up for on the final exam."
"Not that I was complaining. I was far past due to enter into
womanhood. And I’d done it with a bang. How many women out there could claim they’d lost their virginity in a Ritz-Carlton penthouse suite with a mysterious, filthy-rich artist with an international reputation? How many virgins agreed to be tied up with lengths of expensive silk and had multiple orgasms the first time out? Not many, I was sure. It was all very exotic and exciting. I’m not sure I would call it romantic though. It was more like the plot of a steamy pulp novel or perhaps a modern twist on the Victorian “fallen woman” narrative. For some strange reason I was reminded of Daisy Miller, the title character in a Henry James novel I’d read for Nineteenth-Century American literature class last semester."
Oh, FML.
Never mind that her friend persists in sexual shaming:
"I was beginning to get worried about you. At the rate you were going, you were either going to end up a creepy virgin bride or an old cat lady who lives in a trailer down by the river.”
We're not going to discuss how she never really had a relationship before Peter, and the closest she ever got to having one was with a guy that purportedly everyone but her parents knew was gay (and she considers outing the guy, just to get her parents off her back about it. So, offending people who are gay while simultaneously insulting virgins! No thank you.)
And then the whole sex trafficking thing - she has BDSM related fantasies while in captivity and nearly getting her friend killed by challenging authorities every which way but loose? It was comical while trying to take itself seriously. It was too serious to be a parody, and yet it came across as presenting these things in a haphazard way that was either supposed to be funny or tongue in cheek, but ended up extremely awkward.
I just...no. Not even worth the time.
Overall score: 0 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
I don't get the hype at all. I seriously don't. This is one of those few times I really regret picking up a narrative at all for the time it took me to peruse - it was that horribly written. It's not even that it offended me for the content, it's the fact that it's a narrative that tries to take itself seriously, without even the backing to carry it as a story in its purported genre.
The story, in a nutshell, depicts a 20 something reporter (Nancy) who pretty much makes mention of and obsesses over her virginity every chance she gets. Lo and behold, she meets a convenient Ukrainian lover (Peter) whom she falls head over heels in lust for at an art exhibit which he sponsors. He awakens every part of her body and makes her want to "do" things she's never done. When he gets his art project shut down for indecency (let's just say there's actually a couple that's engaging in a sex act while purportedly showing their "art"), Nancy and Peter's relationship begins taking a very predictable turn of sexy insta-times, and then some odd subplot about a sex trafficking ring which lends into an abrupt cliffhanger with no kind of lead-in or anticipation for the next book in the series.
This book plays into every possible ignorant stereotype about virginity that possibly exists. The heroine is incredibly sexually and socially naive, and her voice is grating. It's like the book tries to sell you on the idea that the things she observes are extremely sexy and intimate, but without the intimacy and maturity to make it work. It reads like a poorly written erotic fanfic that wants to skirt around using sexual terms and elicit a few immature chuckles. The heroine's in her head all the time, and if I'm not turned off by the fact that she's bemoaning about all these things she supposedly lacking being a virgin, then it's gloating about Peter and her ability to have a sex drive within the drop of a hat, based on a supposed "alter ego" he awakens within her.
We're not even going to discuss how she recounts her one and only time with a guy when she was a virgin to jumping into BDSM level sex acts and having multiple orgasms in a row.
Try a few ridiculous quotes in tow:
"I was sure if my secret got out, thousands of women would beat a path to my door, demanding answers and perhaps a magic potion of some kind. Orgasms like that were a rare and precious thing. I might not know much about sex, but I knew that."
"Oh, Nancy, we’ve hardly begun and you’ve come already? My
dear girl, what shall I do with you?” Peter’s voice cut into my reverie. I’d come? Is that what he said? As in an orgasm? Was that really what orgasms felt like? I’d never had one. I’d never even tried to give myself one. Not even when my Human Sexuality professor told us to masturbate and then write about how it felt as a homework assignment. I’d just made something up based on what I’d read in Tropic of Cancer. I’d gotten a B-minus on the paper, which I made up for on the final exam."
"Not that I was complaining. I was far past due to enter into
womanhood. And I’d done it with a bang. How many women out there could claim they’d lost their virginity in a Ritz-Carlton penthouse suite with a mysterious, filthy-rich artist with an international reputation? How many virgins agreed to be tied up with lengths of expensive silk and had multiple orgasms the first time out? Not many, I was sure. It was all very exotic and exciting. I’m not sure I would call it romantic though. It was more like the plot of a steamy pulp novel or perhaps a modern twist on the Victorian “fallen woman” narrative. For some strange reason I was reminded of Daisy Miller, the title character in a Henry James novel I’d read for Nineteenth-Century American literature class last semester."
Oh, FML.
Never mind that her friend persists in sexual shaming:
"I was beginning to get worried about you. At the rate you were going, you were either going to end up a creepy virgin bride or an old cat lady who lives in a trailer down by the river.”
We're not going to discuss how she never really had a relationship before Peter, and the closest she ever got to having one was with a guy that purportedly everyone but her parents knew was gay (and she considers outing the guy, just to get her parents off her back about it. So, offending people who are gay while simultaneously insulting virgins! No thank you.)
And then the whole sex trafficking thing - she has BDSM related fantasies while in captivity and nearly getting her friend killed by challenging authorities every which way but loose? It was comical while trying to take itself seriously. It was too serious to be a parody, and yet it came across as presenting these things in a haphazard way that was either supposed to be funny or tongue in cheek, but ended up extremely awkward.
I just...no. Not even worth the time.
Overall score: 0 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
July 17, 2013
Received The Domino Effect as an ARC via Netgalley through Hackberry Books.
I still cannot decide whether this first trilogy is a 3.5 or 4 star!
We have a 21 year old, Nancy Delaney an aspiring ambitious Journalist, in her final year of college. Studying Renaissance and Victorian art, but not really into contemporary art. An only child from Boston of college-professor parents, both broke and unable to support Nancy financially through her college days. Nancy a bit of a loner, determined to sty & follow the right path, having no time for boyfriends and not really bothered that she was still holding on to her "V" card!
Hannah Greeley, her wealthy roommate of three years, a former art history major herself, works for Arts News Now, her job being to cover the entire art scene between Cleveland and Chicago for the magazine. Unable to attend herself, Hannah persuades Nancy to take her place for an exhibition opening at The new Flaming River Galley showing the contemporary art work by Peter Rostovich, which on this occasion is actually sensual art, dominated by pictures of nudes, progressing to bondage, leather straps, ropes along with full on photo shots of models' genitalia., but nothing that was too much in your face.
Peter Rostovich a notorius recluse, originally from the Ukraine, came to US as a teenager with his mother and he was a graduate of New York Academy of Fine Arts. His parents both Jewish, but from different sects. His family was quite high up in the soviet Communist Party, at one point in time.
For the innocent Nancy all this erotic art work soon as her aroused and this only intensifies when she meets Peter. They soon develop a some what strange relationship, leading to Nancy giving up her "v" card to Peter.
We are then introduced to another character from Peter's past, Blushencko, part of the Russian mafia involed heavily with human trafficking. Who has been tracking Hannah's movements which leads Blushencko to coming across Nancy too.
There is just so much happening in this book, but here lies my dilemma on whether I really liked it or just liked it. The character of Nancy is strong, but for someone that is 21, a virgin, who in her own words says she is completely naive on the topic of sex, I found it hard to believe she would jump overnight into a submissive role demanding the use of being tied and then becoming a succesful Dominant without any training or having any other sexual contact except for the one night. For me her sexual awaking wouldn have been more believable after spending and learning a bit more form Peter. Then we have Peter an older experienced dominant, who deflowers Nancy, but we don't see him take care of her at all? In fact for me, there was no connection being introduced between these to characters at all. There was a bit too much repetive thoughts and back ground knowledge receicved from Nancy, hence letting down the storyline.
But on the other hand, there is so much action, thriller, kidnapping, sexual slavery in just this one book! Towards the last few chapters I was more enthral led and am looking forward to book 2, as my interest has peeked as to what will happen to Nancy & what the author will be revealing about the mysterious Peter!
I still cannot decide whether this first trilogy is a 3.5 or 4 star!
We have a 21 year old, Nancy Delaney an aspiring ambitious Journalist, in her final year of college. Studying Renaissance and Victorian art, but not really into contemporary art. An only child from Boston of college-professor parents, both broke and unable to support Nancy financially through her college days. Nancy a bit of a loner, determined to sty & follow the right path, having no time for boyfriends and not really bothered that she was still holding on to her "V" card!
Hannah Greeley, her wealthy roommate of three years, a former art history major herself, works for Arts News Now, her job being to cover the entire art scene between Cleveland and Chicago for the magazine. Unable to attend herself, Hannah persuades Nancy to take her place for an exhibition opening at The new Flaming River Galley showing the contemporary art work by Peter Rostovich, which on this occasion is actually sensual art, dominated by pictures of nudes, progressing to bondage, leather straps, ropes along with full on photo shots of models' genitalia., but nothing that was too much in your face.
Peter Rostovich a notorius recluse, originally from the Ukraine, came to US as a teenager with his mother and he was a graduate of New York Academy of Fine Arts. His parents both Jewish, but from different sects. His family was quite high up in the soviet Communist Party, at one point in time.
For the innocent Nancy all this erotic art work soon as her aroused and this only intensifies when she meets Peter. They soon develop a some what strange relationship, leading to Nancy giving up her "v" card to Peter.
We are then introduced to another character from Peter's past, Blushencko, part of the Russian mafia involed heavily with human trafficking. Who has been tracking Hannah's movements which leads Blushencko to coming across Nancy too.
There is just so much happening in this book, but here lies my dilemma on whether I really liked it or just liked it. The character of Nancy is strong, but for someone that is 21, a virgin, who in her own words says she is completely naive on the topic of sex, I found it hard to believe she would jump overnight into a submissive role demanding the use of being tied and then becoming a succesful Dominant without any training or having any other sexual contact except for the one night. For me her sexual awaking wouldn have been more believable after spending and learning a bit more form Peter. Then we have Peter an older experienced dominant, who deflowers Nancy, but we don't see him take care of her at all? In fact for me, there was no connection being introduced between these to characters at all. There was a bit too much repetive thoughts and back ground knowledge receicved from Nancy, hence letting down the storyline.
But on the other hand, there is so much action, thriller, kidnapping, sexual slavery in just this one book! Towards the last few chapters I was more enthral led and am looking forward to book 2, as my interest has peeked as to what will happen to Nancy & what the author will be revealing about the mysterious Peter!
November 10, 2017
My naughty side really enjoyed this read. I loved the storyline and thought it was really well written. If your looking for a BDSM thriller then I’d definitely recommend this read.
June 22, 2013
This book definitely breeds my inner dominant begging to get out! Not only are the BDSM sex scenes enough to make you feel the crack of the leather whip *thwack* OHH God, but there’s also quite a mystery brewing in here. Nancy is a 21 year old hard working, virgin with no fashion sense that rooms with Hannah her sexy, rich, promiscuous best friend born with a silver spoon in her mouth. They are both aspiring writers, but Hannah already has a job writing art reviews for a small magazine publication and Nancy hasn’t popped the cherry yet either so to speak.
Hannah pawns off an art opening on Nancy to go the Opera with her man and that’s when Nancy’s whole world gets turned upside down. She meets Peter Rostovich a rich mysterious artist from the Ukraine with a KINK. This man never gives art critics the time of day, but when Nancy stumbles across his path he finds her appealing. He wants to give her a taste of what he thinks she is dying for *evil laughs* little does he know she’s a virgin. Not some little shy, quiet, nervous girl, Nancy is an aggressive panther once Pandora ’s Box is opened. Not only did she surprise me, Shit she surprised her damn self.
Nancy
Nancy goes to the stupid art opening for Hannah very reluctantly but her life will never be the same after. She lands an awesome job opportunity that turns into so much more. When the art opening gets shut down for indecent exposure, she leaps at the opportunity to report the exclusive story to the press. As Nancy sets out to get the story of the mysterious artist no one has been able interview, she uncovers some shady possible criminal shit he is mixed up with. He wants Nancy to solve a mystery for him as well and as she investigates, Nancy also discovers some dormant sexual desires that have no problem shall I say rising to the occasion. I have read many, MANY erotic books and let me tell you my imagination doesn’t hold a flame to Nancy’s FLAMING ASS EROTIC dreams. If it did, why would I read? I wouldn’t need to!
Peter is a made man. He is very wealthy now, but how he got that way is yet to be discovered? He came to the US when he was 15 and became an “entrepreneur”. Whatever he did to get where he is now has banked some major favors that he can call in at the drop of a hat!
Peter
He is not a typical bad boy in the sense that you would think like Cash Davenport or Cabe (Hawk) Delgado tatted up and riding motorcycles, but he is BAD by far and definitely mixed up in some crazy shit. Now his past business ventures may be coming back to haunt him. And when Nancy started digging around trying to solve his mystery, she finds herself caught up in a sex trafficking ring in the Soviet Union that she has no idea how to escape other than to embrace her inner Dominant and hope like hell it will set her free. I give this 4.5 BadAssMyteriouslyDirty stars!
- See more at: http://lipsmackingoodbooks.blogspot.c...
Hannah pawns off an art opening on Nancy to go the Opera with her man and that’s when Nancy’s whole world gets turned upside down. She meets Peter Rostovich a rich mysterious artist from the Ukraine with a KINK. This man never gives art critics the time of day, but when Nancy stumbles across his path he finds her appealing. He wants to give her a taste of what he thinks she is dying for *evil laughs* little does he know she’s a virgin. Not some little shy, quiet, nervous girl, Nancy is an aggressive panther once Pandora ’s Box is opened. Not only did she surprise me, Shit she surprised her damn self.
Nancy
Nancy goes to the stupid art opening for Hannah very reluctantly but her life will never be the same after. She lands an awesome job opportunity that turns into so much more. When the art opening gets shut down for indecent exposure, she leaps at the opportunity to report the exclusive story to the press. As Nancy sets out to get the story of the mysterious artist no one has been able interview, she uncovers some shady possible criminal shit he is mixed up with. He wants Nancy to solve a mystery for him as well and as she investigates, Nancy also discovers some dormant sexual desires that have no problem shall I say rising to the occasion. I have read many, MANY erotic books and let me tell you my imagination doesn’t hold a flame to Nancy’s FLAMING ASS EROTIC dreams. If it did, why would I read? I wouldn’t need to!
Peter is a made man. He is very wealthy now, but how he got that way is yet to be discovered? He came to the US when he was 15 and became an “entrepreneur”. Whatever he did to get where he is now has banked some major favors that he can call in at the drop of a hat!
Peter
He is not a typical bad boy in the sense that you would think like Cash Davenport or Cabe (Hawk) Delgado tatted up and riding motorcycles, but he is BAD by far and definitely mixed up in some crazy shit. Now his past business ventures may be coming back to haunt him. And when Nancy started digging around trying to solve his mystery, she finds herself caught up in a sex trafficking ring in the Soviet Union that she has no idea how to escape other than to embrace her inner Dominant and hope like hell it will set her free. I give this 4.5 BadAssMyteriouslyDirty stars!
- See more at: http://lipsmackingoodbooks.blogspot.c...
January 4, 2014
I've have tried and tried to read more of this book but to no avail it's just not catching me at all. Nancy is just so bland and her room mate is no better. There are details upon details that just make it a hard slog to read. Over a quarter of the way through and nothing has caught my attention at all so I'm afraid I have given up, I've seen lots of 4 and 5 star reviews for this book but it has done nothing for me, can't win them all I guess.
did-not-finish
September 12, 2015
Unfortunately, I simply can not read any further. I can't wait any longer for the heroine to stop getting on my nerves. It's not fun that the person that annoys me most is the one telling the story. I just can't stand it.
This felt like I was reading Fifty Shades of Grey all over again. Even worse, because I'm so over books like that. The heroine, Nancy Delaney, might as well be called Anastasia Steele. She's a 21-year-old virgin who has never masturbated (and apparently wouldn't even know how she would do that), and on top of that she has never been turned on.
I'm not kidding. But then the hero enters the scene and makes her all hot and bothered, and feeling strange things down there. Then the heroine starts talking about her alter ego, kind of like Ana went on and on about her inner goddess.
She, like Ana, is a literature student, but she's also studies journalism. She has a rich roommate who's had many failed relationships, and who sends her to an exhibit to try and get an interview with the artist (who is the hero in the story). Him I didn't mind. Probably because when he was speaking I couldn't read about the heroine's thoughts.
I did not find one single thing I liked about her. Not one.
All those unnecessary details really put me off. For example, the heroine went to check her email, and then went on to describe how her roommate's father installed Wi-Fi network for their apartment that no one could leech on to, and how she's bad with computers, and then explained how the icon for her Gmail account had number six on it, because she had six unread messages. Really? I never would have guessed. When she said how she double clicked on a message to open it, I had to stop. I don't want to read about all those insignificant details, and I have a Gmail account, too, and I'm pretty sure that to to open a message, you need to click on it only one time.
Maybe it gets better. It probably does, but I've lost my interest to continue. I wish them all the best, but I'm done.
Goodbye!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
July 10, 2014
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
I suppose when I was going into this, I should have expected the story to be a little over-the-top. I guess I always like to be in anticipation for something, I don't know, more worthwhile, to come from reading. This one kinda just irritated me.
The story itself was interesting, but it was the matter of Nancy and her desires. She was that girl who although she was a virgin wanted to just dive straight into the deep end of the pool and was ecstatic for it. I get that it's intriguing, what Peter has to offer her in the romance department, but, for crying out loud, it was to unrealistic for me. Not to mention Peter was larger than life... as they always seem to be in these stories.
In the end, while it may not have been something I could enjoy, because of the not quite possible story line, I can see how people who like books in this genre would enjoy it. So, I do suggest it for them, but not so much for the rest of us.
My Rating: It's Okay
I suppose when I was going into this, I should have expected the story to be a little over-the-top. I guess I always like to be in anticipation for something, I don't know, more worthwhile, to come from reading. This one kinda just irritated me.
The story itself was interesting, but it was the matter of Nancy and her desires. She was that girl who although she was a virgin wanted to just dive straight into the deep end of the pool and was ecstatic for it. I get that it's intriguing, what Peter has to offer her in the romance department, but, for crying out loud, it was to unrealistic for me. Not to mention Peter was larger than life... as they always seem to be in these stories.
In the end, while it may not have been something I could enjoy, because of the not quite possible story line, I can see how people who like books in this genre would enjoy it. So, I do suggest it for them, but not so much for the rest of us.
My Rating: It's Okay
did-not-finish
December 20, 2013I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not going to give this one a star rating because I'm giving up at 11% with no intention to finish it at a later date. This early on, the characters are so similar to Ana and Christian from 50 Shades of Grey that it's ridiculous. On top of that, I don't like how it's written and so far, the story is just flat out ridiculous.
Here's what happens in the first 11%:
Nancy (come on, NANCY???) is about 22. She lives with her uber wealthy roommate, who has family money. Nancy is kind of a bitch and a horrible friend since she describes her 'friend/roommate' as someone who mooches off her parents to pay her bills. Nancy has a journalism degree, yet she works part time as a waitress. She doesn't mention a full time job. Yet, she calls her roommate a mooch because the roommate's parents pay the rent... Oh and the roommate has a job working at a hole-in-the-wall art magazine that Nancy shows clear disdain for and alludes to the idea that her friend only got the job because of her family's "connections" since that's how wealthy kids get jobs. If that were the case, why couldn't her "connections" get her a job at a better magazine? (She spends a wholly uncessary amount of words on the roommate's wealth.) Anyway...
So the flaky, lazy, roommate was assigned to attend an art exhibit at a local gallery, but the good-for-nothing, overly-privileged friend wanted to go to the symphony with her boyfriend instead, so she passes the job off on Nancy (who doesn't even work at the magazine). Nancy can't find any information online on the artist. Yeah... Right... So the art is photos, paintings, drawings, etc. of nude models bound with various items. Ties, string, ropes, leather, etc. While Nancy is looking at one image of a model with her wrists bound with zip ties, the artist (who HATES reporters, especially art critics) walks up and binds her wrists with a zip tie without preamble. Her reaction? She passes out immediately. Like she was electrocuted or something. Ummm... OKAAAAYYY... So she wakes up with her wrists bound on a sofa in the gallery and the artist has taken her press kit. She finally finds the gallery owner who looks at her with clear disdain since she's an art critic and berates her before FINALLY cutting the zip tie off her wrists. Okay. So... Here's a gallery owner who CLEARLY has no concern for the safety of his gallery's patrons and doesn't give a hoot about bad press. Yeah... Because THAT's the way to drum up business...
Anyway, after searching the gallery, she finds the enigmatic (and clearly psychotic) artist in the final room. They chat and this uber private man gives her a brief history of himself. Right... And when he touches her, she feels a "zap." Okay. Now might be the time to tell you this chick has lived her ENTIRE life under a rock, evidently. She's a virgin (alright, I'll go with that), and she's a college graduate, yet she still doesn't have a clear understanding of the mechanics of human reproduction. Okay... WHAT. THE. FUCK??? She did give a blow job to her high school prom date and then he immediately broke up with her before she even had a chance to brush her teeth... She can give a blow job, but isn't real clear on the mechanics of human reproduction??? Book gods help this girl when they FINALLY get to the sex part of this erotic story... So anyway, she's suddenly having foreign feelings coursing through her body. She's dizzy, light-headed, overly warm. And she just realizes, 'oh, I must be turned on...' Yup. Because that's how being turned on is SUPPOSE to make you feel! Like you're about to pass out... Happens ALL the time... Again, WHAT. THE. FUCK???
Anyway, so his final art piece is revealed and it's a live, nude couple having butt sex (with the girl wearing nothing but a collar attached to a metal leash the man is holding in one hand, while flogging her back with the other, and fucking her ass... Talk about multi-tasking...) ANYWAY, the gallery owner had no idea that the final piece would be a live, ass fucking porno. So he tries to halt it, but the couple is completely nonplussed and carry on. The artist stands off to the side like this is just another day in the neighborhood. And then the police burst in the room, guns drawn, calling a halt to the festivities. Two cops. And they tell everyone "this is a raid" and they need to clear out, the place is being shut down, the owner will need to pay a fine and go to court, blah, blah, blah. Yeah, because police raid buildings ALL THE TIME with just TWO police officers. And they never detain the people in the building. They just run em all off. Oh! And OF COURSE they say they'll wait patiently for the sexually involved to "finish up" before making THEM leave...
WHAT. THE. FUCK??? None of this made any sense AT ALL! Throw in Nancy's "sexy alter ego" (which, you guessed it, is pretty much exactly the same as Ana's "inner goddess") and this book is a train wreck after 11%. I don't need to keep reading. I just got done wasting 3 days on a different piece of garbage hoping it would get better. I'm not going to go through THAT again... Maybe it does get better. But I'm certainly not wasting my time to find out... Sorry Ms. Hughes, I just can't do it.
I'm not going to give this one a star rating because I'm giving up at 11% with no intention to finish it at a later date. This early on, the characters are so similar to Ana and Christian from 50 Shades of Grey that it's ridiculous. On top of that, I don't like how it's written and so far, the story is just flat out ridiculous.
Here's what happens in the first 11%:
Nancy (come on, NANCY???) is about 22. She lives with her uber wealthy roommate, who has family money. Nancy is kind of a bitch and a horrible friend since she describes her 'friend/roommate' as someone who mooches off her parents to pay her bills. Nancy has a journalism degree, yet she works part time as a waitress. She doesn't mention a full time job. Yet, she calls her roommate a mooch because the roommate's parents pay the rent... Oh and the roommate has a job working at a hole-in-the-wall art magazine that Nancy shows clear disdain for and alludes to the idea that her friend only got the job because of her family's "connections" since that's how wealthy kids get jobs. If that were the case, why couldn't her "connections" get her a job at a better magazine? (She spends a wholly uncessary amount of words on the roommate's wealth.) Anyway...
So the flaky, lazy, roommate was assigned to attend an art exhibit at a local gallery, but the good-for-nothing, overly-privileged friend wanted to go to the symphony with her boyfriend instead, so she passes the job off on Nancy (who doesn't even work at the magazine). Nancy can't find any information online on the artist. Yeah... Right... So the art is photos, paintings, drawings, etc. of nude models bound with various items. Ties, string, ropes, leather, etc. While Nancy is looking at one image of a model with her wrists bound with zip ties, the artist (who HATES reporters, especially art critics) walks up and binds her wrists with a zip tie without preamble. Her reaction? She passes out immediately. Like she was electrocuted or something. Ummm... OKAAAAYYY... So she wakes up with her wrists bound on a sofa in the gallery and the artist has taken her press kit. She finally finds the gallery owner who looks at her with clear disdain since she's an art critic and berates her before FINALLY cutting the zip tie off her wrists. Okay. So... Here's a gallery owner who CLEARLY has no concern for the safety of his gallery's patrons and doesn't give a hoot about bad press. Yeah... Because THAT's the way to drum up business...
Anyway, after searching the gallery, she finds the enigmatic (and clearly psychotic) artist in the final room. They chat and this uber private man gives her a brief history of himself. Right... And when he touches her, she feels a "zap." Okay. Now might be the time to tell you this chick has lived her ENTIRE life under a rock, evidently. She's a virgin (alright, I'll go with that), and she's a college graduate, yet she still doesn't have a clear understanding of the mechanics of human reproduction. Okay... WHAT. THE. FUCK??? She did give a blow job to her high school prom date and then he immediately broke up with her before she even had a chance to brush her teeth... She can give a blow job, but isn't real clear on the mechanics of human reproduction??? Book gods help this girl when they FINALLY get to the sex part of this erotic story... So anyway, she's suddenly having foreign feelings coursing through her body. She's dizzy, light-headed, overly warm. And she just realizes, 'oh, I must be turned on...' Yup. Because that's how being turned on is SUPPOSE to make you feel! Like you're about to pass out... Happens ALL the time... Again, WHAT. THE. FUCK???
Anyway, so his final art piece is revealed and it's a live, nude couple having butt sex (with the girl wearing nothing but a collar attached to a metal leash the man is holding in one hand, while flogging her back with the other, and fucking her ass... Talk about multi-tasking...) ANYWAY, the gallery owner had no idea that the final piece would be a live, ass fucking porno. So he tries to halt it, but the couple is completely nonplussed and carry on. The artist stands off to the side like this is just another day in the neighborhood. And then the police burst in the room, guns drawn, calling a halt to the festivities. Two cops. And they tell everyone "this is a raid" and they need to clear out, the place is being shut down, the owner will need to pay a fine and go to court, blah, blah, blah. Yeah, because police raid buildings ALL THE TIME with just TWO police officers. And they never detain the people in the building. They just run em all off. Oh! And OF COURSE they say they'll wait patiently for the sexually involved to "finish up" before making THEM leave...
WHAT. THE. FUCK??? None of this made any sense AT ALL! Throw in Nancy's "sexy alter ego" (which, you guessed it, is pretty much exactly the same as Ana's "inner goddess") and this book is a train wreck after 11%. I don't need to keep reading. I just got done wasting 3 days on a different piece of garbage hoping it would get better. I'm not going to go through THAT again... Maybe it does get better. But I'm certainly not wasting my time to find out... Sorry Ms. Hughes, I just can't do it.
May 3, 2013
So, I did not like this book. Actually, I found it kind of ridiculous. Which sucks because I was really looking forward to reading this. The summary of the book made it sound like this book was going to be an awesome thriller. Sadly I was disappointed. Here's the summary of the book according to goodreads:
21-year-old Nancy Delaney is finishing up her third year of college when her magazine-editor roommate asks her to go review an art opening in downtown Cleveland. The artist is mysterious international playboy and eccentric Peter Rostovich, and the art is like nothing innocent, virginal Nancy has ever encountered before. Multimedia artist Rostovich has created an erotic art installation all about S&M bondage — complete with a live sculpture that’s so realistic, it gets the whole exhibit shut down by the Cleveland police.
Aspiring journalist Nancy’s nose for news smells a hot story idea, which she sells to the Cleveland Plan Dealer. But as she works to get her story, she soon becomes intimately entangled with Rostovich, who finds her irresistible. Rostovich becomes Nancy’s ticket to sexual awakening, and she soon discovers she has an appetite for bondage, too.
And there’s far more to Rostovich than just his art — he’s involved in a strange, violent criminal underworld that kidnaps Nancy and spirits her halfway around the world, where she’s held prisoner and made to serve as private Dominant-for-hire somewhere in the former Soviet Union. Will the sexual powers Rostovich helped awaken in her be Nancy’s only hope for escape?
An erotic thriller
Nancy, the "heroine" of this book was an idiot. I could not stand her. Not only was she a virgin, but she thought she was asexual because she has NO interest in sex whatsoever. She didn't want to have sex, talk about sex, think about sex, and didn't even have an interest in self pleasure. She acted so stupid about sex and didn't know anything about sex. Even if you're a virgin at the age of 21 you know the basics about sex. She did not. The moment she met the mysterious Rostovich though she couldn't understand why she was attracted to him and couldn't grasp the fact that she was having sexual thoughts/fantasies about him.
Rostovich didn't bother me. I actually found him rather interesting. When he first met Nancy he was intrigued by her and by her sensitivity to his art show. She did pass out when he used zip ties to tie her wrists together as part of his art show experience. Rostovich is pursuing Nancy and she realizes that she has feelings for him. She meets him at is hotel and the virginal Nancy seduces him. All of a sudden she's now all "tie me up and f*ck me hard" Really? Anyways, because of Nancy's involvement with Rostovich she gets herself kidnapped by a Ukranian sex trafficking criminal. While being tied up, blindfolded, in the back of a van in the middle of being kidnapped she gets turned on. WHAT? When she gets to the destination of her kidnapper she seems almost excited that she's in the sex trade. When she get's her first client she's excited and that's when she realizes that she loves being a dominatrix. While Nancy is with her client she finds a way to reach out to Rostovich without her kidnapper knowing.
This book is being labeled as an erotic thriller. There were some erotic parts but, the thriller parts were lacking. It wasn't until the last few chapters that this book got interesting. Will I read the next book in this series? Most likely because now I want to know what happens since this book ended with a cliffhanger.
21-year-old Nancy Delaney is finishing up her third year of college when her magazine-editor roommate asks her to go review an art opening in downtown Cleveland. The artist is mysterious international playboy and eccentric Peter Rostovich, and the art is like nothing innocent, virginal Nancy has ever encountered before. Multimedia artist Rostovich has created an erotic art installation all about S&M bondage — complete with a live sculpture that’s so realistic, it gets the whole exhibit shut down by the Cleveland police.
Aspiring journalist Nancy’s nose for news smells a hot story idea, which she sells to the Cleveland Plan Dealer. But as she works to get her story, she soon becomes intimately entangled with Rostovich, who finds her irresistible. Rostovich becomes Nancy’s ticket to sexual awakening, and she soon discovers she has an appetite for bondage, too.
And there’s far more to Rostovich than just his art — he’s involved in a strange, violent criminal underworld that kidnaps Nancy and spirits her halfway around the world, where she’s held prisoner and made to serve as private Dominant-for-hire somewhere in the former Soviet Union. Will the sexual powers Rostovich helped awaken in her be Nancy’s only hope for escape?
An erotic thriller
Nancy, the "heroine" of this book was an idiot. I could not stand her. Not only was she a virgin, but she thought she was asexual because she has NO interest in sex whatsoever. She didn't want to have sex, talk about sex, think about sex, and didn't even have an interest in self pleasure. She acted so stupid about sex and didn't know anything about sex. Even if you're a virgin at the age of 21 you know the basics about sex. She did not. The moment she met the mysterious Rostovich though she couldn't understand why she was attracted to him and couldn't grasp the fact that she was having sexual thoughts/fantasies about him.
Rostovich didn't bother me. I actually found him rather interesting. When he first met Nancy he was intrigued by her and by her sensitivity to his art show. She did pass out when he used zip ties to tie her wrists together as part of his art show experience. Rostovich is pursuing Nancy and she realizes that she has feelings for him. She meets him at is hotel and the virginal Nancy seduces him. All of a sudden she's now all "tie me up and f*ck me hard" Really? Anyways, because of Nancy's involvement with Rostovich she gets herself kidnapped by a Ukranian sex trafficking criminal. While being tied up, blindfolded, in the back of a van in the middle of being kidnapped she gets turned on. WHAT? When she gets to the destination of her kidnapper she seems almost excited that she's in the sex trade. When she get's her first client she's excited and that's when she realizes that she loves being a dominatrix. While Nancy is with her client she finds a way to reach out to Rostovich without her kidnapper knowing.
This book is being labeled as an erotic thriller. There were some erotic parts but, the thriller parts were lacking. It wasn't until the last few chapters that this book got interesting. Will I read the next book in this series? Most likely because now I want to know what happens since this book ended with a cliffhanger.
May 8, 2013
When I first started to read Domino by Jill Elaine Hughes I figured I knew what I would be getting because I've read a few of her other published works from e-publishers. I liked her work before and I've always considered her clean, tight writing style to be the ultimate antithisis of what so many others do in the romance genre. To read a style like this is an editor's dream come true. That's just my personal taste. In other words, I like romance and erotica written as neatly and tightly as The Help.
The book is being promoted on Amazon as "A New Adult erotic BDSM thriller." And I've recently begun to read more NA books and BDSM content. I've become a fan of the NA genre, and what the genre represents to fiction in a general sense. And even though I've seen some who would like to compare NA to the old "chick lit" I don't think that's the case because New Adult targets a different audience, many of whom would never have read chick lit in a million years. When I think of NA I think of the TV show "Girls" not "Sex in the City." I did NOT care for SitC, however I love "Girls." There's a reality factor that is current and valid.
And in Domino, I found this to be true in the very beginning when we get inside the main character's head and we hear all of her thoughts. It made me feel closer to her, and in many ways I could relate to her on levels I didn't expect. I think a lot of people could relate to her circumstances...or at least imagine them. But I don't want to give out spoilers so I'll tread with care here.
The book is highly erotic, and it does have BDSM scenes. Though I'm far from an expert on the lifestyle, I am learning more through fiction and I found the scenes in Domino far more authentic than other things I've read that claim to be BDSM books but never get into anything more than a little spank and paddle. My point is that if you're looking for erotica with BDSM you won't be disappointed with this book. In the same respect, and I've begun to mention this in all my reviews of erotic romance, if the erotic scenes were toned down or removed the storyline in Domino would still be able to stand on its own. That's an important factor for me with all erotica nowadays.
And this storyline is filled with intrigue, suspense, and it keeps you turning each page wondering what will happen next. This aspect, I think, gave the book a more fictional feel and took me out of the real world for a while and allowed me to experience things I would never normally experience in real life. I think it's that combination of reality and fiction that I liked the most about this book. And I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone else who enjoys erotica like this.
The book is being promoted on Amazon as "A New Adult erotic BDSM thriller." And I've recently begun to read more NA books and BDSM content. I've become a fan of the NA genre, and what the genre represents to fiction in a general sense. And even though I've seen some who would like to compare NA to the old "chick lit" I don't think that's the case because New Adult targets a different audience, many of whom would never have read chick lit in a million years. When I think of NA I think of the TV show "Girls" not "Sex in the City." I did NOT care for SitC, however I love "Girls." There's a reality factor that is current and valid.
And in Domino, I found this to be true in the very beginning when we get inside the main character's head and we hear all of her thoughts. It made me feel closer to her, and in many ways I could relate to her on levels I didn't expect. I think a lot of people could relate to her circumstances...or at least imagine them. But I don't want to give out spoilers so I'll tread with care here.
The book is highly erotic, and it does have BDSM scenes. Though I'm far from an expert on the lifestyle, I am learning more through fiction and I found the scenes in Domino far more authentic than other things I've read that claim to be BDSM books but never get into anything more than a little spank and paddle. My point is that if you're looking for erotica with BDSM you won't be disappointed with this book. In the same respect, and I've begun to mention this in all my reviews of erotic romance, if the erotic scenes were toned down or removed the storyline in Domino would still be able to stand on its own. That's an important factor for me with all erotica nowadays.
And this storyline is filled with intrigue, suspense, and it keeps you turning each page wondering what will happen next. This aspect, I think, gave the book a more fictional feel and took me out of the real world for a while and allowed me to experience things I would never normally experience in real life. I think it's that combination of reality and fiction that I liked the most about this book. And I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone else who enjoys erotica like this.
June 25, 2013
Review:
I gave this book 4 stars. Why? it had so much promise! I really wish I got this to Beta read.
I loved the normal name, Nancy Delaney. How refreshing, I am tired of the familiar and trendy names. Overall the overuse of Alexa and Lexie/Lexi is getting to me. The meeting and work for a review of a semi erotic art exhibit was a little different. I liked the relationship to her room mate and best friend, Hannah. Of course they are like night and day extreme and total opposites. Nancy was so naive to me it was a little hard to deal with. She immediately fell for Peter Rostovich. I mean he was intriguing and famous in the art world, so she jusmped on that train in a New York minute, or do I say Ohio minute? The setting in Ohio was a little different and although Cleveland is pretty big it doesn't compare lifestyle wise with the likes of New York, Miami and Chicago, not to mention LA.
What was juicy was the relationship and how it started with Peter and Nancy. Innocent, well told and juicy. There was a lot of expression from Nancy that was out of character. She knew what she wanted and even when she sort of revealed to Hannah what happened, she was a lady about it.
The thrilling part was the difference in the Ukrainian mob and how they operate. The organization and how they use technology and surveillance, in my opinion was great! For some reason I thought they were not as savvy as others groups using intelligence. When things were discovered it was already a few days too late. Like for instance, having a monitor or gps on someone and them finding out it was true and has been going on a few days already.
You think about how two dueling enemies are and that is Rostovich and Bluschencko. I really wanted more of them. I hope in the next book they are brought to the center. Along with the ramifications of Bluschencko's men and the nasty way they roughed people up.
I thought the similarities to another book were there. I wont say anything else on the matter. If you have not read the other book, then this will be a great read for you.
I’ll be waiting for the next book and to check out what else she writes.
I gave this book 4 stars. Why? it had so much promise! I really wish I got this to Beta read.
I loved the normal name, Nancy Delaney. How refreshing, I am tired of the familiar and trendy names. Overall the overuse of Alexa and Lexie/Lexi is getting to me. The meeting and work for a review of a semi erotic art exhibit was a little different. I liked the relationship to her room mate and best friend, Hannah. Of course they are like night and day extreme and total opposites. Nancy was so naive to me it was a little hard to deal with. She immediately fell for Peter Rostovich. I mean he was intriguing and famous in the art world, so she jusmped on that train in a New York minute, or do I say Ohio minute? The setting in Ohio was a little different and although Cleveland is pretty big it doesn't compare lifestyle wise with the likes of New York, Miami and Chicago, not to mention LA.
What was juicy was the relationship and how it started with Peter and Nancy. Innocent, well told and juicy. There was a lot of expression from Nancy that was out of character. She knew what she wanted and even when she sort of revealed to Hannah what happened, she was a lady about it.
The thrilling part was the difference in the Ukrainian mob and how they operate. The organization and how they use technology and surveillance, in my opinion was great! For some reason I thought they were not as savvy as others groups using intelligence. When things were discovered it was already a few days too late. Like for instance, having a monitor or gps on someone and them finding out it was true and has been going on a few days already.
You think about how two dueling enemies are and that is Rostovich and Bluschencko. I really wanted more of them. I hope in the next book they are brought to the center. Along with the ramifications of Bluschencko's men and the nasty way they roughed people up.
I thought the similarities to another book were there. I wont say anything else on the matter. If you have not read the other book, then this will be a great read for you.
I’ll be waiting for the next book and to check out what else she writes.
March 23, 2017
When Nancy is asked by her roommate to stand in for her and review an art opening in Cleveland, little did she suspect what she was getting herself into. The art is like nothing she had encountered before nor is the eccentric artist. As Nancy finds herself and her sexual awakenings drawn into his world, she discovers there’s more to him than just art. The attraction is mutual but the danger she finds herself into may be more than what her aspiring journalistic nose is ready for.
I would like to have given this book a higher rating except two things held me back. First, I didn’t like Nancy. Not only could I not connect to her but I found her train of thought to be very outlandish. She’s supposed to be an innocent virgin who doesn’t even masturbate and yet her first sexual encounter she wants to be tied up and dominated. Really??? Second thing was, frankly, there were too many similarities between this book and FSoG. Way. Too. Many. Once. Once Nancy’s inner ‘alter ego’ made its appearance, I was ready to throw in the towel. The saving grace for me that had me wanting to give this story a high rating was Peter. Him I liked! I found Peter to be such an enigma. My curiosity was definitely piqued and thankfully, I found refreshingly original. Actually, there are several characters that really I really enjoyed but it was primarily Peter who kept me riveted.
The outlandish Ms. Delaney aside, I did enjoy this book. The sexual heat was good, the plot was interesting with a lot of interesting unanswered twist, and, of course, there has to be a crazy ‘Oh No!’ cliffhanger that will guarantee to have me coming back for the next book. Frankly, with the last few chapters freshest in my mind, I find despite not liking Nancy, I find I can’t wait for the next book. If I was asked if I would recommend reading The Domino Trilogy my answer would be yes.
I received this book for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3.5, Flames - 4
I would like to have given this book a higher rating except two things held me back. First, I didn’t like Nancy. Not only could I not connect to her but I found her train of thought to be very outlandish. She’s supposed to be an innocent virgin who doesn’t even masturbate and yet her first sexual encounter she wants to be tied up and dominated. Really??? Second thing was, frankly, there were too many similarities between this book and FSoG. Way. Too. Many. Once. Once Nancy’s inner ‘alter ego’ made its appearance, I was ready to throw in the towel. The saving grace for me that had me wanting to give this story a high rating was Peter. Him I liked! I found Peter to be such an enigma. My curiosity was definitely piqued and thankfully, I found refreshingly original. Actually, there are several characters that really I really enjoyed but it was primarily Peter who kept me riveted.
The outlandish Ms. Delaney aside, I did enjoy this book. The sexual heat was good, the plot was interesting with a lot of interesting unanswered twist, and, of course, there has to be a crazy ‘Oh No!’ cliffhanger that will guarantee to have me coming back for the next book. Frankly, with the last few chapters freshest in my mind, I find despite not liking Nancy, I find I can’t wait for the next book. If I was asked if I would recommend reading The Domino Trilogy my answer would be yes.
I received this book for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3.5, Flames - 4
December 9, 2013
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I absolutely loved this book, but if the second book doesn't come out really soon I'm going to go insane because that cliffhanger ending was just cruel and unusual punishment!
Nancy may not have grown up with a life like her mother, but she is a determined young woman who will do what she needs to succeed. She's kind person who seems to get overwhelmed by art and artists.
An artist and shifty businessman known as Rostovich has an overpowering personality. Upon his first meeting Nancy he does something that is both surprising and overly shocking and yet she sticks around to get her story and oh what a story it turns out to be.
I haven't quite figured out how Peter Rostovich feels toward Nancy, but I'm hoping that will be in book two, Butterfly Effect. I'm quite curious to know why he's breaking his own rules for her. As for how she feels about him that too is a little bit of mystery. Personally I think she wants to listen to that voice in her head that says they'll run off and live happily ever after. But first she has a predicament to get out of.
This book does have BDSM, but it also has that mystery thriller aspect that had me eager to keep reading. I couldn't put it down.
My Favorite 'Oh My Goodness' Moment: Rostovich's final exhibit. I definitely did not see that one coming. Then again neither did Nancy.
My Favorite Quote: "I crossed one leg over the other to hide that feeling from the world, as if it were a blinking neon sign proclaiming to anyone passing by that I was a virgin in desperate need of some attention in the nether parts department."
I absolutely loved this book, but if the second book doesn't come out really soon I'm going to go insane because that cliffhanger ending was just cruel and unusual punishment!
Nancy may not have grown up with a life like her mother, but she is a determined young woman who will do what she needs to succeed. She's kind person who seems to get overwhelmed by art and artists.
An artist and shifty businessman known as Rostovich has an overpowering personality. Upon his first meeting Nancy he does something that is both surprising and overly shocking and yet she sticks around to get her story and oh what a story it turns out to be.
I haven't quite figured out how Peter Rostovich feels toward Nancy, but I'm hoping that will be in book two, Butterfly Effect. I'm quite curious to know why he's breaking his own rules for her. As for how she feels about him that too is a little bit of mystery. Personally I think she wants to listen to that voice in her head that says they'll run off and live happily ever after. But first she has a predicament to get out of.
This book does have BDSM, but it also has that mystery thriller aspect that had me eager to keep reading. I couldn't put it down.
My Favorite 'Oh My Goodness' Moment: Rostovich's final exhibit. I definitely did not see that one coming. Then again neither did Nancy.
My Favorite Quote: "I crossed one leg over the other to hide that feeling from the world, as if it were a blinking neon sign proclaiming to anyone passing by that I was a virgin in desperate need of some attention in the nether parts department."
May 16, 2013
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book, but I was wrong. It builds from a slow start to a crescendo that has you yelling nooooooo. There are several BDSM scenes described and some sexual slavery issues. Don’t let that detract from the story. The sex is just another layer that adds to the complexity of the characters. They are so well developed that I began to read certain ones with as foreign accent in my head. This story describes the sexual awakening of Nancy Delaney, but more than that she also finds her inner strength in adversity. She starts out as naïve, but she learns quickly that there are evils in the world that she can’t begin to imagine and she learns on the fly how to try and outsmart them. Peter Rostovich is a mysterious wealthy artist known to be very illusive. He meets Nancy and she causes him to re-think all of the rules that he has lived by up until now. He knows that he isn’t good for her, but he doesn’t want to let her go. This book is thoroughly entertaining and it doesn’t just rely on the explicit sex to do it. There is plenty of intrigue and drama to keep you on your toes. I was so glad that there was a preview of the first chapter of book 2 at the end. I never read those when they are included because I want to wait till I can read the whole thing. I was compelled to break that habit with this book. I can’t wait until The Butterfly Effect.
May 28, 2013
The story is about Nancy, a college student, who fills in at an art gallery for an opening night review which her roommate Hannah was supposed to go to. (Sort of fifty shades!) Nancy meets Peter, a Ukrianian artist, and within 30 seconds of meeting him, he ziptie's her wrists together and she passes out. When she comes to he has stolen her press pass, and recorder. She gets up and tries to find someone to cut the zip tie off, and no ones seems to blink at the man's oddity. She wants to leave but at that time he is unveiling his piece de resistance... Two alive models having anal sex in a bdsm pose. He turns stalkerish and unlike starving artists he displays large wealth even though no one apparently knows much about him. While she is definitely into Peter strange things begin to happen, and this is where the Domino part comes in. The ending is short and abrupt with of course a sequel. I dislike books that can't really stand on there own. I felt a depravity in this book, and it didn't really flow well for me. Hannah got into trouble and nothing was said about what happened to her. I barely give this a three star review. Read at your own risk because there are more books to come. Not a complete story.
May 2, 2013
A story of lost innocence, passion, bondage, intrigue, and kidnapping. Throw in the likes of the Russian mafia types with human trafficking and you have a wonderful story. Although the story starts out very similar to other novels I have read recently, the author adds in a few twists and turns that makes it original. The main character, nancy, is a journalist wanna be finishing her last few months of college. Her roommate, Hanna, asks nancy to cover an art opening thus opening the chain of events that will change both their lives.
I look forward to book two of the trilogy and hope that more secrets are revealed about the mysterious Peter Rastovich. This character seems to be on the brink of actually turning over a new leaf, but will his past allow it to actually happen is the question.
I look forward to book two of the trilogy and hope that more secrets are revealed about the mysterious Peter Rastovich. This character seems to be on the brink of actually turning over a new leaf, but will his past allow it to actually happen is the question.
September 4, 2013
I was given this book for my honest review
I really enjoyed this book. The title had me thinking it was one thing but it was not what I expected. I enjoyed the main character Nancy and seeing the things that she went through. The fact that she was this shy girl who shied away from relationships without ever really having one and then she meet Ro and things change for her. She starts seeing things differently and she starts feeling things that are new and strange to her and she becomes this whole different person once she is around Ro. When she is taken she has to addeptthis different persona to survie the world that she is in. I think that there is more to her than what is showed and I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what happens to her and Ro and she turns out in the new and strange world that she was thrown into
I really enjoyed this book. The title had me thinking it was one thing but it was not what I expected. I enjoyed the main character Nancy and seeing the things that she went through. The fact that she was this shy girl who shied away from relationships without ever really having one and then she meet Ro and things change for her. She starts seeing things differently and she starts feeling things that are new and strange to her and she becomes this whole different person once she is around Ro. When she is taken she has to addeptthis different persona to survie the world that she is in. I think that there is more to her than what is showed and I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what happens to her and Ro and she turns out in the new and strange world that she was thrown into
January 24, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was my thought process while reading this Domino Effect:
"Hmm...did this start out as 50 Shades fanfiction? .....This is REALLY similar to 50 Shades.....HE DID WHAT!?....Awe he's a nice guy, in a way...Russian Bodyguards, yikes!....HE DID WHAT?!...THEY ARE TAKING HER WHERE?!!!...That would never happen in real life...Wait...she's okay with it?...NO WAY that would ever happen in real life...."
annnnd....CLIFFHANGER, in a major way.
The story lost me when Bluschencko came into the picture, because it lost any threads of reality it might have been clinging to. But, the ending was surprise enough to make me want to pick up the next one and see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ellora's Cave got allowing me to read and review this book.
This was my thought process while reading this Domino Effect:
"Hmm...did this start out as 50 Shades fanfiction? .....This is REALLY similar to 50 Shades.....HE DID WHAT!?....Awe he's a nice guy, in a way...Russian Bodyguards, yikes!....HE DID WHAT?!...THEY ARE TAKING HER WHERE?!!!...That would never happen in real life...Wait...she's okay with it?...NO WAY that would ever happen in real life...."
annnnd....CLIFFHANGER, in a major way.
The story lost me when Bluschencko came into the picture, because it lost any threads of reality it might have been clinging to. But, the ending was surprise enough to make me want to pick up the next one and see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ellora's Cave got allowing me to read and review this book.
September 5, 2013
Ok, so this book was really strange for me. I'm not sure that I really liked it much but I didn't hate it either. First of all,I don't know why she keeps saying that Rostovich got her into the mess she was in, when her captor said he had been watching her friend then her for months, so where does she get off saying its his fault?That kept annoying me! All the history background in the book got on my nerves because I can't stand history. I wasn't impressed by the characters at all. Nancy was kinda annoying. Way to much put into the virgin thing. It was not a believable story at all in my opinion. On the upside it was written well in terms of editing and such. I also like the suspense of the story and would still like to read on into the series to find out what happens in the end.
August 3, 2016
I decided to read this book for leisure; additionally, it was noted that Domino Effect was a New Adult book on NetGalley, so I thought I would give the genre another try. I feel like New Adult books are very formulaic, which I don't tend to be a huge fan of and I was hoping this book would be different.
I thought Domino Effect was really well written (thumbs up to the author and editor), but the characters and their motives/behaviors mimicked those found in James' Fifty Shades trilogy. The book was entertaining but I don't think I will continue the series. The plot was too predictable and I felt like the main character, Nancy, did a complete 180 degrees way too fast, which made the story seem less realistic and less enjoyable.
I thought Domino Effect was really well written (thumbs up to the author and editor), but the characters and their motives/behaviors mimicked those found in James' Fifty Shades trilogy. The book was entertaining but I don't think I will continue the series. The plot was too predictable and I felt like the main character, Nancy, did a complete 180 degrees way too fast, which made the story seem less realistic and less enjoyable.
January 7, 2014
A quick fast paced read with never a boring moment to be found but could have been better if more thought had gone into some of the smaller details. There were a few contradictions in the story and the fact that Nancy has gone from Virgin to Dominatrix in just a matter of a few days was just unbelievable and the fact that there is no real emotion to being taken against her will into the sex trade was disappointing. I also thought Julian the Navy Seal Concierge would have helped Peter save the day but sadly not, seems so far he's destine to be stuck behind a desk at The Ritz !
April 28, 2014
Review will be ready soon, smiles enjoy
here's the review enjoy!
http://booklovinjunkie.blogspot.com/2...
here's the review enjoy!
http://booklovinjunkie.blogspot.com/2...
March 1, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was excited at first, but then struggled getting through it. The description on NetGalley was intriguing, and I really wanted to like it, but it felt very much like Fifty Shades of Grey, which left such a bad taste in my mouth. It’s not my go-to genre to begin with, but I do enjoy a steamy dom/sub story once in a blue moon, especially if it’s treated well (think Evie Harper’s “You Loved Me At My Darkest” or Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries books). This one, however, was just downright cringe-worthy.
I really want to be nice since its the first free copy I received in exchange for a review, but as a firm believer in putting good content out there, I just can’t. Things about this story that need major work:
1. CHARACTERS. There was nothing endearing or extraordinary about the main character, Nancy Delaney. She’s supposed to be an aspiring investigative journalist, and yet she takes it personally that her subject isn’t forthcoming. She prides herself in being a reporter but seems to know NOTHING of the world around her. She’s whiny, immature, ignorant and self-absorbed. And I powered through 296 pages hoping she grows out of it, only to be utterly disappointed. Meanwhile, the supposed alpha male, Peter Rostovich, is weak. He always gives in to Nancy’s demands, even though she treats him horribly. As much as I am tired of reformed jerks as leading men, this story definitely needed a stronger male lead. I understand that he’s supposed to be shrouded in mystery, but not once did I feel the urge to get to know him more. It was lacking the intrigue that normally leaves me with a feeling of excitement at getting to the bottom of the mystery. He was even MIA for at least 70% of the story without any indication the he was worried sick when Nancy was in trouble. Definitely not book boyfriend material.
2. SEXUAL CHEMISTRY. Maybe it’s because both characters leave much to be desired that I didn’t pick up on any sexual chemistry between them at all. Not only did things escalate too quickly that it felt rushed, it also felt awkward and forced. One second, they’re in the middle of discussing Peter’s rumored connection to the Russian mafia, the next, she gets frustrated that he’s not forthcoming and decides to just get up and straddle him. There was no build up at all towards sex that was cliched at best. The intimacy just fell flat. Heck, the proclamation that Nancy might be in love with Peter came out of left field too. And Peter implying that Nancy is his submissive was just laughable, especially when Peter barely asserts his dominance and Nancy just bullies him around.
3. LANGUAGE. It’s juvenile and pretentious. It’s almost comedic how this reads like a seventeen-year-old’s work. Actually, I take that back. That would be a major insult to a lot of promising young writers like Kody Keplinger who wrote “The Duff” when she was seventeen, but I digress. The dialogue in this book is completely unrealistic. Who talks like this or has thoughts like this (since majority of the book occurs in Nancy’s head)? I realize examples would be helpful, but then I’d be quoting at least 80% of the book. The word “ahem” was grossly overused in highly inappropriate situations (how are we supposed to take the severity of Russian organized crime seriously when warnings are peppered with “ahem”?). And if I had to take a shot every time I roll my eyes at a cliche, I would’ve been completely wasted by the second or third chapter. It was also so detailed in the unnecessary fillers (I wished I skipped past paragraphs on Peter’s room service order and the state that it arrived in), but then lacked the same attention where it’s supposed to count like character development, for example. Overall, it lacks the smooth flow to the narrative. It was choppy and it dragged on, even when I was skimming over most pages.
4. PLOT/SUBPLOT. This book falls under Romantic Suspense. I didn’t feel romance. And I didn’t experience excitement or anticipation. Again, it was unrealistic. The premise for Peter enlisting Nancy’s help in solving a mystery is preposterous, especially when he had so many resources at his disposal. He says there’s something special about Nancy, but that clearly hasn’t been established. I can’t emphasize enough how this book suffers because of the lack of character development. It doesn’t make any sense that Peter picked Nancy over enlisting the services of more experienced journalists or private investigators. And having sex dreams while being transported to God-knows-where by God-knows-who? Come on now. Again, everything is just forced and overloaded with cliches. Naive Virgin Girl meets Pseudo Alpha Boy. Naive Virgin Girl loses virginity to Pseudo Alpha Boy. Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl falls in love with Pseudo Alpha Boy. Pseudo Alpha Boy has “sordid past” that puts Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl in danger. Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl is forced to engage in “lewd and disturbing” acts for survival. Pseudo Alpha Boy rescues Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl at the end. Cue cliffhanger during the escape. Now, this might’ve still been interesting if the writer had fleshed it out properly. Instead, it was ludicrous. Who lets a “slave” wield a whip to dominate a client for the first time? Even worse, who trembles with desire at the sight of a slave pretending to be a domme and giving the client instructions on passing a note to someone in the outside world? No matter how unusual a person’s sexual proclivities are, the note is CLEARLY a cry for help. I mean, come on! And bloodsport where she would have to use a knife on her captor? I can’t possibly imagine how anyone can believe her captor would willingly give her an opportunity to stab him in the back, especially when she’s supposedly in survival mode and there hasn’t really been any indication that Stockholm Syndrome had set in.
I just want to pull my hair out at how this book was ever published. The cliffhanger doesn’t even entice me into reading the sequel/s. Overall, don’t waste your time. Unless you’re interested in getting sloshed over doing shots every time you roll your eyes while reading this book, of course. That deserves one star, I think.
I really want to be nice since its the first free copy I received in exchange for a review, but as a firm believer in putting good content out there, I just can’t. Things about this story that need major work:
1. CHARACTERS. There was nothing endearing or extraordinary about the main character, Nancy Delaney. She’s supposed to be an aspiring investigative journalist, and yet she takes it personally that her subject isn’t forthcoming. She prides herself in being a reporter but seems to know NOTHING of the world around her. She’s whiny, immature, ignorant and self-absorbed. And I powered through 296 pages hoping she grows out of it, only to be utterly disappointed. Meanwhile, the supposed alpha male, Peter Rostovich, is weak. He always gives in to Nancy’s demands, even though she treats him horribly. As much as I am tired of reformed jerks as leading men, this story definitely needed a stronger male lead. I understand that he’s supposed to be shrouded in mystery, but not once did I feel the urge to get to know him more. It was lacking the intrigue that normally leaves me with a feeling of excitement at getting to the bottom of the mystery. He was even MIA for at least 70% of the story without any indication the he was worried sick when Nancy was in trouble. Definitely not book boyfriend material.
2. SEXUAL CHEMISTRY. Maybe it’s because both characters leave much to be desired that I didn’t pick up on any sexual chemistry between them at all. Not only did things escalate too quickly that it felt rushed, it also felt awkward and forced. One second, they’re in the middle of discussing Peter’s rumored connection to the Russian mafia, the next, she gets frustrated that he’s not forthcoming and decides to just get up and straddle him. There was no build up at all towards sex that was cliched at best. The intimacy just fell flat. Heck, the proclamation that Nancy might be in love with Peter came out of left field too. And Peter implying that Nancy is his submissive was just laughable, especially when Peter barely asserts his dominance and Nancy just bullies him around.
3. LANGUAGE. It’s juvenile and pretentious. It’s almost comedic how this reads like a seventeen-year-old’s work. Actually, I take that back. That would be a major insult to a lot of promising young writers like Kody Keplinger who wrote “The Duff” when she was seventeen, but I digress. The dialogue in this book is completely unrealistic. Who talks like this or has thoughts like this (since majority of the book occurs in Nancy’s head)? I realize examples would be helpful, but then I’d be quoting at least 80% of the book. The word “ahem” was grossly overused in highly inappropriate situations (how are we supposed to take the severity of Russian organized crime seriously when warnings are peppered with “ahem”?). And if I had to take a shot every time I roll my eyes at a cliche, I would’ve been completely wasted by the second or third chapter. It was also so detailed in the unnecessary fillers (I wished I skipped past paragraphs on Peter’s room service order and the state that it arrived in), but then lacked the same attention where it’s supposed to count like character development, for example. Overall, it lacks the smooth flow to the narrative. It was choppy and it dragged on, even when I was skimming over most pages.
4. PLOT/SUBPLOT. This book falls under Romantic Suspense. I didn’t feel romance. And I didn’t experience excitement or anticipation. Again, it was unrealistic. The premise for Peter enlisting Nancy’s help in solving a mystery is preposterous, especially when he had so many resources at his disposal. He says there’s something special about Nancy, but that clearly hasn’t been established. I can’t emphasize enough how this book suffers because of the lack of character development. It doesn’t make any sense that Peter picked Nancy over enlisting the services of more experienced journalists or private investigators. And having sex dreams while being transported to God-knows-where by God-knows-who? Come on now. Again, everything is just forced and overloaded with cliches. Naive Virgin Girl meets Pseudo Alpha Boy. Naive Virgin Girl loses virginity to Pseudo Alpha Boy. Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl falls in love with Pseudo Alpha Boy. Pseudo Alpha Boy has “sordid past” that puts Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl in danger. Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl is forced to engage in “lewd and disturbing” acts for survival. Pseudo Alpha Boy rescues Naive Not-A-Virgin-Anymore Girl at the end. Cue cliffhanger during the escape. Now, this might’ve still been interesting if the writer had fleshed it out properly. Instead, it was ludicrous. Who lets a “slave” wield a whip to dominate a client for the first time? Even worse, who trembles with desire at the sight of a slave pretending to be a domme and giving the client instructions on passing a note to someone in the outside world? No matter how unusual a person’s sexual proclivities are, the note is CLEARLY a cry for help. I mean, come on! And bloodsport where she would have to use a knife on her captor? I can’t possibly imagine how anyone can believe her captor would willingly give her an opportunity to stab him in the back, especially when she’s supposedly in survival mode and there hasn’t really been any indication that Stockholm Syndrome had set in.
I just want to pull my hair out at how this book was ever published. The cliffhanger doesn’t even entice me into reading the sequel/s. Overall, don’t waste your time. Unless you’re interested in getting sloshed over doing shots every time you roll your eyes while reading this book, of course. That deserves one star, I think.
June 14, 2019
I've had this book for a few years and would like to thank Netgalley and Jill Elaine Hughes for their patience in waiting for this review.
Well, where do I start??? Well Peter Rostovich isn't a man I thought he was going to be. Strange and mysterious comes to mind as well as naughty thoughts (his words not mine). Nancy Delaney is a classy woman, who is also a virgin but who has fantasies that you would never of thought of from a straight A student, but she's also a journalist. When her best friend asks her to go in her place at an Art exhibition, she sees and finds more than she bargained for. Peter takes her on a journey into the unknown through sex and he's trying to shield her away from what and who he really is. BUT as any journalist knows, when someone says NO, you go hunting for answers. What she finds is a whole lot of problems. Can Peter find her in time and explain things or is this the end of road for Nancy Delaney?
Now I need to grab book 2 to find out the next part of this exciting and erotic trilogy.
Well, where do I start??? Well Peter Rostovich isn't a man I thought he was going to be. Strange and mysterious comes to mind as well as naughty thoughts (his words not mine). Nancy Delaney is a classy woman, who is also a virgin but who has fantasies that you would never of thought of from a straight A student, but she's also a journalist. When her best friend asks her to go in her place at an Art exhibition, she sees and finds more than she bargained for. Peter takes her on a journey into the unknown through sex and he's trying to shield her away from what and who he really is. BUT as any journalist knows, when someone says NO, you go hunting for answers. What she finds is a whole lot of problems. Can Peter find her in time and explain things or is this the end of road for Nancy Delaney?
Now I need to grab book 2 to find out the next part of this exciting and erotic trilogy.
March 10, 2021
This did very little for me. I got really bored during the middle and I struggled to stay focus. I didn't get the characters and the story line had nothing unique about it. Nancy annoyed me and I really do not know what Peter saw in her. After reading the reviews I'm almost certain i read a different book. The book did pick up in the second half but then Nancy ruined it for me. She was far to accepting of what was happening and what could happen to her.
June 27, 2013
When I first started reading this story and found out it was revolved around Art I almost, and I mean almost turned my Kindle off. It just seems that there are so many stories out there that revolve around artists. I'm glad I didn't turn it off let me tell you because as this story went on, it just drew me in deeper and deeper into the story. By the very end of it I was left wanting more of the story and anticipating book 2. Quite a turnaround from when I first started reading this story let me tell you.
21 year old Nancy Delaney is a freelance college reporter. She has a real nose for catching that big break in a story but little does she realize what she is about to walk in to. Nancy's roommate Hannah is always handing off her jobs to Nancy to handle especially if she feels they are not important. This just so happens to be the case at an art show at a local art gallery within minutes of entering the gallery she is intrigued by the art on the walls. All are by an artist named Peter Rostovich who to Nancy appears to be a struggling artist that has to stoop so low that he has an art show in Cleveland. As Nancy explores the art work she sees models in various stages of bondage and stops when she gets to a photo of a woman wearing cable ties. While Nancy is studying the photo she is approached by a man and within 30 seconds he has her hands tied in cables. Of course as luck would have it, Nancy passes out and awakens on a bench unsure of what happened. The owner of the gallery directs her to a room where the artist will be revealing a work of art and tells her he probably has her press bag which has mysteriously walked off.
When she locates the man she discovers that it is none other than the artist himself Peter Rostovich. Nancy sits and has a conversation within Peter, one that according to her roommate is priceless since Peter hates art critics and reporters. When it's time for the big reveal I kid you not I stood there for a good minute starring at my Kindle in shock. (No joke, true story.) The reveal is so racy that the art gallery gets shut down by the police. Left outside the gallery without so much as a review to write for Art News Now, Nancy calls a local paper and sells the story of the art gallery being shut down and is given the opportunity to write a story about Peter and the rumors that surround this mysterious man. Peter locates her they get to talking and he agrees to do an interview with her at his private suite at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The interesting thing about Peter is that he's very secretive. He uses anonymous email addresses, encrypted cell phones, and whenever possible land lines. Based off of the information the paper gave her and what she has seen of Peter so far she wants to see more. But Nancy is at a crossroads while she wants the interview, shes fighting a growing attraction to this man, feelings she's never felt before. Because you see, Nancy is still a virgin. She never understood what all the fuss was about with sex and men, but the more time she spends around Peter she begins to realize what they were referring to.
Nancy goes to the hotel but instead of getting her interview she falls right into bed with Peter, and he shows her a side of sex she only ever read and dreamed about. It was an intense evening for Nancy to say the least and very HOTT. The next morning Peter finally lets her see some parts of him that he keeps hidden. Where he grew up, a little about his business ventures that have made him so much money, and photographs that no one has ever seen. Peter has a former client and friend that wanted photos done in the old town where Peter grew up, Sevastopol. Peter shows her some strange items that have shown up in some photos and wants her help digging up information. Little does she know that there is another that is watching her, Viktor Bluschencko has his eye on Nancy and wants her for his own. Peter has a lot of secrets, a lot of which still have yet to be revealed but one that he does is that Viktor is big on human trafficking. He takes hold of both Nancy and Hannah and from there they are kidnapped landing Nancy on Bluschencko's property to serve his wealthy clients. Up until this point I couldn't figure out what the title meant then Domino came out of nowhere and it all made sense. Will the skills and fantasy's that Peter gave to Nancy help her to survive the situation she has found herself in?
This story was brilliant especially towards the end when Nancy was kidnapped. This story was well written, well thought out, and best of all the story was not rushed to get to the end and be done with it. This story was 100 percent unique and enjoyable. I really look forward to the next book to see what happens to Nancy and Peter, 5 stars!
Book received in exchange for an honest review
21 year old Nancy Delaney is a freelance college reporter. She has a real nose for catching that big break in a story but little does she realize what she is about to walk in to. Nancy's roommate Hannah is always handing off her jobs to Nancy to handle especially if she feels they are not important. This just so happens to be the case at an art show at a local art gallery within minutes of entering the gallery she is intrigued by the art on the walls. All are by an artist named Peter Rostovich who to Nancy appears to be a struggling artist that has to stoop so low that he has an art show in Cleveland. As Nancy explores the art work she sees models in various stages of bondage and stops when she gets to a photo of a woman wearing cable ties. While Nancy is studying the photo she is approached by a man and within 30 seconds he has her hands tied in cables. Of course as luck would have it, Nancy passes out and awakens on a bench unsure of what happened. The owner of the gallery directs her to a room where the artist will be revealing a work of art and tells her he probably has her press bag which has mysteriously walked off.
When she locates the man she discovers that it is none other than the artist himself Peter Rostovich. Nancy sits and has a conversation within Peter, one that according to her roommate is priceless since Peter hates art critics and reporters. When it's time for the big reveal I kid you not I stood there for a good minute starring at my Kindle in shock. (No joke, true story.) The reveal is so racy that the art gallery gets shut down by the police. Left outside the gallery without so much as a review to write for Art News Now, Nancy calls a local paper and sells the story of the art gallery being shut down and is given the opportunity to write a story about Peter and the rumors that surround this mysterious man. Peter locates her they get to talking and he agrees to do an interview with her at his private suite at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The interesting thing about Peter is that he's very secretive. He uses anonymous email addresses, encrypted cell phones, and whenever possible land lines. Based off of the information the paper gave her and what she has seen of Peter so far she wants to see more. But Nancy is at a crossroads while she wants the interview, shes fighting a growing attraction to this man, feelings she's never felt before. Because you see, Nancy is still a virgin. She never understood what all the fuss was about with sex and men, but the more time she spends around Peter she begins to realize what they were referring to.
Nancy goes to the hotel but instead of getting her interview she falls right into bed with Peter, and he shows her a side of sex she only ever read and dreamed about. It was an intense evening for Nancy to say the least and very HOTT. The next morning Peter finally lets her see some parts of him that he keeps hidden. Where he grew up, a little about his business ventures that have made him so much money, and photographs that no one has ever seen. Peter has a former client and friend that wanted photos done in the old town where Peter grew up, Sevastopol. Peter shows her some strange items that have shown up in some photos and wants her help digging up information. Little does she know that there is another that is watching her, Viktor Bluschencko has his eye on Nancy and wants her for his own. Peter has a lot of secrets, a lot of which still have yet to be revealed but one that he does is that Viktor is big on human trafficking. He takes hold of both Nancy and Hannah and from there they are kidnapped landing Nancy on Bluschencko's property to serve his wealthy clients. Up until this point I couldn't figure out what the title meant then Domino came out of nowhere and it all made sense. Will the skills and fantasy's that Peter gave to Nancy help her to survive the situation she has found herself in?
This story was brilliant especially towards the end when Nancy was kidnapped. This story was well written, well thought out, and best of all the story was not rushed to get to the end and be done with it. This story was 100 percent unique and enjoyable. I really look forward to the next book to see what happens to Nancy and Peter, 5 stars!
Book received in exchange for an honest review
April 21, 2013
(nb: I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley)
Be forewarned: "Domino" has some very erotic scenes.
I mean, seriously, SERIOUSLY, capital-E erotic, complete with BDSM elements (BDSM=Bondage, Domination, Sadism, Masochism).
It's not just an idle experiment in literary erotica, though. "Domino" ends up being an engaging thriller as well.
Nancy Delaney is a Senior English major at Case-Western in Cleveland. Her dream is to make her mark as a journalist.
One night, her roommate Hannah--chief midwestern correspondent for the magazine "Art News Now"--talks Nancy into subbing for her at a local gallery opening. Nancy dreads the assignment. Gallery openings are not her thing, but she can use both the cash and the experience. Nancy has worked hard all the way through college, spending hours reading books and writing papers, working hard as a cocktail waitress three nights a week, and writing newspaper and magazine articles where she can.
Her time is precious, and Nancy has had very little time for a social life. In fact, she's still a virgin, a fact that causes nymphomaniacal Hannah no shortage of bafflement and worry. (God forbid Nancy remain a virgin, and end up an old cat lady.)
The gallery showing features several nudes, many in different degrees of bondage. Nancy starts to feel an odd twinge. When the night's feted artist promptly binds her wrists together with a plastic wire-tie, she panics, but feels even more odd twinges--the pain is kind of delicious to her. By the time the night's piece-de-resistance is revealed, Nancy is pretty well inflamed with lust, the object of which quickly becomes the exhibit's featured artist, Peter Rostovich.
Soon, Nancy finds herself engaging in some very un-Nancy-like behavior. She feels an entirely new side of her personality blossom, even as the enigmatic Rostovich deflects her questions about his background. Rumors abound that Rostovich has ties to the Russian mafia, and Nancy can't reconcile the suave, attentive man she likes with being a goonish underworld kingpin.
One day, she and Hannah are suddenly kidnapped, and Nancy finds herself embroiled in the Ukrainian human trafficking racket. Despite her strong feelings, she wonders just how deeply involved Rostovich is. It's an aspiring journalist's dream lead, a lead that just might get Nancy and her roommate killed. All she has to work with are her sharp reporter's mind and the strange new appetites she'd had awakened just a few nights before.
Somehow, author Jill Elaine Hughes has found a way to blend erotica and romance with an international crime thriller, and she pulls it off wonderfully. The story would not have worked had it not been told from Nancy's point of view. Seeing her awakenings from inside her head, we can believe what she does later, trying to keep herself and Hannah alive.
A side-effect of this point-of-view is that Nancy's thoughts are a little talky at the beginning. Before the opening, she is talking about how hard she works, and how being a virgin doesn't bother her. She thinks she's essentially asexual. During and after the gallery opening, we are treated to frequent updates on the, er, heat and humidity of certain Nancy-parts.
Not to say that the early narration is boring. Nancy Delaney makes an excellent protagonist, in large part because she IS so self-aware. Her college years juggling work and school have taught her discipline and given her strength. She has confidence in her mind, and watching that confidence manifest in other areas is one of the book's highlights.
Again, there is a lot of erotica in this book. Even when Nancy isn't describing her post-gallery activities, the gallery opening itself leaves her hot and bothered. Sex, and thoughts of sex, work their way into some odd situations, but it rings-true within the book's world.
One other thing to know: "Domino" is the first book in a trilogy, and there is a sudden cliffhanger ending. It didn't annoy me as such endings sometimes do, but rather left me hungry for book two.
In "Domino," Jill Elaine Hughes has created a beautiful trap. She lures readers in with steamy trysts, and sensual, erotic prose, then hooks us into the thriller. As I mentioned, odd though it may sound, the two worlds mesh beautifully and without contradiction. Her challenge will be to maintain in books two and three the same alluring blend of erotica and suspense that make "Domino" so damned-near impossible to put down.
Highly recommended (Unless you are easily offended by very frank, descriptive sexual activity, especially those activities involving restraints and the odd spanking device)
Be forewarned: "Domino" has some very erotic scenes.
I mean, seriously, SERIOUSLY, capital-E erotic, complete with BDSM elements (BDSM=Bondage, Domination, Sadism, Masochism).
It's not just an idle experiment in literary erotica, though. "Domino" ends up being an engaging thriller as well.
Nancy Delaney is a Senior English major at Case-Western in Cleveland. Her dream is to make her mark as a journalist.
One night, her roommate Hannah--chief midwestern correspondent for the magazine "Art News Now"--talks Nancy into subbing for her at a local gallery opening. Nancy dreads the assignment. Gallery openings are not her thing, but she can use both the cash and the experience. Nancy has worked hard all the way through college, spending hours reading books and writing papers, working hard as a cocktail waitress three nights a week, and writing newspaper and magazine articles where she can.
Her time is precious, and Nancy has had very little time for a social life. In fact, she's still a virgin, a fact that causes nymphomaniacal Hannah no shortage of bafflement and worry. (God forbid Nancy remain a virgin, and end up an old cat lady.)
The gallery showing features several nudes, many in different degrees of bondage. Nancy starts to feel an odd twinge. When the night's feted artist promptly binds her wrists together with a plastic wire-tie, she panics, but feels even more odd twinges--the pain is kind of delicious to her. By the time the night's piece-de-resistance is revealed, Nancy is pretty well inflamed with lust, the object of which quickly becomes the exhibit's featured artist, Peter Rostovich.
Soon, Nancy finds herself engaging in some very un-Nancy-like behavior. She feels an entirely new side of her personality blossom, even as the enigmatic Rostovich deflects her questions about his background. Rumors abound that Rostovich has ties to the Russian mafia, and Nancy can't reconcile the suave, attentive man she likes with being a goonish underworld kingpin.
One day, she and Hannah are suddenly kidnapped, and Nancy finds herself embroiled in the Ukrainian human trafficking racket. Despite her strong feelings, she wonders just how deeply involved Rostovich is. It's an aspiring journalist's dream lead, a lead that just might get Nancy and her roommate killed. All she has to work with are her sharp reporter's mind and the strange new appetites she'd had awakened just a few nights before.
Somehow, author Jill Elaine Hughes has found a way to blend erotica and romance with an international crime thriller, and she pulls it off wonderfully. The story would not have worked had it not been told from Nancy's point of view. Seeing her awakenings from inside her head, we can believe what she does later, trying to keep herself and Hannah alive.
A side-effect of this point-of-view is that Nancy's thoughts are a little talky at the beginning. Before the opening, she is talking about how hard she works, and how being a virgin doesn't bother her. She thinks she's essentially asexual. During and after the gallery opening, we are treated to frequent updates on the, er, heat and humidity of certain Nancy-parts.
Not to say that the early narration is boring. Nancy Delaney makes an excellent protagonist, in large part because she IS so self-aware. Her college years juggling work and school have taught her discipline and given her strength. She has confidence in her mind, and watching that confidence manifest in other areas is one of the book's highlights.
Again, there is a lot of erotica in this book. Even when Nancy isn't describing her post-gallery activities, the gallery opening itself leaves her hot and bothered. Sex, and thoughts of sex, work their way into some odd situations, but it rings-true within the book's world.
One other thing to know: "Domino" is the first book in a trilogy, and there is a sudden cliffhanger ending. It didn't annoy me as such endings sometimes do, but rather left me hungry for book two.
In "Domino," Jill Elaine Hughes has created a beautiful trap. She lures readers in with steamy trysts, and sensual, erotic prose, then hooks us into the thriller. As I mentioned, odd though it may sound, the two worlds mesh beautifully and without contradiction. Her challenge will be to maintain in books two and three the same alluring blend of erotica and suspense that make "Domino" so damned-near impossible to put down.
Highly recommended (Unless you are easily offended by very frank, descriptive sexual activity, especially those activities involving restraints and the odd spanking device)
March 13, 2014
My star rating for 'DOMINO EFFECT' is: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! :)
My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading ‘DOMINO EFFECT’ by Author Jill Elaine Hughes (via: Booksmoviesfandoms.wordpress.com):
This is the first novel of the Domino Trilogy Series by Jill Elaine Hughes. It is of the New Adult genre as well as the erotica section because of it's risque feel due to some BDSM situations by some of the characters in the story. Don't let that scare you away because it's not solely what the story is about. You'll find that there is suspense and other layers to the story as well. It's written in the main female character's P.O.V.(point of view), Nancy Delaney.
Nancy Delaney is a college student in her final year, hoping to become a successful journalist one day. She lives with her roommate and friend, Hannah Greeley, who never has a problem dating and having a good time. The complete opposite of Nancy who has been put-off on the idea of dating and partying and prefers to study and work hard at everything she can, to reach her career goal. Nancy keeps her wardrobe simple and never splurges on fashion like her roommate. Her parents live in Boston and are both college professors, while she resides in Ohio for school. She has a cocktail waitress job to make ends meet on her own. Unlike her roommate, who also has a job but lives above her means due to the fact that she comes from a wealthy family.
One day, Hannah asks Nancy to cover an art gallery exhibit for her Art News Now job, to which she agrees and borrows some nice professional dress clothes from her. Nancy had no clue that this would not be your run-of-the-mill art exhibit and the artist, Peter Rostovich, was more than she could ever imagine. Nancy has a naive innocence and a tough-edge to her too. As soon as she becomes more intrigued by Peter Rostovich's art and lifestyle, she begins to wonder if she is just curious about his art of if she is actually discovering more about herself and her own taste.
Peter Rostovich is known to most as an enigma because he chooses to be a recluse even though he is pretty-well known in the art world. He's originally from the Ukraine but moved to New York as a teenage-boy, to live with his mother. There are many secrets when it comes to Peter and the life he leads in the open and the life he lives in secret. There are rumors that he has ties to the Russian mob being that he's so secretive about his life, many consider it as the truth. When he meets Nancy, he grows an interest in her and begins to pursue her.
As the story continues, Nancy becomes curious about Peter as she begins to unravel secrets about him while getting him to open up to her little by little. Peter introduces Nancy in more ways than one, to the world of BDSM. But as quickly as they grow closer, some of the darker secrets of Peter's life threaten them in a dark string of events. Some people tied to Peter's secret life, become a threat to the woman he is just beginning to know, Nancy. As the reader you are wondering, can Nancy be saved? Is Peter invested into the new relationship he was building with Nancy, enough to do anything for her before she is gone forever? You'll find that this story has a feel of "Fifty Shades Of Grey" in it's slight similarities that make us enjoy the story, but it has it's own story twists and takes you in a darker direction, making it it's own story completely. Check out this story of erotica, twists-and-turns, suspense and intrigue because it's not afraid to take it's readers down some dark paths. I like a story with great detail about what's going on, but my only small issue with this story is a couple of sections where it details too much about things that weren't majorly pertinent to the story but other than that, I enjoyed this story. I will be looking forward to reading about what will become of Nancy and Peter in the follow-up novel of this thrilling series. Please Note: It ends with a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next novel more so because of the ending.
My Blogging Reader's Star Score for 'DOMINO EFFECT' is: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! :)
Visit my Blog and see Memorable quotes and photos of how I imagined Nancy and Peter while reading DOMINO EFFECT. Here:
Click Here to Visit the Blog: Books,Movies,Fandoms
Check us out on Twitter & Follow Here
My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading ‘DOMINO EFFECT’ by Author Jill Elaine Hughes (via: Booksmoviesfandoms.wordpress.com):
This is the first novel of the Domino Trilogy Series by Jill Elaine Hughes. It is of the New Adult genre as well as the erotica section because of it's risque feel due to some BDSM situations by some of the characters in the story. Don't let that scare you away because it's not solely what the story is about. You'll find that there is suspense and other layers to the story as well. It's written in the main female character's P.O.V.(point of view), Nancy Delaney.
Nancy Delaney is a college student in her final year, hoping to become a successful journalist one day. She lives with her roommate and friend, Hannah Greeley, who never has a problem dating and having a good time. The complete opposite of Nancy who has been put-off on the idea of dating and partying and prefers to study and work hard at everything she can, to reach her career goal. Nancy keeps her wardrobe simple and never splurges on fashion like her roommate. Her parents live in Boston and are both college professors, while she resides in Ohio for school. She has a cocktail waitress job to make ends meet on her own. Unlike her roommate, who also has a job but lives above her means due to the fact that she comes from a wealthy family.
One day, Hannah asks Nancy to cover an art gallery exhibit for her Art News Now job, to which she agrees and borrows some nice professional dress clothes from her. Nancy had no clue that this would not be your run-of-the-mill art exhibit and the artist, Peter Rostovich, was more than she could ever imagine. Nancy has a naive innocence and a tough-edge to her too. As soon as she becomes more intrigued by Peter Rostovich's art and lifestyle, she begins to wonder if she is just curious about his art of if she is actually discovering more about herself and her own taste.
Peter Rostovich is known to most as an enigma because he chooses to be a recluse even though he is pretty-well known in the art world. He's originally from the Ukraine but moved to New York as a teenage-boy, to live with his mother. There are many secrets when it comes to Peter and the life he leads in the open and the life he lives in secret. There are rumors that he has ties to the Russian mob being that he's so secretive about his life, many consider it as the truth. When he meets Nancy, he grows an interest in her and begins to pursue her.
As the story continues, Nancy becomes curious about Peter as she begins to unravel secrets about him while getting him to open up to her little by little. Peter introduces Nancy in more ways than one, to the world of BDSM. But as quickly as they grow closer, some of the darker secrets of Peter's life threaten them in a dark string of events. Some people tied to Peter's secret life, become a threat to the woman he is just beginning to know, Nancy. As the reader you are wondering, can Nancy be saved? Is Peter invested into the new relationship he was building with Nancy, enough to do anything for her before she is gone forever? You'll find that this story has a feel of "Fifty Shades Of Grey" in it's slight similarities that make us enjoy the story, but it has it's own story twists and takes you in a darker direction, making it it's own story completely. Check out this story of erotica, twists-and-turns, suspense and intrigue because it's not afraid to take it's readers down some dark paths. I like a story with great detail about what's going on, but my only small issue with this story is a couple of sections where it details too much about things that weren't majorly pertinent to the story but other than that, I enjoyed this story. I will be looking forward to reading about what will become of Nancy and Peter in the follow-up novel of this thrilling series. Please Note: It ends with a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next novel more so because of the ending.
My Blogging Reader's Star Score for 'DOMINO EFFECT' is: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! :)
Visit my Blog and see Memorable quotes and photos of how I imagined Nancy and Peter while reading DOMINO EFFECT. Here:
Click Here to Visit the Blog: Books,Movies,Fandoms
Check us out on Twitter & Follow Here
March 9, 2014
I received this ARC from NetGalley (and honestly, I'm regretting it, but I'll be nice and bump it up to two stars, though "it was ok" is still a bit of a stretch)
Oh, Fifty Shades, you have so much crap to answer for... Sadly, this book seems to take all the most annoying features of those books, and then adds in a little human trafficking for "fun". Honestly, I knew it was going to be bad when on page 13, before we've even been formally introduced to the male lead, he takes a cable tie from a bowl at his bondage art exhibit (Free! Please take one!), wraps it around her wrists, and she FAINTS. Seriously, swooned right out, wakes up on a nearby bench, and has to go hunt somebody down (takes multiple tries, mind you) to cut her loose. By page 60, I started continuously glancing at the page count to determine how much longer I was going to have to suffer. But let's list the worst of the drivel:
1) The twenty-one year old virgin who gets all confused when her girl parts get tingly and then ruminates about it ENDLESSLY
2) The uber-stupid imagining of ones sexual side as a separate person--James's "inner goddess" renamed here as her "alter ego"
3) The immeasurably rich and mysterious man who seems to know every aspect of your life five seconds after meeting you and is instantly in control of it all. Oh, wait--this one is different, because he's Ukrainian, and may or may not be tied to the mob (which we shouldn't consider to be the mob because Russians just think differently), and hasn't revealed yet what his childhood was like, so we don't know if his taste for bondage is also due to teenage molestation. But he conveniently has a hold over your boss, EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN'T KNOW YOU EXISTED THE NIGHT BEFORE, so he can get you out of your waitressing job AND FORCE YOUR BOSS TO STILL PAY YOU FOR NOT SHOWING UP. I'm sorry, what??
"Peter's behavior was outrageous. Though I couldn't help but feel a little flattered. Here was a man who had gone out of his way to remove me from a situation he viewed as demeaning. It was strange, even misogynistic--and yet romantic. It made no sense, but it turned me on in the same way that being tied up had turned me on."
*Note: above quote is from an ARC and may not be final. But really, it doesn't matter, because there's plenty more in that vein. And the "tied up" incident she refers to is the above solo experience with the cable tie, not an actual intimate event.
4) The Snidely Whiplash arch-enemy of our mystery man, who, even though his goons don't start terrorizing our heroine's mom until the day AFTER the couple's romantic night, we're supposed to believe has had our heroine on his "collecting" radar for months. Amazing coincidence that she just happened to fall in with our hero RIGHT BEFORE HE COULD "ACQUIRE" HER FOR HIS UKRAINIAN WHORE HOUSE.
The good parts? Well, we didn't have chapters of bantering over a contract and fisting, so I guess we can consider that a positive. And the heroine didn't waste masses of perfectly excellent tea bags by just waving them over the water and then discarding them to drink her tinted water. But on its own merit? I seriously can't think of any right this minute.
Oh, Fifty Shades, you have so much crap to answer for... Sadly, this book seems to take all the most annoying features of those books, and then adds in a little human trafficking for "fun". Honestly, I knew it was going to be bad when on page 13, before we've even been formally introduced to the male lead, he takes a cable tie from a bowl at his bondage art exhibit (Free! Please take one!), wraps it around her wrists, and she FAINTS. Seriously, swooned right out, wakes up on a nearby bench, and has to go hunt somebody down (takes multiple tries, mind you) to cut her loose. By page 60, I started continuously glancing at the page count to determine how much longer I was going to have to suffer. But let's list the worst of the drivel:
1) The twenty-one year old virgin who gets all confused when her girl parts get tingly and then ruminates about it ENDLESSLY
2) The uber-stupid imagining of ones sexual side as a separate person--James's "inner goddess" renamed here as her "alter ego"
3) The immeasurably rich and mysterious man who seems to know every aspect of your life five seconds after meeting you and is instantly in control of it all. Oh, wait--this one is different, because he's Ukrainian, and may or may not be tied to the mob (which we shouldn't consider to be the mob because Russians just think differently), and hasn't revealed yet what his childhood was like, so we don't know if his taste for bondage is also due to teenage molestation. But he conveniently has a hold over your boss, EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN'T KNOW YOU EXISTED THE NIGHT BEFORE, so he can get you out of your waitressing job AND FORCE YOUR BOSS TO STILL PAY YOU FOR NOT SHOWING UP. I'm sorry, what??
"Peter's behavior was outrageous. Though I couldn't help but feel a little flattered. Here was a man who had gone out of his way to remove me from a situation he viewed as demeaning. It was strange, even misogynistic--and yet romantic. It made no sense, but it turned me on in the same way that being tied up had turned me on."
*Note: above quote is from an ARC and may not be final. But really, it doesn't matter, because there's plenty more in that vein. And the "tied up" incident she refers to is the above solo experience with the cable tie, not an actual intimate event.
4) The Snidely Whiplash arch-enemy of our mystery man, who, even though his goons don't start terrorizing our heroine's mom until the day AFTER the couple's romantic night, we're supposed to believe has had our heroine on his "collecting" radar for months. Amazing coincidence that she just happened to fall in with our hero RIGHT BEFORE HE COULD "ACQUIRE" HER FOR HIS UKRAINIAN WHORE HOUSE.
The good parts? Well, we didn't have chapters of bantering over a contract and fisting, so I guess we can consider that a positive. And the heroine didn't waste masses of perfectly excellent tea bags by just waving them over the water and then discarding them to drink her tinted water. But on its own merit? I seriously can't think of any right this minute.
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