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The Desires Unlocked Trilogy #3
Surrender Yourself
For fans of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and BARED TO YOU comes the emotionally charged final instalment in the erotic and addictive DESIRES UNLOCKED trilogy.
Valentina Rosselli is heartbroken - she has lost Theo, her true love, seemingly forever. Yet, with the help of good friend Leonardo, Valentina gradually rediscovers her liberated sexual self, unlocking her deepest erotic desires and reaching a level of passion she'd never thought possible. And then a shock from the past sends her reeling...
In Berlin in 1984, Tina Rosselli risks everything for a steamy, highly charged romance with a charismatic young cellist. Their brief but explosive affair will affect Tina for the rest of her life.
As the stories of the two women converge in the trilogy's thrilling and intensely passionate conclusion, both must surrender themselves: to desire, and to love.
Valentina Rosselli is heartbroken - she has lost Theo, her true love, seemingly forever. Yet, with the help of good friend Leonardo, Valentina gradually rediscovers her liberated sexual self, unlocking her deepest erotic desires and reaching a level of passion she'd never thought possible. And then a shock from the past sends her reeling...
In Berlin in 1984, Tina Rosselli risks everything for a steamy, highly charged romance with a charismatic young cellist. Their brief but explosive affair will affect Tina for the rest of her life.
As the stories of the two women converge in the trilogy's thrilling and intensely passionate conclusion, both must surrender themselves: to desire, and to love.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2013
2 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Evie Blake
13 books18 followersEvie Blake is the pen name of author Noëlle Harrison. She is author of the Valentina trilogy of erotic novels based on the Italian graphic novel character Valentina Rosselli originally created by Guido Crepax.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 12, 2016
Goede levensverhalen die steeds meer verbonden raken. De scenes a la 50 tinten grijs vond ik het verhaal afzwakken
March 11, 2019
‘Ga je me nu de geheimen van tantra vertellen? Gaan we de hele dag, de hele nacht en de volgende dag neuken zonder klaar te komen?’ ‘Wat is het toch heerlijk als je zulke ondeugende taal uitslaat, Valentina. Maar tantra is echt veel meer dan langzame seks. Wanneer je tantra beoefent, wordt seks een middel om in contact te komen met je kern, je innerlijke wereld en je onhoorbare zelf. Ik voer je mee naar binnen, je lichaam in, zodat je je bewust wordt van jezelf en je jezelf weer liefhebt. Dat is de beste manier om een ander liefde te geven en zelf liefde te ontvangen. Daarbij gaat het niet alleen om de daad, maar vooral over het openstellen van je hart. Het gaat om zíjn in plaats van dóén. Dat doe je door je lichaam te ontketenen, sensueel gezien. Wanneer je tantrische seks ondergaat, beleef je de meest intense extase die je je maar kunt voorstellen. Sm haalt het er niet bij.’ Ze wandelen over de High Line: het haastige leven onder hen dat er alleen maar op is gericht om een bepaald doel te bereiken staat voor de hedendaagse sekscultuur waarin het uitsluitend om orgasmes draait.
December 31, 2015
Evie Blake, what happened here?
When last we read, Valentina was left devastated by the sudden loss of her true love Theo. His disappearance left the once fiery, fearless Valentina devastated and lost. Even her home in Milan, a place she has always felt peace, is no longer her haven. So she jets off to New York, determined to overcome her grief. Coincidentally, I was in Italy when reading the first book, Valentina's home, and I will be traveling to America next month, much the same as she did. All I need now is a friend like Leonardo and a lucrative photography job and we could be the same person.
One year has past and Valentina is finally starting to find her feet, reigniting her other passion, photography. But on a fashion shoot in a prestigious art gallery, Valentina is once again dragged back into her past when she thinks she has witnessed Glen, Theo's murderer, slinking amongst the beautiful paintings. The constant back and forth of emotions is tiring quickly at this point. Valentina was a mess before, but it was only her commitment issues and vulnerability. Adding grief and sexual frustration to the mix and she's a complete disaster.
It's becoming clear four generations of women are clearly sex addicts. I never thought I'd say this, but the amount of sex in this book was absurd and unnecessary. It was almost as if Blake was trying to slip as much sex as possible into the story. Valentina is grief-stricken but is able to flirt and pick up a stranger in a bar. She breaks down when reminded of her lost love Theo, then suddenly forgets her pain with, you guessed it, more sex. New man Russell certainly taught her a thing or two, and she appears to be moving on with her life and career, only to dump him suddenly when he reveals they are not monogamous. By now the absurdity of the story line was beginning to reveal itself.
With Russell out of the picture, Valentina needs more sex, and soon. The same night to be exact. Re-enter Leonardo, the handsome S&M club owner who has been by her side, and occasionally in her bed, through out the last two books. Personally, I preferred him to Theo and wanted him to be with Valentina. Until he arrives back from several months in an Indian yoga retreat as some kind of fitness/sex guru. Because we need another excuse to put in more sex. And this is where it just gets weird. Leonardo introduces Valentina to Tantric sex, and so begins several sessions of deep breathing, massage oils and multiple orgasms. And I thought Russell and his hot/cold wands were weird. I've read a lot of books with alternative sex scenes but I can't say I'm particularly interested in Tantric sex.
Meanwhile, the story of Valentina is once again intersected by stories of the past, in this case her mother, Tina. Her story takes us back to 1980's Berlin, in a time when the Berlin Wall and strict communist regime almost derailed a beautiful love affair. Tina becomes infatuated with Karel, a brilliant cellist. Though they only share a couple of nights together, and hardly know each other, their steamy affair changes their lives forever. The truth behind Tina's cold exterior and distant relationship with her daughter is finally revealed. And as the old saying goes, the truth shall set you free. Tina and Karel's' relationship was sweet, reminiscent of an old Romeo and Juliet love story. Again, I can't believe I'm saying this but in their chapters, I chose love over sex.
Mother and daughter finally begin the road to recovery, and there seems like hope for Valentina as she works through her thoughts of Theo. But a huge bombshell (I saw coming) was dropped and she was once again left devastated.
SPOILERS AHEAD
A mysterious man in a cap, two stolen paintings and a good hard slap later, Valentina finds herself held at knife point at a train station, about to either be stabbed to death or thrown onto the tracks before an approaching train. She finally falls into the arms of Leonardo, her trusted friend/ occasional lover, but she only has eyes for someone else. Your probably thinking, not another lover, where does she keep finding them? But no, it's Theo, who along with Glen, survived the near drowning experience one year earlier.
From this point, the story line sped along, almost as though the author was running out of ideas. In just a few short pages, Valentina leaves Leonardo, deciding she wanted to be alone, and possibly celibate, for a while to collect herself, the way he did in India. Almost immediately, a huge family reunion is organized (so much for being alone) and she realizes she truly loves Theo and wants to be with him. The two share a steamy encounter (in only four pages) and.... the end. The book ends so suddenly, the reader barely has time to register. After three books, countless setbacks and a year or mourning, Valentina and Theo's big climactic (no pun intended) reunion was only four pages?! The Tantric sex got more page time.
This third and final book in what had been a great erotic series was truly a let down. If only there was a fourth book, something to bring the story back into line, something to look forward to again.. Valentina was a great character to read, but her story went off the rails.
When last we read, Valentina was left devastated by the sudden loss of her true love Theo. His disappearance left the once fiery, fearless Valentina devastated and lost. Even her home in Milan, a place she has always felt peace, is no longer her haven. So she jets off to New York, determined to overcome her grief. Coincidentally, I was in Italy when reading the first book, Valentina's home, and I will be traveling to America next month, much the same as she did. All I need now is a friend like Leonardo and a lucrative photography job and we could be the same person.
One year has past and Valentina is finally starting to find her feet, reigniting her other passion, photography. But on a fashion shoot in a prestigious art gallery, Valentina is once again dragged back into her past when she thinks she has witnessed Glen, Theo's murderer, slinking amongst the beautiful paintings. The constant back and forth of emotions is tiring quickly at this point. Valentina was a mess before, but it was only her commitment issues and vulnerability. Adding grief and sexual frustration to the mix and she's a complete disaster.
It's becoming clear four generations of women are clearly sex addicts. I never thought I'd say this, but the amount of sex in this book was absurd and unnecessary. It was almost as if Blake was trying to slip as much sex as possible into the story. Valentina is grief-stricken but is able to flirt and pick up a stranger in a bar. She breaks down when reminded of her lost love Theo, then suddenly forgets her pain with, you guessed it, more sex. New man Russell certainly taught her a thing or two, and she appears to be moving on with her life and career, only to dump him suddenly when he reveals they are not monogamous. By now the absurdity of the story line was beginning to reveal itself.
With Russell out of the picture, Valentina needs more sex, and soon. The same night to be exact. Re-enter Leonardo, the handsome S&M club owner who has been by her side, and occasionally in her bed, through out the last two books. Personally, I preferred him to Theo and wanted him to be with Valentina. Until he arrives back from several months in an Indian yoga retreat as some kind of fitness/sex guru. Because we need another excuse to put in more sex. And this is where it just gets weird. Leonardo introduces Valentina to Tantric sex, and so begins several sessions of deep breathing, massage oils and multiple orgasms. And I thought Russell and his hot/cold wands were weird. I've read a lot of books with alternative sex scenes but I can't say I'm particularly interested in Tantric sex.
Meanwhile, the story of Valentina is once again intersected by stories of the past, in this case her mother, Tina. Her story takes us back to 1980's Berlin, in a time when the Berlin Wall and strict communist regime almost derailed a beautiful love affair. Tina becomes infatuated with Karel, a brilliant cellist. Though they only share a couple of nights together, and hardly know each other, their steamy affair changes their lives forever. The truth behind Tina's cold exterior and distant relationship with her daughter is finally revealed. And as the old saying goes, the truth shall set you free. Tina and Karel's' relationship was sweet, reminiscent of an old Romeo and Juliet love story. Again, I can't believe I'm saying this but in their chapters, I chose love over sex.
Mother and daughter finally begin the road to recovery, and there seems like hope for Valentina as she works through her thoughts of Theo. But a huge bombshell (I saw coming) was dropped and she was once again left devastated.
SPOILERS AHEAD
A mysterious man in a cap, two stolen paintings and a good hard slap later, Valentina finds herself held at knife point at a train station, about to either be stabbed to death or thrown onto the tracks before an approaching train. She finally falls into the arms of Leonardo, her trusted friend/ occasional lover, but she only has eyes for someone else. Your probably thinking, not another lover, where does she keep finding them? But no, it's Theo, who along with Glen, survived the near drowning experience one year earlier.
From this point, the story line sped along, almost as though the author was running out of ideas. In just a few short pages, Valentina leaves Leonardo, deciding she wanted to be alone, and possibly celibate, for a while to collect herself, the way he did in India. Almost immediately, a huge family reunion is organized (so much for being alone) and she realizes she truly loves Theo and wants to be with him. The two share a steamy encounter (in only four pages) and.... the end. The book ends so suddenly, the reader barely has time to register. After three books, countless setbacks and a year or mourning, Valentina and Theo's big climactic (no pun intended) reunion was only four pages?! The Tantric sex got more page time.
This third and final book in what had been a great erotic series was truly a let down. If only there was a fourth book, something to bring the story back into line, something to look forward to again.. Valentina was a great character to read, but her story went off the rails.
March 4, 2014
I received my copy from the publisher through the author and rated it 4.5 stars.
This is the third and final title in a trilogy and best read in order. The first two books, ‘Liberate Yourself’ and ‘Lose Yourself’ were previously published (and reviewed by me) as ‘Valentina’ and ‘Valentina on the Edge’.
A year has passed since Valentina lost Theo, the love of her life. He drowned while trying to safe her from Glen, his rival and enemy. The passing of twelve months has done little to lessen Valentina’s grief but she knows she has to try and embrace life again.
The opportunity to work in New York for a while seems to be just what Valentina needs and it isn’t long before her new surroundings awaken her sexual desires as well as a renewed interest in life and photography. When Leonardo also arrives in New York he is, once again, her rock in the storm. When he introduces her to Tantric sex she discovers things about herself, her body and about sharing that she never knew existed.
“You have been making love with your mind, and that’s why you are hurting so much at the moment. I want to return you to your body, Valentina, for that is the way to healing your heart.”
But New York also brings danger back to Valentina’s life. While in a gallery she sees a man who strongly reminds her of Glen, the criminal who has killed Theo, who was supposed to have died at the same time. Torn between a growing sense of danger and the need to get revenge Valentina makes a shocking discovery and puts her life in danger.
This is also the story of Valentina’s mother, Tina. We learn about the two big loves in her life and the tragedy that made it impossible for her to be with either of them. We discover why Valentina and her mother have such a strained relationship and are witnesses as the past is slowly but carefully revealed and past hurts healed.
I’m a bit surprised at how much I loved this book and this series. If I’m completely honest, I have to admit that I really don’t like Valentina, or her mother, very much. I most books not liking the main character would be enough to put me off reading or finishing the story. Clearly that wasn’t the case with this trilogy and I can think of at least two reasons why.
First of all there’s the fact that while Valentina may not be the most sympathetic of characters she is definitely intriguing and fascinating. I felt like slapping this young woman on too many occasions to count while reading this trilogy and yet had a hard time putting the books down. Valentina managed to get under my skin. I needed to know what she’d get up to next, how her story would end and, most of all, if she would, eventually, redeem herself (in my eyes).
The second reason I love this book and trilogy is so much can be found in the wonderful way with words this author has. Evie Blake writes with almost poetic precisions, her descriptions sparkle and she manages to create an almost tangible atmosphere on the page. Whether it is the doom and gloom of East Berlin during the 1980’s or present day New York, the place comes alive before the reader’s eyes.
This book is not so much sexy as sultry and seductive. The reader is drawn into to the intimacy rather than confronted with it, allowed to share the sensuous pleasures at a leisurely but also pleasurable pace. In fact, I think the way the sex scenes in this story are written is completely in tune with Tantric sex as described in this book; focussed on sharing joy, giving rather than receiving and opening your heart to beauty. And if this trilogy can be captured in just one word, that word would be ‘beautiful’.
For the (sexually) curious among us this book comes with a few wonderful extras. We are given ‘Leonardo’s Tantric Sex Keys’ as well as the opportunity to learn ‘How to give a Lingam Massage’. The joys this book brings to its readers continue long after the story has finished.
“Tears begin to load her eyes. He sees them and recognises how rare and precious they are, like fragments of their love, lost and refound.”
This is the third and final title in a trilogy and best read in order. The first two books, ‘Liberate Yourself’ and ‘Lose Yourself’ were previously published (and reviewed by me) as ‘Valentina’ and ‘Valentina on the Edge’.
A year has passed since Valentina lost Theo, the love of her life. He drowned while trying to safe her from Glen, his rival and enemy. The passing of twelve months has done little to lessen Valentina’s grief but she knows she has to try and embrace life again.
The opportunity to work in New York for a while seems to be just what Valentina needs and it isn’t long before her new surroundings awaken her sexual desires as well as a renewed interest in life and photography. When Leonardo also arrives in New York he is, once again, her rock in the storm. When he introduces her to Tantric sex she discovers things about herself, her body and about sharing that she never knew existed.
“You have been making love with your mind, and that’s why you are hurting so much at the moment. I want to return you to your body, Valentina, for that is the way to healing your heart.”
But New York also brings danger back to Valentina’s life. While in a gallery she sees a man who strongly reminds her of Glen, the criminal who has killed Theo, who was supposed to have died at the same time. Torn between a growing sense of danger and the need to get revenge Valentina makes a shocking discovery and puts her life in danger.
This is also the story of Valentina’s mother, Tina. We learn about the two big loves in her life and the tragedy that made it impossible for her to be with either of them. We discover why Valentina and her mother have such a strained relationship and are witnesses as the past is slowly but carefully revealed and past hurts healed.
I’m a bit surprised at how much I loved this book and this series. If I’m completely honest, I have to admit that I really don’t like Valentina, or her mother, very much. I most books not liking the main character would be enough to put me off reading or finishing the story. Clearly that wasn’t the case with this trilogy and I can think of at least two reasons why.
First of all there’s the fact that while Valentina may not be the most sympathetic of characters she is definitely intriguing and fascinating. I felt like slapping this young woman on too many occasions to count while reading this trilogy and yet had a hard time putting the books down. Valentina managed to get under my skin. I needed to know what she’d get up to next, how her story would end and, most of all, if she would, eventually, redeem herself (in my eyes).
The second reason I love this book and trilogy is so much can be found in the wonderful way with words this author has. Evie Blake writes with almost poetic precisions, her descriptions sparkle and she manages to create an almost tangible atmosphere on the page. Whether it is the doom and gloom of East Berlin during the 1980’s or present day New York, the place comes alive before the reader’s eyes.
This book is not so much sexy as sultry and seductive. The reader is drawn into to the intimacy rather than confronted with it, allowed to share the sensuous pleasures at a leisurely but also pleasurable pace. In fact, I think the way the sex scenes in this story are written is completely in tune with Tantric sex as described in this book; focussed on sharing joy, giving rather than receiving and opening your heart to beauty. And if this trilogy can be captured in just one word, that word would be ‘beautiful’.
For the (sexually) curious among us this book comes with a few wonderful extras. We are given ‘Leonardo’s Tantric Sex Keys’ as well as the opportunity to learn ‘How to give a Lingam Massage’. The joys this book brings to its readers continue long after the story has finished.
“Tears begin to load her eyes. He sees them and recognises how rare and precious they are, like fragments of their love, lost and refound.”
July 22, 2016
***I received this book as part of the first reads***
I'm still a little lost on what I really feel about his book. It's quite different from most things I have read before and that is definitely not a bad thing.
It's split between 2 POV's and also 2 different time eras. Valentina, is the character in the present time. We find her completely lost and devastated after the loss of her fiancé Theo and trying to decide where to go and what to do next. Her friend gives her the opportunity she needs, a leading magazine in the US want a photographer for a shoot. She also can stay with her friend. So she makes the move. Then it's about her finding herself and exploring her desires.
The other POV is Valentina's mother Tina. We are seeing some episodes of her life showing a brief and steamy affair she had with a cellist in Berlin. Everything that happened and afterwards has led to something bigger.
I don't want to give too much away and ruin the story. The writing is incredible and the detail gone in to this book has such an impact. So it was a really great read. There was a lot to take in and I felt I needed to pay attention but it was definitely an impressive read. 3.5 stars
I'm still a little lost on what I really feel about his book. It's quite different from most things I have read before and that is definitely not a bad thing.
It's split between 2 POV's and also 2 different time eras. Valentina, is the character in the present time. We find her completely lost and devastated after the loss of her fiancé Theo and trying to decide where to go and what to do next. Her friend gives her the opportunity she needs, a leading magazine in the US want a photographer for a shoot. She also can stay with her friend. So she makes the move. Then it's about her finding herself and exploring her desires.
The other POV is Valentina's mother Tina. We are seeing some episodes of her life showing a brief and steamy affair she had with a cellist in Berlin. Everything that happened and afterwards has led to something bigger.
I don't want to give too much away and ruin the story. The writing is incredible and the detail gone in to this book has such an impact. So it was a really great read. There was a lot to take in and I felt I needed to pay attention but it was definitely an impressive read. 3.5 stars
April 11, 2015
Nach dem Schicksalsschlag nimmt Valentina einen Auftrag in New York an. Dort versucht sie alles u vergessen und kommt in einen gefährlichen Strudel der Lust. Zum Glück taucht ein alter Bekannter wieder auf der sie rechtzeitig wieder auf den richtigen Weg bringt. Doch ganz lässt sie die Vergangenheit in New York nicht los. Immer wieder holt sie die Vergangenheit ein. Diesen Mal begleiten wir Valentina´s Mutter in die Vergangenheit.
Das letzte Band und auch das beste. So spannend war noch keins der Bänder vorher. Ich wollte das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen. Ich habe mit beiden gefiebert und gehofft, geweint und gelacht. Immer wieder kam es zu Überraschung, mache waren im ersten Moment gut und waren doch nicht das was man erwartet hatte. Hier passiert nichts was man im Voraus erahnen konnte. Tantra was das Thema in diesem Buch, als Erotik Zugabe. Die so interessant beschrieben war, das ich mich da etwas informieren werde. Doch ging es in diesem Buch eher um Gefühle, Familie, Freunde und nicht um Sex. Ich persönlich kann die Serie nur empfehlen.
Das letzte Band und auch das beste. So spannend war noch keins der Bänder vorher. Ich wollte das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen. Ich habe mit beiden gefiebert und gehofft, geweint und gelacht. Immer wieder kam es zu Überraschung, mache waren im ersten Moment gut und waren doch nicht das was man erwartet hatte. Hier passiert nichts was man im Voraus erahnen konnte. Tantra was das Thema in diesem Buch, als Erotik Zugabe. Die so interessant beschrieben war, das ich mich da etwas informieren werde. Doch ging es in diesem Buch eher um Gefühle, Familie, Freunde und nicht um Sex. Ich persönlich kann die Serie nur empfehlen.
August 24, 2016
Brilliantly written, with an attention to detail that I love. It's a book that you take your time with becoming emersed into the lives of these two women. Warning: it has it's tear-jerker moments especially in the beginning. Now I need to find the first two books in this series!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
July 7, 2014
I read the 3rd book because I had to know what happened to Theo :p
I liked Tina's story, especially the love story between her and Valentina's father. The communist Germany, the brutality of a socialist regime that banns even love! But Valentina's story is a little bit pushed and not that intense, but well, at least we can delight ourselves with a happy end :D
I liked Tina's story, especially the love story between her and Valentina's father. The communist Germany, the brutality of a socialist regime that banns even love! But Valentina's story is a little bit pushed and not that intense, but well, at least we can delight ourselves with a happy end :D
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September 27, 2016Ik heb het boek uitgelezen omdat ik dat nu eenmaal altijd doe. Meestal hoop ik dan dat het boek beter wordt verder in het verhaal en het toch de moeite waard wordt. Echter in dit boek gebeurde dat zeer zeker niet. Vond de verhaallijnen niet echt boeiend en de hoofdstukken waar het vrijwel alleen over seksualiteit ging niet boeiend. jammer !!! 2,5 ster is meer dan genoeg
June 4, 2015
I'm not finished the book today.There are too many emotions over time to 1989. I was young and I had dreams. and I lived in East-Germany .
Many things are right, but it was not all things bad and evil.
I cry like a little child
Many things are right, but it was not all things bad and evil.
I cry like a little child
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews