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Heightsbound #1
Heights of Desire
A woman who has everything meets a man who can offer her nothing but trouble. They bring each other to a height of desire neither thought possible, but is it enough to overcome the differences that tear them apart?
Kate Champion, a forty-two-year-old, married mother of two, leads an enviable upper class life of luxury. Her comfortable path takes an unexpected detour after a chance encounter at a neighborhood playground.
Jaylee Inoa is a twenty-two-year-old, second generation New York Dominican with close ties to the Heights and the gangs that run them.
Her life of privilege is no match for the code of the streets he navigates with ease. When a crime of the heart leads to a crime in the flesh, how far will she go to redeem him? Can she risk all in her life that is golden for the love of her golden-eyed man?
Warning:Heights of Desire contains descriptions of: gang activity, graphic sex, violence, dubious consent, unprotected sex, infidelity, infidelity and more infidelity, questionable parenting and some dialogue in Spanish without translation.
Kate Champion, a forty-two-year-old, married mother of two, leads an enviable upper class life of luxury. Her comfortable path takes an unexpected detour after a chance encounter at a neighborhood playground.
Jaylee Inoa is a twenty-two-year-old, second generation New York Dominican with close ties to the Heights and the gangs that run them.
Her life of privilege is no match for the code of the streets he navigates with ease. When a crime of the heart leads to a crime in the flesh, how far will she go to redeem him? Can she risk all in her life that is golden for the love of her golden-eyed man?
Warning:Heights of Desire contains descriptions of: gang activity, graphic sex, violence, dubious consent, unprotected sex, infidelity, infidelity and more infidelity, questionable parenting and some dialogue in Spanish without translation.
280 pages, ebook
First published December 22, 2013
36 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
About the author
Mara White
24 books583 followersMara White is a contemporary romance and erotica writer who laces forbidden love stories with hard issues, such as race, gender and inequality. She holds an Ivy League degree but has also worked in more strip clubs than even she can remember. She is not a former Mexican telenovela star contrary to what the tabloids might say, but she is a former ballerina and will always remain one in her heart. She lives in NYC with her husband and two children and yes, when she’s not writing you can find her on the playground.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
April 2, 2017
In this third, and final, installment of the 'Killing The Sun' series, the tension between Danny and Aimee is at an all-time high. Aimee is finally ready to stand up to Danny, even as she still yearns for his love on some level. With Aimee slipping away, Danny is at his most brutal.
For the first time while reading this series, I really feared what Danny might do to Aimee. He was always violent and controlling, but I never got the sense that he wanted to truly harm Aimee before. Now, there is no telling what he might do to her. He might even want her dead.
As Danny is brought to justice for his criminal activities, Aimee's secrets also come to light. In fact, she proved to be more duplicitous than Danny, in my opinion. It was like there was this whole other person that I was blind to before. Part of me felt betrayed by her, while another part felt proud that she had it in her.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that this series took me by surprise. It was a whirlwind of steamy sex and betrayals. And that ending! I am dying to know what happens next. I would kill for an epilogue or another book. I imagine a dark romance with Danny and Aimee living out the HEA together...but I always root for the anti-hero. Damn these two twisted geniuses!
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
For the first time while reading this series, I really feared what Danny might do to Aimee. He was always violent and controlling, but I never got the sense that he wanted to truly harm Aimee before. Now, there is no telling what he might do to her. He might even want her dead.
As Danny is brought to justice for his criminal activities, Aimee's secrets also come to light. In fact, she proved to be more duplicitous than Danny, in my opinion. It was like there was this whole other person that I was blind to before. Part of me felt betrayed by her, while another part felt proud that she had it in her.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that this series took me by surprise. It was a whirlwind of steamy sex and betrayals. And that ending! I am dying to know what happens next. I would kill for an epilogue or another book. I imagine a dark romance with Danny and Aimee living out the HEA together...but I always root for the anti-hero. Damn these two twisted geniuses!
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
January 26, 2014
3.5 train wreck a coming stars
Geez... read this one on a whim. Tried the sample and BAM... had to splurge and spring for the 99 pennies this one cost.
I guess since I am an older women, I get excited over the younger hot dude fantasy and this one certainly had that going. I thought the author did a very good job of portraying the absolute lusty insanity of a married woman with children going cuckoo over a bad boy thug twenty years younger than her.
Although this story did have many WTH moments and I didn't really 'get' what all the fuss was over Jaylee- I still could not put it down until the Epi (which is in his pov)
My favorite character in this book is Sarah, Kate's bestfriend. Would like to read about her story. She cracked me up!
Geez... read this one on a whim. Tried the sample and BAM... had to splurge and spring for the 99 pennies this one cost.
I guess since I am an older women, I get excited over the younger hot dude fantasy and this one certainly had that going. I thought the author did a very good job of portraying the absolute lusty insanity of a married woman with children going cuckoo over a bad boy thug twenty years younger than her.
Although this story did have many WTH moments and I didn't really 'get' what all the fuss was over Jaylee- I still could not put it down until the Epi (which is in his pov)
My favorite character in this book is Sarah, Kate's bestfriend. Would like to read about her story. She cracked me up!
March 29, 2017
4.5 Stars!
In Part Three, the final conclusion comes to a twisty crescendo of lies, greed and corrupted love as it’s time for Aimee Olsen to decide whether she is going to be a giver or a taker. While it may seem obvious which of the two Danny Montclair may be, sometimes distinctions can be deceiving.
As the plot delves further into the past lives of Aimee and Danny, more truths surface but knowing these facts it doesn’t necessarily offer any solace but rather serves to explain motivations; however, devious they may be. With Aimee’s decision, she knows the consequences are grave and far-reaching, but the small town girl from Sulphur, Oklahoma is ready to stand on her own. With plot pivots and twists, the reveal of certain facts, change the dynamic of the relationships Aimee experiences over time.
In this final book, I enjoyed all the conflicting feelings the authors made me feel with these characters. While I wanted to root for one, sometimes it felt like choosing a side wasn’t an option. The similarities between the meager upbringings shared by Aimee and Danny fueled their drive and unified these two in a deep way for me. But drawing a distinction between Aimee and Danny isn’t an easy task, as their destructive qualities began to take hold.
The core of the story is that Aimee and Danny choose their destiny and when delving into certain enterprises, they must then be prepared for the consequences. Danny’s possessiveness over Aimee doesn’t waver and perhaps she has met her match in Danny. I liked the tenacity of both these characters and I cherished their dark sides. As for the secondary characters, all had a place in the story that effectively propelled the plot.
Overall, this series takes the reader on a journey that will yield a range of emotions, as each character has traits that evoke empathy, anger, respect, love, desire and satisfaction. The intrigue and steady pace kept my interest and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. And I really loved the ending. I highly recommend!
Three Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
In Part Three, the final conclusion comes to a twisty crescendo of lies, greed and corrupted love as it’s time for Aimee Olsen to decide whether she is going to be a giver or a taker. While it may seem obvious which of the two Danny Montclair may be, sometimes distinctions can be deceiving.
“It’s love that brings us together, but with that same love, we can also fall down, we can destroy one another.”
As the plot delves further into the past lives of Aimee and Danny, more truths surface but knowing these facts it doesn’t necessarily offer any solace but rather serves to explain motivations; however, devious they may be. With Aimee’s decision, she knows the consequences are grave and far-reaching, but the small town girl from Sulphur, Oklahoma is ready to stand on her own. With plot pivots and twists, the reveal of certain facts, change the dynamic of the relationships Aimee experiences over time.
“There are countless choices in life. Make the ones that give you the power and it will transform your life.”
In this final book, I enjoyed all the conflicting feelings the authors made me feel with these characters. While I wanted to root for one, sometimes it felt like choosing a side wasn’t an option. The similarities between the meager upbringings shared by Aimee and Danny fueled their drive and unified these two in a deep way for me. But drawing a distinction between Aimee and Danny isn’t an easy task, as their destructive qualities began to take hold.
“See, humble beginnings should never be underestimated. They put the bite in our step and the steel in our backbone.”
The core of the story is that Aimee and Danny choose their destiny and when delving into certain enterprises, they must then be prepared for the consequences. Danny’s possessiveness over Aimee doesn’t waver and perhaps she has met her match in Danny. I liked the tenacity of both these characters and I cherished their dark sides. As for the secondary characters, all had a place in the story that effectively propelled the plot.
Overall, this series takes the reader on a journey that will yield a range of emotions, as each character has traits that evoke empathy, anger, respect, love, desire and satisfaction. The intrigue and steady pace kept my interest and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. And I really loved the ending. I highly recommend!
Three Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
January 30, 2014
SPOILERS because that book was horrible and I want to cry for reading it
Yeah Sandra I know how you feel !
This book was SO disappointing. This was supposed to be the story of a 42 married woman with 2 children who falls in love with a 22 years "bad boy". What I read was the story of a 17 years old whining bitch who doesn't know who to choose between the bad boy and the wealthy boy, so she decides to keep them both.
Kate, the "heroine" didn't have any empathy in her. At all. She doesn't think. She doesn't care. She sees Jaylee and she wants him. That simple. Lust at first sight. But she doesn't want to leave her comfy life. She loves her husband, she makes love to him even if she thinks of Jaylee after (so sick).
Obviously the husband finds out what the hell his wife does behind his back. He decides to beat Jaylee, gives him money and then tells him to leave Kate alone... Of course, she still sees him after that.
"I want to kiss you, but your man probably got his spies out" he says.
Desire curls like smoke through my body. With his touch a great relief washes over me, something deep inside me relaxes.
"Kiss me, I don't care who sees"
At first I was like
And then
And it doesn't bother her to want to screw her husband after her date with Jaylee.
She is a selfish bitch. She doesn't even try to stay away from him. And her husband is an asshole, he tells his 9 years old girl that her mom has a boyfriend.
6 months later, she still is with her husband and the sex between them is great. Yeah we really need to read that to like her better !
Of course, she sees Jaylee again, and even better her husband agrees to let them sleep together ! YOUHOU ! And poof, she get pregnant.... and the husband is not happy happy ! DUH !
One of the majors WTF was :
I loved her friend Sarah:
« This is like Twilight, Robert is Robert Pattinson, obviously, and Jaylee is the younger one, the brown one. The wolf with the abs.”
“What are they doing? The real people, for Christ’s sake, Sarah!”
“Standing on the porch. They both want you – so you’re Bella. But you actually put out. You’re a slutty Bella.”
“I can’t believe you read Twilight!” I say between dry heaves.
“Read it, loved it, and I’d read it again. Ain’t no shame in my game, Great. »
What I gonna do with the book next
Yeah Sandra I know how you feel !
This book was SO disappointing. This was supposed to be the story of a 42 married woman with 2 children who falls in love with a 22 years "bad boy". What I read was the story of a 17 years old whining bitch who doesn't know who to choose between the bad boy and the wealthy boy, so she decides to keep them both.
Kate, the "heroine" didn't have any empathy in her. At all. She doesn't think. She doesn't care. She sees Jaylee and she wants him. That simple. Lust at first sight. But she doesn't want to leave her comfy life. She loves her husband, she makes love to him even if she thinks of Jaylee after (so sick).
Obviously the husband finds out what the hell his wife does behind his back. He decides to beat Jaylee, gives him money and then tells him to leave Kate alone... Of course, she still sees him after that.
"I want to kiss you, but your man probably got his spies out" he says.
Desire curls like smoke through my body. With his touch a great relief washes over me, something deep inside me relaxes.
"Kiss me, I don't care who sees"
At first I was like
And then
And it doesn't bother her to want to screw her husband after her date with Jaylee.
She is a selfish bitch. She doesn't even try to stay away from him. And her husband is an asshole, he tells his 9 years old girl that her mom has a boyfriend.
6 months later, she still is with her husband and the sex between them is great. Yeah we really need to read that to like her better !
Of course, she sees Jaylee again, and even better her husband agrees to let them sleep together ! YOUHOU ! And poof, she get pregnant.... and the husband is not happy happy ! DUH !
One of the majors WTF was :
I loved her friend Sarah:
« This is like Twilight, Robert is Robert Pattinson, obviously, and Jaylee is the younger one, the brown one. The wolf with the abs.”
“What are they doing? The real people, for Christ’s sake, Sarah!”
“Standing on the porch. They both want you – so you’re Bella. But you actually put out. You’re a slutty Bella.”
“I can’t believe you read Twilight!” I say between dry heaves.
“Read it, loved it, and I’d read it again. Ain’t no shame in my game, Great. »
What I gonna do with the book next
December 24, 2013
Mara White has BLOWN ME AWAY with this beautifully tragic love story!
Heights of Desire is one of the best books of 2013!
Full review on Martini Times...
http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
Heights of Desire is one of the best books of 2013!
Full review on Martini Times...
http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
November 4, 2014
I'm rating this 4 stars purely on entertainment factor. I'm still not sure how I feel about the story. Full review here at Book 2 Fear of Heights
January 23, 2014
5++ stars!! LOVED this book!! Fantastic debut from Mara White. Very controversial story. Don't miss this one! Full review here: Heights of Desire
December 29, 2013
Jointly reviewed on: http://wp.me/p2WbFf-3EE
Gitte: How do I even start with this one Jenny? This was one ugly fucked up book, pardon my language! But it really was. I don’t honestly know if I really disliked everyone or liked them for their faults and raw emotion. It’s a train wreck of a love story that’s for sure. There was so many dubious scenarios and questions left unanswered that at times I really wondered why I was still reading it. But I’ve come to the decision that for me, that was one of the reasons for why I did indeed keep reading. I couldn’t look away. I was gobsmacked! I don’t actually think I liked a single character in this book, which has never happened to me before. I’ve been close but not like this. And yet….still, I enjoyed it. It’s a reading conundrum.
“I didn’t change the rules, Kate, you did. Remember that.” – Robert
If you strip this story down to its basic format, you have a forty-something married woman who pretty much leads the life of luxury. Is she bored? Dissatisfied or even sexually frustrated. Nope, she just falls in lust and love with someone completely removed from her world and it becomes a natural obsession.
‘Before Jaylee, I was always under the impression that people cheated on their spouses because they were seeking something outside of marriage that was missing. I’m not sure if anything was lacking in my marriage to Robert. I wasn’t looking; Jaylee just happened.’ – Kate
This story throws everything at you; age difference, adultery, social class stigmas, and cultural and gender issues. This story stripped down to the naked ugly truth and so far removed from romanticism as you can get. It really isn’t pretty.
“I guess Robert wins the moral high ground here; I just let a young man finger me in a parking lot in New Jersey.” – Kate
It was controversial, no question….. How did you feel Jenny?
Jenny: I’m with you there Gitte. It was certainly controversial and honestly…I have no idea how I felt about this book. This is cheating in its very worst and most brutal form. I know I was perversely addicted to it and read it in one sitting despite my many, many misgivings on the story, the characters and some of the plot holes, but did I enjoy it? I don’t think enjoy is the right word for it. All I can say is I couldn’t put it down and I was continuously gobsmacked at what unfolded before my eyes.
This was the ultimate forbidden “romance” book. I put romance in inverted commas because to me this was not a romance. Not at all. This was one fucked up woman who needed a severe slapping. What the hell was she thinking? As you said, she wasn’t unloved or unhappy, she just saw something and decided “ohhh I’ll have a bit of that”, with no regard for her husband or her children.
‘I’m not sure how he did it or what it means, but I can feel that my life has somehow changed since I looked into his eyes.’ – Kate
Yes, I get that Kate but really…you should have looked away and kept walking!
Like you, I didn’t like a single character apart from the two young children. I wanted to whisk them away from their fucked up parents and look after them. No one deserved to live in that environment.
I don’t even know where to start with how I felt about Kate. What woman of sound mind would have sex with a man, a convicted felon, who openly spoke of his many dalliances, without a condom and then go home and have unprotected sex with her husband? What woman….not knowing a thing about this 22 year old man would then invite her into her home, with her young daughters and then allow him to babysit them on HIS OWN!!! Kate, you need a slap! That was just one of the many, many ridiculous decisions this woman made.
“Yes, I want you!” “I want you so badly it’s killing me. It’s ruining my life.” – Kate
So yeah…for me it was like reading through my fingers. I was bloody addicted, I wanted to look away but I couldn’t and although I had a lot of issues I know I could not put this one down.
Gitte: The actions of Kate, her husband Robert and her lover Jaylee are bizarre, intriguing, uncomfortable, addictive and surprising.
“You’re the one writing this story, Kate. You just have to decide if it’s a story where love triumphs and perseveres. Or is it going to be a tragedy where love ends in broken hearts and destruction? Only you know the outcome.” – Robert
You could quite simply not predict anything in this story. I did feel that we should’ve had more Robert, he was an enigma, and yes we got some hints to his being and actions. But on a whole that is one of the areas of this story that was lacking in my opinion. I wanted to understand Robert, hear his voice perhaps to understand and this wasn’t to be, which was a real shame! We got a small bit of Jaylee, well we should have had Robert too.
“I think I just had one of those first day of the rest of your life things yesterday. I feel different. I don’t know, it sounds dumb, but I feel more alive.” – Kate
“Fool me once, Kate, shame on you. Fool me twice…..I’m done playing around. I’m not sharing what’s rightfully mine.” – Robert
I have to give props to this Author for writing such a unique, addictive, ugly crazy arsed story with such fucked up unlikeable characters, because somehow, crazily, it worked; well for me anyway! And this is not even the end….there’s more to come from them, cliff-hanger alert! It was so bloody tragic, a disturbing passionate and compelling love story. Was it beautiful, no not in my opinion, however the rawness and the ugliness was written brilliantly.
‘…I’m full of shame but I can’t undo what’s done. I hold my head back and surrender to my fate, whatever I have done – I did for love.’ – Kate
Jenny: Absolutely agree with this one being unique. This was certainly different to anything I’ve read in a while and that was another reason I became engrossed in it, not to mention that I definitely couldn’t predict a thing in this book Gitte because it was so far off the spectrum of acceptable behaviour that I don’t think anyone could predict any of the outcomes.
‘It was the right thing to do to ask him to leave, but I know it can’t be the last time we’ll see each other. My life is quickly becoming a series of tedious waiting periods in between the moments I’m in his presence.’ – Kate
There were so many questions unanswered, so many plot holes and many dubious and odd character behaviour in this book it’s hard to pinpoint just who and what was the worst. And I say that in a reading frenzy sort of way because they all kept me gripped to my Kindle. Was it the bathroom scene? The wedding rings scenario? The hickey?…..just what was the story there and Robert allowing so much leniency towards Kate. And Kate’s friend? Well, she just floored me with her advice. Really Sarah? That’s the advice you give someone who is on the verge of ruining everything they’ve lived and worked for, including their children?
Robert was indeed an enigma. I think we’re going to find out a lot more about Robert in future books. See!!! As much as this book drove me crazy with its unlikeable characters and uncomfortable and awkward scenarios, I’m still going back for more because this was one crazy messed up ride and yes! I have to follow it through!
“I don’t know whether to fight for you or kick you out. What do you want me to do? What do you want from me?” – Robert
“I want you to be patient with me. Give me a chance to figure it out.” – Kate
I’m assuming the author made Kate such a strange and awkward character to evoke some semblance of sympathetic feelings from the reader to try and understand her decisions but that wasn’t going to happen. Kate was selfish and self-absorbed. Kate only cared about Kate. So many things about this woman confused me……..not to mention the scene where she receives letter of outpouring from her lover and Kate is more concerned with the composition and grammatical quality contained therein. Yes, this woman did a number on my head that’s for sure.
Jaylee, well I’m still not sure what his story is. He was passionately in love with Kate, no doubt about it but again, his actions didn’t belie the man. Was he the wronged man? I’m not sure what his role was. Was he played by them all? Was he playing them? Again, I have no idea.
J&G: So…Height of Desire. Wow! What a ride and a half. We talked at lengths about this book after we finished. The first thing we said was “what the hell was that?” Then we both decided that we had read a bizarre, uncomfortable, totally addictive and fucked up read that we couldn’t put down and that we will indeed both be back for more. Gluttons for punishment or what?
This is definitely not a hearts and flowers story and the sex is gritty, raw and rough between Kate and Jaylee, even as they grow in their love for each other you’re never afforded many tender moments. These two together are passionate and volatile and yes they exude sexual chemistry but little else. These two leave you on the edge of your seat and the other characters just love playing with your mind.
“I don’t know how to return what you do to me. I want to fucking brand you with myself. I can’t be away from you. I’ll lose my fucking mind if I can’t have you.” – Jaylee
“You have me, Haylee. I’m yours.” – Kate
Kate’s blatant disregard for her children’s welfare was something that had us despising this woman. Yes, we tried to argue for her in the beginning….in a somewhat stagnant marriage etc. etc. etc. but there was NO excusing her actions which were born out of pettiness and self-absorption. Kate was not a nice person.
But it is her behaviour and the bizarre behaviour of all the characters that had us flicking those pages like mad women. We couldn’t seem to get enough!
“Dream on, Kate. I know how this story ends.”
So, if you want to pick up a book that will have you addicted, swearing at your Kindle, slapping your forehead and constantly asking WTF? If you want to meet some truly unlikeable characters whose stories will leave you glued to your reading chair then we suggest you definitely pick this one up!
“ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review”
Gitte: How do I even start with this one Jenny? This was one ugly fucked up book, pardon my language! But it really was. I don’t honestly know if I really disliked everyone or liked them for their faults and raw emotion. It’s a train wreck of a love story that’s for sure. There was so many dubious scenarios and questions left unanswered that at times I really wondered why I was still reading it. But I’ve come to the decision that for me, that was one of the reasons for why I did indeed keep reading. I couldn’t look away. I was gobsmacked! I don’t actually think I liked a single character in this book, which has never happened to me before. I’ve been close but not like this. And yet….still, I enjoyed it. It’s a reading conundrum.
“I didn’t change the rules, Kate, you did. Remember that.” – Robert
If you strip this story down to its basic format, you have a forty-something married woman who pretty much leads the life of luxury. Is she bored? Dissatisfied or even sexually frustrated. Nope, she just falls in lust and love with someone completely removed from her world and it becomes a natural obsession.
‘Before Jaylee, I was always under the impression that people cheated on their spouses because they were seeking something outside of marriage that was missing. I’m not sure if anything was lacking in my marriage to Robert. I wasn’t looking; Jaylee just happened.’ – Kate
This story throws everything at you; age difference, adultery, social class stigmas, and cultural and gender issues. This story stripped down to the naked ugly truth and so far removed from romanticism as you can get. It really isn’t pretty.
“I guess Robert wins the moral high ground here; I just let a young man finger me in a parking lot in New Jersey.” – Kate
It was controversial, no question….. How did you feel Jenny?
Jenny: I’m with you there Gitte. It was certainly controversial and honestly…I have no idea how I felt about this book. This is cheating in its very worst and most brutal form. I know I was perversely addicted to it and read it in one sitting despite my many, many misgivings on the story, the characters and some of the plot holes, but did I enjoy it? I don’t think enjoy is the right word for it. All I can say is I couldn’t put it down and I was continuously gobsmacked at what unfolded before my eyes.
This was the ultimate forbidden “romance” book. I put romance in inverted commas because to me this was not a romance. Not at all. This was one fucked up woman who needed a severe slapping. What the hell was she thinking? As you said, she wasn’t unloved or unhappy, she just saw something and decided “ohhh I’ll have a bit of that”, with no regard for her husband or her children.
‘I’m not sure how he did it or what it means, but I can feel that my life has somehow changed since I looked into his eyes.’ – Kate
Yes, I get that Kate but really…you should have looked away and kept walking!
Like you, I didn’t like a single character apart from the two young children. I wanted to whisk them away from their fucked up parents and look after them. No one deserved to live in that environment.
I don’t even know where to start with how I felt about Kate. What woman of sound mind would have sex with a man, a convicted felon, who openly spoke of his many dalliances, without a condom and then go home and have unprotected sex with her husband? What woman….not knowing a thing about this 22 year old man would then invite her into her home, with her young daughters and then allow him to babysit them on HIS OWN!!! Kate, you need a slap! That was just one of the many, many ridiculous decisions this woman made.
“Yes, I want you!” “I want you so badly it’s killing me. It’s ruining my life.” – Kate
So yeah…for me it was like reading through my fingers. I was bloody addicted, I wanted to look away but I couldn’t and although I had a lot of issues I know I could not put this one down.
Gitte: The actions of Kate, her husband Robert and her lover Jaylee are bizarre, intriguing, uncomfortable, addictive and surprising.
“You’re the one writing this story, Kate. You just have to decide if it’s a story where love triumphs and perseveres. Or is it going to be a tragedy where love ends in broken hearts and destruction? Only you know the outcome.” – Robert
You could quite simply not predict anything in this story. I did feel that we should’ve had more Robert, he was an enigma, and yes we got some hints to his being and actions. But on a whole that is one of the areas of this story that was lacking in my opinion. I wanted to understand Robert, hear his voice perhaps to understand and this wasn’t to be, which was a real shame! We got a small bit of Jaylee, well we should have had Robert too.
“I think I just had one of those first day of the rest of your life things yesterday. I feel different. I don’t know, it sounds dumb, but I feel more alive.” – Kate
“Fool me once, Kate, shame on you. Fool me twice…..I’m done playing around. I’m not sharing what’s rightfully mine.” – Robert
I have to give props to this Author for writing such a unique, addictive, ugly crazy arsed story with such fucked up unlikeable characters, because somehow, crazily, it worked; well for me anyway! And this is not even the end….there’s more to come from them, cliff-hanger alert! It was so bloody tragic, a disturbing passionate and compelling love story. Was it beautiful, no not in my opinion, however the rawness and the ugliness was written brilliantly.
‘…I’m full of shame but I can’t undo what’s done. I hold my head back and surrender to my fate, whatever I have done – I did for love.’ – Kate
Jenny: Absolutely agree with this one being unique. This was certainly different to anything I’ve read in a while and that was another reason I became engrossed in it, not to mention that I definitely couldn’t predict a thing in this book Gitte because it was so far off the spectrum of acceptable behaviour that I don’t think anyone could predict any of the outcomes.
‘It was the right thing to do to ask him to leave, but I know it can’t be the last time we’ll see each other. My life is quickly becoming a series of tedious waiting periods in between the moments I’m in his presence.’ – Kate
There were so many questions unanswered, so many plot holes and many dubious and odd character behaviour in this book it’s hard to pinpoint just who and what was the worst. And I say that in a reading frenzy sort of way because they all kept me gripped to my Kindle. Was it the bathroom scene? The wedding rings scenario? The hickey?…..just what was the story there and Robert allowing so much leniency towards Kate. And Kate’s friend? Well, she just floored me with her advice. Really Sarah? That’s the advice you give someone who is on the verge of ruining everything they’ve lived and worked for, including their children?
Robert was indeed an enigma. I think we’re going to find out a lot more about Robert in future books. See!!! As much as this book drove me crazy with its unlikeable characters and uncomfortable and awkward scenarios, I’m still going back for more because this was one crazy messed up ride and yes! I have to follow it through!
“I don’t know whether to fight for you or kick you out. What do you want me to do? What do you want from me?” – Robert
“I want you to be patient with me. Give me a chance to figure it out.” – Kate
I’m assuming the author made Kate such a strange and awkward character to evoke some semblance of sympathetic feelings from the reader to try and understand her decisions but that wasn’t going to happen. Kate was selfish and self-absorbed. Kate only cared about Kate. So many things about this woman confused me……..not to mention the scene where she receives letter of outpouring from her lover and Kate is more concerned with the composition and grammatical quality contained therein. Yes, this woman did a number on my head that’s for sure.
Jaylee, well I’m still not sure what his story is. He was passionately in love with Kate, no doubt about it but again, his actions didn’t belie the man. Was he the wronged man? I’m not sure what his role was. Was he played by them all? Was he playing them? Again, I have no idea.
J&G: So…Height of Desire. Wow! What a ride and a half. We talked at lengths about this book after we finished. The first thing we said was “what the hell was that?” Then we both decided that we had read a bizarre, uncomfortable, totally addictive and fucked up read that we couldn’t put down and that we will indeed both be back for more. Gluttons for punishment or what?
This is definitely not a hearts and flowers story and the sex is gritty, raw and rough between Kate and Jaylee, even as they grow in their love for each other you’re never afforded many tender moments. These two together are passionate and volatile and yes they exude sexual chemistry but little else. These two leave you on the edge of your seat and the other characters just love playing with your mind.
“I don’t know how to return what you do to me. I want to fucking brand you with myself. I can’t be away from you. I’ll lose my fucking mind if I can’t have you.” – Jaylee
“You have me, Haylee. I’m yours.” – Kate
Kate’s blatant disregard for her children’s welfare was something that had us despising this woman. Yes, we tried to argue for her in the beginning….in a somewhat stagnant marriage etc. etc. etc. but there was NO excusing her actions which were born out of pettiness and self-absorption. Kate was not a nice person.
But it is her behaviour and the bizarre behaviour of all the characters that had us flicking those pages like mad women. We couldn’t seem to get enough!
“Dream on, Kate. I know how this story ends.”
So, if you want to pick up a book that will have you addicted, swearing at your Kindle, slapping your forehead and constantly asking WTF? If you want to meet some truly unlikeable characters whose stories will leave you glued to your reading chair then we suggest you definitely pick this one up!
“ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review”
July 22, 2016
Fucking Danny! I hate to love him. That's so fucked up.
August 1, 2017
This book is insane. I read most of it wth my chin on the floor, completely confused, shaking my head on almost every page. Kate is a character I loved to death but one who I never really understood. Her choices, her selfishness, everything about her, really, is mind boggling and you really won't get what I mean until you read this book. But given all of that, I never disliked her. I just wanted to understand all the things that I wasn't getting, and in the same way Malentendido seemed to fill in the blanks of Maldeamores, I'm hoping the next book in this storyline connects the dots I'm left with after reading this one.
I'll admit, this was a 3 - 3.5 star book until the epilogue. Now, I'm so freaking anxious to start the next book, I can't even see straight. Mara White SLAYS when she writes male POV, especially when that male is a Dominican hustler from the Heights.
I was completely engrossed in this story the whole way through. I never once wanted to put it down for even a moment. But I was definitely missing the chemistry between Jaylee and Kate early on. I read Maldeamores and Malentendido before I read Jaylee's story, so I was anxious for some of that angst, that same unrelenting attraction I felt between Lucky and Belén, an undeniable but forbidden force that I could root for even knowing how wrong it was. It took me a while to feel that attraction, to really believe these characters weren't just playing some strange game, to believe in the fact that these two really would give up everything they'd ever known to be together. I didn't believe it at first but eventually it happened. I wanted it for them even though I didn't quite get where it all came from. The journey was a bit bizarre, but eventually, somehow, I just got on board.
This book is wild. I love cheating in a storyline, not because I actually like the act of cheating, but because I like to be angry and uncomfortable and anxious when I read. But I struggled to understood Kate's choices for a long time in this book. I fell for Jaylee HARD in Maldeamores, so of course I was on board with Kate falling for him too. But I wasn't completely sold on her choices until late in the book. The dynamic between Kate, Robert and Jaylee is a train wreck. I dont know how things came to be, I don't get how this all happened, but I can't look away. I was consumed by the chaos. And by the end, especially after that epilogue, I'm so anxious for the sequel, for all my unanswered questions to finally be satisfied.
I'll admit, this was a 3 - 3.5 star book until the epilogue. Now, I'm so freaking anxious to start the next book, I can't even see straight. Mara White SLAYS when she writes male POV, especially when that male is a Dominican hustler from the Heights.
I was completely engrossed in this story the whole way through. I never once wanted to put it down for even a moment. But I was definitely missing the chemistry between Jaylee and Kate early on. I read Maldeamores and Malentendido before I read Jaylee's story, so I was anxious for some of that angst, that same unrelenting attraction I felt between Lucky and Belén, an undeniable but forbidden force that I could root for even knowing how wrong it was. It took me a while to feel that attraction, to really believe these characters weren't just playing some strange game, to believe in the fact that these two really would give up everything they'd ever known to be together. I didn't believe it at first but eventually it happened. I wanted it for them even though I didn't quite get where it all came from. The journey was a bit bizarre, but eventually, somehow, I just got on board.
This book is wild. I love cheating in a storyline, not because I actually like the act of cheating, but because I like to be angry and uncomfortable and anxious when I read. But I struggled to understood Kate's choices for a long time in this book. I fell for Jaylee HARD in Maldeamores, so of course I was on board with Kate falling for him too. But I wasn't completely sold on her choices until late in the book. The dynamic between Kate, Robert and Jaylee is a train wreck. I dont know how things came to be, I don't get how this all happened, but I can't look away. I was consumed by the chaos. And by the end, especially after that epilogue, I'm so anxious for the sequel, for all my unanswered questions to finally be satisfied.
April 17, 2014
Visit The Book Enthusiast for more reviews by the girls!
5 EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED STARS!
“Before Jaylee, I was always under the impression that people cheated on their spouses because they were seeking something outside of the marriage that was missing. I’m not sure if anything was lacking in my marriage to Robert. I wasn’t looking; Jaylee just happened.”
HOLY COW! I’m lost for words on how to accurately express my feelings on what I have just read! This is the first time I can say that I LOVED the story, yet DISLIKED almost every character in this book at the same time!
Heights of Desire primarily revolves around a 43 year old woman named Kate. She makes the irrational decision to keep an unconventional love-triangle going between her husband of ten years, Robert and her 22 year old love interest Jaylee. This is a phenomenal and well written story. I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it. Now I’m still left wondering to myself, “What the hell is going to happen next?”
There are two major reasons why I feel Heights of Desire is worthy of 5 STARS!
1. Heights of Desire is 100% unpredictable.
Most romance stories involving love triangles have a very similar, typical storyline. While reading Heights of Desire, I never knew what Kate, Jaylee or Robert planned to do next and this was refreshing. I LOVE a book filled with suspense and mystery.
2. Heights of Desire is 100% controversial
This book includes adultery at its best/worst. So, If you are not a fan of reading about cheating husbands and/or wives, I suggest you pass this one up because the book CONSTANTLY revolves around this issue and the repercussions surrounding infidelity with everyone involved.
Being completely honest in my review, parts of this book are so emotionally intense that I felt a bit awkward while reading this story around my own husband. I think this is partly because Kate has some mixed up feelings that I think many women/men might experience at some point in their marriage/relationship but NEVER actually act on or explore.
Their huge age gap, social statuses and cultural differences also play a vital role throughout the entire story.
You won’t know who to root for as you go through this book and sometimes every character might get on your nerves some way or another but I promise you this story will keep you entertained and guessing clear up to the very end.
I give Heights of Desire, 5 EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
5 EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED STARS!
“Before Jaylee, I was always under the impression that people cheated on their spouses because they were seeking something outside of the marriage that was missing. I’m not sure if anything was lacking in my marriage to Robert. I wasn’t looking; Jaylee just happened.”
HOLY COW! I’m lost for words on how to accurately express my feelings on what I have just read! This is the first time I can say that I LOVED the story, yet DISLIKED almost every character in this book at the same time!
Heights of Desire primarily revolves around a 43 year old woman named Kate. She makes the irrational decision to keep an unconventional love-triangle going between her husband of ten years, Robert and her 22 year old love interest Jaylee. This is a phenomenal and well written story. I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it. Now I’m still left wondering to myself, “What the hell is going to happen next?”
There are two major reasons why I feel Heights of Desire is worthy of 5 STARS!
1. Heights of Desire is 100% unpredictable.
Most romance stories involving love triangles have a very similar, typical storyline. While reading Heights of Desire, I never knew what Kate, Jaylee or Robert planned to do next and this was refreshing. I LOVE a book filled with suspense and mystery.
2. Heights of Desire is 100% controversial
This book includes adultery at its best/worst. So, If you are not a fan of reading about cheating husbands and/or wives, I suggest you pass this one up because the book CONSTANTLY revolves around this issue and the repercussions surrounding infidelity with everyone involved.
Being completely honest in my review, parts of this book are so emotionally intense that I felt a bit awkward while reading this story around my own husband. I think this is partly because Kate has some mixed up feelings that I think many women/men might experience at some point in their marriage/relationship but NEVER actually act on or explore.
Their huge age gap, social statuses and cultural differences also play a vital role throughout the entire story.
You won’t know who to root for as you go through this book and sometimes every character might get on your nerves some way or another but I promise you this story will keep you entertained and guessing clear up to the very end.
I give Heights of Desire, 5 EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
August 3, 2014
My heart was... actually.... physically.... aching throughout this book.
I have no words and if I had words I fear they would sound cliché.
Powerful book.
Powerful storyline.
I could not stop reading - I was getting grumpy at people and everyday life. I was not interested in anything else! I have not felt like this about a book in such a while.
There is only one other book (along with this one) where I have read the sample and just HAD to know what was going to happen. That other book was 'Beautiful Disaster'. This....is on the top shelf right next to Beautiful Disaster - and in my opinion Beautiful Disaster is an icon in this genre.
No words.....
I think I have edited my review four times now....
Aug 2014: I am reading this for the second time and the story detail and writing skill floors me. This is a must read, very well done!
Note to Author:
I get a bit frustrated at not having complete translation...
The 'Great' probably could have had some light shed on it a bit sooner
And: you are an Amazing Author, I do not dish out five stars willy nilly!
I have no words and if I had words I fear they would sound cliché.
Powerful book.
Powerful storyline.
I could not stop reading - I was getting grumpy at people and everyday life. I was not interested in anything else! I have not felt like this about a book in such a while.
There is only one other book (along with this one) where I have read the sample and just HAD to know what was going to happen. That other book was 'Beautiful Disaster'. This....is on the top shelf right next to Beautiful Disaster - and in my opinion Beautiful Disaster is an icon in this genre.
No words.....
I think I have edited my review four times now....
Aug 2014: I am reading this for the second time and the story detail and writing skill floors me. This is a must read, very well done!
Note to Author:
I get a bit frustrated at not having complete translation...
The 'Great' probably could have had some light shed on it a bit sooner
And: you are an Amazing Author, I do not dish out five stars willy nilly!
December 27, 2013
How do I say how awesome Heights of Desire is in a manly way? This book had me feel so many strong emotions that at one point I had to put it down because I was getting too upset and I didn't want to go to sleep that way. I caught myself smiling on a crowded subway at the end of one chapter and was immediately mad at Mara and Sarah (you'll meet her) for embarrassing me. I was lost in this world. This story is so well crafted and told, I can't believe it's a debut novel. Heights of Desire may have opened the door to a new genre for me. Best book I've read all year.
July 27, 2017
I SAW IT IN YOU STARS!!!
I am punching myself in my own face because I don't know why in the bloody hell I waited so long to read this book! Jesus what a ride Mara White took me on!
God. I fell HARD for Jaylee. Those eyes. Those abs. The things he says to Kate had me dying all the deads. CHRIST! My heart and soul melted. I wanted to be Kate. Not gonna lie. Just for a sexond. Or a million. The sex scenes were OFF THE CHARTS HOT and wrong, on so many levels. But Christ almighty it felt so good to be wrong and bad and dirty with these two. I was taken to another place with these star crossed lovers.
Now. There were many, many moments I wanted to slap Kate. I couldn't believe some of the shit she did. I said to myself, is this woman for REAL?! Damn. But man oh man the chemistry and love between Kate and Jaylee. My chest felt like it was being squeezed so hard. I just hoped and prayed that something good would come of this relationship. And to see him with her children. God. I had hearts in my eyes and fire in my loins for this young thug. He loves with his entire being. It's a beautiful thing.
If you are looking for a safe book, walk the other way. If you are looking for a forbidden, angsty, dirty, cheating book with an BIG age gap and HAF thugs then you have come to the right place. Click Heights of Desire RFN and buckle the fuck up because your life will never be the same and you are going to want to thrust yourself immediately into book two, Fear of Heights.
HEIGHTS OF DESIRE IS 99c for a LIMITED time!
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2uDEztB
I am punching myself in my own face because I don't know why in the bloody hell I waited so long to read this book! Jesus what a ride Mara White took me on!
God. I fell HARD for Jaylee. Those eyes. Those abs. The things he says to Kate had me dying all the deads. CHRIST! My heart and soul melted. I wanted to be Kate. Not gonna lie. Just for a sexond. Or a million. The sex scenes were OFF THE CHARTS HOT and wrong, on so many levels. But Christ almighty it felt so good to be wrong and bad and dirty with these two. I was taken to another place with these star crossed lovers.
Now. There were many, many moments I wanted to slap Kate. I couldn't believe some of the shit she did. I said to myself, is this woman for REAL?! Damn. But man oh man the chemistry and love between Kate and Jaylee. My chest felt like it was being squeezed so hard. I just hoped and prayed that something good would come of this relationship. And to see him with her children. God. I had hearts in my eyes and fire in my loins for this young thug. He loves with his entire being. It's a beautiful thing.
If you are looking for a safe book, walk the other way. If you are looking for a forbidden, angsty, dirty, cheating book with an BIG age gap and HAF thugs then you have come to the right place. Click Heights of Desire RFN and buckle the fuck up because your life will never be the same and you are going to want to thrust yourself immediately into book two, Fear of Heights.
HEIGHTS OF DESIRE IS 99c for a LIMITED time!
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2uDEztB
January 26, 2014
3 Stars for the Story + 5 Stars for HOT + 4 Stars for the writing = Jodie is at a loss what to rate a book is it 3, 4, or 5 I really truly do not know what to label it!!!
"You're the one writing this story, Kate. You just have to decide if it's a story where love triumphs and perseveres. Or is it going to be a tragedy where love ends in broken hearts and destruction? Only you know the outcome."
I don't know what kept me reading this book I was so upset, confused, and angry that several times I stopped and tried to go to bed only to roll over, grab my Kindle and start reading again. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is one of those books that you should prepare yourself because it will shock you to your core, and leave you shaking your head repeatedly and then cursing out loud that she has to be kidding you because honestly would she really, WTF, OMG, FOR HONEST TO GOD NOW THERE IS A CLIFFHANGER.
"I was always under the impression that people cheated on their spouses because they were seeking something outside of the marriage that was missing."
And that is the question I kept asking myself WHY?!?!? I think that is the true conflict I had WHY Kate was doing this. Kate had everything most women want she was married to a respectable attorney, she had the house, the kids, and to be honest she had a husband who yes, he wasn't there a lot but when he was he adored her and the girls. He gave her everything she wanted. I honestly was struggling with why the hell a gangbanging 22 yr old could even get her attention. Actually I get the attention, I get the spark but truly that's where it ends. Maybe that's what kept me intrigued, the whole thing was dysfunctional. I felt like I was watching a car crash and I couldn't look away for a second because this time I was a reporter at the scene and I wanted all the details. Seriously the whole time reading I was like JODIE WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU and then this other side was like OMG FLIP THE GOD DAMN PAGE WE NEED TO SEE WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON. I was having an internal conflict at the hands of Mara White.
HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is truly a novel that will shake you, its a tragic love story, if I had to label it I would say its a modern day twist on Romeo and Juliet. This is not a love story, this is something else but I have no idea what to call it. This book is raw, ugly and as much as I hate typing this you can't help but get completely sucked into the story. And I am sitting here saying but Jodie you gave it three stars why? Well, its because there are parts that are so unrealistic I never understood the husbands forgiveness, he wasn't abusive, he wasn't really anything. Jaylee and Kate I just didn't get it, I didn't get what her attraction to him was, I get instant chemistry but she was a mom, he was a gangbanger her kids should have come first. She had no reason with Jaylee and that was a struggle for me. What I will say is the Mara's writing is flawless she tackled a subject that leaves most livid but she did it with no apologies, she didn't force the reader to feel for Kate. She didn't make Jaylee look like this white knight that could save her, she made him real and maybe that is where my struggle was, in reality would this really happen?
"Nobody would understand that my love for you is my religion you are my Goddess and I would die for you at any time." Anthony "Romeo" Santos from the song Mi Santa
"You're the one writing this story, Kate. You just have to decide if it's a story where love triumphs and perseveres. Or is it going to be a tragedy where love ends in broken hearts and destruction? Only you know the outcome."
I don't know what kept me reading this book I was so upset, confused, and angry that several times I stopped and tried to go to bed only to roll over, grab my Kindle and start reading again. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is one of those books that you should prepare yourself because it will shock you to your core, and leave you shaking your head repeatedly and then cursing out loud that she has to be kidding you because honestly would she really, WTF, OMG, FOR HONEST TO GOD NOW THERE IS A CLIFFHANGER.
"I was always under the impression that people cheated on their spouses because they were seeking something outside of the marriage that was missing."
And that is the question I kept asking myself WHY?!?!? I think that is the true conflict I had WHY Kate was doing this. Kate had everything most women want she was married to a respectable attorney, she had the house, the kids, and to be honest she had a husband who yes, he wasn't there a lot but when he was he adored her and the girls. He gave her everything she wanted. I honestly was struggling with why the hell a gangbanging 22 yr old could even get her attention. Actually I get the attention, I get the spark but truly that's where it ends. Maybe that's what kept me intrigued, the whole thing was dysfunctional. I felt like I was watching a car crash and I couldn't look away for a second because this time I was a reporter at the scene and I wanted all the details. Seriously the whole time reading I was like JODIE WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU and then this other side was like OMG FLIP THE GOD DAMN PAGE WE NEED TO SEE WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON. I was having an internal conflict at the hands of Mara White.
HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is truly a novel that will shake you, its a tragic love story, if I had to label it I would say its a modern day twist on Romeo and Juliet. This is not a love story, this is something else but I have no idea what to call it. This book is raw, ugly and as much as I hate typing this you can't help but get completely sucked into the story. And I am sitting here saying but Jodie you gave it three stars why? Well, its because there are parts that are so unrealistic I never understood the husbands forgiveness, he wasn't abusive, he wasn't really anything. Jaylee and Kate I just didn't get it, I didn't get what her attraction to him was, I get instant chemistry but she was a mom, he was a gangbanger her kids should have come first. She had no reason with Jaylee and that was a struggle for me. What I will say is the Mara's writing is flawless she tackled a subject that leaves most livid but she did it with no apologies, she didn't force the reader to feel for Kate. She didn't make Jaylee look like this white knight that could save her, she made him real and maybe that is where my struggle was, in reality would this really happen?
"Nobody would understand that my love for you is my religion you are my Goddess and I would die for you at any time." Anthony "Romeo" Santos from the song Mi Santa
April 3, 2014
A woman who has everything meets a man who can offer her nothing but trouble. They meet and oh so quickly IT happens. I loved the way the author had the sense of taboo involved here. The characters were well written as was the language. I loved that I felt a level of intellect when reading Kate, her husband Robert and Sarah. As for Kate's love Jaylee, he was written superbly. His language was real, not written in a way that reflected ignorance or an uneducated person. He spoke in some slang and was also portrayed with a level of intelligence. I have read a few books that have had really bad language and when trying to decipher the characters I felt lost.
Kate Champion, a forty-two-year-old, married mother of two, leads an enviable upper class life of luxury. Jaylee Inoa is a twenty-two-year-old, second generation New York Dominican with close ties to the Heights and the gangs that run them. A very unlikely union is set up. In MY opinion Kate doesn't recognize that her heart is with Jaylee. His love, trust, and most importantly the ways he can see their future is pivotal to my love for him. Kate gets caught up in him, there is a connection, she does things she never would have done before. Her husband Robert (whom I hate with all my heart) is a lawyer. It doesnt take me long to see that all he wants is to win.
Being a New Yorker born and raised I loved reading the scenery. I am so biased when it comes to New York based books. I enjoy the landmarks and the expressive people. There was one character Sarah, who was Kate's college friend who was just that. She blew me away in every single scene. There were times where I loved her boldness. There were also times where I thought to myself, that is just what I would have said.
I love to read books that have characters that I relate to, am similar to, or want to be similar to. This book has everything I love. The authors represents all sides of the characters here. She has a great feeling and caring mom in Kate. There is the element of humor and that Sarah, well she is a queen to me. I cant even speak about Jaylee cause he is so real to me. Words can not describe how his loyalty took control of my heart. The Robert character pissed me off so bad, so that is the tell tale sign of a great author!
Kate grew up with a privileged family. They are so stuck up they wont even visit her in her neighborhood. She has a sister that she never sees because of the strain. Overall she is written as a very lonely woman. When she meets Jaylee it changes. She meets his family in a short amount of time so seeing the love had to hurt her, although she never said so. There is a loyalty in Washington Heights. When she learns that his father is in prison and he supports his Mom, Grandma and Sister Janinie, she falls deeper. I did too. His name is unique; Janet is his mom and Elias is his Dad so in English it is translated to Jaylee. What a perfect combination.
I urge you to read this book! It is loaded with angst, which I adore. When I got to the 90% point I was just looking at the darn Kindle. It was hard to see the ending, more that that to see there is a book 2 due out early this fall. Being I have a huge Dominican family and spent a lot of time in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata I related so much more. I really want more of their type of family. Something I am more than anxious for.
Kate Champion, a forty-two-year-old, married mother of two, leads an enviable upper class life of luxury. Jaylee Inoa is a twenty-two-year-old, second generation New York Dominican with close ties to the Heights and the gangs that run them. A very unlikely union is set up. In MY opinion Kate doesn't recognize that her heart is with Jaylee. His love, trust, and most importantly the ways he can see their future is pivotal to my love for him. Kate gets caught up in him, there is a connection, she does things she never would have done before. Her husband Robert (whom I hate with all my heart) is a lawyer. It doesnt take me long to see that all he wants is to win.
Being a New Yorker born and raised I loved reading the scenery. I am so biased when it comes to New York based books. I enjoy the landmarks and the expressive people. There was one character Sarah, who was Kate's college friend who was just that. She blew me away in every single scene. There were times where I loved her boldness. There were also times where I thought to myself, that is just what I would have said.
I love to read books that have characters that I relate to, am similar to, or want to be similar to. This book has everything I love. The authors represents all sides of the characters here. She has a great feeling and caring mom in Kate. There is the element of humor and that Sarah, well she is a queen to me. I cant even speak about Jaylee cause he is so real to me. Words can not describe how his loyalty took control of my heart. The Robert character pissed me off so bad, so that is the tell tale sign of a great author!
Kate grew up with a privileged family. They are so stuck up they wont even visit her in her neighborhood. She has a sister that she never sees because of the strain. Overall she is written as a very lonely woman. When she meets Jaylee it changes. She meets his family in a short amount of time so seeing the love had to hurt her, although she never said so. There is a loyalty in Washington Heights. When she learns that his father is in prison and he supports his Mom, Grandma and Sister Janinie, she falls deeper. I did too. His name is unique; Janet is his mom and Elias is his Dad so in English it is translated to Jaylee. What a perfect combination.
I urge you to read this book! It is loaded with angst, which I adore. When I got to the 90% point I was just looking at the darn Kindle. It was hard to see the ending, more that that to see there is a book 2 due out early this fall. Being I have a huge Dominican family and spent a lot of time in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata I related so much more. I really want more of their type of family. Something I am more than anxious for.
December 23, 2013
Braine's Talk Supe review
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I don't know why I subject myself to reading stories like this knowing that it will make me mad in so many ways and have me hating on the characters. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is one of those stories that will polarize you, you'll feel a lot of negative emotions towards the characters while love the writer for it. I think what's compelling about this novel is not the romance or even the intimate moments and for sure, there's hardly any moral dilemma as far as Kate Champion is concerned. It's compelling because it's taboo, it's dysfunctional, unconventional and provocative. I know what I was getting into so I was prepared to go to battle with Kate here so I kept on reading because it's unapologetic and challenging. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is truly a novel that will shake you, it's not romantic, the sex primal and hardly intimate, the logic irrational and the events tragic.
And that's a compliment to you, Mara White. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is gritty, raw and passionate it's impossible not to get into the story. Even if I'm not feeling giddy over Kate and Jaylee's love story, I kept on reading because MWhite wrote it so well it would be impossible for anybody to look away. Even on those chapters where I'm seething with bad juju I can't put it down because I want to know what happens next. Writing about a subject like cheating is tricky business, it's sure to ignite a lot of discussion and will surely polarize the readers for a lot of reasons. But I appreciate that MWhite didn't even attempt (I think) to make me like Kate, she didn't sugar coat her affair with Jaylee, and Jaylee certainly didn't go wax poetic and promised Kate things that he won't be able to fulfill. MWhite didn't make their affair into something that we can root for because it's quite obvious that this is a bad deal altogether. And my stand about this entire this is if Kate really can't keep her legs and heart closed for Jaylee then she should just ask for a divorce and ride off into the sunset with her boytoy's tricked out (maybe stolen) car.
WIN A SIGNED PRINT COPY OR 1 OF 2 DIGITAL COPIES (OPEN INTERNATIONAL)
I don't know why I subject myself to reading stories like this knowing that it will make me mad in so many ways and have me hating on the characters. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is one of those stories that will polarize you, you'll feel a lot of negative emotions towards the characters while love the writer for it. I think what's compelling about this novel is not the romance or even the intimate moments and for sure, there's hardly any moral dilemma as far as Kate Champion is concerned. It's compelling because it's taboo, it's dysfunctional, unconventional and provocative. I know what I was getting into so I was prepared to go to battle with Kate here so I kept on reading because it's unapologetic and challenging. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is truly a novel that will shake you, it's not romantic, the sex primal and hardly intimate, the logic irrational and the events tragic.
And that's a compliment to you, Mara White. HEIGHTS OF DESIRE is gritty, raw and passionate it's impossible not to get into the story. Even if I'm not feeling giddy over Kate and Jaylee's love story, I kept on reading because MWhite wrote it so well it would be impossible for anybody to look away. Even on those chapters where I'm seething with bad juju I can't put it down because I want to know what happens next. Writing about a subject like cheating is tricky business, it's sure to ignite a lot of discussion and will surely polarize the readers for a lot of reasons. But I appreciate that MWhite didn't even attempt (I think) to make me like Kate, she didn't sugar coat her affair with Jaylee, and Jaylee certainly didn't go wax poetic and promised Kate things that he won't be able to fulfill. MWhite didn't make their affair into something that we can root for because it's quite obvious that this is a bad deal altogether. And my stand about this entire this is if Kate really can't keep her legs and heart closed for Jaylee then she should just ask for a divorce and ride off into the sunset with her boytoy's tricked out (maybe stolen) car.
March 24, 2022
I was a little hesitant starting this because of the low rating but for me this ended up being a real page turner. I can definitely see why some people would be turned off by the things going on in this book, but for me it was like a train wreck I couldn't stop myself from watching. Yes the story is unrealistic. I mean these two people are so completely opposite it's ridiculous and it's highly unlikely they would even cross paths, let alone have such an instant connection the way it played out in this story not to mention the massive age difference. I also in no way condone extramarital affairs but I do have a weakness for forbidden love stories and that's how this translated for me. I thought the husbands reactions and almost acceptance of some things were unbelieveable. And even though I cringed thinking about a mother subjecting her young children to an affair at all. Not to mention the danger she put them in just being involved with someone with a lifestyle like Jaylee I still did not dislike Kate and I really felt her love for Jaylee although the things she did frustrated me at times. I could see the big "revelation" coming from a mile away but I still liked that it was part of the story. Even with all the cringe worthy moments at a basic level it is a heart wrenching kind of love story and it shows the overwhelming power love can have over a person. The authors writing is beautifully descriptive and it reminded me how much I liked her other book Maldeamores, also a forbidden love story with an unexpected ending. I think this author is highly underrated and I plan to read more by her in the future starting with the follow up to this book immediately after that cliffhanger I can't even imagine how this story is going to play out.
December 9, 2013
First-time author Mara White’s novel Heights of Desire is a stunning debut. It is a breathless, sexy, and hard-to-put down roller coaster. In a world of cookie cutter romance, hers is a fresh contrast to today’s predictable romance and erotica novels, complete with compelling, maddening and sexy characters and a fantastic plot. This book is not to be missed and the author is one to watch out for.
Read
December 16, 2013Heights of Desire will be January's book club read. Mara White's first novel is thrilling, emotional, and smart. It is mentally- and certainly physically- stimulating. I found myself envying and admonishing her protagonist all at once. I was hooked from the first page, and can't wait for the next book. Mara, I hope you are writing right now. Bravo!
December 25, 2013
A modern day Anna Karenina complete with sex drugs and Reggaeton! An epic romance of forbidden love!
March 22, 2014
Heights of Desire landed on my kindle by pure wonderful accident. My friend Michele posted on my fb “You have to read this book.” I was like ok let me add it to my TBR . And then my friend Autumn posted a review. After reading Autumns review and seeing that THE KING ROMEO SANTOS was the musical inspiration for this book. My soul said HELL YES! And I 1- Clicked and fell flat on my ass in Bronx New York in the Heights to be exact.
Sitting at the basketball court waiting for Jaylee to get done being with his boys.
Heights of Desire is about a 40 something Kate and her relationship with two men. Kate is married mother of two girls her life up until this point is pretty routine. It’s not boring but I do not think Kate feels she is truly able to have everything she wants. Her husband Robert he’s attentive , charming and more of a friend than her soul mate. Deep down on the inside Kate is full of passion and Robert is focused 100% on work and getting ahead.
Kate was not looking for love from another man but it just happened. That electrical pull and connection that two people who have that -thing- for each other . Yep, thats exactly what Kate and Jaylee have. Literally as soon as they meet sparks fly and this book because a page turner.
..."Then I see him, and just like I thought,I know it’s him immediately. Our eyes meet and hold. His are that intriguing yellow-brown and his skin is dark, making his eyes seem even lighter. He is remarkably beautiful, his body his eyes even his energy."
"No man has ever complimented me physically like Jaylee does. How can I say no to him when it feels as if my body were made for him?"
There is so much drama going on in the book and it increases overtime as Jaylee and Kate’s relationship develops. Kate and Jaylee come from two different worlds and even though they are different Jaylee has made Kate “his girl” and wants everyone on the block to know it.Kate has not left her husband and really isn’t sure if this is something she should/wants to do. Robert ain’t no fool… and Kate SMDH is very foolish with her decisions when it comes to her interactions with Jaylee and her husband.
And there’s a twilight reference in the book lol so if you won’t take my suggestion that this is a must read do it on the twilight prinicple of #FOREVER
...“This is like Twilight, Robert is Robert Pattison, obviously, and Jaylee is the younger one, the brown one. The wolf with the abs.”
Now if thats the case then this time I am sorry #teamEdward but Juewelz is def #teamJaylee
Jaylee knows damn well that Kate is married but that doesn’t stop him from his pursuit. He wants to give himself fully to Kate. Which is beautiful there are intimate scenes between the two characters that were hard for me to read due to the lack of emotion BUT once Jaylee finally opens up to Kate and we see how vulnerable they both are but especially Jaylee man I cried. Yep def shed tears with this book.
...“I don’t know how to return what you do to me. I want to fucking brand you with myself. I can’t be away from you. I’ll lose my fucking mind if I can’t have you.”
“You have me Jaylee. I’m yours.”
The author does such an amazing job at writing the scenes in this book. From being at the basketball court, arguments, driving in the car, walks in the park, salsa dancing and my favorite jet skis in the hudson. I was there with the characters. I hate that I have to even point this out but I LOVED the diversity in this book. I hate that their lacks characters of different cultures and as Mara even points out different financial backgrounds. This book has it all. The world is full on blonde bombshells and billionaires so its def nice reading a book that doesn’t paint it as such.One thing you will get when reading Height of Desire is you will feel. This book is filled with so much angst I literally felt like I was sweating while reading.
What I didn’t like about this book: NOTHING! I have no complaints. Wait, no I do have one. UMMM Cliff-ish yes most def! The ending gutted me I needed more pages on my kindle. The author states the book will be out later/summer to early fall 2014. I don’t want to harass but soon please :-)
Would I recommend this book: HELL YES! Yall know I DON’T give out 5′s so the point that I did should be enough for you to 1-click this book. Please read it! If you love ANGST, books with realistic characters and situations GET Heights of Desire.
-Laters, Juewelz xo
SMIBookClub
January 24, 2014
First off I have to say KUDOS to Mara White for her debut! Man I have to say that this series is going to be off the hook! I love novella's and reading this had me thinking about all the days I spent watching novella's with my grandfather. He would be yelling at the TV in Spanish and telling me what an idiot the people were being.
Right from the start when I started reading this story I thought dam can you imagine having it all but having nothing all at the same time? Well Kate knows this because she has everything from education to a loving husband to kids. She is living the life that most people dream of but there is something missing for her and when she finds it in a younger man her heart and her life will change. When Kate lays eyes on Jaylee she can't stop thinking she wants him in more ways then one and she is not sure where those feelings come from because she is happily married and has children but when she sees Jaylee something awakens in her.
Jaylee lord knows he is all sorts bad with a cocky attitude and looks to melt the skin right off you. He is a bad boy in all sorts of ways but when he meets Kate his world comes crashing down around him. The walls he keeps up come crashing down and when he and Kate get closer and things start to fall in place they realize there are a few issues at hand and one of them being he is younger than her and he comes from the streets. He is not educated like her and he does not have anything to offer her but love.
Can love be enough for these two or will the real world come crashing down on them and tear them apart? Holy shizz this is a must read for all you romance lovers!
Right from the start when I started reading this story I thought dam can you imagine having it all but having nothing all at the same time? Well Kate knows this because she has everything from education to a loving husband to kids. She is living the life that most people dream of but there is something missing for her and when she finds it in a younger man her heart and her life will change. When Kate lays eyes on Jaylee she can't stop thinking she wants him in more ways then one and she is not sure where those feelings come from because she is happily married and has children but when she sees Jaylee something awakens in her.
Jaylee lord knows he is all sorts bad with a cocky attitude and looks to melt the skin right off you. He is a bad boy in all sorts of ways but when he meets Kate his world comes crashing down around him. The walls he keeps up come crashing down and when he and Kate get closer and things start to fall in place they realize there are a few issues at hand and one of them being he is younger than her and he comes from the streets. He is not educated like her and he does not have anything to offer her but love.
Can love be enough for these two or will the real world come crashing down on them and tear them apart? Holy shizz this is a must read for all you romance lovers!
January 5, 2014
arc received in exchange for an honest review
whattt?.. nooo omg major cliffhanger
first off can I just say this book was brilliant, at the beginning it was quite confusing and I thought I was going to get lost but it just took a little adapting to the way it was wrote and then I sank into it, this book pulled me from my comfort zone on so many levels right through the whole story nothing went as I assumed it would and although I was battling with my inner self (do I accept that .. omg did that just happen ... did she just do that ... ?) I could not put this book down, it shocked me thrilled me made me cry ohh yes there will be tears and rage and swoon worthy moments the description on this book does it no justice what so ever it was way deeper than I ever expected. I cannot wait to find out what happens next for Katie reading this book I could never assume what happens next there where too many wtf moments :-) recommended to all lovers of books full of mischief , sexy, dangerous , heartfelt, with a lot of torn decisions 5 well deserved stars well done Mara brilliant book <3
whattt?.. nooo omg major cliffhanger
first off can I just say this book was brilliant, at the beginning it was quite confusing and I thought I was going to get lost but it just took a little adapting to the way it was wrote and then I sank into it, this book pulled me from my comfort zone on so many levels right through the whole story nothing went as I assumed it would and although I was battling with my inner self (do I accept that .. omg did that just happen ... did she just do that ... ?) I could not put this book down, it shocked me thrilled me made me cry ohh yes there will be tears and rage and swoon worthy moments the description on this book does it no justice what so ever it was way deeper than I ever expected. I cannot wait to find out what happens next for Katie reading this book I could never assume what happens next there where too many wtf moments :-) recommended to all lovers of books full of mischief , sexy, dangerous , heartfelt, with a lot of torn decisions 5 well deserved stars well done Mara brilliant book <3
January 4, 2014
I can't believe this is Mara White's first novel - she is an amazing storyteller who takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, leaving you wanting more in the end. This is quite possibly the first story in this genre that I've read where I've found myself disagreeing with almost every decision the main character (Kate) made - I wanted to reach into the pages and smack some sense into her. This is not some cookie-cutter story sandwiched in-between gratuitous sex scenes. This story is unusual and each chapter makes you change your mind about each character, only to have your mind changed again and again as you read further.
I will definitely recommend it to my friends and can't wait for the next book!
I will definitely recommend it to my friends and can't wait for the next book!
December 22, 2014
4.5 stars...❤️
Angsty(that's not a word), emotional, so wrong but felt so right. Can you say Love Triangle? WoW. This is some really good stuff. Realistic. If you live or have lived in NYC and you're of Spanish heritage, you'll understand why this book feels so close to home. #SpanishPeopleProbz
I'm on #TeamJaylee4Sure, don't care!
Midian..this message is specifically for you: I'm sure you will want to murder Kate.
Y me cago en la puta madre....it ends in a cliffy o.O
I'm ready to see what else this author has for us. Highly recommend it!
Kudos to the Amazeballs Playlist....Ay Romeo❤️
Full Review ==> http://afterdarkbooklovers.com/2014/0...
Angsty(that's not a word), emotional, so wrong but felt so right. Can you say Love Triangle? WoW. This is some really good stuff. Realistic. If you live or have lived in NYC and you're of Spanish heritage, you'll understand why this book feels so close to home. #SpanishPeopleProbz
I'm on #TeamJaylee4Sure, don't care!
Midian..this message is specifically for you: I'm sure you will want to murder Kate.
Y me cago en la puta madre....it ends in a cliffy o.O
I'm ready to see what else this author has for us. Highly recommend it!
Kudos to the Amazeballs Playlist....Ay Romeo❤️
Full Review ==> http://afterdarkbooklovers.com/2014/0...
December 19, 2013
While not normally a fan of this genre, Mara White's subversive look at the romantic stereotypes that pervade erotica had me riveted. Full of flawed anti-heroes, the relationships between characters were so much more complex and relateable than in your typical love story. This book challenges perspectives of feminism and female power with it's real and sometimes gritty depictions of class struggle and gender dynamics. White's crisp prose is refreshing, making it a quick and pleasurable read. I can't wait for book two!
December 8, 2013
That disparaging, despairing and most desperate love we have all had the misery of accepting is between the pages of this book. Get ready to relive the days when nothing and no one meant anything and you rolled quite happily into hell in a hand basket, existing without morale or thought or honesty or righteousness of any sort. Best of all this kind of thing happens all the time-of course it does. It probably happened or will happen to you.
Can't put it down. Prepare to be obsessed.
Can't put it down. Prepare to be obsessed.
December 17, 2013
Even if you have never considered this genre, Heights of Desire is a MUST read. Without even realizing it you will find yourself drawn into Mara White's beautifully crafted story. This book has everything - passion, love, sex, suspense, and above all else, characters you can't help but fall in love with. Just be prepared, as you will no doubt finish the book wanting more and desperately missing Kate.
August 31, 2015
I just don't really know how I feel about this book.
I totally want to know what happens in the next book and I will read it eventually but I just don't know what to think.
I do know that Mara writes some crazy forbidden stories. Her words are beautiful.
I totally want to know what happens in the next book and I will read it eventually but I just don't know what to think.
I do know that Mara writes some crazy forbidden stories. Her words are beautiful.
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