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Holton Woods #2
Only
He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…
ONLY
Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.
Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.
As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…
ONLY
Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.
Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.
As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…
341 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
22 people are currently reading
1246 people want to read
About the author
HelenKay Dimon
167 books990 followersHelenKay Dimon is a divorce lawyer-turned-romance author. After dedicating years to helping people terminate relationships she now writes romance novels full time. Her books have earned praise, appeared on bestseller lists, won numerous awards and twice been named Red-Hot Reads and excerpted in Cosmo. She sometimes writes erotic romance, sometimes writes romantic suspense and sometimes writes contemporary romance. But no matter what she's writing her books are always filled with smart banter and sexy times, and a HEA is guaranteed.
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 19, 2014
3.5 stars
Kyra Royer
Sebastian
Kyra just made her move, and shocked Sebastian into action. He has been keeping his distance from the beautiful Kyra and now that he's been tempted by the 'lil vixen, he needs to show her who is the boss. Sebastian is a thinker and he has done nothing but think of all the ways he want Kyra, under him, surrounding him, screaming for him....
Sebastian has had his guard up, ever since the tell all novels his ex wrote, he doesn't do anything but give the women what they want. But see Kyra is nothing like the rest of the women, she isn't with him to prove if the gossip was true, she wanted him and made sure he knew it. Kyra is sexy, bold and fierce and doesn't take his shit for one second, putting him in his place. She may be young but she has an old soul and isn't interested in playing games.
Between keeping their relationship a secret from their friends and family, Sebastian has an important job to do in keeping everyone safe. Their past came back to haunt them and now in stuck in a power struggle, they have to play smartly; and no one is better than the King of Negotiation.
Only is the second book in the Holton Woods series, while I never read the first I wasn't lost to the past, it was explained enough that I didn't feel lost. Their relationship was lust filled, and evolved into what Kyra knew all along. She was meant to be his only and his her's, but he needed to figure that out for himself first. For me I think the story of their relationship and the plot could have blended a little bit more seamlessly, it felt choppy in some areas but still worked well enough to have me hooked until the end.
I liked how Kyra was portrayed, even if she was a few years younger, she didn't come with the usual drama that others do. Sebastian was an interesting man, used to being able to control all things, he was a little out of sorts with Kyra; It was fun to see his feather ruffled! It was an enjoyable read but didn't invoke any major emotion out of me, but still enjoyed the read.
ARC kindly provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
"I want to be your only."
Kyra Royer
So fucking hot, too damn young ... and totally offlimits.
Sebastian
"Oh, you adorable, misguided, old-fashioned sweetheart."
Kyra just made her move, and shocked Sebastian into action. He has been keeping his distance from the beautiful Kyra and now that he's been tempted by the 'lil vixen, he needs to show her who is the boss. Sebastian is a thinker and he has done nothing but think of all the ways he want Kyra, under him, surrounding him, screaming for him....
"Belonging to me means all the time. On my schedule. In any way I want."
Sebastian has had his guard up, ever since the tell all novels his ex wrote, he doesn't do anything but give the women what they want. But see Kyra is nothing like the rest of the women, she isn't with him to prove if the gossip was true, she wanted him and made sure he knew it. Kyra is sexy, bold and fierce and doesn't take his shit for one second, putting him in his place. She may be young but she has an old soul and isn't interested in playing games.
"You're asking about being out. Am I even in?"
"So far in I can't see straight."
Between keeping their relationship a secret from their friends and family, Sebastian has an important job to do in keeping everyone safe. Their past came back to haunt them and now in stuck in a power struggle, they have to play smartly; and no one is better than the King of Negotiation.
Only is the second book in the Holton Woods series, while I never read the first I wasn't lost to the past, it was explained enough that I didn't feel lost. Their relationship was lust filled, and evolved into what Kyra knew all along. She was meant to be his only and his her's, but he needed to figure that out for himself first. For me I think the story of their relationship and the plot could have blended a little bit more seamlessly, it felt choppy in some areas but still worked well enough to have me hooked until the end.
I liked how Kyra was portrayed, even if she was a few years younger, she didn't come with the usual drama that others do. Sebastian was an interesting man, used to being able to control all things, he was a little out of sorts with Kyra; It was fun to see his feather ruffled! It was an enjoyable read but didn't invoke any major emotion out of me, but still enjoyed the read.
ARC kindly provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
Read
March 4, 2014This book hit all my buttons and subverted all my least favorite tropes and there was an ex-wife and she wasn't an evil slut and there was a younger woman and she wasn't a naive waif and there was a dirty hot rich hero and he worked ridonkulous hours and THERE WAS A BEARDED SNIPER WHO SAID ZERO WORDS and I will die if I don't read his book soon.
The end.
The end.
July 7, 2015
Disappointing to say it but DNFing this one for now at 50%. It had potential but just nothing about it is working for me other than the hot cover. You definitely need to read the other book in the series--even though it's not labeled as a series here--before this one. There's too much carry over from book one's suspense that it just made my eyes glaze trying to figure it out. It was like coming in to something mid-conversation and trying to play massive catch up but really not caring because you're so far behind in what's happened.
The romance side I thought I would love. But again potential but not grabbing me. Older hero-younger heroine who have been eyeing each other. She's ready to make him "see" her so propositions him to just a sexual relationship no strings. But then...she makes strings and gets all bratty when he has to change plans because of work. Or doesn't call her first thing in the morning to make plans because, you know, he's actually working and it's kind of life or death. And then he apologizes for taking her for granted and not calling first thing. Are friends with bennies really able to take each other for granted? Because at this point they've slept together once and had a grope in a parking lot. And the sex scene wasn't all that fab. Dirty talking attempt that fell short.
Maybe it's just my mood today or frustrations over the suspense side but the chick crossed over from bold assertive woman who knew what she was agreeing to to childish brat way too quick. Yeah. She wouldn't even let him make plans with her when she confronted him but told him he better text her and make plans within the hour. They'd see if he could actually follow through with that this time. Thus proving he didn't take her for granted. Gripes. No thanks. Can't do another 150 pages of that.
The romance side I thought I would love. But again potential but not grabbing me. Older hero-younger heroine who have been eyeing each other. She's ready to make him "see" her so propositions him to just a sexual relationship no strings. But then...she makes strings and gets all bratty when he has to change plans because of work. Or doesn't call her first thing in the morning to make plans because, you know, he's actually working and it's kind of life or death. And then he apologizes for taking her for granted and not calling first thing. Are friends with bennies really able to take each other for granted? Because at this point they've slept together once and had a grope in a parking lot. And the sex scene wasn't all that fab. Dirty talking attempt that fell short.
Maybe it's just my mood today or frustrations over the suspense side but the chick crossed over from bold assertive woman who knew what she was agreeing to to childish brat way too quick. Yeah. She wouldn't even let him make plans with her when she confronted him but told him he better text her and make plans within the hour. They'd see if he could actually follow through with that this time. Thus proving he didn't take her for granted. Gripes. No thanks. Can't do another 150 pages of that.
Read
January 1, 2015DNF @ 25%
I really wanted to like this one but unfortunately there was WAY too much info dumping going on, as well as multiple POVs (which I normally like) but there was just too much going on.
I really wanted to like this one but unfortunately there was WAY too much info dumping going on, as well as multiple POVs (which I normally like) but there was just too much going on.
October 25, 2015
I enjoyed it but it kind of repeated itself
October 12, 2014
I liked Mercy a lot more than this book.
I really dislike women who enter into a relationship for sex with a man with the understanding that it's just going to be all about sex, then get mad when he doesn't have his feelings engaged. That's two faced and bitchy. And deciding to MAKE him love you is so not col I can't even express how not cool. Ugh.
quotes from book:
She couldn’t exactly open up. That was part of the problem. Bast did so many things right, but when he got something wrong, it was in epic style. Insisted on secrecy. Took for granted she’d be there each night. Kept her at a distance.
She hated all of it.
Deep down she knew she was the one changing the rules. They had a deal, but not one she liked and one she always vowed to shift. From the beginning she wanted more than sex and hoped he would grow to crave something bigger, too.
“Is something wrong?”
Her, them, everything. She knew he viewed her role as one where she sat and waited for him to call, was ready for sex and some conversation. Nothing too taxing and all on his terms. Maybe she agreed to that at the beginning—though she refused to admit that was the case—but she wanted more now. She deserved more.
She now realized that what she wrote off as an attraction and maybe a crush had been something much deeper. She’d loved him from afar forever and now that she was with him, she needed more. But it seemed like the more she gave, the more he panicked, and she had no idea how to resolve that.
So, standoff it would be.
I really dislike women who enter into a relationship for sex with a man with the understanding that it's just going to be all about sex, then get mad when he doesn't have his feelings engaged. That's two faced and bitchy. And deciding to MAKE him love you is so not col I can't even express how not cool. Ugh.
quotes from book:
She couldn’t exactly open up. That was part of the problem. Bast did so many things right, but when he got something wrong, it was in epic style. Insisted on secrecy. Took for granted she’d be there each night. Kept her at a distance.
She hated all of it.
Deep down she knew she was the one changing the rules. They had a deal, but not one she liked and one she always vowed to shift. From the beginning she wanted more than sex and hoped he would grow to crave something bigger, too.
“Is something wrong?”
Her, them, everything. She knew he viewed her role as one where she sat and waited for him to call, was ready for sex and some conversation. Nothing too taxing and all on his terms. Maybe she agreed to that at the beginning—though she refused to admit that was the case—but she wanted more now. She deserved more.
She now realized that what she wrote off as an attraction and maybe a crush had been something much deeper. She’d loved him from afar forever and now that she was with him, she needed more. But it seemed like the more she gave, the more he panicked, and she had no idea how to resolve that.
So, standoff it would be.
March 21, 2015
We got a glimpse of attorney Sebastian Jameson in Mercy and right off the bad I wanted more. More sexy attorney, more controlling man, more more more! I loved him, I wanted to know him, I wanted to be consumed by him and HelenKay Dimon delivered!
Wade, whom we also met in Mercy, has a baby sister, Kyra, who he will protect with ever ounce of power he owns. He wants more for her. He wants her to succeed in life and move on from the not so great upbringing they had. He wants her to escape the life he lives everyday. He wants her to get out and do something important, be someone. She is determined and strong and is following down the path of success and departure until Bast.
Kyra knows that Bast is no good for her, she knows that with one flick of the wrist he can damage her heart and kill her spirit. She doesn’t care she wants him, every part of the man he is and she will go to any means necessary to claim that man as her own. The years of difference that linger between them don’t matter, all that matters is the way she feels every time their paths cross and the butterflies that whirl in her stomach with every lingering look. It’s raw and passionate. The feeling is forbidden but she wants it, she will suffer the consequences just to have him and those consequences maybe the ones that ruin her life forever, but it’s a risk she will take.
Bast knows he needs to stay as far away from Kyra as possible. She is something too pure and good for the likes of him. She is innocent and sweet and besides that he knows Wade will most likely kill him if he ever touched his baby sister. The only problem is his heads collide with each other. Slowly he finds his willpower dwindling and his need to consume her taking over. He will snap, there is no doubt about that. He will have her and it may just cost him everything.
I can’t even start with this series. HelenKay is one heck of a romance naughty girl writer. The characters are HOT, the scenes are on fire and everything she puts on paper will crawl its way into your soul and take over. The storyline was so addicting I couldn’t put the Only down. I needed it like air in my lungs and like food in my stomach. She started the hot factor in Mercy and she kept it going in Only. I loved the struggle between the characters and how Bast fought to do the right thing for Kyra. I loved Kyra’s stubbornness to get what she wanted. Their banter amused me and their sex set me on fire.
I can honestly say that I am NOT a big fan of series, even though I do believe you can read each of these novels as stand alones I would highly recommend starting from the beginning because I can promise you, you will NOT be disappointed. This is defiantly a series I will read every book she puts out, no questions asked. I will never forget these characters; they found a place in my heart and will stay there. I have had the honor of meeting Becca and Jarrett (Mercy), Wade and Eli (Mercy and Taken) and Bast and Kyra (Only). In fact I have already read and LOVED Taken (soon to be released). I am really hoping we get Natalie and Gage next. Yummy. Keep them coming HelenKay – you have earned an eager fan that will follow you forever.
Wade, whom we also met in Mercy, has a baby sister, Kyra, who he will protect with ever ounce of power he owns. He wants more for her. He wants her to succeed in life and move on from the not so great upbringing they had. He wants her to escape the life he lives everyday. He wants her to get out and do something important, be someone. She is determined and strong and is following down the path of success and departure until Bast.
Kyra knows that Bast is no good for her, she knows that with one flick of the wrist he can damage her heart and kill her spirit. She doesn’t care she wants him, every part of the man he is and she will go to any means necessary to claim that man as her own. The years of difference that linger between them don’t matter, all that matters is the way she feels every time their paths cross and the butterflies that whirl in her stomach with every lingering look. It’s raw and passionate. The feeling is forbidden but she wants it, she will suffer the consequences just to have him and those consequences maybe the ones that ruin her life forever, but it’s a risk she will take.
Bast knows he needs to stay as far away from Kyra as possible. She is something too pure and good for the likes of him. She is innocent and sweet and besides that he knows Wade will most likely kill him if he ever touched his baby sister. The only problem is his heads collide with each other. Slowly he finds his willpower dwindling and his need to consume her taking over. He will snap, there is no doubt about that. He will have her and it may just cost him everything.
I can’t even start with this series. HelenKay is one heck of a romance naughty girl writer. The characters are HOT, the scenes are on fire and everything she puts on paper will crawl its way into your soul and take over. The storyline was so addicting I couldn’t put the Only down. I needed it like air in my lungs and like food in my stomach. She started the hot factor in Mercy and she kept it going in Only. I loved the struggle between the characters and how Bast fought to do the right thing for Kyra. I loved Kyra’s stubbornness to get what she wanted. Their banter amused me and their sex set me on fire.
I can honestly say that I am NOT a big fan of series, even though I do believe you can read each of these novels as stand alones I would highly recommend starting from the beginning because I can promise you, you will NOT be disappointed. This is defiantly a series I will read every book she puts out, no questions asked. I will never forget these characters; they found a place in my heart and will stay there. I have had the honor of meeting Becca and Jarrett (Mercy), Wade and Eli (Mercy and Taken) and Bast and Kyra (Only). In fact I have already read and LOVED Taken (soon to be released). I am really hoping we get Natalie and Gage next. Yummy. Keep them coming HelenKay – you have earned an eager fan that will follow you forever.
January 1, 2016
Eh.
Didn't like this one. Didn't hate it either.
Both our main characters, Kyra and Bast, ranged from mildly annoying to hit my head against the wall annoying. Both were described at various times as being smart but they both continually did stupid things.
With Kyra, I think she annoyed me more than Bast. She agreed to go into a sex only relationship/arrangement with Bast, but when he's not doing boyfriend/girlfriend relationship things with her she flips out. Also what really bugged me was she got a job at the club to be closer to him, he'd ignore her and she'd go to him, and she'd rearrange her schedule for him. Get a back bone girl, let him come to you sometimes.
I felt nothing between Kyra and Bast. They're connection wasn't really there. Even the "taboo" elements weren't hot. He's 11 years older, he's also her brother's friend, his friend is like a brother to Kyra, etc. Whatever.
Maybe I should have read Mercy first, then maybe I'd be more connected to the characters but honestly that one didn't jump out as interesting for me.
I might try this author again but for now I'm not reading any more by her.
Didn't like this one. Didn't hate it either.
Both our main characters, Kyra and Bast, ranged from mildly annoying to hit my head against the wall annoying. Both were described at various times as being smart but they both continually did stupid things.
With Kyra, I think she annoyed me more than Bast. She agreed to go into a sex only relationship/arrangement with Bast, but when he's not doing boyfriend/girlfriend relationship things with her she flips out. Also what really bugged me was she got a job at the club to be closer to him, he'd ignore her and she'd go to him, and she'd rearrange her schedule for him. Get a back bone girl, let him come to you sometimes.
I felt nothing between Kyra and Bast. They're connection wasn't really there. Even the "taboo" elements weren't hot. He's 11 years older, he's also her brother's friend, his friend is like a brother to Kyra, etc. Whatever.
Maybe I should have read Mercy first, then maybe I'd be more connected to the characters but honestly that one didn't jump out as interesting for me.
I might try this author again but for now I'm not reading any more by her.
February 7, 2015
I expected this to be way dirtier after reading the first one and it's not that I'm sad that it wasn't (because the first one didn't always work for me), but it was sort of a case of unmet expectations. But I liked the relationship negotiation between Bast and Kyra and I liked the resolution to Eli and Wade's storyline. The suspense stuff was the weakest part of the book for me, and mostly felt like it was just there to set up the third book (assuming that Natalie and Gabe are getting a book), because it largely wasn't about Bast and Kyra at all.
December 21, 2018
DNF at 38%
I couldn't get into this story. Kyra is too immature to handle a 'sex only' relationship, and it showed. When Bast left post coital, she whined. When he couldn't make it for a 'hook up' the next evening, she whined.
I couldn't get into this story. Kyra is too immature to handle a 'sex only' relationship, and it showed. When Bast left post coital, she whined. When he couldn't make it for a 'hook up' the next evening, she whined.
October 23, 2014
I really liked this one. I loved the relationship with the hero and heroine, and the series overall. I hope Dimon writes MORE!!!
B+
Joint review posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/10/07/...
B+
Joint review posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/10/07/...
March 8, 2015
I probably should have read MERCY first as I felt like I was playing catch-up but it was a quick, fun read. The wrap-up did come awfully quick and I am curious about Natalie.
July 13, 2021
After the first book in this series I was curious about the other characters in that book so I wanted to read this whole series but after this book, I’ve given up on this author.
The book started off fine and the parts that were about Eli and Wade started off fine but as the book went on everything annoyed me. There were communication issues and secrets which really annoyed me and made me not want to continue with this series.
Bast and Kyra agree to only sleep together but Kyra wants to change that and have a relationship with Bast from the beginning which seemed like deception to me. Then they see each other for a few chapters, something happens and Kyra tells Jarett about it but tells no one else saying that she will deal with it when in reality she just ignores it. Then Bast tries to hide Kyra from everyone and doesn’t tell anyone that they’re sleeping together which was stupid. Bast and Kyra sort of communicate but it’s hard when she doesn’t spell things out to him and he is completely deaf and stupid, not listening to her or trying to understand her.
I didn’t like this book but when the first few chapters in Eli and Wade’s POV were shown I thought that I would at least read their book but then the way they interacted was annoying and they didn’t really try to communicate with each other properly.
The book started off fine and the parts that were about Eli and Wade started off fine but as the book went on everything annoyed me. There were communication issues and secrets which really annoyed me and made me not want to continue with this series.
Bast and Kyra agree to only sleep together but Kyra wants to change that and have a relationship with Bast from the beginning which seemed like deception to me. Then they see each other for a few chapters, something happens and Kyra tells Jarett about it but tells no one else saying that she will deal with it when in reality she just ignores it. Then Bast tries to hide Kyra from everyone and doesn’t tell anyone that they’re sleeping together which was stupid. Bast and Kyra sort of communicate but it’s hard when she doesn’t spell things out to him and he is completely deaf and stupid, not listening to her or trying to understand her.
I didn’t like this book but when the first few chapters in Eli and Wade’s POV were shown I thought that I would at least read their book but then the way they interacted was annoying and they didn’t really try to communicate with each other properly.
March 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book about a young woman that chases down ab older man that she has been in love with for years. She met him through her brother.
Sebastian "Bast" is a negotiator between CIA officials and other high government officials and their freedom from the agencies. He has also been mentioned in his ex=wives books even though she states the books are not about him. Each detail menage relation.
Kyra is a young woman that has been in love with Bast for years and she wants nothing more than to have him in her life for many, many years. She wants his sharp wit, high intelligence, super HOT body, sexual knowledge, and his negotiator skills. She has followed him to his men's club in order to seduce him into a relationship.
Sebastian "Bast" is a negotiator between CIA officials and other high government officials and their freedom from the agencies. He has also been mentioned in his ex=wives books even though she states the books are not about him. Each detail menage relation.
Kyra is a young woman that has been in love with Bast for years and she wants nothing more than to have him in her life for many, many years. She wants his sharp wit, high intelligence, super HOT body, sexual knowledge, and his negotiator skills. She has followed him to his men's club in order to seduce him into a relationship.
April 6, 2021
This wasn't bad, but nowhere near as good as book one.
I was a little bored with Krya and Bast, which is sad because I really thought I'd enjoy their story. But I just wasn't feeling it for some reason. Too much back and forth and denial and insecurity. And I hate when the characters don't pull their heads out of their asses until literally the last page. And we didn't even get an epilogue.
Another thing I didn't care for was Bast being on such good terms with his ex-wife who basically ruined his reputation. I know he had his reasons but it still bothered me. I'm not saying I wanted him to be an asshole to her but he didn't need to be so friendly either.
Honestly, I was more interested in the side plot with Wade and Eli, so I'm looking forward to reading their novella.
I was a little bored with Krya and Bast, which is sad because I really thought I'd enjoy their story. But I just wasn't feeling it for some reason. Too much back and forth and denial and insecurity. And I hate when the characters don't pull their heads out of their asses until literally the last page. And we didn't even get an epilogue.
Another thing I didn't care for was Bast being on such good terms with his ex-wife who basically ruined his reputation. I know he had his reasons but it still bothered me. I'm not saying I wanted him to be an asshole to her but he didn't need to be so friendly either.
Honestly, I was more interested in the side plot with Wade and Eli, so I'm looking forward to reading their novella.
August 30, 2022
Well, I finished it I guess. Story was boring but that may be because this was the second book in a series and had no idea until I was already half way through. Ended up skimming the second half due to a dull plot. Didn't seem like Sebastian was that into Kyra besides having sex with her all the time. I was definitely more interested in Wade and Elijahs story and honestly wished this was about those two characters instead. Two-stars because I actually finished it but did not like it and will be donating this book.
April 7, 2021
BAst is in trouble when Wade's Sister Kyra sets her sights on him and he doesn't want to resist. Secrets are everywhere as they work on their relationship/booty calls. Bast has intricate work to do negotiating with the CIA and everything keeps getting more and more complicated. You will enjoy the explosive interactions between all the characters. HelenKay writes a gripping story with steamy scenes that will leave you breathless.
June 22, 2018
So this is the first in the series I have read... and yes this is book two. I wanted more of the story! I felt like there was a lot of minor story things and less main story line.
BUT the book was well written and has some very likeable characters. I plan to pick up the first and if there is a third.
BUT the book was well written and has some very likeable characters. I plan to pick up the first and if there is a third.
February 26, 2024
Maybe it’s me but every single fight seemed pointless and always ended in Bast thinking how could he be so stupid and mess up that badly when in reality it wasn’t that big of a deal and he was “messing up” because he wasn’t giving her the relationship Kyra wanted when that’s not what they agreed on. Also wow soooo much info dumping.
September 10, 2023
I wanted to like this because I loved Sebastian in Mercy....but it fell short for me. When the twist finally came it was late and not well thought out. Argue, have sex, argue, have sex....I finished it but Mercy was better.
May 14, 2017
2.5 stars
July 24, 2018
Read the second book, not realizing that it was a series. It was OK
March 9, 2020
This was good but it didnt outshine mercy
September 28, 2025
This book was good, although it took me awhile to get into it. Great read.
January 27, 2020
This was one of the best books I have read in a long long time. Ms. Dimon really push the limit on this one. OMG!!!! Loved it.☆☆☆☆☆♡♡♡♡♡♡♡☆☆☆☆☆☆
October 9, 2014
4.25 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2014
He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…
ONLY
Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.
Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.
As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…
~~~~~
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--ONLY is the second instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult Holton Woods erotic romance series. This is lawyer Sebastian (Bast) Jameson and twenty three year old Kyra Royer’s storyline. Bast is best friends with Jarrett Holt, owner of Holton Woods - an exclusive, member’s only nightclub and the subject of book one in the series –Mercy. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. Any important information from the first instalment is revealed where necessary to the storyline. ONLY begins shortly after the events of MERCY.
Told from several close third person POV, the storyline focuses on the building relationship between Bast and Kyra-a relationship in which Kyra is the first to make a move. Bast is several years older than Kyra, with one disastrous marriage to his credit, and he isn’t looking for anything more than a one night stand. But something about Kyra pulls at Bast and has for a very long time. Working at Holton Woods, Kyra is hoping to earn enough money to go back to school, but both Bast and Kyra’s brother Wade become over protective when ever anyone gets too close. Bast continues to harbor emotional turmoil about his relationship with Kyra. Keeping their affair a secret is putting strain on Bast’s bond with Kyra. The sex scenes are seductive and intimate.
There is a secondary storyline, between Elijah and Wade, that continues throughout book one and two. Wade is Jarrett’s right hand man, and Kyra’s brother; Eli is the former CIA agent who had targeted Jarrett’s girlfriend and former CIA agent Becca (Mercy) in a secret government takedown months before. Eli and Wade’s relationship is tempestuous due to a misunderstanding and words spoken in anger. When Eli is hired to protect both Bast and Kyra, Wade knows it is time to put all of his cards on the table with Eli.
The premise follows another CIA operative who believes her time with the agency has come to a close. Hoping for protection and a way to avoid her possible death, Bast is called in to make ‘arrangements’ with the CIA but in doing so has placed everyone he knows and loves, including Kyra, in harm’s way. Hoping to protect Kyra, Bast begins to push Kyra away only to realize he may be pushing away the woman that he loves.
The world building continues with the familiarity of the Holton Woods nightclub and the CIA secret ops that have yet to be completely resolved. The secondary characters include all of the previous storyline players as well as the introduction of some unwelcome extended family members whose presence leads to some heartbreaking moments and potential drama for an upcoming storyline.
ONLY is a storyline of romance and love; betrayal and heartbreak; action and suspense. There is the pain of family disintegration and control when a opportunity for power and money takes center stage in a life of illegalities and running from the law. HelenKay Dimon writes a compelling and provocative story that is intelligent, spirited and will capture your imagination.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2014
He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…
ONLY
Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.
Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.
As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…
~~~~~
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--ONLY is the second instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult Holton Woods erotic romance series. This is lawyer Sebastian (Bast) Jameson and twenty three year old Kyra Royer’s storyline. Bast is best friends with Jarrett Holt, owner of Holton Woods - an exclusive, member’s only nightclub and the subject of book one in the series –Mercy. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. Any important information from the first instalment is revealed where necessary to the storyline. ONLY begins shortly after the events of MERCY.
Told from several close third person POV, the storyline focuses on the building relationship between Bast and Kyra-a relationship in which Kyra is the first to make a move. Bast is several years older than Kyra, with one disastrous marriage to his credit, and he isn’t looking for anything more than a one night stand. But something about Kyra pulls at Bast and has for a very long time. Working at Holton Woods, Kyra is hoping to earn enough money to go back to school, but both Bast and Kyra’s brother Wade become over protective when ever anyone gets too close. Bast continues to harbor emotional turmoil about his relationship with Kyra. Keeping their affair a secret is putting strain on Bast’s bond with Kyra. The sex scenes are seductive and intimate.
There is a secondary storyline, between Elijah and Wade, that continues throughout book one and two. Wade is Jarrett’s right hand man, and Kyra’s brother; Eli is the former CIA agent who had targeted Jarrett’s girlfriend and former CIA agent Becca (Mercy) in a secret government takedown months before. Eli and Wade’s relationship is tempestuous due to a misunderstanding and words spoken in anger. When Eli is hired to protect both Bast and Kyra, Wade knows it is time to put all of his cards on the table with Eli.
The premise follows another CIA operative who believes her time with the agency has come to a close. Hoping for protection and a way to avoid her possible death, Bast is called in to make ‘arrangements’ with the CIA but in doing so has placed everyone he knows and loves, including Kyra, in harm’s way. Hoping to protect Kyra, Bast begins to push Kyra away only to realize he may be pushing away the woman that he loves.
The world building continues with the familiarity of the Holton Woods nightclub and the CIA secret ops that have yet to be completely resolved. The secondary characters include all of the previous storyline players as well as the introduction of some unwelcome extended family members whose presence leads to some heartbreaking moments and potential drama for an upcoming storyline.
ONLY is a storyline of romance and love; betrayal and heartbreak; action and suspense. There is the pain of family disintegration and control when a opportunity for power and money takes center stage in a life of illegalities and running from the law. HelenKay Dimon writes a compelling and provocative story that is intelligent, spirited and will capture your imagination.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 3, 2014
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on Oct 24th 2014:
Review:
Let me start by saying I had a lot of fun reading this baby, in a time when I’m rather burned out on Contemporary romance, and New Adult-ish kind of reads. This is a New Adult in my opinion because Kyra is 23, though from pretty much all points of view she’s an adult, she’s mature, this is not a first anything for her.
The Holton Woods series has an awesome world, the Washington DC power circles, the rich and famous, a bit of the infamous, all the good stuff, with a spice of CIA operatives and hot tempers to boot. Much, much yummy.
Kyra and Sebastian are awesome, they’ve made a first appearance in Mercy, first novel of the series, and I loved them then, and I loved them now. Sebastian is 11 years older than Kyra, which to me is very hot, lol. Call me nuts, but I’d see a 34 yo lawyer and negotiator, a mature, educated and very intelligent man, always but always more attractive than… well, anything, lol. So I totally get Kyra’s long-time interest in Sebastian, I mean he’s swoon-material, even more so than Jarret, imo (which was and is a hottie too, bad boy vibe galore, yummmy!). The man is just so in control, and good at his job, and… okay, lol, total crush material, messed up as he is when it comes to feelings.
Kyra is a survivor, considering her crappy past, her screw-up of a father and what he’s put her through, and the environment she comes from, she’s made leaps and bounds and has come a really long way. In fact, considering how smart and focused she had to be to leave her old life behind and make something of herself via her own means, it doesn’t surprise me that she’d want someone like Sebastian by her side. She needs a strong man by her side, to suit her own strength and charm. And that is Sebastian, no doubt about it.
Their insta-attraction developed into a slow-burn kind of love, they had uber-hot chemistry and I loved their one on one time. They’re strong, even if at times confused, passionate creatures that make sense together :D
The story itself was more romance than suspense, where Mercy felt more romantic suspense to me. I mean, the CIA still looms over them, and I foresee a Natalia story coming up next ( :D I wanna see her and Gabe together in that cabin, so help me, I SO wanna see them together xDDDD ), but this one felt less suspenseful and more romantic. Which by no means is a flaw or anything, I’m just trying to give you as a clear a picture as I can.
I loved the third person narrative, past tense, from his and her POV, and I especially loved the fact that HelenKay Dimon didn’t try to use a stencil of sorts for these stories, didn’t use similar types of main characters, and despite having a common theme of tough cookies struggling a bit to find their happy ending romantically, the two novels present different kinds of stories. They feel organic somehow, you know what I mean? Like the author allowed the stories to develop naturally from the characters, as they should, without trying to stick to a genre trope, you know? So while the first one felt more suspenseful, this one felt more romantically intense, dealt with different character issues and difficulties. Loved, loved, loved that, and I can’t wait to read the next one. There has to be a next one. A Natalia and Gabe one, gimme Natalia and Gabe!! xD
Yummy cover, hooking blurb, and from now on a must-buy author name for me, so total impulsive buy material.
Why, then, will you ask me, isn’t this a 5 butterflies read? To be honest, I blame that on what I read right before reading Only, it was Alexis Hall’s very touching Sand and Ruin and Gold and it probably still had an emotional grip on me. So from my perspective, Only is most likely a full 5 butterflies reading experience in normal circumstances, it just happened that I read it right after something else, like immediately after, and I was probably still in the emotional grip of that previous read. My bad, not the novel’s, I just wanted to make that clear.
I fully recommend Only, and am SO totally reading the next one!
Review:
Let me start by saying I had a lot of fun reading this baby, in a time when I’m rather burned out on Contemporary romance, and New Adult-ish kind of reads. This is a New Adult in my opinion because Kyra is 23, though from pretty much all points of view she’s an adult, she’s mature, this is not a first anything for her.
The Holton Woods series has an awesome world, the Washington DC power circles, the rich and famous, a bit of the infamous, all the good stuff, with a spice of CIA operatives and hot tempers to boot. Much, much yummy.
Kyra and Sebastian are awesome, they’ve made a first appearance in Mercy, first novel of the series, and I loved them then, and I loved them now. Sebastian is 11 years older than Kyra, which to me is very hot, lol. Call me nuts, but I’d see a 34 yo lawyer and negotiator, a mature, educated and very intelligent man, always but always more attractive than… well, anything, lol. So I totally get Kyra’s long-time interest in Sebastian, I mean he’s swoon-material, even more so than Jarret, imo (which was and is a hottie too, bad boy vibe galore, yummmy!). The man is just so in control, and good at his job, and… okay, lol, total crush material, messed up as he is when it comes to feelings.
Kyra is a survivor, considering her crappy past, her screw-up of a father and what he’s put her through, and the environment she comes from, she’s made leaps and bounds and has come a really long way. In fact, considering how smart and focused she had to be to leave her old life behind and make something of herself via her own means, it doesn’t surprise me that she’d want someone like Sebastian by her side. She needs a strong man by her side, to suit her own strength and charm. And that is Sebastian, no doubt about it.
Their insta-attraction developed into a slow-burn kind of love, they had uber-hot chemistry and I loved their one on one time. They’re strong, even if at times confused, passionate creatures that make sense together :D
The story itself was more romance than suspense, where Mercy felt more romantic suspense to me. I mean, the CIA still looms over them, and I foresee a Natalia story coming up next ( :D I wanna see her and Gabe together in that cabin, so help me, I SO wanna see them together xDDDD ), but this one felt less suspenseful and more romantic. Which by no means is a flaw or anything, I’m just trying to give you as a clear a picture as I can.
I loved the third person narrative, past tense, from his and her POV, and I especially loved the fact that HelenKay Dimon didn’t try to use a stencil of sorts for these stories, didn’t use similar types of main characters, and despite having a common theme of tough cookies struggling a bit to find their happy ending romantically, the two novels present different kinds of stories. They feel organic somehow, you know what I mean? Like the author allowed the stories to develop naturally from the characters, as they should, without trying to stick to a genre trope, you know? So while the first one felt more suspenseful, this one felt more romantically intense, dealt with different character issues and difficulties. Loved, loved, loved that, and I can’t wait to read the next one. There has to be a next one. A Natalia and Gabe one, gimme Natalia and Gabe!! xD
Yummy cover, hooking blurb, and from now on a must-buy author name for me, so total impulsive buy material.
Why, then, will you ask me, isn’t this a 5 butterflies read? To be honest, I blame that on what I read right before reading Only, it was Alexis Hall’s very touching Sand and Ruin and Gold and it probably still had an emotional grip on me. So from my perspective, Only is most likely a full 5 butterflies reading experience in normal circumstances, it just happened that I read it right after something else, like immediately after, and I was probably still in the emotional grip of that previous read. My bad, not the novel’s, I just wanted to make that clear.
I fully recommend Only, and am SO totally reading the next one!
October 15, 2014
“ONLY is a sexy, erotic, emotional and suspenseful rollercoaster ride that you will not be able to put down once you start”
The main question I kept asking myself as I read….why have I not read this author before?? I felt like I have been missing out on some big secret. HelenKay weaves a phenomenal and beautiful story with her words. I cared not only for Kyra and Sebastian but for all the people in their world.
ONLY is mainly Kyra and Sebastians book but you will see that Ms. Dimon also gives you some other POV’s throughout the book, mostly that of Eli. Eli is Sebastian’s new employee but also an ex-CIA operative and the ex-bf of Kyra’s brother Wade. You meet him, Wade, Sebastian’s best friend Jarrett and Becca in MERCY ( I bought MERCY about 20% in because I needed to know what happened prior but it is not necessary to enjoy ONLY :) )
I will start by introducing you to Kyra. Kyra, oh how I loved that feisty little 20-something year old. She was a force to be reckoned with and she was not taking no for an answer from Bast. She has loved him from a far for a long time. She loves who is at the core, not just what the gossip that has been spreading about him since his ex-wife decided to write a tell all book of their sex life. She loves his loyalty, his intelligence and many other things but he won’t touch her with a ten foot pole. She is determined to change that. Step 1, she gets a job at Holton Woods – the exclusive club owned by Jarrett. Jarrett is Bast’s best friend but also very close Kyra and her brother, Wade, who also works at Holton Woods. Now the job was not so much to get to Sebastian as it was to her help pay for her education at business school and get out the clutches of her good for nothing father. Sebastian is just a very sexy added bonus.
Now, Sebastian. He is the lawyer that never goes to court…hehe. His job is to negotiate the impossible. To achieve and find solutions to problems that most people could not and he is damn good at it. But he is also on very sexy man. His power is sexy. His brain is sexy. What he can do to your body is sexy. The man is just hot but also sexy for the type of man he is. That is not easy to achieve always but Ms. Dimon does it. She makes you not only fall in love with physical but also the inside of that character. He wants Kyra…he truly does but he thinks she is too young and to close in their group of friends to have a relationship with her. He does not want to hurt her. He does not want all the insanity in his life right now to hurt her. Unfortunately the case he working on does not allow him to do so and in order to protect from some very bad people he must keep her close. Too close in his opinion…haha. He does some very messed up things to make sure she stays at arms length but when sparks begin to fly and things start heating up…there is no denying their chemistry and feelings. The question is…will Sebastion be able to let go all his misgivings about having something real with Kyra and finally let her in? You have to read to find out but it so worth the read and money.
Ms. Dimon has definitely found a new super fan in me and I am so excited to read MERCY and some of her other series she has floating around. She is an absolutely talented writer and storyteller, writing characters that you will love for a long time to come plus she can write one hell of a sex scene ***fans self***. I am not a M/M fan by any means, just never been my thing but if I can find more like Ms. Dimon and the one scene she did in this book, I can be turned. The chemistry and relationship between Wade and Eli was one of my favorites to date. They definitely had me as engaged and invested as Kyra and Sebastian.
I know her books have a pricey tag attached and believe me when I say, I do not normally buy books at this price but for the exceptional writing and storytelling of Ms. Dimon I will make an exception every. single. time and I think you should too.
Full Post: http://www.bcsreviews.com/archives/11184
The main question I kept asking myself as I read….why have I not read this author before?? I felt like I have been missing out on some big secret. HelenKay weaves a phenomenal and beautiful story with her words. I cared not only for Kyra and Sebastian but for all the people in their world.
ONLY is mainly Kyra and Sebastians book but you will see that Ms. Dimon also gives you some other POV’s throughout the book, mostly that of Eli. Eli is Sebastian’s new employee but also an ex-CIA operative and the ex-bf of Kyra’s brother Wade. You meet him, Wade, Sebastian’s best friend Jarrett and Becca in MERCY ( I bought MERCY about 20% in because I needed to know what happened prior but it is not necessary to enjoy ONLY :) )
I will start by introducing you to Kyra. Kyra, oh how I loved that feisty little 20-something year old. She was a force to be reckoned with and she was not taking no for an answer from Bast. She has loved him from a far for a long time. She loves who is at the core, not just what the gossip that has been spreading about him since his ex-wife decided to write a tell all book of their sex life. She loves his loyalty, his intelligence and many other things but he won’t touch her with a ten foot pole. She is determined to change that. Step 1, she gets a job at Holton Woods – the exclusive club owned by Jarrett. Jarrett is Bast’s best friend but also very close Kyra and her brother, Wade, who also works at Holton Woods. Now the job was not so much to get to Sebastian as it was to her help pay for her education at business school and get out the clutches of her good for nothing father. Sebastian is just a very sexy added bonus.
Now, Sebastian. He is the lawyer that never goes to court…hehe. His job is to negotiate the impossible. To achieve and find solutions to problems that most people could not and he is damn good at it. But he is also on very sexy man. His power is sexy. His brain is sexy. What he can do to your body is sexy. The man is just hot but also sexy for the type of man he is. That is not easy to achieve always but Ms. Dimon does it. She makes you not only fall in love with physical but also the inside of that character. He wants Kyra…he truly does but he thinks she is too young and to close in their group of friends to have a relationship with her. He does not want to hurt her. He does not want all the insanity in his life right now to hurt her. Unfortunately the case he working on does not allow him to do so and in order to protect from some very bad people he must keep her close. Too close in his opinion…haha. He does some very messed up things to make sure she stays at arms length but when sparks begin to fly and things start heating up…there is no denying their chemistry and feelings. The question is…will Sebastion be able to let go all his misgivings about having something real with Kyra and finally let her in? You have to read to find out but it so worth the read and money.
Ms. Dimon has definitely found a new super fan in me and I am so excited to read MERCY and some of her other series she has floating around. She is an absolutely talented writer and storyteller, writing characters that you will love for a long time to come plus she can write one hell of a sex scene ***fans self***. I am not a M/M fan by any means, just never been my thing but if I can find more like Ms. Dimon and the one scene she did in this book, I can be turned. The chemistry and relationship between Wade and Eli was one of my favorites to date. They definitely had me as engaged and invested as Kyra and Sebastian.
I know her books have a pricey tag attached and believe me when I say, I do not normally buy books at this price but for the exceptional writing and storytelling of Ms. Dimon I will make an exception every. single. time and I think you should too.
Full Post: http://www.bcsreviews.com/archives/11184
October 8, 2014
HelenKay Dimon brings readers the second book in the Holton Woods series, Only. This series is combination of erotic romance and romantic suspense. Dimon thrills readers with an underlying CIA plot that adds a lot of intensity to the story, but the primary plot centers around Sebastian and Kyra. He is living through a sensationalized past that has been shown to the world and she is a young woman who has loved him most of her life. Readers who are looking for intense romance, rocking suspense and a story that will leave them breathless, can't go wrong with, Only!
What I liked:
When I picked up this book, I wasn't too sure I was going to like it. I felt like there were a few overused plot ideas that would probably fall flat for me. Younger girl falls for older man. Ex-wife issues, daddy issues. There were just a lot of red flags for me, but I was pleasantly surprised. The chemistry between Bast and Kyra was palpable. It was searing even from the first couple of chapters. These two were intense in and out of the bedroom and I felt like every conversation between was a potential battleground. But I loved the way they fit together and became something more together than were apart. It takes a great author to pull that off and Dimon does it with style.
Kyra was what I like to call a spitfire. She was quite a bit younger than Bast and usually that means that the heroine would be a bit naive and immature. Not so with Kyra. She was intelligent, thoughtful and she was very determined. She knew what she wanted and it didn't matter that everyone thought they knew what Bast wanted. The tell all book written by his ex-wife showed a very kinky side of Bast, but Kyra wasn't after that, she wanted something different and I loved the way she went after him. Her confidence was contagious!
Bast was a very sexy character. Readers who have read the first book in the series Mercy, already have some idea of how Bast acts and does things. He is a smart man, who can pull off some things that others couldn't even try at. His past was shamelessly shown to world in his ex-wife's book and now he has to live with that stigma. I think it kind of made him off his game where women were concerned, before he was a bit of a mystery and now he is an open book. I loved seeing him come out of his shell with Kyra and begin to see how things could be if he let her in. There chemistry was just explosive.
I liked the side romance between Kyra's brother Wade and CIA operative Eli. Normally, I don't go for male/male interactions or female/female. It just doesn't jive with my idea of romance. To each his own of course, but not something I have enjoyed reading before, but this relationship was different. I enjoyed the way these two alpha's circled around each other. It was like every time they were together they were caged animals trying to get at each other, emotionally, physically, you name it... very intense.
What I didn't like:
The CIA back plot was good, but not great. It added the necessary conflict to the story, but it almost didn't need it. The romantic plots could have carried it easily. I suppose I was just more interested in that aspect of the book though. I just felt that the CIA story should have been a little more central to the overall story.
Bottom Line:
This is an intense book. I thought I was going to dislike it but I was wrong. It used some overused plot ideas but gave them a new spin and that made all the difference. The hero and the heroine had a strong chemistry and meshed well together and the secondary romance was an eye-opener. The conflict was a little underwhelming but not a deal breaker. Overall a great read!
What I liked:
When I picked up this book, I wasn't too sure I was going to like it. I felt like there were a few overused plot ideas that would probably fall flat for me. Younger girl falls for older man. Ex-wife issues, daddy issues. There were just a lot of red flags for me, but I was pleasantly surprised. The chemistry between Bast and Kyra was palpable. It was searing even from the first couple of chapters. These two were intense in and out of the bedroom and I felt like every conversation between was a potential battleground. But I loved the way they fit together and became something more together than were apart. It takes a great author to pull that off and Dimon does it with style.
Kyra was what I like to call a spitfire. She was quite a bit younger than Bast and usually that means that the heroine would be a bit naive and immature. Not so with Kyra. She was intelligent, thoughtful and she was very determined. She knew what she wanted and it didn't matter that everyone thought they knew what Bast wanted. The tell all book written by his ex-wife showed a very kinky side of Bast, but Kyra wasn't after that, she wanted something different and I loved the way she went after him. Her confidence was contagious!
Bast was a very sexy character. Readers who have read the first book in the series Mercy, already have some idea of how Bast acts and does things. He is a smart man, who can pull off some things that others couldn't even try at. His past was shamelessly shown to world in his ex-wife's book and now he has to live with that stigma. I think it kind of made him off his game where women were concerned, before he was a bit of a mystery and now he is an open book. I loved seeing him come out of his shell with Kyra and begin to see how things could be if he let her in. There chemistry was just explosive.
I liked the side romance between Kyra's brother Wade and CIA operative Eli. Normally, I don't go for male/male interactions or female/female. It just doesn't jive with my idea of romance. To each his own of course, but not something I have enjoyed reading before, but this relationship was different. I enjoyed the way these two alpha's circled around each other. It was like every time they were together they were caged animals trying to get at each other, emotionally, physically, you name it... very intense.
What I didn't like:
The CIA back plot was good, but not great. It added the necessary conflict to the story, but it almost didn't need it. The romantic plots could have carried it easily. I suppose I was just more interested in that aspect of the book though. I just felt that the CIA story should have been a little more central to the overall story.
Bottom Line:
This is an intense book. I thought I was going to dislike it but I was wrong. It used some overused plot ideas but gave them a new spin and that made all the difference. The hero and the heroine had a strong chemistry and meshed well together and the secondary romance was an eye-opener. The conflict was a little underwhelming but not a deal breaker. Overall a great read!
October 11, 2014
PJV Quickie: I did not realize going in that this was the 2nd book in the series, so for most of the book I felt a bit lost about character histories and motivations. I think if I had read the 1st book, Mercy, I would have enjoyed it much more.
Review:
Sebastian “Bastian” Jameson is a high-powered attorney who’s recently suffered a very public divorce. After their divorce, his ex-wife wrote a sex manual about having threesomes that has hounded Bastian’s personal and public life since it was published. He’s surrounded himself with a loyal group of friends and associates who happen to have certain talents and backgrounds with government agencies. When Kyra Royer proposes a sex-only relationship, Bastian is conflicted: on one hand, her older brother is one of his closest friends, and the type of man who you want to stay on his good side; on the other hand, Kyra is sexy and smart and he’d be a fool to say no.
When a new client causes the government to take notice of Bastian and his associates, he realizes Kyra might be in danger and he’ll have to stop lying to himself and admit his feelings if he wants to keep her safe.
~~~~~
As I mentioned in the PJV Quickie, I didn’t realize this was the second book in the Holton Woods series; I thought it was a stand-alone title. Because of that, I spent a lot of time wondering what the heck was going on. There are a lot of bad feelings between several of the important characters and while I figured out there was some sort of spy thing going on, I don’t know enough specifics to know why the CIA wants to kill them. Also, Kyra’s dad is some sort of criminal who forced her to work his cons and is back in her life and making her miserable, but I think I’m missing some of that backstory too.
Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely some interesting stuff going on in Only. Kyra is a great character who says what she wants and doesn’t let Bastian’s big personality overshadow hers. They’re a good couple with great chemistry together. I also loved the scenes between Kyra’s brother, Wade, and one of Bastian’s employees, Eli – they are HOT together, even when they’re denying their continued attraction to each other. Super-hot. the nightclub that Kyra works at (and Bastian is a member of) was interesting; I like the idea of a private gentleman’s club and what goes on with the high-profile members.
So, I think only because I didn’t read the first book I couldn’t really connect with the characters as well as I wanted to, and that’s my fault; unfortunately I requested this title for review not realizing there was so much background. Imagine walking into the middle of a movie that your friend has been watching and having to ask questions about what’s happening onscreen and who’s who and how they’re related to each other – that’s basically what happened to me here. I will be trying other titles by this author because I did enjoy her writing style; the story had a good flow and didn’t jump around awkwardly, and the characters were interesting (even though I was confused).
Recommendations:
Recommended for fans of May/December romance and political intrigue/government conspiracies.
Review:
Sebastian “Bastian” Jameson is a high-powered attorney who’s recently suffered a very public divorce. After their divorce, his ex-wife wrote a sex manual about having threesomes that has hounded Bastian’s personal and public life since it was published. He’s surrounded himself with a loyal group of friends and associates who happen to have certain talents and backgrounds with government agencies. When Kyra Royer proposes a sex-only relationship, Bastian is conflicted: on one hand, her older brother is one of his closest friends, and the type of man who you want to stay on his good side; on the other hand, Kyra is sexy and smart and he’d be a fool to say no.
When a new client causes the government to take notice of Bastian and his associates, he realizes Kyra might be in danger and he’ll have to stop lying to himself and admit his feelings if he wants to keep her safe.
~~~~~
As I mentioned in the PJV Quickie, I didn’t realize this was the second book in the Holton Woods series; I thought it was a stand-alone title. Because of that, I spent a lot of time wondering what the heck was going on. There are a lot of bad feelings between several of the important characters and while I figured out there was some sort of spy thing going on, I don’t know enough specifics to know why the CIA wants to kill them. Also, Kyra’s dad is some sort of criminal who forced her to work his cons and is back in her life and making her miserable, but I think I’m missing some of that backstory too.
Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely some interesting stuff going on in Only. Kyra is a great character who says what she wants and doesn’t let Bastian’s big personality overshadow hers. They’re a good couple with great chemistry together. I also loved the scenes between Kyra’s brother, Wade, and one of Bastian’s employees, Eli – they are HOT together, even when they’re denying their continued attraction to each other. Super-hot. the nightclub that Kyra works at (and Bastian is a member of) was interesting; I like the idea of a private gentleman’s club and what goes on with the high-profile members.
So, I think only because I didn’t read the first book I couldn’t really connect with the characters as well as I wanted to, and that’s my fault; unfortunately I requested this title for review not realizing there was so much background. Imagine walking into the middle of a movie that your friend has been watching and having to ask questions about what’s happening onscreen and who’s who and how they’re related to each other – that’s basically what happened to me here. I will be trying other titles by this author because I did enjoy her writing style; the story had a good flow and didn’t jump around awkwardly, and the characters were interesting (even though I was confused).
Recommendations:
Recommended for fans of May/December romance and political intrigue/government conspiracies.
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