אבודה בשקרים

by E.K. Blair, אי. קיי. בלייר, ג'סיקה רוקיטר (Translator)

אני סופרת.
אני אימא.
אני אשתו של לנדון.
אני השקרנית הכי נוראית בעולם.

חשבתי שיש לי את כל מה שאישה יכולה לרצות. חשבתי שאני יודעת מה זו אהבה, מה הוא סיפוק מקצועי, אישי, נפשי, אבל הכול מתנפץ כאשר אני שוקעת במחקר לספר חדש ועולם זר ומרתק נגלה לעיניי. בעודי שוקעת במערבולת שמעולם לא ציפיתי לה, אני מסתבכת בדבר שמטה את כל עולמי על צירו. אני נעה בין פנטזיה לבין המציאות, בין אהבה שאין לה סוף לגילויים מטלטלים שעלולים להותיר אותי שבורת לב.

אבודה בשקרים מאת סופרת רבי המכר אי. קיי. בלייר הוא רומן עכשווי על מערכת יחסים מפותלת ומסובכת, אבל ללב יש רצונות משלו. הספר כיכב ברשימות רבי המכר בעולם וזכה להצלחה רבה.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, True Story, Drama, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Dark

372 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2016

Reviews

[✦❋Arianna✦❋ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!

“The life you live in as an author is nothing but lies. The men you create, the men you read, it’s all bullshit. I never understood your need for it when you have me.”

Wow! What an emotional journey this book turned out to be. It rarely happens for a book to leave me speechless, but this one really did. I finished this book several days ago and I’m still thinking about it, not only because it was real, raw or taboo, but also because it was one of the most tough-provoking books I’ve read so far. “Author Anonymous” was pure and simple captivating. It was addictive, enthralling, shocking, scandalous, suspenseful, sexy and it totally blew me away. The story was fantastically and cleverly written and told in such a gripping way you will not want to put it down for one minute. It was compelling from start to finish, but I have to tell you, it left me so emotionally drained.

"Life is messy, and you can't compare reality to fiction because you'll always wind up disappointed.”

'Author Anonymous' tells Victoria’s (Tori) story, a woman in her thirties who seems to have everything a woman wants – a great house, a wonderful husband, two adorable children and a job she loves. She’s a successful romance author, married with Landon, who she met in college. She loves her family and her job, who occasionally provides her an escape, which she loves, but she’s not fully satisfied with her life. With each and every day she’s more and more convinced that something is missing from her life. Tori’s life completely changes when she creates an account on a fetish social network. In a very short amount of time the fines lines between reality and fantasy are blurred and Tori’s life is completely shattered.

“In a single breath, my whole world changed.”

Apparently this book is based on a true story. I don’t know if it’s really true and to be honest now that I finished I don’t really care. This story was too well written, too addictive, too f@cked-up in a very good way for me to care about this aspect. The raw and poetic writing, the scandalous, taboo, controversial theme, the suspense that held me at the edge of my seat consumed me from beginning until the end.

'Author Anonymous' is not for the faint-hearted. It’s raw, it’s extremely honest, it’s intoxicating. Every single one of these characters we meet in this story was well portrayed and every single one of them felt real to me. Their story will make you cringe, will make you angry, will frustrate you as hell, will simply make you feel.

“This is black and white. This is right and wrong. This is now a deeply carved line in stone that I’m about to cross.”

Tori was a character I didn’t relate with at all. I didn’t understand why she wanted something MORE and why she chose to mess her life up in such a way. I admit, I judge her. I think everyone who will read her story will do that at some point into the story. But I’m wondering…do I have the right to judge her? After all, I’ve never been in her situation…

I know her story can be anyone’s story, but the way she handled everything and the numerous times she lied infuriated me to say the least. She angered me so damn much, she almost disgusted me, she broke my f@cking heart so many times as the story unfolded. She was immature, irresponsible and one of the most self-absorbed characters I’ve read about in a long, long time, but I must admit - I pitied her. Also, I have to say I didn’t sympathize with her at all…at some point into the story. Needless to say I didn’t root for her at all. I really wanted, but I simply couldn’t. In my humble opinion she didn’t deserve her husband love and commitment and she didn’t deserve her best friend loyalty.

All in all, 'Author Anonymous' was a fantastically written compelling story that you don’t want to miss if you want to read something different, something raw and real, something that for sure will screw with your head.

“Love is not the same as obligation.”

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com

I definitely had a love/hate relationship with this one. I listened to the Audible version of this book and I was immediately pulled into this story. This is a book that is raw and painful, forcing you to confront emotions that you'd rather tuck away and pretend didn't exist. Life isn't always perfect...and the grass isn't always greener. If nothing else, this book will make you FEEL.

This is the story of Tori, a wife, mother and successful romance author. From the outside looking in, her life is "picture perfect". She has two beautiful daughters and a seemingly perfect husband.

However, things are far from perfect. Tori has obtained just about everything that she thought she wanted. Only, now she's not so sure that she still wants the same things that she wanted years ago. She's disillusioned with her life. Her marriage is past the honeymoon stage and she finds herself questioning if she settled down too early. She longs for the passion and excitement that is now missing from her comfortable, stable marriage.

After hearing about a fetish website, Tori decides to check it out for "research" purposes. Soon she begins messaging with a man, Alec that she meets on the site. He is the polar opposite of her reliable husband, Landon. Alec is wild, promiscuous and uninhibited. He is new and represents everything that Tori thinks is missing in her "boring" marriage.

Before long, e-mails become text messages. Then Tori is having intimate, secret telephone conversations with Alec. Eventually, they progress to live chats and in-person encounters.

However, their entire relationship is built on lies. Tori has not been honest with Alec. He thinks that she is single and without children. As she tries to juggle her lies, Tori's life begins to unravel.

As I was listening to this story, there were so many times where I wanted to shake some sense into Tori. Reading this story was painful because you could see the disaster looming on the horizon, but were powerless to do anything other than listen as it played out and deal with the fallout of Tori's selfish actions.

More than anything, I felt so conflicted. E. K. Blair did a marvelous job of making you love Tori and relate to her frustrations, even as you despised her self-centered choices and actions. It is real easy to be judgmental and say that Tori was a horrible person. In many ways, she was. However, she was also just a flawed human that gave in to her desires and temptations. Like most readers, I didn't agree with many of the choices that she made, but I couldn't hate her.

By the end of the book, I still felt every bit as conflicted as I was at the mid-point. I love that this book made me question things. In fact, I still wasn't sure how I wanted things to work out at the end and I still had a ton of unanswered questions about the true nature of Alec and Tori's relationship. There was a lot that was left open for interpretation, which is equal parts fascinating and frustrating.

If you're looking for a unicorns and rainbows type of story where everything is wrapped up nicely with a bow, this is not that story. This is a story that will make you furious, frustrated, devastated and emotionally distraught. It is incredibly painful, like so many of the best stories are.

If you choose to read this book, I would say to keep an open-mind. It will be absolutely necessary to enjoy this book. This is the type of story where it is easy to pass judgment and "check-out", feeling like you're taking the moral high-road by hating Tori. If you can keep an open-mind it is a fantastic, emotional story. While I didn't agree with Tori's actions, I did appreciate the beauty and heartbreak of her story.

I love nothing more than a story that elicits raw emotions. This book definitely delivered on that account. For me, it was an excellent choice. The narration was fantastic as well.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

One word: TRAINWRECK.



Whenever I read a blurb that somehow stands out in the sea of romance books, I have a strong urge to read it, especially if it is taboo or controversial. So when I saw that this book was based on true events experienced by a successful romance author whose books I had probably read in the past, I HAD to read it. I wasn't disappointed; it does stand out.

This is basically Fucking up your life beyond repair 101. It is one of those books you don’t love but can’t stop reading till the end. The kind that make you sweat like a pig and drive you to drink. The kind that make you want to slap someone. I’m not a violent person but I don’t remember being that pissed off or nearly murderous because of a book or a heroine before. And I don’t know if it had been the author’s intention or not but I developed some seriously violent feelings of hatred and disgust while reading this book.

I wasn’t able to relate to the heroine, not in the slightest. I hated her. No, pitied her. Her immature "me, myself and I" behavior, her irresponsible and inconsiderate actions, her unreasonable reasoning, her despicable inner thoughts, her selfishness... it almost made me pull all of my hair out of my head. I couldn't empathize with her. I wasn’t even rooting for her in the end. In fact, I must be an awful person because I actually felt relieved when she finally got what she deserved.

Did I love the story? Not really. But then again it is a true story (unless we are victims of deception) and it’s not like the author could have changed real facts, except for a few details to protect the heroine’s identity. I’m not going to lie. The need to know her true identity is driving me crazy, I can’t help it. But I hope we never find out who she is for the sake of her family, her friends and her career.

Was the story consuming, gripping and intense? Yes. Did I like how it ended? I’m not telling you that . You have to see for yourself. However, they say a picture is worth a thousand words...




QUICK REVIEW:

Enjoyment:: 4.5/5
Writing style: 4.5/5
Storyline: 3/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 2/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/chemistry: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 5/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 3/5
Depth of the book: 5/5
POV: heroine, 1st person
Triggers: cheating, love triangle
Similar books: Although this book cannot be compared to other romance books since it’s based on real events, there are some books which deal with the similar topic and have a similar angsty feel to them: Arsen by Mia Asher, Virtue series by Mia Asher, Faraway series by Eliza Freed, The Rule Breakers series by Roya Carmen, The Cityscape series by Jessica Hawkins, Slip of the Tongue by Jessica Hawkins, Love Square series by Jessica Ingro, Temptation series by K. M. Golland

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



First and foremost, I love E.K. Blair and I’m a huge fan of this author. I love the way how Blair can easily bewitch readers with her words, characters and story lines. So when I found out E.K. was going to write a book based on a true story, I was beyond excited and couldn’t wait to get my grabby hands on it. Who wouldn’t be intrigued with a blurb that states, “She’s an author. She’s a mother. She’s a wife. She’s a fraud.” The curious person in me wanted to know who she is and then the other part of me didn’t want to know.



Before I begin my review of Author Anonymous, I want to make it clear that this book is not a love story but it is a story that will leave you feeling exposed. You will either hate or love it. Or if you are like me, you will be left shocked and at the same time angered by the heroine’s choices. It is easy for us to judge and say we wouldn’t do these things but if there is one thing we all need to realize we are all human. We are imperfect and in this case “this anonymous author” chose to have every thought, fantasy, mistake, lies, and betrayal be opened and exposed for readers to judge her.

Author Anonymous felt like I was reading some secret diary and Page Six gossip column. For the life of me, I was addicted and wanted to know every juicy detail. I cringed, judged, and despised the heroine but then again I tried to understand her. Did I like the heroine’s justification for cheating and all the lies? No.

This book can be summed up with one word.BOLD. E.K. Blair boldly told a story that will either be hated or loved by the book community. She made a true story come alive with her bold and stunning prose. Every detail, action, and raw emotions described was boldly told in the voice and style of E.K. Blair. She didn’t hold anything back as far as the readers are concerned. There was nothing she hid with the exception of the identity of the author. Blair literally held you hostage as you went down that proverbial rabbit hole where seduction, lies, betrayal, duplicity, vulnerability and passion laid bare. Regardless if you wanted to hate the heroine or not, E.K. Blair did her job. She consumed you not just with the juicy and scandalous story but she captured your complete undivided attention with her writing. So yes, this is an utterly addictive story that left with a bang! This is definitely a story that will be whispered, talked about and the echoes of gossip of wondering who this person is what makes this book stand out. I know this book will not be for everyone so I applaud EK Blair for taking a chance on writing a story that she felt had to be told.

Author Anonymous is a bold, riveting, heartbreaking and devastatingly raw story. This is not a love story. This is an imperfect story about an imperfect and duplicitous individual. This is her story. We can either love it, hate it or in my case experience this story alongside with E.K. Blair and fellow readers. So if you are ready to take a ride on this scandalous and shocking story, I have only one thing to tell you. Hold on tight!!!



E.K. Blair

[Geri Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

**MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD**

I debated long and hard whether or not to post this review. I've finished reading this book a week or so ago and I had to sit on my review for a bit because of the backlash negative reviews have been getting from fans for this particular book.

I'm going to put aside the whole question of whether or not this book is indeed a true story of someone or a clever but shady marketing ploy. I have my own personal take on it but I won't be discussing it in this review. I'm not also going to touch on the morality of the characters or the author. I know coming in that there's going to be cheating this book. I'm not out to judge anyone in this book.

I'm going to review this book based on its own merit. And it does have merit. For one, this book is indeed unputdownable. It’s like a train wreck you can't look away from. You want to know what kind of mind-numbingly dumb thing the heroine is going to do next. That alone kept me glued to its pages. I have to admit that EK Blair definitely knows how to keep her readers in suspense. But man, despite the fact I could not stop reading this book, I also cannot help but feel bored about the whole thing because it was predictable. Every decision the heroine made you can see from a mile away and you keep reading just to see whether you had it right or wrong. And I was right 99.999999% of the time.

For those who are not familiar, Author Anonymous is a story about Victoria. She's a hybrid (trad and indie) author who made a series of bad decisions for reasons which I will talk extensively about later on. These bad decisions started when she signed up for a fetish site called FetLife. Umm, I don't know about you but I laughed a full minute when I read this because it sounds more like an insurance company than a fetish-kink site. It's absurd.

Anyway, she's on this site for "research" purposes. Although there's not much research going on really because she only talked to one person, Alec, and no one else. I found her reaction to the people and the activities on this site was very judgmental. It's ironic when you really think and consider the things she did throughout this book.

What started off as a casual chat turned into a full-blown affair. And yes, it was an affair although Victoria herself begged to differ since according to her the first time wasn't an affair. But it was. And when her husband found out about it, that's when the story took a turn. Instead of Victoria mending her marriage it became something else entirely.

Now this is where the book kind of lost me as a reader. The author herself talked about how this book serves a cautionary tale. For whom, I have no idea. I'm assuming that it’s a cautionary tale for those of us in the romance industry because apparently reading lots of romances makes us susceptible to being unable to tell the difference between reality and fantasy. And you know what? I object to that. Do these things happen? Sure. But they're not exclusive to the romance reading community. And before you throw tomatoes at me and say I'm lying, I'm not. In fact, it wasn't just Victoria who thinks about this but her husband as well.

"I should've known this would happen. You’re always living in fucking la-la land with those fucking books you read and write. You’re so fucking pathetic. All you authors do is sit around and write your fucking porn that you get off to. It’s always bothered me, but you were happy and successful, so I kept my mouth shut. But you go to these book signings with all those cover models and loser housewives wetting their panties over them. It’s a fucking joke! You’re a fucking joke, you know that?”

“The life you live in as an author is nothing but lies. The men you create, the men you read, it’s all bullshit. I never understood your need for it when you have me. I guess I was never good enough, was I?”

“All you authors are just self-centered pieces of shit that hold no value on the true relationships you have, so you create your versions of perfection that no man can ever live up to. It’s embarrassing that my friends can see on your social media these signings you go to with half-naked men. It’s disgusting and so fucking desperate.”

Yikes. At this point, I wanted Victoria and this book to prove that idea wrong. Unfortunately, that this didn't happen. In fact, Victoria reinforced that idea.

He’s right. This job of mine, this author world, it’s filled with so much scandal. So many women losing themselves to the same thing that caused me to slip—fantasy.

By the way, in this book there was only one author, apart from Victoria, who left her husband and her kids. One. I don't know where she got the "so many women" part. Do scandals like this happen? Sure, they do. Are they exclusive to the romance community? Hardly. This book seems hellbent on painting the ugly and trawdy side of the genre while completely ignoring its good side. A nice contrast would've been nice. The lack of contrast is part of the reason why I found this book to be disappointing.

Part of the reason why read this book because of the reviews that said this book is edgy and thought-provoking and so out there and new, blah, blah, blah. Unfortunately, I disagree because there's nothing edgy or thought provoking about this book. In fact, this book is quite the opposite. It in fact, doubles down on the stereotype that most romance authors and readers have been fighting against for a long, long time: that romance readers/authors are lonely, bored women looking for excitement in their lives. It also supports the stereotype that women who love romances have a hard time distinguishing between fantasy and reality.

That's it. The heroine, Victoria is exactly that. She's someone who is bored and lonely but most of all, she can't seem to grasp between what is real and what is fantasy. She meets a guy on a kink site and boom! She's suddenly neglecting her husband, her kids, and her career to chase after a man who not only lies to her constantly but gaslights her every chance he gets. But she chases after him because he's her ultimate fantasy. The guy she writes about in her books. The exciting one. The one who makes her tummy flutter and makes her orgasm so hard that she passes out.

In the end, there's really nothing you can glean from this book that's affirming for romance readers. This book is kind of like an indictment, a false one at that, of the whole community. It's sad because I don’t think EK Blair knows how damaging those stereotypes are. Maybe she does but maybe she just ignored it. I don't know.

And there's no closure either. There's no lesson to be learned because Victoria didn't learn anything at all. Part of the reason why I love fiction is the journey of the its characters, especially the main character. I want to read about someone who's made mistakes, paid for those mistakes and become a better version of herself. None of that happened in this book. None. Victoria went from good, to bad, to worst. I don't know if the author is planning a second installment because that ending was just a slap in the face.

[Mali Mor ❤️ The Romantic Blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

Even though it's been a while since I finished reading, I still feel I need a support group because this book is one hell of a roller coaster - from start to finish. (Especially when it finishes!!!!!) 💥

I don't want to ruin it for you, so I'll just say that this is the story of a very famous author - married with kids, who wanted to tell her story, so she turned to E.K. Blair so she could write it for her, anonymously. 😱

📚 “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐭." 📚

This is a story of Tori, a woman who rediscovers her sexuality after years of routine life with her husband. She signs up for a kinky website and gets addicted.
It starts with dirty talk, temptation, secrets and lies - but how will it end? Will she choose this new life or the familiar she already knowns? 💥💥💥

This is not a typical love story - to be honest? I didn't like the characters or their choices - it has tough moments... painful moments... aggravating moments... hot moments... tragic moments and even moments when I wanted to throw my Kindle out the window! But when an author can make me feel such extreme emotions and get me out of my comfort zone - it says it all! 👏👑💕

📚 “𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝.” 📚

Even though this book made me sweat with nerves, tear all my hair out and want to hurt someone badly (a female someone! 😂) - it was so well written!!! well done to E.K. Blair for the execution - and to the anonymous for the courage in revealing her story (if she's real - I really hope we'll never find out who she is!!! but if she doesn't exist - I'll be mad, but it was an ingenious marketing idea). 💕

So... Dear Tori, You are a selfish bitch! 😂😂😂

• I listened to the AUDIO version. 🎧

▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️

📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...

📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/

📖 GOOᗪᖇEᗩᗪᔕ: https://bit.ly/3acMRMP

💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start this off by clarifying something. I went into this book knowing exactly what it was about. E.K. Blair is my friend, and we usually talk about things before we start writing, because that's what friends and authors do. I was one of the very first people to read Author Anonymous once it was complete, not only because I know E.K. on a personal level, but because I really, really wanted it. I was so entirely curious about the real-life story of a writer who isn't what she claims to be. I like to read weird shit. I like taboo and out-of-the-box topics, and that's one thing I knew that AA would give me.

I had no idea.

I'm an E.K. Blair fan, and I feel like I know what I'm going to get when I pick up one of her novels. She writes sexy, dark characters that are not all that likable. But this one book is like the entire Bang Series on crack! I was taken so completely off-guard by my emotions, I was speechless.

Never have I ever read a book that I felt so utterly part of. I felt like I was witnessing the devastating, earth-shattering secret and felt guilty because there was nothing I could do! It made me feel like I was the one doing it ... it made me feel dirty and deceiving and bad! More times than once, I had to look to my husband and apologize! LOL! I read through my fingers, and I read with my total heart on the outside of my body for everyone to see.

I've heard E.K. say more than once that she wrote this book because she felt like every woman will be able to relate. I didn't have that experience. Reading Author Anonymous was a complete out of body experience, and while I maybe have thought a few of Victoria's thoughts, I've never been in her shoes. Which is a compliment to the writer, because I can't stress this enough, I felt like I was living this book, not just reading it. E.K. was able to transport me to the place where this lonely writer is, and it's unlike anything I've ever experienced before.

But I guess that's the best way to explain AA: it's an experience.

Five Stars for E.K. Blair for this beautifully written piece of work.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"E.K. Blair" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!



TITLE: Author Anonymous
AUTHOR: E.K. Blair
GENRE: ROMANCE | TRUE STORY
CHAPTERS:
RELEASE DATE: August 29th, 2016

MY RATING: 5 STARS



Buddy read with Sonya from 'Chatterbooks Book Blog'

AUTHOR ANONYMOUS: Uniquely told through the voice of E.K. Blair, based on real life events. Moves from 'Present to Past' effortlessly.



A world of lies
Mistrust
Deceit
Temptation
Heartbreak

This is going to be a no frills review because no matter which way I go in writing my review up will be giving out spoilers, just embark on this train wreck of a ride with an open mind, expect to have your mind in turmoil pretty much from the get go, emotions will be going up and down like a roller coaster, is this a mind fuck of a read?? You better believe it!!

This is not your typical love story, it's heart breaking, it's raw, it's dirty, it's going to push you so far out of your comfort zones, be prepared, buy wine, buy a cask, drink drink drink, numb yourself, you're going to need it..

During the day I was a mum and wife,
and at night I was something entirely different.
I created a world where laundry didn't exist,
sex wasn't something I had to schedule,
and there were no children in the background
throwing fits.



BUT you can't help but be pulled into the storyline, a womans journey of self discovery, a whole new life opens up to her, will she embark on it or stay locked in her stagnant life?

All your morals and hard limits will be pushed, lines will become blurred as you delve deeper and deeper into this book. Will your heart break, yep it will into smithereens as it all comes crashing down around her.

A heartbreakingly hard to read raw account of one woman's struggle where fantasy and fiction overlap into real life.

Not to be read without a bottle of wine or two!! Prepare yourselves now!!

ALL MY JUMBLED THOUGHTS AFTER FINISHING THIS: I'd not reached the end of this but decided before hand it was going to get my 5 stars, nearing the end I was like YES THANK GOD you made the right decision!! Turn a few pages, read the ending and my heart just drops, I question everything about this female, my heart and head were at war, my emotions were fucked up, did I hate this female character, yes at times I really did if I'm being honest, did I understand any of her decisions, sadly not really..

This is a very hard book to recommend, like to recommend it am I condoning everything that went down?? Yeah na, it's a hard one..

BUT the reason why I'm giving this my 5 stars is because it was beautifully written, I was an emotional wreck throughout, I was out of my comfort zone, it made me question everything, so when an author can put me through the paces like that no matter what the subject matter I rate highly for..

As a reader I need to feel, to connect with what the author is trying to convey, this book I connected with 100% it felt like I was living the deceit, the lies, and most of all the heartbreak which was my own..

So to sum it all up, all I can say is thank you E.K.Blair for making me feel!!

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori Garrison is a successful romance author married to Landon, an absolute dream and the man she met in college. Her life is full with kids, career and the day to day, and while Tori’s family has been a solid foundation where she feels mostly content, she starts to feel like something is missing. Turning to another author’s advice for book research, Tori establishes an account on a social website that caters to certain sexual lifestyles. Not exactly sure as to what she hopes to find, she experiences much more than she could have ever foreseen.

“I’m a blank canvas that I can paint however I desire. For the first time ever, I get to be the character in my own fantasy land.”

Upon being contacted by Alec, Tori forms an online connection with him almost immediately. From the outset, he is very forthcoming about his lifestyle and preferences, and while Tori opens herself to Alec about intimate details of her life, she fails to tell him about the most important facts. Knowing she is being deceitful to her husband and even to new friend, Tori feels like she can’t stop talking to Alec and starts to crave more.

“I was desperate for it. I needed it. Needed the excitement, the allure, the temptation.”

From this point, Tori makes the decision to transition her friendship with Alec to an emotional level of intimate lovers by talking and sharing aspects of herself that only her husband should enjoy. Addicted to Alec and what he offers, Tori’s descent begins and just when you think she is about to come to her senses, her world shatters. Secrets are discovered, hearts are broken and all that seemed safe and loving transforms into deceit, resentment and doubt.

“You fell for him, didn’t you?”

Obviously, this is a story about an affair and the emotional elements surrounding Tori’s experience are gut-wrenching; however, it is also addicting and exhilarating at times. From the outset, you know Tori is going to make many wrong decisions that will affect her husband and family yet there is also a feeling of sympathy for not just Tori and Landon but also for Alec. Adding to the affair theme, there is a deeper element that surfaces causing Tori to examine her life choices in an effort to save herself and ultimate decision.

Even though there are some who are already feeling the pain that an affair book can bring forth, what makes Tori’s story relatable is that such a situation can happen to any of us because life isn’t black or white, good or bad, right or wrong. Sometimes, people change and detour for a bit. Did I like Tori? While I wished she would make the best decision for herself and her family and wanted her to stop this destructive behavior, I still empathized with her plight at times. Did my heart break for Landon? Absolutely and I cried for his pain. Did I hate Alec? Not at all and I actually fell for him at times. And, that’s the beauty of E.K.’s writing, she forces the reader to experience a range of emotions and doesn’t sugar coat an ounce of this story. It is raw and real.

Author Anonymous is based on a true account of an author’s experience told through the creative mind of E.K. Blair. All the names and identifying details have been changed to protect the author. After finishing this book, I can understand why Anonymous felt the cathartic need to share her story. Honestly, this story blew me away. It is titillating, erotic, sad, painful, provocative and forces the reader to confront a range of emotions in an intensely difficult situation. I’m still reeling from the emotional impact of this one and hope Tori (Anonymous) is able to find her way. Needless to say, I highly recommend Author Anonymous!!


*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I won this ARC during the Shh… Summer Buzz Book Event 2016!
https://goo.gl/uqgC3u

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★5 Stars★★★★★





" Life is messy, and you can't compare reality to fiction because you'll always wind up disappointed.

What in the name of Ed Sheeran did I just read?!! Never in my life have I read such a captivating, destructive, heartbreaking story that made me not only want to pull ALL my hair out, but also had me reaching for top shelf liquor!! As I'm writing this review, I'm still trying to figure out in all that is holy, what I just experienced. Am I in shock, do I need a Valium? HELL.YES. Victoria was certainly an unforgettable character and her journey was very self destructive but one heck of an eye opener.

Based on a true story, this is the tale of one author's desicion to change her life. Victoria had it all. A successful writing career, two beautiful kids and a husband that worships the ground she walks on. But one moment, one life changing moment will forever alter life as she knows it. What happens when fantasy and reality collide? This was one of the most heartbreaking and addictive story that I've ever read and just when I thought it couldn't possible get any worse, I was hit with the cold hard truth that it could and it did.

"With each step, each breath,I'm selfishly pissing all over everything I vowed to love and cherish. I know I shouldn't be doing this, but the simple, self-gratifying reality is- I want to. "



Victoria's journey is not for faint of heart. You will judge her and hate her but you know what? You will also understand her, love her, and applaud her for her honesty. As human beings, we're always saying: I WOULD NEVER. but until you've been in a situation like Victoria's, your I NEVERS are no longer relevent. Your I NEVERS, are now: I DID.



This was a very difficult read and at times I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish it because I knew it was real and it could happen to anyone.Ms.Blair took me on such an emotional ride and I have to applaud her for taking this story and making it into a gut wrenching, and soul crushing tale that I will never forget.

"We can't tell our hearts what to do or how to feel. They do whatever the fuck they want-good or bad-right or wrong. They are what lead us through life.

As for the real Anonymous, like many others I'm sure, I was dying to know who this person was. She broke my heart and she made me angry but a huge part of me was rooting for her and her decision. I felt every emotion she was going through and I liked the fact that she wasn't perfect.She caused alot of pain and her road to destruction was the ultimate train wreck. Was it all worth it? You just have to read it and find out.

Please be advised: This story is NOT for everyone. It will push your limits and make you extremely angry at certain times. Alcohol is required. Having a warranty on your electronic devices is a MUST.

*Arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lo Bookfrantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★★★★ANGRY STARS

Ok this is going to be a totally different review from my usual because honestly, I can't even...



Going in I already knew it was going to be different, this book remind me of ARSEN a lot I had an ULCER the entire time reading this book. However; I just couldn't justify anything Tori did nothing and she was nonredeemable in my eyes. Therefore here's my review in GIFS...

★★★TORI★★★

★★★LANDON★★★

★★★BROOKE-BEST FRIEND★★★

★★★ALEC★★★

★★★AND FOR THAT ENDING★★★

F(BR) with my shhlut War

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this story is not real and the Anonymous Author is just a publicity stunt from E K Blair to make us curious, oh well, kudos to her. It worked brilliantly. She probably is selling it like hot cakes and having a laugh at our expense, happy with her incredible achievement: The Art of Screwing with Others Heads.



If this story is real and the Anonymous Author really exists and asked E K Blair to be her voice and tell her story, I am sorry but I am going to be harsh. AA, I pity you.

I tried so hard not to judge you in the beginning. Who am I, after all?
But dammit woman! You made it so very hard, with your bad decisions, choices, and attitudes and you kept doing them, over and over again!



I didn’t want to be a bitch and judge you but I am only human and I guess I am after all, judging you and being a horrible person for doing that.

In a time frame of a year you lost so much for what? A few orgasms with a shady guy with a sweet talk about “letting go of your ideas of what’s normal and acceptable?” who you knew nothing about. So, I pity you.



I also pity you because you cannot be honest with yourself. How sad is that? It must be miserable having a life of lies. Being honest with ourselves is the least we can do; it feeds our self-respect and dignity.

I won’t condemn you though, again, who am I?
But sure as hell, life will. Life must be slapping you in the face all the time as many of our choices, decisions and attitudes cannot be taken back and so the consequences are our punishment. The guilt you carry must be eating you inside, which is nothing less than another punishment.

In your note you say you feel haunted and consumed by your own story. You also mention two years of tears, therapy and penance. I truly hope you learn how to deal with your demons and find peace, somehow. No one deserves to live in this hell.



As I said, they are harsh words. You are a big girl though. I am sure you can take it. Besides you gave me this right when you decided to publish your story.

I am giving this book 5 Stars because this whole shitty situation felt scary real. The story was wrapped in a weird thrilling feeling where the forbidden aspects, the deceiving and betrayal left me an emotional wreck. My heart was on my mouth until the last page, expecting a catastrophe to happen at any time. Moreover, I had a sickening feeling in my stomach as if I was the person doing all the deceiving. What a horrible feeling. This must be one of the biggest accomplishments of an author though. Hence the 5 Stars.

[warhawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Memoir
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:




Tori Garrison lived a double life. As herself, she was a loving wife to Landon with two adorable daughters. But when she's Madilyn Kline, a New York Times bestselling author, she was a different person in a different world. A research on a fetish site led her to Alec and that world became dangerous when fantasy was left to rule reality.



I have been intrigued by this book since I first found out about it when I'm not even sure what it is about. And I see speculations whether this is truly a memoir or just a sneaky fiction. Honestly, I don't care because this book made me have a strong reaction and that's a mark of a well written story.

For the first time ever, I get to be the character in my own fantasy land.

I usually love characters that fucked up, but with Tori was an exception. Throughout the book, there was not one moment I've ever liked/sympathize with her! I understand it could happen to anyone, but her actions were just so selfish and unforgivable and there was one thing she did that sealed her fate for me.



Alec was a breath of fresh air for Tori's ordinary life. He was a subtle alpha. He knew what to say/do to get things his way. I also had a certain feeling on him but I rather not divulge it :p

No one person is capable of being someone’s everything. Landon fills the security and goodness in me, and Alec fills the need for spontaneity and this newfound desire to explore a different side of my sexuality.

Landon was the one caught in the middle. He was in a difficult situation and I admired his resilience. However, there was a certain point of action that left me frustrated.

“No words will ever be more powerful or more truthful than these beats that bruise me every single day I have you.”

I could put myself in each of their shoes, but still, it is very hard for me not to be judgmental. Maybe because they're supposed to be real people? I don't think I would be this emotionally charged if it was a fiction.

Since I don't have the opportunity to be in close contact with authors via book signings, I appreciate the insider bits about authors/bloggers/readers interactions. I always wonder about the dynamics.

This is black and white. This is right and wrong. This is now a deeply carved line in stone that I’m about to cross.

Author Anonymous is a story of a woman's journey of making a mistake and recognizing what deemed important in her life. It's a satisfyingly draining emotional roller coaster into the world of fantasy made reality.


✥ ♛ ✥ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ✥ ♛ ✥
Special thanks to CC for listening to our rants/freak outs :p


★ Copy won from #ShhTopPick S(hh)port romances; Those shhexy, in shhape athletes! Thanks Julia!

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind fucked. Completely. Mind. Fucked

That is how I felt at the end of this story. I started this book the way I usually would, with a bit of hope and excitement. I then moved into moments of 'OMG' and 'WTF are you doing' and 'this is not a good idea.' I then felt really worried, pissed off and angry. Then surprisingly there were moments I was completely caught up in the passionate thrills and so bloody turned on I wished I wasn't reading it at work.

Then I moved into complete and overwhelming sadness and devastation. Disbelief soon followed. And in the end I am left feeling overwhelmed and completely wrung out, having put myself through reading a book laden with so much deceit and angst.

Reading this book, I found it hard not to forget it is a true story and these are actual people whose lives were torn apart. I also switched into detective mode, trying to pick up and clues, wondering if I could figure out who the author anonymous is. And then I decided that, actually, it doesn't matter who it is, it won't make the experience of reading this story any better or worse.

Once I finished, I closed my kindle, got out of my chair, poured a glass of red wine, warmed up a heat pack and took them both to my husband, kissed him and told him how incredible he was, then went into the kitchen to bake something delicious for his lunch the next day. Everything I do is with him in mind and he treats me the same way, as he has every day for the last nearly 29 years.

I'm not going to judge the people involved with what happened in this story. I believe that the only people who truly know what is going on in a relationship are the people in it. I also believe that it is completely normal to have moments in your relationship/marriage where you are sad or maybe feel unhappy at times. If you can't see a way through then seek help from a professional. The most important thing to me is to always put your relationship with your partner first, even above your relationship with the kids you have together. You existed first and it starts and ends with you two.

I think this was a very brave decision made by the author anonymous to share her story with us all and well done to EK Blair for presenting this in such a way that it had me desperate to turn each page .

My 5 star rating is based on the fact that this story pulled me in, took me on a whirlwind of emotions, was addictive and had me completely. Any book/author that can do that is a top rated one for me.

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written. Addicting. Very hard to put down. I think this is one of those books you have to read for yourself. There has been just SO MUCH buzz. And I couldn't hold back. I NEEDED to read this and see what it was about. Overall, I'm really glad I did that. I'm still getting my thoughts together on it, but I really am intrigued to see what everyone thought! I'm still reminding myself that this wasn't fiction! And I was thrown off by the end. I need to time to wrap my head around it all.

[-ya · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fact that Author Anonymous started with a letter to the readers from an anonymous author ‘Tori’ left me no choice but to rate the book based on how I feel about the main character Tori.

Tori is a cheater, a liar and a delusional person.

What is it about this guy that’s worth hurting the ones who love you?

umm... she was a sex addict?

It’s too much responsibility for me to bear, and it only makes me want Alec more because he’s the one that can make all the despair in my world disappear.

Seriously. All the despair were in Tori’s own imagination.

From her BFF: “I don’t want to judge you, but you’re making it very difficult.”

The way this ‘true’ story was told made it very easy to judge Tori.

Author Anonymous is neither a story of redemption nor romance. To me, it is a story of a woman who has valued her own gratifications over her family and friends. My regret of finishing the book is to realize that this anonymous author is still an attention seeker.

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once again E.K Blair proves that she can evoke emotions with the narrative of the stories she writes. I know I should stay away from this story since I don't read or like cheating stories, but curiosity got the best of me and I was hopeful there would be something that I would empathize with Authors Anonymous, but this was not the case. Putting that aside, regardless of the story being told, I’m still speechless how soulless "Author Anonymous" was, and how her character, lacking better work, evoke zero sympathy from my part. The only priority for "Author Anonymous" was her vagina and having something stuck in there. I don't really understand why she has the need to do all the wrongs she did. She played with fire and she was burning herself and her family without any care in the world. I feel for her husband and kids who didn't have the lead in the story she was making, on the contrary, they got the worse part of it. I found it not cool at all that, by telling her story, she revealed some secrets of the escapades and insights of the "romance author world". Dear Author Anonymous: "Tell your story lady, not someone else's secrets". It's a joke how willful Author Anonymous was to do all the damage she did, but not enough to come forward and reveal who she is when it's clear that now readers will speculate and probably make the wrong assumptions of who this person is. What bothers me the most is that E.K Blair posted something on her Facebook during promotional weeks where she stated that the reason she decided to tell Author Anonymous' story is because she's every woman. Excuse Me!!! She is clearly not this one and the ones who have moral bounds, respect themselves, value their family, the ones who use their brain, intelligence, common sense and not let their carnal desires and vagina make their life decisions. I'm just so disconnected from this "character" that doesn't have any substantial excuse for what she did, and the worst part is that at the end of the tale she is clearly wanting to come back to the same patterns because clearly she didn't hurt her kids and husband enough, her vagina needs what it needs. The true hero in my eyes is Alec, who closed the chapter like she was yesterday's story, played her like a toy and disposed of her when it was not fun anymore ... Bravo Alec!!! Karma is certainly a bitch.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an easy review to write. It makes sense, because this was not an easy book to read.

I am going to have to break this down to really do it justice. I want to first state that E.K. Blair did a fantastic job writing this book. She took some pretty difficult things to swallow and created a story that was gripping and had me on the edge of my seat. There is nothing but pure talent showcased on these pages.

But this isn’t just about the ability of the author to write. This is about the author she was writing about. That is where it becomes complicated.

This is not a romance book. I repeat: This. Is. Not. A. Romance.

In Author Anonymous, we meet Victoria. She’s a romance author with a loving husband at home, two little girls and a successful career. What begins as a bit of fun turns into an affair that is devastating.

As she begins to communicate with Alec, text messages quickly turn to phone calls and phone/skype sex until she gets caught. But it doesn’t really stop there. As the affair continues, we watch an author risk her family and her career to chase the rush of this man’s attention. We watch. We watch a woman who for whatever reason shows very little remorse in her own actions; well actually – based solely on this book and her portrayal in the book – she really shows zero remorse. But I couldn’t stop reading it. I was overcome with the need to know what happened next.

There were times that she and Alec would have a steamy moment, and I had to remind myself this was real life, not a romance novel. In fiction, our fucked up characters have moments that offer redemption. There are no moments of redemption within these pages. None. Not a single one.

But still I could not stop reading.

Now. I have to say there are a lot of folks that might think that sharing this story is brave and takes guts. I disagree. Brave would have been facing the full truth with her husband. In private. It would have taken guts to face her actions to the people that mattered the most, the ones that suffered in the wake of her choices. What I took away from this story varies a bit. No one is perfect. Even those that appear to have everything can break easily. But I also walked away with this sick feeling that even though this person was willing to risk everything for a flash of attraction, she never once fully takes responsibility for her actions. She is not once honest about her actions. This is not a sign of just a troubled woman or one that made bad choices. This is a sign of something so much worse, because there is so little in the way of actual empathy for those hurt by her actions. I am not sure if that ending was supposed to be all about shock value or if that was a true and accurate depiction of where this author is after the dust settled. But if it is true, my heart breaks for her husband. My heart breaks for a little for her as well, but any chance of sympathy for this story flew out of the window during the final pages of this story.

I am just still confused over why the story had to be told. Like, if this author is a popular author, someone in the mainstream of romance writing – how is it going to go undiscovered who she is? What about if her husband stumbles upon this book somehow. Imagine if that happened. Imagine if he was reading it right now. How can the choice be so easy to put this out there for the world to see, while not all the truths had been exposed yet privately? Betrayals can be forgiven, mistakes overcome, but all of that requires someone truly feeling remorse for what they’ve done and this book just doesn’t seem to showcase that the journey this author took, led to her taking an ounce of responsibility for the things she did. This is a train-wreck of a story, a big red flag, waiving in the face of those hurt by saying “Look what I did! Look what I got away with! I have a husband who loves me, kids that adore me, and readers who love my books!!! And I did all this and no one knows!” It was just tragic and heartbreaking for everyone single one of the people in this book that suffered from her actions.

Now, I am not a reader that has a lot of hard limits in general. I will read about affairs without automatically shelving a book over it. But I am intrigued by the way some devour this sort of ‘real life’ story but can’t do it in fictional romance stories. I think that is utterly fascinating. My mind is trying to figure out it. Is it because we know real life is ugly and not perfect but we expect our romances to be the opposite? I really think it is boils down to how we expect real life to be tarnished but yet want shiny and perfect in our romance novels.

For those on the fence about reading this, understand it is not going to be a comfortable story to hear. EK Blair soothes it by writing a completely captivating story that you often have to remind yourself is non-fiction; but know you will struggle with your feelings after you finish.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 ★'s


Well, I had a whole 'nother review written out but the freakin' last page RUINED it...and ruined the book as well. WTH??



Bottom line...this "alleged" author has problems. It's not even about her affair. She's had some things in her childhood that has affected her so greatly that it's messed up her needs.

It was mentioned in the book a few times how she's addicted to the new guy and she truly is an addict....if, and this is a big IF, she even exists.



So, if you weren't aware, this book is supposed to be about a true person, a romance author. Of course, the names have been changed to protect the innocent and probably a whole lotta other things.

Her marriage is in a rut but she doesn't really realize it until the new guy (who she meets on a fetish website...'nuff said) comes into her life and he brings out something in her. She can't get enough, hence the addict comment, and basically leaves everything for him. Problem is, he has his own issues and when push comes to shove, he shoves. Of course, he got a little emotionally involved so there's that.



Initially, I wasn't really going to read this book...I didn't like the whole "true" story part but there was just something about it that drew me to it and I couldn't forget about it.

There were some things about her marriage...and even the affair that were interesting. But I really liked all the scenes involving her as an author. And I really liked her friendship with her best friend, Brooke.



I'm not even sure that you can read this book and not speculate as to who "Anonymous" could possibly be. I know I have a few possibilities but with things being changed, there's really no way to tell. Didn't stop me from wondering though.

Before that infamous last page, I thought the story was okay. Yes, emotional...and even angsty, it just wasn't the good angst. BUT....I at least had hope....mother f*ckin' HOPE!! And E.K. Blair just stomped all over it and KILLED it....DEAD. UGH!!

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stars are solely just for EK Blair, she wrote this beautifully, pouring every emotion and did a great justice with it. Thats how you know what a great writer is she.
This book was so raw and painfull. This book made me feel so conflicted, there were times when I hated the author for being so self-centred and ruining everything perfect infront of her, but obviously I cant do that, because At the end of the day she is just a Flawed human who made bad choices. I have no right to judge anyone. Its easy to just sit and read someones story and judge but EKBlair did a marvelous job with this book, and made me understand somethings about the author.
My all love goes to her husband, he was such a picture perfect husband, yes life is not always fairy tale but thats how it works.
I dont know what to say about her best friend, I mean yeah she was trying to save author from falling and breaking and but cant save someone who does not want to be saved.
Even after finishing this book, after reading last part of this book, I still feel so comflicted, I just wanna know whats the point of telling your story when your not even letting go of that part. She is so involved in herself that she cant see anyone beyond her wants and temptation.
But I just hope she make better choices from now on, though she did some wrong, she also went through alot in her life, the pain, the emotions she felt it and I just hope for her to have a good life.
I want to say so many things but I cant because its someones life we are talking about and judging her its the last thing I'd want to do ever. I just wanted to understand that why did she do this, and the answer is so plain and simple, she is a flawed human just like rest of us and she chose her temptation and lust over everything else.
I dont know what to say anymore.


{Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanos and then it subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don’t blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being “in love” which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.}

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished this book, my first reaction was… WTF! So many emotions involved while reading this book and I thought I figured it out what the ending of this story, but I was wrong, that’s when I want to throw my e-reader, because it’s just too much.

Tori is a well-known author in the romance genre, a mother of two and a wife to a successful chef/restaurant owner Landon. Her life seems perfect and happy, she couldn’t ask for anything more or so she thought.

Then she met Alec, it started innocently or just out of curiosity. Alec is a member of a fetish website where Tori created a “fake” account for research purposes. But things change when they started communicating on a regular basis and it became too personal that Tori makes time to chat or call Alec when Landon is not around. Then again, no secret “relationship” can be kept for a long time; someone is bound to get caught. That’s what happened to Tori, she got caught and nothing to do but to admit it. Landon forgave Tori but she's monitored, in everything she does, for the trust was broken. They went to a marriage counselling to fix whatever the problem is.

I’m not here to judge anyone, especially Tori, for we are all human born to make mistakes, though I may not like her choices or decisions, but it’s her life. Love can be blinding at times, people do get crazy when falling in love to the right or wrong person. I admire the courage of Tori to tell her story to one of the best authors of our times E.K. Blair.

E.K. Blair wrote a brilliant book that will pull you into the story, a real page turner. Definitely, one of my BEST reads of 2016!

Lastly, Anonymous you’re one lucky lady to have a friend like Brooke…

“But one thing you can always count on from me is that I will always have your back, no matter what.”

[Syndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This might be the best book I picked up so far in 2021. Lost in the Affair is just.... heart breaking sad. And yet somehow I can relate to Tori.

I do not have the same experience as her, but I understand the sadness, the loneliness, the frustration from Tori. Where everyone is expecting something from you and that is not what you want. I do hope whoever the real Tori, can find her peace.

Lost in the Affair reminds us all that life can be consuming. Life can be brutal. Life can be cruel. And most of all life is unfair. Nothing is ever easy and fair.

Anyway Miss Blair is just that good in writing this story.

5 stars

[Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 Stars *****

This book.... hit me at every level. My feelings towards this is amplified because it's based on a true experience and told in E.K. Blair's magical words. My mind is going crazy.

Author Anonymous is about cheating. You feel the excitement, the butterflies, the nerves. And then you see everything crumbling down.

This is E.K. Blair's best work so far....

The book didn't make me cry, but this story still hurt me tremendously. If you're married with kids, get ready for some serious emotions. Everything about this is so raw and real.

Author Anonymous is a must read. JUST READ IT!

[talon smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for a HONEST review.*

I am not even quite sure where to start with this so I am going to try my best. I understand that this is someone’s story and I understand that they confided in EK Blair to put these words into a story and I respect that, absolutely I do but that doesn’t mean I understand it or the story line of the book.

I am all over the place with Author Anonymous. These type of books are usually a hit or miss for me. I have read some really good ones and I have read some disappointing ones. I can’t seem to ever enjoy the ones where the heroine has no rhyme or reason as to why she does what she does. I can’t ever come up with any justification or reason why she would do the things that she does in this story and as readers I feel like the author needs to make us feel for that main character. But I didn’t. I felt for Landon… I felt for Brooke…I felt for the children and Alec but I felt nothing for the main character in the book and to me that was a huge let down.

Books like this one and the subject matter that the author touches on is very hard for me to hop on board with. With me saying that I want to clarify. I am not saying EK didn’t write her heart out on this one because she did so well as the telling heart of another individual but I just wasn’t emotionally invested in it. My level of empathy for Tori was actually below E. And when you can’t connect to the story line or the character it’s really hard to enjoy the book.

This is 2/2 that EK Blair has let me down with her endings. I felt like this ending was just left way too wide open. Maybe that was her point but for me as a reader I was just left with frustration as to why Tori did what she did. AGAIN. And it’s a standalone? UGH.

I really wish I could go into more detail about the things that I had a hard time with during this book but I feel like that would take away from other readers and I never want to do that. I hope every one reads this book for themselves because I love to see the different opinions on topics such as this one. I just felt like this was another book that made me want to scream at the characters to COMMUNICATE.

[Ela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly don't get all the hype about this real story book! I'm pretty sure there are many among us who cheat just as bad or even worse. EK Blair wrote wonderfully. The story or someone's life experience just pissed me the f*ck off! Tori is a very selfish and confused little girl who can't even make up her mind as to what the hell she wants, needs, etc. I just can't for the life of me get Tori, I truly despised her and her character. Making that excuse at the end for the affair sadly fell short and the thing she did at the very end? Seriously? Despicable.

Add on 9/1/16: Oh and Anonymous? Your friends didn't turn from you but quite the opposite.

[Willow Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riddle. This is a hot mess. This is a contemporary Shakespearean tragedy. This is an opportunity to live a little vicariously, if you want an answer to the riddle....

What are you capable of?

Most people never test their limits, good or bad. Most live within a comfy zone of their own making, maybe being a little more ‘good’ or a little more ‘bad’ at times. Yet they never quite do anything to threaten the perimeters that secure their comfy zone. After all, this is almost a fundamental, and invisible, doctrine that rules what makes up so called societal norms.

In AA, the three main characters (1 FMC, 2 MMCs) each show just exactly what they are capable of, good and bad, almost to their limits. And it’s fucking ugly. One big hot mess of ugly that was tantalizingly agonizing to read.

I must confess, this story touched a nerve for me. I expected to read about something that I think most authors consider writing at one point or another – a writer as the lead character, twisting on a wire without a net. The addition of this being a story that centers around that character pushing to see if fiction and reality can co-mingle was enough to pique my interest.

What I found was something that I didn’t expect, though. Really, when I think about this story and what it resembles as far as the treatment of the characters and plot, I’m only able to picture a horrific car crash, the kind that has metal and bone twisted to unrecognition. It is that tragic. Think of elements used by Shakespeare to drive his characters into the depths of themselves, full speed into their murky self-centers with little regard for intentions or good or bad or judgment at all, only with a need to reach the final outcome as a matter worthy of examination.

That’s what this was. A head-long drive to the wicked end that I was conspiratorial in wanting to examine myself. And what a tragic fucking ending! (I loved it btw *evil grin*)

I don’t share personal stuff on here, not often. As an author, it’s been made apparent to me that there’s a fine line between the person and the words. I’ve learned to guard that line, more than is in my nature to do. But this book has me raw, standing well outside my comfy zone, and needing to share in a way that is probably not ‘good’ *sigh*

I’ve been here before – at that limit’s edge. I’ve answered the riddle for myself. It wasn’t the exact same – no triangle, no cheating, no need to vilify myself with the potential of harm to husband or child. No, I was alone when I ventured outside the perimeters of the comfy zone in much the same way as the FMC. But outside that zone is never comfy, no matter what, or who, is involved. And answers to that riddle are never easily discovered. This book does an amazing job at chronicling that.

If you choose to read this, I can say without a doubt that you will doubt your own answer to the riddle. You will be tortured and emotionally strung up by your desires...because even if you don’t fall into step with the characters’ desires exactly, you’ll see yourself mirrored there. You’ll see yourself questioning…

What am I capable of?

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Author Anonymous? Let’s see…it was probably the most addictive read I’ve read in SOOO long. It was a book that equally infuriated me but also had me feeling sorry for her at the same time.

Below are some of the thoughts that actually went through my mind while reading this book:

Seriously?
Oh my god…NO!!
Okay, this is so F-ing hot!
I can’t honestly believe she did THAT.
I should really hate that I’m enjoying this so much.
Ugh! *throws my Kindle*

Yes, those were just a few of the things racing in my mind while feasting on this book.

Victoria is a NYT-bestselling author. She is just like everyone else, she’s human and makes mistakes. But her mistakes are more epic and will leave the reader aghast. She will make you hate her. She will make you feel sorry for her. She will break your heart. You will be horrified by the decisions and the aftereffects from the fall out. Trust me. I swear. That’s literally all I will say about the plot besides the fact that you need to go in blind. For real. Don’t read any spoilers or the entire experience of this book will be ruined.

I think EK Blair did a tremendous job with writing this book. The way she wrote this book was addicting to say the least. It was a train wreck that I couldn’t stop staring at or in this case reading about. It’s a book that I didn't want to stop reading and then immediately wanted to reread again. I think it took a lot of guts to take someone’s real story and put that story to paper.

And I know what the biggest thing on your mind will be…who on earth is Anonymous. I truly believe that is the million dollar question here but one I don’t think we will find out. Maybe it’s better that way. Also, I loved the inside scoop of what happens at author signings. Again...there goes my imaginative mind.

Lastly, this is one of my favorite books of the year. Definite top ten material for sure.

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Anonymous by EK Blair
4.5 stars!!!

“…you swear those words aren’t cheap, but you just shit all over them, didn’t you?”

EK Blair has always been a top favourite author of mine, from the days of Fading her writing has always captivated me and has always taken me on an unforgettable journey and Author Anonymous is no different. But, and this is a huge BUT, this is unlike anything else she has written. Author Anonymous is either a clever marketing tactic or Author Anonymous is one of the most selfish authors imaginable and no wonder she wants to remain anonymous. But, and this another one of those huge buts, kudos to the author for telling her story warts and all, knowing that she is not painting a pretty picture of herself, her actions and her thought processes. This was an honest, recount of real life, a life that I would guess anyone could be sucked into if they so inclined, a life where the grass looks greener on the other side never mind the repercussions.

“Life is messy, and you can’t compare reality to fiction because you’ll always wind up disappointed.”

EK Blair captured this story perfectly, the story was addictive, totally unputdownable, it was the car crash of all car crashes, yet the deeper EK Blair takes you, you just cannot look away, bracing yourself for impact. The way this story was told was masterful in its delivery, essentially making a cringe worthy story, exciting, compelling and unmistakably real. This story runs you through a gamut of emotions, it was intoxicating, infuriating, maddening, suspenseful, alluring, insanely hot and one huge guilty pleasure.

I do not condone Anonymous’s behaviour in any way shape or form and to be honest I couldn’t really understand her thought processes because as a stranger looking in, she had a great life, a fantastic life even. She was doing what she loved, she had a husband that adored the ground she walked on and was making a better life for them all and two adorable children. Yes, her husband worked long hours getting his business off the ground, but this gave her the capacity to write and be a mother, she was successful in her own right and had no money worries. She seemingly had it all. But sometimes having everything is not enough.

“There’s nothing left. I can’t pull on your heartstrings when they’re no longer attached to anything.”

Having been a reader and a blogger for years and years it is apparent how much research authors put into their stories, after all, all these stay at home mums can’t possibly all be privy to sex clubs, whips and chains et al. Writing about these women that are essentially swept off their feet by multi-millionaires with extreme sexual proclivities must make you wonder what living in your heroine’s shoes would be like. But what happens when real life makes that wonderment a potential reality? Well, if you are Anonymous, you grab it with both hands.

“You didn’t even care enough about me to say good-bye before you found someone else.”

I feel bad passing judgement on a complete stranger, but if Anonymous is putting her story out there she is essentially asking people to do that and despite your best intentions you cannot help but have your own thoughts and opinions on her character. As I said above, it is extremely honest, brutally honest and it is this honesty that gives you the greatest ammunition to come to conclusions. Anonymous was selfish, manipulative, conniving and deceitful. She lost track of who she was and was swept away with the illicit, the exciting, the unobtainable, she was an attention whore who was self-absorbed and readily discarded, manipulated and hurt those closest to her. We all read to escape, but it remains just that…an escape. Most would never act upon it, wouldn’t dream of it, after all it is fiction. What hurt the most with this book though was her family, her total lack of thought towards her kids and her husband. The way Anonymous toyed with her husband’s heart, his feelings, his emotions was brutal, I shed the most tears for him. The way she ignored her kids, totally unacceptable and totally irredeemable, they were innocents in all this. But mostly I hurt because she seemingly got her cake and ate it. And yes, I hurt for the third party, because despite everything, I actually believed he cared and loved. Everyone got hurt, there was definitely no happily ever after for anyone in this book.

“One year of fighting after we’ve spent thirteen years building this life together, and you’re ready to walk away? I’d fight for you till the death.”

The insight into the book world was both intriguing and disgruntling. Snippets of hearsay and social media ramblings by many authors actually had credence as the cloak surrounding signings and author relations was lifted for just a little. How an author can hit bestselling lists after knowingly turning out sub-par work and relying on marketing, fans and reputation to sell basically portraying readers as obedient lap dogs. How disheartening it is, especially for me as a blogger to finally realise how and why they can do this when many, many spectacular books fly under the radar.

“Love is not the same as obligation.”

In summary though, it was EK Blair that made this book, she made this story, it was her writing that made it addictive and unputdownable, it was her that pulled at my heart strings, it was her that made me so angry I was on the verge on combustion. She didn’t sugar coat it, it was naked in all its fucked up glory. Do I like Anonymous…no, do I wish I knew who it was…yes, would I read her books if I knew…hell no…but the worrying thing…I probably have read her, I probably will remain to read her because she knew this was commercial suicide, hence the veil of anonymity. Yes, it would have been great fiction, but this was real, it was someone’s life and at the end of the day my compassion lies with her husband and kids.

www.theromancecover.com

[Chanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to pick one word to best describe myself when I finished the last page, it would definitely be speechless. WOW!
E.K. Blair delivers a heart stopping story that will not only shock the panties off you, it's bound to affect you in some way. I do not say this lightly. You’re likely to either love or hate this book. I do not consider it ‘safe’ in any way.

Now that you’ve been warned, don’t scamper away just yet. This book may be everything that some readers avoid. I can respect that. But this story is so much more than your regular taboo read. This may be due to it being a true story, but I personally don't think so.

“You have kids, jobs, and a crazy travel schedule. Life is messy, and you can’t compare reality to fiction because you’ll always wind up disappointed.”

Juggling work, being a mother and a wife can take its toll. A lot of us can probably relate in some way. When we meet Tori everything seems to be normal, she appears to have a great life. Going through the motions everyday with her family, supporting her husbands new success with his career and busy with her own as an author. Not to mention, she has an amazing best friend.
So why on earth would you want to mess with a good thing? What happens when life throws you a curveball that has the ability to destroy everything you’ve known and held dear for over a decade? If you saw it coming, you’d avoid it at all costs, right?!
That is where we may be wrong. Black and white can sometimes blur into a very clear grey.

“I blindly thought we’d never change, that we’d never lose the spark, that we’d never run out of things to say, and that we’d never be able to keep our hands off each other. I miss the newness and the excitement that comes along with it, and I wish I knew how to get it back.”

E.K. Blair's retelling is of course, told in Tori's POV. The writing is so poetic and raw in its descriptions. The words rolling right off the page to smack you in all the feels. Because even though some of us (including myself)may sit behind our books and judge, wondering "who, why and what the hell is wrong with you!" ...this really could be anyone. No one gets married thinking that destiny may hold other plans for their future happiness.
Be it both of the authors intentions or not, that's what I took away from this book. That’s why I just simply could not put it down.

“I shrug my shoulders, owning what I’ve done. “I’m not a good person. Don’t even try to tell me I am.”

I’ll leave this short and sweet. I don't feel as if I can talk about the plot without spoiling. I’m an angst junkie, and this book gave me my fix and then some. Fans of the unconventional, taboo and tonnes of angst will probably devour this heart wrenching story. For anyone else, take a chance. Love or hate it, it’s a book that’s likely to leave you reeling and stay with you long after you’ve finished it.

[Ang~Dirty Laundry Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book. I hadn’t read EK Blair before, but the blurb intrigued me and I couldn’t wait to jump in. Unfortunately, I didn’t love this book. In fact, I didn’t even really like it all that much, but I had to keep reading because I really wanted to know how it would end. That’s why I’m giving it three stars. I also think the book was well written, and the author certainly held nothing back in telling this story. I’m not sure what I think about the “true story” angle. I’m a skeptic when it comes to sales pitches in general, but it really doesn’t matter to me if it’s based on a real story or just a ploy to sell books because it certainly felt real, even if I hope it wasn’t.

For me, it was the characters that didn’t work. I generally have no problem with unlikable, self-destructive characters or cheating story lines. Sign me up! I love it all! Especially the glimpse of seeing into someone else’s life and the drama and scandal that unfolds, but this one was just too familiar. We’ve all heard snippets and gossip of inappropriate relationships happening across the indie spectrum whether it’s authors or bloggers or readers or cover models, etc. In a lot of ways it has become tainted with an ick factor that just makes me cringe … so imagine that -times 100- playing out across the pages of this book.

For me, the sex scenes were explicit and meant to titillate. I usually love a good smutty story, but these scenes had the opposite effect on me. I was so grossed out! I wanted to shower the dirtiness away. And I’m a person who loves reading about sexy priests banging their hot parishioners and women falling for their captors in Stockholm stories. I like some f-cked up, dark and twisted stories. I think it’s because those books are all just a fantasy that I don’t think really happens whereas this felt way too real to me. This story could be about someone I know or have known. Eeeep! And just seeing the destruction play out was too much for me! I wanted to cover my eyes like I do with a scary movie. It made me so uncomfortable and not in a good way.

I really tried hard not to be so judgie when reading Tori’s story, but man did I ever turn into the judgiest woman in town. I found myself feeling ragey towards her when I should have had empathy. I don’t have a problem with people making mistakes and bad decisions. Trust me, I’ve been there. What I have a problem with is people being narcissistic, weak, and just plain dumb. I can’t even with the dummies. I alternated between thinking “are you crazy?!” and “bless your heart!” throughout the story.

Another thing that was clear to me, the husband wasn’t perfect. The nastiness he leveled at his wife after things came to a head was rather shocking. To have that much animosity bottled up about his wife’s career was telling. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with Alec too. Who was this guy? Of course, I thought he was Shady McShady and the way she just believed what he told her was baffling. To me, the only person even remotely worth rooting for in this story was Brooke. It’s hard to have your friend’s back when she’s making such terrible decisions, but I appreciated their friendship.

In the end, I really hoped Tori would find herself. Not this fantasy she created or who she thought she was based on a man’s attention, but who she really was deep down without a man to define her. Did she? I guess you’ll have to read to find out!

So what did I take away from this book? Real life, folks. If you’re unhappy and want change, make it happen. Sneaking around trying to chase a fantasy won’t fix anything. Live your real life, with real people, in the real world. This internet fantasy lifestyle is seriously bananas, and if we are to view Tori's story as a warning, it can be quite detrimental to your real life.

P.S. The parts about the book signing, publishing, etc. all felt very real. Almost too real. It made me look at all of those things in a different light too. Also, that coffee order scene had me cringing so bad but man oh man, those afterwords. I may have cackled at that last one.