Tantalized

by Alaina T. Lee, Brianna Garza (editor), Alexis Hooper (illustrator)

Blurb:
Liza
Moving to Seattle was supposed to be a fresh start
My chance to find love and heal the chaos and destruction of Los Angeles
Meeting Graham Salando sparked something inside me that I thought I’d lost forever
He’s gorgeous, powerful, and makes me feel alive
But most importantly, he keeps me safe
Enduring lies, scandals, and secrets, I finally feel like myself
It’s all a little too good to be true, especially when my past comes to haunt me
Will I be able to escape the evil that threatens my life before it pulls me under?
Or will my newfound safe haven be the one to rescue me from it all before it’s too late?
Graham
I’m a businessman, college student, and CEO of one of the most prominent contracting businesses in the U.S.
After last year’s disaster, I vowed I’d focus on work and never look back
That is until I met her
She’s feisty, beautiful, and the only one who brings me to my knees
After powering through many trials and tribulations, we are happier than ever
But when she reveals a dangerous secret that lurks in the shadows
I’m scared I might lose her for good
Our relationship is put to the test
And I’m left doing everything to protect her, even if it costs me my life

Genres: Dark Romance

348 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2024

Reviews

[dj&books · Rating 4 out of 5]

UMMM HELLOOOO!!! i need book 2 NOW!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

So heres the thing…The ending of this story was really good and left me wanting to know what was going to happen next! I was left on the edge of my seat and now wanting more! However, the reason im giving it four stars is mainly because a good portion of the beginning felt rushed. I felt like the story jumped in so fast and though the love and spice built up, the plot didnt really come around until the end. It would have been interesting to see it play out a bit more throughout the whole story to build more suspense, but i can also see how it preps for the second book so it makes sense. I also feel like they couldve made liza a little more firm with waiting to give graham a chance and making him really work for it instead of just jumping right to it a few chapters in. I feel like graham is so used to getting his way it wouldve been nice to see him have to work a little bit harder to win over the fmc liza. I also wished they included more with their friends Emily and Travis,though itll be interesting to see if they come up in the second book! Overall it was a great story and i cant wait to see what happens next!

[Kylen Larrabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I gotta give my girl Alaina a huge shoutout as I am so damn proud of you for publishing your 1st book! You did the damn thing and did it well!

Now, onto the review.. this is exactly what I needed to get me out of my book slump! The spice... top-tier 🥵 Graham and Liza's chemistry is unmatched! Yes, they both had their weaknesses and secrets kept from each other, but they always managed to come out stronger! To me, Grahams character had so much growth from beginning to end, and how protective and head over heels he is for Liza was so beautiful to read. And that cliffhanger... I don't wanna talk about it.. I need book two now!

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌟 rating: 5/5

Tropes:
• He falls first
• Touch her and 💀
• CNC
• Cliffhanger
• BDSM
• Sp@nking
• Breath play
• 🔫 play
• Dark theme
• Blindfolds/restraints
• Punishment/pleasure
• Səx toys
• Billionaire romance

"I'll always protect protect you; mark my words if he ever shows his face again - I'll fucking kill him. No one touches what's mine, threatens what's mine and loves to tell about it."

[Smut Cartel · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s gorgeous, powerful, and makes me feel alive
But most importantly, he keeps me safe.
She’s feisty, beautiful, and the only one who brings me to my knees.

Despite their relationship being a little complex and keeping things from each other, Liza and Graham's chemistry was hot! I always love a book with banter, and this didn't disappoint!
The cliffhanger has left me in a chokehold, because I need to know who, why, how!!


Tropes:
- He falls first
- BD$M
- Billionaire Romance
- Touch her and d!e

[Julie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Graham and Liza’s story was different than I expected. I loved how this author wasn’t afraid to show the strong points and the weaknesses in Graham’s character. This book is steamy and I kept going back to scenes in Fifty Shades which to me was a good thing. The writing style was not what I was used to but for a first book..holy hell. It can only get better from here. Fair warning..this books ends on a hell of a cliffhanger but it’s well worth it. I cannot wait for book 2!
Give us all you got Alaina! Chefs kiss!

[Breana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this story so much!! While Elizabeth had some insufferable moments her and Graham are definitely perfect together. The banter, the demands, the nicknames all had me swooning. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I'm so excited for the second, I need answers now lol.

[Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy fucking cliffhanger! I ate this book up so fast I couldn’t put it down. And this is her debut novel? Whattttt. This was so good I can’t wait for the next one! I need it asap!

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars from me!

Could not stop reading this book and read it in a day! Liza and Graham have some hot chemistry and I was here for it! The spicy scenes between these two were HOT. And I love how both characters show some growth during the book and become stronger together. Also, I cannot resist a protective MMC with touch her and die vibes - it's an absolute favorite for me.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and definitely has me NEEDING to know what will happen next!

Tropes: touch her and die, he falls first, BDSM, CNC, gun play, breath play, billionaire,

Thank you so much to Alaina T. Lee and her team for the chance to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Shelby Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always check for trigger warnings. This has a lot of character development and character background. I hate that it ends on such a cliffhanger but definitely leaves me wanting more. I love books with playlist. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next one.

[Olivia Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡ ᴛᴀɴᴛᴀʟɪᴢᴇᴅ ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ♡

first and foremost, i am so fucking proud of you for publishing the fucking book! You are amazing to even publish during nursing school!!! I remember when we first connected back in AK and it's so crazy how you were just my client for my other business and now here we are again! I also remember when you found out I like to read smutty books and told me that you wrote a book! I am sooooo honored to be by your side on this journey! you're doing amazing!!!

this book had me going through some turmoil with Graham and Liza...especially Graham! It was a lot of hot and cold vibes and I eventually fell in love with Graham! I enjoyed the plot and the spice, i know you've gotten numerous of texts from me! I'm salty for that cliffhanger you warned me about but i'm glad book 2 is almost out thank god 🤣 Again, proud of you girl!

4.5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


tropes:
♡ billionaire romance
♡ light bdsm
♡ dark themes
♡ stalker - not by the mmc
♡ he falls first
♡ duology
♡ touch her you ☠️

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I feel personally attacked by the ending of this book. As it ended on a cliffhanger that definitely left me wanting more and wanting to find out how long I'd have to wait only for the author to answer my question (June if you're interested), she then tells me, ''Look at you, being a book slut and coming back for more.'' I feel so seen, haha.
 
Jokes aside, this was a great debut novel. Graham and Liza both have amazing chemistry, passion, and spice, and it's clear that they love each other too, but their relationship isn't without issues. They both have a catalogue of trauma, from kidnapping to stalkers to fractured relationships with their parents. You name it, and it affects how they deal with things, especially for Liza, who is new to relationships as a virgin when she starts seeing Graham. Their main problem is communication, or lack thereof, and early on that's frustrating, but as the book progressed and they started to open up to each other, I found that I understood their reactions; I didn't always agree with them, and there were many times when I wanted to give Graham a good shake to sort himself out, but luckily his sister Selle did that for me.
 
Speaking of Selle, I loved the side characters in this book. From besties Em and Travis to security Ellis, and then siblings Selle, Eli, and Hogan, they brought some extra layers to the story, and this allowed room for the story to grow through conversations and interactions with others rather than just being what Graham and Liza said. This was especially important given their communication issues. I'd be quite happy if they all got their own little books, but in the meantime, I look forward to the next installment of Graham and Liza's story and the danger, drama, and hopefully happy ending it will bring.
 

[Stacey Gomez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book I have read from this author, and I wanted to love this book after reading the book teaser. Soo, Liza moved to Seattle, WA for her final year of college and be immersed in the city where her parents had met. But she has secrets that she doesn't dwell on and we as the audience don't know about either. So, that's where I was confused. Why did she move there and basically cut of ties of her old life. But she is in contact with her parents and bestfriend? So, lets' stick a pin in that thought. Next, when Liza and her best friend and her boyfriend go to a frat party. There she re-meets Graham the best friend of her best friend boyfriend. Sparks flies but she is hesitant. Why? But Graham wants to get to know her since she is the first to show no interest in throwing herself at him.

So here begins their courtship, Graham is a VEO of a business that he created while still in college, well he hasn't finished schooling yet he a CEO of multi-million company? Anyway, towards the end of the book we find out more about these two characters. I didn't like how Liza Liza demanded Graham to tell her what is happening within his life yet she doesn't five information about her life. We end in a cliffhanger that makes you question why someone is after Liza. Who is stalking this couple? So many questions.

[Brenda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢; 𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 - 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑚.” YESSSSS!

When Liza moves to Seattle, she’s hoping for a new beginning, to move past the trauma of her old life. Some things are better left in the dark. What she isn’t expecting is meeting the gorgeous billionaire Graham Salando. Holy chemistry from the word go! But he has his own skeletons too, and neither of them are ready to share.

They’re a hot mess; there’s really no other way to say it. Secrets never stay buried for long. But they are so meant to be. Their banter is witty and the nicknames… 🔥 While the beginning of the story felt a bit rushed for me, the growth of the two characters, especially Graham, was fantastic. A great debut overall. Check your triggers (give me all the kink) and hold tight for the next in the series. It ends on a cliffhanger that still has me by the throat.

Thank you Alaina T. Lee and Unalive Promotions for the ARC.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Graham and Liza’s story.
Graham is a businessman, college student, and CEO, who is totally focused on work, until he meets Liza, who moved to Seattle for a fresh start and to try and heal from the past.
This is a good story which has friendships, intrigue, suspense, emotions, challenges, secrets, undeniable chemistry, healing, witty banter, and love, which leads to a steamy page turner, which ends in a cliffhanger.
The only downside, in my opinion only, is that this story just felt too rushed, however, I look forward to reading more in this series,
Be aware of the trigger warning due to the sensitive content!
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
For starters, if you want spice, you will get spice! I did, however, feel like they rushed it a bit faster, but who am I to say to take it slow when you really want the deed. Their chemistry built within the story and their want for each other just grew stronger.

Not only is the spice the only thing that was amazing, you get a but if drama and secrecy both characters have to work on. They are quite different but at the same time, i did feel they were for each other.

A lot does happen that kept me wanting to keep reading, the only thing was, it started to get really good towards the end and felt like I was missing the ending. Will need to wait for the next book to continue the plot.

[Lovedarkbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read of Alaina Lee's.

When Liza moves to Seattle, she hopes for a fresh start, to move past her trauma. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Graham Salando.

Little does she know that he has his own demons too, and neither of them are ready to open up to one another.

The relationship is complex and challenging more often than not because they won't communicate with each other.

Both characters develop really well throughout and the spice is 🥵.

But secrets never stay buried for long.

The character engagement is relatable and realistic.

BUT damn did this take a dark turn towards the end 😱 so glad I was approved the ARC for part 2 .. off I go running!!!!

Please be mindful of your Trigger Warnings - Your Mental Health Matters!

[Colbygirl13reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need book #2, Insatiable NOW! Tantalized is the story of Graham and Liza. The spice, plot, and character development was on point. The chemistry between Liza and Graham was felt from the start and throughout the book. Graham’s character grew so much from start to finish and the trust between them grew exponentially. So many tropes:
He falls first
BDSM
Touch her and ☠️
Billionaire romance
Cliffhanger
That cliffhanger left me needing more.
Thank you Unalive Promotions and Alaina T Lee for the ARC!

[B Rad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start by saying, I'm a girls girl in real life and real life only. That being said, Graham should've left Liza where she lay cuz got damn. They toxic and yet right for each other. I just HATED the way Graham did all the chasing like, sir stand up. Then Liza with her hypocritical ass being all pushy for info that wasn't on a NEED TO KNOW and yet keeping secrets herself 🙄🙄 But then Graham would come and put that act right on her 😜😜

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and got me out of my reading funk. Liza and Graham , their chemistry was jumping off the pages and as the characters grew with the story, they became more in tune with each other. Can't wait for the rest of this story, this cliffhanger will leave you wanting more.

[Emily Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Definitely left me a cliffhanger

[Courtney King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book desperately needed another round of edits and the dialogue was hard to follow at times but the plot kept you locked in and the 🌶️🌶️ level was top notch!

[Amanda Seibold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent character build, spicy, and ends with me wanting to start the next book immediately.

[Amanda McEunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! I can’t wait to read the next one! I only wish I had been smarter and bought Insatiable faster, now I have to wait for it to come in! Great job Alaina!