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Club Babylon #1
Beyond the Velvet Rope
Welcome to Club where the A-list VIPs come to play Scoring a gig at Miami's Club Babylon is a fantasy come true for New York promoter Thandie Shaw. The hottest club on the strip is a magnet for major South Beach movers and shakers. And Thandie's about to meet the biggest player of them all. Babylon owner Elliot Richards is macho, arrogant, sexist-everything Thandie doesn't want in a boss or lover. Elliot is also the most erotic man who's ever wanted to take her to bed. But Thandie's no fool. Even as he tries to seduce her into a world of intense and shocking passion, she knows it's too good to last…especially after she uncovers Elliot's explosive secrets. Thandie's going down a dangerous road, and she's risking a lot more than her career. Torn between doubt and desire, will she have to pay the ultimate price? Darkly sensual and deeply moving, Beyond the Velvet Rope takes you into a world of uncontrollable desire and unexpected consequences.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2013
32 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Ashley
3 books177 followersHi. This is Tiffany Ashley. Writing romance novels is my passion. My niche genre is interracial erotica. My first published novel, Love Script, was released in 2007 and received rave reviews. An extended version of that novel, LOVE SCRIPT: DELUXE EDITION, releases on February 1st, 2011.
I love writing and I’m very passionate about my craft. Even if I didn’t make a dime off my books (thankfully, I do :) I would still write. Writing for me is therapeutic, spiritual, exciting and organic. At times, it can often be frustrating, stressful, sad and painful. However, nothing worth doing well is easy. And if you love what you do, the pain is worth it.
I’m very meticulous about my work. I obsess over the smallest detail, the slightest phrases, and every punctuation. And after months of working on a manuscript, conversing with my editor, and reviewing notes from my proofreader; I always find something I’m not satisfied with in the final print. I’m sure that qualifies as some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder.
A little secret of mine is ... I fall in love with all the male characters from my books. Who wouldn’t? These guys are hot!!!
Now that you know a little about me, please drop me a line. Got questions? I want to hear them. I'm all ears!
Visit me at www.tiffanyashleybooks.com
I love writing and I’m very passionate about my craft. Even if I didn’t make a dime off my books (thankfully, I do :) I would still write. Writing for me is therapeutic, spiritual, exciting and organic. At times, it can often be frustrating, stressful, sad and painful. However, nothing worth doing well is easy. And if you love what you do, the pain is worth it.
I’m very meticulous about my work. I obsess over the smallest detail, the slightest phrases, and every punctuation. And after months of working on a manuscript, conversing with my editor, and reviewing notes from my proofreader; I always find something I’m not satisfied with in the final print. I’m sure that qualifies as some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder.
A little secret of mine is ... I fall in love with all the male characters from my books. Who wouldn’t? These guys are hot!!!
Now that you know a little about me, please drop me a line. Got questions? I want to hear them. I'm all ears!
Visit me at www.tiffanyashleybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 19, 2014
3.5 But I'm rounding it up since I loved the story Stars
This was a toughie for me to rate. I was completely enraptured in the story. Absolutely loved it and I'm captivated enough to continue and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series (Which I'm hoping will be Nico's). Unfortunately there were just a few things that kept this from being a solid 4 stars for me. Truthfully, if I was rating on the story alone, I'd give it 5 stars. It was THAT good.
Thandie Shaw is a PR golden girl. She's made quite the career for herself in New York. But when the opportunity presents itself to work for the enigmatic and rich Miami club owner, Elliot Richards, she knows she has to get it. Too bad Elliot isn't that thrilled with employing a woman. He's arrogant, chauvinistic, rich as fuck, and sexy as sin
What can I tell you about Elliot? If you like the enigmatic, rich playboys, you will absolutely fall head over heals for Elliot. He was everything I love and more. Everything that came out of this man's mouth was sinfully delicious.
Plus he has that bonus addition of asshole that just completely solidified him in my top perve material spot.
What can I say? That touch of asshole will do it for me every single time.
The second Thandie begins working for Elliot, he makes things extremely clear. He's determined to seduce here. While she's determined to fight him on it every step of the way. She's not looking to be just another notch of his belt, and Elliot's certainly had his fair share of notches. He doesn't exactly mince his words, and paints a very vivid picture of his intentions to Thandie
Thandie was a great heroine. She really does try to fight the seduction, but no woman in her right mind can possibly fight the full effect of Elliot Richards for long.
The sexual relationship between them was a slow burn. And with the book being as long as it was, that was a hell of a slow burn. But there's just enough sexual tension and innuendo thrown in that sucks you in like a moth to a flame.
I seriously couldn't get enough of the chemistry between them. The author did an amazing job building a slow heat that eventually CUMbusted into fireworks when they finally do get together.
Now as to what kept it from being a higher rating for me. There were a number of things.
The length. I felt that the book could have easily been a good 30% less...or more. It was incredibly descriptive. While I loved the vivid picture that a descriptive story builds in my head, I also found myself getting bored with a lot of the parts. There was a large number of characters introduced, and all of them had a backstory, and it really got confusing to keep track of it all. I didn't really get the necessity of Cam and the first chapter of the book. i felt that could have been excluded entirely without taking away from the story.
The formal writing style
As much as I loved the story and the flow, I found the writing to be a little too formal at times. Some of the phrases and words that were used gave me an eye roll or 2. Honestly, at times I almost felt like I was reading Shaskperean porn LOL!
Hot sperm was certainly a first for me.
Again, just way too formal for my simple puny brain tastes.
Manhood is a term that is almost guaranteed to kill my lady boner in 2.5 seconds flat.
Now I know I probably sound like I'm nitpicking here, but the combination of everything did manage to bring down my rating. I'm not sure if it may bother others as it did me, but it is what it is.
The twist at the end is certainly not one I saw coming, and I was glued to my Kindle for the last 30% to see how everything would turn out. While some of the things in the story didn't quite work for me, I am completely sold on the series. Even if the things I complained about repeat in the next book, I would still gladly read it. The author managed to peak my curiosity so much with Nico and Victoria (and Matrix) that I'm dying for the next book.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you can overlook some of the things I mention, you will fall hard for Elliot and enjoy the book immensely. And even if you are bothered by it, the story is just strong enough for you to be able to overlook them. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, and can't wait to see what Tiffany Ashley has planned for the foul mouthed and sassy Victoria and the deliciously sexy and rich Nico.
ARC gifted to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
Tell me you want me."
"No." She could hardly breathe, let alone sound certain of herself.
Elliot lifted his head to look into her face. Her eyes were practically glowing with lust. "Tell me what I want to hear," he demanded in the husky voice. "Tell me you want this."
This was a toughie for me to rate. I was completely enraptured in the story. Absolutely loved it and I'm captivated enough to continue and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series (Which I'm hoping will be Nico's). Unfortunately there were just a few things that kept this from being a solid 4 stars for me. Truthfully, if I was rating on the story alone, I'd give it 5 stars. It was THAT good.
Thandie Shaw is a PR golden girl. She's made quite the career for herself in New York. But when the opportunity presents itself to work for the enigmatic and rich Miami club owner, Elliot Richards, she knows she has to get it. Too bad Elliot isn't that thrilled with employing a woman. He's arrogant, chauvinistic, rich as fuck, and sexy as sin
What can I tell you about Elliot? If you like the enigmatic, rich playboys, you will absolutely fall head over heals for Elliot. He was everything I love and more. Everything that came out of this man's mouth was sinfully delicious.
"You call dragging me against my will into your car and ogling me a act of goodwill?"
"Absolutely," he said. "A simple 'thank you' is always welcome. But in your case, I'm willing to accept sexual favors."
"You are unbelievable."
"I prefer to think misunderstood."
Plus he has that bonus addition of asshole that just completely solidified him in my top perve material spot.
"Good for Rex," he said. "He could use the attention. Regrettably, you'll have to break your plans. You'll be busy."
"Busy? Busy doing what?"
"Busy being fucked by me.
I see you're speechless," Elliot cooed. "Try not to make a habit out of it. I prefer my women to be a bit more vocal."
What can I say? That touch of asshole will do it for me every single time.
The second Thandie begins working for Elliot, he makes things extremely clear. He's determined to seduce here. While she's determined to fight him on it every step of the way. She's not looking to be just another notch of his belt, and Elliot's certainly had his fair share of notches. He doesn't exactly mince his words, and paints a very vivid picture of his intentions to Thandie
Thandie was a great heroine. She really does try to fight the seduction, but no woman in her right mind can possibly fight the full effect of Elliot Richards for long.
"I'm not interested," she said through gritted teeth.
"I could make you. Quite easily."
The sexual relationship between them was a slow burn. And with the book being as long as it was, that was a hell of a slow burn. But there's just enough sexual tension and innuendo thrown in that sucks you in like a moth to a flame.
"You give yourself a lot of credit, Mr. Richards."
"I have the experience to back it up." He grinned. "Trust me. I'm as good as they say."
"Why me?"
"You interest me."
"What happens when I'm no longer interesting?"
Elliot shrugged. "I'll find someone else."
"This is all a game to you," she whispered.
"Everything is a game, Thandie. And I play to win."
I seriously couldn't get enough of the chemistry between them. The author did an amazing job building a slow heat that eventually CUMbusted into fireworks when they finally do get together.
"Fuck you."
"How about I fuck you instead?
Now as to what kept it from being a higher rating for me. There were a number of things.
The length. I felt that the book could have easily been a good 30% less...or more. It was incredibly descriptive. While I loved the vivid picture that a descriptive story builds in my head, I also found myself getting bored with a lot of the parts. There was a large number of characters introduced, and all of them had a backstory, and it really got confusing to keep track of it all. I didn't really get the necessity of Cam and the first chapter of the book. i felt that could have been excluded entirely without taking away from the story.
The formal writing style
As much as I loved the story and the flow, I found the writing to be a little too formal at times. Some of the phrases and words that were used gave me an eye roll or 2. Honestly, at times I almost felt like I was reading Shaskperean porn LOL!
She sucked hard as he filled her mouth with hot sperm.
Hot sperm was certainly a first for me.
Now finally free from Elliot's affections, she was unable to drift into slumber.
Turned on their sides, they slept in "spoon" fashion.
...
Thandie studied her reflection as she affixed her earings.
Again, just way too formal for my simple puny brain tastes.
The way her body pocketed his manhood
...
The contact of her drenched center pressed against his naked manhood.
Manhood is a term that is almost guaranteed to kill my lady boner in 2.5 seconds flat.
Now I know I probably sound like I'm nitpicking here, but the combination of everything did manage to bring down my rating. I'm not sure if it may bother others as it did me, but it is what it is.
The twist at the end is certainly not one I saw coming, and I was glued to my Kindle for the last 30% to see how everything would turn out. While some of the things in the story didn't quite work for me, I am completely sold on the series. Even if the things I complained about repeat in the next book, I would still gladly read it. The author managed to peak my curiosity so much with Nico and Victoria (and Matrix) that I'm dying for the next book.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you can overlook some of the things I mention, you will fall hard for Elliot and enjoy the book immensely. And even if you are bothered by it, the story is just strong enough for you to be able to overlook them. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, and can't wait to see what Tiffany Ashley has planned for the foul mouthed and sassy Victoria and the deliciously sexy and rich Nico.
ARC gifted to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
November 18, 2016
Hell fire and damnation! How can one scene almost ruin an entire book? Oh, Tiffany-what have you done? What. Have. You. Done?!!I can never unlive that moment, now I just have to live with the consequences of having read that damn scene. Damn! Damn! Damn!!!
Review:
This is a difficult book for me to review because I adored Ashley's first book Love Script and have looked forward to reading more from her. Although I did not in any way want a carbon copy of Love Script, I did want a book that left me with the same happy and contented feeling that I had at the end of that book. That is definitely not what I experienced at the end of Beyond the Velvet Rope. I am honestly having a hard time sorting how I feel about this book. While well written, there were moments where I wanted the story to just move on. By the end of the story, I wasn't even sure that I wanted Thandie and Elliot to end up with a happily ever after and I am not sure that is what happened either. At least, it isn't a traditional happily every after.
Thandie goes from being a secure and self confident business woman to someone ensnared by the sexual manipulations and mind games played by Elliot. Thandie tries to keep things professional and not become emotionally invested in Elliot, but his mystery and magnetism, despite his obvious lack of respect for women in general, seem to draw Thandie in despite her best efforts to keep a professional distance.
Elliot was a fairly unlikable male lead for me. He was unapologetic in his determination to quickly cross boundaries with Thandie. His simple reasoning behind his actions is that he wanted her and he knew that he could have her no matter the cost to her professionally or emotionally. I don't have a problem with an unattached single man being a lothario; however Elliot is not a good-natured playboy who simply enjoys women. Elliot is aggressively cold and thinking that the women he uses know the score does not excuse the way he summarily dismisses the idea of common decorum. For Elliot to pursue Thandie the way he did, even when explained at the end of the book, didn't make it alright with me. I'm sure that there are many men who behave the way that Elliot does in this book, but that isn't what I personally want in my romances.
Now, for the unusual sexual situations in this book. I am sure that many will find the situations that I did not like to their tastes, but there were scenes that I found disrespectful to Thandie as a woman. Elliot forces his sexual attentions on Thandie in situations that sometimes felt bizarre and inappropriate. Elliot's selfishness went beyond the role of "alpha" male and possessive to just being a jerk to put it mildly. Elliot definitely wanted to "mark" Thandie as his although he offered her nothing but a sexual relationship in return. Nic and Laney from Love Script make a brief appearance and it was so disturbing for me that I seriously thought about putting this book down and abandoning the story even though at that point I was about 80% done with the book. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. There was nothing, and I mean nothing, in Love Script that would have prepared me for their characters behaving in the way that they did. I'm still traumatized from that scene. All I could think while reading it was "no,no, no,no-please no". But sadly, yes the story went there and for no good reason. Gratuitous out of character sex scenes never add anything to my enjoyment of a book and that is exactly what this disturbing encounter was. The scene came out of nowhere, added no value to the story and only served to upset me and taint my memory of a couple that I enjoyed in a previous book.
All in all, I got the impression that the relationship between Thandie and Elliot is decidedly one sided. Thandie is required to make many more concessions than Elliot. Although she initially balks, she ultimately can't seem to resist him. Yes, relationships and love requires compromises, sacrifices, and accommodations where often women do more of this than men, but Thandie shoulders the lion's share of these burdens.
This is book 1 in the Club Babylon series and it is clear who the next couple will be. I am very interested in reading the next couple's story for they are both interesting characters and I hope that the fireworks will explode between these two strong willed people. I just hope that the need to push the envelope sexually won't be as strong in their book as it seemed to have been in this one.
**I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Review:
This is a difficult book for me to review because I adored Ashley's first book Love Script and have looked forward to reading more from her. Although I did not in any way want a carbon copy of Love Script, I did want a book that left me with the same happy and contented feeling that I had at the end of that book. That is definitely not what I experienced at the end of Beyond the Velvet Rope. I am honestly having a hard time sorting how I feel about this book. While well written, there were moments where I wanted the story to just move on. By the end of the story, I wasn't even sure that I wanted Thandie and Elliot to end up with a happily ever after and I am not sure that is what happened either. At least, it isn't a traditional happily every after.
Thandie goes from being a secure and self confident business woman to someone ensnared by the sexual manipulations and mind games played by Elliot. Thandie tries to keep things professional and not become emotionally invested in Elliot, but his mystery and magnetism, despite his obvious lack of respect for women in general, seem to draw Thandie in despite her best efforts to keep a professional distance.
Elliot was a fairly unlikable male lead for me. He was unapologetic in his determination to quickly cross boundaries with Thandie. His simple reasoning behind his actions is that he wanted her and he knew that he could have her no matter the cost to her professionally or emotionally. I don't have a problem with an unattached single man being a lothario; however Elliot is not a good-natured playboy who simply enjoys women. Elliot is aggressively cold and thinking that the women he uses know the score does not excuse the way he summarily dismisses the idea of common decorum. For Elliot to pursue Thandie the way he did, even when explained at the end of the book, didn't make it alright with me. I'm sure that there are many men who behave the way that Elliot does in this book, but that isn't what I personally want in my romances.
Now, for the unusual sexual situations in this book. I am sure that many will find the situations that I did not like to their tastes, but there were scenes that I found disrespectful to Thandie as a woman. Elliot forces his sexual attentions on Thandie in situations that sometimes felt bizarre and inappropriate. Elliot's selfishness went beyond the role of "alpha" male and possessive to just being a jerk to put it mildly. Elliot definitely wanted to "mark" Thandie as his although he offered her nothing but a sexual relationship in return. Nic and Laney from Love Script make a brief appearance and it was so disturbing for me that I seriously thought about putting this book down and abandoning the story even though at that point I was about 80% done with the book. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. There was nothing, and I mean nothing, in Love Script that would have prepared me for their characters behaving in the way that they did. I'm still traumatized from that scene. All I could think while reading it was "no,no, no,no-please no". But sadly, yes the story went there and for no good reason. Gratuitous out of character sex scenes never add anything to my enjoyment of a book and that is exactly what this disturbing encounter was. The scene came out of nowhere, added no value to the story and only served to upset me and taint my memory of a couple that I enjoyed in a previous book.
All in all, I got the impression that the relationship between Thandie and Elliot is decidedly one sided. Thandie is required to make many more concessions than Elliot. Although she initially balks, she ultimately can't seem to resist him. Yes, relationships and love requires compromises, sacrifices, and accommodations where often women do more of this than men, but Thandie shoulders the lion's share of these burdens.
This is book 1 in the Club Babylon series and it is clear who the next couple will be. I am very interested in reading the next couple's story for they are both interesting characters and I hope that the fireworks will explode between these two strong willed people. I just hope that the need to push the envelope sexually won't be as strong in their book as it seemed to have been in this one.
**I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
September 2, 2016
Wow does Tiffany Ashley know sexual tension was all I kept thinking while reading this book. She knows alphas. Like seriously knows how to write them. Elliot Richards. Wow. Just wow. His sexiness and charisma simply exudes off the page in this book. This is the second book I've read by Tiffany Ashley and I can safely say readers of Love Script will enjoy this book. It has the sexy, it has the tension, and the drama, oh my! Another job well done :) Hoping the next book is Nico and Day. Would love to read more about them!
June 7, 2014
Intending on reading just a few chapters, this story sucked me in and five hours later I finished the book as the sun started to creep up into the sky. My eyes blurry, I fell asleep, deeply satisfied. Ms. Ashley is a new to me author whom I'm going to keep an eye on. Beyond the Velvet Rope looks to be the start of a series. It kick starts with a bang. Thandie Shaw is a club prompter extraordinaire. Her challenge to take on a South Beach club scene when she's used to New York may be her undoing.
I really enjoyed this book because of the world building. I'm not much of a club goer anymore. So I can't validate if how the VIP lounges and clubs work in this story is realistic. I can verify that the lines are long! The detail Ms. Ashley describes in this book for promoter's job is exhausting. It's also exhilarating. If this is really how the world is like, it's a fabulous education for me. I love learning about something so different from my world yet requires similar discipline in project management. This really tripped my trigger.
The characters in this story also did it for me. I really admired and liked Thandie. She's not someone I can identify with, but I would enjoy being a friend of hers. Not to get into the clubs, but because of how she thinks and her loyalty to friends. She's a straightforward woman who is independent and ready to prove she can be just as good as any man. And through this story, the reader watches as a man callously destroys her into something she hates. It's heartbreaking. It's painful and it makes me mad. Yet I can't hate Elliot, the rat bastard.
Elliot is a micromanaging commitment phobe. He's rich and obviously riddled with issues. The fact that he helps his club managers calculate the tips for the workers at the end of the club night is crazy. This is not reasonably and I highly doubt in the real world this would exist for a man his level. To be stuck in the minutiae is unrealistic because there is no way he wouldn't be delegating this work to his trusted employees. There are many discrepancies with Elliot's behaviour and the fact that he's rich and successful in this book. For him to have loyal senior leadership team, some of his actions undermine their efforts and wouldn't be creating this high functioning team. It's not possible because there would be resentment which would show through several different avenues. Rather than dissect the organizational behaviour paradox I see here, I'm going to make allowances because these inconsistencies are to show Elliot's character flaw.
Back to the characters, Thandie and Elliot's chemistry is super hawt. Granted, the sexual tension is off the charts because Elliot is such a cock tease. He is also pushy in his arrogant control of Thandie's body in a dubious consensual manner. Elliot possess many traits which aggravate me and would normally have me hating him, yet somehow, Ms. Ashley designed him in a way that I just wanted him too. I don't understand how she did it and I gave up analyzing why Elliot worked so well for me. Elliot is an alpha male who tells it as it is. He also hides a kinky side to him that just makes me purr. I don't to be his girlfriend either. I just want to be helpless, begging for release at his talented hands, dick and tongue.
Ms. Ashley writes smoking hawt sex scenes. They aren't filled with exotic toys or crazy positions. Instead, she takes the forbidden fruit of sexual exhibition and plays with it. The danger of being caught can ignite passion like a match to flash cotton. The intense lust incited by watching live porn is all arousing. This is a flaming hot erotica and if your panties aren't moist when Elliot takes control, then you don't have a kinky bone in your body. This erotic novel is recommended for those who enjoy a nice long meaty romance with ups and downs caused by an infuriating alpha male.
*provided by NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book because of the world building. I'm not much of a club goer anymore. So I can't validate if how the VIP lounges and clubs work in this story is realistic. I can verify that the lines are long! The detail Ms. Ashley describes in this book for promoter's job is exhausting. It's also exhilarating. If this is really how the world is like, it's a fabulous education for me. I love learning about something so different from my world yet requires similar discipline in project management. This really tripped my trigger.
The characters in this story also did it for me. I really admired and liked Thandie. She's not someone I can identify with, but I would enjoy being a friend of hers. Not to get into the clubs, but because of how she thinks and her loyalty to friends. She's a straightforward woman who is independent and ready to prove she can be just as good as any man. And through this story, the reader watches as a man callously destroys her into something she hates. It's heartbreaking. It's painful and it makes me mad. Yet I can't hate Elliot, the rat bastard.
Elliot is a micromanaging commitment phobe. He's rich and obviously riddled with issues. The fact that he helps his club managers calculate the tips for the workers at the end of the club night is crazy. This is not reasonably and I highly doubt in the real world this would exist for a man his level. To be stuck in the minutiae is unrealistic because there is no way he wouldn't be delegating this work to his trusted employees. There are many discrepancies with Elliot's behaviour and the fact that he's rich and successful in this book. For him to have loyal senior leadership team, some of his actions undermine their efforts and wouldn't be creating this high functioning team. It's not possible because there would be resentment which would show through several different avenues. Rather than dissect the organizational behaviour paradox I see here, I'm going to make allowances because these inconsistencies are to show Elliot's character flaw.
Back to the characters, Thandie and Elliot's chemistry is super hawt. Granted, the sexual tension is off the charts because Elliot is such a cock tease. He is also pushy in his arrogant control of Thandie's body in a dubious consensual manner. Elliot possess many traits which aggravate me and would normally have me hating him, yet somehow, Ms. Ashley designed him in a way that I just wanted him too. I don't understand how she did it and I gave up analyzing why Elliot worked so well for me. Elliot is an alpha male who tells it as it is. He also hides a kinky side to him that just makes me purr. I don't to be his girlfriend either. I just want to be helpless, begging for release at his talented hands, dick and tongue.
Ms. Ashley writes smoking hawt sex scenes. They aren't filled with exotic toys or crazy positions. Instead, she takes the forbidden fruit of sexual exhibition and plays with it. The danger of being caught can ignite passion like a match to flash cotton. The intense lust incited by watching live porn is all arousing. This is a flaming hot erotica and if your panties aren't moist when Elliot takes control, then you don't have a kinky bone in your body. This erotic novel is recommended for those who enjoy a nice long meaty romance with ups and downs caused by an infuriating alpha male.
*provided by NetGalley
July 10, 2014
"I believe you and I have some unfinished business."
"About that-"
"I've decided I'm going to make you beg for it."
How often do we get interracial romances? Especially when the female protagonist is black or even mixed race, and the male is white. I love the change up, and what's more, I LOVE that race isn't made out to be a huge deal. It's mentioned, we know she's not a cookie cutter Anglo girl, but it's not shoved in the reader's face. I wish this was the way it was not only in fiction, but in society as well. How lovely to not draw imaginary lines all the time.
Anyways, moving on...I don't want to make this book all about race either :D
My Thandie and Elliot:
This setting is a world of which I know little. Clubbing in the big city was something I did for about two years over a decade ago, and I never went anywhere that there was a chance that I actually wouldn't even make it in the door. So this was an escapist dream for me...the Florida Club scene, where Thandie is hired at Club Babylon to draw in the crowds. There, she meets Elliot. And let me tell you, guys...Elliot is a Christian/Gideon mashup along with even more arrogance and self assuredness. Is that even possible? Tiffany Ashley made it so! In fact, he was really just too much at times. It was almost as if he enjoyed humiliating Thandie...not in obvious ways, but he was a master at subtlety, a master manipulator. It was sometimes hard to read, the way Thandie went from a self confident woman who knows her social standing, gorgeous face and body, and affluent, ritzy job will get her in with the in crowd...to an insecure, sometimes desperate, sad and lonely girl who just can't take any more.
"Gone was the independent, headstrong woman she'd always been so comfortable with. The woman who stared back at her was unsure and struggling to find balance and understanding."
At first, I was really disgusted with some of the things Elliot did/said to Thandie, and the way she changed throughout their relationship. However, when I put the book down and started thinking about it, I realized that it wasn't just Thandie who changed so dramatically. Elliot was just elusive enough that his changes weren't noticeable until one hugely dramatic, out-of-character scene with him.
There was a lot going on in the story, even if the big plot was romance centered. It's a world of glitz and glam and a lot of shallow people lost in their decadent world and often so stuck in their own heads that there's nothing else for them. It's not a world I'm familiar with, but it was fun to live it through the author's words.
I'm really surprised that this hasn't found a bigger readership. In the end, it was an extremely original take on the uber rich ass hole romance, in that he truly snagged a strong woman to seduce and conquer. In the end, I think Elliot was just as conquered as Thandie.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
"About that-"
"I've decided I'm going to make you beg for it."
How often do we get interracial romances? Especially when the female protagonist is black or even mixed race, and the male is white. I love the change up, and what's more, I LOVE that race isn't made out to be a huge deal. It's mentioned, we know she's not a cookie cutter Anglo girl, but it's not shoved in the reader's face. I wish this was the way it was not only in fiction, but in society as well. How lovely to not draw imaginary lines all the time.
Anyways, moving on...I don't want to make this book all about race either :D
My Thandie and Elliot:
This setting is a world of which I know little. Clubbing in the big city was something I did for about two years over a decade ago, and I never went anywhere that there was a chance that I actually wouldn't even make it in the door. So this was an escapist dream for me...the Florida Club scene, where Thandie is hired at Club Babylon to draw in the crowds. There, she meets Elliot. And let me tell you, guys...Elliot is a Christian/Gideon mashup along with even more arrogance and self assuredness. Is that even possible? Tiffany Ashley made it so! In fact, he was really just too much at times. It was almost as if he enjoyed humiliating Thandie...not in obvious ways, but he was a master at subtlety, a master manipulator. It was sometimes hard to read, the way Thandie went from a self confident woman who knows her social standing, gorgeous face and body, and affluent, ritzy job will get her in with the in crowd...to an insecure, sometimes desperate, sad and lonely girl who just can't take any more.
"Gone was the independent, headstrong woman she'd always been so comfortable with. The woman who stared back at her was unsure and struggling to find balance and understanding."
At first, I was really disgusted with some of the things Elliot did/said to Thandie, and the way she changed throughout their relationship. However, when I put the book down and started thinking about it, I realized that it wasn't just Thandie who changed so dramatically. Elliot was just elusive enough that his changes weren't noticeable until one hugely dramatic, out-of-character scene with him.
There was a lot going on in the story, even if the big plot was romance centered. It's a world of glitz and glam and a lot of shallow people lost in their decadent world and often so stuck in their own heads that there's nothing else for them. It's not a world I'm familiar with, but it was fun to live it through the author's words.
I'm really surprised that this hasn't found a bigger readership. In the end, it was an extremely original take on the uber rich ass hole romance, in that he truly snagged a strong woman to seduce and conquer. In the end, I think Elliot was just as conquered as Thandie.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
October 19, 2014
To all the ladies who are wary about reading "Beyond the Velvet Rope" by Tiffany Ashley, don't be because it was a great read IMHO! Ashley is still a clever writer who is packing a good read with the dynamic promoter, Thandie Shaw and the sexist and arrogant a#$hole, Elliot Richards. There is so must sexual tension (slow burn) in this lengthy story that it keeps you wondering how long can Thandie keep her distant from Elliot who basically tells her that he gets what he wants always! Thandie's assistants, Len and Raya are too silly and catty but helpful and professional when they need be. She is a mother figure to the assistants but Elliot's charm and charismatic ways makes her lust after Richards although she instills in the girls "no mixing work with pleasure". Thandie was always drawn to Elliot's web.
Elliot's staff - Adam and Rex are loyal to Elliot but gains an instant rapport with to Thandie but she knows where to draw the line. Then there are the security guys, last name Michelle and Tiny who is huge as a Mack truck. Markie the manager of the Babylon Club is always there for sweet Thandie, and about 4 others that are all secondary in the story. Thandie would be considered the "it" girl because she is the first woman that Elliot has ever allowed to work for him until you find the true mystery of it. Warren is the old friend of Thandie that calls her up and invites her to Miami to help him as part owner of Club Babylon a hit during their soft and hard grand opening. Thandie takes the position because of the huge salary as well as Warren's guaranteeing her the 3 month position. BTW, Thandie normally lives and work in New York and is very well known because of her aggressive promoting skills there.
Tiffany Ashley does a lot of name dropping from true life musicians like Pitbull, Will.i.am, and even Nicki Minaj with many fictitious musical groups as well.
Do I recommend it? Yes I loved it. Now the length was too long for a Kimani Press but so worth the read.
Can't wait to read book 2 with fashion designer's Victoria Day and ladies man Dominic "Nico" Armente's!
Elliot's staff - Adam and Rex are loyal to Elliot but gains an instant rapport with to Thandie but she knows where to draw the line. Then there are the security guys, last name Michelle and Tiny who is huge as a Mack truck. Markie the manager of the Babylon Club is always there for sweet Thandie, and about 4 others that are all secondary in the story. Thandie would be considered the "it" girl because she is the first woman that Elliot has ever allowed to work for him until you find the true mystery of it. Warren is the old friend of Thandie that calls her up and invites her to Miami to help him as part owner of Club Babylon a hit during their soft and hard grand opening. Thandie takes the position because of the huge salary as well as Warren's guaranteeing her the 3 month position. BTW, Thandie normally lives and work in New York and is very well known because of her aggressive promoting skills there.
Tiffany Ashley does a lot of name dropping from true life musicians like Pitbull, Will.i.am, and even Nicki Minaj with many fictitious musical groups as well.
Do I recommend it? Yes I loved it. Now the length was too long for a Kimani Press but so worth the read.
Can't wait to read book 2 with fashion designer's Victoria Day and ladies man Dominic "Nico" Armente's!
June 26, 2014
Read my full review on my blog.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 1, 2014
My overall rating of the story is 3¾★ but I'm rounding up since I liked the overall story. I will explain my reservations for giving Beyond the Velvet Rope a solid 4★ momentarily.
The setting:
The story begins with Thandie Shaw in New York City and after being contacted by Warren Radcliffe, a former business associate, she finds herself in beautiful South Beach at Club Babylon. Babylon is a richly appointed and ostentatious club boasting a hanging garden, a tower room, and four levels of club space that are full of glitz and glamor.
The Characters:
Thandie Shaw and Elliot Richards are the primary protagonists in the story. Thandie is a New York club promoter who is used to being surrounded by affluence and celebrity. So doesn't even bat an eye being photographed with Hollywood heartthrob Ruark Randall. She doesn't exactly like it but it's part of the "hazards" of her job. Elliot Richards is dark, sexy, and mysterious. He is the owner of Babylon and several other clubs in the Miami area. He excuses power and wealth but he does not lord it over anyone. It's just a second skin to him. He commands wealth and power but we works hard and plays harder. And that's where he and Thandie part disconnect. Thandie is extremely attracted to the overly sexy and alpha male but is determined to keep their three month working arrangement professional. On that front, Elliot disagrees...and greatly. He is determined to have Thandie and uses seductive pressure to leave her in an aroused heap at every instance.
The Plot:
The plot for this is simple: Man sees woman. Man wants woman. Man pursues woman. Woman resists. Woman resists some more...Man gets woman and pleasures her again and again and again.
I'm being a bit facetious in that but it does boil down to being that simple. Ashley does a wonderful job portraying much detail in between the plot points and in that the story is not rushed. Thandie and Elliot are allowed to play the bait and catch game for a significant duration of the story. During this time, we find out things about Thandie and Elliot that evoke several reader responses. At moments I wanted to smack both of them for being little idiots. But in the next instance they were doing something sweet or endearing (especially Elliot) that made me fall in love with him.
Now, I will speak to my reluctance for giving a solid 4 stars. Although I enjoyed the story and the feeling of a completely unrushed story, Beyond the Velvet Rope still felt quite dense and languid in spots. The story went on and on with so much detail that the bow chicka wow wow moment did not happen until page 381 for me. And, at 544 pages, it felt way to long to get to "the moment." Oh sure, there was lots of sexy physical and auditory foreplay prior to that moment but intercourse didn't actually occur until page 381 -- more than half the book was over before smexy times occurred. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with a slow boiling romance. However, that slow boiling reduced the amount of time spent on the ending of the story. Once the characters reached a breaking point in their relationship and Thandie found her broken-hearted way to New York, the sequence of events that happened after her return felt overly rushed. In a small span of time -- unproporitonal when compared to the rest of the story -- and with minimal "fight", Thandie and Elliot are back together. I was kind of disappointed because much more time was spent to the build up to their affair than to what happened "after." Thandie conceded way too quickly, in my opinion, and Elliot didn't really work at all to get her back. I was expecting much more in the form of Elliot's declaration of undying love for Thandie. I just looked through the end of the story and Elliot never professes his love for Thandie. So still, I'm not sure if he loves her or just wants her because she was the only woman who rebuffed him (in several instances). The end is sweet because they do end together but Thandie is the one making all the concessions for Elliot. I would have liked to see him bending and yielding a bit more for her but it never happened. Sure, he did come for her in his Elliot way but it was still really at his leisure. I needed grovelling from the man*LOL*.
The Series Setup:
While reading, Beyond the Velvet Rope, the reader is able to glean who the next Club Babylon story will be about. Dominic "Nico" Armenta and Victoria Day will be a story that I will be quite eager to read. She is a bit of a hellion and he is a laissez faire playboy. That should be fun. :)
It was great to see another book from Ms. Ashley after several years of fiction silence between Love Script in 2007 to the present. I hope she continues to crank out more books in this series because the story concept has much promise.
June 28, 2014
What will one find beyond the velvet rope? In Elliot Richards’ Babylon, the answer to that question is anything one desires. VIP status opens up every avenue for the club’s guest, and the person there to make it all happen is Thandie Shaw, club promoter extraordinaire. In New York, Thandie’s status as a promoter is infamous, and she could definitely help Babylon’s reopening; the only problem is that Elliot Richards doesn’t hire females. He’ll seduce them; he’ll fuck them; he’ll make their bodies feel immense amount of pleasure, but he’ll never again work with a woman. But when Warren, one of Elliot’s backers, calls in a favor and asks that he reconsiders his rule and hire Thandie, the line of business and pleasure blurs almost immediately.
The day Thandie walked off the plane and into Babylon, numerous people told her to stay away from Elliot, but she’s instantly mesmerized by his good looks and grey eyes. She doesn’t want to want him, but she can’t help herself, and ultimately, Thandie knows she will succumb to Elliot’s charm and sexual prowess. Elliot’s seduction of Thandie is a slow burn. He advances on her, and she refuses those advancements. Elliot’s never been refused before and so getting Thandie in his bed becomes a challenge he refuses to lose. But what starts off as a game slowly becomes something else; something Elliot won’t acknowledge, and Thandie tries to keep hidden. Thandie believes a man like Elliot, one with secrets and a tenacious sex drive, can never change his ways, but what if she’s wrong? What if she’s just the woman Elliot needs, but she walks out of his club and out of his city before he steps up?
Thandie rocks as a heroine. She’s an independent woman who knows what it takes to be successful. She’s beautiful, feisty, and tenacious. She loves her job and kicks ass at it, but her job with Babylon challenges her on so many levels. Thandie slowly becomes the woman she never wanted to be due to Elliot’s manipulation, and Tiffany Ashley illustrates her emotions and actions quite well as Thandie slowly succumbs to her body’s need for Elliot.
Elliot Richards – he’s a master manipulator. He’s a playboy who enjoys woman; he doesn’t lie to any of them, but he’s callus in his actions quite simply because he knows he can get away with it. He’s frustrating, arrogant, and a prick most of the time. But there are moments in the book when he interacts with Thandie and allows her to see beyond his seducer façade and see the man beneath. Elliot’s persona is created in such a way that readers will want to hit him and drop their panties for him at the same time, which makes him quite the interesting male lead.
Beyond the Velvet Rope is a provocative story that takes readers inside an exclusive club and shows what happens behind the scenes of the club’s major players, both personally and professionally. I really enjoyed watching the dynamics of Elliot and Thandie’s relationship change and the banter that they exchanged was both hot and humorous. The secondary characters also bring a great dynamics to the text, and I hope that we will see their stories told as the series progresses.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
The day Thandie walked off the plane and into Babylon, numerous people told her to stay away from Elliot, but she’s instantly mesmerized by his good looks and grey eyes. She doesn’t want to want him, but she can’t help herself, and ultimately, Thandie knows she will succumb to Elliot’s charm and sexual prowess. Elliot’s seduction of Thandie is a slow burn. He advances on her, and she refuses those advancements. Elliot’s never been refused before and so getting Thandie in his bed becomes a challenge he refuses to lose. But what starts off as a game slowly becomes something else; something Elliot won’t acknowledge, and Thandie tries to keep hidden. Thandie believes a man like Elliot, one with secrets and a tenacious sex drive, can never change his ways, but what if she’s wrong? What if she’s just the woman Elliot needs, but she walks out of his club and out of his city before he steps up?
Thandie rocks as a heroine. She’s an independent woman who knows what it takes to be successful. She’s beautiful, feisty, and tenacious. She loves her job and kicks ass at it, but her job with Babylon challenges her on so many levels. Thandie slowly becomes the woman she never wanted to be due to Elliot’s manipulation, and Tiffany Ashley illustrates her emotions and actions quite well as Thandie slowly succumbs to her body’s need for Elliot.
Elliot Richards – he’s a master manipulator. He’s a playboy who enjoys woman; he doesn’t lie to any of them, but he’s callus in his actions quite simply because he knows he can get away with it. He’s frustrating, arrogant, and a prick most of the time. But there are moments in the book when he interacts with Thandie and allows her to see beyond his seducer façade and see the man beneath. Elliot’s persona is created in such a way that readers will want to hit him and drop their panties for him at the same time, which makes him quite the interesting male lead.
Beyond the Velvet Rope is a provocative story that takes readers inside an exclusive club and shows what happens behind the scenes of the club’s major players, both personally and professionally. I really enjoyed watching the dynamics of Elliot and Thandie’s relationship change and the banter that they exchanged was both hot and humorous. The secondary characters also bring a great dynamics to the text, and I hope that we will see their stories told as the series progresses.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
July 19, 2014
OMG Can I have Elliot Richards wrapped up and under my tree for Christmas. He is sexy, arrogant and a asshole at times but he is just the type of man that those qualities makes you want him more. Thandie doesn't know what she is getting herself into when she meets him for the first time but in the end of this rollercoaster ride she is so glad she stuck it out because he was sure worth it all. This is a book that was hard to put down once I got started. I read it in one sitting and ordered pizza for dinner instead of cooking so I could finish. I loved the secondary characters in the book and think that they could make for a possible series....
September 15, 2014
I loved this book. Anytime I had to put this book down I was thinking about it and wishing I was still reading it.
Thandie is a New York club promoter. She's a strong fiesty woman that I loved. She meets Elliot when he employs her. He's fabulous. He's a great alps male that I just drooled over. The chemistry between these two is oh so hot.
The storyline to this book is brilliant. It's a really good addictive read that will have you glued to it.
My first read from this author. I really hope she's busy reading as this was brilliant.
Thandie is a New York club promoter. She's a strong fiesty woman that I loved. She meets Elliot when he employs her. He's fabulous. He's a great alps male that I just drooled over. The chemistry between these two is oh so hot.
The storyline to this book is brilliant. It's a really good addictive read that will have you glued to it.
My first read from this author. I really hope she's busy reading as this was brilliant.
July 5, 2014
I was biased on this. I liked it steamy hot and sexy, but somewhat bothered with the length of the book. Still, gave it 5 stars. Never mind, it's been a very long awaiting book I counted days down. Was I satisfied? Let's say yes, because even at the office I tried many times to steal some time just to read few pages.
Want to read
June 17, 2014Overall Rating: 5 Rockin’ ★★★★★
WOW! I loved, loved, loved this book! Beyond the Velvet Rope is the first book in Tiffany Ashley’s Club Babylon series. I was bewitched and enslaved from the moment I started reading.
Thandie Shaw is a New York club promoter whose world is turned upside down when she accepts a job in Miami for a new club, Babylon. Thandie is a beautiful, bright, strong, vivacious young woman, who owns her own business. Not in the need of any man, she is thrown off balance from the moment she meets the infamous Elliot Richards. He captivates her being and she will definitely never be the same.
Elliot Richards is one of Miami’s most prominent businessmen. He has made his fortune through hard work and dedication, with only room for playtime with countless women throughout the years. Elliot is a player, in every sense of the word. However, little did he suspect that hiring on the perfect public relations promoter would change his life completely.
This book was hot, sexy, erotic and totally romantic. I literally didn’t want it to end. There were several, “I didn’t see that coming” moments that took me for a tailspin. I was completely enchanted and engaged with the characters from the very beginning. Everything about the book was amazing. Want to know how the story ends? Will the steamy couple be together in the end? Can they integrate their tumultuous lives and begin a life together? READ THIS BOOK. It’s a must read!
I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next story in the series. Maybe it’ll be Nico’s adventure or even Matrix’s story. I can’t wait!!!
Excellent job, Tiffany! “So you say”…Grēta
Hero – Elliot Richards 5.0 stars
Heroine – Thandie Shaw 5.0 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Plot: 5.0 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! Most definitely! If you are in need of an erotic, sexy, steam laden book, then this is the one for you! A must read!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! Absolutely! I can’t wait to read the next book in her Babylon series as well as others she has written. I found a new favorite author to add to my list!!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Beyond the Velvet Rope
Tiffany Ashley
“Elliot had a certain appeal that was enchanting. And yet as strongly as he captivated her, he frightened her. She was leery of him, not daring to get too close and yet…she was fascinated all the same. Like a moth to a flame.”
“If she showed the slightest bit of weakness, there would be blood in the water. Elliot would attack like the shark he was. There was a high chance she would not come out unscathed next time.”
WOW! I loved, loved, loved this book! Beyond the Velvet Rope is the first book in Tiffany Ashley’s Club Babylon series. I was bewitched and enslaved from the moment I started reading.
Thandie Shaw is a New York club promoter whose world is turned upside down when she accepts a job in Miami for a new club, Babylon. Thandie is a beautiful, bright, strong, vivacious young woman, who owns her own business. Not in the need of any man, she is thrown off balance from the moment she meets the infamous Elliot Richards. He captivates her being and she will definitely never be the same.
Elliot Richards is one of Miami’s most prominent businessmen. He has made his fortune through hard work and dedication, with only room for playtime with countless women throughout the years. Elliot is a player, in every sense of the word. However, little did he suspect that hiring on the perfect public relations promoter would change his life completely.
This book was hot, sexy, erotic and totally romantic. I literally didn’t want it to end. There were several, “I didn’t see that coming” moments that took me for a tailspin. I was completely enchanted and engaged with the characters from the very beginning. Everything about the book was amazing. Want to know how the story ends? Will the steamy couple be together in the end? Can they integrate their tumultuous lives and begin a life together? READ THIS BOOK. It’s a must read!
I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next story in the series. Maybe it’ll be Nico’s adventure or even Matrix’s story. I can’t wait!!!
Excellent job, Tiffany! “So you say”…Grēta
Hero – Elliot Richards 5.0 stars
Heroine – Thandie Shaw 5.0 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Plot: 5.0 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! Most definitely! If you are in need of an erotic, sexy, steam laden book, then this is the one for you! A must read!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! Absolutely! I can’t wait to read the next book in her Babylon series as well as others she has written. I found a new favorite author to add to my list!!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Beyond the Velvet Rope
Tiffany Ashley
July 6, 2014
Severe sexual harassment trying to masquerade as seduction. I read just under half of this book and I decided I couldn't stomach anymore when the "hero" of the book forcefully removed the female main character's dress because he wanted to see her ass then followed her assertion that she wouldn't change her mind about not having sex with him with "I'll make you." This is just one example of the various instances so far in the book where the author mistakes creepy, predatory behavior with sexy pursuit. I'm sure there are more such gems as the story continues to develop but I'm not willing to risk finding out. The Elliot character is sleazy, rapey and seems to have a very tenuous grasp on the concept of consent in sexual situations. I'm grossed out.
July 9, 2014
I first want to point out that this was a lengthy book, but it was filled with so much greatness. The story was captivating! The characters were unforgettable, and the passion in this book can only be described as explosive. Be sure not to blink because you won't want to miss a single moment that this book has to offer.
This is a definite must read. This may be my first read from this author but definitely not my last!
This is a definite must read. This may be my first read from this author but definitely not my last!
December 9, 2014
I won this book on good-reads, and it took me sometime to even get to this book , but once I did , all I can say is I love it I am grateful to have been one of five people that won this fantastic book. Tiffany you have chops , and are one of my new faves I want to read every thing that you have written . your awesome
September 14, 2014
A great read. It's an erotica with a man whore. I loved the back and forth between Elliot and Thandie. I try to rate every book on it own merit (unless it's part of a series.) It's either a hit or a miss and I don't think this was a miss. I really liked it.
to-read-interracial-romance
April 12, 2014I'll believe this, when I see it because starting to think this author was just a figment of my imagination. She just completely disappeared after one pretty good book.
September 13, 2014
I have to confess that my mind is a littore twisted, just seeing the word "rope" in the title and I immediately thought it was a book of erotic BDSM, I was wrong.
Not that the book is lacking of eroticism and sex scenes with contents very hot and for adults.
Beyond the Velvet Rope speaks of a world of elite, the Miami that often appears in the TV series, VIP parties, a city full of beautiful half-naked bodies of women covered by a few inches of fabric, limousine, money, champagne and exclusive clubs that have people that counts.
It would be a lie to say that this city full of excess is not attractive in my eyes.
The male protagonist Elliott is one of the most arrogant and sexist men that I have ever read, often irritating to self-confidence and his being so dominant. In the reality probably if I met this kind of type of man I'll shoot him on sight, but in the books are my favorite characters.
Thandie the female protagonist, despite being a career woman, aware of her beauty and accustomed to using it in her work, cunning and smart in handling Vip and unwanted avanches, but eventually she can't resist Elliott.
Their passion is burning and intense, but their personalities are always in continual conflict, making their story very compelling, as well as plot twists that are discovered
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the book.
Rating: 4 stars
Oramai ho una mente deviata, appena visto la parola rope nel titolo ho pensato subito che fosse un libro erotico con contenuti BDSM, sbagliando in pieno.
Non che pecchi di erotismo o di scene di sesso dai contenuti decisamente hot e per adulti.
Beyond the Velvet Rope parla di un mondo assolutamente d'elite, la Miami che ci viene mostrata nei telefilm, città di feste VIP, corpi bellissimi seminudi di donne ricoperti da pochi centimetri di tessuto, limousine, soldi, champagne e locali esclusivi che intrattengono la gente che conta.
Direi che sarebbe una bugia dire che questa città piena di eccessi non risulta affascinante ai miei occhi.
Il protagonista maschile Elliott è uno degli uomini più arroganti e maschilisti di cui abbia mai letto, spesso irritante per la sua sicurezza e il suo essere così dominante. nella realtà probabilmente gli sparerei a vista, ma nei libri sono i miei personaggi preferiti.
Thandie la protagonista femminile, nonostante sia una donna in carriera, consapevole della sua bellezza e abituata a usarla nel suo lavoro, scaltra e d'esperienza nel gestire Vip e avanche indesiderate, ma alla fine comunque non sa resistere a Elliott.
La loro passione è bruciante e intensa, ma le loro personalità sono sempre in perenne conflitto, rendendo la loro storia molto avvincente, così come i colpi di scena che si sono scoperti man mano hanno saputo creare un certo effetto.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Harlequin per il libro.
June 23, 2015
See the full review at Romance Bound Reviews: Beyond the Velvet Rope
I would have liked to have seen more parts of the story from Elliot's perspective. I felt like he never redeemed himself. He was pretty much an asshole the whole time. There were a couple of glimpses of his humanness, but all in all he was kind of mean to Thandie. There were these moments when Thandie would look into Elliot's eyes and mention how it seemed like things had shifted between them. It would've been a great opportunity to show Elliot's view during these moments as well.
With all the mentions of Elliot's sex room, Matrix's sex parties, and the orgies taking place in The Tower, I was surprised by how little erotic sex took place. It was kind of a tease. I was ready for Elliot to introduce Thandie to a sexual side she was unaware of, however their sex was pretty vanilla if you don't count a couple of precarious locations.
I also couldn't believe that a savvy PR rep like Thandie would hire two brainless assistants to help her run her business. I kept waiting for them to mature and act their age and it just never happened. She said the girls were early twenties and played them up like it was OK to act that appallingly in business situations.
This was a very long book (over 500 pages!) that had a lot of day by day activity that was repetitious. This could be irritating, but I thought it allowed the reader to feel how much time was truly passing between the characters, making relationships more realistic. On the other hand, when the drama reached a climax, the book took on a fast pace and wrapped up in a very short amount of time. I would have rather spent time reading the resolution to the conflict than the insignificant lead up to the drama.
I received this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
I would have liked to have seen more parts of the story from Elliot's perspective. I felt like he never redeemed himself. He was pretty much an asshole the whole time. There were a couple of glimpses of his humanness, but all in all he was kind of mean to Thandie. There were these moments when Thandie would look into Elliot's eyes and mention how it seemed like things had shifted between them. It would've been a great opportunity to show Elliot's view during these moments as well.
With all the mentions of Elliot's sex room, Matrix's sex parties, and the orgies taking place in The Tower, I was surprised by how little erotic sex took place. It was kind of a tease. I was ready for Elliot to introduce Thandie to a sexual side she was unaware of, however their sex was pretty vanilla if you don't count a couple of precarious locations.
I also couldn't believe that a savvy PR rep like Thandie would hire two brainless assistants to help her run her business. I kept waiting for them to mature and act their age and it just never happened. She said the girls were early twenties and played them up like it was OK to act that appallingly in business situations.
This was a very long book (over 500 pages!) that had a lot of day by day activity that was repetitious. This could be irritating, but I thought it allowed the reader to feel how much time was truly passing between the characters, making relationships more realistic. On the other hand, when the drama reached a climax, the book took on a fast pace and wrapped up in a very short amount of time. I would have rather spent time reading the resolution to the conflict than the insignificant lead up to the drama.
I received this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
June 25, 2014
before launching into a rant, I just want to say, I absolutely loved the smutty scenes, particularly the one where Elliot interrupts Thandie's and Rex's dinner and the one where Elliot jacked off in the pool while Thandie clung to him.
cue rant
I don't usually nitpick over things like this, however, it was quite the elephant in the room- at least, for me- and that matter is Elliot's refusal to hire women.
I mean, come on, I don't consider myself a strong feminist, but can we please take a step back from the sexiness that is Elliot Richards and see how ridiculously chauvinistic he is?! It took several century for women to acquire the equality that we currently have in the work field- and yet, here is a book, written by a female author, and we have the heroine running in circles and falling in love with this sexist bastard who is disguised by his oozing sexiness.
It's not fair! I just can't accept this.
cue rant
I don't usually nitpick over things like this, however, it was quite the elephant in the room- at least, for me- and that matter is Elliot's refusal to hire women.
I mean, come on, I don't consider myself a strong feminist, but can we please take a step back from the sexiness that is Elliot Richards and see how ridiculously chauvinistic he is?! It took several century for women to acquire the equality that we currently have in the work field- and yet, here is a book, written by a female author, and we have the heroine running in circles and falling in love with this sexist bastard who is disguised by his oozing sexiness.
It's not fair! I just can't accept this.
June 28, 2014
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
HOLY SMOKING HOT I just finish reading this book, and I love it, love the characters, I have to say this is the first book that I read from this author, and I am so glad that I did, I couldn't put the book down, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with Thandie, she is a club promoter and she work in New York city, she loves her job, when she wakes up in the wrong bed, she start to regret it when she know she made the mistake, of sleeping with her ex boyfriend, on the other side of the country their is Elliot, his is rich and own the club of Babylon, while things are going well for Thandie, things couldn't get better when she was offer the job, to promote the club Babylon which is The hottest club, on the strip of Miami and is a magnet for major South Beach movers and shakers. Even though Elliot is not to thrill to work with a female, but all that changes the moment that he meet Thandie, that's when their world are going to be turn up side down, and the game will begging.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the chemistry that Elliot and Thandie have, love the sexual tension that they have, love it how Elliot know what he wants and he gets it, I just love the book, and I want more, now I cant wait for the second book, Author Tiffany Ashley THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome book and this wonderful characters love them.
HOLY SMOKING HOT I just finish reading this book, and I love it, love the characters, I have to say this is the first book that I read from this author, and I am so glad that I did, I couldn't put the book down, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with Thandie, she is a club promoter and she work in New York city, she loves her job, when she wakes up in the wrong bed, she start to regret it when she know she made the mistake, of sleeping with her ex boyfriend, on the other side of the country their is Elliot, his is rich and own the club of Babylon, while things are going well for Thandie, things couldn't get better when she was offer the job, to promote the club Babylon which is The hottest club, on the strip of Miami and is a magnet for major South Beach movers and shakers. Even though Elliot is not to thrill to work with a female, but all that changes the moment that he meet Thandie, that's when their world are going to be turn up side down, and the game will begging.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the chemistry that Elliot and Thandie have, love the sexual tension that they have, love it how Elliot know what he wants and he gets it, I just love the book, and I want more, now I cant wait for the second book, Author Tiffany Ashley THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome book and this wonderful characters love them.
June 26, 2014
Thandie is a very successful club promoter in New York and is contacted by Warren, a friend/business associate, to work for a club in Miami. She takes the job and meets the owner, Elliot, who is obnoxiously rude and arrogant. She is the first woman to work for him and to say that he is less than thrilled is an understatement. Even so he makes it abundantly clear that he wants her and Thandie lets him know that she will not be another one of his conquests. He pursues her relentlessly and when she finally gives in to his seduction the drama rollercoaster begins. There are so many ups and downs with some very steamy moments along the way with a major holy oh my twist at the end. I loved Thandie and Elliot's story which kept me turning pages all night long to find out what would happen next and how it was going to end. I loved all their friends. Especially Nico and Day who I hope are the couple for the next in the Club Babylon series.
I give Beyond the Velvet Rope 4 hearts!
I give Beyond the Velvet Rope 4 hearts!
June 25, 2014
Well....I didn't love the book...I just liked it. I just didn't feel the love between these two. Even the ending didn't convince me. It still felt like it was just about sex. Maybe it would of helped if we would of got more details of the tender times that they made love. When he cherished her....or whatever Thandie said after. lol But instead we got more details on all the fucking they did every where else. It just didn't make me feel like they were in love. Oh and I hated when he called her pussycat and most definitely hated puss:( So not good!
I do however hope we get a book about Nico. I will be checking it out:-) Hopefully I will feel the love. lol
I do however hope we get a book about Nico. I will be checking it out:-) Hopefully I will feel the love. lol
December 30, 2014
This is the first book in a long time that I couldn't finish it was that bad, got to chapter 10 and stopped reading.
July 23, 2020
Couldn’t finish.
Pros: The Miami night club world is interesting and gives an elevated (albeit overly sanitized) view for the reader.
Lively detail with subtle changes to keep the plot and timeline intriguing and moving along.
Cons: Thandie is unmercifully dense in character and action. Elliot is serial womanizer and unlikely to change his ways (much like serial rapists or murderers) and the likelihood of either rapidly changing their behavior is scant at best.
The overall theme of 1: Elliot is SO hot he walks on water while sexing women. He wants what he can’t have (although he has her several ways several times) 2: Thandie can’t control her actions, thoughts, or hormones so lets Elliot do what he will with her 3: Filled with raging regret she vows to never let it happen again. 4: It happens again and again career be damned 5: Repeat endlessly
Pros: The Miami night club world is interesting and gives an elevated (albeit overly sanitized) view for the reader.
Lively detail with subtle changes to keep the plot and timeline intriguing and moving along.
Cons: Thandie is unmercifully dense in character and action. Elliot is serial womanizer and unlikely to change his ways (much like serial rapists or murderers) and the likelihood of either rapidly changing their behavior is scant at best.
The overall theme of 1: Elliot is SO hot he walks on water while sexing women. He wants what he can’t have (although he has her several ways several times) 2: Thandie can’t control her actions, thoughts, or hormones so lets Elliot do what he will with her 3: Filled with raging regret she vows to never let it happen again. 4: It happens again and again career be damned 5: Repeat endlessly
July 10, 2017
I was delightfully scandalized from all the gossip and glam of Thandie and company. It was funny and sexy. Elliot was the playboy we all loved to hate. I couldn't get enough of them together. The whole cast of characters made it all the more an enjoyable read. Len and Raja were like two teenage girls that Thandie had to keep track of, which made it hilarious as a bit of commic relief. Thandie's relationship with Warren was touching and sweet. (And I would love to read more about Nico and Day!) Thandie was a down to earth and busy successful woman with an exciting lifestyle, that of course doesn't miss the attention of Elliot despite his refusal to hire women. It was also interesting to see a happy return of Laney and Nick.
September 28, 2017
Elliot and Thandie are the like the perfect balance for each other. He's so intense, alpha mysterious, and sexy! Thandie is sweet with a little sass,smart and beautiful. Although the book was deliciously sexy, I couldn't give it five stars because she forgave him too easy! He also didn't tell her he loved her after all that. OK, yes he showed her by showing up and asking for forgiveness and another chance. but he didn't put it in words. he didn't give the emotion I KNOW he felt into telling her why he went after her. So it just made it seem like he went after her only because she was the first to turn him down.
December 1, 2025
This book was a little out of the ordinary for my usual reading. However I really enjoyed it. The main character was strong and independent but also gave into her desires. I feel like this is the reality for a lot of people and very relatable but no one wants to admit that part. I feel like the author explored this concept well. However, there were spelling mistakes through the book and I feel the surprises at the end could have been a larger part of the book. I also think more focus could have been on Elliott’s perspective because I feel like I still don’t know him almost 500 pages later.
April 9, 2019
Disappointed that there hasn’t been an addition to this book. The scenes were well scripted and you just felt them in your bones.
I write this in 2019 and it’s been 5 yrs since I read it, yet there are still scenes I can vividly remember!
I write this in 2019 and it’s been 5 yrs since I read it, yet there are still scenes I can vividly remember!
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