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Indulging #1
Indulging in Irelyn
Don't read this book if you hate f**ked up alpha males, strong female leads, hot sex, and a kismet love story six years in the making. Oh yeah, a plot twist that will leave you reeling.
NFL quarterback, Zolt Hamil was America's heartthrob until a career ending injury changed his life. Years later, he's picked up the pieces and carved out a new path for himself. But the mental and physical scars of that day have left him moody and reclusive, and his only relief is indulging in pleasure and pain with his many one night stands. Though many women have tried, Zolt refuses to care about any of them. Only one woman has his heart; a hallucination of a young, sable-eyed, blonde beauty whom he conjured that painful day on the football field.
On the first day at his new job at a law firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, Zolt comes face to face with his hallucination, Irelyn Wilkes. Their fateful connection, and explosive passion for each other pulls them together, and this time, Zolt refuses to let her slip from his life.
But Irelyn has her own demons to fight, and her controlling boyfriend is one of them. He doesn't take kindly to other people playing with his toys, and he'll stop at nothing to keep her by his side.
Can Irelyn and Zolt defy the odds and find a way to be together? Or, will the events set in motion years ago keep them apart forever?
New Adult. Recommended for eighteen and above due to adult content, drug use, language, and sexual situations.
NFL quarterback, Zolt Hamil was America's heartthrob until a career ending injury changed his life. Years later, he's picked up the pieces and carved out a new path for himself. But the mental and physical scars of that day have left him moody and reclusive, and his only relief is indulging in pleasure and pain with his many one night stands. Though many women have tried, Zolt refuses to care about any of them. Only one woman has his heart; a hallucination of a young, sable-eyed, blonde beauty whom he conjured that painful day on the football field.
On the first day at his new job at a law firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, Zolt comes face to face with his hallucination, Irelyn Wilkes. Their fateful connection, and explosive passion for each other pulls them together, and this time, Zolt refuses to let her slip from his life.
But Irelyn has her own demons to fight, and her controlling boyfriend is one of them. He doesn't take kindly to other people playing with his toys, and he'll stop at nothing to keep her by his side.
Can Irelyn and Zolt defy the odds and find a way to be together? Or, will the events set in motion years ago keep them apart forever?
New Adult. Recommended for eighteen and above due to adult content, drug use, language, and sexual situations.
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First published February 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 22, 2014
DNF.
I feel very apologetic to the author to say this but this book just did not work for me. From the plot, to the characters, and pacing it was a no-go for me.
Everything kind of felt unrealistic and rushed and I just didn't believe the characters at all. I mean, the main guy is an ex-football player turned lawyer and I just didn't buy it by his actions and dialogue. It was very UN-SOPHISTICATED per say.
And as for the main girl, she was annoying. A typical pampered princess who got on my nerves when she used the D-A-D-D-Y word. No sense of responsibility and needs someone to take care and pick up after you.
*sighs*
Sorry, guys. But I won't be "indulging" on this book any further. I just CAN'T.
*An ARC was provided to me via the author for an honest review. Thank you and I'm sorry!*
I feel very apologetic to the author to say this but this book just did not work for me. From the plot, to the characters, and pacing it was a no-go for me.
Everything kind of felt unrealistic and rushed and I just didn't believe the characters at all. I mean, the main guy is an ex-football player turned lawyer and I just didn't buy it by his actions and dialogue. It was very UN-SOPHISTICATED per say.
And as for the main girl, she was annoying. A typical pampered princess who got on my nerves when she used the D-A-D-D-Y word. No sense of responsibility and needs someone to take care and pick up after you.
*sighs*
Sorry, guys. But I won't be "indulging" on this book any further. I just CAN'T.
*An ARC was provided to me via the author for an honest review. Thank you and I'm sorry!*
May 6, 2015
Yikes, *fans self*
Just finished my beta read for this book, and lemme tell ya, make sure you have a cold drink of your choice handy, hell, maybe even a rag to dab away at the sweat that will break across your neck and forehead LOL.
I will give a lengthier review once Dawna gets closer to releasing the book in case there are changes, but I will take this moment to throw out there some of my thoughts on this book.
Irelyn is the type of female MC I adore; she’s strong, full of ambitions and has a good head on her shoulders.
Zolt, a bad boy with no qualms to his actions and an ex-quarter back for the NFL who took a career-ending blow to his knees mid-game by a later to be found out bounty job, took the time to go back to school and is now a successful and a highly sought out lawyer by other employers.
Now working for a new law firm several years after the tragic mishap on the field, serendipity takes its course.
The girl with soulful brown eyes and blonde hair who has haunted his dreams every night since that dreadful day as he lay sprawled out on the turf in pain, the girl he was so sure was just a hallucination nothing more other than an ethereal image his mind created as he lay there injured, to help him overcome the pain and help him see through it… is now staring back at him through a family portrait on his new employers desk. His seraph, it’s her.
Zolt is shocked back to life and his world is suddenly turned upside down and begins to change deep inside more than he would have ever expected.
While this story is soooo freaking steamy and hot, there is also an underlying issue that keeps the reader gripped into the story with page-turning suspense. Irelyn has to end her relationship with her no-good controlling boyfriend whom she felt she inherited anyway because her daddy has a close relationship with and was her deceased brother’s best friend. Little does she know, just how difficult a task that will be. The domineering piece of **it had a dark, hidden agenda for his pretty and has her marked for…well no spoilers, and like I said I was going to keep this short for *now* LOL, oops. 0=)
But leaving Marcus will not be easy as he has, unknowing to her, plans that will severely degrade her lower than she deserves. As the story progresses, Zolt received vital information that put him in the know after a friend with connections had helped him investigate a mysterious case Ire’s father bestowed on him for suspicious reasons, and tries his damndest to bring it to her attention, and he will do what it takes to protect her.
Zolt is an alpha hero that I could fall in love with over and over again. His pride and alpha streak remains, but his heart grows full for a woman just perfect for him, and blows away every rule he had ever made for himself when it came to relations.
Can’t wait for book two T_T
I will update this once the book goes live!
I CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU ALL TO READ THIS! I am telling everyone LOLOL
Just finished my beta read for this book, and lemme tell ya, make sure you have a cold drink of your choice handy, hell, maybe even a rag to dab away at the sweat that will break across your neck and forehead LOL.
I will give a lengthier review once Dawna gets closer to releasing the book in case there are changes, but I will take this moment to throw out there some of my thoughts on this book.
Irelyn is the type of female MC I adore; she’s strong, full of ambitions and has a good head on her shoulders.
Zolt, a bad boy with no qualms to his actions and an ex-quarter back for the NFL who took a career-ending blow to his knees mid-game by a later to be found out bounty job, took the time to go back to school and is now a successful and a highly sought out lawyer by other employers.
Now working for a new law firm several years after the tragic mishap on the field, serendipity takes its course.
The girl with soulful brown eyes and blonde hair who has haunted his dreams every night since that dreadful day as he lay sprawled out on the turf in pain, the girl he was so sure was just a hallucination nothing more other than an ethereal image his mind created as he lay there injured, to help him overcome the pain and help him see through it… is now staring back at him through a family portrait on his new employers desk. His seraph, it’s her.
Zolt is shocked back to life and his world is suddenly turned upside down and begins to change deep inside more than he would have ever expected.
While this story is soooo freaking steamy and hot, there is also an underlying issue that keeps the reader gripped into the story with page-turning suspense. Irelyn has to end her relationship with her no-good controlling boyfriend whom she felt she inherited anyway because her daddy has a close relationship with and was her deceased brother’s best friend. Little does she know, just how difficult a task that will be. The domineering piece of **it had a dark, hidden agenda for his pretty and has her marked for…well no spoilers, and like I said I was going to keep this short for *now* LOL, oops. 0=)
But leaving Marcus will not be easy as he has, unknowing to her, plans that will severely degrade her lower than she deserves. As the story progresses, Zolt received vital information that put him in the know after a friend with connections had helped him investigate a mysterious case Ire’s father bestowed on him for suspicious reasons, and tries his damndest to bring it to her attention, and he will do what it takes to protect her.
Zolt is an alpha hero that I could fall in love with over and over again. His pride and alpha streak remains, but his heart grows full for a woman just perfect for him, and blows away every rule he had ever made for himself when it came to relations.
Can’t wait for book two T_T
I will update this once the book goes live!
I CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU ALL TO READ THIS! I am telling everyone LOLOL
February 10, 2014
*ARC courtesy of Patchwork Press via NetGalley for an honest review
Sigh. I so wanted to love this book. The first 20% was awesome… Are there grammatical mistakes? Well, yes. Are there anomalies with the characters? Definitely… not enough to prevent me from disliking the book.
Then the two main characters dive into some deep personal topics that felt a bit unnatural to me.
I’m all like, "wait... WHAT is THIS?"
And had to prevent myself from doing this:
I understand there are six years of “connection” between them… but they still haven’t established a friendship. In my opinion- Irelyn overshares and Zolt demands/asks/assumes ridiculous things. Additionally, the mother/daughter relationship fell a bit flat for me. Some of the dialogue between the two of them felt like it was added only because it was necessary to the story.
Things I did enjoy: I liked the undercurrent of danger that follows the progression of the story. I liked the mystery that surrounds Irelyn’s family and the suspicious tension. The sex scenes were hot. Despite the incongruity in Zolt’s vocabulary, I enjoyed his POV. I liked the concept/idea of the book; I think with a bit more polish/editing it would have been a great read.
This book started off like a firecracker, fizzled and then left me with the smoke and what could have been. I also really hated that it was a cliffhanger. Honestly, the latter is my own fault. I didn’t read any reviews prior to starting this ARC- I didn’t want my opinion to be tainted. Had I read the reviews, I would have been prepared for the ending.
Sigh. I so wanted to love this book. The first 20% was awesome… Are there grammatical mistakes? Well, yes. Are there anomalies with the characters? Definitely… not enough to prevent me from disliking the book.
Then the two main characters dive into some deep personal topics that felt a bit unnatural to me.
I’m all like, "wait... WHAT is THIS?"
And had to prevent myself from doing this:
I understand there are six years of “connection” between them… but they still haven’t established a friendship. In my opinion- Irelyn overshares and Zolt demands/asks/assumes ridiculous things. Additionally, the mother/daughter relationship fell a bit flat for me. Some of the dialogue between the two of them felt like it was added only because it was necessary to the story.
Things I did enjoy: I liked the undercurrent of danger that follows the progression of the story. I liked the mystery that surrounds Irelyn’s family and the suspicious tension. The sex scenes were hot. Despite the incongruity in Zolt’s vocabulary, I enjoyed his POV. I liked the concept/idea of the book; I think with a bit more polish/editing it would have been a great read.
This book started off like a firecracker, fizzled and then left me with the smoke and what could have been. I also really hated that it was a cliffhanger. Honestly, the latter is my own fault. I didn’t read any reviews prior to starting this ARC- I didn’t want my opinion to be tainted. Had I read the reviews, I would have been prepared for the ending.
December 30, 2013
I was asked to be a beta-reader for this book, and I fell in love with it! I blew thru it in about a day and was left wanting more, it had a nice even flow that made you not want to put it down. This is quite different than what I'm used to reading from this author, since I've only read her Fantasy-Romance. Now seeing that she can also write a Smexy Contemporary-Romance with a bite of tasteful eroticism, I truly know I'm a fan for life.
The story's point of views are split by both the main heroine Irelyn, and the main hero, Zolt. We learn pretty early on that Zolton is a conceited A$$-hole, who likes to have H-I-S way with women – no repeats with them when he's thru with them, either – or driving his viper at way-the-hell-too-fast-speeds, as a coping mechanism for relieving stress in his what seems like “cushy” life. He's a swanky lawyer now-a-days, but years ago, he was the star quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. That dream was taken from him due to a career ending knee injury. When he was taken down on the field, he laid, sprawled out in excruciating pain. He couldn't scream out in agony for the pain he was feeling, he just looked over on the sidelines and found refuge in the eyes of a beautiful girl. A girl he thought he'd conjured up as his own “Seraph”
With Zolt starting new job at a firm back in Arizona where he used to play football, he finds out that his “Seraph”...is real, and that she's also his new boss' daughter! Ouch! Kind of puts him in an awkward position. Should he make it big with his new boss and leave Irelyn alone, or see if what they had out on the field all those years ago still exists. Now come on, this wouldn't be an awesome romantic story if he let the girl of his dreams get away from him now, would it? Ha-ha!! I really loved the chemistry that Zolt and Irelyn had with each other, it's what made me stay up into the late hours of the night reading!
What's even wilder about this book is that Irelyn's current boyfriend, Marcus, is a super creepy troll. He treats Irelyn as if she's some sort of possession of his and not a woman he cares for, or even a human being at all, seeing that he gave her a “dog collar” to wear and all. Later on in the book you'll find out what the “dog collar” is all about, and that's something I really didn't see coming!!
I can't wait for book 2 and 3 and 4 (if she writes that many for this series) !! Thanks for letting me get an early start on this book Dawna! :)
January 27, 2014
When Zolt Hamil's NFL career is suddenly ended by an illegal hit that shattered his leg, the only thing that pulled him through was a vision of an angelic girl on the sidelines.
6 years later, Zolt has moved back to Arizona and the scene of the crime, but this time as a lawyer. His life is still haunted by that day but when his first day at the new law firm brings him face to face with his angel, his life starts to change.
Irelyn never thought that Zolt would remember the shared moment on the football field all those years ago, or that she had become his savior. But when they begin to work together, her hero worship quickly turns into plain old lust. The only problem is that Irelyn has a boyfriend. And he's not very nice and not willing to let Irelyn go...
Indulging in Irelyn is a quick read. Full of hot scenes and great interactions between the two MCs, but also a lurking mystery and shadow that keeps you turning the page to see if this couple can get their HEA. I understand that a lot of people were shocked by the ending, but to me it made sense. I look forward to seeing how Irelyn gets herself out of the situation and deals with her choices in book 2.
Warning: Contains bondage scenes.
6 years later, Zolt has moved back to Arizona and the scene of the crime, but this time as a lawyer. His life is still haunted by that day but when his first day at the new law firm brings him face to face with his angel, his life starts to change.
Irelyn never thought that Zolt would remember the shared moment on the football field all those years ago, or that she had become his savior. But when they begin to work together, her hero worship quickly turns into plain old lust. The only problem is that Irelyn has a boyfriend. And he's not very nice and not willing to let Irelyn go...
Indulging in Irelyn is a quick read. Full of hot scenes and great interactions between the two MCs, but also a lurking mystery and shadow that keeps you turning the page to see if this couple can get their HEA. I understand that a lot of people were shocked by the ending, but to me it made sense. I look forward to seeing how Irelyn gets herself out of the situation and deals with her choices in book 2.
Warning: Contains bondage scenes.
October 21, 2014
I'm afraid this story wasn't for me. It had a strong alpha male, a forbidden affair and a suspense sub plot so I should have loved it but I'm afraid I just didn't.
The insta-love happened much too quickly and early in the story, killing the anticipation and it was based on too shaky a premise to be convincing . Irelyn and Zolt opened up to one another way too early in the story to be plausible. I also struggled to be convinced by Irelyn's relationship with her boyfriend who transformed from unlikable but harmless to an evil mastermind from nowhere.
The sex scenes were good though, just not enough to carry the rest of the story for me. Sorry.
***I received a copy of this from the author in return for my honest opinion***
The insta-love happened much too quickly and early in the story, killing the anticipation and it was based on too shaky a premise to be convincing . Irelyn and Zolt opened up to one another way too early in the story to be plausible. I also struggled to be convinced by Irelyn's relationship with her boyfriend who transformed from unlikable but harmless to an evil mastermind from nowhere.
The sex scenes were good though, just not enough to carry the rest of the story for me. Sorry.
***I received a copy of this from the author in return for my honest opinion***
February 4, 2014
This book will take you on a wild and sexy ride and leave you wondering which way is up by the end of it. It's been awhile since a book has left me so speechless and uncertain what to think or feel when I finished it. On the one hand I'm quite impressed at how much the author manages to make you feel for and about the characters, on the other the jaw-dropping cliffhanger of an ending has left me with all sorts of conflicted emotions ranging from sadness at how broken these people are, fear about what's going to happen to them, and rage at how it all played out. It's going to take awhile for this one to process I think.
Irelyn, at 21, is surprisingly mature for her age for the most part. She still has her moments where her youth and inexperience shows, however, and I think the ending is one of the main places where it really gets her into trouble. Overall though, she doesn't read like a young character, and for those of us that get fed up with all the young and immature heroines that seem to flood romances it's refreshing. She's courageous, intelligent, not generally given to impulsive behavior, and also not willing to let people walk all over her. She'll bide her time, but she won't put up with things indefinitely. And yet, that trace of youthful insecurity that remains in her proves to be her undoing I think as it becomes part of the catalyst that throws things headlong into the train wreck ending.
Zolt is a very broken and messed up character, both physically and mentally. He's well aware of the fact, and warns Irelyn about it from the beginning, which is good as far as that goes. There's no denying that he really is an a----le at times, to most everyone around him, and he doesn't always do much to try to censor that behavior in himself and instead just blames it on his "shadow self". The problem is that he's not really dealing with the mess his psyche is in, simply employing coping strategies that keep him more or less functional without really addressing the core issues. And this comes back to bite him big time eventually when one small thing causes him to suddenly snap and go careening off the deep end, another part of the train wreck catalyst.
Overall I really liked this book. The chemistry between Zolt and Irelyn is off-the-charts hot and truly heartwarming. It's great to see how his love for her begins to start mending what's broken in him. Unfortunately the situation they find themselves in is so volatile that they just aren't given the amount of time and peace that it would take for any true healing to really take root. Instead, stress piles upon stress until it's suddenly too much and everything blows up in their faces. And if that's all there was to it I'd not have nearly as much problem with things for it's really something that needed to happen for Zolt to really start to get over things. Instead the external circumstances still don't give them a break, and just when they're at their most vulnerable the few scraps of rug they still had left get pulled from under them. Even with all that extra crap that happens to them, I'd still be ok with it except that matters are left in such a seemingly hopeless state of affairs at the end. It's just all dark and bleak without much of a shred of light or hope left. It's this -- the way they are both so thoroughly crushed at the end -- that leaves more than a bit of a bad taste in my mouth about it all.
I really can't end this review without touching on the topic of Marcus, Irelyn's boyfriend at the beginning of the story. The man is pure, unadulterated evil. So much so it almost defies comprehension. Lord Voldemort had more humanity in him than this man seems to have. Seriously, I'd say he needs to die in a fire, but that would be too easy of a death for him I think. It's clear that we're supposed to hate him with a passion, and the author does a fabulous job at making us hate him. The main problem to my mind is that he is so completely evil and amoral, and the situation he traps Irelyn in at the end seems so bleak that it's hard to see how this can turn out okay eventually. Though to be entirely fair, the clincher to me -- the thing that really made me go WTF?? No! -- is one of Irelyn's actions at the very end; the answer she gives Zolt to a key question. To me it was just wrong, and short sighted, though it's also where her youth and inexperience betrays her I think.
Final analysis? It's a great book. It'll really make you feel the all the feels as they say, both good and bad, and even if I don't like how it ends I have to give the author lots of credit for making me care enough about her characters to get as upset about it all as I did. There will be at least one more book in their story I'm told, and that's good given the monster cliffhanger we're left with here, but I'm at a bit of a loss to see how this will work out, and I have a feeling it's not going to work out completely -- one way or another there are bound to be some casualties in all this mess. Just who and what they will be, and how Zolt and Irelyn will resolve things between them and create a stable relationship (for surely the will eventually? this is romance after all...) is anyone's guess. Four stars -- perhaps a touch more even -- to a very powerful book.
Note: I received a free ARC copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Irelyn, at 21, is surprisingly mature for her age for the most part. She still has her moments where her youth and inexperience shows, however, and I think the ending is one of the main places where it really gets her into trouble. Overall though, she doesn't read like a young character, and for those of us that get fed up with all the young and immature heroines that seem to flood romances it's refreshing. She's courageous, intelligent, not generally given to impulsive behavior, and also not willing to let people walk all over her. She'll bide her time, but she won't put up with things indefinitely. And yet, that trace of youthful insecurity that remains in her proves to be her undoing I think as it becomes part of the catalyst that throws things headlong into the train wreck ending.
Zolt is a very broken and messed up character, both physically and mentally. He's well aware of the fact, and warns Irelyn about it from the beginning, which is good as far as that goes. There's no denying that he really is an a----le at times, to most everyone around him, and he doesn't always do much to try to censor that behavior in himself and instead just blames it on his "shadow self". The problem is that he's not really dealing with the mess his psyche is in, simply employing coping strategies that keep him more or less functional without really addressing the core issues. And this comes back to bite him big time eventually when one small thing causes him to suddenly snap and go careening off the deep end, another part of the train wreck catalyst.
Overall I really liked this book. The chemistry between Zolt and Irelyn is off-the-charts hot and truly heartwarming. It's great to see how his love for her begins to start mending what's broken in him. Unfortunately the situation they find themselves in is so volatile that they just aren't given the amount of time and peace that it would take for any true healing to really take root. Instead, stress piles upon stress until it's suddenly too much and everything blows up in their faces. And if that's all there was to it I'd not have nearly as much problem with things for it's really something that needed to happen for Zolt to really start to get over things. Instead the external circumstances still don't give them a break, and just when they're at their most vulnerable the few scraps of rug they still had left get pulled from under them. Even with all that extra crap that happens to them, I'd still be ok with it except that matters are left in such a seemingly hopeless state of affairs at the end. It's just all dark and bleak without much of a shred of light or hope left. It's this -- the way they are both so thoroughly crushed at the end -- that leaves more than a bit of a bad taste in my mouth about it all.
I really can't end this review without touching on the topic of Marcus, Irelyn's boyfriend at the beginning of the story. The man is pure, unadulterated evil. So much so it almost defies comprehension. Lord Voldemort had more humanity in him than this man seems to have. Seriously, I'd say he needs to die in a fire, but that would be too easy of a death for him I think. It's clear that we're supposed to hate him with a passion, and the author does a fabulous job at making us hate him. The main problem to my mind is that he is so completely evil and amoral, and the situation he traps Irelyn in at the end seems so bleak that it's hard to see how this can turn out okay eventually. Though to be entirely fair, the clincher to me -- the thing that really made me go WTF?? No! -- is one of Irelyn's actions at the very end; the answer she gives Zolt to a key question. To me it was just wrong, and short sighted, though it's also where her youth and inexperience betrays her I think.
Final analysis? It's a great book. It'll really make you feel the all the feels as they say, both good and bad, and even if I don't like how it ends I have to give the author lots of credit for making me care enough about her characters to get as upset about it all as I did. There will be at least one more book in their story I'm told, and that's good given the monster cliffhanger we're left with here, but I'm at a bit of a loss to see how this will work out, and I have a feeling it's not going to work out completely -- one way or another there are bound to be some casualties in all this mess. Just who and what they will be, and how Zolt and Irelyn will resolve things between them and create a stable relationship (for surely the will eventually? this is romance after all...) is anyone's guess. Four stars -- perhaps a touch more even -- to a very powerful book.
Note: I received a free ARC copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2014
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Grab the fan, the smelling salts, sign that says DO NOT DISTURB and get ready to fall in love with Indulging in Irelyn by D. L. Raver! When Zolt Hamil’s NFL career comes to a screeching halt by a shattered leg, his pain wracked mind conjured a vision with angelic eyes. Assuming she wasn’t real, he still never forgot those eyes. Six years later, now an attorney who has just signed on with a major law firm, he sees those eyes again, on his boss’s daughter’s beautiful face. Irelyn has never forgotten the gorgeous NFL player who lay on the field, writhing in pain, no man has ever come close to her fantasies of Zolt Hamil, not even the man she was engaged to. Caught between her fantasy-come-to-life and the guilt of betraying her promise to another, Irelyn is torn. Zolt wants her, but she’s off limits, so why do they keep being thrown together? What is hiding in an old case from years before? Is Cupid playing matchmaker or is someone else?
Flat out, D. L. Raver can write romance, love and molten-lava-hot scenes that took my breath away. With genius strokes of her magic pen, her characters fit perfectly together, emotionally and physically they are polarizing. The tension is palpable, and the plot is completel y engaging. Irelyn is strong, self-assured, compassionate and caring. Zolt is damaged by the loss of a major part of his life and the constant pain he still feels, but the barriers he holds on to begin to crumble with Irelyn in his life. The changing POVs used by Ms. Raver are brilliantly timed, intense and gives an added dimension to these two remarkably likable characters! Like a modern day fairytale for adults, as Zolt will do anything to save Irelyn from the evil that awaits her at the hands of her manipulative fiancé.
Do I recommend it? Oh yes, this one is a keeper, for sure!
I received this copy as part of the Indulging in Irelyn Release Day Blitz Stopping at Tome Tender February 7-8, 2014.
Series: Indulging, Book One
Publication Date: February 1, 2014
Publisher: D.L. Raver
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Number of Pages: 209
Available from: Amazon
July 26, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
~~Sometimes, I wondered if I was even capable of having a normal relationship. Truth was, I waited for someone that didn't exist. A woman my pain-wracked brain conjured that day on the football field. To make matters worse, she wasn’t even of age. She was a young woman, maybe fifteen or sixteen, with the most beautiful sable-brown eyes and blonde hair I’d ever seen. Her face was sweet, kind, and compassion filled. I realized how creepy this sounds. I wasn't a sick fuck who preyed on young girls, and I had no idea why my mind created her. But all I knew was, if I ever discovered she was real, I’d do anything to have her. ~~Indulging in Irelyn
Some bonds form over days, weeks and even years, while others form in a instant. Zolt's life is forever changed during the height of his football career and while laying on the field, an angel of mercy appears. Her very presence calms him and the single tear of compassion that falls from her face soothes his soul as nothing has since.
Irelyn happened to be on the sidelines that fateful day, watching the game with her father and brother. When she saw the All-American Quarterback go down, she made somehow made her way onto the field. Feeling she had to get to him, she shoved her way through the players that had gathered around to see him laying on the field. Her heart broke for this man who had been so tragically injured. Her eyes caught his, and she felt her heart break for the pain he was in.
Six years later, Zolt and Irelyn meet up again, each dealing with their demons. Zolt is in constant physical and mental pain from his leg injury that caused the end of his NFL career. He favors the use of medicinal marijuana over pain pills to control the physical agony and sex, lots of sex, to calm his "shadow-self".
Irelyn is in a relationship with her dead brother's best friend -- not because she wants to be, but because its easier than breaking up with him. She doesn't like Marcus, or the way he treats her, but she doesn't want to upset her parents or Marcus, so she plods along in a relationship that is, in her mind, going nowhere.
Trials and tribulations, pain and pleasure, lies and deceit run amok throughout the book, leading Zolt and Irelyn down a long and winding road, where they will end up, no one knows. I can't wait for book two to see where their journey takes them next.
~~Sometimes, I wondered if I was even capable of having a normal relationship. Truth was, I waited for someone that didn't exist. A woman my pain-wracked brain conjured that day on the football field. To make matters worse, she wasn’t even of age. She was a young woman, maybe fifteen or sixteen, with the most beautiful sable-brown eyes and blonde hair I’d ever seen. Her face was sweet, kind, and compassion filled. I realized how creepy this sounds. I wasn't a sick fuck who preyed on young girls, and I had no idea why my mind created her. But all I knew was, if I ever discovered she was real, I’d do anything to have her. ~~Indulging in Irelyn
Some bonds form over days, weeks and even years, while others form in a instant. Zolt's life is forever changed during the height of his football career and while laying on the field, an angel of mercy appears. Her very presence calms him and the single tear of compassion that falls from her face soothes his soul as nothing has since.
Irelyn happened to be on the sidelines that fateful day, watching the game with her father and brother. When she saw the All-American Quarterback go down, she made somehow made her way onto the field. Feeling she had to get to him, she shoved her way through the players that had gathered around to see him laying on the field. Her heart broke for this man who had been so tragically injured. Her eyes caught his, and she felt her heart break for the pain he was in.
Six years later, Zolt and Irelyn meet up again, each dealing with their demons. Zolt is in constant physical and mental pain from his leg injury that caused the end of his NFL career. He favors the use of medicinal marijuana over pain pills to control the physical agony and sex, lots of sex, to calm his "shadow-self".
Irelyn is in a relationship with her dead brother's best friend -- not because she wants to be, but because its easier than breaking up with him. She doesn't like Marcus, or the way he treats her, but she doesn't want to upset her parents or Marcus, so she plods along in a relationship that is, in her mind, going nowhere.
Trials and tribulations, pain and pleasure, lies and deceit run amok throughout the book, leading Zolt and Irelyn down a long and winding road, where they will end up, no one knows. I can't wait for book two to see where their journey takes them next.
February 8, 2014
Zolt Hamil is broken. At twenty-two years old he was one of the most successful quarterbacks of the NFL until one fateful game injury ended his career. Becoming a lawyer and graduating from Harvard Law was easy. Facing the demons of his past? Not so much.
While smoking copious amounts of weed and engaging in meaningless sex helps to numb the pain and nightmares that plague Zolt, only one glimmer of light touches his black soul: the memory of a blond hair, sable-eyed angel.
Zolt’s angel was nothing more than the conjured hallucination of a broken man lying on his back on a football field during that fateful day. Her piercing eyes were the only thing keeping his sanity while his life came crashing down around him. She branded his soul. Over the last six years he’s watched for her, looked for her. Even if she was only his imaginings, the thought of her still soothed his soul. But when Zolt accepts a position at a prestigious law firm back in his home state of Arizona, he finds his angel. And she’s definitely not a hallucination.
Irelyn Wilkes is trapped. She’s in a loveless, abusive relationship with the devil, Marcus Xavier. Her brother passed away nine months before under suspicious circumstances. And she’s pretty sure her parents have mentally checked out since her brother’s death. While she lives at home to finish college, she impatiently waits to graduate. Maybe then she can finally be free. Free to discover her life. Free to discover a connection with someone like the one she had years ago with a broken man lying on a football field. But until then, she has nowhere to turn and nowhere to go.
Fate intervenes once again and Irelyn and Zolt's lives become entwined. But will their love be enough to save each other?
Indulging in Irelyn has it all: mystery, secrets, suspense, betrayal, money, power, manipulation, blackmail, love, BDSM (in reference and some light bondage), and murder. I was riveted and thoroughly enjoyed navigating through the twisted web of lies and deceit that was Indulging in Irelyn.
Indulging in Irelyn is an adult book with adult themes.
Induling in Irelyn is the first book in Irelyn’s and Zolt’s story. Just to forewarn, there is a cliffhanger and the story is far from being over. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 23, 2014
Length: 3248 kindle
Style: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Story: FAIRLY GOOD
Intimacy level: GOOD
Enjoyment: FAIR
Series: Indulging (book# 1)
I don't know what it is about this book, but I have a love hate relationship with it. The first few chapters started out strong, as it sparks interest of both characters and the way the author assembly everything that brought them together. The best way to describe it, kismet with the pull between Zolt and Irelyn.
Zolt, I liked him, but I'm not in love with him. Sometimes he showed an aggressive side, which I like and at other times he seems like a teenager with the way he interacts with Irelyn, but not in an immature way as I think that's the part of him that has been obsessing over Irelyn. However, for the most part, I began getting comfortable with him. Irelyn, she truly acts her age for most parts of the book as she is 20 years old. As Zolt and Irelyn has this undeniable attraction between them, the one thing that is keeping them apart is Irelyn's boyfriend, Marcus, amongst other things as well as things beginning to unfold. In the beginning, we weren't introduce to Marcus, but his name was mentioned so many times it felt like he was.
Overall, to sum up everything, I liked the book for the most part and felt the author gave us twist and turns and not just a possible blossoming romance. Just for my personal taste, I didn't feel consistency when it came to my attention and attachment to the main characters. It's like give me the beginning, middle and end but everything else In between wasn't for me with their budding relationship at times.
RNJ
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
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Style: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Story: FAIRLY GOOD
Intimacy level: GOOD
Enjoyment: FAIR
Series: Indulging (book# 1)
I don't know what it is about this book, but I have a love hate relationship with it. The first few chapters started out strong, as it sparks interest of both characters and the way the author assembly everything that brought them together. The best way to describe it, kismet with the pull between Zolt and Irelyn.
Zolt, I liked him, but I'm not in love with him. Sometimes he showed an aggressive side, which I like and at other times he seems like a teenager with the way he interacts with Irelyn, but not in an immature way as I think that's the part of him that has been obsessing over Irelyn. However, for the most part, I began getting comfortable with him. Irelyn, she truly acts her age for most parts of the book as she is 20 years old. As Zolt and Irelyn has this undeniable attraction between them, the one thing that is keeping them apart is Irelyn's boyfriend, Marcus, amongst other things as well as things beginning to unfold. In the beginning, we weren't introduce to Marcus, but his name was mentioned so many times it felt like he was.
Overall, to sum up everything, I liked the book for the most part and felt the author gave us twist and turns and not just a possible blossoming romance. Just for my personal taste, I didn't feel consistency when it came to my attention and attachment to the main characters. It's like give me the beginning, middle and end but everything else In between wasn't for me with their budding relationship at times.
RNJ
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
RNJ Pinterest Board
January 18, 2015
I enjoyed Zolt and Irelyn's story. This crazy connection that these two have and from one chance and fateful moment on a football field. All wielded for a profit, BUT an illegal hit in a game cost Zolt his QB position in the NFL. Zolt has moved on and now holds a law degree and a highly sought one to boot! Irelyn and Zolt's journey is highly emotional. Marcus is Irelyn's boyfriend when Zolt is now part of her life. Marcus is someone who is crazy possessive and has a lot of dark hidden secrets. He is a strong character as are the other ones that are in this story. They have a lot going on and Zolt of course being male is not perfect. They have a crazy chemistry and this was a good emotional read. There are hot hot scenes and I like the feeling these two evoke from me. I felt my stomach drop a couple of times during this read. Go get the book or download it..just do it knowing the book is not what you think.
Again, as I reiterate, how I do not like things being in triplicate form and that are months and months apart. I have no issues buying the book three different times. I do however, have an issue with waiting. It is not waiting in general. It is the fact that you wait and then forget what it is...the book that is...the emotional pull it had on you and the small details when you read it....GONE!! So when it is finally available you do not want to buy the next in the series. Then you want to re-read the story to get the emotional pull. Then you decide..nope..not buying it. I think FSOG was so popular because all three books were available as soon as it was released. Nice move on the publishers part.
I received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest review.
Again, as I reiterate, how I do not like things being in triplicate form and that are months and months apart. I have no issues buying the book three different times. I do however, have an issue with waiting. It is not waiting in general. It is the fact that you wait and then forget what it is...the book that is...the emotional pull it had on you and the small details when you read it....GONE!! So when it is finally available you do not want to buy the next in the series. Then you want to re-read the story to get the emotional pull. Then you decide..nope..not buying it. I think FSOG was so popular because all three books were available as soon as it was released. Nice move on the publishers part.
I received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest review.
February 20, 2014
I love it when an author creates such sexual tension and chemistry between the hero and heroine that you keep turning pages with a need to find out what was going to happen next. D. L. Raver does a great job of that in INDULGING IN IRELYN.
Zolt and Irelyn are perfect together. They connect on many levels and make it really hard not to like them, even when some of their actions make you mad. I loved how she was his angel at the worst time of his life and he became her protector/lover/everything when her life began spiraling out of control. Zolt, for all his perceived short comings, was able to show Irelyn what it was like to be loved the right way (for her) and to be happy. He gave her the strength to reach for what she wants, others be damned.
Marcus Xavier is the perfect villian. Each time his character appears, you can feel the slime dripping off him. I felt bad for Irelyn, because she unwittingly managed to find herself smack dab in the middle of Marcus' web. I can't wait to find out just how tangled the web is that Marcus has cast and what that will mean for Irelyn and Zolt.
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what comes next for this couple.
Zolt and Irelyn are perfect together. They connect on many levels and make it really hard not to like them, even when some of their actions make you mad. I loved how she was his angel at the worst time of his life and he became her protector/lover/everything when her life began spiraling out of control. Zolt, for all his perceived short comings, was able to show Irelyn what it was like to be loved the right way (for her) and to be happy. He gave her the strength to reach for what she wants, others be damned.
Marcus Xavier is the perfect villian. Each time his character appears, you can feel the slime dripping off him. I felt bad for Irelyn, because she unwittingly managed to find herself smack dab in the middle of Marcus' web. I can't wait to find out just how tangled the web is that Marcus has cast and what that will mean for Irelyn and Zolt.
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what comes next for this couple.
February 23, 2015
I was given this book for a honest review from the author.
I enjoyed reading the story of Irelyn and Zolt.
Zolt Hamil was a NFL quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals until he was badly injured, that cost him his career. After his football career was over he became a lawyer.
Irelyn, is a twenty-one old student, who will be finishing college, but will be working at her father's law firm as a paralegal for the summer.
There needs to be some proof reading and grammatical editing that needs to get done through the book.
I finish the book in one day, I couldn't put the book down. I had to find out if Zolt ever meets the girl in his dreams or if a relationship forms between Zolt and Irelyn. The ending of the book though kind of felt I was shorted out on some change, but I can't wait to see what happens next for Irelyn and Zolt.
I enjoyed reading the story of Irelyn and Zolt.
Zolt Hamil was a NFL quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals until he was badly injured, that cost him his career. After his football career was over he became a lawyer.
Irelyn, is a twenty-one old student, who will be finishing college, but will be working at her father's law firm as a paralegal for the summer.
There needs to be some proof reading and grammatical editing that needs to get done through the book.
I finish the book in one day, I couldn't put the book down. I had to find out if Zolt ever meets the girl in his dreams or if a relationship forms between Zolt and Irelyn. The ending of the book though kind of felt I was shorted out on some change, but I can't wait to see what happens next for Irelyn and Zolt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2014
ARC generously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Zolt Hamil was a top Quarterback for the NFL until he was taken out by a dirty hit that ended his career. The only thing that got him through that day was the vision of a young girl standing by the sidelines. He always imagined that this girl was just a hallucination that his mind conjured in order for him to survive. Six years later that vision has been helping him survive ever since. Zolt went to law school after his NFL career ended and now he is a top lawyer. He is moving back to Arizona to work for a new firm. On his first day, he walks into the office to run into the real life girl whom he has been fantasizing about over the last six years. He didn't imagine her, she is real.
Irelyn has one more year till she is done with college. This summer she is living at home and due to her need for speed she must now spend that summer being a paralegal for her father's law firm. Her families life changed nine month prior when her brother was murdered. That loss threw her into the arms of her brothers friend Marcus. A man Irelyn finds herself in a relationship with when she really cannot stand him. Really the only man she has ever wanted is Zolt Hamil, but she knows that is just a fantasy. The day she saw his career end on the football field she felt a connection with him but she knew it could never be. Well until that day when she encounters Zolt at the law firm and she gets a feeling he remembers her.
Zolt and Irelyn feel a strong connection and Zolt quickly makes it known what he wants from Irelyn. However Irelyn has to get rid of Marcus first. That is a bigger problem then she even knows. Zolt is honest from the start with Irelyn on the type of life he has been living (Sex and drugs) but she is the only woman he wants more from, she is his angel. Irelyn wants Zolt but they find Marcus is much more dangerous then they ever expected.
I had absolutely no expectations when I began this book. I have never read this author before and hadn't read any reviews on this book. I will say I was hooked pretty quickly. Yes there are a few things that I had to over look because they were just a little too much. The connection between all the characters is a bit of a stretch but it makes the story line so you have to let that go. There is also Zolt who is his own worst enemy. He tends to lash out on Irelyn when she is the only one who brings him comfort. She is always quick to forgive and Zolt knows it is a problem but he just can't seem to help himself. My other problem was Marcus, he is just evil. I kept thinking if he is really doing all this then why are the police not involved?
Besides all that I was still hooked and the read is really quick but I must warn you there is a cliff hanger and not some little one it is a doozy. It always makes me mad when the female lead does something stupid for the "good" of all her loved ones. But I can tell you I have to make sure to have the next one in this series on my to read list because now I have to find out what happens.
Zolt Hamil was a top Quarterback for the NFL until he was taken out by a dirty hit that ended his career. The only thing that got him through that day was the vision of a young girl standing by the sidelines. He always imagined that this girl was just a hallucination that his mind conjured in order for him to survive. Six years later that vision has been helping him survive ever since. Zolt went to law school after his NFL career ended and now he is a top lawyer. He is moving back to Arizona to work for a new firm. On his first day, he walks into the office to run into the real life girl whom he has been fantasizing about over the last six years. He didn't imagine her, she is real.
Irelyn has one more year till she is done with college. This summer she is living at home and due to her need for speed she must now spend that summer being a paralegal for her father's law firm. Her families life changed nine month prior when her brother was murdered. That loss threw her into the arms of her brothers friend Marcus. A man Irelyn finds herself in a relationship with when she really cannot stand him. Really the only man she has ever wanted is Zolt Hamil, but she knows that is just a fantasy. The day she saw his career end on the football field she felt a connection with him but she knew it could never be. Well until that day when she encounters Zolt at the law firm and she gets a feeling he remembers her.
Zolt and Irelyn feel a strong connection and Zolt quickly makes it known what he wants from Irelyn. However Irelyn has to get rid of Marcus first. That is a bigger problem then she even knows. Zolt is honest from the start with Irelyn on the type of life he has been living (Sex and drugs) but she is the only woman he wants more from, she is his angel. Irelyn wants Zolt but they find Marcus is much more dangerous then they ever expected.
I had absolutely no expectations when I began this book. I have never read this author before and hadn't read any reviews on this book. I will say I was hooked pretty quickly. Yes there are a few things that I had to over look because they were just a little too much. The connection between all the characters is a bit of a stretch but it makes the story line so you have to let that go. There is also Zolt who is his own worst enemy. He tends to lash out on Irelyn when she is the only one who brings him comfort. She is always quick to forgive and Zolt knows it is a problem but he just can't seem to help himself. My other problem was Marcus, he is just evil. I kept thinking if he is really doing all this then why are the police not involved?
Besides all that I was still hooked and the read is really quick but I must warn you there is a cliff hanger and not some little one it is a doozy. It always makes me mad when the female lead does something stupid for the "good" of all her loved ones. But I can tell you I have to make sure to have the next one in this series on my to read list because now I have to find out what happens.
January 27, 2014
I just finished Indulging in Irelyn and I loved it. Zolt and Irelyn are a cute couple and they definitely has some obstacles in their way. Zolt is an ex-NFL Quarterback that has been sidelined for his whole career from a dirty play during one of his important games. Because of that he hasn't even been the same. One thing he remembers is a young girl trying to comfort him when he was hurt. Believing she was a figment of his imagination, he goes through the motions of his life. He is a man whore that never gets with a women twice but he did even say that if he meet the girl he thinks he imagined then he would move hell and earth to be with her. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise. She is real! One thing, she is in a relationship with Marcus (douche canoe). She has been trying to get out of this relationship for awhile b/c she is just not feeling it but hasn't made that move because she is scared of Marcus. Meeting Zolt at her Daddy's firm (Zolt is a lawyer now) just puts things into perspective for her and she wants to be with Zolt. What will happen when she tries to break up with Marcus? Will he be willing to let her go? You will have to read and see....
I loved Zolt. He was hot, sexy and just plain delectable! He was sexy, he was charming when he needed to be. He had a lot to deal with so his sometimes crazy moments were understandable but like most guys he wasn't secure in himself and just needed to believe in him and Irelyn. I loved Irelyn (love the name by the way!) I can say at first I was annoyed with her when she wouldn't break it off with Marcus but once you find out all that is going on it was warranted. I can say that the chemistry between Zolt and Irelyn was scorching. The tension and the angst was sexy and once they were able to acknowledge, blew me away.
I loved the characters. Brody, T-Bone, Cody, and Rachel. They had their moments and was pivotal to the story. I honestly cannot wait to see what happens. I was definitely not expecting that and can say I was shock.
I really did love this story. I thought that it flowed really well in between all the characters yet sticking with the plot. I enjoyed it immensely and couldn't have asked for a better job from the author.
Honestly this story had me from the get go and I was not able to put it down. I love when I cant do that, it makes it more for me an enjoyable experience. You honestly cannot pass this up.
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommys a Book Whore
I loved Zolt. He was hot, sexy and just plain delectable! He was sexy, he was charming when he needed to be. He had a lot to deal with so his sometimes crazy moments were understandable but like most guys he wasn't secure in himself and just needed to believe in him and Irelyn. I loved Irelyn (love the name by the way!) I can say at first I was annoyed with her when she wouldn't break it off with Marcus but once you find out all that is going on it was warranted. I can say that the chemistry between Zolt and Irelyn was scorching. The tension and the angst was sexy and once they were able to acknowledge, blew me away.
I loved the characters. Brody, T-Bone, Cody, and Rachel. They had their moments and was pivotal to the story. I honestly cannot wait to see what happens. I was definitely not expecting that and can say I was shock.
I really did love this story. I thought that it flowed really well in between all the characters yet sticking with the plot. I enjoyed it immensely and couldn't have asked for a better job from the author.
Honestly this story had me from the get go and I was not able to put it down. I love when I cant do that, it makes it more for me an enjoyable experience. You honestly cannot pass this up.
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommys a Book Whore
June 17, 2014
When Zolt Hamil's NFL career comes to an abrupt halt by an illegal hit that shattered his leg, the only thing that pulled him through was a vision of an angelic girl on the sidelines. He knows it was a dream, he knows he imagined her so he could get through the pain, or so he thought.
6 years later, Zolt has moved back to Arizona and the scene of the crime, but this time as a lawyer. His life is still haunted by that day and he copes with that the best way he knows how, but when his first day at the new law firm brings him face to face with his angel, his life starts to change.
Irelyn never thought that Zolt would remember the shared moment on the football field all those years ago, or that she had become his savior. But when they begin to work together, her hero worship quickly turns into plain old lust, and some hot sexy lust it is … .yum …. The only problem is that Irelyn has a boyfriend. And he's not very nice and not willing to let Irelyn go...but not for any of the reasons you may think ….
I really enjoyed this book …. I thought the story was good and pretty original and it has some twists and turns I never expected. Zolt and Irelyn have some fantastic chemistry and to be honest, Zolt was pretty lickable~ just sayin’. I found Irelyn to actually be a decent female lead character and not at all the typical whiney pain in the butt you get in so many books. Her ex, well a total ass but you expected that right ? or he wouldn’t be her ex !!
There are your typical misunderstandings between the hero and heroine, and they make up quite deliciously … ( I hate that word but it fits so im using it). The storyline is a bit different than the usual and that I really like, and the sex, HOT HOT HOT !!! I know I’d do Zolt that’s for sure.
The grammar and spelling are good and on the whole I really didn’t find anything at all wrong with the storyline other than it’s a harsh thing to have happen to a person.
I try not to read reviews before I read a book and do my own review, but I caved and read them, so honestly I expected this to be awful and I was pleasantly surprised … .it wasn’t, it was really good and I really do disagree with some of those reviews. But to each his or her own. Im looking forward to reading book 2 and seeing how this all wraps up
I would absolutely recommend this book.
6 years later, Zolt has moved back to Arizona and the scene of the crime, but this time as a lawyer. His life is still haunted by that day and he copes with that the best way he knows how, but when his first day at the new law firm brings him face to face with his angel, his life starts to change.
Irelyn never thought that Zolt would remember the shared moment on the football field all those years ago, or that she had become his savior. But when they begin to work together, her hero worship quickly turns into plain old lust, and some hot sexy lust it is … .yum …. The only problem is that Irelyn has a boyfriend. And he's not very nice and not willing to let Irelyn go...but not for any of the reasons you may think ….
I really enjoyed this book …. I thought the story was good and pretty original and it has some twists and turns I never expected. Zolt and Irelyn have some fantastic chemistry and to be honest, Zolt was pretty lickable~ just sayin’. I found Irelyn to actually be a decent female lead character and not at all the typical whiney pain in the butt you get in so many books. Her ex, well a total ass but you expected that right ? or he wouldn’t be her ex !!
There are your typical misunderstandings between the hero and heroine, and they make up quite deliciously … ( I hate that word but it fits so im using it). The storyline is a bit different than the usual and that I really like, and the sex, HOT HOT HOT !!! I know I’d do Zolt that’s for sure.
The grammar and spelling are good and on the whole I really didn’t find anything at all wrong with the storyline other than it’s a harsh thing to have happen to a person.
I try not to read reviews before I read a book and do my own review, but I caved and read them, so honestly I expected this to be awful and I was pleasantly surprised … .it wasn’t, it was really good and I really do disagree with some of those reviews. But to each his or her own. Im looking forward to reading book 2 and seeing how this all wraps up
I would absolutely recommend this book.
March 24, 2014
Indulging in Irelyn is a great read. It comes with a warning that says "Don't read this book if you hate f**ked up alpha males, strong female leads, hot sex, and a kismet love story six years in the making. Oh yeah and a plot twist that will leave you reeling." I know this was going to be a good book because i love alpha males, strong female leads and hit sex in the book I read. I wasn't sure what a Kismet love story was but I look ed kismet up. All that put into one story in great.
Zolt gets hurt playing NFL football. While injured he see Irelyn. Through the years the image of Irelyn has pulled him out of his nightmare. Six years after his injury, he meets Irelyn, who he thought didn't exist. Irelyn and Zolt have an instant connect. Irelyn at the time has a controlling boyfriend named Marcus. She doesn't real love Marcus.
When Irelyn and Zolt get together the sparks fly and there are some very steamy scenes. Zolt still has his own demons to battle but Irelyn seems to make them easier for him. Marcus is crazy and his character plays more of a role then I thought he would.
Oh and that a plot twist that will leave you reeling, that was mentioned in the warning, will definitely leave you reeling. The last 10% of the book was crazy and completely unexpected. I can't wait to read more.
Zolt gets hurt playing NFL football. While injured he see Irelyn. Through the years the image of Irelyn has pulled him out of his nightmare. Six years after his injury, he meets Irelyn, who he thought didn't exist. Irelyn and Zolt have an instant connect. Irelyn at the time has a controlling boyfriend named Marcus. She doesn't real love Marcus.
When Irelyn and Zolt get together the sparks fly and there are some very steamy scenes. Zolt still has his own demons to battle but Irelyn seems to make them easier for him. Marcus is crazy and his character plays more of a role then I thought he would.
Oh and that a plot twist that will leave you reeling, that was mentioned in the warning, will definitely leave you reeling. The last 10% of the book was crazy and completely unexpected. I can't wait to read more.
August 27, 2016
Reading this was a first for me. I've never had the chance to read an ARC before.
I was put off reading series books a while back after a series I loved kept being delayed. Had I known this was a series I may have held off especially since the first one hasn't even be publicly released yet! But having said that, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and this book is a vicious circle when it comes to that belief. Zolten and Irelyn meet on a football field 6 years prior (I am a huge football fan so this was my draw to the book) and then don't see each other again. Zolten thinks she was a figment of his imagination and uses her as his seraph to get through the pain. When they meet again in her father's law firm they both know that their connection is real.
Throughout the book their journey takes them places that neither one are really able to deal with. I felt like their only connection was sex (albeit VERY HOT sex) and that was what led to the melt down. This story is FAR from over, and unfortunately the next book won't be released the day after Indulging in Irelyn! LOL! So this will sit in my Series Not Done collection and the next book will be at the top of my One-Click list!
Great job Dawna!
I was put off reading series books a while back after a series I loved kept being delayed. Had I known this was a series I may have held off especially since the first one hasn't even be publicly released yet! But having said that, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and this book is a vicious circle when it comes to that belief. Zolten and Irelyn meet on a football field 6 years prior (I am a huge football fan so this was my draw to the book) and then don't see each other again. Zolten thinks she was a figment of his imagination and uses her as his seraph to get through the pain. When they meet again in her father's law firm they both know that their connection is real.
Throughout the book their journey takes them places that neither one are really able to deal with. I felt like their only connection was sex (albeit VERY HOT sex) and that was what led to the melt down. This story is FAR from over, and unfortunately the next book won't be released the day after Indulging in Irelyn! LOL! So this will sit in my Series Not Done collection and the next book will be at the top of my One-Click list!
Great job Dawna!
January 25, 2014
I received an ARC prior to publication in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Zolten Hamil was an NFL superstar whose career was ended due to a deliberate ‘bounty’ hit by a defensive player on the opposing team. The injury he sustained left him with both physical and mental scars. During his recuperation and throughout the following years he has fantasized about a beautiful imaginary woman. She has been his connection to sanity. Irelyn Wilde is the beautiful young daughter of Zolt’s new boss. She is also looks exactly like Zolt’s fantasy woman.
Ms. Raver has created a beautiful love story that is complicated by the strange death of Irelyn’s brother, a cold & insensitive boyfriend, and Zolt’s choices for pain and anger management. This story will keep your emotions in turmoil. I was happy, angry, frightened, sad, and frustrated, not necessarily in that order. The author has mixed intrigue, sex, and true love together to create a book that will grab the reader from the very first page. This is the first book in a series that must be read in sequence as this book ends with a shocking cliffhanger. This book is suitable for mature readers (18+) due to sexual & drug content.
Zolten Hamil was an NFL superstar whose career was ended due to a deliberate ‘bounty’ hit by a defensive player on the opposing team. The injury he sustained left him with both physical and mental scars. During his recuperation and throughout the following years he has fantasized about a beautiful imaginary woman. She has been his connection to sanity. Irelyn Wilde is the beautiful young daughter of Zolt’s new boss. She is also looks exactly like Zolt’s fantasy woman.
Ms. Raver has created a beautiful love story that is complicated by the strange death of Irelyn’s brother, a cold & insensitive boyfriend, and Zolt’s choices for pain and anger management. This story will keep your emotions in turmoil. I was happy, angry, frightened, sad, and frustrated, not necessarily in that order. The author has mixed intrigue, sex, and true love together to create a book that will grab the reader from the very first page. This is the first book in a series that must be read in sequence as this book ends with a shocking cliffhanger. This book is suitable for mature readers (18+) due to sexual & drug content.
August 3, 2016
Oh my! I have just discovered another amazing author to stalk :D What a roller coaster this book was!! I loved it from the start till end. It was funny at times, sad, romantic and full of thrill at others. very well written with strong characters. Zolt and Irelyn, I loved both. The book ends with a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book to come out. I am sure it will be just as intriguing and entertaining as this one was.
Zolt is a disturbed athlete whose carrier ended too soon because of a tragic accident. He was never the same after that. Irelyn is also damaged in her own way after the death of her brother. For all those years Zolt had thought that she was a figment of his imagination but when he realized that she was real he decided to make her his. Her criminal boyfriend puts a twist in the plot. getting rid of Marcus will not be so easy....
P.S. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest & fair review. My review was in no way biased.
Zolt is a disturbed athlete whose carrier ended too soon because of a tragic accident. He was never the same after that. Irelyn is also damaged in her own way after the death of her brother. For all those years Zolt had thought that she was a figment of his imagination but when he realized that she was real he decided to make her his. Her criminal boyfriend puts a twist in the plot. getting rid of Marcus will not be so easy....
P.S. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest & fair review. My review was in no way biased.
February 25, 2014
I definitely enjoyed this story, and am keen to get the next book very soon (hint hint) to know what happens.
Generally I enjoy books which give both points of view, as it is fun to see how authors explain the differences in attitude between men and women. However, I was not entirely convinced by the Zolt proclamations at times.
There were times where it felt that a signpost was being given as to the direction the story was going, which wasn't necessary, as the writing was strong enough without it. I thought that the BDSM elements were cleverly done, with the acceptable, with the very unacceptable.
Generally I enjoy books which give both points of view, as it is fun to see how authors explain the differences in attitude between men and women. However, I was not entirely convinced by the Zolt proclamations at times.
There were times where it felt that a signpost was being given as to the direction the story was going, which wasn't necessary, as the writing was strong enough without it. I thought that the BDSM elements were cleverly done, with the acceptable, with the very unacceptable.
February 13, 2014
This book is considered new Adult, but I would categorize it as well written Erotic Romance/Suspense. It is book one in a series, and of course ends in a cliffhanger. I think that the story and characters are strong enough to keep me coming back for more. The hero and heroine are multi faceted characters who will tug at your emotions and e3ntangle you in their trip to happily ever after. There is an underlying mystery and some suspense that is balanced well with the romantic angle of the story. The sex scenes are passionate and serve to move the story along.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2013
I was asked to Beta-read this story, and all I have to say is WOW!!! This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Indulging in Irelyn actually had me in tears. It is a must read for everyone.
This book will leave you wanting more. Keep a cool drink, and a box of Kleenex handy.
I will post a much better review after Dawna has released it. I promised her no spoilers yet! I cant wait for everyone to get a chance to read this book.
Indulging in Irelyn actually had me in tears. It is a must read for everyone.
This book will leave you wanting more. Keep a cool drink, and a box of Kleenex handy.
I will post a much better review after Dawna has released it. I promised her no spoilers yet! I cant wait for everyone to get a chance to read this book.
March 1, 2014
3 1/2 Stars
See Review on February 27 at:
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
See Review on February 27 at:
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 3, 2014
I had the privelege of reading this as a beta read. This book is a fantastic and revealing look at how one moment can change the course of a life.
Full, detailed review to come explaining why I adored this book and you will too! Also why book two can't get here fast enough for me!
Full, detailed review to come explaining why I adored this book and you will too! Also why book two can't get here fast enough for me!
February 1, 2014
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. The male Alpha character is damaged but loves the girl. They go through a lot but what a great experience. I lked that it had a litle suspense to it. I highly recommend it. Could not put it down.
I loved this book. The male Alpha character is damaged but loves the girl. They go through a lot but what a great experience. I lked that it had a litle suspense to it. I highly recommend it. Could not put it down.
January 27, 2014
I have fallen in love with Zolt right along with Irelyn. Be prepared to laugh cry and get pissed off! Dawns Raver takes us on an emotional rollercoaster! I'm so excited for the next one!
June 26, 2014
Title: Indulging in Irelyn
Series: Indulging #1
Author: D.L. Raver
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Author's Blurb: NFL quarterback, Zolt Hamil was America’s heartthrob until a career ending injury changed his life. Years later, he’s picked up the pieces and carved out a new path for himself. But the mental and physical scars of that day have left him moody and reclusive, and his only relief is indulging in pleasure and pain with his many one night stands. Though many women have tried, Zolt refuses to care about any of them. Only one woman has his heart; a hallucination of a young, sable-eyed, blonde beauty whom he conjured that painful day on the football field.
On the first day at his new job at a law firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, Zolt comes face to face with his hallucination, Irelyn Wilkes. Their fateful connection, and explosive passion for each other pulls them together, and this time, Zolt refuses to let her slip from his life.
But Irelyn has her own demons to fight and her controlling boyfriend is one of them. He doesn't take kindly to other people playing with his toys, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her by his side.
Can Irelyn and Zolt defy the odds and find a way to be together? Or, will the events set in motion years ago keep them apart forever?
My Thoughts: This was an interesting one for me. I tried to read this one a couple of months ago and I had to stop. I had only read a few pages, but I knew that I wasn't feeling it. Seeing it again on my Kindle, I started fresh and it was a totally different experience. Personally, I can handle light BDSM, but not the heavy stuff. A lot of the Erotic Romances coming out seem to center around this. When I tried to read this before, I was thinking this was a story heave on the BDSM, but I was thankfully wrong. It does have a touch, but nothing that caused me to cringe. I feel like it's important to make this distinction, because the references to BDSM on other reviews I've seen put me off.
As for the story.....Six years ago, Zolt was an NFL Quarterback headed towards the Super Bowl. Zolt ended up sustaining a career ending injury that put him in tons of pain. In the midst of the pain, he had a hallucination of a teenage girl. The pain and memory have stuck with him over the last 6 years and Zolt isn't coping. In addition to his limp, he's plagued with nightmares and pain and using medical marijuana and sex to cope. Only the face of his hallucination can calm him in his nightmares. He's exchanged his NFL career for a law degree and he's moving back to Arizona to start at a new job. It's here that he comes face to face with his hallucination....except she's real. Irelyn has never forgotten the connection she shared with Zolt that day, but never imagined that he would think of her. The connection between Zolt and Irelyn is palpable, but something is standing in the way. Irelyn has a boyfriend. Irelyn started dating Marcus shortly after her brother passed away. Marcus and her brother, Chris, were best friends and they grieved together. Since then, though, Irelyn has noticed a coldness about Marcus and wants to get away from him. Not only does her father adore Marcus, but she also doesn't believe he will just accept a breakup. Zolt pushes her to breakup anyway promising to protect her. Zolt hires a friend for security and to investigate Marcus and is shocked at what is found. He never expected Marcus to be the villain he is. Will they be able to overcome everything to be together?
I am so glad I found this again. I was sucked right in. I had no idea when I started that this was a part of a series and I was dying at the end. There is a cliffhanger and it's big enough that I panicked when I finished this book, stalked the author and marked my calendar for June 11th when book 2 is scheduled to release!
You can't help but root for this couple and want everything to work out. The story is told in a dual POV, so you get both perspectives. Zolt is so broken and only Irelyn can save him. Even knowing how messed up he is, you can't stop yourself from swooning. When he's bad, he's bad though. The romance is great, but the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat. The author's warning (below) is right on the money.
Author Warning: Don't read this book if you hate f**ked up alpha males, strong female leads, hot sex, and a kismet love story six years in the making. Oh yeah and a plot twist that will leave you reeling.
Grade: A
Review by: Holly
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Indulging #1
Author: D.L. Raver
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Author's Blurb: NFL quarterback, Zolt Hamil was America’s heartthrob until a career ending injury changed his life. Years later, he’s picked up the pieces and carved out a new path for himself. But the mental and physical scars of that day have left him moody and reclusive, and his only relief is indulging in pleasure and pain with his many one night stands. Though many women have tried, Zolt refuses to care about any of them. Only one woman has his heart; a hallucination of a young, sable-eyed, blonde beauty whom he conjured that painful day on the football field.
On the first day at his new job at a law firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, Zolt comes face to face with his hallucination, Irelyn Wilkes. Their fateful connection, and explosive passion for each other pulls them together, and this time, Zolt refuses to let her slip from his life.
But Irelyn has her own demons to fight and her controlling boyfriend is one of them. He doesn't take kindly to other people playing with his toys, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her by his side.
Can Irelyn and Zolt defy the odds and find a way to be together? Or, will the events set in motion years ago keep them apart forever?
My Thoughts: This was an interesting one for me. I tried to read this one a couple of months ago and I had to stop. I had only read a few pages, but I knew that I wasn't feeling it. Seeing it again on my Kindle, I started fresh and it was a totally different experience. Personally, I can handle light BDSM, but not the heavy stuff. A lot of the Erotic Romances coming out seem to center around this. When I tried to read this before, I was thinking this was a story heave on the BDSM, but I was thankfully wrong. It does have a touch, but nothing that caused me to cringe. I feel like it's important to make this distinction, because the references to BDSM on other reviews I've seen put me off.
As for the story.....Six years ago, Zolt was an NFL Quarterback headed towards the Super Bowl. Zolt ended up sustaining a career ending injury that put him in tons of pain. In the midst of the pain, he had a hallucination of a teenage girl. The pain and memory have stuck with him over the last 6 years and Zolt isn't coping. In addition to his limp, he's plagued with nightmares and pain and using medical marijuana and sex to cope. Only the face of his hallucination can calm him in his nightmares. He's exchanged his NFL career for a law degree and he's moving back to Arizona to start at a new job. It's here that he comes face to face with his hallucination....except she's real. Irelyn has never forgotten the connection she shared with Zolt that day, but never imagined that he would think of her. The connection between Zolt and Irelyn is palpable, but something is standing in the way. Irelyn has a boyfriend. Irelyn started dating Marcus shortly after her brother passed away. Marcus and her brother, Chris, were best friends and they grieved together. Since then, though, Irelyn has noticed a coldness about Marcus and wants to get away from him. Not only does her father adore Marcus, but she also doesn't believe he will just accept a breakup. Zolt pushes her to breakup anyway promising to protect her. Zolt hires a friend for security and to investigate Marcus and is shocked at what is found. He never expected Marcus to be the villain he is. Will they be able to overcome everything to be together?
I am so glad I found this again. I was sucked right in. I had no idea when I started that this was a part of a series and I was dying at the end. There is a cliffhanger and it's big enough that I panicked when I finished this book, stalked the author and marked my calendar for June 11th when book 2 is scheduled to release!
You can't help but root for this couple and want everything to work out. The story is told in a dual POV, so you get both perspectives. Zolt is so broken and only Irelyn can save him. Even knowing how messed up he is, you can't stop yourself from swooning. When he's bad, he's bad though. The romance is great, but the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat. The author's warning (below) is right on the money.
Author Warning: Don't read this book if you hate f**ked up alpha males, strong female leads, hot sex, and a kismet love story six years in the making. Oh yeah and a plot twist that will leave you reeling.
Grade: A
Review by: Holly
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
February 12, 2014
Indulging in Irelyn. D.L. Raver.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I'm sure by now my love of well written erotica hasn't gone unnoticed! So this book looked perfect. Its not just a romance though, but contains elements of mystery and suspense that could put Irelyn in danger. She's engaged to her dad's friend Marcus, but doesn't love him, in fact she doesn't even like him and is actually scared of him. She'd break it off but her dad is so pleased they are together she feels trapped. He was a close friend to her brother who died a few months back after a mysterious accident. and that closeness somehow led to Irelyn getting engaged....
Then she meets someone who's obsessed her since she saw his terrible accident years ago. They shared a glance at the scene, which led to them both feeling a connection that hasn't gone away. Zolt thought it was probably a medication effect dream, but when he starts his new job he's amazed to find his mystery girl is real. And that they still share a deep attraction to each other. He desperately wants her, won't let her get away, but won't get involved though while she's with Marcus, and that gives her motivation to split up with him.
As they get closer though the mysteries and secrets start piling up, and the dangers increase. Marcus seems to be deeply involved in everything. He's not happy at Irelyn leaving him, and isn't going to just let it go. Its a hot, sensual, steamy erotic read, full of drama and intensity. I'd an idea of the protagonists and what was going to happen/had happened, and they are finding that there's even more connection of events that just their first shared glance. I was getting deep into what was being revealed, but kept thinking we're getting closer and closer to end and its not wrapping up...and then dammit – it ends on a dreaded cliffhanger..arghhh I HATE, HATE, HATE those...it's a personal view of course but one shared by many readers.
What I dislike most about this type of book ending is:
1) Not knowing if its a duo or a trilogy – or even more ala the Crossfire Fiasco, my bane...
2) When next part(s) will be out, will we be waiting weeks, months, years? Or possibly never.....I can't find any info online so far
3) What the next parts are going to cost. That brings me to price, this one is £1.87 for 346 pages so excellent value but I’ve found often succeeding parts get considerably dearer :( That's a big effect on my rating, with that info it would be easier for me to rate more accurately, without it I feel I’m rating a part of a story not knowing when more will be available.
That said I did enjoy this beginning to the story, but I always find I’ve lost that first grip, that real feeling of being in the story by the time the next part comes out. Minor crits, Zolt and Irelyn do jump together pretty quick, and slower may have been better. A bit more build up of sexual tension, that's always a fun part for me to read. Irelyn does come across as a daddy's girl, clothes and material goods obsessed and spoiled at times, when in reality she seems to be a genuine, hard working young lady. Its a bit of a contradiction of her, and I think would have been stronger without the “daddy's girl” image.
I really wish authors and publicise would release all three parts of a novel together, so we could buy and read as one complete story. Better still go back to the old Standalone type novel, that thankfully many authors are still writing. I've heard that more and more publishers are insisting these type of novel are split into two/three parts – well take note: more and more readers are saying they don't like it and won't but til all parts released! I know as I'm one of them, and I’ve been told by many others that that's how they are looking at future purchases of this type of story.
Stars: four .
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I'm sure by now my love of well written erotica hasn't gone unnoticed! So this book looked perfect. Its not just a romance though, but contains elements of mystery and suspense that could put Irelyn in danger. She's engaged to her dad's friend Marcus, but doesn't love him, in fact she doesn't even like him and is actually scared of him. She'd break it off but her dad is so pleased they are together she feels trapped. He was a close friend to her brother who died a few months back after a mysterious accident. and that closeness somehow led to Irelyn getting engaged....
Then she meets someone who's obsessed her since she saw his terrible accident years ago. They shared a glance at the scene, which led to them both feeling a connection that hasn't gone away. Zolt thought it was probably a medication effect dream, but when he starts his new job he's amazed to find his mystery girl is real. And that they still share a deep attraction to each other. He desperately wants her, won't let her get away, but won't get involved though while she's with Marcus, and that gives her motivation to split up with him.
As they get closer though the mysteries and secrets start piling up, and the dangers increase. Marcus seems to be deeply involved in everything. He's not happy at Irelyn leaving him, and isn't going to just let it go. Its a hot, sensual, steamy erotic read, full of drama and intensity. I'd an idea of the protagonists and what was going to happen/had happened, and they are finding that there's even more connection of events that just their first shared glance. I was getting deep into what was being revealed, but kept thinking we're getting closer and closer to end and its not wrapping up...and then dammit – it ends on a dreaded cliffhanger..arghhh I HATE, HATE, HATE those...it's a personal view of course but one shared by many readers.
What I dislike most about this type of book ending is:
1) Not knowing if its a duo or a trilogy – or even more ala the Crossfire Fiasco, my bane...
2) When next part(s) will be out, will we be waiting weeks, months, years? Or possibly never.....I can't find any info online so far
3) What the next parts are going to cost. That brings me to price, this one is £1.87 for 346 pages so excellent value but I’ve found often succeeding parts get considerably dearer :( That's a big effect on my rating, with that info it would be easier for me to rate more accurately, without it I feel I’m rating a part of a story not knowing when more will be available.
That said I did enjoy this beginning to the story, but I always find I’ve lost that first grip, that real feeling of being in the story by the time the next part comes out. Minor crits, Zolt and Irelyn do jump together pretty quick, and slower may have been better. A bit more build up of sexual tension, that's always a fun part for me to read. Irelyn does come across as a daddy's girl, clothes and material goods obsessed and spoiled at times, when in reality she seems to be a genuine, hard working young lady. Its a bit of a contradiction of her, and I think would have been stronger without the “daddy's girl” image.
I really wish authors and publicise would release all three parts of a novel together, so we could buy and read as one complete story. Better still go back to the old Standalone type novel, that thankfully many authors are still writing. I've heard that more and more publishers are insisting these type of novel are split into two/three parts – well take note: more and more readers are saying they don't like it and won't but til all parts released! I know as I'm one of them, and I’ve been told by many others that that's how they are looking at future purchases of this type of story.
Stars: four .
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