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Carried Away #1

The Deep End

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No one has seen Jacques Taureau in the flesh since a traumatic attack left him scarred inside and out. But there is a man behind every myth and even stone can become fire again.

A passionate erotic romance perfect for fans of Sylvia Day. Book 1 in the Carried Away series.

“Mr. Taureau, is there anything I can do for you?”

For years, the Taureau-Werner building has been Grace's playground. Hot men in suits have provided her with one sinful diversion after another without ever having to leave the thirteenth floor.Grace thinks her secret indulgences are safe, until one late night alone in the office, a call comes through from billionaire recluse: Jacques Alain Taureau. And in Taureau's lonely world, Grace meets a prince with no intention of escaping his secretive retreat by the sea.

200 pages, ebook

First published July 31, 2014

2 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Hartnett

31 books30 followers
Has also written as Annemarie Hartnett

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5 stars
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21 (26%)
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21 (26%)
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8 (10%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
August 27, 2014
Wow! This is one sizzling hot read. A.M. Hartnett can write a sexy scene like few others can. I promise that when you read this book you will need to change your panties more than once.

It was very creative how she twisted up the typical story of a handsome, but damaged millionaire and a beautiful woman who wins his heart. We've all read it a million times, but somehow A.M. Hartnett made it all seem fresh again. 

The story features Jacques Taureau, reclusive millionaire and CEO of Taureau-Werner, and Grace Neely, an excellent Executive Assistant working for one of his top executives. Sounds like your typical rich man romance, right? Not quite. 

Several things set this book aside from everything else out there. First of all, it is extremely well written. You will not find any grammar or spelling errors in this book. Secondly, Jacques is not just damaged mentally, he is damaged physically as well. He was attacked and disfigured by a former lover, which is why he shut himself off from the rest of the world. And finally, Grace is not a shy virginal innocent. She is a woman who loves sex and is not ashamed of it. Some might even call her a slut. I wouldn't go that far though. I see her as a woman who knows what she wants, and is not afraid to go get it. I found that very refreshing.

The way the two of them met kind of threw me at first, but once you got to know Jacques, it made perfect sense. The man is a complex conundrum. I felt sorry for him. I wanted him to finally find peace with his past. Grace may be just what he needs, but she is no pushover. I think it's her strength that he is attracted to. He needs someone who can stand up to him. Someone who is not intimidated by his wealth and power. 

This is book one of the Carried Away series, but my understanding is that book two follows a whole new cast of characters. And that's okay. This book has a satisfactory ending, even if it did feel just a bit rushed. This may be my first book by A.M. Hartnett, but I promise it won't be my last. 
Profile Image for Jessi.
391 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2014
This ARC was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Holy Cow the steam factor is off the charts with this book. Essentially this book is the telling of recluse Mr. Taureau who falls in love with a secretary at his company, Grace, without ever meeting her in person. This is due to the fact that he has the building in which she works bugged.

At first when reading this I was a little taken aback with the hidden cameras. Then after reading about all of Grace's extracurricular activities in her boss's office it was kind of hot. I mean you know she gets off on the fact that she could almost get caught so when she finds out that Mr. Taureau has been watching her it ups the anty.

Mr. Taureau having watched Grace with other partners start on their own little relationship using phone calls and the computer still without ever meeting in person. After one crazy encounter when Grace puts her foot down about the fact that she is essentially having a relationship with the computer, ends this ongoing affair. Until Mr. Taureau brings her to his hidden house in the woods.

Though both characters in this book have their own issues they are perfect for eachother both in and out of bed. The steam factor between these two is off the charts. You couldn't ask for better sex scenes. If you like erotica than this book is definitely for you.

This author definitely has a way with words I had to constantly fan myself. After reading this book I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
July 21, 2014
At the beginning this book was just weird to me, it may not be weird to others, but it was just weird. Jacques has to have control there is no room for negotiation or arguments, "the conversation is over, Miss Neely. You should be focused on what you can do for me, and right now you can show me how you finger-eff yourself." I don't think Jacques means to hurt people he just is brutally honest, "do you want me to treat you like some sort of wh***?" Out of nowhere, he suddenly sounded angry. "To bring you here like I do the others? To keep you and pay you so I can do what I want to you?" Deep down he is a caring guy he just shows it strangely, or actually he just doesn't know how to show it, "he slid his hands to her a** and cradled her as she started to rock. He squeezed down and she winced. His dark brows came together in a sharp line. "I did hurt you." Personally I think Jacques is a deep person and doesn't know how to really show emotions. I liked reading this book after it got over it's weirdness it had on me.
344 reviews10 followers
August 30, 2014
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The gist: Jacques was nearly killed by his girlfriend. Since then, he's been a recluse. He took over the family business when his grandfather died and he's very much involved in it, but via phone conferences (not even video). Grace is the executive assistant to the person just under Jacques. Grace is a woman who thinks only with her vagina and has zero scruples. She fucks men in her boss's office so often she has an after sex kit in his credenza complete with clean panties and moist towelettes. Eventually Jacques makes it known he's had secret cameras through the building and he's been watching her. After having a virtual affair via video conferences, he decides to make it physical by making Grace his personal assistant and moving her to his secluded home in the Canadian wilderness. They have a TON of sex.

Okay, so first of all, the ONLY reason I'm giving this three stars is because the sex was HOT and would be GREAT masturbation material if you're into that kinda thing... The plot, on the other hand, is weak and kind of chaotic.

As I already said, Grace has almost no moral fiber. Well, at least when it comes to sex. The opening scene is her receiving cunnilingus and then fucking an executive from another company in her boss's office on their lunch break. She doesn't even get the dude's name. Then, later that night, Jacques makes his virtual presence known to her when she's there alone and she masturbates for him on the conference table while he jacks off via video conference. She really isn't a troubled soul. In fact, other than the gist of her childhood, I still don't have a good feel for who she IS. I had zero connection with her and I'm sure that affected my feelings toward her, and possibly my feelings for the story.

Jacques is a mess. He grew up a child of privilege and that led to drug use and partying at a young age. Then his girlfriend almost kills him and he sequesters himself away from the world. He's paranoid, but he sort of has good reason to be. I mean, one of the few people he trusted wholeheartedly DID try to kill him after all... His past is crazy and has made for a very dark and troubled soul. The more that's revealed about his past, though, the more there seemed to just be random bits. Bits that I felt would be pretty important and bits that I felt made absolutely no sense. And the crazy girlfriend's motive was bizarre and I felt that whole bit just left me with more questions and confusion.

Then, the book just ends. It's not a cliffhanger, but it's not really concluded either. Well, at least not to my satisfaction. I'm not saying I hoped for a different ending, but I wanted more of a conclusion. It was leading to a good conclusion, but then it was just... DONE... It left me with a feeling that the author was just sort of 'over it' and didn't know what else to say.

I suppose there was a happy ever after, but there were no declarations of love AT ALL in the book. I prefer declarations of love that are hard fought. I don't like the ones that happen a week or two after they meet. This was the kind of book where a declaration would have been hard fought. I suppose that has a lot to do with my feeling of an unsatisfactory conclusion... If that sort of thing isn't an issue for you in a romance, then you might be pleased as punch with the ending. ;)

The writing itself wasn't bad. There were a COUPLE instances of 'his/hers' and 'he/she' mix-ups, but nothing major. I just wasn't too keen on the story development.

The bottom line is that this book is basically one sex scene after another. They aren't the annoying sex scenes that each stretch on for page after page, but it's A LOT of sex. HOT sex, but sex and more sex all the same... If the things that bothered me wouldn't bother you, you could potentially find this to be a 5-star book! ;)
Profile Image for Tina J.
1,334 reviews172 followers
October 12, 2014
The Deep End (Carried Away, #1) by A.M. Hartnett
*** Provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ***

Jacques Taureau is the CEO of Taureau-Werner, Inc., a conglomerate of airlines, hotels, restaurants & shops. He is damaged, mentally and physically. It started with a privileged yet unloved childhood leading to a toxic adolescent and young adult life of excesses. This lead to an even more toxic relationship with a young woman that tried to kill him. Now he's a recluse and rumors swirl around him, calling him mentally unstable and Frankenstein's Monster. Nobody at Taureau-Werner has ever seen him and only a select few have even ever heard his voice.

Grace Neely is the assistant to the Executive VP of Taureau-Werner, Inc. She's heard all the rumors over the years. Grace puts in long hours, coming in early, staying late and giving up weekends for her job. She's dedicated & loyal to the company. She doesn't have time to date, so she finds a compromise in fast & dirty office sex. Little does she know that it's caught the attention of her uppermost superior.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The opening scene starts readers off with some hard & fast office sex and continues throughout the book. It is not vanilla, it does contain props and toys, and it does get graphic.

A.M. Harnett has written a dark, edgy & gritty erotic story that has a hint of 50 Shades to it, if only 50 Shades were as well written. The writing style is fantastic. The characters are intriguing. The plot is full of twists that never lead you where you think it may go. If all of A.M. Hartnett's books are as well-written as this one, I definitely look forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Overby.
747 reviews21 followers
August 4, 2014
If you like sexy erotic scenes and out of the ordinary "love" stories...this is the book for you!

The very first page of this book starts with a sex scene and you won't be disappointed as the book continues. The Deep End starts off with a basic Beauty and the Beast theme but evolves into an erotic office romance, phone/skype sessions, and a little BDSM. This isn't the usually romance book that you can guess what will happen next, you'll be left guessing and most of them will turn out to be wrong. I was overly impressed with not only the writing style but the unpredictability of the story line/plot.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Sade.
404 reviews21 followers
August 1, 2014
Wow! Talk about sexy. From beginning this book is one red hot adventure. It was the perfect combination at bdsm, forbidden office romance, and Beauty and the Beast. Loved Grace, loved that despite submitting to him on occasion she was definitely not a sub. Thought it was hilarious when Taureau realized he'd definitely gotten far more than he bargained for when having her join him at his estate. I do wish there had been more Reeve though.
Profile Image for Katie.
634 reviews168 followers
September 21, 2014
ARC received via NetGalley

Although I enjoyed reading this book, I was a little disappointed. The story was basically just sex - I wanted there to have been more to the characters' relationship.
Profile Image for Samantha.
192 reviews40 followers
July 22, 2014
Review to come closer to release date. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
Profile Image for loves 2 read romance.
846 reviews17 followers
July 25, 2014
If u are a fifty shades fan then this is a book you will also enjoy. It's a little fifty plus a little beauty and the beast. This is a highly erotic story that will leave you breathless.
Profile Image for Ilana.
1,220 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2014
Title: The Deep End
Author: AM Hartnett
Publisher/Year: HaperCollins Publishing 7/31/14
Length: 200
Series: Carried Away Series #1

Overview

No one has seen Jacques Taureau in the flesh since a traumatic attack left him scarred inside and out. But there is a man behind every myth and even stone can become fire again.A passionate erotic romance perfect for fans of Sylvia Day. Book 1 in the Carried Away series.“Mr. Taureau, is there anything I can do for you?”For years, the Taureau-Werner building has been Grace's playground. Hot men in suits have provided her with one sinful diversion after another without ever having to leave the thirteenth floor.Grace thinks her secret indulgences are safe, until one late night alone in the office, a call comes through from billionaire recluse: Jacques Alain Taureau. And in Taureau's lonely world, Grace meets a prince with no intention of escaping his secretive retreat by the sea.

My Thoughts

So, i'm not sure what to think of this first installment of the series, especially since what i gather from the synopsis of book 2, there are new characters in the next one. Anyhow, what we have here is a new take on Beauty and the Beast, with Jacques being the Beast, although he's the vastly successful CEO and owner of a number of companies. He was attacked and nearly killed by a drugged ex girlfriend, and since then, he's kept to himself hidden in his home in the woods in Canada.

Its only after 'watching' Grace at work at one of his companies that he's thought that maybe he's found his next 'beauty'. She's clearly not unaware of her own sexuality, given that she has a routine for finding her conquests in the office from various men that come through for meetings (she works for the president so she's got a lot of access), and we see that each of her conquests is just that - nothing more than a toy/plaything and nothing that she wants more from.

It's one night after a teleconference with Jacques Taureau and Grace is cleaning up the room that he dials back in and flips Grace's world over. He's been watching EVERYTHING that she's been doing in the office and instead of firing her, they begin their own relationship or sorts, since it's always via phone or video. never in person.

We only see the frustration build after this goes on for few weeks, that Grace wants something 'more' and that's not something that Jacques can give. He does something unexpected and brings her into his world, and that's where things heat up.

As expected, from here for a majority of the book, we get some great chemistry, and pretty decent scening, but the 'issue' that i have with this is that it wasn't that hot to read. I don't know what it was, but while you can clearly see that these 2 are into each other, i didn't get the same sense of passion and over whelming desire than i usually get.

While we delve deeper into all that they try with one another (they both love their toys), we get to see Grace start to pick more and more at Jacques past in the hopes that she'll get him to open up since he's got these major walls down. In my opinion, it's a bad idea since it means that she'll either end up leaving his home, or she'll get kicked out. It's only what we start to get towards the very end that makes you sit up a bit more to read. The dynamic between the 2 changes quite a bit and the uncertainty for what it means for Grace's 'job' and her personal life perk you up.

So, all in all, average, but i have an ARC of the 2nd book in the series, so perhaps i'll keep reading and see if maybe the next one refines some of what's missing and it gets better.
Profile Image for Mike Smith.
100 reviews12 followers
September 9, 2014
Reviewed on behalf of Fictional BookHos:

+++

Wow! This is one sizzling hot read. A.M. Hartnett can write a sexy scene like few others can. I promise that when you read this book you will need to change your panties more than once.

It was very creative how she twisted up the typical story of a handsome, but damaged millionaire and a beautiful woman who wins his heart. We've all read it a million times, but somehow A.M. Hartnett made it all seem fresh again.

The story features Jacques Taureau, reclusive millionaire and CEO of Taureau-Werner, and Grace Neely, an excellent Executive Assistant working for one of his top executives. Sounds like your typical rich man romance, right? Not quite.

Several things set this books aside from everything else out there. First of all, it is extremely well written. You will not find any grammar or spelling errors in this book. Secondly, Jacques is not just damaged mentally, he is damaged physically as well. He was attacked and disfigured by a former lover, which is why he shut himself off from the rest of the world. And finally, Grace is not a shy virginal innocent. She is a woman who loves sex and is not ashamed of it. Some might even call her a slut. I wouldn't go that far though. I see her as a woman who knows what she wants, and is not afraid to go get it. I found that very refreshing.

The way the two of them met kind of threw me at first, but once you got to know Jacques, it made perfect sense. The man is a complex conundrum. I felt sorry for him. I wanted him to finally find peace with his past. Grace may be just what he needs, but she is no pushover. I think it's her strength that he is attracted to. He needs someone who can stand up to him. Someone who is not intimidated by his wealth and power.

This is book one of the Carried Away series, but my understanding is that book two follows a whole new cast of characters. And that's okay. This book has a satisfactory ending, even if it did feel just a bit rushed. This may be my first book by A.M. Hartnett, but I promise it won't be my last.
Profile Image for Silvia.
320 reviews68 followers
October 13, 2021
This book opens with a bang in its very erotic sense and it plays over some fantasies that, once unleashed, could very well get someone in trouble . . . But there are certain circumstances that, no matter how ‘dangerous’, are worth the risk. Meet Mr. Taureau and see if you’re not inclined to do everything he asks . . .

Grace is not a submissive, but she submits to Jacques’ wishes/orders nonetheless. Jacques doesn’t simply enjoy that, he also admires the fierceness of this strong woman who intrigues him every minute more. When they’re in the middle of sex—which happens a lot and often—they put up quite the scene and the heat goes high in their room as much as yours. I liked that, but I won’t hide that I would have preferred the whole background story to be developed a bit more. There’s a very captivating plot with a few twists that lead to something unexpected and, for that, very appreciated. Yet, I definitely felt like, instead of a few sex scenes, the author should have put some events (and details) under the spotlight more to have a bigger impact on the reader.

Overall, I had a good time with this book, the hot affair, the main characters and even a minor one who played his charm part very well. I’m also satisfied with the novel’s conclusion so, if you’re up for a sexy escape, I would suggest you to think about picking this book up.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my revieworiginally posted on Darkest Sins.
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
August 30, 2014
Grace works for a man many haven't actually seen in years. Jacques has been a recluse ever since the incident. There is much speculation about what happened to him and how he lives his life now. He reveals himself to Grace after she has an encounter at the office letting her know that he has been watching her for some time. This begins a series of moments they share by camera when finally he brings her to his home and reveals himself in person. He doesn't just hide himself physically from others, but he also conceals his heart within walls he erected to protect himself after the incident. Grace doesn't want to fix him, she just wants all of him both the beauty and the broken.

One of the things that I loved about Grace is her strength and courage. She takes a huge chance is going to his home and making this more than a video driven relationship. She opens herself in a fearless way accepting that it could end in hurt. I loved the moments she shared with Jacques when he let down the mask and revealed himself to her. Their chemistry is off the charts hot both through video and in person. Love the bossy man side of Jacques and that moment when roles are reversed...HOT! AM sure can write the hell out of a sexy scene. Not only that, she wrote this story that engaged me from beginning to end with some twists and turns along the way. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I give The Deep End 5 hearts!
Profile Image for Aimee Dennis.
309 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2014
Getting caught has never been so good!

This is book 1 of the Carried Away Series and an amazing tale about a very naughty office assistant who has caught the attention of a very controlling CEO who has voyeur tendencies. The story reminds me of a naughty Beauty and the Beast for the 21st Century. Readers beware; the heat index between the damaged alpha and the unabashed office assistant may melt your panties off!

Grace is a dedicated assistant to the VP of Taureau-Werner, Inc. who has little personal time to decompress. Not looking for commitments but needing something to take the edge off, she has developed beautifully timed breaks in which to conduct her extra curricular activities. Excitement is only heightened for her at the thought of being caught.

It’s past normal business hours, everyone has gone home. Except for Grace, who preparing for the next days business before leaving for the day. Then, the phone rings.

After hesitating to answer, she is surprised to learn it’s none other than Jacques Taureau, the CEO of Taureau-Werner, Inc. The recluse CEO has never been seen, but is rumored to resemble Frankenstein after his girlfriend sliced his face.

Grace is shocked to discover he has recently installed cameras in very convent locations throughout the office. Rather than loosing her job, he stuns her further by offering a proposition she can’t resist.
327 reviews29 followers
Read
December 14, 2014
Grace takes it where she can get it. She doesn't hide her desires and it has finally come back to bite her in the ass. When she is caught by the one and only Jacques Taureau it sets her on a path she never thought she would follow. Suddenly she is letting her body control her choices and althought the pleasure is like nothing she's ever felt before she know she will end up hurt. Can she change the man with such a dark past or will it consume her?

Jacques was perfectly fine with his isolation and then he spotted Grace. Just watching her turned him on and one night he decides that watching wasn't enough. He invites her into his life only to push her away. He doesn't know if he will ever be able to fully let her in but he does know he needs her in a way he never imagined.

This was a very intense book. It was very primitive and exploited the desire of our main characters to feel something deeper than they ever have. I think it was an interesting book and I liked that nothing about it was cute. This isn't your typical love story, this is about a love so intense it fill the main Characters with anguish. This is a dark and passionate book with an excess of sexual content, I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy erotica books.
Profile Image for Madaline.
15 reviews
October 17, 2014
Well. I'm giving this book 5 stars because it is what it is. The premise of the story is interesting and even though I never actually felt like the story developed or even the characters developed this book had some of the best sex scenes I've ever read. If you're looking for erotica this is straight up it. Look no further. If you're looking for a story with some sex keep looking.
Profile Image for Jo Smith.
695 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2015
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE - I just could not put it down. It made me cry, laugh a little, get turned on a little but loved it a lot. The extremes of hard sex against the nurturing of a broken soul. The confidence of a woman becoming unsure as she starts to realise she's falling for him but knowing that she cannot fix someone who doesn't want it or trust it. Highly recommended......
Profile Image for Mandi.
2,348 reviews734 followers
Read
August 22, 2014
This just wasn't for me. Too much with the boss looking in on the camera and stuff at the beginning. Fans of super erotic would probably enjoy (and boss/hero is scarred which appeals to me)

Just couldn't get into it.
Profile Image for Medusa.
51 reviews45 followers
July 16, 2016
Well first off i would like to say this is an amazing book...I really enjoyed my adventure with Jacques Taureau & Grace...will definitely be reading more of this Authors books...also i would like to thank the Author for doing what you do for us readers...XoXo...all the best in future writing ;)
7 reviews
September 7, 2014
Dirty and slightly dark, but not too dark. The first 4 pages alone will have you turning the a/c up! Great story that will have you staying up late to finish .
Profile Image for Coribooks.
317 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2014
Loved this book. Great concept with brilliant characters. Erotica book lovers.... Got to read this one!!!
Profile Image for Virginia Nelson.
Author 79 books344 followers
November 12, 2014
Read this because a friend recommended it...
Will be reading the rest of the series because the book blew me away.
Profile Image for Onnica.
1,378 reviews13 followers
August 2, 2015
More like 3.5. Extremely well written. The characters had depth and I cared about them. Perhaps a wee bit long. Well edited.
Profile Image for T.A. McKay.
Author 34 books387 followers
February 26, 2016
Copy from netgalley.

I just didnt connect with this book. I felt that I was reading the story instead of living it.
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