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Irresistible #4
Evening Storm
The national bestselling author of The List continues her sinfully addictive Irresistible series…
When it comes to the wolves of Wall Street, Ryan Hamilton is the leader of the pack. But his bravado is all bluff. The bank he works for is up to it’s assets in fraud and shady deals. And thanks to pressure from the NYPD and FBI, Ryan is working as both a trader and a whistleblower. His only respite from the tension is when he parades his latest arm candy at a fancy lingerie shop.
Simone Demarchelier owns Irresistible, crafting custom high-end lingerie. So she’s more than happy that Ryan is spending a fortune on his women. But she senses that behind the hotshot facade there is something more. Something tortured and sad. And when he flies her out to the Hamptons in the shadow of a summer thunderstorm in order to fix one of her designs, she instead finds herself stuck in the opulent home with a distraught Ryan.
Is Simone the one person who can mend Ryan’s heart and soul?
When it comes to the wolves of Wall Street, Ryan Hamilton is the leader of the pack. But his bravado is all bluff. The bank he works for is up to it’s assets in fraud and shady deals. And thanks to pressure from the NYPD and FBI, Ryan is working as both a trader and a whistleblower. His only respite from the tension is when he parades his latest arm candy at a fancy lingerie shop.
Simone Demarchelier owns Irresistible, crafting custom high-end lingerie. So she’s more than happy that Ryan is spending a fortune on his women. But she senses that behind the hotshot facade there is something more. Something tortured and sad. And when he flies her out to the Hamptons in the shadow of a summer thunderstorm in order to fix one of her designs, she instead finds herself stuck in the opulent home with a distraught Ryan.
Is Simone the one person who can mend Ryan’s heart and soul?
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2015
4 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Anne Calhoun
53 books656 followersAfter doing time at Fortune 500 companies on both coasts, I found myself living in the suburbs of a small Midwestern city. The glamour of various cube farm jobs had worn off, so I gave up making a decent living to take Joseph Campbell’s advice and follow my bliss: writing romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 28, 2015
5 skin-doesn't-lie stars. Full review posted July 28, 2015. The blurb in pics/gifs:
My third five-star rating of the year goes to Evening Storm.
Rating clarification
Frankly, I've had a very hard time to make up my mind how I should rate Evening Storm. I asked myself 'What is fair?' and pondered for several hours. So here's the deal:
Evening Storm was a five-star read for me at the 46% mark and kept on going very strong until I had to face the end at 88%. It wasn't a bad ending per se but, to me, it felt a little bit anticlimactic given the fact that the entire intensely-burning buildup was pretty much spectacular. In the end, I came up with a compromise and downgraded three of Anne's old novellas to four stars in order to give Evening Storm five stars. Well, I would never give those novellas five stars anyway if I had read them now. Nowadays I'm a much pickier reader than I have been a few years ago, so I think it's a fair compromise. I don't like to beat around the bush and will say this: I think that Evening Storm is Anne's best work to date and deserves a very high rating. Compared to Liberating Lacey, her writing has changed and improved immensely. While LL is like eating a good candy bar, Evening Storm is the equivalent to incredibly delicious and outrageously expensive chocolate melting on your tongue.
Even though Evening Storm ended at 88%, *pouts* there's an interesting excerpt of her next novel The Muse included. Former Marine and tattooed hunk, Seth Miller, works as a bike messenger as well as a nude model in New York and is going to be Arden MacCarren's love interest. So, in the end, I got 100% story and felt kind of compensated.
Friendly heads-up
If you are looking for instant gratification then look elsewhere.
If you are looking for an erotic romance story filled with sex then turn left and keep on looking.
If you are looking for a main couple that will be together right from the start then please kindly take exit B.
Ryan Hamilton is a womanizer for a very specific reason. The cameos (I strongly suggest you read the spoiler because for some readers it will be a deal breaker). If that annoys you or makes you uncomfortable, then I think it might be better not to read Evening Storm.
Kissing without touching has never been hotter…
The heat of his body radiated through his jeans and shirt to press against hers, as tangible as his palm on her shoulder. When she didn't answer, he tilted his head so his temple rested against his bicep, supporting his weight with forearms braced against the mirror. In her peripheral vision, she could see them reflected in the angled mirrors, the way he shifted his weight from one hand to the other, using that fraction to get closer to her without crossing the final line. It was intimate, possessive, beseeching, pleading for absolution she couldn't give him. "Simone," he whispered.
In the interest of full disclosure I will admit that I'm a huge fan and supporter of Anne. So what? Let me feed off of my little crush because, heck, she always succeeds to set my reading world to rights. Why you might ask now. Because Evening Storm is, simply put, erotic romance at its finest that exudes style, class and, most importantly, depth. Fear not, the erotic and hot sex isn't missing either. Yet I was very happy that Anne found an excellent balance of plot and steamy scenes.
As I saw it, Anne completely and utterly blew this story out of the water around the 42% mark. So bloody good. Amazing. Splendid. I'm going to run out of words that would do her writing skills justice.
Evening Storm started off 'innocent' enough. I mean I know that Anne can write. Besides, she excels at bringing erotic scenes to life like no one else. And yet I'm slightly astounded to admit that her latest erotic romance story is one mighty fine revelation. It's not your run-of-the-mill erotic story, that's for sure. As it was, I never thought that incorporating would make for such an absolutely tantalizing and highly sensuous trip of sublime voyeurism. I love me a slow-burning and intense buildup that oozes tension and sizzling chemistry as all get out, but it rendered this particular one between Ryan and Simone unforgettable.
"(…) Sex isn't the only thing that can happen when a man finds a woman irresistible."
You should keep that in mind while reading Evening Storm.
I often complain about authors not coming up with something that feels fresh. Anne has written countless sex scenes in her writing career and yet despite my generic impression of having been fed up by all those lackluster and uninspiring smexy times in today's erotic romance stories, I will never tire of hers. Ever. She's a real and genuine inspiration who succeeds to revitalize a sub-genre that otherwise would have become a total bore to me. I really appreciate it very much that she grabs my attention with both, a compelling storyline and erotic scenes that heighten my senses and make my heart race. Also, while I will always love Liberating Lacey, it's a simple fact that Anne's writing has become so much more textured, richer and more refined over the years that, quite frankly, LL has nothing on her new books anymore. Nothing at all and I mean it with every atom of my little being.
Thus, to me, Evening Storm is a beautiful and unique revelation in the world of erotic romance and manifests Anne's most sublime writing. Some of her prose is downright intimate and beautiful. It's no wonder that Evening Storm triggered goosebumps to rush all over my body. The part between 42% and 46% completely blew my mind. I dare say it's the finest that Anne has ever written. Do you fancy a long excerpt? I spoiler-tagged it to shorten my review. Although I do hope that this sensual excerpt is going to whet your appetite for more. Because, again, this book is much more than thrilling sex.
Listening to Ryan's voice while he was was so bloody brilliant. I felt mesmerized, transfixed. It was unreal.
This is a real spoiler:
I really hope that my spoiler-tagged parts won't prevent you from giving this story a go because…gawd…you'd be missing out.
Ryan is very competitive and driven; a real shark in the ruthless world of finance. Though he isn't gorgeous or handsome. No hunk to rev up your fantasies and yet he did mine nonetheless. As it was, he had my full attention from the get-go because he exudes something I eat up like delicious candy: charisma. Ryan drew me, the reader, to him like a high-powered magnet. Also, he's an excellent storyteller and very attentive. It will always ratchet up my interest when I meet smart fictional characters. Add a little baggage, tangible chemistry and intelligent dialogue in general as a promise and buildup all at once that every savory ingredient will culminate in a mind-blowing climax. Et voilà! Waiting has never been so, so bloody good.
I also adored Simone. Being confident in your own skin, owning your sexuality and at the same time excelling at your job, a highly creative and intimate craftsmanship at that, is darn sexy. Thus her personality as well as her high-end lingerie shop made for one irresistible package. There were no TSTL moments to be found either and everything, including the title and the lingerie shop's name Irresistible, came together perfectly. Also, seeing Ryan being torn between his purpose as a whistleblower and his desire to being with Simone, wooing her and giving her everything she wanted, was so well thought out, including Ryan's resolution for chasing tail. I wasn't angry with him for not being completely open and honest because he couldn't. I understood his motives.
In the end, I was happy that Ryan and Simone had found their mutual match in one another and witnessing their sensual journey was a completely and utterly wonderful reading experience, at least to me.
Bottom line
You'll get to the truth eventually. Because honest desire written on skin doesn't lie and equals a festive meal that boosts all your senses. In my book, waiting has never been hotter or more intense.
I loved Evening Storm!
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Penguin Group Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
My third five-star rating of the year goes to Evening Storm.
Rating clarification
Frankly, I've had a very hard time to make up my mind how I should rate Evening Storm. I asked myself 'What is fair?' and pondered for several hours. So here's the deal:
Evening Storm was a five-star read for me at the 46% mark and kept on going very strong until I had to face the end at 88%. It wasn't a bad ending per se but, to me, it felt a little bit anticlimactic given the fact that the entire intensely-burning buildup was pretty much spectacular. In the end, I came up with a compromise and downgraded three of Anne's old novellas to four stars in order to give Evening Storm five stars. Well, I would never give those novellas five stars anyway if I had read them now. Nowadays I'm a much pickier reader than I have been a few years ago, so I think it's a fair compromise. I don't like to beat around the bush and will say this: I think that Evening Storm is Anne's best work to date and deserves a very high rating. Compared to Liberating Lacey, her writing has changed and improved immensely. While LL is like eating a good candy bar, Evening Storm is the equivalent to incredibly delicious and outrageously expensive chocolate melting on your tongue.
Even though Evening Storm ended at 88%, *pouts* there's an interesting excerpt of her next novel The Muse included. Former Marine and tattooed hunk, Seth Miller, works as a bike messenger as well as a nude model in New York and is going to be Arden MacCarren's love interest. So, in the end, I got 100% story and felt kind of compensated.
Friendly heads-up
If you are looking for instant gratification then look elsewhere.
If you are looking for an erotic romance story filled with sex then turn left and keep on looking.
If you are looking for a main couple that will be together right from the start then please kindly take exit B.
Ryan Hamilton is a womanizer for a very specific reason. The cameos (I strongly suggest you read the spoiler because for some readers it will be a deal breaker). If that annoys you or makes you uncomfortable, then I think it might be better not to read Evening Storm.
Kissing without touching has never been hotter…
The heat of his body radiated through his jeans and shirt to press against hers, as tangible as his palm on her shoulder. When she didn't answer, he tilted his head so his temple rested against his bicep, supporting his weight with forearms braced against the mirror. In her peripheral vision, she could see them reflected in the angled mirrors, the way he shifted his weight from one hand to the other, using that fraction to get closer to her without crossing the final line. It was intimate, possessive, beseeching, pleading for absolution she couldn't give him. "Simone," he whispered.
In the interest of full disclosure I will admit that I'm a huge fan and supporter of Anne. So what? Let me feed off of my little crush because, heck, she always succeeds to set my reading world to rights. Why you might ask now. Because Evening Storm is, simply put, erotic romance at its finest that exudes style, class and, most importantly, depth. Fear not, the erotic and hot sex isn't missing either. Yet I was very happy that Anne found an excellent balance of plot and steamy scenes.
As I saw it, Anne completely and utterly blew this story out of the water around the 42% mark. So bloody good. Amazing. Splendid. I'm going to run out of words that would do her writing skills justice.
Evening Storm started off 'innocent' enough. I mean I know that Anne can write. Besides, she excels at bringing erotic scenes to life like no one else. And yet I'm slightly astounded to admit that her latest erotic romance story is one mighty fine revelation. It's not your run-of-the-mill erotic story, that's for sure. As it was, I never thought that incorporating would make for such an absolutely tantalizing and highly sensuous trip of sublime voyeurism. I love me a slow-burning and intense buildup that oozes tension and sizzling chemistry as all get out, but it rendered this particular one between Ryan and Simone unforgettable.
"(…) Sex isn't the only thing that can happen when a man finds a woman irresistible."
You should keep that in mind while reading Evening Storm.
I often complain about authors not coming up with something that feels fresh. Anne has written countless sex scenes in her writing career and yet despite my generic impression of having been fed up by all those lackluster and uninspiring smexy times in today's erotic romance stories, I will never tire of hers. Ever. She's a real and genuine inspiration who succeeds to revitalize a sub-genre that otherwise would have become a total bore to me. I really appreciate it very much that she grabs my attention with both, a compelling storyline and erotic scenes that heighten my senses and make my heart race. Also, while I will always love Liberating Lacey, it's a simple fact that Anne's writing has become so much more textured, richer and more refined over the years that, quite frankly, LL has nothing on her new books anymore. Nothing at all and I mean it with every atom of my little being.
Thus, to me, Evening Storm is a beautiful and unique revelation in the world of erotic romance and manifests Anne's most sublime writing. Some of her prose is downright intimate and beautiful. It's no wonder that Evening Storm triggered goosebumps to rush all over my body. The part between 42% and 46% completely blew my mind. I dare say it's the finest that Anne has ever written. Do you fancy a long excerpt? I spoiler-tagged it to shorten my review. Although I do hope that this sensual excerpt is going to whet your appetite for more. Because, again, this book is much more than thrilling sex.
Listening to Ryan's voice while he was was so bloody brilliant. I felt mesmerized, transfixed. It was unreal.
This is a real spoiler:
I really hope that my spoiler-tagged parts won't prevent you from giving this story a go because…gawd…you'd be missing out.
Ryan is very competitive and driven; a real shark in the ruthless world of finance. Though he isn't gorgeous or handsome. No hunk to rev up your fantasies and yet he did mine nonetheless. As it was, he had my full attention from the get-go because he exudes something I eat up like delicious candy: charisma. Ryan drew me, the reader, to him like a high-powered magnet. Also, he's an excellent storyteller and very attentive. It will always ratchet up my interest when I meet smart fictional characters. Add a little baggage, tangible chemistry and intelligent dialogue in general as a promise and buildup all at once that every savory ingredient will culminate in a mind-blowing climax. Et voilà! Waiting has never been so, so bloody good.
I also adored Simone. Being confident in your own skin, owning your sexuality and at the same time excelling at your job, a highly creative and intimate craftsmanship at that, is darn sexy. Thus her personality as well as her high-end lingerie shop made for one irresistible package. There were no TSTL moments to be found either and everything, including the title and the lingerie shop's name Irresistible, came together perfectly. Also, seeing Ryan being torn between his purpose as a whistleblower and his desire to being with Simone, wooing her and giving her everything she wanted, was so well thought out, including Ryan's resolution for chasing tail. I wasn't angry with him for not being completely open and honest because he couldn't. I understood his motives.
In the end, I was happy that Ryan and Simone had found their mutual match in one another and witnessing their sensual journey was a completely and utterly wonderful reading experience, at least to me.
Bottom line
You'll get to the truth eventually. Because honest desire written on skin doesn't lie and equals a festive meal that boosts all your senses. In my book, waiting has never been hotter or more intense.
I loved Evening Storm!
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Penguin Group Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 13, 2016
3 stars
This is another one that didn't quite work out as well as I hoped, I've read some of the authors work in the past and have enjoyed her stories tremendously, so you can just imagine how excited I was when I saw this come through on NetGalley. But sadly, Evening Storm for me was just an okay read, something I found myself glazing over some parts to just stick to the juicy goodness, but even at times I couldn't enjoy them with the depressing cloud over my head.
Ryan
Simone
Their relationship, if you could even call it one, was very unconventional. Usually I am all about unconventional but sadly I couldn't get on the same page and enjoy it as others before me. It was the choices, decisions and games that were played that didn't work for me. I won't let this be the last book I read from Anne Calhoun, she has other jewels for me to discover and I can't wait. I hope you take a chance on this, as this was more a personal preference of why it didn't work.
ARC kindly provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quote above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
"I just reminded you that there is a truth worth living for.”
This is another one that didn't quite work out as well as I hoped, I've read some of the authors work in the past and have enjoyed her stories tremendously, so you can just imagine how excited I was when I saw this come through on NetGalley. But sadly, Evening Storm for me was just an okay read, something I found myself glazing over some parts to just stick to the juicy goodness, but even at times I couldn't enjoy them with the depressing cloud over my head.
Ryan
Simone
Their relationship, if you could even call it one, was very unconventional. Usually I am all about unconventional but sadly I couldn't get on the same page and enjoy it as others before me. It was the choices, decisions and games that were played that didn't work for me. I won't let this be the last book I read from Anne Calhoun, she has other jewels for me to discover and I can't wait. I hope you take a chance on this, as this was more a personal preference of why it didn't work.
ARC kindly provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quote above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
July 11, 2015
4 It's All A Dance Stars * * * *
The things we do... the way we interact with others, our personal and career lives...it sometimes comes down to this dance of seeing how far to go or what will happen next. When reading Evening Storm, this was the thought which kept running through my mind.
For in life, every action has a reaction...and we learn this very early on as children....and as we grow we enter different arenas and see what has to be done in order for us to succeed. It doesn't matter which sandbox we are playing in...tried and true behaviors hold true....until the one moment when there is push back...and an understanding of needing to do something different.
In this book, both main characters have experienced their day of reckoning... of pushing back. Simone, the talented modiste, born of a long line of Haute Couture; a family whose name inspired desire and coveting to the ninth power learned to push back and take her own path. She created her own world; she owned it with a vengeance...with a singular need for truth. Truth in beauty for one's self, truth in the undergarments one would wear to make the woman feel beautiful for herself not the men who were lucky enough to see them on the woman and truth in all that she would do and accept in her life. She would own it.
This was who she was. This was the path she established. It was not an easy one but it was the only one she wished.
Ryan Hamilton was at the juncture of realizing his path had been twisted into something he had not started out on...He had been raised by parents who valued real; concrete values and self worth earned through hard work. Ryan did all the right things until he was seduced by the need to belong with those who were his peers in the finance game...and game it was...
Ryan watched and learned; he was a quick student and although he never crossed lines deeply ingrained by his upbringing, he did latch on to all the golden rings of that merry-go-round of hedge funds and stocks. His mind was brilliant; he had a sense of it all and became the golden boy of one of the most revered financial houses, MacCLarren's. This was the "Holy Grail" of trading...where those with more money then sense would beg to be able to be part of the flock handing over their wealth for investments.
Ryan's push back came as a realization of what dance MacClarren's was doing all these years...a dance of bait and switch, of lure with smoke and mirrors. A blatant scheme born generations ago and enhanced by the current crop of the gene pool.. more audacious than the first in their manipulations and greed. This was his wake up call; would he do what was expected... turn a blind eye or just quit and move on...or would he push back and see the right but very hard path of no...and confront this wrong. For this wrong was not a hiccup which could be fixed with a slap on the wrist and pretty words of Sorry/not Sorry... no this was devastating, life changing for all it touched. Innocents, guilty by actions and those painted by the brush of birth... all would be touched and he was going to be the one to man up and expose it all.
All of this is in motion when these two characters meet; Simone, our mirror of truth and Ryan, the man locked in a battle to hide his working against all the world thinks he is; playboy, womanizer and ridiculous consumer like his peers. Ryan happens to bring in a woman he is "dating" to purchase Simone's lingerie...Her store Irresistible has been a place of quiet elegance and women have been finding it on their own. Her reputation for quality and beauty justified.
As the famous model tries on piece after piece with Ryan watching... Simone becomes more the object of desire...He sees her as she is...confident, strong and feminine... beautiful and seductive in an understated way. This seeing captivates him and he catches a glimpse of what the woman he has always wanted would be...he is shocked and confused... the timing could not be worse....
These two are both very aware of each other...she knows who he is; his status, what he is doing with this model... outfitting her like he is...She feels something more than what he presents, though... there is an undercurrent of pain, secrets and need. He wishes he was able to pursue this woman...she is everything he wants and more...but he knows his path is going to be wrong for her...to suck her into his world now would be wrong...
But...the dance begins...His dance of walking the tightrope of his "handlers with the FBI", being the shark at the office and womanizer at night. He is moving in and out with multiple partners; the men he wishes to trap, the women he is using to front his image...and then the gravitational pull he is fighting with Simone.
This story has many layers and a very sensual build. The way these two communicate and interact is enticing. Ryan seduces Simone with stories which should insult but don't. He lures her closer and closer to him in ways of showing the true side of the young man he once was and is trying to get back. The telling is very erotic and works as their foreplay leading up to the final moment when they are together. It was compelling because both of the characters were equal in strength... they each held firm to what was needed and Simone was a force the end.
Anne Calhoun didn't just give us these characters' dance, though... no she created one with us, the readers as well.
This Evening Storm was the main attraction... but she then teased with the next installment of the series with a generous slice of The Muse. This tease gave us what life looked like for one of the MacClarren's after everything crashed around them. We have the innocent but painted by birth, Arden. She ran the Charitable Foundation and was kept in the dark about everything by her father and brother. It is this beginning of the book coming in December which Ms. Calhoun leads with...her new dance for us...
I will be waiting to have her lead me the rest of the way...
A gifted copy was provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL/Signet Romance, DAW, via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
The things we do... the way we interact with others, our personal and career lives...it sometimes comes down to this dance of seeing how far to go or what will happen next. When reading Evening Storm, this was the thought which kept running through my mind.
For in life, every action has a reaction...and we learn this very early on as children....and as we grow we enter different arenas and see what has to be done in order for us to succeed. It doesn't matter which sandbox we are playing in...tried and true behaviors hold true....until the one moment when there is push back...and an understanding of needing to do something different.
In this book, both main characters have experienced their day of reckoning... of pushing back. Simone, the talented modiste, born of a long line of Haute Couture; a family whose name inspired desire and coveting to the ninth power learned to push back and take her own path. She created her own world; she owned it with a vengeance...with a singular need for truth. Truth in beauty for one's self, truth in the undergarments one would wear to make the woman feel beautiful for herself not the men who were lucky enough to see them on the woman and truth in all that she would do and accept in her life. She would own it.
This was who she was. This was the path she established. It was not an easy one but it was the only one she wished.
Ryan Hamilton was at the juncture of realizing his path had been twisted into something he had not started out on...He had been raised by parents who valued real; concrete values and self worth earned through hard work. Ryan did all the right things until he was seduced by the need to belong with those who were his peers in the finance game...and game it was...
Ryan watched and learned; he was a quick student and although he never crossed lines deeply ingrained by his upbringing, he did latch on to all the golden rings of that merry-go-round of hedge funds and stocks. His mind was brilliant; he had a sense of it all and became the golden boy of one of the most revered financial houses, MacCLarren's. This was the "Holy Grail" of trading...where those with more money then sense would beg to be able to be part of the flock handing over their wealth for investments.
Ryan's push back came as a realization of what dance MacClarren's was doing all these years...a dance of bait and switch, of lure with smoke and mirrors. A blatant scheme born generations ago and enhanced by the current crop of the gene pool.. more audacious than the first in their manipulations and greed. This was his wake up call; would he do what was expected... turn a blind eye or just quit and move on...or would he push back and see the right but very hard path of no...and confront this wrong. For this wrong was not a hiccup which could be fixed with a slap on the wrist and pretty words of Sorry/not Sorry... no this was devastating, life changing for all it touched. Innocents, guilty by actions and those painted by the brush of birth... all would be touched and he was going to be the one to man up and expose it all.
All of this is in motion when these two characters meet; Simone, our mirror of truth and Ryan, the man locked in a battle to hide his working against all the world thinks he is; playboy, womanizer and ridiculous consumer like his peers. Ryan happens to bring in a woman he is "dating" to purchase Simone's lingerie...Her store Irresistible has been a place of quiet elegance and women have been finding it on their own. Her reputation for quality and beauty justified.
As the famous model tries on piece after piece with Ryan watching... Simone becomes more the object of desire...He sees her as she is...confident, strong and feminine... beautiful and seductive in an understated way. This seeing captivates him and he catches a glimpse of what the woman he has always wanted would be...he is shocked and confused... the timing could not be worse....
These two are both very aware of each other...she knows who he is; his status, what he is doing with this model... outfitting her like he is...She feels something more than what he presents, though... there is an undercurrent of pain, secrets and need. He wishes he was able to pursue this woman...she is everything he wants and more...but he knows his path is going to be wrong for her...to suck her into his world now would be wrong...
But...the dance begins...His dance of walking the tightrope of his "handlers with the FBI", being the shark at the office and womanizer at night. He is moving in and out with multiple partners; the men he wishes to trap, the women he is using to front his image...and then the gravitational pull he is fighting with Simone.
This story has many layers and a very sensual build. The way these two communicate and interact is enticing. Ryan seduces Simone with stories which should insult but don't. He lures her closer and closer to him in ways of showing the true side of the young man he once was and is trying to get back. The telling is very erotic and works as their foreplay leading up to the final moment when they are together. It was compelling because both of the characters were equal in strength... they each held firm to what was needed and Simone was a force the end.
Anne Calhoun didn't just give us these characters' dance, though... no she created one with us, the readers as well.
This Evening Storm was the main attraction... but she then teased with the next installment of the series with a generous slice of The Muse. This tease gave us what life looked like for one of the MacClarren's after everything crashed around them. We have the innocent but painted by birth, Arden. She ran the Charitable Foundation and was kept in the dark about everything by her father and brother. It is this beginning of the book coming in December which Ms. Calhoun leads with...her new dance for us...
I will be waiting to have her lead me the rest of the way...
A gifted copy was provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL/Signet Romance, DAW, via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 11, 2015
3.5 stars
I’m so torn. I love Anne Calhoun’s writing style and character driven stories, and this book is the epitome of character driven. But…there’s something missing for me when it came to this book.
Ryan Hamilton is a Wall Street golden boy. He works hard and plays even harder. Simone is a couturier who specializes in undergarments. Ryan and Simone met when he took one of his paramours to Irresistible, the shop that Simone owns. The connection and attraction between Simone and Ryan was instantaneous but since he’s a client and obviously with someone else, Simone resisted the pull between them. For Ryan, it’s much more complicated. He’s in the middle of a financial storm and he needs his wits about him, so he cannot allow Simone to get close.
Normally, I wouldn’t be bothered by this. I love slow burning, slow building romances. The more the MCs resist, the better. But it didn’t quite work this time. For one, I couldn’t connect with the characters. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with them. There’s nothing annoying (at least for me) about them but I just felt blah towards Simone and Ryan, both as individuals and as a couple. Also, I didn't really get their "insta-connection" and the fact that Ryan was ready to spill his guts to Simone. There's resistance from both of them but the fact that they're suddenly mooning for each other was a little hard to take.
Second, it didn’t help that they spent more than half of the book just talking. Specifically talking about Ryan’s exploits with other women. One of their ritual was to sit outside Simone’s stoop and Ryan would tell Simone a story about the women he brought to her shop. The stories are sexual in nature and while I’m still confused as to whether they were true or not (I say it’s true and those exploits really happened), I still found it weird that they chose to bond this way. Maybe it was supposed to show readers that Simone has voyeuristic tendencies or how open minded she is...I don't know. Although she felt some jealousy, she’s fascinated by it and is turned on by it. Again, I don’t get it. Yes, there’s an explanation as to why she felt this way but I found it really tedious and boring and frankly, I just didn’t buy it.
One thing I did like was Ryan’s backstory and the sub-plot concerning his job. I found that to be fascinating and I wish the book had more of it. Other than their talking session, Simone and Ryan spends little time with each other. I say this because even in their time together, most of it are spent talking about Ryan’s time with his women.
So as much as I love Anne Calhoun and her stories, this fell flat for me. I wish I could like it more. I enjoyed it enough especially towards the end but there were too many things that didn't really click with me. I still rate this a 3.5 because Anne Calhoun is a master with words. I love her prose, unfortunately, this one didn't really wow me.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’m so torn. I love Anne Calhoun’s writing style and character driven stories, and this book is the epitome of character driven. But…there’s something missing for me when it came to this book.
Ryan Hamilton is a Wall Street golden boy. He works hard and plays even harder. Simone is a couturier who specializes in undergarments. Ryan and Simone met when he took one of his paramours to Irresistible, the shop that Simone owns. The connection and attraction between Simone and Ryan was instantaneous but since he’s a client and obviously with someone else, Simone resisted the pull between them. For Ryan, it’s much more complicated. He’s in the middle of a financial storm and he needs his wits about him, so he cannot allow Simone to get close.
Normally, I wouldn’t be bothered by this. I love slow burning, slow building romances. The more the MCs resist, the better. But it didn’t quite work this time. For one, I couldn’t connect with the characters. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with them. There’s nothing annoying (at least for me) about them but I just felt blah towards Simone and Ryan, both as individuals and as a couple. Also, I didn't really get their "insta-connection" and the fact that Ryan was ready to spill his guts to Simone. There's resistance from both of them but the fact that they're suddenly mooning for each other was a little hard to take.
Second, it didn’t help that they spent more than half of the book just talking. Specifically talking about Ryan’s exploits with other women. One of their ritual was to sit outside Simone’s stoop and Ryan would tell Simone a story about the women he brought to her shop. The stories are sexual in nature and while I’m still confused as to whether they were true or not (I say it’s true and those exploits really happened), I still found it weird that they chose to bond this way. Maybe it was supposed to show readers that Simone has voyeuristic tendencies or how open minded she is...I don't know. Although she felt some jealousy, she’s fascinated by it and is turned on by it. Again, I don’t get it. Yes, there’s an explanation as to why she felt this way but I found it really tedious and boring and frankly, I just didn’t buy it.
One thing I did like was Ryan’s backstory and the sub-plot concerning his job. I found that to be fascinating and I wish the book had more of it. Other than their talking session, Simone and Ryan spends little time with each other. I say this because even in their time together, most of it are spent talking about Ryan’s time with his women.
So as much as I love Anne Calhoun and her stories, this fell flat for me. I wish I could like it more. I enjoyed it enough especially towards the end but there were too many things that didn't really click with me. I still rate this a 3.5 because Anne Calhoun is a master with words. I love her prose, unfortunately, this one didn't really wow me.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
Ryan Hamilton is a wealthy, Wall Street playboy who accidentally uncovers a big secret at his company – the owner, and by all accounts a big family guy, is the head of a Ponzi Scheme. Ripping off his investors, Ryan realizes he has two options – pretend he never saw the fake accounts, or go to the FBI. With the beginning of an ulcer, he tells the FBI everything he knows, but it’s not enough to bring down charges. The FBI asks that he wear a wire and try to get a confession of this Ponzi scheme straight from the head of the company. Ryan knows the only way this guy will talk, is if Ryan asks to be a part of the scheme himself. To do this, he must encourage his fast and high-class lifestyle. But then he meets Simone.
Simone has moved from France to New York City a year ago. Her family has owned a fashion house in France for generations – and while Simone is proud of this, she wants to try fashion on her own. She moves to NYC and opens a very high-end lingerie shop. She designs, creates, sells and lives all in one place. It is her pride and joy and it has been very well received. Ryan saunters in one day with a model – dressed in a suit with his low, rumbly voice, Simone against her better judgement, is totally turned on.
They made for an erotic tripych in the mirror: Simone in her black pencil skirt and black heels, a silk Pucci tank top in wild shades of red and blue and orange, with her red hair coiled to lay over one shoulder; Jade statuesque and nearly naked, her nipples peaking in the cool air; Ryan behind them, out of reach but in total control of the situation. The slow nod he gave Simone to indicate she should secure the corset around Jade’s torso once again reminded Simone of the absolute power possessed by men with money.
Simone had fitted clothes to hundreds and hundreds of women at fashion shows and private fittings, the design process by which a new colletion was created She was comfortable with bodies in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It simply wasn’t erotic. It was work.
And yet, with Ryan watching, it was unbelievably erotic.
Ryan is enthralled by Simone. Her red hair and accent – the way she handles herself with her customers. He wants her. Badly. The model on his arm is just for show. Simone guesses this. Ryan knows this. The problem is, with the whistleblowing going full steam ahead, he can’t bring Simone into his life right now. So he pushes her away. But he can’t stay away. Oh the drama.
The sexual tension in this book is handled so well. Ryan needs to show his boss he has a lavish lifestyle, so his boss believes he will be a good fit to be part of this Ponzi scheme. He brazenly brings in models and actresses into Simone’s studio, carelessly dropping a ton of money. This is “Wall Street Ryan.” But when he meets Simone on the stoop of her apartment with a beer, this is the real Ryan. And while Simone falls hard for the real Ryan, she knows he is keeping a secret, and refuses to go forward with a relationship unless he is 100% honest with her. Ryan absolutely can not tell anyone about the FBI deal until his boss has been charged. So instead, he sits on her stoop and tells her intimate stories about what he does with the women he brings into her shop. It turns them both on tremendously.
And I know you are thinking – why do I want to read about Ryan and a non-heroine having sex? It reminds me a bit of Broken by Megan Hart, where the hero would do something similar. The way it is written works in the context of the story. Ryan is telling Simone stories about sex, but it’s for Simoe’s enjoyment. Who knows if he is actually telling the truth or not – but who cares. Simone likes to hear these intimate, secret words.
Ryan ends up stealing private moments from Simone during this time, and as I mentioned – the tension is off the charts. They both want each other so badly. The Ponzi Scheme suspense is done well in this too. It never over takes the romance, but it’s in the story enough to add good air of suspense. I got nervous the closer Ryan got to getting a secret confession from his boss. The FBI agent in the book is the hero from the previous book. Ryan is extremely stressed out over his whistleblowing and the FBI agent is extremely serious and hard-core. I loved their scenes together.
I really enjoyed Ryan – he is a wealthy playboy, but a very likable one. We really get to know him deep down, and I became very invested in his romance. I loved Simone too – she is so independent and smart, and so sexy. I love that she refuses to back down to Ryan, even when he begs for her – because she knows he is holding back something important in his life.
Grade: B+
Simone has moved from France to New York City a year ago. Her family has owned a fashion house in France for generations – and while Simone is proud of this, she wants to try fashion on her own. She moves to NYC and opens a very high-end lingerie shop. She designs, creates, sells and lives all in one place. It is her pride and joy and it has been very well received. Ryan saunters in one day with a model – dressed in a suit with his low, rumbly voice, Simone against her better judgement, is totally turned on.
They made for an erotic tripych in the mirror: Simone in her black pencil skirt and black heels, a silk Pucci tank top in wild shades of red and blue and orange, with her red hair coiled to lay over one shoulder; Jade statuesque and nearly naked, her nipples peaking in the cool air; Ryan behind them, out of reach but in total control of the situation. The slow nod he gave Simone to indicate she should secure the corset around Jade’s torso once again reminded Simone of the absolute power possessed by men with money.
Simone had fitted clothes to hundreds and hundreds of women at fashion shows and private fittings, the design process by which a new colletion was created She was comfortable with bodies in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It simply wasn’t erotic. It was work.
And yet, with Ryan watching, it was unbelievably erotic.
Ryan is enthralled by Simone. Her red hair and accent – the way she handles herself with her customers. He wants her. Badly. The model on his arm is just for show. Simone guesses this. Ryan knows this. The problem is, with the whistleblowing going full steam ahead, he can’t bring Simone into his life right now. So he pushes her away. But he can’t stay away. Oh the drama.
The sexual tension in this book is handled so well. Ryan needs to show his boss he has a lavish lifestyle, so his boss believes he will be a good fit to be part of this Ponzi scheme. He brazenly brings in models and actresses into Simone’s studio, carelessly dropping a ton of money. This is “Wall Street Ryan.” But when he meets Simone on the stoop of her apartment with a beer, this is the real Ryan. And while Simone falls hard for the real Ryan, she knows he is keeping a secret, and refuses to go forward with a relationship unless he is 100% honest with her. Ryan absolutely can not tell anyone about the FBI deal until his boss has been charged. So instead, he sits on her stoop and tells her intimate stories about what he does with the women he brings into her shop. It turns them both on tremendously.
And I know you are thinking – why do I want to read about Ryan and a non-heroine having sex? It reminds me a bit of Broken by Megan Hart, where the hero would do something similar. The way it is written works in the context of the story. Ryan is telling Simone stories about sex, but it’s for Simoe’s enjoyment. Who knows if he is actually telling the truth or not – but who cares. Simone likes to hear these intimate, secret words.
Ryan ends up stealing private moments from Simone during this time, and as I mentioned – the tension is off the charts. They both want each other so badly. The Ponzi Scheme suspense is done well in this too. It never over takes the romance, but it’s in the story enough to add good air of suspense. I got nervous the closer Ryan got to getting a secret confession from his boss. The FBI agent in the book is the hero from the previous book. Ryan is extremely stressed out over his whistleblowing and the FBI agent is extremely serious and hard-core. I loved their scenes together.
I really enjoyed Ryan – he is a wealthy playboy, but a very likable one. We really get to know him deep down, and I became very invested in his romance. I loved Simone too – she is so independent and smart, and so sexy. I love that she refuses to back down to Ryan, even when he begs for her – because she knows he is holding back something important in his life.
Grade: B+
November 6, 2015
4.5 stars
February 17, 2017
This erotic story, the fourth in the Irresistible series ( a series with loosely linked characters) is not a romance in the traditional sense. Normally in a male/female romance, it’s boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, overcome challenges, and live happy ever after. In this story boy meets girl, boy continues dating and sleeping with other women (at least at the start), and eventually boy and girl get their happy ever after. If you’re someone who wants the boy and girl ‘s relationship to be of the insta-love variety, this might not be for you. But if you like drama, tension (sexual and otherwise), and characters who are flawed but believable, and you can handle that the couple doesn’t start out together but will get their happy ending, you will enjoy this story.
Ryan is a wolf on wall street, a player in all senses of the world but his life is crumbling. He’s discovered fraudulent dealings at the bank he works for and has decided that he’s going to be the one to step up and reveal all to the FBI. But to keep up the charade of a high-flying lifestyle while gathering evidence, he frequents Simone’s couture lingerie shop with one woman after another. It’s proof to his partners that he needs in on their Ponzi scheme to maintain his current lifestyle (and that he can bring them fresh money). From their first meeting it’s clear that there could be something between Ryan and Simone – the sexual tension between them sizzles. And when Ryan shows up on Simone’s doorstep after hours, he tempts her with details of how her lingerie was put to good use. But he doesn’t want to drag her down with him and resists a relationship with her though he isn’t capable of staying away. When he’s got the proof he needs to bring down his bosses and destroy the lives of those affected by the financial fraud, he calls to Simone to help him forget before his life goes all to hell. And Simone answers his call. When all is revealed, will there be anything left to salvage upon which to build a new relationship?
I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t know from the outset that it would involve Ryan being with other women at the start, but I’m used to Anne’s writing and I knew the outcome of the story would make everything okay. And truthfully, the way the story unfolds, it’s not as if Ryan is cheating on Simone. They don’t have a relationship beyond client and store owner. There have been no promises exchanged, no attempt at deepening their relationship. When Ryan shows up at Simone’s door to tell her about his experiences with these other women, it’s not clear what his motive is, but Simone doesn’t turn him away, Instead, she fantasizes that she is the one in the stories that he tells. She isn’t sure if they are truth or fiction, only that they inspire in her a combination of desire and regret, regret that she cannot afford to get involved with him and ruin the reputation of her shop. As it is, she gets drawn into the web of paparazzi who follow Ryan around, a fact that makes her determined to get him out of her life once and for all – until he calls to her for help. The sex scenes in this story are therefore interesting and different than a typical romance, as for the first part at least they don’t involve the couple. But eventually, they do succumb to the attraction between them. When this happens there are no other women for Ryan. He wants only Simone though he isn’t sure whether she will still be waiting for him after the fallout of his actions.
I liked both of their characters. Ryan is a strong and smart man, one who gets what he wants when he wants it. But he is tormented by his duty, his knowledge of what will happen to the people he works with and those who’ve invested money in his fraudulent company. The stress he is under, takes a toll on him, emotional and physical. Simone is the bright spot in his life that is rapidly going downhill. Simone is an intelligent and hard working woman, with a reputation to uphold and pride in her business and her skills. She makes beautiful lingerie that makes women feel empowered. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the lingerie and the behind the scenes look at the fashion industry. The story had a bit of a John Grisham feel to it ( if you are familiar with his legal dramas) and the tension throughout is palpable and kept me turning the pages, both wanting to see the resolution of the financial plotline but also to find out whether Ryan and Simone could get a happy ending (which I’m happy to report they do). It lived up to my expectations from this author and was a thought provoking and intense story. 4.5 stars.
Note: this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note 2: this story appears as a blog post at http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
Ryan is a wolf on wall street, a player in all senses of the world but his life is crumbling. He’s discovered fraudulent dealings at the bank he works for and has decided that he’s going to be the one to step up and reveal all to the FBI. But to keep up the charade of a high-flying lifestyle while gathering evidence, he frequents Simone’s couture lingerie shop with one woman after another. It’s proof to his partners that he needs in on their Ponzi scheme to maintain his current lifestyle (and that he can bring them fresh money). From their first meeting it’s clear that there could be something between Ryan and Simone – the sexual tension between them sizzles. And when Ryan shows up on Simone’s doorstep after hours, he tempts her with details of how her lingerie was put to good use. But he doesn’t want to drag her down with him and resists a relationship with her though he isn’t capable of staying away. When he’s got the proof he needs to bring down his bosses and destroy the lives of those affected by the financial fraud, he calls to Simone to help him forget before his life goes all to hell. And Simone answers his call. When all is revealed, will there be anything left to salvage upon which to build a new relationship?
I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t know from the outset that it would involve Ryan being with other women at the start, but I’m used to Anne’s writing and I knew the outcome of the story would make everything okay. And truthfully, the way the story unfolds, it’s not as if Ryan is cheating on Simone. They don’t have a relationship beyond client and store owner. There have been no promises exchanged, no attempt at deepening their relationship. When Ryan shows up at Simone’s door to tell her about his experiences with these other women, it’s not clear what his motive is, but Simone doesn’t turn him away, Instead, she fantasizes that she is the one in the stories that he tells. She isn’t sure if they are truth or fiction, only that they inspire in her a combination of desire and regret, regret that she cannot afford to get involved with him and ruin the reputation of her shop. As it is, she gets drawn into the web of paparazzi who follow Ryan around, a fact that makes her determined to get him out of her life once and for all – until he calls to her for help. The sex scenes in this story are therefore interesting and different than a typical romance, as for the first part at least they don’t involve the couple. But eventually, they do succumb to the attraction between them. When this happens there are no other women for Ryan. He wants only Simone though he isn’t sure whether she will still be waiting for him after the fallout of his actions.
He’d slowly backed her into the mirror as she threw angry words at him. Now there was nowhere to go. His body, tense with anger and frustration, stopped just short of pressing into her. With every sharp inhale her breasts brushed his chest.
“I need this. I have to do something this weekend–” He stopped, glanced at the wall between them and the showroom, visibly restrained himself and lifted his hands from her shoulders, then ducked his head and swore under his breath. “I’m using you, and God, all I want right now is to kiss you.”
“No.” Flat. Final. If she let him kiss her in the heat of the moment, she would cross a line with herself that she could never recover from.
He bent his head but didn’t angle his mouth to take hers, as if he knew that if he crossed that line it was well and truly over between them. He didn’t even touch her again, just braced his forearms on either side of her head. A hair’s breadth of air between his skin and hers as he drew his lips over her cheekbone, then the bridge of her nose, then over the other cheekbone. The only part of him to touch her was the breath that came from his lungs, and it suddenly seemed more intense than making love. Tiny delicate hairs rose in the wake of each movement, and the sweetness of the near-touches, his parted lips, the soft warm breath, sent a shiver down her nape to pool hot and sweet between her thighs.
I liked both of their characters. Ryan is a strong and smart man, one who gets what he wants when he wants it. But he is tormented by his duty, his knowledge of what will happen to the people he works with and those who’ve invested money in his fraudulent company. The stress he is under, takes a toll on him, emotional and physical. Simone is the bright spot in his life that is rapidly going downhill. Simone is an intelligent and hard working woman, with a reputation to uphold and pride in her business and her skills. She makes beautiful lingerie that makes women feel empowered. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the lingerie and the behind the scenes look at the fashion industry. The story had a bit of a John Grisham feel to it ( if you are familiar with his legal dramas) and the tension throughout is palpable and kept me turning the pages, both wanting to see the resolution of the financial plotline but also to find out whether Ryan and Simone could get a happy ending (which I’m happy to report they do). It lived up to my expectations from this author and was a thought provoking and intense story. 4.5 stars.
Note: this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note 2: this story appears as a blog post at http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
October 19, 2015
There's a whoooooooooole lotta like going on with this book from this reader! **swoon**
My first read by Anne Calhoun was Afternoon Delight just last year (i know i know ...where have I been hiding LOL) and I fell in love with her instantaneously! She has the ability to grab my attention with her compelling story-lines alongside her erotic scenes. They always make my heart race and tingle my senses! They are perfection. Her writing style is just plain beautiful and intimate and compelling!
Evening Storm was a five-star read for me because of everything that I just mentioned and because the story built itself up from page one and didn't stop until the very end. It was one of the most anticipatory reads I have read in quite some time.
Ryan Hamilton is a very competitive and driven business man. He is not your typical gorgeous alpha male, but the man had sexual appeal because he was charming and charismatic!
Simone Demarchelier is the perfect heroine! She is not only strong on the inside, but she is comfortable in her own skin and owns it! She's a master in her field and just plain sexy!
The two made for a combustible story!!
This story was very aptly named Evening Storm....for when Ryan and Simone begin to dance around one another (you'll understand that reference just as soon as you read this story and READ YOU MUST), a perfect storm begins to build. A storm with all the qualities to be combustible ... attraction, sensuality, friendship, growth and truth.
ARC provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW via NetGalley for an honest review
My first read by Anne Calhoun was Afternoon Delight just last year (i know i know ...where have I been hiding LOL) and I fell in love with her instantaneously! She has the ability to grab my attention with her compelling story-lines alongside her erotic scenes. They always make my heart race and tingle my senses! They are perfection. Her writing style is just plain beautiful and intimate and compelling!
Evening Storm was a five-star read for me because of everything that I just mentioned and because the story built itself up from page one and didn't stop until the very end. It was one of the most anticipatory reads I have read in quite some time.
Ryan Hamilton is a very competitive and driven business man. He is not your typical gorgeous alpha male, but the man had sexual appeal because he was charming and charismatic!
Simone Demarchelier is the perfect heroine! She is not only strong on the inside, but she is comfortable in her own skin and owns it! She's a master in her field and just plain sexy!
The two made for a combustible story!!
This story was very aptly named Evening Storm....for when Ryan and Simone begin to dance around one another (you'll understand that reference just as soon as you read this story and READ YOU MUST), a perfect storm begins to build. A storm with all the qualities to be combustible ... attraction, sensuality, friendship, growth and truth.
ARC provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW via NetGalley for an honest review
August 17, 2015
As an Anne Calhoun fan, I didn’t even read the blurb of this book before accepting it. Calhoun is just a sure thing for me. However, I found that the latest book in the Irresistible series to be a touch different to Calhoun’s usual books.
Ryan and Simone meet at the lingerie shop that Simone works at. He has brought in a woman who isn’t shy about what she wants so Simone works diligently to give her what she wants. Days later, Ryan returns and these meetings continue to occur throughout the book.
Both characters are quite polished and sophisticated so the story does have a more sensual vibe to it. However, I just didn’t feel the connection between Ryan and Simone. Even as they romance progressed, I always felt one step behind them as their relationship became more physical. I think this was mainly because there wasn’t anything that made me connect with them separately. So as they come together, I just didn’t feel like I was on the same page as the characters.
Calhoun’s writing style remains largely the same. It’s still very lyrical, very sensual but this was the first book from her that didn’t immediately wow me. Something was missing with this romance and I’m not sure if it was because of the character’s personalities and their actions I couldn’t get along with, or the idea of how they first met that got me off the wrong footing. Either way, I was a little disappointed but I still adore Calhoun enough to check out the other books in the series.
September 20, 2015
Full review posted on http://afterdarkbooklovers.com.
- Seduction by prose : Have you ever met a man who can seduce you with words alone? Someone who may not be remarkable physically, but when he talks, the panties come off? THAT’S what drew me, um Simone, to Ryan Hamilton, and exactly what kept me turning the page well into the night.
Ryan’s the type of man who can command a room with his charisma and his innate charm rather than physicality. He works in investment banking and has come across some serious shadiness at his job. So shady that the FBI gets involved in bringing down the largest Ponzi scheme ever, kind of shady. As the whistleblower, he’s walking a tightrope - living a lie to make those in power believe he wants in, while telling the agents what they need to bring the whole house of cards down.
Simone runs her own business as a creator of high-end womens lingerie, the kind that makes Agent Provocateur look like Wal-Mart. She meets Ryan when he comes in with his latest supermodel, and the connection is immediate and intense. The power of this connection is strong and seriously came straight off my kindle.
- New to me author : Ms. Calhoun managed to weave a story that normally wouldn’t float my boat and made it ride all the way down to the end of this story and beyond. Very impressed with her writing and looking forward to reading more.
- Not safe...or is it? : To maintain his high living ruse, he keeps sleeping with other women! Or does he? Ultimately every story he tells Simone is for her pleasure and there is no doubt that she gets off on the telling. I mean, I kind of needed a cigarette afterwards myself, so I understand. It’s ambiguous and I can live in those gray areas, even if that same ambiguity kept me from falling head over heels. I was seduced against my will into loving Ryan, much like Simone and I attribute that all the talent of Ms. Calhoun.
- The ending : After the climax of the story, the ending didn’t resonate as much for me. It was a bit rushed and felt as if it were recapped, occurring mostly off-page. Perhaps that’s because I wanted more of Ryan’s time. What can I say? I’m greedy.
[4 ½ stars]
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first Anne Calhoun, but it won’t be my last. It’s very well done and the chemistry between Ryan and Simone is stellar. I’d recommend for readers who love good prose and a bit of ambiguousness with their romance.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
- Seduction by prose : Have you ever met a man who can seduce you with words alone? Someone who may not be remarkable physically, but when he talks, the panties come off? THAT’S what drew me, um Simone, to Ryan Hamilton, and exactly what kept me turning the page well into the night.
Ryan’s the type of man who can command a room with his charisma and his innate charm rather than physicality. He works in investment banking and has come across some serious shadiness at his job. So shady that the FBI gets involved in bringing down the largest Ponzi scheme ever, kind of shady. As the whistleblower, he’s walking a tightrope - living a lie to make those in power believe he wants in, while telling the agents what they need to bring the whole house of cards down.
Simone runs her own business as a creator of high-end womens lingerie, the kind that makes Agent Provocateur look like Wal-Mart. She meets Ryan when he comes in with his latest supermodel, and the connection is immediate and intense. The power of this connection is strong and seriously came straight off my kindle.
- New to me author : Ms. Calhoun managed to weave a story that normally wouldn’t float my boat and made it ride all the way down to the end of this story and beyond. Very impressed with her writing and looking forward to reading more.
- Not safe...or is it? : To maintain his high living ruse, he keeps sleeping with other women! Or does he? Ultimately every story he tells Simone is for her pleasure and there is no doubt that she gets off on the telling. I mean, I kind of needed a cigarette afterwards myself, so I understand. It’s ambiguous and I can live in those gray areas, even if that same ambiguity kept me from falling head over heels. I was seduced against my will into loving Ryan, much like Simone and I attribute that all the talent of Ms. Calhoun.
- The ending : After the climax of the story, the ending didn’t resonate as much for me. It was a bit rushed and felt as if it were recapped, occurring mostly off-page. Perhaps that’s because I wanted more of Ryan’s time. What can I say? I’m greedy.
[4 ½ stars]
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first Anne Calhoun, but it won’t be my last. It’s very well done and the chemistry between Ryan and Simone is stellar. I’d recommend for readers who love good prose and a bit of ambiguousness with their romance.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
June 22, 2015
3.5 Stars. Good storyline, well written in Calhoun’s trademark lyrical style. The backstory about the Ponzi scheme was a nice touch. The prose was sensual without being over the top as the couple did a sophisticated mating dance. Unfortunately, the book was also quite slow. It was a full 75% into the story before Ryan sand Simone actually came together in any kind of meaningful way. Before that, they talked…and talked…and talked. Much of it was sensual and flowed over the reader like a caress; but an equal amount of the talk hit like so much hot air wordage being tossed around and looking for an escape.
For me personally, I would have rather have read more about Simone's business and the unfolding Ponzi scheme mess, and a little less time spent endlessly sitting around talking and denying their attraction. I understand it was setting up and keeping the sexual tension going; but I need a little more action. But, hey; that's just me. I'm sure many other readers will love it.
For me personally, I would have rather have read more about Simone's business and the unfolding Ponzi scheme mess, and a little less time spent endlessly sitting around talking and denying their attraction. I understand it was setting up and keeping the sexual tension going; but I need a little more action. But, hey; that's just me. I'm sure many other readers will love it.
August 26, 2015
4. 5 Sensual Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Intermix | Penguin Group
I gotta admit that I think Anne Calhoun is the queen at sensuality.
In this series, it's not your typical romance but about a sensual journey.
In Evening Storm, we have Ryan Hamilton the man who has it all. The king of the castle where Wall Street is concerned. But he also has something hidden underneath the surface.
Simone is a beautiful, sensual woman who's strong and knows what she wants, and it shows in what she creates with her lingerie.
Ryan has a plan and meeting Simone is not part of it. Knowing what he wants but can't have, he ensnares Simone into a world of desire but no touch.
"You pay attention, so on the surface, the stories are beautiful when I expect them to be sordid. I love beauty. But I shouldn't. . . . "
There's an air around Ryan and Simone with crackling energy that wants to be tamed. Their journey is a push / pull of sexuality that wants to be restrained and touched.
Through their desires they find what they're looking for and who they truly are to the core. This story was provoking and refreshing. It's erotic but tasteful. It's arousing but beautiful.
Did I love this story? Hell Yes! Do I love Anne Calhoun? Another hell yes. Is this your typical contemporary romance? Not at all and that's the beauty of it. Do you I love Ryan and Simone? Yes, as individuals and yes as a unit. Will I read more from this series? Absolutely, especially after reading the teaser to Muse. Can't wait! Do I recommend this series? Absolutely plus anything that Anne Calhoun writes.
All quotes taken from pre-published eARC & may be altered or omitted in the final copy.
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June 15, 2016
Here is my full review, posted also on my blog, Ellie Reads Fiction
I love Ms Calhoun's writing and the latest books in this series, The Muse, is one of my favourite erotic romances of last year. I somehow ended up reading this series out of order but the separate novels are very loosely connected and they work well as standalone.
Evening Storm is book 4 and very briefly introduces the characters I already met in book 5 and it brings back characters from the previous book which I haven't read yet but this did not prevent me in any way from enjoying Ryan and Simone's romance.
The story is set in the world of luxury - the high-end lingerie designer Simone and the Wall Street shark Ryan come together in an unexpectedly intimate and tender way. It's an angsty story but at the same time a very sexy and intimate one.
The secrets they keep from each other really made things between them difficult. The attraction was there and it was most powerful, yet there was lack of trust and abundance of doubt and misgivings at the beginning. they really did meet at the worst possible time (for him, at least). But it was also the right time, in a way, because he desperately needed Simone's honesty and her down-to-earth, confident and independent attitude. His feelings for her kept him grounded and helped him when his own honesty and desire for justice wavered in the face of the difficulties he was faced with.
Their romance was nothing conventional - he kept bringing other women to her store to buy lingerie for them. he also kept telling her stories about his time with them but they were all meant for her, rather than being a realistic account of his sexual exploits. I found it a bit weird at the beginning but it turned out to be their way of forging connection and intimacy between them. And it was unique and beautiful.
The writing was, as usual, impeccable, very sensual and engaging. Ms Calhoun is a master at exploring the inner world of her characters, their desires and fears and their sexual attractions. A recommended read and series as a whole!
Read this book much later than I initially planned. It's a powerful, sensual story, not as good as the next one, The Muse, which is my absolute favourite by this author. Still, a very, very, very good read which I highly recommend!
I'm part of the Release Day Launch on 18 Aug 2015. Stop by my blog to read an exculsive exceprt and enter a giveaway for a chance to win copy of Evening Storm!
http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.com...
I love Ms Calhoun's writing and the latest books in this series, The Muse, is one of my favourite erotic romances of last year. I somehow ended up reading this series out of order but the separate novels are very loosely connected and they work well as standalone.
Evening Storm is book 4 and very briefly introduces the characters I already met in book 5 and it brings back characters from the previous book which I haven't read yet but this did not prevent me in any way from enjoying Ryan and Simone's romance.
The story is set in the world of luxury - the high-end lingerie designer Simone and the Wall Street shark Ryan come together in an unexpectedly intimate and tender way. It's an angsty story but at the same time a very sexy and intimate one.
The secrets they keep from each other really made things between them difficult. The attraction was there and it was most powerful, yet there was lack of trust and abundance of doubt and misgivings at the beginning. they really did meet at the worst possible time (for him, at least). But it was also the right time, in a way, because he desperately needed Simone's honesty and her down-to-earth, confident and independent attitude. His feelings for her kept him grounded and helped him when his own honesty and desire for justice wavered in the face of the difficulties he was faced with.
Their romance was nothing conventional - he kept bringing other women to her store to buy lingerie for them. he also kept telling her stories about his time with them but they were all meant for her, rather than being a realistic account of his sexual exploits. I found it a bit weird at the beginning but it turned out to be their way of forging connection and intimacy between them. And it was unique and beautiful.
The writing was, as usual, impeccable, very sensual and engaging. Ms Calhoun is a master at exploring the inner world of her characters, their desires and fears and their sexual attractions. A recommended read and series as a whole!
Read this book much later than I initially planned. It's a powerful, sensual story, not as good as the next one, The Muse, which is my absolute favourite by this author. Still, a very, very, very good read which I highly recommend!
I'm part of the Release Day Launch on 18 Aug 2015. Stop by my blog to read an exculsive exceprt and enter a giveaway for a chance to win copy of Evening Storm!
http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.com...
August 19, 2015
I've only read one other book by this author Liberating Lacy which I really liked. But to be honest I didn't quite know what to make of this story, I wasn't sure that the two lead characters were meant to be together. Their whole relationship was not very romantic IMO. For most of the story they're not together which is a big no no for me.
Simone owns a high end lingerie boutique, Ryan brings his woman of the moment in to buy her some underwear. Simone and Ryan immediately have a connection, but he's with another woman so Simone isn't going there.
That's where it got weird for me. They develop this sort of friendship, Ryan visits Simone, during which he relates his latest sexual encounter to Simone in full detail, when I say full detail I mean everything that happened. I wondered why he would do that to a woman he was obviously interested in, he did this more than once, I found him a bit sleazy to be honest. What was his motive? It made him a very unattractive prospect. I also found it very unrealistic that Simone would want to hear it. I personally found it a big turn off. After that I just couldn't imagine them together. Add to that for most of the story they're not together this just didn't do it for me.
This author knows how to write, the story flows very well. It's the way the story played out and the characters personalities that I didn't like, especially Ryan.
Simone owns a high end lingerie boutique, Ryan brings his woman of the moment in to buy her some underwear. Simone and Ryan immediately have a connection, but he's with another woman so Simone isn't going there.
That's where it got weird for me. They develop this sort of friendship, Ryan visits Simone, during which he relates his latest sexual encounter to Simone in full detail, when I say full detail I mean everything that happened. I wondered why he would do that to a woman he was obviously interested in, he did this more than once, I found him a bit sleazy to be honest. What was his motive? It made him a very unattractive prospect. I also found it very unrealistic that Simone would want to hear it. I personally found it a big turn off. After that I just couldn't imagine them together. Add to that for most of the story they're not together this just didn't do it for me.
This author knows how to write, the story flows very well. It's the way the story played out and the characters personalities that I didn't like, especially Ryan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2015
I haven't read one of her books in a while, but holy crap is Anne Calhoun a good writer. This book was SO GOOD and it was one of those stories that you know are going to be good within the first chapter.
It's shorter than most novels, but longer than a novella and I would say it's just the right length. I do wish that there were more scenes with Ryan and Simone together, but I still loved what I read and totally recommend this book to anyone.
It's shorter than most novels, but longer than a novella and I would say it's just the right length. I do wish that there were more scenes with Ryan and Simone together, but I still loved what I read and totally recommend this book to anyone.
August 19, 2015
If you haven't read Calhoun, EVENING STORM is the perfect reason for you to do so. It's a short novel, seductive, romantic, beautifully written, completely arresting. It works as a stand alone read too!
If you're already a fan, don't you dare miss this installment. It's the perfect read to cap Summer.
If you're already a fan, don't you dare miss this installment. It's the perfect read to cap Summer.
September 27, 2017
Ezen is túl vagyok. De ha nem olvasom, akkor nem értem a The Muse történetét.
August 17, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, Anne Calhoun is one of my favorite authors and I adore her writing style. On the other hand, I didn't connect with this particular story the way that I've connected with her other books.
Ryan Hamilton is a hotshot Wall Street investment banker. He's hugely successful, but he has also just discovered that his firm is involved in the largest Ponzi scheme in decades. Ryan is working with the FBI to obtain enough evidence to take down the firm.
Meanwhile, Simone Demarchelier owns and runs an upscale lingerie boutique, Irresistible. She prides herself on creating exquisite pieces that not only pamper women, but also give them confidence. When Ryan comes into her shop one day with a supermodel on his arm, she's taken by his presence, but recognizes that she must stay at a distance since he's clearly with someone.
Here's where the story just didn't work for me. So, Ryan is seeing this supermodel, but it's a casual thing--basically just sex. However, Ryan goes back to Simone and tells her about his sexual encounter with the model. And later in the story, after he hooks up with a famous actress, he goes to Simone and tells her about that encounter as well.
I have so many issues with this. Despite the characters' reasoning that Ryan was really fixated on Simone the whole time, I just couldn't accept the fact that he's with other women for 80% of the book before he and the heroine even get together. That really bothered me. Yes, the circumstances are special because of Ryan's involvement with the FBI, so he has to keep up appearances by not altering his existing lifestyle. But I just really didn't enjoy reading about him being with women other than Simone.
So when Ryan and Simone finally do get together, it was a bit too late for me. I was glad that they get their happily ever after, but I wasn't invested in the relationship because of the events that led up to it.
Having said all that, the writing itself really is beautiful. As I mentioned, Calhoun is one of my favorite authors. Even though I didn't connect with these particular characters and this story, I can't deny the quality of the writing itself. But unfortunately, this isn't one of my favorites by her, so I hesitate to recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Ryan Hamilton is a hotshot Wall Street investment banker. He's hugely successful, but he has also just discovered that his firm is involved in the largest Ponzi scheme in decades. Ryan is working with the FBI to obtain enough evidence to take down the firm.
Meanwhile, Simone Demarchelier owns and runs an upscale lingerie boutique, Irresistible. She prides herself on creating exquisite pieces that not only pamper women, but also give them confidence. When Ryan comes into her shop one day with a supermodel on his arm, she's taken by his presence, but recognizes that she must stay at a distance since he's clearly with someone.
Here's where the story just didn't work for me. So, Ryan is seeing this supermodel, but it's a casual thing--basically just sex. However, Ryan goes back to Simone and tells her about his sexual encounter with the model. And later in the story, after he hooks up with a famous actress, he goes to Simone and tells her about that encounter as well.
I have so many issues with this. Despite the characters' reasoning that Ryan was really fixated on Simone the whole time, I just couldn't accept the fact that he's with other women for 80% of the book before he and the heroine even get together. That really bothered me. Yes, the circumstances are special because of Ryan's involvement with the FBI, so he has to keep up appearances by not altering his existing lifestyle. But I just really didn't enjoy reading about him being with women other than Simone.
So when Ryan and Simone finally do get together, it was a bit too late for me. I was glad that they get their happily ever after, but I wasn't invested in the relationship because of the events that led up to it.
Having said all that, the writing itself really is beautiful. As I mentioned, Calhoun is one of my favorite authors. Even though I didn't connect with these particular characters and this story, I can't deny the quality of the writing itself. But unfortunately, this isn't one of my favorites by her, so I hesitate to recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
August 26, 2015
I'm a big fan of Anne Calhoun, and have been since I stumbled across "Uncommon Passion," which is still my favourite Calhoun story. When I pick up a Calhoun book I know I'm going to get something that is beautifully written and wholly original, and "Evening Storm" is no exception.
I've read the previous books in this series so I was familiar with the Ponzi scheme and heroine's lingerie store, and I appreciated the juxtaposition of the ugliness of the hero's situation (somewhat of his own making) and the beauty of the heroine's profession and creations. I liked that the hero, Ryan, was a man who had ruthlessly pursued this lifestyle and now realized he'd gotten trapped in it, and that the heroine too had pursued her own interests, and only one did it successfully (and happily). Through his encounters with Simone, Ryan realizes he wants more than simply to heed his conscience with the Ponzi scheme situation, he wants happiness. He wants to feel whole and complete and honest, as comfortable in his own skin as she is in hers. This is a nice change from the norm, when the hero is the one "saving" the heroine when it comes to these types of issues.
Even though I think the book is divided fairly evenly between the hero and heroine's respective points of view, I feel like we got a better sense of the heroine in this story, and she was a stronger and more interesting character than Ryan. Given that so many romance heroines seem to fit the same type of mold, I particularly enjoyed this detail.
Overall, I thought this was a smart book. It's not necessarily a page turner, though I enjoyed it all the way through. I think some people might consider it a little slow in places; indeed I sometimes find in Ms. Calhoun's writing that it feels like she does so much research she's then determined to include it all, and sometimes those details feel like they come at the expense of plot and pacing. I imagine this would depend on your personal tastes; I don't care that much for lengthy descriptions of fabrics, for example, but if you do, it won't be an issue.
On the whole, another well done book, and as always, I'm looking forward to the next.
I've read the previous books in this series so I was familiar with the Ponzi scheme and heroine's lingerie store, and I appreciated the juxtaposition of the ugliness of the hero's situation (somewhat of his own making) and the beauty of the heroine's profession and creations. I liked that the hero, Ryan, was a man who had ruthlessly pursued this lifestyle and now realized he'd gotten trapped in it, and that the heroine too had pursued her own interests, and only one did it successfully (and happily). Through his encounters with Simone, Ryan realizes he wants more than simply to heed his conscience with the Ponzi scheme situation, he wants happiness. He wants to feel whole and complete and honest, as comfortable in his own skin as she is in hers. This is a nice change from the norm, when the hero is the one "saving" the heroine when it comes to these types of issues.
Even though I think the book is divided fairly evenly between the hero and heroine's respective points of view, I feel like we got a better sense of the heroine in this story, and she was a stronger and more interesting character than Ryan. Given that so many romance heroines seem to fit the same type of mold, I particularly enjoyed this detail.
Overall, I thought this was a smart book. It's not necessarily a page turner, though I enjoyed it all the way through. I think some people might consider it a little slow in places; indeed I sometimes find in Ms. Calhoun's writing that it feels like she does so much research she's then determined to include it all, and sometimes those details feel like they come at the expense of plot and pacing. I imagine this would depend on your personal tastes; I don't care that much for lengthy descriptions of fabrics, for example, but if you do, it won't be an issue.
On the whole, another well done book, and as always, I'm looking forward to the next.
August 25, 2015
Calhoun turns up the heat in ways I never imagined. This story is so full of tension I'd thought I'd explode and it was well worth staying up past my bedtime to finish.
The characters, both Simone and Ryan are picture perfect as people trying to make their own way and navigate the no-so-simplistic world of fashion and finance. Calhoun makes descriptions bounce of the page, the pictures were so vivid I could almost see and smell where I was.
As for the erotic bit, this book is a testament to erotic not needing anyone to remove their clothes. The characters sizzle in their interactions both in public and private. Too hot to handle for sure. The second story was unexpected and a enjoyable. Ryan's stress was easy to relate to and I can't wait until December when the next book comes out.
The characters, both Simone and Ryan are picture perfect as people trying to make their own way and navigate the no-so-simplistic world of fashion and finance. Calhoun makes descriptions bounce of the page, the pictures were so vivid I could almost see and smell where I was.
As for the erotic bit, this book is a testament to erotic not needing anyone to remove their clothes. The characters sizzle in their interactions both in public and private. Too hot to handle for sure. The second story was unexpected and a enjoyable. Ryan's stress was easy to relate to and I can't wait until December when the next book comes out.
June 22, 2015
I was amused when Ryan got flustered, “once I saw you on your knees, it was all I could think about.” She froze, beer trickling into her mouth. “Eff my effing life,” he said, disgusted. “That came out wrong.” Simone is a feisty and vibrant woman, "her temper fired up again. “No one makes you date women like that,” she said. “Or eff them, or whatever it is you’re doing with them. It’s your choice. If you don’t like it, stop.” This hot and cold bull**** that Ryan is pulling is crap points are slowly going down on likeness. It's a good thing the boy got his head out of his butt because he was really starting to irritate me. Other than Ryan being an idgit disliked the book I liked Simone's character.
August 12, 2015
Evening Storm is a deliciously erotic and complex story that reminded me a little of One Thousand and One Nights (also referred to as The Arabian Nights). Readers will either love or hate this latest offering from Anne Calhoun as she takes a unique and somewhat controversial approach in presenting a romance where a conflicted man uses tales of his numerous sexual exploits to seduce a woman he wants but can’t have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2015
This was a very good read. The characters are fully fleshed out, mature people who make mistakes, get angry, and learn to deal with their problems. The writing is beautiful with a dash of a poignant feel. The romance is hot and full of feeling. My major complaint is that I wanted more of their story. Am eagerly awaiting the next book now.
October 10, 2015
I love Anne Calhoun's writing but I can't properly say if I like this one or not, mainly because I'm not attached to the characters. I love both Simone and Ryan, their interactions with each other (what is sensual), but compare to Anne's other books I'm not really hooked.
Love all the Daniel Logan cameos. Probably gonna reread his book yep.
The Muse excerpt looks great!
Love all the Daniel Logan cameos. Probably gonna reread his book yep.
The Muse excerpt looks great!
April 28, 2016
This was the erotic romance I'd been wanting to read and didn't even realize it. Plot, characterization, and sensuality came together in a way that was fulfilling, yet left me wanting more in the best possible way. A.
September 9, 2015
The tension in Evening Storm about killed me dead. A perfect reminder why she's one of my go-to recs for erotic romance.
March 27, 2018
Mmmm. Calhoun's writing is just gorgeous and coupled with a tale of people meeting at all the wrong time, it's just perfect for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Simone and her directness, both about who she is and what she wants. I loved her relationship with Stephane as much as Ryan. I also enjoyed the hints at a complex, rich backstory for all the characters that is only hinted at but still fully realized in the context of the story at hand. It's a deft touch and much appreciated.
January 10, 2023
2.5 stars. This book would have been really good if the first 3/4 wasn’t all about him with other women. I do not understand why he would tell her, in extreme detail no less, about his sexual times with other women. And why would she listen? Made no sense and I found it really took away from their story. The writing was well done, it’s just the plot left a lot to be desired.
October 23, 2025
Simpler and sweet. Not my favorite, it felt a bit rushed and the characters more shallow than her other work, but has Anne Calhoune’s hallmarks: two lost people finding each other, deliberate and meaningful sex, and becoming wiser and more comfortable in the world.
September 29, 2019
Couldn't suspend my disbelief in the hero's very long "sexy" monologues... Who talks like that?
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