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My Heart to Fear
Devious. Dangerous. Demonic. Damien.
Twenty-three-year-old Ali Spencer is on the prowl for a man who can help her overcome her terror of sex. When she takes a graduate art seminar taught by the handsome and enigmatic Dr. Geoffrey Blake, she wants to take a trip into hell with the hot professor as a guide—hell in art, that is.
But Ali might just have met the true Satan when her path crosses with that of Eric Damien, a wealthy and powerful businessman whose sterling reputation hides the dark side of the man: Damien is a man who blurs the lines between right and wrong and who decides he will have her at any cost.
One woman, two men. Will the artist or the devil win? And who is who, false or true?
Twenty-three-year-old Ali Spencer is on the prowl for a man who can help her overcome her terror of sex. When she takes a graduate art seminar taught by the handsome and enigmatic Dr. Geoffrey Blake, she wants to take a trip into hell with the hot professor as a guide—hell in art, that is.
But Ali might just have met the true Satan when her path crosses with that of Eric Damien, a wealthy and powerful businessman whose sterling reputation hides the dark side of the man: Damien is a man who blurs the lines between right and wrong and who decides he will have her at any cost.
One woman, two men. Will the artist or the devil win? And who is who, false or true?
443 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2014
22 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 6, 2014
While I detested the main male character, I couldn't stop reading! I couldn't function until I found out how the book ended. I woke up thinking about it, needing to reread the final chapter and wrap my mind around the entire scenario. IMO that is a great book!! If I'm obsessing then the author has done something right!
I was told to read this because of the similarities it showed to another book. I agree that the main character is similar, the author even admits that by dedicating the book to the "similar" character. However, IMO the similarities end there. This original story line with twists and turns kept me enthralled. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Personally, I LOVE dark, angst, and even a good cliff hanger. If I didn't, I couldn't watch a TV program or read most books. I'm not a fan of bows...I LOVE knots and I'll attest to the HOT and KNOT factor in "My Heart to Fear"...it is 5 stars!
I was told to read this because of the similarities it showed to another book. I agree that the main character is similar, the author even admits that by dedicating the book to the "similar" character. However, IMO the similarities end there. This original story line with twists and turns kept me enthralled. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Personally, I LOVE dark, angst, and even a good cliff hanger. If I didn't, I couldn't watch a TV program or read most books. I'm not a fan of bows...I LOVE knots and I'll attest to the HOT and KNOT factor in "My Heart to Fear"...it is 5 stars!
September 16, 2014
I would give this book 4 stars, This book kept me so engrossed I couldnt wait to finish it just to see what happened. The only reason that I didnt give this book 5 stars is that it would go from one persons pov straight into another without a break or anything letting you know until you are a couple sentence in. That got confusing for a second and thats just something that bothers me, otherwise this story will keep you guessing. I like a little suspense in my romance. So I would definitely recommend this book,but be forewarned it does leave you wanting more. Not a huge cliffhanger but it leaves you wondering whats going to happen. Ali Spencer is a 23 year old college student who has had a traumatic experience as a child thats left her unable to get close to any man.When she takes a graduate art class with the handsome ,young Dr. Geoffery Blake she would like to get to know him better. Then she meets wealthy,powerful Eric Damien. Both want her but are they really what they seem,or is one the devil behind a beautiful exterior and how far will they go to claim her. How far will Ali go , will she head for the light or the dark and which is which. I cannot wait to see how this book will go into the second one!! A must read.
November 25, 2014
This book really annoyed me.
I get that Tony from Consequences and Gabriel from 'Rapture, etc.' influenced her (she mentions both in her foreword), but this book was just a recreation of those two plots ... and a poor recreation at that.
I get that Tony from Consequences and Gabriel from 'Rapture, etc.' influenced her (she mentions both in her foreword), but this book was just a recreation of those two plots ... and a poor recreation at that.
September 17, 2014
4 Stars
Ali Spencer has lived her life flying under the radar, the man radar, so to speak. Being assaulted as a child has left physiological scars far deeper in reach than any physical reminder of that night. At 23, Ali is stunningly beautiful yet unaware of how her body and demure behavior attracts the opposite sex. Much to her surprise and disbelief, in just two short weeks Ali has not one but two men vying for her attention. On on hand she has her very intelligent Art professor Geoffrey Blake and the other she has Eric Damien, a mongol in the business world and a self made millionaire. Both men are extremely attractive and asserting and both men play to win. Will Ali be able to see through her haze of lust and see the right man for her? Or will listening to her body destroy her heart?
Oh my, this book was delicious, intriguing and AMAZING! I was up until 1:30am reading it because I HAD TO KNOW what happens and how the book ends. The author writes in such a way that as a reader, I was constantly waiting for the 'shoe to drop,' so to speak. It was exciting and it kept me glued to page after page, only to find myself dreaming of this book when I finally went to bed! This book was a bit stiff and too formal in dialogue between some of the characters and that is the only reason I have to give a 4 star rating. I know that you love angst, romantic triangle books then you will love this book! I can NOT AT ALL wait for the second book to come out! This book does end in a cliff - hanger for those of you who hate the wait. I still think you should read it though... with this book the wait will be worth it :)
Reviewed by: Maggie Wadsager
Ali Spencer has lived her life flying under the radar, the man radar, so to speak. Being assaulted as a child has left physiological scars far deeper in reach than any physical reminder of that night. At 23, Ali is stunningly beautiful yet unaware of how her body and demure behavior attracts the opposite sex. Much to her surprise and disbelief, in just two short weeks Ali has not one but two men vying for her attention. On on hand she has her very intelligent Art professor Geoffrey Blake and the other she has Eric Damien, a mongol in the business world and a self made millionaire. Both men are extremely attractive and asserting and both men play to win. Will Ali be able to see through her haze of lust and see the right man for her? Or will listening to her body destroy her heart?
Oh my, this book was delicious, intriguing and AMAZING! I was up until 1:30am reading it because I HAD TO KNOW what happens and how the book ends. The author writes in such a way that as a reader, I was constantly waiting for the 'shoe to drop,' so to speak. It was exciting and it kept me glued to page after page, only to find myself dreaming of this book when I finally went to bed! This book was a bit stiff and too formal in dialogue between some of the characters and that is the only reason I have to give a 4 star rating. I know that you love angst, romantic triangle books then you will love this book! I can NOT AT ALL wait for the second book to come out! This book does end in a cliff - hanger for those of you who hate the wait. I still think you should read it though... with this book the wait will be worth it :)
Reviewed by: Maggie Wadsager
February 14, 2015
I gave this book 2 stars out of generosity for the first half of the book and the point that I learned a lot of big words. It was lengthy and repetitive.
Pros it had the main foundation of a good book.
Cons It was repetitive and stressful (yes that was a repeat)
Eric Damien's description was repeated so many times I dreamed of him
Ali was described as a person with morals and good thought process. Unfortunately she never exercised them.
Professor was just too many places. I don't think the author had any clue what to really do with him.
I felt no connection to Eric, Professor and especially Ali.
THEN IT HAD THE NERVE TO BE A CLIFFHANGER.
I rushed to finish it because I thought may after all of this time they would have put an end to this reader's torment.
Pros it had the main foundation of a good book.
Cons It was repetitive and stressful (yes that was a repeat)
Eric Damien's description was repeated so many times I dreamed of him
Ali was described as a person with morals and good thought process. Unfortunately she never exercised them.
Professor was just too many places. I don't think the author had any clue what to really do with him.
I felt no connection to Eric, Professor and especially Ali.
THEN IT HAD THE NERVE TO BE A CLIFFHANGER.
I rushed to finish it because I thought may after all of this time they would have put an end to this reader's torment.
October 2, 2014
I've read a few of this authors books but holy wow this is certainly my favourite. I thoroughly loved it.
Although this was long I read in in just over a day. I seriously did not want to put it down. I'm not gonna say much about the storyline. I went into this without reading reviews and I'm so happy I did. The synopsis gave enough to tease me but the story was so much more.
Gripping story with brilliant twists. Really fantastic gritty angsty dark romance that I highly recommend.
Although this was long I read in in just over a day. I seriously did not want to put it down. I'm not gonna say much about the storyline. I went into this without reading reviews and I'm so happy I did. The synopsis gave enough to tease me but the story was so much more.
Gripping story with brilliant twists. Really fantastic gritty angsty dark romance that I highly recommend.
December 22, 2014
the reason i rate this book 5 stars is for keeping me so much
on my toes..
i am so dying to complete the series... i got it from Aleatha Romig's highly recommended shelf and since she is my Favorite gal, i just had to and i do not regret it.
Lulu, you have a new fan in me
on my toes..
i am so dying to complete the series... i got it from Aleatha Romig's highly recommended shelf and since she is my Favorite gal, i just had to and i do not regret it.
Lulu, you have a new fan in me
September 19, 2014
I love this book! I was completely sucked into the story and did not want to put it down. Lulu never disappoints, I love her writing.
January 26, 2015
WOW! Lulu Astor you are a crazy talented writer!!!
Do you ever really know someone? Like deep down know someone is good or evil? Ali might just find out the hard way….
Ali Spencer is finishing up her last few months at college. She’s a simple girl but very smart. She comes from a close nit family but there are deep issues in the family that will ultimately complicate things for her. She also happens to be a 24 year old virgin. Not by choice but because of the “incident” that happened when she was 11 years old. She was not raped but close and because of this she has a sort of block that when she gets close to having sex she completely freezes up. Like catatonic freeze up. That is until she meets….
Eric Damien is a multimillionaire, CEO, HOT, powerhouse. He’s dominate and passionate but extremely arrogant. To the point of me calling him an Asshat over and over again. Just when you think he might be “okay” he does something so ridiculous that you just can’t believe that he is sane. Is he? Is he sweet for taking care of her? Is he showing love by being possessive? Is he keeping her safe by demanding she obey him? Will Ali be able to put up with his serious hair trigger temper? What about his controlling behavior? Has Ali met the devil or just a miss-understood broken man?
Professor Geffrey Blake is very good looking and smart and a wonderful conversationalist. He also happens to be Ali’s professor and boss (she works as his assistant part-time) and it’s against college rules to have a relationship with students. Their relationship teeters on the brink of actually being a relationship, waiting until he turns in the final grades and he wisk Ali off to Europe for four weeks. However, this happens on the heels of Ali and Eric’s breakup and she still has feelings for him even though she wants nothing to do with him - her body just can’t have the same feelings as her mind.
Geffrey is an amazing person and Ali knows he’s a wonderful man. Good looking, smart, wealthy with that manly dominance that she’s so attracted to. She really wants to feel for him what she feels for Eric but she can’t seem to make herself. She just can’t shake her feelings for Eric no matter what. Will Geffrey give up on her?
This book has it all. There’s danger, murder, attempted sucide, all sorts of cons on all different characters, deeply hidden secrets, family feuds, kidnapping, revenge, extortion, a ponzi scheme, people go to jail, and the cheating….my god the cheating! Within family members!!! The list is pretty much endless. This book has it all and it all entwines into a story that is captivating and wonderful. The story is amazing. The characters have so much depth it’s insane. The way it twist and winds to it’s conclusion is just epic. And the side of mystery that’s wonderfully written into the story is simply masterful.
I do need to say, prepare yourself, It’s really long - I looked it up and Amazon says approx 445 pages. Most books these days are around 300-350. That being said, would I take anything out? Absoutely not! Also, the technique that the author uses took a bit of getting used to. Let me explain, there are a lot of things happening at the same time therefore it bounces around from character to character quite frequently and sometimes suddenly. Once I got used to it, it was fine. I was also reading an Advanced Copy so it may be clearer with the final copy.
Yes it’s a long book and it’s a journey to get to the end, but it’s completely worth it. Just be prepared to yell at your tablet - I sure did. The end is totally wonderful IF, and I mean IF, Lulu Astor writes the next book that, based on this ending, I hope she’s working on right now. I can’t wait!!!!!!
Highly Recommend!!!
Do you ever really know someone? Like deep down know someone is good or evil? Ali might just find out the hard way….
Ali Spencer is finishing up her last few months at college. She’s a simple girl but very smart. She comes from a close nit family but there are deep issues in the family that will ultimately complicate things for her. She also happens to be a 24 year old virgin. Not by choice but because of the “incident” that happened when she was 11 years old. She was not raped but close and because of this she has a sort of block that when she gets close to having sex she completely freezes up. Like catatonic freeze up. That is until she meets….
Eric Damien is a multimillionaire, CEO, HOT, powerhouse. He’s dominate and passionate but extremely arrogant. To the point of me calling him an Asshat over and over again. Just when you think he might be “okay” he does something so ridiculous that you just can’t believe that he is sane. Is he? Is he sweet for taking care of her? Is he showing love by being possessive? Is he keeping her safe by demanding she obey him? Will Ali be able to put up with his serious hair trigger temper? What about his controlling behavior? Has Ali met the devil or just a miss-understood broken man?
Professor Geffrey Blake is very good looking and smart and a wonderful conversationalist. He also happens to be Ali’s professor and boss (she works as his assistant part-time) and it’s against college rules to have a relationship with students. Their relationship teeters on the brink of actually being a relationship, waiting until he turns in the final grades and he wisk Ali off to Europe for four weeks. However, this happens on the heels of Ali and Eric’s breakup and she still has feelings for him even though she wants nothing to do with him - her body just can’t have the same feelings as her mind.
Geffrey is an amazing person and Ali knows he’s a wonderful man. Good looking, smart, wealthy with that manly dominance that she’s so attracted to. She really wants to feel for him what she feels for Eric but she can’t seem to make herself. She just can’t shake her feelings for Eric no matter what. Will Geffrey give up on her?
This book has it all. There’s danger, murder, attempted sucide, all sorts of cons on all different characters, deeply hidden secrets, family feuds, kidnapping, revenge, extortion, a ponzi scheme, people go to jail, and the cheating….my god the cheating! Within family members!!! The list is pretty much endless. This book has it all and it all entwines into a story that is captivating and wonderful. The story is amazing. The characters have so much depth it’s insane. The way it twist and winds to it’s conclusion is just epic. And the side of mystery that’s wonderfully written into the story is simply masterful.
I do need to say, prepare yourself, It’s really long - I looked it up and Amazon says approx 445 pages. Most books these days are around 300-350. That being said, would I take anything out? Absoutely not! Also, the technique that the author uses took a bit of getting used to. Let me explain, there are a lot of things happening at the same time therefore it bounces around from character to character quite frequently and sometimes suddenly. Once I got used to it, it was fine. I was also reading an Advanced Copy so it may be clearer with the final copy.
Yes it’s a long book and it’s a journey to get to the end, but it’s completely worth it. Just be prepared to yell at your tablet - I sure did. The end is totally wonderful IF, and I mean IF, Lulu Astor writes the next book that, based on this ending, I hope she’s working on right now. I can’t wait!!!!!!
Highly Recommend!!!
September 27, 2014
My Heart to Fear book review
Ali Spencer is a graduate student in Boulder who lives with her best friend Shea. While Shea is outgoing and has no trouble with men, Ali has something from her past that has her unable to get close to any man. Well, she’s 23 now and she’s ready to try to change that. She meets two men that have taken interest in her.
Geoffrey Blake is an art professor at Ali’s college. He shows interest in Ali, but she doesn’t think much of it because college rules forbid student/teacher relationships. Geoffrey tries to keep it professional, but falters when the other man in Ali’s life makes a wrong move.
Eric Damian is a very powerful, dominant, and successful businessman. He is a complete alpha male. Ali meets him by chance at a dinner. Although she knows he has all the horrible dominant behaviors, she feels drawn to him. Eric is drawn to Ali as well. He helps her get over her problem with men, but now Eric doesn’t want there to ever be a chance that another man can do the same. He’s feeling things that he’s never felt before, yet he can’t change the person he is. Will Ali fall for Eric’s dark behaviors? Will Geoffrey be just what she needed? How far will Eric go to make things work with him and Ali despite everything going against them?
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I will be very honest; I would have not given this book more than 3 stars if I hadn’t made it past the first 20% of the book. I wanted to stop reading it just a chapter into it. I felt as though I had read too many books with the same characters in them, and this as just another one of those. Well, after making it 20% in, I found there to be much more to the story than I thought. The story kept getting deeper. The characters kept doing things that kept my interest. By the end of the book I was ready for more.
I didn’t like Ali too much at first. She was just another character with past issues that interfered with her sexual relationships (or lack of). Then when things finally start going I really started to like her. She doesn’t dwell on this issue the whole book. The problem is there, but there isn’t a scene with her freaking out about it every chapter. In fact, she seems to embrace this sexual side of herself. I was also upset that she was weak for letting Eric treat her poorly at times. Then I the book progressed, I thought that if I was her, I would put up with Eric’s hot self too.
So obviously I like Eric Damian. He seems to be one hot alpha male. I also like that he’s a little older and not some 25 year old acting this way. It just seems weird when I read about young men in books acting so dominant. So, him being older helped me connect to his character better. I really never knew what was going to happen with him next while reading this. His moods swung back and forth, and his heart seemed to be indecisive for a while.
So, I could totally picture Professor Geoffrey Blake all hot and sexy teaching. I can’t blame Ali for wanting a piece of that too. But I got really sad for him at one part in the book (you will just have to read to find out).
This was a great book. It gives you all the favorite elements of this genre plus some!
April 8, 2019
I didn’t finish the whole thing but omg I had to leave a review of what i did read
Have you guys ever watched Scary Movie where the blonde chick is being chased by the murderer in the house and when she is faced with the decision to take an array of weapons to aid her, she chooses the banana?? Yeah that basically sums up the MC’s decisions up into the 40ish%(read on my kindle and that’s where i threw my towel in).. like I literally laughed at some of the stuff she did and wanted to scream at the same time because I am a VERY SUPPORTIVE reader of strong women and this chick just 🤦🏽♀️ ughhhh
So the MC basically had a very traumatic experience when she was younger and it leads to her being a twenty something virgin in college. She has two best friends one is Shea who basically is very outgoing and doesn’t give one bleep of what society standards is etc. then there is the guy BFF which i can’t even remember his name. But he seemed ok even though some of the stuff he said was very cringe worthy. I don’t have any issues with these secondary characters. However the two love interests are just straight up weirdos..
The professor had this debuntant air about him that made it seem like he was born in the 1800’s. Like dude we get your smart and everything but no twenty something sounds like you. At some point I kinda pictured him as an old man who sits in his library regaling tales about his time in the war but then i came back to the story and was like nope he is just some God looking type guy who really likes drinking and making passes at his student.
Then the other love interest was a millionaire mogul... first of all the guy is a CREEP. Like we all know he is stalking her and everything by like the 4-5th chapter. And that was just after having ONE DINNER with the MC. And then the author created this weird backstory of how the MC’s mom was supposed to MARRY said creepo. At this point I’m just like what the H*LL. And the MC kinda figured out this guy was possessive and weird and started trying to pull herself away but then didn’t..? And then her house gotten broken into and it just spiraled down from that point.
Like Creepo straight up locked the MC in his penthouse and threatened her with violence but somehow the MC got over it????? Like huh.
And I couldn’t comprehend WHAT MADE THE MC SO SPECIAL?! I think the author didn’t even know. the guys just kept referring to her looks “she’s beautiful” “her skin is looks so soft” “her eyes are so blue”. Sure she read some books and knew her art but that was expected since she majored in that type of stuff. So like what made these guys so insane for her? Cause she was a virgin? If so that seems kinda jaded. There are more to women than what’s between our legs. IJS ✊🏽
As a reader I just felt like this story held no hope for getting any better. As a woman I wanted to shake this chick until I knocked some sense into her head. But alas maybe she did do something right in the end and ditch the creepo and build some self esteem and get her life together but who knows with the way she was making her decisions when I DNF’d it.
So would I recommend this book by what i did read? nooooooo. But very reader has their own taste so find out for yourself
Have you guys ever watched Scary Movie where the blonde chick is being chased by the murderer in the house and when she is faced with the decision to take an array of weapons to aid her, she chooses the banana?? Yeah that basically sums up the MC’s decisions up into the 40ish%(read on my kindle and that’s where i threw my towel in).. like I literally laughed at some of the stuff she did and wanted to scream at the same time because I am a VERY SUPPORTIVE reader of strong women and this chick just 🤦🏽♀️ ughhhh
So the MC basically had a very traumatic experience when she was younger and it leads to her being a twenty something virgin in college. She has two best friends one is Shea who basically is very outgoing and doesn’t give one bleep of what society standards is etc. then there is the guy BFF which i can’t even remember his name. But he seemed ok even though some of the stuff he said was very cringe worthy. I don’t have any issues with these secondary characters. However the two love interests are just straight up weirdos..
The professor had this debuntant air about him that made it seem like he was born in the 1800’s. Like dude we get your smart and everything but no twenty something sounds like you. At some point I kinda pictured him as an old man who sits in his library regaling tales about his time in the war but then i came back to the story and was like nope he is just some God looking type guy who really likes drinking and making passes at his student.
Then the other love interest was a millionaire mogul... first of all the guy is a CREEP. Like we all know he is stalking her and everything by like the 4-5th chapter. And that was just after having ONE DINNER with the MC. And then the author created this weird backstory of how the MC’s mom was supposed to MARRY said creepo. At this point I’m just like what the H*LL. And the MC kinda figured out this guy was possessive and weird and started trying to pull herself away but then didn’t..? And then her house gotten broken into and it just spiraled down from that point.
Like Creepo straight up locked the MC in his penthouse and threatened her with violence but somehow the MC got over it????? Like huh.
And I couldn’t comprehend WHAT MADE THE MC SO SPECIAL?! I think the author didn’t even know. the guys just kept referring to her looks “she’s beautiful” “her skin is looks so soft” “her eyes are so blue”. Sure she read some books and knew her art but that was expected since she majored in that type of stuff. So like what made these guys so insane for her? Cause she was a virgin? If so that seems kinda jaded. There are more to women than what’s between our legs. IJS ✊🏽
As a reader I just felt like this story held no hope for getting any better. As a woman I wanted to shake this chick until I knocked some sense into her head. But alas maybe she did do something right in the end and ditch the creepo and build some self esteem and get her life together but who knows with the way she was making her decisions when I DNF’d it.
So would I recommend this book by what i did read? nooooooo. But very reader has their own taste so find out for yourself
September 23, 2014
This is one of the best books I've read in a long long time. I really mean it. I've read your other short stories and novels before but I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this up and saw the excerpt. I figured though that since I enjoyed your previous work, this would be just as great. I was definitely not disappointed.
Two things -
First off - This is very well written. Lulu, you seriously need to write/publish more novels! You are definitely a professional who takes her craft seriously! I totally respect that. As someone who is time constrained and is really picky about the novels I read, I tend to either get really into a novel or just put it down after a page or so. With this novel, I was excited to see what would happen next. Ali Spencer fascinates me as she is this woman who is obviously bright and thoughtful but has no idea that she is entering the lion's den or more specifically Prof Blake and Eric Damien's dens. From the beginning, there was something totally off about Prof Blake. I couldn't put my thumb on it but I could feel it when reading. Eric Damien is truly a dark character but the more we read on, we find out that he is not entirely evil. Nobody in this novel is completely good or evil in terms of character, even Ali. Prof Blake seems like the good guy but as we read on, he is not so clean cut himself. Not going to give anymore away about the plot but I definitely enjoyed this novel because it is not just a dark romance but a gritty dark romance. There are times that you just want to yell at your Kindle and tell Ali Spencer to run far away from both Prof Blake and Eric Damien but of course, she is like the moth to the flame. Also the plot twists prevent you from putting the novel down. If you are going to read this novel, carve out some me time ahead of time! :-D
Second - The writing style is excellent. I was not confused at all about the POVs since this was written with an omniscient point of view "style" in mind. It makes sense and frankly makes the novel more interesting and guides us (the readers) along nicely. I would be a bit bored and confused about the character motives if it was just Ali Spencer's POV. That was one of the things I didn't like about Fifty Shades of Grey. As much as I liked the novel, I didn't like seeing only Ana's POV; seeing EL James' Christian Grey POV at the end of her 3rd novel was a bit hilarious and fascinating because it makes some of the scenes in the original novel even more interesting... Anyhow, I digress, the point is to keep the POV style in mind. Every writer has a different approach but that is what makes the world of writing and reading all the better.
Full Five stars from me!
Two things -
First off - This is very well written. Lulu, you seriously need to write/publish more novels! You are definitely a professional who takes her craft seriously! I totally respect that. As someone who is time constrained and is really picky about the novels I read, I tend to either get really into a novel or just put it down after a page or so. With this novel, I was excited to see what would happen next. Ali Spencer fascinates me as she is this woman who is obviously bright and thoughtful but has no idea that she is entering the lion's den or more specifically Prof Blake and Eric Damien's dens. From the beginning, there was something totally off about Prof Blake. I couldn't put my thumb on it but I could feel it when reading. Eric Damien is truly a dark character but the more we read on, we find out that he is not entirely evil. Nobody in this novel is completely good or evil in terms of character, even Ali. Prof Blake seems like the good guy but as we read on, he is not so clean cut himself. Not going to give anymore away about the plot but I definitely enjoyed this novel because it is not just a dark romance but a gritty dark romance. There are times that you just want to yell at your Kindle and tell Ali Spencer to run far away from both Prof Blake and Eric Damien but of course, she is like the moth to the flame. Also the plot twists prevent you from putting the novel down. If you are going to read this novel, carve out some me time ahead of time! :-D
Second - The writing style is excellent. I was not confused at all about the POVs since this was written with an omniscient point of view "style" in mind. It makes sense and frankly makes the novel more interesting and guides us (the readers) along nicely. I would be a bit bored and confused about the character motives if it was just Ali Spencer's POV. That was one of the things I didn't like about Fifty Shades of Grey. As much as I liked the novel, I didn't like seeing only Ana's POV; seeing EL James' Christian Grey POV at the end of her 3rd novel was a bit hilarious and fascinating because it makes some of the scenes in the original novel even more interesting... Anyhow, I digress, the point is to keep the POV style in mind. Every writer has a different approach but that is what makes the world of writing and reading all the better.
Full Five stars from me!
October 2, 2014
The summary of this story is:
Twenty-three-year-old Ali Spencer is on the prowl for a man who can help her overcome her terror of sex. When she takes a graduate art seminar taught by the handsome and enigmatic Dr. Geoffrey Blake, she wants to take a trip into hell with the hot professor as a guide—hell in art, that is.
But Ali might just have met the true Satan when her path crosses with that of Eric Damien, a wealthy and powerful businessman whose sterling reputation hides the dark side of the man: Damien is a man who blurs the lines between right and wrong and who decides he will have her at any cost.
One woman, two men. Will the artist or the devil win? And who is who, false or true?
This book is absolutely captivating. Once you start it, you will not be able to stop reading it, and you have no idea why. At times, you honestly hate the two main characters Ali and Damien, except you can't help but want them to be together. There is some kind of chemistry between these two that is undeniable, and even though you want to hate them and are maybe disgusted by their love, you still want them to be happy in the end.
WARNING: It ends on an absolutely horrible cliff hanger, so be prepared to be angry and so desperately craving the next novel that you don't know what to do with yourself.
Ultimately, the story is interesting and you cannot help but continue to read, even if you can't stand the plot or the characters. There is something utterly addicting about this book and you can't put it down.
Although Ali is naive and Damien is controlling and a little psycho, there is some sort of attraction to these characters and the want for them to be happy in the end. Ultimately, it is an absolutely fantastic read and an utterly phenomenal story.
I definitely recommend this novel!
Twenty-three-year-old Ali Spencer is on the prowl for a man who can help her overcome her terror of sex. When she takes a graduate art seminar taught by the handsome and enigmatic Dr. Geoffrey Blake, she wants to take a trip into hell with the hot professor as a guide—hell in art, that is.
But Ali might just have met the true Satan when her path crosses with that of Eric Damien, a wealthy and powerful businessman whose sterling reputation hides the dark side of the man: Damien is a man who blurs the lines between right and wrong and who decides he will have her at any cost.
One woman, two men. Will the artist or the devil win? And who is who, false or true?
This book is absolutely captivating. Once you start it, you will not be able to stop reading it, and you have no idea why. At times, you honestly hate the two main characters Ali and Damien, except you can't help but want them to be together. There is some kind of chemistry between these two that is undeniable, and even though you want to hate them and are maybe disgusted by their love, you still want them to be happy in the end.
WARNING: It ends on an absolutely horrible cliff hanger, so be prepared to be angry and so desperately craving the next novel that you don't know what to do with yourself.
Ultimately, the story is interesting and you cannot help but continue to read, even if you can't stand the plot or the characters. There is something utterly addicting about this book and you can't put it down.
Although Ali is naive and Damien is controlling and a little psycho, there is some sort of attraction to these characters and the want for them to be happy in the end. Ultimately, it is an absolutely fantastic read and an utterly phenomenal story.
I definitely recommend this novel!
November 7, 2014
“My Heart to Fear” by Lulu Asher is an erotic novel that was quite compelling from the beginning. We meet the young and naive Ali Spencer as she gets caught in the web of sinister, yet intriguing, Eric Damien, who seems to command everything and everyone around him. As the reader, you begin to see a “softer side” of him and even begin to see what sees in him. He’s smooth, charismatic, and commanding, albeit in an overly controlling way, but yet somehow sexy. This novel can easily be compared to FSOG as some of the story design is similar; however it is updated, more mature, and far more believable than FSOG.
The characters have a decent amount of depth and Damien seems to grow and develop as the story moves forward.
The downside? This book is a massive cliffhanger, and just as you think things are going to be fine and end in a particular way, the rug is essentially pulled out from under you, and you are left with no answers or hint as to what may come next, which can leave the reader frustrated.
The good news: The novel is interesting enough to make you want to find out what happens next. If you enjoy erotic thrillers or alpha males, you will love this book and count the days until the next in the series is released.
The characters have a decent amount of depth and Damien seems to grow and develop as the story moves forward.
The downside? This book is a massive cliffhanger, and just as you think things are going to be fine and end in a particular way, the rug is essentially pulled out from under you, and you are left with no answers or hint as to what may come next, which can leave the reader frustrated.
The good news: The novel is interesting enough to make you want to find out what happens next. If you enjoy erotic thrillers or alpha males, you will love this book and count the days until the next in the series is released.
January 23, 2019
Mm well I am 76% in and I wanted to love this as I'm a massive fan of dark lover/captive/possessive romances, however I keep stopping out of frustration.
The MC Ali is annoying. She is weak willed, indecisive, gullible and an all around poor decision maker. She has absolutely no backbone and instead of coming off as naive and inexperienced (she is meant to be an amazing blend of naivety and sensuality apparently) she just seems stupid.
The two love interests are both obsessed with her and cannot seem to get over her though she is written with absolutely NO personality. She seems to have no interests other than being passed from one man to the other and back again. She displays no loyalty to either and has petty, self indulging habits. She takes umbrage when Eric alludes her "purity is lost" as she has slept with someone other than him - she is furious and for the first time speaks up- yet barely makes a peep when they have known each other a week and he slaps her around, pulls her hair and threatens her. It makes absolutely no sense.
Eric is the most interesting character and he is a psycho.
The writing style is stiff and dispassionate; even the sex scenes are perfunctory and described clinically.
The MC Ali is annoying. She is weak willed, indecisive, gullible and an all around poor decision maker. She has absolutely no backbone and instead of coming off as naive and inexperienced (she is meant to be an amazing blend of naivety and sensuality apparently) she just seems stupid.
The two love interests are both obsessed with her and cannot seem to get over her though she is written with absolutely NO personality. She seems to have no interests other than being passed from one man to the other and back again. She displays no loyalty to either and has petty, self indulging habits. She takes umbrage when Eric alludes her "purity is lost" as she has slept with someone other than him - she is furious and for the first time speaks up- yet barely makes a peep when they have known each other a week and he slaps her around, pulls her hair and threatens her. It makes absolutely no sense.
Eric is the most interesting character and he is a psycho.
The writing style is stiff and dispassionate; even the sex scenes are perfunctory and described clinically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2014
4 fangs
Ali Spencer is looking for something new, outrageous and not like her. She decides to go big or go home and step into an affair to rock the ages, but where to start. While waiting she registers for a graduate art seminar in hopes to meet new people and maybe that special hottie. Man was she right on. Her instructor is a young sexy man named Dr…… yep that’s right Dr. Geoffrey Blake. Planning on learning about the dark heavy underworld of art, literally the paintings depict hell, she finds herself in a dark situation with Eric Damien. Can she resist the dark side or will she sway towards the light?
I love how the beginning starts with the girls in the art museum looking at the art and really getting into it. I also love that it’s based in my home state! I’m a big art fanatic so it kept me interested in the beginning. I was drawn into the suspense of trying to figure our Eric and also wonder is she going to give in.
Romance/suspense I would rate Adult as well. Love the arts and romance with a little thrill go head and try it out.
Reviewer for Paranormal romance and Lulu Astor
Ali Spencer is looking for something new, outrageous and not like her. She decides to go big or go home and step into an affair to rock the ages, but where to start. While waiting she registers for a graduate art seminar in hopes to meet new people and maybe that special hottie. Man was she right on. Her instructor is a young sexy man named Dr…… yep that’s right Dr. Geoffrey Blake. Planning on learning about the dark heavy underworld of art, literally the paintings depict hell, she finds herself in a dark situation with Eric Damien. Can she resist the dark side or will she sway towards the light?
I love how the beginning starts with the girls in the art museum looking at the art and really getting into it. I also love that it’s based in my home state! I’m a big art fanatic so it kept me interested in the beginning. I was drawn into the suspense of trying to figure our Eric and also wonder is she going to give in.
Romance/suspense I would rate Adult as well. Love the arts and romance with a little thrill go head and try it out.
Reviewer for Paranormal romance and Lulu Astor
September 17, 2014
Wow! holy nail biting ....was late to pick up my kids ....wow!! I was hooked right from the first few lines and could not put down until the very end. There had better be a follow on book! If there isn’t Lulu need to go sit down and start writing it right now please.
I kept waiting for the moment when Eric would redeem himself or at least we would understand him being in Ali’s words a FSmileckhead I hoped and prayed that he would change somehow because I do think that he loves her, but good lordy the man has anger issues that he should really get checked out.
I did not like the professor, he seems a little too good to be true and I just don’t trust him.
Ali, boy oh boy Ali...with enough issues of her own going on getting together with either of these two was a dangerous move. I love how her mind and body just cannot get on the same page and I do believe that she loves Eric despite him being certifiable.
I loved this story and couldn’t put it down until I knew what happens, what a fabulous dark, twisted tale of love and craziness.
A 4.5 stars from me and it would have been a bit fat 5 but the switching between different POV’s had me confused a few
I kept waiting for the moment when Eric would redeem himself or at least we would understand him being in Ali’s words a FSmileckhead I hoped and prayed that he would change somehow because I do think that he loves her, but good lordy the man has anger issues that he should really get checked out.
I did not like the professor, he seems a little too good to be true and I just don’t trust him.
Ali, boy oh boy Ali...with enough issues of her own going on getting together with either of these two was a dangerous move. I love how her mind and body just cannot get on the same page and I do believe that she loves Eric despite him being certifiable.
I loved this story and couldn’t put it down until I knew what happens, what a fabulous dark, twisted tale of love and craziness.
A 4.5 stars from me and it would have been a bit fat 5 but the switching between different POV’s had me confused a few
September 20, 2014
Wow! holy nail biting ....was late to pick up my kids ....wow!! I was hooked right from the first few lines and could not put down until the very end. There had better be a follow on book! If there isn’t Lulu need to go sit down and start writing it right now please.
I kept waiting for the moment when Eric would redeem himself or at least we would understand him being in Ali’s words a FSmileckhead I hoped and prayed that he would change somehow because I do think that he loves her, but good lordy the man has anger issues that he should really get checked out.
I did not like the professor, he seems a little too good to be true and I just don’t trust him.
Ali, boy oh boy Ali...with enough issues of her own going on getting together with either of these two was a dangerous move. I love how her mind and body just cannot get on the same page and I do believe that she loves Eric despite him being certifiable.
I loved this story and couldn’t put it down until I knew what happens, what a fabulous dark, twisted tale of love and craziness.
A 4.5 stars from me and it would have been a bit fat 5 but the switching between different POV’s had me confused a few times.
I kept waiting for the moment when Eric would redeem himself or at least we would understand him being in Ali’s words a FSmileckhead I hoped and prayed that he would change somehow because I do think that he loves her, but good lordy the man has anger issues that he should really get checked out.
I did not like the professor, he seems a little too good to be true and I just don’t trust him.
Ali, boy oh boy Ali...with enough issues of her own going on getting together with either of these two was a dangerous move. I love how her mind and body just cannot get on the same page and I do believe that she loves Eric despite him being certifiable.
I loved this story and couldn’t put it down until I knew what happens, what a fabulous dark, twisted tale of love and craziness.
A 4.5 stars from me and it would have been a bit fat 5 but the switching between different POV’s had me confused a few times.
September 29, 2014
I absolutely love this book. The story is gripping and entertaining to the extreme; it will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat! The story line kept me guessing, but it was the characters that really got me hooked. Ali is young and naive, and caught up between two very intriguing men. She definitely kept things interesting! Eric, though dark and twisted, is thoroughly entertaining and captivating. Blake sort of drove me nuts with his pretentiousness, but a small piece of me even loved him.
Overall, I would suggest giving it a go. Sometimes I'll be driving to work and a song will come on my phone that reminds me of this story (normally a certain White Stripes song!), and for me, nothing gets better than a story that keeps me interested long after I'm finished with it. I can't wait to find out what happens in book two!
Overall, I would suggest giving it a go. Sometimes I'll be driving to work and a song will come on my phone that reminds me of this story (normally a certain White Stripes song!), and for me, nothing gets better than a story that keeps me interested long after I'm finished with it. I can't wait to find out what happens in book two!
September 23, 2014
Wow. Reading this book is like taking a roller coaster ride: the climb is slow, filled with anticipation as you inch up the steep slope of the track. Then when you reach the top, you can barely savor the view before you go hurtling down in free-fall at breakneck speed. That’s the ride this book takes its readers on.
I’ve read one other book by this author and though equally good, this one is very different. Lulu Astor is a versatile writer. I noticed some of the reviews say switches in POV are confusing. I don’t know if the writer went back in and made changes or what, but I did not have any problem following the text. It’s written in 3rd-person so there’s only one POV—the narrator’s.
Five stars for sending my blood pressure up—in a good way. I highly recommend it.
I’ve read one other book by this author and though equally good, this one is very different. Lulu Astor is a versatile writer. I noticed some of the reviews say switches in POV are confusing. I don’t know if the writer went back in and made changes or what, but I did not have any problem following the text. It’s written in 3rd-person so there’s only one POV—the narrator’s.
Five stars for sending my blood pressure up—in a good way. I highly recommend it.
November 8, 2018
Really Bad writing
Where to start? This book was just downright terrible. The writing was amateurish & way too wordy. A lot and I do mean a lot of unnecessary dialogue & no depth to any of the characters. Also I couldn’t even like any of the characters in this book. There was nothing that made you give a crap about any of them. I skimmed a lot to get thru this very long very boring book just so I didn’t have a DNF. Because I really don’t like to not finish a book. Unbelievably there is a sequel! To a book that was already 5 times longer than it needed to be . God save the poor souls who decide to read that one too. You wasted enough of your life reading this one. Go find a better author and a better book to read.
Where to start? This book was just downright terrible. The writing was amateurish & way too wordy. A lot and I do mean a lot of unnecessary dialogue & no depth to any of the characters. Also I couldn’t even like any of the characters in this book. There was nothing that made you give a crap about any of them. I skimmed a lot to get thru this very long very boring book just so I didn’t have a DNF. Because I really don’t like to not finish a book. Unbelievably there is a sequel! To a book that was already 5 times longer than it needed to be . God save the poor souls who decide to read that one too. You wasted enough of your life reading this one. Go find a better author and a better book to read.
November 26, 2014
I started this review several times, how I can explain it? I just love it! I'm always looking from a new, rare, refreshing, unexpected out of the box dark story and I got all that and better. I'm still not sure if this is a love story, I know some of you might thing I'm clueless but if it was love I never read something like this, I love flawled characters, to me those two where made from the same cloth, ill just live it like that, wont ruin your reading experience with spoilers. wish I could read more about Blake.
February 13, 2015
I found this series to be a mixture of other books. A bit of consequences, a bit of fifty shades and some Gabrielle redemption. Eric was menacing and had no redeeming qualities. I liked lair but her only attraction to Eric was physical. Some things that really annoyed me was this book was located in Boulder, Colorado. Eric went sailing in a sound (there is no sound in Boulder) and the drive along the coast. i know its fiction, but make it somewhat real. That's what took it from 4 stars to 3 for me,
July 30, 2015
Kind of felt like I was getting a mix of the Consequences Series, Gabriel's Inferno, The Crossfire Series and FSoG all mixed in together. To be fair the author does note at the beginning that she was a fan of both the Consequences Series and Gabriel's Inferno and it definitely shows.
This wasn't bad but I just felt like it wasn't as original as I had hoped. Even with that I am still interested to see where the rest of the story goes so I will read the next book. Just keeping my fingers crossed that the next one has a bit more originality.
This wasn't bad but I just felt like it wasn't as original as I had hoped. Even with that I am still interested to see where the rest of the story goes so I will read the next book. Just keeping my fingers crossed that the next one has a bit more originality.
October 1, 2014
A story of love, angst, anger, emotional and physical betrayal that kept me wanting more. Some say slow to start with, yes that may be true, but it gives you the chance to get to know the characters. Twists and turns and mystery will have you guessing all the way. Not your average love triangle, but a fight for one woman's heart. Will she go with what feels safe, or will she ride on the dark side. A side she is finding she cannot resist.
November 26, 2014
I loved it!! I was drawn from the very beginning. Ali Spencer seems to be a girl looking to take a risk at this stage of her life. She is attracted to her professor, Geoffrey Blake, who is a very nice, hot looking guy but she cannot resist that bad boy, Eric Damien. Why is it that girls can't stay away from those bad boys? I guess Ali was one of them and Eric sure had a dark side to him. Lots of twists in the plot and the unexpected.
September 29, 2014
I read this book and absolutely loved it!!! As dark as it is it is an excellent story. The characters make you feel so many emotions. I cheered, I cried, I hated, and I loved. One second I wanted her with Eric the next with Geoffrey. It kept me engrossed from beginning to end!!! Well worth the read!! If you haven't read it you should definitely add it to your "to read" list!!
September 23, 2014
My Heart to Fear is an intriguing story that forces you to finish the book in one sitting. I wasn't sure who to root for and who to hate. Kept me guessing! I'd recommend this book to all lovers of romantic suspense.
September 29, 2014
Love the book! It kept me on my toes, and at time unsure who to root for. While all three main characters have flaws, you always root to see them overcome the. But for both male leads you wonder is it even possible! The pages turned quickly as I read! Well done.....
September 23, 2014
This book is awesome and totally unexpected!I love it from the first page until the last page!Perfect job!!
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