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Dark Obsession #1
Never Loved
Perfect for fans of Abbi Glines, the first novel in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of a beautiful wallflower who falls for a chiseled street fighter—and learns just how dangerous love can be.
Beatrix Becker spent most of her life under the thumb of her controlling, abusive father. And now that she’s free and attending her dream college, she has no idea how to act like the normal crowd: partying, going on dates, even having a conversation. Then she meets Serge Sorensen. Big and surly with a whole host of riotous tattoos, Serge is supposed to scare the hell out of her. But beneath his harsh exterior, Beatrix discovers a kindred spirit who knows what it’s like to be a misfit. Most exhilarating—and terrifying—is what he does for a living: illegal street fighting.
There’s nothing like the rush Serge gets from the intense athleticism and brutal glory of combat—though his chemistry with Beatrix comes close. Slowly at first, he introduces her to his world, where he lives by instinct, passion, and desire. He even helps her out with her equally traumatized brother. But when Serge gets in too deep with the wrong people, he ends up paying in blood. And suddenly, just as Beatrix has been drawn into Serge’s perfectly sculpted arms, she’s thrown once and for all into the fight of his life.
Beatrix Becker spent most of her life under the thumb of her controlling, abusive father. And now that she’s free and attending her dream college, she has no idea how to act like the normal crowd: partying, going on dates, even having a conversation. Then she meets Serge Sorensen. Big and surly with a whole host of riotous tattoos, Serge is supposed to scare the hell out of her. But beneath his harsh exterior, Beatrix discovers a kindred spirit who knows what it’s like to be a misfit. Most exhilarating—and terrifying—is what he does for a living: illegal street fighting.
There’s nothing like the rush Serge gets from the intense athleticism and brutal glory of combat—though his chemistry with Beatrix comes close. Slowly at first, he introduces her to his world, where he lives by instinct, passion, and desire. He even helps her out with her equally traumatized brother. But when Serge gets in too deep with the wrong people, he ends up paying in blood. And suddenly, just as Beatrix has been drawn into Serge’s perfectly sculpted arms, she’s thrown once and for all into the fight of his life.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2015
155 people are currently reading
2632 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Stein
116 books2,122 followersCharlotte Stein is the RT and DABWAHA nominated author of over fifty short stories, novellas and novels. When not writing deeply emotional and intensely sexy books, she can be found eating jelly turtles, watching terrible sitcoms and occasionally lusting after hunks. For more on Charlotte, visit: www.charlottestein.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
July 10, 2015
1 star. DNF @40%. Full review posted May 21, 2015
Good grief. Please, please, please spare me from stupid and immature who babble a fuck-ton of redundant and embarrassing gibberish. I felt sorry for Serge who deserved someone better--not some kind of dumb and childish twat. Geez.
My little story is (mostly) told in third person POV. That's why I had to alter some of the quotes.
Once upon a time there was awoman She looked like a bland little mouse with mousy brown hair. She met a HUGE man, a street fighter, who was sporting a strange hairstyle and bulging muscles and plenty of tattoos. His hair made her think of Charles Dickens.
I don't know--maybe Charles Dickens was secretly part of a penny-farthing gang and spent his spare time terrorizing most of Victorian London. Maybe racing stripes on your head were the in thing back then, and we just don't know because the queen had them painted over in portraits with really terrible hair. Or maybe…maybe I'm just going insane.
Anyway, his voice swings so low and lazy she could use it as a hammock on some sleepy summer day. He frightened her. She was looking for her brother and even though the huge man could have helped her, she decided to not hop on his massive and scary-looking bike. She went home, slept the sleep of the just and awoke due to a massive hammer. Her sleep-muddled brain realized it must be the huge man who hammered at her door. Something was They were staring at each other for a long time. She's beginning to feel immense and impossible, like a star going supernova in the middle of this dingy living room. In a second maybe he'll take a picture and post it to Tumblr, with a GIF of him crying over the wonder of the universe. He seems so aware of his own size and the impression he might be giving that it's almost a physical thing. He has another more horrible self wrapped around the real one inside him, and wants nothing more in this insanely tense moment than to shrug it off.
After he dumped Beatrix was somewhat relieved that he disappeared again. And now he's slinking away. He's already somehow out in the hall, and in another couple of massive strides he'll be gone forever. He'll be back to his life of weird meetings in parking lots, and she hasn't even really spoken to him.
Beatrix knows so little about men that she once leaned in for a kiss when a guy was aiming for the girl behind her. The only thing she's ever and her pillow never talks back. It never reacts badly. When she sees Serge once more, she's staring right back at him in the exact same manner, again. Her eyes feel thirsty, and apparently he is a long, long ice-cold drink of water. She can't stop gulping him down--not even when she stops to think about just how different he is from all the things she's supposed to want. Serge offers to help out with her brother because Beatrix looked like she needed it. Her head is flooding with all kinds of terrible symbols of needing it--like massive worry lines all over her face. Maybe she suddenly looks about seventy-six, or has somehow forgotten to wash her clothes in the rush to be concerned. And then she asks him the most terrifying question any person has ever asked anyone in the history of the world. "Will you take me?" OMG, after a while it dawns on her that she used words that have a double meaning. How shocking.
Part of her starts to worry that humiliation is doing her an injury, but if it is, then Google refuses to tell her about it. She searches for solutions to crippling embarrassment over kissing a guy wrong and all she gets in return is you are a giant fool. Stop bothering me.
Her chest feels as though it might be heaving. Every inch of her body and face is the color of a stop sign. She thinks the place between her legs has grown so enormous it could well be visible in some way--and that isn't even the worst thing.
The fact that her hand refuses to move is.
Baba wonders what else is loose (pun intended). I mean the.Heroine.Is.Pushing.22. Can you friggin' believe this? Now, everyone is going to tell me that's normal behavior considering that she spent most of her life under the thumb of her controlling, abusive father. Whatever.
I read and disliked Stein's Addicted but there are three reasons why I gave this author another shot.
A)
Every author deserves a second or third chance before I abandon ship irrevocably.
B)
I liked the blurb. A street fighter as a hero is right up my alley. Unfortunately, I didn't know that the heroine would push me over the edge of going ballistic.
C)
The cover looked good.
This is how I felt while attempting to struggle through this very tediousstory writing:
My eyes twitched nervously.
My veins throbbed in annoyance.
My blood pressure began to increase in a very unhealthy manner.
I felt a scary urge to smash my iPhone against a wall.
The heroine's DUMB AND ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS INNER MONOLOGUE killed any desire to keep on reading. I can't do this. I.Just.Can't. Stein's writing style is a bad joke I can't deal with anymore because whenever I meet one of her heroines, I feel a strange urge to strangle them. To.Shut.Them.The.Fuck.Up.
I'm ready to accept that Stein and Baba don't mesh well. I'm really sorry.
No more. I'm done.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Good grief. Please, please, please spare me from stupid and immature who babble a fuck-ton of redundant and embarrassing gibberish. I felt sorry for Serge who deserved someone better--not some kind of dumb and childish twat. Geez.
My little story is (mostly) told in third person POV. That's why I had to alter some of the quotes.
Once upon a time there was a
I don't know--maybe Charles Dickens was secretly part of a penny-farthing gang and spent his spare time terrorizing most of Victorian London. Maybe racing stripes on your head were the in thing back then, and we just don't know because the queen had them painted over in portraits with really terrible hair. Or maybe…maybe I'm just going insane.
Anyway, his voice swings so low and lazy she could use it as a hammock on some sleepy summer day. He frightened her. She was looking for her brother and even though the huge man could have helped her, she decided to not hop on his massive and scary-looking bike. She went home, slept the sleep of the just and awoke due to a massive hammer. Her sleep-muddled brain realized it must be the huge man who hammered at her door. Something was They were staring at each other for a long time. She's beginning to feel immense and impossible, like a star going supernova in the middle of this dingy living room. In a second maybe he'll take a picture and post it to Tumblr, with a GIF of him crying over the wonder of the universe. He seems so aware of his own size and the impression he might be giving that it's almost a physical thing. He has another more horrible self wrapped around the real one inside him, and wants nothing more in this insanely tense moment than to shrug it off.
After he dumped Beatrix was somewhat relieved that he disappeared again. And now he's slinking away. He's already somehow out in the hall, and in another couple of massive strides he'll be gone forever. He'll be back to his life of weird meetings in parking lots, and she hasn't even really spoken to him.
Beatrix knows so little about men that she once leaned in for a kiss when a guy was aiming for the girl behind her. The only thing she's ever and her pillow never talks back. It never reacts badly. When she sees Serge once more, she's staring right back at him in the exact same manner, again. Her eyes feel thirsty, and apparently he is a long, long ice-cold drink of water. She can't stop gulping him down--not even when she stops to think about just how different he is from all the things she's supposed to want. Serge offers to help out with her brother because Beatrix looked like she needed it. Her head is flooding with all kinds of terrible symbols of needing it--like massive worry lines all over her face. Maybe she suddenly looks about seventy-six, or has somehow forgotten to wash her clothes in the rush to be concerned. And then she asks him the most terrifying question any person has ever asked anyone in the history of the world. "Will you take me?" OMG, after a while it dawns on her that she used words that have a double meaning. How shocking.
Part of her starts to worry that humiliation is doing her an injury, but if it is, then Google refuses to tell her about it. She searches for solutions to crippling embarrassment over kissing a guy wrong and all she gets in return is you are a giant fool. Stop bothering me.
Her chest feels as though it might be heaving. Every inch of her body and face is the color of a stop sign. She thinks the place between her legs has grown so enormous it could well be visible in some way--and that isn't even the worst thing.
The fact that her hand refuses to move is.
Baba wonders what else is loose (pun intended). I mean the.Heroine.Is.Pushing.22. Can you friggin' believe this? Now, everyone is going to tell me that's normal behavior considering that she spent most of her life under the thumb of her controlling, abusive father. Whatever.
I read and disliked Stein's Addicted but there are three reasons why I gave this author another shot.
A)
Every author deserves a second or third chance before I abandon ship irrevocably.
B)
I liked the blurb. A street fighter as a hero is right up my alley. Unfortunately, I didn't know that the heroine would push me over the edge of going ballistic.
C)
The cover looked good.
This is how I felt while attempting to struggle through this very tedious
My eyes twitched nervously.
My veins throbbed in annoyance.
My blood pressure began to increase in a very unhealthy manner.
I felt a scary urge to smash my iPhone against a wall.
The heroine's DUMB AND ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS INNER MONOLOGUE killed any desire to keep on reading. I can't do this. I.Just.Can't. Stein's writing style is a bad joke I can't deal with anymore because whenever I meet one of her heroines, I feel a strange urge to strangle them. To.Shut.Them.The.Fuck.Up.
I'm ready to accept that Stein and Baba don't mesh well. I'm really sorry.
No more. I'm done.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
May 13, 2023
5 Like Knows Like Stars ⭐️
~Second Read. You know a book is phenomenal when it gets better with each read.~
With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Beatrix has escaped an abusive upbringing only to be shackled to a brother running from his own demons. Seemingly alone, a kindred spirit in the form of a tattooed giant comes to her rescue.
Serge is unsure of what he is doing by rescuing a girl that has no place looking for trouble. Yet somehow she is the first person to really acknowledge him and treat him decently. You could imagine how irresistible this is. He could try and stay away, accept her visceral reactions towards him are far too tempting.
"Sometimes I think I must be dreaming, when I feel you being this way with me—so greedy, girl. Holy fuck you are greedy for it. Never felt nothing like it in all my days, and it makes me fucking crazy."
Beatrix sees Serge. She sees the loneliness and neglect he tries to mask. Having lived it all her life, she’s tired of trying to fit in and pretending to be happy. She recognizes his goodness behind the gruff exterior and is willing to break down the barriers to grab her happy.
"You say the word, and I'll take ten steps back. I'll take a thousand steps back if that's what it takes to keep that sweet face smiling."
Oh, how my heart broke for these two. Two outcasts so desperately wanting to be loved and a sexual hunger that's all consuming. Never Loved explores how kindness and decency can heal even the hardened of people, and that we all just crave human contact and intimacy. Charlotte Stein is a pro and writing characters that leave you reeling with emotion!
~Second Read. You know a book is phenomenal when it gets better with each read.~
With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Beatrix has escaped an abusive upbringing only to be shackled to a brother running from his own demons. Seemingly alone, a kindred spirit in the form of a tattooed giant comes to her rescue.
Serge is unsure of what he is doing by rescuing a girl that has no place looking for trouble. Yet somehow she is the first person to really acknowledge him and treat him decently. You could imagine how irresistible this is. He could try and stay away, accept her visceral reactions towards him are far too tempting.
"Sometimes I think I must be dreaming, when I feel you being this way with me—so greedy, girl. Holy fuck you are greedy for it. Never felt nothing like it in all my days, and it makes me fucking crazy."
Beatrix sees Serge. She sees the loneliness and neglect he tries to mask. Having lived it all her life, she’s tired of trying to fit in and pretending to be happy. She recognizes his goodness behind the gruff exterior and is willing to break down the barriers to grab her happy.
"You say the word, and I'll take ten steps back. I'll take a thousand steps back if that's what it takes to keep that sweet face smiling."
Oh, how my heart broke for these two. Two outcasts so desperately wanting to be loved and a sexual hunger that's all consuming. Never Loved explores how kindness and decency can heal even the hardened of people, and that we all just crave human contact and intimacy. Charlotte Stein is a pro and writing characters that leave you reeling with emotion!
February 14, 2016
2.5 could have loved stars
Never Loved is another me vs. the book, actually not the book but our heroine. She drove me batty, I couldn't do it, to say she is ridiculously neurotic is an understatement. The only reason I finished the book was for Serge, he was one big softy with an image to scare people away. I loved him, he was such an utter contradiction, and it made me read on just for him. I wish I could say I loved it entirely, but she was too much for me and just killed the experience for me. On to the next for me.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
“That scare you? It should. It scares me.”
“How could I ever, ever be scared, when you are with me?”
Never Loved is another me vs. the book, actually not the book but our heroine. She drove me batty, I couldn't do it, to say she is ridiculously neurotic is an understatement. The only reason I finished the book was for Serge, he was one big softy with an image to scare people away. I loved him, he was such an utter contradiction, and it made me read on just for him. I wish I could say I loved it entirely, but she was too much for me and just killed the experience for me. On to the next for me.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
May 8, 2015
DNF 50%
That's it!!! After she called him "love" after just their third encounter I had to DNF this book...I couldn't take it anymore...I'm done!!!
I had so high hopes for this book based on the blurb. I mean...how could I not?
"Perfect for fans of Abbi Glines, the first novel in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of a beautiful wallflower who falls for a chiseled street fighter"
- Abbi Glines fan - check
- Loves story - right up my alley
- chiseled street fighter - Yummy!!!
But what I got was: Where did a Abbi Glines reference come from? Again with this instalove crap? And barely any mention to his street fighting (ok...it was just one) in the first half of the book.
"Beatrix Becker spent most of her life under the thumb of her controlling, abusive father. And now that she’s free and attending her dream college, she has no idea how to act like the normal crowd: partying, going on dates, even having a conversation."
What they failed to mention is that Bea is a babbling lunatic and because this story is told in first person I got to live in her head and it's a clusterfuck in there. I wanted to copy some passages so you could see what I'm talking about but it was to hard for me to read them again because it's tiring trying to keep up with her. If you're curios check out Baba's review cause she includes a few of this girls stupid ramblings in there.
"Big and surly with a whole host of riotous tattoos, Serge is supposed to scare the hell out of her. But beneath his harsh exterior, Beatrix discovers a kindred spirit who knows what it’s like to be a misfit. Most exhilarating—and terrifying—is what he does for a living: illegal street fighting."
Unfortunately I couldn't form an opinion about Serge but he seamed like an OK guy...to bad he had to put up with her...
Because I couldn't make it past the first half of this book I couldn't get to know him better considering all the dialogue from the first part can be summed up in maximum 3 pages...the rest we just get to experience her insane inner dialog.
So that was it...I couldn't go through with it. Unfortunately lately almost all the books I get on NetGalley are a let down...could this be a sign?
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
That's it!!! After she called him "love" after just their third encounter I had to DNF this book...I couldn't take it anymore...I'm done!!!
I had so high hopes for this book based on the blurb. I mean...how could I not?
"Perfect for fans of Abbi Glines, the first novel in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of a beautiful wallflower who falls for a chiseled street fighter"
- Abbi Glines fan - check
- Loves story - right up my alley
- chiseled street fighter - Yummy!!!
But what I got was: Where did a Abbi Glines reference come from? Again with this instalove crap? And barely any mention to his street fighting (ok...it was just one) in the first half of the book.
"Beatrix Becker spent most of her life under the thumb of her controlling, abusive father. And now that she’s free and attending her dream college, she has no idea how to act like the normal crowd: partying, going on dates, even having a conversation."
What they failed to mention is that Bea is a babbling lunatic and because this story is told in first person I got to live in her head and it's a clusterfuck in there. I wanted to copy some passages so you could see what I'm talking about but it was to hard for me to read them again because it's tiring trying to keep up with her. If you're curios check out Baba's review cause she includes a few of this girls stupid ramblings in there.
"Big and surly with a whole host of riotous tattoos, Serge is supposed to scare the hell out of her. But beneath his harsh exterior, Beatrix discovers a kindred spirit who knows what it’s like to be a misfit. Most exhilarating—and terrifying—is what he does for a living: illegal street fighting."
Unfortunately I couldn't form an opinion about Serge but he seamed like an OK guy...to bad he had to put up with her...
Because I couldn't make it past the first half of this book I couldn't get to know him better considering all the dialogue from the first part can be summed up in maximum 3 pages...the rest we just get to experience her insane inner dialog.
So that was it...I couldn't go through with it. Unfortunately lately almost all the books I get on NetGalley are a let down...could this be a sign?
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 7, 2015
*********ARC received by Netgalley********
Genre: Romance – Good Girl/Bad Boy
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 10/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 4/10
Hotness: 5/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person.
Never Loved is a slow and sensual tale of a sheltered college girl, trying to find herself and massive hot-as-fuck punk biker, who hates who he is.
It's no secret that I adore Charlotte Stein. I love the depth she gives to her characters, the really hot sex and the unique writing... But, she is not for everyone. Some may not like how slow things are, or how much inner-monologue there is.
Never Loved has got it's funny bits...
and it's hot bits, and it's romantic bits...
It's a perfect mix for me.
I loved the adorable characters, loved the clueless and brave heroine, and the vulnerable and tough hero. It was awesome when the tables turned and she tried to corrupt him and he tried to control himself.
Highly recommend to those who love Stein, and to those who fancy something slow paced.
4.5 STARS
Genre: Romance – Good Girl/Bad Boy
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 10/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 4/10
Hotness: 5/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person.
Never Loved is a slow and sensual tale of a sheltered college girl, trying to find herself and massive hot-as-fuck punk biker, who hates who he is.
It's no secret that I adore Charlotte Stein. I love the depth she gives to her characters, the really hot sex and the unique writing... But, she is not for everyone. Some may not like how slow things are, or how much inner-monologue there is.
Never Loved has got it's funny bits...
"The closest I've ever come to giving a blow job was that banana I ate really fast after skipping breakfast last week."
and it's hot bits, and it's romantic bits...
"It feels as if I was wearing a suit of armour I didn't even know about, and somehow you found a hole in it somewhere. And when I wasn't looking, you just climbed your way in and settled against my side, so sweet I think I might take to bleeding if you ever decided to separate from me."
It's a perfect mix for me.
I loved the adorable characters, loved the clueless and brave heroine, and the vulnerable and tough hero. It was awesome when the tables turned and she tried to corrupt him and he tried to control himself.
Highly recommend to those who love Stein, and to those who fancy something slow paced.
February 12, 2016
If you're looking for a Charlotte Stein book about an awkward, abused girl, her massively tall, amazingly kind, dirty talking love interest and how she learns to believe in herself through the insertion of his elephant dick, try Sheltered. Looking back it might be just as silly as this one, but it was better done, I think.
I'm almost positive.
Other than that, I have a question for readers of both MM & MF books: is it just me or do you find there's not a lot of clean up after sex in MF books? I feel like there's always a mention of clean up in MM novels, which I appreciate, but in this one Bea has 3 or 4 orgasms, gives her first BJ which begins with Serge (yes, I said Serge) rubbing his dick on her lips and face (but gently, oh so gently) and then it's suddenly the next morning and he takes her home. WHERE I HOPE TO FUCK SHE SHOWERED.
Seriously, are we supposed to infer from this that come just absorbs into her skin?
April 20, 2015
"I love you so much I barely feel afraid to say it. So much I want to stop it, in case it swallows me whole. I know I’m not supposed to feel this way and maybe one day I’ll regret it, but for right now I do not care. I love you like someone falling into the sun, still thrilling as I burn.”
Never Loved is about the love story between a shy, virgin college girl and a dark, huge, tattooed fighter. The writing style is really special. You’ll either love or hate it. And, I definitely loved it! The mutual attraction between the two is passionate and beautiful. It’s a whole new experience for both of them as Bea is sexually immature and Serge is a loner.
This book was very slow-paced, gentle and extremely sensual! But, no boring at all! The author kept the story moving, didn’t give too much detail, when necessary, and avoided repetition, so, the reader wasn’t bored. She also created suspense and engendered emotion. So, slow pacing wasn’t an issue for me. It was a very steamy and emotional ride, and I highly recommend it.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group/Loveswept (via NetGalley), in exchange for an honest review.
Never Loved is about the love story between a shy, virgin college girl and a dark, huge, tattooed fighter. The writing style is really special. You’ll either love or hate it. And, I definitely loved it! The mutual attraction between the two is passionate and beautiful. It’s a whole new experience for both of them as Bea is sexually immature and Serge is a loner.
This book was very slow-paced, gentle and extremely sensual! But, no boring at all! The author kept the story moving, didn’t give too much detail, when necessary, and avoided repetition, so, the reader wasn’t bored. She also created suspense and engendered emotion. So, slow pacing wasn’t an issue for me. It was a very steamy and emotional ride, and I highly recommend it.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group/Loveswept (via NetGalley), in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2016
I was very disappointed with this book...It was very hard to hold my attention and for some of it it was hard to follow the story. I wasn't keen on the writing style either...Not my cuppa at all...;-(
August 12, 2016
3.5-stars
Like all Charlotte Stein’s books I have read so far, this short CR is heavy on the inner dialogue with Bea’s POV. Other than the protagonists are older in Never Loved, the basic framework of story is rather similar to Sheltered . A sheltered college girl trying hard to fit into the real world meet a tattooed, biker punk fighting for a legitimate life.
What to expect:
Likable LCs
Character-driven
Steamy
Not a dark read nor a depressing read
Sweet
Interestingly, the story starts with Bea’s sense of humor:
Don’t fling yourself out of a window over imaginary danger ...
He won’t have to strangle me with his bare hands. He’ll just look at me and I’ll choke to death on my own internal organs
Bea’s journey of self-discovery takes off when she meets Serge.
It isn’t normality that I want. It’s obedience that I’m used to.
…Apparently all the cliched quotes on Tumblr are right. You really do just have to be yourself.
Not all Charlotte Stein’s books I enjoyed reading, it really depends on whether I can connect to the protagonist’s POV without boredom. Never Loved is well-written and I would recommend if you are a fan of Ms. Stein's writing style:)
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Like all Charlotte Stein’s books I have read so far, this short CR is heavy on the inner dialogue with Bea’s POV. Other than the protagonists are older in Never Loved, the basic framework of story is rather similar to Sheltered . A sheltered college girl trying hard to fit into the real world meet a tattooed, biker punk fighting for a legitimate life.
What to expect:
Likable LCs
Character-driven
Steamy
Not a dark read nor a depressing read
Sweet
Interestingly, the story starts with Bea’s sense of humor:
Don’t fling yourself out of a window over imaginary danger ...
He won’t have to strangle me with his bare hands. He’ll just look at me and I’ll choke to death on my own internal organs
Bea’s journey of self-discovery takes off when she meets Serge.
It isn’t normality that I want. It’s obedience that I’m used to.
…Apparently all the cliched quotes on Tumblr are right. You really do just have to be yourself.
Not all Charlotte Stein’s books I enjoyed reading, it really depends on whether I can connect to the protagonist’s POV without boredom. Never Loved is well-written and I would recommend if you are a fan of Ms. Stein's writing style:)
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 23, 2023
3.5 ✨ I didn’t like the writing style it was like a mix of 3pov and internal monologue. But I did enjoy the story and romance in it!
July 19, 2015
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
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Never Loved by Charlotte Stein is the first book that I have read from this author. I will admit I was looking forward to reading this book since this book was marketed and I quote: "Perfect for fans of Abbi Glines, the first novel in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of a beautiful wallflower who falls for a chiseled street fighter—and learns just how dangerous love can be." Being a big Abbi Gline's fan, I was definitely interested in reading this book. Never Loved was one of those reads that I had mixed feelings..it was an enjoyable book but there was something lacking from having me fully engage into the story.
The story chronicles Beatrix, who never knew loved. She didn't grow up in a home feeling loved so this was in a sense of shaped why she became the person she is. When Beatrix runs in Serge, an unlikely relationship begins to emerge. Two complete strangers forming a connection and bond that is tangible. A bond that helped them heal and complete one another. As Beatrix begins to let the walls of her heart to crumble, she is thrown in Serge's world where she must decide to fight along side with him?
I will admit that the book started off a bit slow for me and in the middle the paced picked up but towards the end, the book felt rushed. I wished the author allowed readers to fully savor the relationship, conflict, and intensity that was brewing between the characters. Overall, I did enjoy this sweet romance of a beautiful college student discovering love with a street fighter.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Charlotte Stein
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Never Loved by Charlotte Stein is the first book that I have read from this author. I will admit I was looking forward to reading this book since this book was marketed and I quote: "Perfect for fans of Abbi Glines, the first novel in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of a beautiful wallflower who falls for a chiseled street fighter—and learns just how dangerous love can be." Being a big Abbi Gline's fan, I was definitely interested in reading this book. Never Loved was one of those reads that I had mixed feelings..it was an enjoyable book but there was something lacking from having me fully engage into the story.
The story chronicles Beatrix, who never knew loved. She didn't grow up in a home feeling loved so this was in a sense of shaped why she became the person she is. When Beatrix runs in Serge, an unlikely relationship begins to emerge. Two complete strangers forming a connection and bond that is tangible. A bond that helped them heal and complete one another. As Beatrix begins to let the walls of her heart to crumble, she is thrown in Serge's world where she must decide to fight along side with him?
I will admit that the book started off a bit slow for me and in the middle the paced picked up but towards the end, the book felt rushed. I wished the author allowed readers to fully savor the relationship, conflict, and intensity that was brewing between the characters. Overall, I did enjoy this sweet romance of a beautiful college student discovering love with a street fighter.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Charlotte Stein
April 29, 2015
DNF after Chapter 1. Honestly I don't know how I got that much done.
First off, does Abbi know she is getting referenced to sell this book??? As a huge AG fan I'm rather offended that this was linked in anyway. Nothing about this bullshit reminded me of AG.
Book Blurb:
Perfect for fans of Abbi Glines, the first novel in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of a beautiful wallflower who falls for a chiseled street fighter—and learns just how dangerous love can be.
Elements of a good story:
✔beautiful
✔wallflower
✔chiseled
✔street fighter
✔dark
✔obsession
✔dangerous
✔love
All ✔ed
Hmmm...... Let's meet this beautiful wallflower, Beatrix.
Setting: Sitting in her car watching a huge street brawl.
I could be more interested in parties and hairstyles and dating, to the point where Sam might actually approve and maybe even remember me. At the moment, that isn’t happening. “Who is this?” “It’s me. It’s your roommate. Your buddy, Beatrix.” “Beatrix wouldn’t call me and ask me something like that. I know this is you, Jason.” In all honesty, I kind of wish I was Jason. Then maybe I wouldn’t be sitting here, trying to convince my only friend in the world that I’m me. Plus, Jason sounds as if he’d know what to do about scary convenience-store guys. He could just crank call them into oblivion, if they put up any trouble. “Honestly, it’s me, Beatrix. That’s why I have a British accent. And sound like a girl.” That seems to click with her, at least. Not by much, but enough. ...“Ew, that sounds gross. Are you doing something gross? You know, I keep saying I’ll set you up with Steven Walker. He only has one tiny eyebrow. The other is completely normal-size, so it’s really not a big deal. Plus, he has—” I have to cut her off before she finishes her sentence. I’m almost ninety-nine percent certain she’s going to tell me he has a massive one, and I’m just not prepared for that right now. I will never be prepared for that. My father pretty much told me penises are a myth, and I need easing in to the idea that they are not. I need small ones to start. Really, really small ones. Or maybe none at all. “Sam, Sam, Sam—I’m not trying to date anyone here.
Excuse me???What the in the holy fuck is this shit???? This is told through the head of this mindless twat. My head hurts and this is seriously only a couple pages in.
Setting: The dumb bitch has gotten her happy ass out of the car and walked into the middle of the brawl. So let's meet the chiseled street fighter, Serge....
He even seems to recognize me on some vague level, light flickering over his dull gaze as he takes in my glasses, my cardigan, my silly corduroy trousers. Of course I immediately wish I’d worn something else, like seventeen suits of armor and maybe a really macho hat.
Yes, a really macho hat would totally help you out.
It’s probably why they’re all sort of starting to laugh. They’re glancing at my arms and wondering why they look like limp noodles—or maybe it’s my gigantic ass that’s got them smirking. I can’t quite tell because I don’t really dare look at any of them directly, and after a moment, it doesn’t really matter anyway. They all turn back to whatever they were doing, once they realize I’m not worth their time.
Of fucking course, the convenient store gang-banger thugs are totally wondering why you have limp noodle arms and a big fat ass.
He’s also wearing this weird overall thing of the kind you usually see on men who work in sewers—though I don’t think the outfit has anything to do with his profession. I’m fairly sure you’re not allowed to tromp around underground with both sleeves hacked off your uniform and all the buttons undone right down to the waist, and if you are, someone should make it illegal right now.
Ok, really, yes, worry about what the big scary ass mother fucker in front of you is wearing, not that he about just killed a man in front of you.
And yet I can’t seem to say a word. If I do, I will say all the wrong ones. He will hear my dad in them, blaming him for all the world’s ills and accusing him of turning his daughter into a whore. Or maybe my accent will leak out due to nerves, and get me the uncomfortable attention it always does.
“He might be in the middle of a crack den, but you’re just gonna walk right up like you did here, and knock on a door that probably isn’t there.”...“I tell you what, girl. How about you hop on, and I’ll take you to where he is.”
“I can’t do that.” In fact, it’s so disappointing that he seems to catch some of it. He snorts of course, as though he expected that answer all along.
He Snorts. Seriously, WTF?!?!?!?
Yet beneath that snort I think I see something else, just sort of drifting around down there. A bitterness, I think, that carries through his otherwise amused and rather withering words.
“Afraid of bikes, huh?”
“Yeah, you could say that.”
“And maybe afraid of me?”
“I’d have to be insane to be anything else.”
“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” “Think it’s pretty obvious.”
“Try me.”
“Mostly it’s the size.” He makes a face like yeah, that makes sense. But the shadow of that odd disappointment is still there.
“What can I say? I’m a big guy.”
“And maybe the tattoos.”
“I sure got them.”
“And the hair.”
“You don’t like it?”
Dear God, I think he might be handsome, though I’m not going to stick around long enough to find out for sure.
Why, oh why do I find this conversation beyond absurd in the middle of a massive street fight????
Oh, look more logical thoughts...
Idiot Student Finds Angry Biker Handsome,...
That doesn’t even make any sense. People don’t write reports about girls randomly noticing attractiveness. They write reports about girls being murdered, so really, that should be my headline. Idiot Student Has Arms and Legs Pulled Off by Handsome Biker,...
And chapter one ends with
as everyone around him returns to their rowdy and brutal ballet.
I just can't finish this. I just can't.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest opinion*
November 3, 2020
This book definitely has that Charlotte Stein quirky-prose style that I fell in love with so many years ago... but it didn't really work so well for me in this book. Or more, it was just wayyyy too long-winded. I felt like I already got this story with Sheltered, which was not only a LOT better than this, but one of my favorites by her.
I think she writes the curious virgin really well, and I really liked Beatrix, even though she was a total fool in some parts. Plus she just rambled on and on, sometimes to the detriment of story. I even kind of skimmed the end, and that breaks my heart to say!
I judge this harshly because I love her books, and I think this could have been my least favorite by her. If you've never read anything by this author, definitely give her a shot! Just... don't choose this book.
April 1, 2017
*Probably closer to 2.5 stars*
This one was a bit rambly for me, I found Bea's inner monologue a chore to follow at times. And it's definitely a book that would have benefited from dual POV because I feel like I don't really know Serge at all. The bones were all there for it to be really good but it just fell short for me.
This one was a bit rambly for me, I found Bea's inner monologue a chore to follow at times. And it's definitely a book that would have benefited from dual POV because I feel like I don't really know Serge at all. The bones were all there for it to be really good but it just fell short for me.
April 24, 2015
Book Summary
Published by: Loveswept a Random House imprint
Release Date: 23rd June 2015
Pages: 170
My Rating: 1.5-2 Stars
Review
Okay, so in the face of full disclosure, I have to tell you that I struggled with a capital 's' to read this book. It had nothing to do with the story, despite how much doesn't happen, it's all got to do with the way it was written.
It was so convoluted and full of inner monologue that you could've skipped up to 5 pages in some parts without any actual dialogue between the heroine and well, anyone.
We have insta-lust that turns to insta-love and to be quite honest, I'm just not buying what Charlotte Stein is selling with both of the characters having the supposed backgrounds that they do. But, what it all comes back to time and time again is the writing. In my opinion, I cannot fathom how this book made it through edits. I am not being hyperbolic when I tell you that I literally got a headache everytime I picked my iPad up and started reading. Yes, it actually hurt my brain trying to fathom how the characters on the page were the way they are in the book, not to mention that they have any real connection with each other.
I know this book is the first in a series, but I can quite safely say that I'm not going to be picking up the next one.
Published by: Loveswept a Random House imprint
Release Date: 23rd June 2015
Pages: 170
My Rating: 1.5-2 Stars
Review
Okay, so in the face of full disclosure, I have to tell you that I struggled with a capital 's' to read this book. It had nothing to do with the story, despite how much doesn't happen, it's all got to do with the way it was written.
It was so convoluted and full of inner monologue that you could've skipped up to 5 pages in some parts without any actual dialogue between the heroine and well, anyone.
We have insta-lust that turns to insta-love and to be quite honest, I'm just not buying what Charlotte Stein is selling with both of the characters having the supposed backgrounds that they do. But, what it all comes back to time and time again is the writing. In my opinion, I cannot fathom how this book made it through edits. I am not being hyperbolic when I tell you that I literally got a headache everytime I picked my iPad up and started reading. Yes, it actually hurt my brain trying to fathom how the characters on the page were the way they are in the book, not to mention that they have any real connection with each other.
I know this book is the first in a series, but I can quite safely say that I'm not going to be picking up the next one.
July 22, 2015
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2015/07/review-...
Stein usually excels at building awkward relationships. Never Loved is such a relationship that is built around two people who were each victims of abuse. Told from the heroine’s POV, we learn Beatrix Becker and her brother were horrifically abused until they were able to escape. Beatrix comes to college for a normal life and instead finds herself always on the outside looking in. In her need to be seen as normal, she is unable to shed all the mental abuse her father inflicted on her. When she goes looking for her brother who has disappeared, she meets Serge Sorenson. A huge tattooed illegal fighter, Beatrix is both scared and titillated. Serge sends her home but finds and brings her brother to her. From that moment a connection is formed and neither is able to stay away from the other.
I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Stein. She has a unique voice that for the most part appeals to me. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. Similar to her book Sheltered, which I adored, this one didn’t reveal story wise or character wise as I expected. Beatrix and Serge were very linear and I found them somewhat superficial. Normally not bothered by first person narrative, I found the narrative in here to be disjointed, clinical, and too heavily internalized. The dialogue when presented was weak and gave us no real insight to who Beatrix and Serge were. The switching from Beatrix’s internal monologue to conversations was haphazard and I often wasn’t sure who was speaking. Also, to be brutally frank, being in Beatrix’s head was not fun.
The story has no depth or dimension. Instalove forms in a few days and suddenly there is no Beatrix and Serge-it’s BeatrixSerge. We never learn what was the attraction for them. There is no build up to that defining moment-leaving the reader feeling rushed and unprepared for where Stein was trying to take us. I couldn’t help but feel their getting together was more circumstantial than fated.
Love scenes dot the landscape but as I didn’t buy the attraction, I couldn’t buy the romance, making it all that more awkward. The scenes didn’t fit into the general feeling of the book; not with Beatrix’s previous behavior. She is repressed and fearful of the world and sex in general yet in a week or so she can jump right into a sexual relationship? Hmmmm. The lack of chemistry is no help.
Stein keeps us firmly on a predestined path from start to finish with Beatrix unfortunately narrating every single step of the way until a small dramatic conflict tossed in at the end to show readers the supposed intensity of their love for one another.
This was not a favorite work of Stein’s for me. It felt like a puzzle where the pieces don’t quite fit and when it was complete, you had no idea what you were looking at.
RATING: D
Stein usually excels at building awkward relationships. Never Loved is such a relationship that is built around two people who were each victims of abuse. Told from the heroine’s POV, we learn Beatrix Becker and her brother were horrifically abused until they were able to escape. Beatrix comes to college for a normal life and instead finds herself always on the outside looking in. In her need to be seen as normal, she is unable to shed all the mental abuse her father inflicted on her. When she goes looking for her brother who has disappeared, she meets Serge Sorenson. A huge tattooed illegal fighter, Beatrix is both scared and titillated. Serge sends her home but finds and brings her brother to her. From that moment a connection is formed and neither is able to stay away from the other.
I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Stein. She has a unique voice that for the most part appeals to me. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. Similar to her book Sheltered, which I adored, this one didn’t reveal story wise or character wise as I expected. Beatrix and Serge were very linear and I found them somewhat superficial. Normally not bothered by first person narrative, I found the narrative in here to be disjointed, clinical, and too heavily internalized. The dialogue when presented was weak and gave us no real insight to who Beatrix and Serge were. The switching from Beatrix’s internal monologue to conversations was haphazard and I often wasn’t sure who was speaking. Also, to be brutally frank, being in Beatrix’s head was not fun.
The story has no depth or dimension. Instalove forms in a few days and suddenly there is no Beatrix and Serge-it’s BeatrixSerge. We never learn what was the attraction for them. There is no build up to that defining moment-leaving the reader feeling rushed and unprepared for where Stein was trying to take us. I couldn’t help but feel their getting together was more circumstantial than fated.
Love scenes dot the landscape but as I didn’t buy the attraction, I couldn’t buy the romance, making it all that more awkward. The scenes didn’t fit into the general feeling of the book; not with Beatrix’s previous behavior. She is repressed and fearful of the world and sex in general yet in a week or so she can jump right into a sexual relationship? Hmmmm. The lack of chemistry is no help.
Stein keeps us firmly on a predestined path from start to finish with Beatrix unfortunately narrating every single step of the way until a small dramatic conflict tossed in at the end to show readers the supposed intensity of their love for one another.
This was not a favorite work of Stein’s for me. It felt like a puzzle where the pieces don’t quite fit and when it was complete, you had no idea what you were looking at.
RATING: D
July 23, 2015
Every once in a while you meet a character that just pulls you into their story and doesn't let you go... And that's exactly what happened with me as soon as I met Beatrix. Being in her head was definitely an interesting place to be and after learning her story I couldn't help but understand why she was the way she was.
Beatrix lived a sheltered, strict, and abusive life until her father passed away. Now she's going to college and trying her best to be normal. Because of her upbringing she's extremely naive to the ways of the world and that's apparent from the get-go. What endeared her to me was watching her struggle with her want of normalcy while starting to understand that maybe normal isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Which starts to become apparent to her as soon as she meets Serge. Serge is a tatted up, badass fighter on the outside but has a heart of gold on the inside. The first time Beatrix and Serge meet you can feel the connection and later on in their story you come to understand why that connection is so strong.
Of course being in Bea's head you realize right away that she's attracted to Serge, not to mention the fact that cardigan wearing Bea has a dirty, dirty mind. But because we don't get the opportunity to know what Serge is thinking we don't find out until a little later that he's attracted to her too, only he fights it at first because he knows he's not good enough for her.
Serge was definitely my favorite part of this book. He's such a swoonworthy hero and the fact that he wasn't a manwhore makes it that much better. Sure he had a little more experience than Bea but watching him fumble around when it came to the sexy times definitely endeared him to me. And quite honestly, it made the sexy times that much sweeter.
There's so much that I loved about this book and it would have easily been a five start read for me if Charlotte Stein would have given us a little more dialogue between Serge and Bea and less monologue. That issue aside, this was a great start to this series and I'll definitely be checking out the next book.
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Beatrix lived a sheltered, strict, and abusive life until her father passed away. Now she's going to college and trying her best to be normal. Because of her upbringing she's extremely naive to the ways of the world and that's apparent from the get-go. What endeared her to me was watching her struggle with her want of normalcy while starting to understand that maybe normal isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Which starts to become apparent to her as soon as she meets Serge. Serge is a tatted up, badass fighter on the outside but has a heart of gold on the inside. The first time Beatrix and Serge meet you can feel the connection and later on in their story you come to understand why that connection is so strong.
Of course being in Bea's head you realize right away that she's attracted to Serge, not to mention the fact that cardigan wearing Bea has a dirty, dirty mind. But because we don't get the opportunity to know what Serge is thinking we don't find out until a little later that he's attracted to her too, only he fights it at first because he knows he's not good enough for her.
Serge was definitely my favorite part of this book. He's such a swoonworthy hero and the fact that he wasn't a manwhore makes it that much better. Sure he had a little more experience than Bea but watching him fumble around when it came to the sexy times definitely endeared him to me. And quite honestly, it made the sexy times that much sweeter.
There's so much that I loved about this book and it would have easily been a five start read for me if Charlotte Stein would have given us a little more dialogue between Serge and Bea and less monologue. That issue aside, this was a great start to this series and I'll definitely be checking out the next book.
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2015
Ugh, facepalm! I just could NOT get into this book. I kept thinking it'll get better, it has to get better but Bea just kept inner monologuing about nothing and I just wanted to deck her. Which I am fairly certain was not the point. It starts slow, becomes a slight trickle through the last half but mainly never really took off. Serge was the only good thing about this book but sadly we don't get as much of him as I would have liked. Maybe we could have this book from his POV vs hers and I would have enjoyed it more. I am sad I didn't like it bc I had high hopes from the blurb. Just wasn't for me I guess.
This was a complimentary e-copy provided by the author:publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.
This was a complimentary e-copy provided by the author:publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.
June 11, 2015
I'm so torn on my review for this book. On one hand, I had a really hard time getting into this book. There was so much inner monologue in the beginning that it was driving me crazy and I almost DNF. Once I got use to the writing, I ended up liking this story. Bea comes from an awful past where she suffered abuse from her father. The beginning of this book, with all her inner monologue was really sad. I really wish we would've gotten a chapter or two from Serge's POV. Overall, I did enjoy the storyline and the characters but had a hard time with the writing in the beginning. I do look forward to reading the next book in this series.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
February 29, 2016
I adored the love story. I very much love the arc of the heroine's character. The sexy times are so tender and hot with intensity of young love. The hero is great and not a man ho.
I love Charlotte Stein's New Adult writing because it captures the ache of love during that time of life and the finding of oneself mixed in with accepting oneself.
The book falls flats with some unneeded drama and some loose threads of story lines but overall I liked it very much.
I was given this book for my honest review (even though I forgot that and bought a copy lol). So, there you have it.
I love Charlotte Stein's New Adult writing because it captures the ache of love during that time of life and the finding of oneself mixed in with accepting oneself.
The book falls flats with some unneeded drama and some loose threads of story lines but overall I liked it very much.
I was given this book for my honest review (even though I forgot that and bought a copy lol). So, there you have it.
June 18, 2015
I liked the story for the most part though there were elements of the characters that made me lose some of that spark that shows up at different points in the story. Overall it's a hot read. Serge is that buff and tough alpha make and Bea that naïve but totally into him chick. I didn't find too much depth in her but it didn't kill the story's vibe.
June 28, 2024
Supreme ick that I could hardly follow due to stream of consciousness writing style. I admit to skimming most of the book and still the result is a hard no to reading any other in the series. Was looking for a Cara McKenna vibe from back in the day.
December 11, 2015
Beatrix Becker finally has freedom from her abusive and controlling father and has used her freedom to go to college. However, fitting in isn’t easy; dating, friends, parties and even conversation feel like she is navigating a deadly sea without a compass or a map. When she meets Serge, she know she shouldn’t be fascinated by him, big, rough and steeped in violence, he terrifies her as much as he thrills her. But as their connection grows Serge surprises her with glimpses under his armour and with the hope that maybe two misfits could fit perfectly together.
This isn’t my first Charlotte Stein book, but so far it has to be my favourite. Gorgeous tattooed man + painfully awkward girl = Suzanne’s dream book. From the first page Never Loved sucked me in, I was thoroughly absorbed and finished the book wanting to read more.
What I really enjoy about Stein’s books are that she really brings you into the moment, you are living whatever the heroine is thinking right alongside her, generating an almost instant connection with the character. Never Loved was no different, I really liked Beatrix, as traumatised, awkward and socially inept as she is, she was also funny, brave and had a smutty mind, which is something I can appreciate!
Then there is Serge. Tattooed, rough, a complete bad ass, and although he is that typical stereotype of bad boy with a soft heart…there is a reason that that stereotype has endured, he is utterly enticing. And I like that right from the start he never tried to be all badass bravado towards Beatrix, but instead showed who he really was…a gooey marshmallow with the added bonus of tattoos and hard muscles.
I have to mention the heat this book generates, Beatrix is a virgin and Serge relatively inexperienced, but it is almost this lack of experience that make the sex scenes all the more explosive. Beatrix’s willingness to explore and honest reactions to Serge are HOT. Beneath her prim exterior lies the heart of a vixen. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time drooling and wish I could take Beatrix’s place.
This was a fantastic read, at times sexy, sweet and funny, with a real emotional overtone as Beatrix struggles to fit in and be free after years of being trapped and abused. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
This isn’t my first Charlotte Stein book, but so far it has to be my favourite. Gorgeous tattooed man + painfully awkward girl = Suzanne’s dream book. From the first page Never Loved sucked me in, I was thoroughly absorbed and finished the book wanting to read more.
What I really enjoy about Stein’s books are that she really brings you into the moment, you are living whatever the heroine is thinking right alongside her, generating an almost instant connection with the character. Never Loved was no different, I really liked Beatrix, as traumatised, awkward and socially inept as she is, she was also funny, brave and had a smutty mind, which is something I can appreciate!
Then there is Serge. Tattooed, rough, a complete bad ass, and although he is that typical stereotype of bad boy with a soft heart…there is a reason that that stereotype has endured, he is utterly enticing. And I like that right from the start he never tried to be all badass bravado towards Beatrix, but instead showed who he really was…a gooey marshmallow with the added bonus of tattoos and hard muscles.
“The only thing stopping me from laying my hands on you right now is the thought of how bad I would be for you. And it is bad, because honey, if there was anything else between us, I would tear it down with my bare fucking hands. A pit full of demons could open up and I would jump in it to get to you. if there were walls of fire I would burn to be by your side.”
I have to mention the heat this book generates, Beatrix is a virgin and Serge relatively inexperienced, but it is almost this lack of experience that make the sex scenes all the more explosive. Beatrix’s willingness to explore and honest reactions to Serge are HOT. Beneath her prim exterior lies the heart of a vixen. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time drooling and wish I could take Beatrix’s place.
This was a fantastic read, at times sexy, sweet and funny, with a real emotional overtone as Beatrix struggles to fit in and be free after years of being trapped and abused. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
July 24, 2015
4 stars - saved by the oral sex
So, this wasn't easy for me to rate. I went back and forth several times. I even had to sleep on it. So let's start with a breakdown of what i didn't like so much and what I liked.
Dislikes:
1. The inner monologue of Bea, the heroine. The voice is juvenile and gives you an impression that the h is goofy and dense.. It's all over the place and her thoughts are jumping from one subject to another, which almost gave me whiplash.
2. The inner voice takes up too much of the story and most of the dialogue. If someone says something I want to read the dialogue not be told what is said. That gets really old.
3. The Tommy story was very interesting but not fully explored. Focus of the story was mainly on the romance between the two MCs, which was good, but the story starts off with the h looking for her brother. So I really expected more of this.
4. The side characters (tommy and Sam) are one-sided and very bland.
5. The epilogue was short and didn't really add anything to the story.
Likes
1. Bea- I like her even if she annoys me. The monologue is annoying but her actions show a girl with guts and who's loyal and loving.
2. Serge - he's the perfect anti hero. I would have loved his POV.
3. The sex description is amazing. I've rarely read this kind of steamy scenes. And what's more surprising: The sex is vanilla!! but the way it's described... Oh wow!! That's some seriously hot lovemaking..
Now, I'm gonna seem like a horny teenager but I'm giving this 4 stars and yes, the SEX alone is worth 2 stars. Had it not been for that I wouldn't have been able to give it more than 2-2.5 because of the all-over-the-place inner voice that totally made me lose focus of the story. Also, my dislikes list clearly outnumbers my likes. But the chemistry is soo hot that it's given me tunnel vision..
So, this wasn't easy for me to rate. I went back and forth several times. I even had to sleep on it. So let's start with a breakdown of what i didn't like so much and what I liked.
Dislikes:
1. The inner monologue of Bea, the heroine. The voice is juvenile and gives you an impression that the h is goofy and dense.. It's all over the place and her thoughts are jumping from one subject to another, which almost gave me whiplash.
2. The inner voice takes up too much of the story and most of the dialogue. If someone says something I want to read the dialogue not be told what is said. That gets really old.
3. The Tommy story was very interesting but not fully explored. Focus of the story was mainly on the romance between the two MCs, which was good, but the story starts off with the h looking for her brother. So I really expected more of this.
4. The side characters (tommy and Sam) are one-sided and very bland.
5. The epilogue was short and didn't really add anything to the story.
Likes
1. Bea- I like her even if she annoys me. The monologue is annoying but her actions show a girl with guts and who's loyal and loving.
2. Serge - he's the perfect anti hero. I would have loved his POV.
3. The sex description is amazing. I've rarely read this kind of steamy scenes. And what's more surprising: The sex is vanilla!! but the way it's described... Oh wow!! That's some seriously hot lovemaking..
Now, I'm gonna seem like a horny teenager but I'm giving this 4 stars and yes, the SEX alone is worth 2 stars. Had it not been for that I wouldn't have been able to give it more than 2-2.5 because of the all-over-the-place inner voice that totally made me lose focus of the story. Also, my dislikes list clearly outnumbers my likes. But the chemistry is soo hot that it's given me tunnel vision..
May 12, 2015
3.5 kind of loved stars for Charlotte Stein's Never Loved. I'm so torn over this book because there were things I really loved and things that didn't tickle my fancy. I guess that is why will have to I stick with the 3.5 star rating because I didn't hate the book but I didn't fall in love with it, either.
The story is told from Beatrix's point of view and her reactions and thoughts make for an interesting read. Beatrix grew up in a home where there was no love, no one to count on for shelter and protection, and it has shaped her into the kind of person she is. When she meets Serge she has a split response to him, one of interest and one of terror. It is fair for her to feel fear considering Serge is quite a large male in stature and is ripped.
Serge was a good character to read. I really liked him because he had his own past to which shaped him to be a kind of broken man. He isn't use to simple acts of kindness or even something as simple as a thank you. He's hardened by life but can't help but want to protect Beatrix. He's drawn to her and she is very much drawn to him.
I suppose what I didn't care for was how little both characters grew through the story and how the story itself didn't shape well. I liked the characters and the premise of the story but feel the execution of staging the characters and moving the plot failed at several points. I did like the read overall and finished while on a three hour plane ride. You can't win them all and you can't please everyone so I'm one of the people who didn't fall in love with the story. Having said that, I would definitely read another book by Charlotte Stein.
The story is told from Beatrix's point of view and her reactions and thoughts make for an interesting read. Beatrix grew up in a home where there was no love, no one to count on for shelter and protection, and it has shaped her into the kind of person she is. When she meets Serge she has a split response to him, one of interest and one of terror. It is fair for her to feel fear considering Serge is quite a large male in stature and is ripped.
Serge was a good character to read. I really liked him because he had his own past to which shaped him to be a kind of broken man. He isn't use to simple acts of kindness or even something as simple as a thank you. He's hardened by life but can't help but want to protect Beatrix. He's drawn to her and she is very much drawn to him.
I suppose what I didn't care for was how little both characters grew through the story and how the story itself didn't shape well. I liked the characters and the premise of the story but feel the execution of staging the characters and moving the plot failed at several points. I did like the read overall and finished while on a three hour plane ride. You can't win them all and you can't please everyone so I'm one of the people who didn't fall in love with the story. Having said that, I would definitely read another book by Charlotte Stein.
July 22, 2015
Lovely writer with a quirky voice : Ms. Stein is a good writer, whose characters, whether they work for you or not, are singular with distinct voices that stay with you long after you’ve finished her book. That said...I have to say that Never Loved isn’t among her best.
Struggled to connect this : I wanted to love this book, but I struggled with Beatrix or Serge and with general interest in this particular story. It didn’t flow well. While I normally love her character’s stream of consciousness musings, there’s a feeling of isolation here while Beatrix works her way through her feelings and I just...couldn’t. Also, I found it difficult to really believe in the relationship or that there was any real growth by either one.
It was ok. While I have enjoyed other works by Ms. Stein (I recommend Beyond Repair for an unusual heroine and a different kind of story), I think the character development was a bit off in this one. But if you’re a big fan of all new adult romances, this may work for you more than it did for me.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
June 22, 2015
Paige's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I really enjoyed Never Loved but it took a bit to get used to the writing style. We spend most of the time in the mind of our heroine, Beatix.
She was a very interesting character. She was quirky, shy and loved her brother unconditionally.
Beatix and her brother suffered abuse by her father for years until they are able to break free. Bea is trying to fit into society and be "normal" while her brother takes a different path. If it wasn't for this she wouldn't have meet Serge.
From the moment they meet Serge feels the need to protect Bea. I loved the protective nature of our hero. He too has been beat down too and on his own until she walks into his life.
Their first meeting connection was awkward but you could sense an immediate connection. I loved how Bea was shy yet bold. Determined but wary. You could feel Serge's presence through the pages. He did a good job containing it but he definitely made his presence known.
The author did a good job on the suspense and creating likable characters. So likable I wanted to give them both a big hug.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Never Loved but it took a bit to get used to the writing style. We spend most of the time in the mind of our heroine, Beatix.
She was a very interesting character. She was quirky, shy and loved her brother unconditionally.
Beatix and her brother suffered abuse by her father for years until they are able to break free. Bea is trying to fit into society and be "normal" while her brother takes a different path. If it wasn't for this she wouldn't have meet Serge.
From the moment they meet Serge feels the need to protect Bea. I loved the protective nature of our hero. He too has been beat down too and on his own until she walks into his life.
Their first meeting connection was awkward but you could sense an immediate connection. I loved how Bea was shy yet bold. Determined but wary. You could feel Serge's presence through the pages. He did a good job containing it but he definitely made his presence known.
The author did a good job on the suspense and creating likable characters. So likable I wanted to give them both a big hug.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 7, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get into Never Loved.
My main issue is that it was about 90-95% inner monologue. I need dialogue when I'm reading. It didn't help that Beatrix's past made her one of the most inexperienced 21 year-olds out there. Not just romantically, but socially as well. There was a lot of thinking about whether or not she was saying the right thing or doing the wrong thing. It was very much like reading the journal of a hormonal pre-teen.
There was also an issue of timing. What seemed like a week (or less) to me of interactions between Beatrix and Serge was possibly a couple of months (based on a line towards the end of the book that suggested that Beatrix had known Serge for a while). That was super unclear and made this seem like an instalove-type book.
Finally, the plot was barely there. There were hints of information about Beatrix's brother and Serge's street fighting whenever it could serve the purpose of bringing the main characters together, but other than that, there wasn't much.
I wish I had liked this more.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get into Never Loved.
My main issue is that it was about 90-95% inner monologue. I need dialogue when I'm reading. It didn't help that Beatrix's past made her one of the most inexperienced 21 year-olds out there. Not just romantically, but socially as well. There was a lot of thinking about whether or not she was saying the right thing or doing the wrong thing. It was very much like reading the journal of a hormonal pre-teen.
There was also an issue of timing. What seemed like a week (or less) to me of interactions between Beatrix and Serge was possibly a couple of months (based on a line towards the end of the book that suggested that Beatrix had known Serge for a while). That was super unclear and made this seem like an instalove-type book.
Finally, the plot was barely there. There were hints of information about Beatrix's brother and Serge's street fighting whenever it could serve the purpose of bringing the main characters together, but other than that, there wasn't much.
I wish I had liked this more.
April 7, 2015
Wow, I could barely finish this one. As the summary stated a young women who has been controlled and mistreated by dear Dad. She is off to college and freedom.
The story has been told before, but this one is not done well. I found the dialogue and story very childish almost.
The heroine was irritating and very hard to like. She seemed very immature for her age and her actions made me cringe at times. Too much inner dialogue for the heroine too.
The hero I liked okay, his character was done well. He's pretty much the best part of the story.
Them together, couldn't see it.
The beginning of the of book was extremely slow, but was picked up eventually.
Netgalley for an Honest review.
The story has been told before, but this one is not done well. I found the dialogue and story very childish almost.
The heroine was irritating and very hard to like. She seemed very immature for her age and her actions made me cringe at times. Too much inner dialogue for the heroine too.
The hero I liked okay, his character was done well. He's pretty much the best part of the story.
Them together, couldn't see it.
The beginning of the of book was extremely slow, but was picked up eventually.
Netgalley for an Honest review.
June 14, 2015
3.5 stars
Beatrix and Serge.
This story was a little bit heartbreaking, a little bit hopeful and a little bit weird.
The writing was so different. Such a different way to describe things and the inner monologue went on and on and on. So long that I had to scroll back 3 pages to remember the last thing that was said.
Beatrix was a bit immature and her feelings flashed from one extreme to the other in an instant.
But, I do remember feeling like she did when I was that age.
I loved the connection between the 2 main characters.
The cover is so yummy BUT Serge is covered with tattoos - this made it not quite the right fit for the story.
3.5 stars from me.
Beatrix and Serge.
This story was a little bit heartbreaking, a little bit hopeful and a little bit weird.
The writing was so different. Such a different way to describe things and the inner monologue went on and on and on. So long that I had to scroll back 3 pages to remember the last thing that was said.
Beatrix was a bit immature and her feelings flashed from one extreme to the other in an instant.
But, I do remember feeling like she did when I was that age.
I loved the connection between the 2 main characters.
The cover is so yummy BUT Serge is covered with tattoos - this made it not quite the right fit for the story.
3.5 stars from me.
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