Stranger

Stranger/Evolution #1

by N.M. Catalano

I couldn't resist submitting to him. I still can't, no matter the cost.

I thought I was fine, I thought my life was ok. Until I met him. One night of erotic abandon blew open the door to the prison of my life and there was no way I wanted to lock it back up. I couldn’t, not when he kept coming back. But I knew there would be a price to pay. There always is, I had been warned. The past always comes back to haunt you especially when it promised it would.


Your body is my playground and I want to play.

Life is good. I have control, I like having control. Until I met her. I thought that one night of her deliciousness would be enough to satisfy me. I was wrong. I wanted more, there was something about her, she was different. And now I was losing control, there was no way in hell I was going to lose.

*Intended to be read as a stand alone but first in a series, there are no cliffhangers.

*Disclaimer: explicit sex scenes, intended for mature audiences. Be prepared to sweat and your heart rate to accelerate.

Genres: Erotica, Dark, Romance, Contemporary

258 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

"I am just a woman, like many of you, who has lived through beauty and ugliness, happiness, (sometimes extreme), and sadness, (sometimes heart wrenching), and have grown to love life and myself even more. I write because I love the characters, I am madly and hopelessly in love with them and want to share them with you. Life is beautiful and is meant to be enjoyed day by day, sometimes you have to pick out the good stuff with a magnifying glass like a needle in a haystack, but enjoyed none the less. The stories that I put on paper, I think, help us to find that enjoyment a little bit more."

Reviews

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not fond of the writing style. The story was easy to read but quite boring.

[Pauline (Passionate About Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING...This novel is too damn sexy!!!
Ladies BEWARE!!!!A new dominant Alpha male has been discovered...Marco,the gorgeous Greek-Italian (such a sexy combo!!!) has come to sweep Elizabeth off her feet!It only took one friday night for them to connect & when Mario said "Let's go,Elizabeth" an animalistic hunger was unleashed & NOTHING could stop them!!!Marco feels utterly responsible for her & is unable to keep his distance.Elizabeth's sexuality explodes even further with him and discovers there is nothing she wouldn't do for him...she let's loose all of her inhibitions.This is a story of how a complete stranger explores every bit of her body with such mastery that she can only open herself up and allow it to happen.If you are looking for a really sexy & sizzling read then "The Stranger" is for you.N.M.Catalano this book is worth 5 very sexy stars!!!

[Catarina Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hot, it will leave you gasping for air and your panties wet. I love Marco with a passion and he is every girls wet dream. The chemistry between Marco and Elizabeth is mind blowing. Marco is so seducti even any girl would want to submit to him. The back story line is good to and leaves you begging Elizabeth to tell Marco everything.

Marco is still mysterious and he is definitely holding something back. Can't wait to read Switch the second book, I need to know where all this leads, will he and Elizabeth have a life together, what secrets is Marco keeping.

Fantastic work NM catalano keep it up because this book is a hit

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics Rating: 4.5

~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Reveiw~~~~~~~~~~

Excellent story about Elizabeth and Marco. Ms. Catalano is one extraordinary writer. I was hooked from the beginning with the beautiful way these two met and began their journey. They definitely had a passionate attraction as evidenced by the numerous scenes of hot sex. But as Elizabeth's past secrets are revealed there is something else sweetly blooming. Now we just have to learn what is in Marco's past before they have a chance at a HEA. Ms. Catalano skillfully weaves sex, tension, mystery, secrets, confrontations and tenderness into a spellbinding and exciting reading experience. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. This book definitely deserves Five Stars!

~~~~~~~~~~Zarah's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Let's Go Elizabeth!

I received this title courtesy of Sweet and Sassy Book-Aholics for an honest review

Please correct me if i am wrong, but this looks to be the first book for this Author - and if this is the case then this was exceptional.

While i am personally not a fan of one night stands or 1st night hook-ups, especially for an obvious independent and mature woman like Elizabeth - HOWEVER - If I had met a man like Marco and he could play my body like an instrument and make me orgasm 4 times in one session I would seriously reconsider this stand - hahaha.

While Marco is quite clearly an Alpha male I would have to question this couple's idea of dominance and submission. It felt a lot more like just dominance in the bedroom for me which is more than fine with the fireworks between this pair.

I do have to say that Elizabeth is a little to nice for her own good at times and I would have been more than a little put out had my integrity been called into question enough to require me to take a lie detector test and I was surprised that Santino went away as quietly as he did. I feel personally that there could have been more exploration into the other minor characters and her relationships with her father and sister - but as this is obviously part of a series I am interested to see who and what comes next from this author.

There are a few minor editing errors ("Common" is written in place of "Come On" several times through the book) and several words blacked out (maybe the CIA doesn't like the use of certain words in e-books :-)) But on the whole it was a great read as I lazed by the pool with a glass of Pinot.

~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~

What an easy read! I don't know about you, but I hate when I have to concentrate too hard on a book. I just want to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy a story. Stranger fits that bill.

Elizabeth and Marco are both easy to like, independent and sexy. Elizabeth is a little of a push over but she gets over that in time. Storyline moved right along. There was suspense, danger and mystery hinted at throughout. The build up was great but I felt it was a little anti-climatic. Even when Elizabeth is in her head, the narrative does not get bogged down. I did feel a little confused at times with some of the internal debates she held with herself.

This is the first book in the series. Although it seems like the second book is going to be about these same two people, the author did not leave the first book in a cliffhanger. Thank God! There is a temporary HEA here. It will be interesting to see where the author takes them in the second book.

~~~~~~~~~~Michelle's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

WOW…..JUST WOW…….. I abso-freaking-lutely LOVED “Stranger” by N.M. Catalano. Elizabeth has been held captive by her own fears of her abusive husband, Santoro, returning to find her. Her life consists of working and going home, never leaving her apartment for some fun. Every time she has been interested in someone her ex finds out and causes more damage than good, so for now she stays to herself. She has few friends and no one knows what really happened with Santoro. She decides one night she is going to finally go out and enjoy Happy hour with some friends. This is the night that changed her life forever. Insert Marco (giggles)…….he is at the same bar Elizabeth is at and he can’t keep his eyes off of her. One night of hot passionate sex is all it takes for Elizabeth to realize she needs to come clean about her past, but doesn’t want to ruin what she has with Marco. Marco is everyone’s dream of a BBF (swoon) – he is gorgeous, smart, funny and has a little secret of his own.

N.M. Catalano does an outstanding job in keeping you glued to your book. Her writing is extraordinary and she does an incredible job in keeping the book flowing- before you know it the book has ended. Ahhh….the ending was perfect and my favorite part as you see what Marco has been hiding. I stared at the words “The End” willing it to give more pages. I cannot wait for the next book “Switch”…(squeal)

I am forever a fan of Catalano and am truly excited to see what else she brings us….Please hurry up with the next one. You rock!

[Kassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the story line wasn't to surprising I loved this book. Can we say HOT!!!!!! Elizabeth has a past that she knows will come back and bite her, but meeting Marco is just what she needs. Encounter after encounter Marco awakenings something in Elizabeth that gives her courage to do what she should've done two years ago. Now Elizabeth isn't weak and can hold her, but there's something to be said about a strong alpha male taking control and that he does. Marco is hot and the sex hotter. Great read.

[Jyoti Achameesing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco Kastanopoulis is a Greek Italian estate developer. A total stranger who takes charge of Elizabeth's life from the first night. Elizabeth is seduced by his persona and he brings out the dormant sensual woman in her. Elizabeth gets involved with Marco and passionately acknowledge that he is the one for her although she is still haunted by her past. Marco Kastanopoulis rescues Elizabeth and she is free finally to move on with her new life They should moving together in a new apartment. I believe the next book Switch will reveal more intimate sides of the sensual couple.

[Christy McCurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling Hot !

If you are looking for an hot erotic read. Look no further.. Stranger has it all and I can not wait for Switch to come out.
In Stranger we learn a lot about Elizabeth, but very little of Marco. There is so much mystery to him and. I am dying to know what skeletons he might be hiding in is closet.
Love this book, love the author. N.M Catalano ..

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several of my girlfriends insisted I read this book! I can't thank them enough for this.

I read this book on New Years Eve & finished the next day. I could not put it down. Marco is so damn sexy and the way he speaks... panty melting Elizabeth is a great main character.

For a debut novel, Ms. Catalano knocked it out! I can't wait to find out the rest of Marco & Elizabeth's story.

[Vicki Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Elizabeth a woman who Is all work and no play due to a her abusive husband Santiago. Finally caves and goes to a girls night out with co workers. That is when she meets Marco the pantie melting alpha male. Will Elizabeth finally take a chance for love and happiness? Great story line and hot erotic sex.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out strong, but I thought it took a long time to get to who & what Santino was. It felt like a loss of interest at chapters 9 & 10, for me. The hot scenes were hot, but I guess I expected more from the reviews I read.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This book was about a strong woman who went out on girls night out and was immediately attracted to a gorgeous alpha male. As the night ends he follows her out to her car and the night of adventure begins. This book is much more than a love story.

[booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW !!!!!!!! Pass me the fan i need to cool down after reading this !!!
Such a hot read loved Marco and Elizabeth's passion !!! Can't wait for Switch !!

[Lisa Cullinan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marco ❤️

This was a great read with a perfect amount of everything. Marco ... whew, damn! Where did you come from? Holy hotness! Elizabeth was cool as well. Not over the top bitchy, but yet, established and mature enough to know what she needs. It makes no sense how they got together but it doesn't have to. Marco is a catch ~ gorgeous, wealthy, generous and dominant. These two, individually, have shady past. We see Elizabeth's in this book and I'm a bit shocked as to why the person from her past still has such a hold on her when he clearly is a psycho. There are too many lingering questions left in which I'm sure will all be answered in the next installment, Switch. I'm not too sure where this story is heading because Marco hasn't even dipped below the surface as far as introducing Elizabeth into the world of a D/s relationship ~ nor has she completely submitted to him. And yet, there's that dreaded word "switch". I haven't nearly seen enough of the Dom in Marcus to let alone have him hand over control to someone else. Don't hand it over Marcus!!!Personally, a dominant woman in control, for me, is a no go. Other than the word "common" being used for c'mon, the writing was fabulous. Ms. Catalano's style of writing was intelligent and engaging with each chapter flowing effortlessly and perfectly into the next. I think that this author has a great writing career ahead of her and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.

[Jennifer Schultheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY! Stranger is the first book I've read from N.M Catalano and I will definitely be following this author and grabbing any new releases she puts out. The book was hot....plain and simple. The chemistry between Marco and Elizabeth was on a whole different level. Right from the beginning, they shared a heated connection and nothing was going to cool it down. This is one case where you shouldn't avoid strangers. When Marco says those first words to her "Let's Go Elizabeth" she was a goner....and so was I. The sex scenes were carnal and oh so steamy. I will admit to wishing I was Elizabeth during those scenes. There is just something about Marco that will leave a lasting impression on you...maybe it's the fact that he's a master to the female body and knows what he's doing and does it well. The characters will have you turning the pages just as fast as you can read them and the descriptions alone will leave you hot and bothered. There is more to this story than just amazing sex though, there is some drama thrown in from an abusive ex-husband that will keep you on your toes. 5 stars all the way for this well written, erotic story that will have you hooked from the very beginning. This is one book that shouldn't be passed up. Reviewed by Jennifer for MNP

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well damn! Maybe I should say HOT damn!! This was one steamy book. I absolutely love Marco! He doesn't take no for an answer, I really love those alpha males. Elizabeth doesn't stand a chance against him honestly. I guess it would be odd for some people that she doesn't freak when he follows her from the bar and gets into his car without a thought however if you consider the "lust at first sight" they have for each other, to me it makes perfect sense. All the sex scenes were amazingly written. I found myself wanting them to last so that I could picture more! I wish that Elizabeth would have told him her problems sooner but I do understand you had your reasons N.M!! I found the beginning to have a bit too much monologue to it but that is also me who likes to dive right into the story. Overall this was extremely well written and I am so glad I was told to buy it! I CANNOT wait for Switch to come out....you left me hanging at the end. I will be impatiently waiting....

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranger by NM Catalano
4 Scorching Hot Stars

If you're after a quick, scorching hot read, then don't go past Stranger by NM Catalano. I read this book in a single sitting and I positively devoured it. I love Marco - he's so damn sexy and that mouth of his need NEVER be washed with soap! Elizabeth is a great main character and while I understand that her past would have a direct impact on her confidence, I do wish she'd been a bit more assertive and displayed more of a backbone. That aside, I quite liked her character and my heart really did hurt for her at various points.

I believe this is the authors debut novel and for that alone, it's great! I know that this book is part of a series so I'm hoping we'll find out more on Elizabeth's relationship with the rest of her family and also more about Marco in the next book. Although this is the first book in the series, it does not end in a cliffhanger and I definitely do recommend it.

[Maddie k · Rating 5 out of 5]

N.m Catalano is a new Author to me and wow this book just sucked me in and I loved the way you just start reading and don't want to put it down.

Elizabeth is a woman who's been bored and unsatisfied for awhile with her life she has screrets which she hides from. and A ex who just can't keep to one woman so she goes out and enjoys her night with friends and across the room she see's him.

Marco is a slick lady's man who knows what he wants and from where he's standing he's court the eye of what's on his menu and he's out to get it.

I love the who scenario thinking this is a one off for kicks with a stranger but there's hidden depths to them both and you just can't help but want so much more for them both and The whole romance was fantastic. I'm looking forward to more from this Author.
I recommend This steamy hot book it's well written and planned out with the twists & turns to keep you on your toes.

Book 2 is Switch so I'll be reading that one next.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranger Danger does not apply!!! This is the first book by N.M. Catalano that I've read, and it will most definitely not be the last... Elizabeth has been living a life of seclusion steering clear of romantic entanglements for fear of her ex will find out and ruin it, which he has done on more than one occasion.. But while out with her group of friends there is one man who sucks her in with just 3 little words..( Let's go Elizabeth) "Swoon" Marcus is Greek-Italian and Omg melt your panties HOT !!! Marcus is somewhat dominant, but not overly and Elizabeth is more than willing to submit!!! Hell who wouldn't want to, to this sexy, dirty talking sex on a Stick!!! I'm looking forward to reading the continuation of their story..

[Robin Cook-brumfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every women needs a Marco Kastanopoulis in their life. There was no time in this book that he was not trying to please or bring the ultimate pleasure to Elizabeth. From the first night they met it was like Fourth of July. Marco's ability to satisfy and wear out Elizabeth was the same from the beginning until the end. Elizabeth is feeling sinfully delicious all while fIghting a darkness that continues to try claim her. While reading you will clutch your pearls and change your panties many times.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book can be a stand alone ... but for me I am so looking forward to "Switch" the next book to explain more detail about both Elizabeth and Marco ... out with friends for the night only to meet an amazing man (Marco) that will rock her world make her really FEEL everything from within her own body ... she learns to let go and trust him and the sex is absolutely AMAZING ... but she has a secret (Santoro) she needs to tell Marco ... and I believe there are a few Marco needs to tell himself ... you want a HOT pantie dropping alpha male ... read this it will not disappoint !!!

[Dianna Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love with Marco!

Marco and Elizabeth's story is a wild one with all the sex, but it is one book I will recommend to all my friends to read. I love how they talk about their jobs but Marco doesn't say how successful he is or that he is a millionaire or billionaire. It is almost like a normal couple talking instead of a fantasy. I love Marco and can't wait to find out more about him in Switch. I hope Marco and Elizabeth can stay together in the next book! Can't wait to read Switch!

[Bchapnrh · Rating 1 out of 5]

don't waste you money unless the author publishes an edited version

While I enjoyed the storyline of Stranger, the editing was so bad it ruined the flow of the story. Constantly using the word 'common' to, I assume, mean (slang) c'mon seemed like something a very young writer would do. As much as I would love to read the continuation of their story, I refused to pay for unedited books that insult people who are spending their money on ebooks. If the author would use an editor, I would love to read about her characters.

[She Hearts Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth spots Marco across the room and just a few words from him has her leaving with him. They share a night of submission and passion which changes everything for her. There chemistry is sizzling hot and you can't help but fall for this scorching naughty talking bossy man. He's delicious. Unfortunately he seems to have some secrets. Damn. Their story is dark, dangerous, and wonderful. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I give Stranger 5 hearts!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story; it is well written and well told. I especially enjoyed building up to the reveal of Elizabeth's backstory...it was nice not to hear about it, in whiney detail the entire time. I cannot, though, give it 5 stars. There were many grammatical errors, some that seem to stem from an autocorrect issue (i.e. every time the author intends the words "Come on", you actually get "Common").

[Keatyn's Mommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! A second chance at happiness is just what the doctor ordered. Elizabeth has a secret past she keeps hidden. Marco the gorgeous stranger is just sex on a stick. Can Marco breakdown her walls and get her to open up?

When her past come back to bite her in the ass and you say "oh no he didn't" don't yell and throw your phone/tablet like I did. Thank you Otterbox!!

This was a great book and I can't wait to read more!!! Come on N. M. Get SWITH

[Monika Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story via a blog. The story sounded very intriguing. Imagine giving into the the demands of a complete stranger... The characters have fantastic personalities. Elisabeth's dilemma is a familiar one personally. I would only suggest watching grammar, but not a distraction and a very good read

[Tracy Mcfarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hotness! This is a new author for me so was skeptical. Have to say LOVED it. Marco is so Alpha and gets the job done. I cannot wait for Switch to come out. Hopefully really really soon, because I want more Marco.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is hot..hot..hot..hot..did I say hot? Marco is the ultimate alpha and Elizabeth is a strong, sexy sumbissive..yes those words can be in the same description! I hate being left hanging!! Hurry!!!

[ShayWebbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome Read. Characters felt like folks I knew. Can't wait for the second book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was HOT!!! Could u imagine meeting a stranger and having sex with him... No strings attached night... Then BAM he keeps trying to find your? Love love loved this book