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Manhattan Bound #1
Weakened
This is an alternate-cover edition for B00OWJTF1K.
Against the glittering backdrop of New York City, budding theatrical publicist Maxine Kirk, fresh off the bus from a small Pennsylvania town, stumbles into the arms of her beloved teenage crush, unleashing desires that she never imagined.
Enter Drew McKenzie, a rising star on Broadway with dashing looks and talent to match, who masquerades behind the characters he portrays.
Instantly, Maxine finds herself lured into Drew’s high society world only to uncover a complicated man beneath the glitz and glamour of his public persona. As soon as the curtain falls, Drew sheds his stage costumes to reveal a daring Dominant side.
Titillated by his enigmatic life, Maxine clamors to discover a surreptitious and possibly perilous affair with Drew, all the while questioning her own preconceived notions on romance.
Secrets surface, revealing haunting truths that test both Maxine and Drew of their own intentions. But in this high-stakes game of trust, only the strongest survive.
Against the glittering backdrop of New York City, budding theatrical publicist Maxine Kirk, fresh off the bus from a small Pennsylvania town, stumbles into the arms of her beloved teenage crush, unleashing desires that she never imagined.
Enter Drew McKenzie, a rising star on Broadway with dashing looks and talent to match, who masquerades behind the characters he portrays.
Instantly, Maxine finds herself lured into Drew’s high society world only to uncover a complicated man beneath the glitz and glamour of his public persona. As soon as the curtain falls, Drew sheds his stage costumes to reveal a daring Dominant side.
Titillated by his enigmatic life, Maxine clamors to discover a surreptitious and possibly perilous affair with Drew, all the while questioning her own preconceived notions on romance.
Secrets surface, revealing haunting truths that test both Maxine and Drew of their own intentions. But in this high-stakes game of trust, only the strongest survive.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2014
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Braddock
10 books31 followersAward-winning author Juliet Braddock loves eighties music, wine, food, theater and all things French.
Juliet was honored with the National Indie Excellence Award for Best Erotica two years in a row for BLINDSIDED and SMITTEN.
When she’s not exploring the big cities of the world—most notably Paris—she lives and writes in Brooklyn and is the proud cat mom to a very spoiled Russian Blue rescue.
Juliet is legally blind and is active in the blind and low vision community. She’s also a lifelong Duran Duran fan.
Juliet was honored with the National Indie Excellence Award for Best Erotica two years in a row for BLINDSIDED and SMITTEN.
When she’s not exploring the big cities of the world—most notably Paris—she lives and writes in Brooklyn and is the proud cat mom to a very spoiled Russian Blue rescue.
Juliet is legally blind and is active in the blind and low vision community. She’s also a lifelong Duran Duran fan.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 16, 2015
Originally posted on http://mikkysworldofbooks.blogspot.fr...
HOLY HOTNESS!!
Now, THIS is what I call a great book!
After more than a year after her mother lost her battle with cancer, Maxine moves to New York, her and her mother’s beloved city, with her best friend, Ben. Leaving her father back in Pittsburg, she’s now ready to embark on her new job as a theatrical publicist and make a career for herself.
The last thing she expects after her short arrival is to stumble in the arms of her biggest crush, Drew McKenzie.
“Electricity, white and hot, radiated through the palm of her hand that he held so delicately in his own. This single moment rendered her speechless. She couldn’t mode, paralyzed by this blond, curly haired gentleman with the chiseled jaw, steely gaze and too-handsome face that she recognized immediately.”
One thing is for sure, though: the connection they share is instantaneous and undeniable.
Drew is a man with a past that he isn’t ready to share with anyone and, despite his charming exterior, he’s an enigma. In truth, he has built high walls around himself and, when he meets Maxine, he’s taken aback with her spirit and her cleverness. For Drew, she is unlike any woman he’s ever met.
Drawn into his world, Maxine discovers he has a dark, Dominant side that surges strange desires within her and that she isn’t that repelled by a lifestyle she has never considered for herself.
“There was something so very different about Drew that evening – something a little dark, and maybe even fraying on the cusp of sinister – yet Maxine couldn’t take her eyes off him. He wasn’t the sweet, polite gentleman she’ met at the stage door.
There was a certain edge to him that she would never have imagined, yet she wanted nothing more than reach out and rake her fingers through those blonde curls. And pull him closer and… Stop it, Maxine, she warned herself. “
Juliet’s writing style is just flawless and, ever since I began her book, I wasn’t able to stop. She managed to create a striking story that lures you in, with characters that seem so real, I felt like I knew every one of them.
I don’t know what else to say, except that I loved it and I cannot wait for the following books in this amazing series.
HOLY HOTNESS!!
Now, THIS is what I call a great book!
After more than a year after her mother lost her battle with cancer, Maxine moves to New York, her and her mother’s beloved city, with her best friend, Ben. Leaving her father back in Pittsburg, she’s now ready to embark on her new job as a theatrical publicist and make a career for herself.
The last thing she expects after her short arrival is to stumble in the arms of her biggest crush, Drew McKenzie.
“Electricity, white and hot, radiated through the palm of her hand that he held so delicately in his own. This single moment rendered her speechless. She couldn’t mode, paralyzed by this blond, curly haired gentleman with the chiseled jaw, steely gaze and too-handsome face that she recognized immediately.”
One thing is for sure, though: the connection they share is instantaneous and undeniable.
Drew is a man with a past that he isn’t ready to share with anyone and, despite his charming exterior, he’s an enigma. In truth, he has built high walls around himself and, when he meets Maxine, he’s taken aback with her spirit and her cleverness. For Drew, she is unlike any woman he’s ever met.
Drawn into his world, Maxine discovers he has a dark, Dominant side that surges strange desires within her and that she isn’t that repelled by a lifestyle she has never considered for herself.
“There was something so very different about Drew that evening – something a little dark, and maybe even fraying on the cusp of sinister – yet Maxine couldn’t take her eyes off him. He wasn’t the sweet, polite gentleman she’ met at the stage door.
There was a certain edge to him that she would never have imagined, yet she wanted nothing more than reach out and rake her fingers through those blonde curls. And pull him closer and… Stop it, Maxine, she warned herself. “
Juliet’s writing style is just flawless and, ever since I began her book, I wasn’t able to stop. She managed to create a striking story that lures you in, with characters that seem so real, I felt like I knew every one of them.
I don’t know what else to say, except that I loved it and I cannot wait for the following books in this amazing series.
July 14, 2015
I loved every second of this book. It deserves a lot more than 5 stars. Review coming soon.
September 16, 2016
Starting in a new city Maxine finds her self face to face with her childhood crush Drew.
a whirl wind romance starts with secret pasts and a passion for each other in a relationship she never imagined she would finds herself in. Drew, dominates her in the bedroom and hides things from her.
Maxine also has things that could threaten their love.
A romance filled with intrigue, love and passion that will have you craving for more.
a whirl wind romance starts with secret pasts and a passion for each other in a relationship she never imagined she would finds herself in. Drew, dominates her in the bedroom and hides things from her.
Maxine also has things that could threaten their love.
A romance filled with intrigue, love and passion that will have you craving for more.
August 3, 2015
When Maxine moves to New York to live her dream, she literally falls into her teenage crush, actor Drew Mackenzie. This was not the impressions she wanted to make but Drew sees something special in her. He sees himself having a dominant/submissive relationship with her but her inexperience requires a different approach as he sets out to claim her.
For me, the way their relationship unfolded made for pleasurable reading. It was not in your face with the BDSM lifestyle. Instead it took the time to explore the relationship and the benefits to both without any pressure. The fact that Drew puts Maxine's needs first and takes care of her made this a special read. The fact that both have deep issues that need to be worked through is another good reason for taking it slowly. While Drew helps bring her out of her shell by helping her find her inner confidence, she helps to bring out his spontaneous and fun side.
A great read!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
For me, the way their relationship unfolded made for pleasurable reading. It was not in your face with the BDSM lifestyle. Instead it took the time to explore the relationship and the benefits to both without any pressure. The fact that Drew puts Maxine's needs first and takes care of her made this a special read. The fact that both have deep issues that need to be worked through is another good reason for taking it slowly. While Drew helps bring her out of her shell by helping her find her inner confidence, she helps to bring out his spontaneous and fun side.
A great read!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
April 28, 2015
Her childhood crush was everything she hoped for…
Maxine Kirk was young but knew what she wanted. After a devastating loss, she had to move to New York City and pursue the career she had dreamt of for so long. With her Dad supporting her from back home and her best friend Ben beside her, she had to overcome her grief and make the most of her opportunity. A chance meeting at a networking party had her meeting Drew McKenzie, a Broadway actor who she had been crushing on for years. Despite their spectacularly awkward meeting, their mutual attraction was obvious. Where would their journey take them?
I enjoyed the writing style of this debut novel, the first in a series, and the characters created were instantly likeable. Maxine is young but strong as she tries to recover from losing the guiding light in her life. Her friend Ben is both sweet and funny as he shares her grief and the journey to healing. Drew is more of an enigma as he ably plays the dominant and role of sexual teacher. He is an actor and I can’t help but wonder how much of his actions are part of another role. The elements of BDSM were threaded throughout the story as Drew taught Maxine what he desired in their relationship. If you’ve never read anything about the lifestyle before you will find the explanations simple and straightforward. I’ve read a number of books on the topic so I admit the theme became a bit repetitive after a while. The buildup is slow though the foreplay is hot – Taxi Cab Sex deserves a chapter on its own. I’m looking forward to the next in the series which I hope will share more of Drew and his hidden depths.
July 20, 2015
There aren't many books about BDSM relationships that I find myself truly enjoying. The lifestyle is about discipline and submission, two things that many people would not associate with fun. It always comes across as a serious subject.
Julie Braddock has changed that for me and I've never been happier.
WEAKENED and WRAPPED are the first two books in the Manhattan Bound series. The books feature the lives of new college graduate Maxine as she follows her dream of living and working in New York City. Little does she know that more than just a great job awaits her in Manhattan, there's also a great guy, our hunky actor hero, Drew.
There are several themes going at once in the books, not the least of which is BDSM as part of the romance story. But there's more than just sex and bondage in the books, both Drew and Maxine suffer from deep emotional issues that they must overcome with each other's help. The series has some of the most well-developed characters I've seen in a romance novel. Excellent for those readers who want to know the details and delve into the heads of the characters.
Supporting characters add tremendously and the city of New York shines as a backdrop. The humor is great and the BDSM "scenes" are portrayed well, with humor, tenderness and kindness, just as I would expect in a relationship between young lovers.
All in all, the Manhattan Bound series is a fun and enjoyable and I totally recommend it!
Julie Braddock has changed that for me and I've never been happier.
WEAKENED and WRAPPED are the first two books in the Manhattan Bound series. The books feature the lives of new college graduate Maxine as she follows her dream of living and working in New York City. Little does she know that more than just a great job awaits her in Manhattan, there's also a great guy, our hunky actor hero, Drew.
There are several themes going at once in the books, not the least of which is BDSM as part of the romance story. But there's more than just sex and bondage in the books, both Drew and Maxine suffer from deep emotional issues that they must overcome with each other's help. The series has some of the most well-developed characters I've seen in a romance novel. Excellent for those readers who want to know the details and delve into the heads of the characters.
Supporting characters add tremendously and the city of New York shines as a backdrop. The humor is great and the BDSM "scenes" are portrayed well, with humor, tenderness and kindness, just as I would expect in a relationship between young lovers.
All in all, the Manhattan Bound series is a fun and enjoyable and I totally recommend it!
December 13, 2014
Juliet pulled me into this story right from the word "go." She wove a tale that's both believable and inventive, leaving you in love and weak in the knees. There is so much passion in her words, and care taken with the characters and story descriptions.
Through this novel we are rooting on Maxine and Drew, two well-suited characters learning to trust and have faith in other people after some difficult past events. Drew is everything a Dom should be, Maxine is just.. Maxine. I love her. We're also introduced to Ben, Maxine's best friend, and New York City, which truly is an identifiable character in this story, playing such a big part to how the story plays out. What I love most about this, is that it's not another "billionaire meets meek and mild mannered girl," it's a whole other scenario, on Broadway, treating us to an authentic and intricate part of New York City culture.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. I am excited to read the second part entitled "Wrapped," which is expected to release in Spring 2015. If you love a good love story, and some serious steam in your sex scenes, I urge you to pick this up and read it.
-Keri
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)
Through this novel we are rooting on Maxine and Drew, two well-suited characters learning to trust and have faith in other people after some difficult past events. Drew is everything a Dom should be, Maxine is just.. Maxine. I love her. We're also introduced to Ben, Maxine's best friend, and New York City, which truly is an identifiable character in this story, playing such a big part to how the story plays out. What I love most about this, is that it's not another "billionaire meets meek and mild mannered girl," it's a whole other scenario, on Broadway, treating us to an authentic and intricate part of New York City culture.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. I am excited to read the second part entitled "Wrapped," which is expected to release in Spring 2015. If you love a good love story, and some serious steam in your sex scenes, I urge you to pick this up and read it.
-Keri
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)
July 20, 2015
This was a good start to the series. When the book starts, we find out why Maxine is moving to New York with her best friend. I felt bad for Maxine right from the beginning. She had already been through so much to be so young.
Maxine has always had a crush on Drew and never expected to run face to face much less for him to be into her. Drew was very bossy and dominant right from the get go. Both Drew and Maxine and both hiding things from each other but also trying to find a common ground. I felt so bad for Maxine when I found out her secret. I can’t wait to continue the story of these two!!
Maxine has always had a crush on Drew and never expected to run face to face much less for him to be into her. Drew was very bossy and dominant right from the get go. Both Drew and Maxine and both hiding things from each other but also trying to find a common ground. I felt so bad for Maxine when I found out her secret. I can’t wait to continue the story of these two!!
August 9, 2015
After having been in love with New York City for as long as she can remember, Maxine Kirk moves there from her hometown in Pennsylvania for a job as a theatrical publicist.
Before her mother died, she and Maxine would make trips to New York to see Broadway shows, and enjoy all the culture they could soak up. Maxine’s father has lost his true love, but he works to fulfill her dying wish to make sure their daughter rises to her full potential. After receiving a great job offer, Maxine is torn between leaving for the big city, or staying home with her father so they can mourn their loss together. Her father isn’t going to allow Maxine to waste away a great opportunity, and pushes her to take the job. She misses her mother so much, and she still wants to make her proud. So, she take the job and moves in with her best friend, Ben.
Maxine has had a crush on Broadway star Drew McKenzie. She stumbles into him—literally—at a party. Sparks fly, and their chemistry is off the charts. Drew is a Dom, and makes no apologies for it. He’s intrigued by Maxine, and wants to show her how a Dom/sub relationship would work between them. Maxine is shocked to say the least, but she’s also intrigued by Drew’s proposition. She’s worried her longtime crush may cloud her judgement to who and what he really is, and maybe this relationship isn’t the best thing for her.
Drew is an actor, and that ability has helped him excel in his profession, but he also uses it to hide his past. He puts on a happy face, but there is some pain in his past. Maxine has pain in her past, as well. They both need each other to help heal the hurt, but also
I thought the book started out kinda slow, and I wasn’t sure it was going to live up to the synopsis. But things definitely picked up, and I’m so glad I continued to read. The heat between Drew and Maxine is blazing, and the story is a good one. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
Weakened is the first book in the Manhattan Bound series.
I received this ARC for an honest review, and I give it 4 stars.
Before her mother died, she and Maxine would make trips to New York to see Broadway shows, and enjoy all the culture they could soak up. Maxine’s father has lost his true love, but he works to fulfill her dying wish to make sure their daughter rises to her full potential. After receiving a great job offer, Maxine is torn between leaving for the big city, or staying home with her father so they can mourn their loss together. Her father isn’t going to allow Maxine to waste away a great opportunity, and pushes her to take the job. She misses her mother so much, and she still wants to make her proud. So, she take the job and moves in with her best friend, Ben.
Maxine has had a crush on Broadway star Drew McKenzie. She stumbles into him—literally—at a party. Sparks fly, and their chemistry is off the charts. Drew is a Dom, and makes no apologies for it. He’s intrigued by Maxine, and wants to show her how a Dom/sub relationship would work between them. Maxine is shocked to say the least, but she’s also intrigued by Drew’s proposition. She’s worried her longtime crush may cloud her judgement to who and what he really is, and maybe this relationship isn’t the best thing for her.
Drew is an actor, and that ability has helped him excel in his profession, but he also uses it to hide his past. He puts on a happy face, but there is some pain in his past. Maxine has pain in her past, as well. They both need each other to help heal the hurt, but also
I thought the book started out kinda slow, and I wasn’t sure it was going to live up to the synopsis. But things definitely picked up, and I’m so glad I continued to read. The heat between Drew and Maxine is blazing, and the story is a good one. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
Weakened is the first book in the Manhattan Bound series.
I received this ARC for an honest review, and I give it 4 stars.
October 29, 2015
Now this is a start of a fabulous series. Enter Maxine, small-town girl with big city dreams. After accepting the death of her mother from cancer and graduating college, Maxine is surprised to hear from a publishing firm that she interned with over the summer in New York. They want her full-time. Her mom had always dreamed of Maxine fulfilling her dream of moving to New York and working in some way with the Theater. She packs up and moves with her best friend Ben, the only one besides her parents who has ever understood her. She's got a little time to play tourist before she has to officially report to work, but her boss Jillian has invited her to a social that the company is throwing. Assuring Maxine there won't be high profile clients there, just something for her to wet her feet into the industry. And wet her feet she did, spilling a glass of wine on Drew McKenzie, her crush from the theater for as long as she can remember. Of course he would have to be one of their clients. She spends the rest of the evening trying to avoid him and find a polite way to leave the event so early only to be cornered by Drew. He has gotten the important details from Jillian and insists on getting her home, to which Jillian isn't surprised. Drew insists on taking her out on a true date and tells Maxine that there are things about him and his life that aren't for everyone, if in seven days she decides that she can handle it then he'll keep her around a little longer, but it's all about trust. Him trusting her and she trusting him. Some of her demons from the past rear their ugly heads and she is just sure that Drew will run for the hills, but he doesn't. He takes control of the situation when it's obvious that she has none and works her to a point to where she can control them on her own again. Now Maxine has to figure out if she can handle the dark side of Drew even though this is nothing that she ever thought of on her own or should she go running as far away as she can get?
***Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock. ***
***Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock. ***
October 24, 2016
Ill start by saying this was my first novel by Juliet Braddock. I have a lot of mixed feelings to pour into this review. The writing style of this book took quite a lot of getting used to for me. I have never read a book quite in this style. The switching of thoughts between characters was hard to follow for me at first. It also took some adjusting in the wording and dialogue of this book. It almost didn't match the time era of the book. The book also lost some of its charm to me by having such a weak female lead! I give out huge brownie points for how the heroine of a story is composed. And Maxine's character is just way to weak and childish for my tastes. And I desperately hope that this indeed changes as the story progresses. I did however enjoy the plot and story line of this book. Yes I do see similarities between this and 50 shades but I feel the author at the same time did a fine job of setting her story apart from it and bringing its own uniqueness. I have enjoyed all the characters thus far, but mostly Ben! He's absolutely adorable and the most perfect bestie! As for Drews character I have taken quite a liking to him as well. His character is charming, caring and demanding! I am also hoping now that the elephant in the room has been taken care of that the books following will loose some of its naivety. I felt like Maxine's innocence almost drown out his characters potential. I want the strong demanding alpha dominant to make a appearance. I felt this book was playing at BDSM like Drews character would in one of his plays! I do have to appreciate the author taking on all to real issues in this world. Its always great to see authors bringing light and focus to serious situations and handle them flawlessly and knowledgeable. With all this aside I do see strong potential in this book that I simply can't over look. And although my review may seem harsh at times I did enjoy this book there is just some things I hope to see progress for better in the future as I will continue on to book 2 of The Manhattan Bound series!
September 27, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
“And that was it-one slow, delirious tease and he was finished with her. Perhaps, she hoped, he’d have his way with her later.”
4 surprising stars!!! What a great start to a series!! This book was not at all what I was expecting but I mean that in the most positive way!! Can’t wait to see where this series heads to next!
Against the glittering backdrop of New York City, budding theatrical publicist Maxine Kirk, fresh off the bus from a small Pennsylvania town, stumbles into the arms of her beloved teenage crush, unleashing desires that she never imagined.
Enter Drew McKenzie, a rising star on Broadway with dashing looks and talent to match, who masquerades behind the characters he portrays.
Instantly, Maxine finds herself lured into Drew’s high society world only to uncover a complicated man beneath the glitz and glamour of his public persona. As soon as the curtain falls, Drew sheds his stage costumes to reveal a daring Dominant side.
Titillated by his enigmatic life, Maxine clamors to discover a surreptitious and possibly perilous affair with Drew, all the while questioning her own preconceived notions on romance.
Secrets surface, revealing haunting truths that test both Maxine and Drew of their own intentions. But in this high-stakes game of trust, only the strongest survive.
Maxine and Drew’s relationship is complicated and tumultuous at best, but it’s so thrilling and exciting to read about!!! I loved Drew’s dark side and how innocent and small town Maxine is. It makes for some amazing chemistry between the two. Such a great start to the series, I’m excited to see where it goes next!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
“And that was it-one slow, delirious tease and he was finished with her. Perhaps, she hoped, he’d have his way with her later.”
4 surprising stars!!! What a great start to a series!! This book was not at all what I was expecting but I mean that in the most positive way!! Can’t wait to see where this series heads to next!
Against the glittering backdrop of New York City, budding theatrical publicist Maxine Kirk, fresh off the bus from a small Pennsylvania town, stumbles into the arms of her beloved teenage crush, unleashing desires that she never imagined.
Enter Drew McKenzie, a rising star on Broadway with dashing looks and talent to match, who masquerades behind the characters he portrays.
Instantly, Maxine finds herself lured into Drew’s high society world only to uncover a complicated man beneath the glitz and glamour of his public persona. As soon as the curtain falls, Drew sheds his stage costumes to reveal a daring Dominant side.
Titillated by his enigmatic life, Maxine clamors to discover a surreptitious and possibly perilous affair with Drew, all the while questioning her own preconceived notions on romance.
Secrets surface, revealing haunting truths that test both Maxine and Drew of their own intentions. But in this high-stakes game of trust, only the strongest survive.
Maxine and Drew’s relationship is complicated and tumultuous at best, but it’s so thrilling and exciting to read about!!! I loved Drew’s dark side and how innocent and small town Maxine is. It makes for some amazing chemistry between the two. Such a great start to the series, I’m excited to see where it goes next!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
March 10, 2015
I have heard my blog partner rave about this book and I finally had the chance to read it. I wasn't disappointed at all. I LOVE everything about this book!!!! This book had me hooked from the beginning to end. Drew is a godsend, dreamy and totally droolworthy. He is so patient and kind to Maxine.
Maxine, is a girl who is trying to live her life after losing her mom. She has been taken care of her dad but now she has a chance of living her life for her. She has a new job as a theatrical publicist in New York City and is living with her best friend Ben. She is invited by her boss to a party when a simple dumping of a drink will change her life. She has had a crush on Drew since she was 12 and can't believe he is actually talking to her and wants to spend time with her. She soon finds out that he has a dominant side to him and that's he wanting to explore that side with her. She has no clue what to expect with this but is willing to do it. He is so patient with her throughout the whole thing. He lets her choose what she's comfortable with and what she would want to experience. I love how every time he plans an outing, she totally changes it. She shows him a simple way to have fun. Drew soon finds out that Maxine has problems and needs help. He finds her all the right people to help and is with her throughout the whole process. Only one downfall with Drew, he can't make toast to save his life, lol! Other than that, he is the perfect dominant book boyfriend! I can't wait to read wrapped and find more on this couple! I can't say enough about this amazing book! I'm recommending this book to everyone i talk to
Maxine, is a girl who is trying to live her life after losing her mom. She has been taken care of her dad but now she has a chance of living her life for her. She has a new job as a theatrical publicist in New York City and is living with her best friend Ben. She is invited by her boss to a party when a simple dumping of a drink will change her life. She has had a crush on Drew since she was 12 and can't believe he is actually talking to her and wants to spend time with her. She soon finds out that he has a dominant side to him and that's he wanting to explore that side with her. She has no clue what to expect with this but is willing to do it. He is so patient with her throughout the whole thing. He lets her choose what she's comfortable with and what she would want to experience. I love how every time he plans an outing, she totally changes it. She shows him a simple way to have fun. Drew soon finds out that Maxine has problems and needs help. He finds her all the right people to help and is with her throughout the whole process. Only one downfall with Drew, he can't make toast to save his life, lol! Other than that, he is the perfect dominant book boyfriend! I can't wait to read wrapped and find more on this couple! I can't say enough about this amazing book! I'm recommending this book to everyone i talk to
August 11, 2015
Maxine ( max) goes to New York to start work at a place where she knows she will love . She's from a small town in Pittsburg. She goes to New York after her mom passed . She has a best friend there and he's gay . She's still a Virgin . Her first night there she goes to a Party that her work is holding . It's a publicity party for Stars . She doesn't feel right in pumps . This part is fantastic she dumps a drink on Drews shirt ( she has lived Drew for over 8 yrs ) she's embarrassed. She helps him clean it up . When he's off into the crowd. She plans on telling Jillian she's leaving . She goes on the balcony for a few minutes . Drew comes out to speak to her . And they hit it off . He asked Jillian about max. He takes her home . They have a first kiss and before they go any further she tells him she's a virgin. Drew stops.
At a point Drew tells her he will give her a week to see if they both want to carry on seeing each other . He tells her to go on her knees and pick up his Jacket and nicely fold it . He also takes her out on Dates Empire State Building and others .
Ben her gay friends always asks has Drew bedded her . She keeps on saying no. At one point Drew tells her he is into BSMN . She doesn't know what that is so he gives her an assignment and gives her a deadline . Does she meet it . The assignment is about the Story of O. He takes her back to his place . Get it and find out what he shows her . He lightly ties her up and plays with her . does he bed her. Grab the book to find out do they go past the week . Does she say okay to the lifestyle. He tells her how he got into it . Grab it and find out WHY. Grab it and you'll love it
At a point Drew tells her he will give her a week to see if they both want to carry on seeing each other . He tells her to go on her knees and pick up his Jacket and nicely fold it . He also takes her out on Dates Empire State Building and others .
Ben her gay friends always asks has Drew bedded her . She keeps on saying no. At one point Drew tells her he is into BSMN . She doesn't know what that is so he gives her an assignment and gives her a deadline . Does she meet it . The assignment is about the Story of O. He takes her back to his place . Get it and find out what he shows her . He lightly ties her up and plays with her . does he bed her. Grab the book to find out do they go past the week . Does she say okay to the lifestyle. He tells her how he got into it . Grab it and find out WHY. Grab it and you'll love it
September 17, 2015
For the first time I am going to put an alert on my review. This review may contain spoilers.
I just finished reading Weakened and I love this story. Maxine Kirk moves to New York to live with her gay best friend Ben. I love Ben he is outrageous at times and definitely has a “potty mouth” Ben and Maxine met while in college. Maxine did an internship in New York and after the Internship ended they wanted her to work for them as a junior publicist. Maxine moves to New York for her job and will be living with her best friend Ben. Maxine is invited to an event and there she accidently spills her drink on Actor Drew McKenzie, her teenage crush.
Weakened is Maxine Kirk’s & Drew McKenzie’s story. Drew is a strong Alpha male and knows what he wants in the bedroom and out of the bedroom. And, the story continues to unfold from there.
There is one scene in the book that had me chuckling. (Well more than one scene but, I loved this one the most and maybe it shouldn’t have because this scene was meant as punishment for Maxine. I loved, loved, loved the condom scene and no I can’t tell you more. You just need to read this book to know what I am talking about.
So I may not have started off loving Weakened but, I ended up loving this book and I look forward to reading more from Juliet Braddock. I give Weakened 4.5 stars.
I was gifted a copy of this book for an honest review and I can’t wait to get started on “Wrapped the next book in the Manhattan Bound Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2015
Weakened by Juliet Braddock is a story great story about what happens when your dreams become reality in the first book of the Manhattan Bound series. Maxine is a young woman who recently graduated and is embarking on the next phase of her life. When her dream internship at D & D during college ends up landing her a job, it is going to change her life more than professionally. As she leaves behind Pittsburgh for the bright lights of New york she moves in with her best friend Ben.
It's when she goes to a work party and meets her celebrity crush Drew McKenzie that things become a whirlwind. While everything seems perfect, both Maxine and Drew has pasts that can derail any chance of a relationship. Will they be able to move on and see where a relationship takes them or is it better to walk away? This is what you have to find out as you read it.
Weakened is an excellent starting point. It definitely lays the foundation for what is no doubt going to be a story you're going to ant to continue. The setting of New York and the theater life, comes alive on the pages and you are with Maxine and Drew every step of the way as they deal with the possibility of romance and relationships. Juliet Braddock, delvers a story that is an enticing and romantic story with moments that are equally funny and heartbreaking. Take the trip with Maxine as she finds out what life in New York and with Drew could really be like.
It's when she goes to a work party and meets her celebrity crush Drew McKenzie that things become a whirlwind. While everything seems perfect, both Maxine and Drew has pasts that can derail any chance of a relationship. Will they be able to move on and see where a relationship takes them or is it better to walk away? This is what you have to find out as you read it.
Weakened is an excellent starting point. It definitely lays the foundation for what is no doubt going to be a story you're going to ant to continue. The setting of New York and the theater life, comes alive on the pages and you are with Maxine and Drew every step of the way as they deal with the possibility of romance and relationships. Juliet Braddock, delvers a story that is an enticing and romantic story with moments that are equally funny and heartbreaking. Take the trip with Maxine as she finds out what life in New York and with Drew could really be like.
February 16, 2015
4.5 stars
Love, love, LOVED this book and can't wait for the next one!!
I didn't realize this book would become a series, I thought we'd get the entire story in Weakened and was a little disappointed that the end wasn't the end but the book is so damn good I can't complain, I'll just wait patiently like a good girl for the next part!!
Maxine comes to the city to start her career. After suffering the loss of someone close to her and a disastrous relationship she's living with her best friend ready to move on with her life.
Enter her teen crush Drew McKenzie. He's older and certainly not what she expected.
Both are a bit unsure if they can truly trust the other, Drew gives her a week to decide if his lifestyle is something she is interested in. Drew is dominant as can be and looking for a submissive. Max fits the bill, but once he finds out her secret he's afraid he'll scare her away.
Drew couldn't be a more perfect dom, he's patient, kind, wanting to ease her into it but so dominant alpha you can't help but drool over him.
Can't wait to see what comes next for Maxine & Drew, I'm sure their story is going to heat up in the next book!!
Love, love, LOVED this book and can't wait for the next one!!
I didn't realize this book would become a series, I thought we'd get the entire story in Weakened and was a little disappointed that the end wasn't the end but the book is so damn good I can't complain, I'll just wait patiently like a good girl for the next part!!
Maxine comes to the city to start her career. After suffering the loss of someone close to her and a disastrous relationship she's living with her best friend ready to move on with her life.
Enter her teen crush Drew McKenzie. He's older and certainly not what she expected.
Both are a bit unsure if they can truly trust the other, Drew gives her a week to decide if his lifestyle is something she is interested in. Drew is dominant as can be and looking for a submissive. Max fits the bill, but once he finds out her secret he's afraid he'll scare her away.
Drew couldn't be a more perfect dom, he's patient, kind, wanting to ease her into it but so dominant alpha you can't help but drool over him.
Can't wait to see what comes next for Maxine & Drew, I'm sure their story is going to heat up in the next book!!
September 13, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of Two Girls Who Love Books Blog
I was excited to read this because its a series. It gives me the opportunity to really step into the lives of these characters and get to know them, however this book is simply to close to the plot of Fifty Shades of Grey. Although the characters are different in what they do, the setting and the surrounding characters,the plot is very much alike to FSOG in that the main character has many deep dark secrets that no one talks about and the female lead is insecure flawed and thinks she is ant good enough. Sound like anyone we know?? The only thing that was new in this book was the emergence of an eating disorder for the main character in which I think was glossed over. The author wrote it like once going to the therapist cured her and they never talk about it again. I think this is a great disservice to anyone suffering with an eating disorder.
I am waiting patiently for the fourth book in this series just to see what the author does when she has no playbook or guide in E.L James to show her the way. I believe that she is going to tie this up in a neat little Happily Ever After Bow just like FSOG.
I was excited to read this because its a series. It gives me the opportunity to really step into the lives of these characters and get to know them, however this book is simply to close to the plot of Fifty Shades of Grey. Although the characters are different in what they do, the setting and the surrounding characters,the plot is very much alike to FSOG in that the main character has many deep dark secrets that no one talks about and the female lead is insecure flawed and thinks she is ant good enough. Sound like anyone we know?? The only thing that was new in this book was the emergence of an eating disorder for the main character in which I think was glossed over. The author wrote it like once going to the therapist cured her and they never talk about it again. I think this is a great disservice to anyone suffering with an eating disorder.
I am waiting patiently for the fourth book in this series just to see what the author does when she has no playbook or guide in E.L James to show her the way. I believe that she is going to tie this up in a neat little Happily Ever After Bow just like FSOG.
May 15, 2015
I haven’t read anything by Juliet Braddock before, but I certainly will be reading more after this. The emotion from the characters pulls you into the story and leads you through page after page. It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did it was worth the slow-ish start. The descriptions are good even though some are a bit long.
I am giving this book a 4 despite the above because the story is good as well as fresh. I think the social issues that come up are addressed in a classy way. You might want to give a warning about them, even though it’s a twist.
Maxine bumps into Drew, literally and the two begin a relationship the ups and downs are some of those of normal people which gives it feelings.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am giving this book a 4 despite the above because the story is good as well as fresh. I think the social issues that come up are addressed in a classy way. You might want to give a warning about them, even though it’s a twist.
Maxine bumps into Drew, literally and the two begin a relationship the ups and downs are some of those of normal people which gives it feelings.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2015
**copy given in exchange for an honest review**
This book has been out since November and only has a few reviews! What a GEM hidden in the "rough" this is!! It had me laughing, crying & smiling...I'm not usually a big fan of BDSM books, but this one surprised me. A good mix of sweet & naughty!
"You just said something awfully charming for a man who claims to prefer thorns upon his roses"
What a journey of the past, present & future for Drew & Max...I'm so intrigued to see how this story plays out! Beautiful writing by Juliet Braddock and looking forward to Wrapped!
This book has been out since November and only has a few reviews! What a GEM hidden in the "rough" this is!! It had me laughing, crying & smiling...I'm not usually a big fan of BDSM books, but this one surprised me. A good mix of sweet & naughty!
"You just said something awfully charming for a man who claims to prefer thorns upon his roses"
What a journey of the past, present & future for Drew & Max...I'm so intrigued to see how this story plays out! Beautiful writing by Juliet Braddock and looking forward to Wrapped!
October 14, 2015
An amazing first in the series novel.
Maxine is a strong, young woman who has been through a lot. Moving to New York, with her bff, Ben, she seeks a new life and a career.
Drew, an up and coming actor, has had a terrible past. Can he keep his domanent side in check to make the lovely Max happy?
Drew is such a sweet, romantic yet dominant man. You can't help to fall for him.
I really enjoyed this book. Sweet and sexy.
Maxine is a strong, young woman who has been through a lot. Moving to New York, with her bff, Ben, she seeks a new life and a career.
Drew, an up and coming actor, has had a terrible past. Can he keep his domanent side in check to make the lovely Max happy?
Drew is such a sweet, romantic yet dominant man. You can't help to fall for him.
I really enjoyed this book. Sweet and sexy.
November 8, 2015
❤❤❤❤
I am rating this book a 4. Maxine's friend Ben was a very colorful character, I did enjoy reading about him. It was so very said that Maxine lost her mom at an early age. It was awesome that her dad encouraged her to fulfill her dreams even though it was tough for him to let go. Her first foray into meeting new people was very eventful. I think she has a lot of growing up to do, meeting other types of people. Not sure if her new relationship is a great one for her.
I am rating this book a 4. Maxine's friend Ben was a very colorful character, I did enjoy reading about him. It was so very said that Maxine lost her mom at an early age. It was awesome that her dad encouraged her to fulfill her dreams even though it was tough for him to let go. Her first foray into meeting new people was very eventful. I think she has a lot of growing up to do, meeting other types of people. Not sure if her new relationship is a great one for her.
September 19, 2016
Sweet and hot
This story starts out very slow, and as another reviewer there are a few similarities to fifty, that said the story is sweet and hot. The backstory regarding Maxine's loss, is sad but also it is life that happens. Drew is hot, he is a likable character, his tender approach to Max is sweet for a dominant man. I look forward to the next book. The story is like able and three and a half stars for me.
This story starts out very slow, and as another reviewer there are a few similarities to fifty, that said the story is sweet and hot. The backstory regarding Maxine's loss, is sad but also it is life that happens. Drew is hot, he is a likable character, his tender approach to Max is sweet for a dominant man. I look forward to the next book. The story is like able and three and a half stars for me.
April 7, 2015
Three stars for being entertaining like a good chick flick at the movies.
I don't really get the rave reviews (currently at 4.5y stars) for this story. It seemed overly-wordy and had a few plot points that just frankly grated on my nerves.
I'm going to have to pass on the sequel.
I don't really get the rave reviews (currently at 4.5y stars) for this story. It seemed overly-wordy and had a few plot points that just frankly grated on my nerves.
I'm going to have to pass on the sequel.
October 13, 2015
Hard to keep reading
I found this one hard not to skip through. Way to much time with thoughts and background to keep my attention. Hopefully the second book will be better as I will read on.
I found this one hard not to skip through. Way to much time with thoughts and background to keep my attention. Hopefully the second book will be better as I will read on.
October 14, 2016
Read my review here for all 4 books!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews