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The Audition
Ever since she was a child, Allie Greenwall has wanted to get into Juilliard. But she hasn’t played the piano in six years, and she is hopelessly rusty. Her only hope of passing her audition rests with reclusive Russian pianist Nikolai Zhednov.
But Nikolai is no longer the man she knew, and in his dungeon, Allie realizes that his help will come at a high cost, one she’s not sure she can pay.
This story contains a Dominant pianist who will use harsh discipline to ensure that Allie reaches her fullest potential, many erotic sexual and BDSM scenes, and a Happy-For-Now ending.
But Nikolai is no longer the man she knew, and in his dungeon, Allie realizes that his help will come at a high cost, one she’s not sure she can pay.
This story contains a Dominant pianist who will use harsh discipline to ensure that Allie reaches her fullest potential, many erotic sexual and BDSM scenes, and a Happy-For-Now ending.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2014
9 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Tara Crescent
116 books1,079 followersTara Crescent writes steamy contemporary romances for readers who like hot, dominant heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
When she's not writing, she can be found curled up on a couch with a good book, often with a cat on her lap.
She lives in Toronto.
When she's not writing, she can be found curled up on a couch with a good book, often with a cat on her lap.
She lives in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 9, 2015
Romance, and Music, and Kink, Oh My!
Here we have a couple who practically grew up together.
This is a story of love, loss, music, and the scars they bear...
Their D/s relationship is built on years of trust.
Sex takes a backseat to the discipline.
Discipline takes a backseat to emotional support,
and everything takes a backseat to the music...
Allie Greenwall
She finally begins to emerge from her funk by auditioning for Julliard where her mother once served on the faculty. Her audition is less than stellar, but because of her mother's legacy, Julliard agrees to give her one week to perfect her playing before returning for a second audition.
There's only one person that Allie can think of who might be able to improve her playing in seven days. She hasn't seen Nikolai Zhednov since her mother's funeral, but she drops everything and shows up unannounced at his front door.
Nikolai Zhednov
Nikolai is nothing short of a musical genius. Allie's mother pulled him from Russia when he was a young man, and he quickly established himself as a prodigy in the Classical Music community.
Allie isn't lacking in technical skills. Her music suffers because she refuses to open her emotions and feel the music.
Allie fears that opening herself emotionally will expose all of her loneliness and heartache since the death of her mother...
Nikolai knows she needs structure, discipline, and a safe place to let go. He uses his own brand of disciplinary skills to whip her into shape.
If she won't lower her walls willingly, he will break them down and build Allie back up again.
***I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review***
...before all this, before the BDSM, before the leash, before the sexual attraction that shimmers in the air, Nikolai and I had one thing that bound us together, and it was the music. When I play, it is, in a way, a homage to that.Tara Crescent writes beautiful BDSM Romances filled with quality characters and generous amounts of steam. She is a stop-drop-and-read author for me, and I'm always delighted with her stories. The Audition is a fabulous addition to her catalog.
Here we have a couple who practically grew up together.
This is a story of love, loss, music, and the scars they bear...
Their D/s relationship is built on years of trust.
Sex takes a backseat to the discipline.
Discipline takes a backseat to emotional support,
and everything takes a backseat to the music...
Allie Greenwall
...you don't need a lot to seize on, when you are looking for a lifeline, and god help me, I'm looking for one. Nikolai, with his crop and his insistence on my nakedness, with his leash and with his ruler, has offered me a helping hand, and I'm determined to seize it and start climbing.Allie's scars are emotional; she has been drifting in a self-destructive haze since the death of her mother.
She finally begins to emerge from her funk by auditioning for Julliard where her mother once served on the faculty. Her audition is less than stellar, but because of her mother's legacy, Julliard agrees to give her one week to perfect her playing before returning for a second audition.
There's only one person that Allie can think of who might be able to improve her playing in seven days. She hasn't seen Nikolai Zhednov since her mother's funeral, but she drops everything and shows up unannounced at his front door.
Nikolai Zhednov
"Perhaps treating you like an animal will help you remember how to survive."Nikolai's scars are physical; he earned them while attempting to save Allie's mother from the car crash which claimed her life. The burns on his hands robbed him of a promising career as the Principal Pianist of the New York Philharmonic.
Nikolai is nothing short of a musical genius. Allie's mother pulled him from Russia when he was a young man, and he quickly established himself as a prodigy in the Classical Music community.
Allie isn't lacking in technical skills. Her music suffers because she refuses to open her emotions and feel the music.
Allie fears that opening herself emotionally will expose all of her loneliness and heartache since the death of her mother...
Nikolai knows she needs structure, discipline, and a safe place to let go. He uses his own brand of disciplinary skills to whip her into shape.
If she won't lower her walls willingly, he will break them down and build Allie back up again.
***I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review***
February 15, 2015
4 - "You play the biggest role in your resurrection." Stars!
The Audition is the first book I have read by Tara Crescent. It is safe to say I was pleasantly surprised and extremely impressed, with the writing, story-line and characterizations. I am what I'd call a soft BDSM reader. I don't mind a bit of spanking, tying up, toys and light pain play, but when things go past that I tend to steer clear.
Although The Audition is probably still pretty tame by the BDSM reading connoisseurs standards, for me it went past the normal parameters of what I would usually enjoy. But I fell in love with Nikolai, and his methods although seemed to be initially harsh, reached a part of Allie that she had lost with the death of her mother, and opened her up to her love and feelings/emotions for playing the piano again.
"Music doesn't live in your fingers... Music lives in your heart."
The writing of this couples Dom/sub relationship was bluntly graphic at points, but Tara gave me the emotion behind the actions that I have found sorely lacking in the few heavier BDSM reads I have looked at in the past.
Definitely an author I will look to read more from in the future. Nothing felt like it had been added for 'shock' value, this couple were wholly into each other and what they were doing together, I liked that and I felt comfortable reading it (for want of a better word).
"Play for me."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The Audition is the first book I have read by Tara Crescent. It is safe to say I was pleasantly surprised and extremely impressed, with the writing, story-line and characterizations. I am what I'd call a soft BDSM reader. I don't mind a bit of spanking, tying up, toys and light pain play, but when things go past that I tend to steer clear.
Although The Audition is probably still pretty tame by the BDSM reading connoisseurs standards, for me it went past the normal parameters of what I would usually enjoy. But I fell in love with Nikolai, and his methods although seemed to be initially harsh, reached a part of Allie that she had lost with the death of her mother, and opened her up to her love and feelings/emotions for playing the piano again.
"Music doesn't live in your fingers... Music lives in your heart."
The writing of this couples Dom/sub relationship was bluntly graphic at points, but Tara gave me the emotion behind the actions that I have found sorely lacking in the few heavier BDSM reads I have looked at in the past.
Definitely an author I will look to read more from in the future. Nothing felt like it had been added for 'shock' value, this couple were wholly into each other and what they were doing together, I liked that and I felt comfortable reading it (for want of a better word).
"Play for me."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 13, 2014
Okay Seriously I LOVEEEE this author and it makes me very happy to get my greedy hands on anything she writes
*this copy was provided by the author for an honest review*
4 Audition Stars
Our main character Allie is trying to get into Juilliard but her audition didn’t woo the judges and she has 5 days to correct her set and audition again.
Allie lost her mom and her way 6 years ago and turned to boys, booze and bad decisions. And one party she sat down and played the piano for the first time inn 6 years and decided she wanted to go back into playing again to save herself and live for herself and her mother.
She can play the piano she just cant give any emotion to it. She deicdes to ask her mothers protégé Nikolai to train her for a week because he was one of the best pianist of all time and was the principal pianist of the philharmonic but was severly injured in her mothers accident and can no longer play that extensively.
Nikolai agrees to train Allie and ensure she can pass her exam.
Allie: I need to go buy clothes and get a hotel room
Nikolai: No you will be naked and you will sleep in the dungeon (in a crate)
Nikolai used various methods to get Allie to focus such as playing thru orgasm, playing after her hands been smacked, playing while orgasm, playing well enough to earn sex etc. And her sassy smart mouth gets her some unique punishments but the longer they are together the more their attraction develops
Nikolai: You played good
Allie: Good enough for sex?
Nikolai: Yes, Good enough for sex
Tara gives a sweet little ending which comes off as an HEA so I will take it… Swoon
*this copy was provided by the author for an honest review*
4 Audition Stars
Our main character Allie is trying to get into Juilliard but her audition didn’t woo the judges and she has 5 days to correct her set and audition again.
Allie lost her mom and her way 6 years ago and turned to boys, booze and bad decisions. And one party she sat down and played the piano for the first time inn 6 years and decided she wanted to go back into playing again to save herself and live for herself and her mother.
She can play the piano she just cant give any emotion to it. She deicdes to ask her mothers protégé Nikolai to train her for a week because he was one of the best pianist of all time and was the principal pianist of the philharmonic but was severly injured in her mothers accident and can no longer play that extensively.
Nikolai agrees to train Allie and ensure she can pass her exam.
Allie: I need to go buy clothes and get a hotel room
Nikolai: No you will be naked and you will sleep in the dungeon (in a crate)
Nikolai used various methods to get Allie to focus such as playing thru orgasm, playing after her hands been smacked, playing while orgasm, playing well enough to earn sex etc. And her sassy smart mouth gets her some unique punishments but the longer they are together the more their attraction develops
Nikolai: You played good
Allie: Good enough for sex?
Nikolai: Yes, Good enough for sex
Tara gives a sweet little ending which comes off as an HEA so I will take it… Swoon
March 1, 2015
This was a quick read. I read it in one sitting. The author did a good job with making me understand how desperate Allie had become and why she sought Nickolai’s help in getting into Julliard.
This is not a dark read, but Nickolai is not exactly gentle when it comes to his techniques in instructing Allie on how to feel in order to become a better pianist. At first I was not sure if he even liked her. Then I thought that maybe there was something that there was a relationship between Allie’s deceased mother and Nickolai years before. Nickolai barely says anything except to instruct Allie. He uses BDSM to make her feel and play, which with what Allie has been doing and acting like after her mother died maybe what she needs.
Days after reading this I am not sure how I feel about these characters. I loved the premise, I love the whole concept behind this story, but yet there were times were I felt lost. I was not expecting any type of deep love story, but I was hoping for a more intense connection. It was one of those “it could have been so good” but it was just missing something. Maybe if the prologue was written in Nickolai’s POV. I do not like dual POVs in these types of stories, but I think a little insight to Nickolai would have helped.
My feelings (and this is my opinion) when reading this was that Allie was not different to Nickolai than any other subs he may have had or trained. Nickolai never lost control. It felt mechanical.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a dark read, but Nickolai is not exactly gentle when it comes to his techniques in instructing Allie on how to feel in order to become a better pianist. At first I was not sure if he even liked her. Then I thought that maybe there was something that there was a relationship between Allie’s deceased mother and Nickolai years before. Nickolai barely says anything except to instruct Allie. He uses BDSM to make her feel and play, which with what Allie has been doing and acting like after her mother died maybe what she needs.
Days after reading this I am not sure how I feel about these characters. I loved the premise, I love the whole concept behind this story, but yet there were times were I felt lost. I was not expecting any type of deep love story, but I was hoping for a more intense connection. It was one of those “it could have been so good” but it was just missing something. Maybe if the prologue was written in Nickolai’s POV. I do not like dual POVs in these types of stories, but I think a little insight to Nickolai would have helped.
My feelings (and this is my opinion) when reading this was that Allie was not different to Nickolai than any other subs he may have had or trained. Nickolai never lost control. It felt mechanical.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2015
*ARC given by the author in exchange of an honest review*
Wow. It's been a while since I was left satisfied by a novella. Great read.
Allie & Nikolai are two people sharing the same passion: music. They are pianists and former friends.
Grown apart since an accident that damaged famous Nikolai, they are brought together again when Allie decides to get her life back by auditioning at Juillard. Knocking on his door for help, she finds out that he is not the man she once knew. He takes it upon himself to tutor her for her audition and that is when she finds out his peculiar tastes in bed and his unorthodox way of helping her find her passion for music again.
Nikolai was such a refreshing hero. No cheesy lines and he trully held a certain air of stoic determination in his interactions with Allie.
Great BDSM romance and wonderful flow. I will be reading more from this author.
5 Stars.
Wow. It's been a while since I was left satisfied by a novella. Great read.
Allie & Nikolai are two people sharing the same passion: music. They are pianists and former friends.
Grown apart since an accident that damaged famous Nikolai, they are brought together again when Allie decides to get her life back by auditioning at Juillard. Knocking on his door for help, she finds out that he is not the man she once knew. He takes it upon himself to tutor her for her audition and that is when she finds out his peculiar tastes in bed and his unorthodox way of helping her find her passion for music again.
Nikolai was such a refreshing hero. No cheesy lines and he trully held a certain air of stoic determination in his interactions with Allie.
Great BDSM romance and wonderful flow. I will be reading more from this author.
5 Stars.
January 11, 2015
Yet again, another fantastic kinky romance by Tara Crescent. I'm not usually a fan of romances where the characters are musicians, I've read a few in the past and they've bored me. This book however, was excellent and I was hooked from the beginning.
"You'll be naked. And you'll sleep in the dungeon"
When I read this I wanted to scream pick me, pick me!
Tara Crescent has this Magical ability to write super hot Doms and Nikolai was no different. He was definitely a 10 on my Dom-o-meter (yes that's a thing) and just wow, he made me melt inside. I would love to spend a few (or all) nights in his dungeon. I mean, he has a freaking dungeon!
This was quite a short book but I fell in love with Nikolai after just a few pages. A sequel to this would be very welcome.
**This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
"You'll be naked. And you'll sleep in the dungeon"
When I read this I wanted to scream pick me, pick me!
Tara Crescent has this Magical ability to write super hot Doms and Nikolai was no different. He was definitely a 10 on my Dom-o-meter (yes that's a thing) and just wow, he made me melt inside. I would love to spend a few (or all) nights in his dungeon. I mean, he has a freaking dungeon!
This was quite a short book but I fell in love with Nikolai after just a few pages. A sequel to this would be very welcome.
**This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
September 1, 2015
Allie needs help practicing for her entrance performance to get into Julliard and the only person capable of helping her is Nikolai whom she hasn't spoken to in six years. Well I can tell you that was a reunion that shocked the pants off of me. Nikolai is a strict Dom that wastes no time in getting Allie right where he wants her. I must say that the chemistry is right on the money with these two and I would love to see a follow-up book/novella to see how their relationship grows past this week together.
The book left me wanting more and that is the only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars.
The book left me wanting more and that is the only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars.
December 14, 2014
This is a review for The Audition by Tara Crescent:
I always love Tara's books. This is no exception. She is really good at fleshing out characters thoroughly as the stories unfold even if the stories are not really long. This one was the perfect length. I enjoyed finding out bit by bit what happened between the two characters in the past. I know if I had an audition I was unsure about I'd love to get this kind of motivation! If Tara has any more books about Nikolai planned, I'll be there to buy them.
I always love Tara's books. This is no exception. She is really good at fleshing out characters thoroughly as the stories unfold even if the stories are not really long. This one was the perfect length. I enjoyed finding out bit by bit what happened between the two characters in the past. I know if I had an audition I was unsure about I'd love to get this kind of motivation! If Tara has any more books about Nikolai planned, I'll be there to buy them.
February 18, 2015
This book was pretty good, but there were some things missing that could have made it much better. I didn't feel much of a connection to Allie and Nikolai. I think most of that is due to there being a real lack of character development. There was also no real description of the characters other than that Nikolai was Russian.
Nikolai is introduced almost immediately after Allie is, and since the book is in Allie's POV, you don't get to form a connection to her outside of her feelings to Nikolai. Some background information is given about Nikolai and his connection to Allie, but he doesn't get developed beyond that. I was hoping for more insight into his character as the book progressed, but it didn't happen
There is not a lot of chemistry between Nikolai and Allie; it's almost wam-bam-thank you-mam. You know that Allie is attracted to Nikolai, but it's far from all-consuming. It's unclear where Nikolai's feelings lie, and there's no build up to when they come to light. There's almost no angst in their relationship, it's more about Allie finding comfort in Nikolai. Sometimes it's nice to have a break from angst, but this book could have been better with more.
I liked the music aspect in this book being a fan of the piano myself. It was very beautiful at times; Allie's struggles with her skills were tangible, and Nikolai's loss of skills was heart wrenching.
Nikolai and Allie do get a HFN, but I would have liked some kind of epilogue where they have to deal with making their relationship work.
All in all, it was a good, quick read. I'm curious to see what else Tara Crescent comes up with.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Nikolai is introduced almost immediately after Allie is, and since the book is in Allie's POV, you don't get to form a connection to her outside of her feelings to Nikolai. Some background information is given about Nikolai and his connection to Allie, but he doesn't get developed beyond that. I was hoping for more insight into his character as the book progressed, but it didn't happen
There is not a lot of chemistry between Nikolai and Allie; it's almost wam-bam-thank you-mam. You know that Allie is attracted to Nikolai, but it's far from all-consuming. It's unclear where Nikolai's feelings lie, and there's no build up to when they come to light. There's almost no angst in their relationship, it's more about Allie finding comfort in Nikolai. Sometimes it's nice to have a break from angst, but this book could have been better with more.
I turn unbidden and hug him. I put everything into it, my gratitude for the way he saved me. My still desperate need for him.
I liked the music aspect in this book being a fan of the piano myself. It was very beautiful at times; Allie's struggles with her skills were tangible, and Nikolai's loss of skills was heart wrenching.
I draw on the emotions and discipline Nikolai has helped me find. I am music. I am, every poignant painful note of Chopin's concerto, every bit of wild dissonance of Ginastera, every calm soothing note of Bach.
Nikolai and Allie do get a HFN, but I would have liked some kind of epilogue where they have to deal with making their relationship work.
All in all, it was a good, quick read. I'm curious to see what else Tara Crescent comes up with.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2015
This story really surprised me, I wasn't sure Id even like it...I know it had to do with a concert pianist and that is so far from my thoughts. But I had received the book from the Author to read and review. I must say I loved it, the writing was amazing and very heart felt. I enjoyed both Nikolai and Allie.
For me it was just the right length and everything was covered, the story line, the fleshing out of characters it all worked.
Since her mothers death Allie has been on a self destructive mode, more like a train wrecked twice. When she tries to pull herself up out of it by auditioning she fails that miserably, but because of her mothers reputation and standing Allie is given another chance. Allie knows of only one person that can help her.
After a tragic accident that leaves his mentor dead and him unable to play in concerts again. Nikolai goes on with is life. Its been a very long time since he has seen Allie, but he knows her life is in a downward spiral of her own making.
In order for Allie to play music she needs to put emotion into it, she keeps a wall around her emotions and that is what keeping her from her potential as a pianist. Nikolai will use his own love of kink to push Allie, he will use his own love of music to guide Allie.
Will Nikolai be enough help for Allie? Will Allie be able to learn in 5 days to let go of what she's had 6 years to hold on to? Enjoy the Music :)
For me it was just the right length and everything was covered, the story line, the fleshing out of characters it all worked.
Since her mothers death Allie has been on a self destructive mode, more like a train wrecked twice. When she tries to pull herself up out of it by auditioning she fails that miserably, but because of her mothers reputation and standing Allie is given another chance. Allie knows of only one person that can help her.
After a tragic accident that leaves his mentor dead and him unable to play in concerts again. Nikolai goes on with is life. Its been a very long time since he has seen Allie, but he knows her life is in a downward spiral of her own making.
In order for Allie to play music she needs to put emotion into it, she keeps a wall around her emotions and that is what keeping her from her potential as a pianist. Nikolai will use his own love of kink to push Allie, he will use his own love of music to guide Allie.
Will Nikolai be enough help for Allie? Will Allie be able to learn in 5 days to let go of what she's had 6 years to hold on to? Enjoy the Music :)
December 28, 2014
The Audition by Tara Crescent is a romance novel with BDSM, if you aren't comfortable with a highly dominant man having his way with a submissive girl... then you probably want to walk away from this book. However, if you are like me... you will want to dive into it and not come up for air until it's done.
Tara Crescent is quickly becoming the queen of originality for me. Each story I have read from her has a unique and intriguing story. While they all have romance and kink, the plot devices are always different. She's a force to reckon with in this genre for sure. Needless to say I'm a huge fan and can't get enough!
Each character is fully developed and even though this is a short book, you still get all the details you need to feel a connection with each characters past and present. And man oh man did they pull on my heartstrings.
I don't want to spoil anything because there are so many little things throughout that I could easily give away too much by accident.
I'll leave you with this. Read this book. Love it. Read it. DO IT! Four stars for storyline and four drenched panties for kinkyfuckery.
Tara Crescent is quickly becoming the queen of originality for me. Each story I have read from her has a unique and intriguing story. While they all have romance and kink, the plot devices are always different. She's a force to reckon with in this genre for sure. Needless to say I'm a huge fan and can't get enough!
Each character is fully developed and even though this is a short book, you still get all the details you need to feel a connection with each characters past and present. And man oh man did they pull on my heartstrings.
I don't want to spoil anything because there are so many little things throughout that I could easily give away too much by accident.
I'll leave you with this. Read this book. Love it. Read it. DO IT! Four stars for storyline and four drenched panties for kinkyfuckery.
January 30, 2015
(Clears throat) ummmmm "The Audition" by Tara Crescent is a very erotic bdsm book that hits on the correct way to do it. Not the punishment type just to hurt someone, but for discipline and direction.
After Allie's mom dies she lost all hope and her love of life, pushed Nikolai, a Russian that her mom sponsored to become a great pianist in the US. He lost his job as first pianist for the NYC Philharmonic in his attempt to save her mom, but didn't lost his hope and love of music. When she fails her audition for Julliard she's given a second attempt to get in but she has to pass the next one or she's out of the running. Allie decides to go to Nikolai in an attempt to get him to tutor her. They both end up with more than they bargained for.
18+ due to adult situations and activities
After Allie's mom dies she lost all hope and her love of life, pushed Nikolai, a Russian that her mom sponsored to become a great pianist in the US. He lost his job as first pianist for the NYC Philharmonic in his attempt to save her mom, but didn't lost his hope and love of music. When she fails her audition for Julliard she's given a second attempt to get in but she has to pass the next one or she's out of the running. Allie decides to go to Nikolai in an attempt to get him to tutor her. They both end up with more than they bargained for.
18+ due to adult situations and activities
February 18, 2015
hhmmm... I don't know... I guess this one is not my kind of cup of tea...
I love romance story spice up with sex, even with kinky one... but I guess too much kinky aka BDSM is not for me...
even with FSOG, I don't really like it, though with different lot of reasons...
this one, is quite good actually...
I just don't like the heroine, not my kind of girl and also the man... don't get their chemistry together... and sometimes I got confused on the girl's feeling... and the non-existence feeling from the man... and maybe I just don't get them...
I requested it over Netgalley, honestly, due to the cover... and the synopsis that gave hint the cover is a Russian... wow, really?? :D
but then... I can't say that I hate the story, I just don't like it...
I love romance story spice up with sex, even with kinky one... but I guess too much kinky aka BDSM is not for me...
even with FSOG, I don't really like it, though with different lot of reasons...
this one, is quite good actually...
I just don't like the heroine, not my kind of girl and also the man... don't get their chemistry together... and sometimes I got confused on the girl's feeling... and the non-existence feeling from the man... and maybe I just don't get them...
I requested it over Netgalley, honestly, due to the cover... and the synopsis that gave hint the cover is a Russian... wow, really?? :D
but then... I can't say that I hate the story, I just don't like it...
December 14, 2014
This book starts off a little slow for me but ends well. I liked the story that is shown throughout the book as well as the steamy scenes. I have read many books by Tara Crescent and have never been disappointed.
December 14, 2014
A sexy, heartfelt short story! Loved it. 4.5
January 24, 2015
I rather enjoyed this story. I grew up playing the piano. maybe I need to go find my Nikolai and take lessons again. I definitely recommend that you read The Audition.
February 6, 2015
Ms Crescent can do no wrong in my opinion and this is just another example. What a great story of pulling your life back together and finding happiness.
November 19, 2015
Good Novella
This novella is a good read. I just wish there was more information about everything and more personality to the characters. It felt choppy, but it's a bdsm novella.
This novella is a good read. I just wish there was more information about everything and more personality to the characters. It felt choppy, but it's a bdsm novella.
April 28, 2018
Amazing, story of a devastated pianist..She is trying to get into Juilliard, and has one week for her last chance. Finally, she goes to the last person she wants to see. He helps her get to her emotions, teaches her how to focus, w/ forms of BDSM, etc. gr8 HEA
November 10, 2021
Perfect
Oh, I really love Tara Crescent’s books! This is a particularly good one. Thigh clenching sex scenes and emotionally satisfying love scenes combine to make this a re-readable delight.
Oh, I really love Tara Crescent’s books! This is a particularly good one. Thigh clenching sex scenes and emotionally satisfying love scenes combine to make this a re-readable delight.
February 4, 2017
** Copy given in exchange for an honest review **
I give this book - 4 kinky stars rating!!
Nikolai and Allie's story is a BDSM " Kinky" Romance. I enjoy kink with my romance, so this was right up my alley. A dominant man with a piano in the dungeon, you got to love that. Piano lessons anyone?
The story starts off with Allie trying to turn her life around. She is auditioning for Juilliard. After failing the audition, she is given a second chance in 5 days. Allie gets that chance, because of her mother's reputation. Allie goes in search of the one person who can help her. Allie is very vulnerable and lonely. Allie feels that no one other there cares for her. She has always had a crush on Nikolai and cared for him even though she lashed out at him when her mother died.
Nikolai is a Russian pianist, that was Allie's mother's protégé. He lived with Allie and her mom. Nikolai was a brooding man, who can make Allie cry when he play the piano. Allie's mother and Nikolai were in a car accident that killed her mother. Nikolai has injuries that ended his career and left him with scars. It has been about 6 years since they have seen each other. They both have changed, but it seems that Nikolai know what Allie has been doing.
After Allie arrives at Nikolai's townhouse, she asked for his help with the audition. She begs him.
"Please, Nikolai,"
"You beg so well, Allie." "I don't take on students."
"I'll do anything,"
"Come with me,"
Nikolai takes Allie down to the dungeon. This is where the piano is kept. This is also whips, floggers, clamps, etc. Nikolai listens to Allie play her audition piece and determines that it lacks emotion and feeling. He explains to her that she will do everything that he says, or she will leave. Allie decides to give herself over to him and his way of help/teaching in order to pass the audition. Nikolai's teaching style is different to say the least. Allie discovers that she likes to be submissive.
She has a hard time allowing her feelings and emotions out. Allie has kept a tight rein on her emotions since her mother's death. She is afraid. With Nikolai's help, Allie is able to put her emotion and feeling into audition piece / playing piano. I did get choked up when Nikolai sent Allie off to her audition, and the gift he gave her. I loved that Nikolai came to Allie's audition.
I had ups and downs with this story. Like any story, there with parts that I liked better that others. This book starts a little slow. I was not sure if Nikolai had any feeling for Allie. For the first few chapters, he seemed detached. Which I understand know why it was that way. I didn't know if I would really enjoy this story, but I am glad that I continued reading. Nikolai and Allie are really good together. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a dominate man and a kinky romance.
I give this book - 4 kinky stars rating!!
Nikolai and Allie's story is a BDSM " Kinky" Romance. I enjoy kink with my romance, so this was right up my alley. A dominant man with a piano in the dungeon, you got to love that. Piano lessons anyone?
The story starts off with Allie trying to turn her life around. She is auditioning for Juilliard. After failing the audition, she is given a second chance in 5 days. Allie gets that chance, because of her mother's reputation. Allie goes in search of the one person who can help her. Allie is very vulnerable and lonely. Allie feels that no one other there cares for her. She has always had a crush on Nikolai and cared for him even though she lashed out at him when her mother died.
Nikolai is a Russian pianist, that was Allie's mother's protégé. He lived with Allie and her mom. Nikolai was a brooding man, who can make Allie cry when he play the piano. Allie's mother and Nikolai were in a car accident that killed her mother. Nikolai has injuries that ended his career and left him with scars. It has been about 6 years since they have seen each other. They both have changed, but it seems that Nikolai know what Allie has been doing.
After Allie arrives at Nikolai's townhouse, she asked for his help with the audition. She begs him.
"Please, Nikolai,"
"You beg so well, Allie." "I don't take on students."
"I'll do anything,"
"Come with me,"
Nikolai takes Allie down to the dungeon. This is where the piano is kept. This is also whips, floggers, clamps, etc. Nikolai listens to Allie play her audition piece and determines that it lacks emotion and feeling. He explains to her that she will do everything that he says, or she will leave. Allie decides to give herself over to him and his way of help/teaching in order to pass the audition. Nikolai's teaching style is different to say the least. Allie discovers that she likes to be submissive.
She has a hard time allowing her feelings and emotions out. Allie has kept a tight rein on her emotions since her mother's death. She is afraid. With Nikolai's help, Allie is able to put her emotion and feeling into audition piece / playing piano. I did get choked up when Nikolai sent Allie off to her audition, and the gift he gave her. I loved that Nikolai came to Allie's audition.
I had ups and downs with this story. Like any story, there with parts that I liked better that others. This book starts a little slow. I was not sure if Nikolai had any feeling for Allie. For the first few chapters, he seemed detached. Which I understand know why it was that way. I didn't know if I would really enjoy this story, but I am glad that I continued reading. Nikolai and Allie are really good together. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a dominate man and a kinky romance.
January 23, 2015
This is an amazing book! When I first started reading this book, I'll admit, I was a bit wary. I read the first chapter and wasn't liking the main character at all and I was worried that the storyline wouldn't be believable, but I was wrong and I judged the characters and plot too soon. By the second chapter, I was hooked. I love BDSM romance novels, but sometimes there's more sex than a real plot in those stories, and I'm so glad this book wasn't that case. This book was so much more! This book is about a broken girl, who learns to be free by submitting herself to someone she once refused help from. It's about a woman who learns that pain in life is inevitable, but it shouldn't define us. This is simply a wonderful book!
Allie Greenwall has always had one dream: to get into her dream school, Juilliard. But, due to a traumatic event that happened in the past, she hasn't played the piano in over six years. She knows she needs help with her playing because she has lost her passion. And the only person she thinks can help her ace her audition is someone she refused help from years ago. Russian pianist Nikolai Zhednov. Who had once been her friend.
But Nikolai isn't the same man she knew all those years ago. He's harder, more harsher than she remembered. And in his dungeon, Allie will soon realize that he might have the power to help her pass her audition, but at a high cost. One she's not sure she can pay.
There's many things I enjoyed about this book. I loved all the BDSM scenes. They were all steamy and hot but they weren't overdone to a point where it started taking away from the plot. I enjoyed how Nikolai did all these things to Allie, things that seem demeaning and harsh, but at the same time, had great meaning and actually helped her, but didn't hurt her. I just enjoyed how the author wrote this book. The descriptions were vivid and the characters, at least in my opinion, grew as people and had some development. The Allie I read about in the first chapter was a spoiled brat who didn't know how to deal with her pain, but she transformed into this strong woman who owned up to all the things she did wrong in her life and wanted to live life to the fullest. She was likable and Nikolai? Gosh, he was swoon-worthy. I didn't think I'd like him, considering the harsh things he put Allie though, but he was surprisingly a very enjoyable character to read about.
All in all, this book was wonderful and I really enjoyed the storyline of the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
My favorite quotes:
"I don't hold the key to your cage, Allie," he says. "You do."
"...I realized I could give up, or I could try to emulate my mother. There's always joy in music. You just have to let it in."
"Never forget--you play the biggest role in your resurrection."
"Music," he says, very, very quietly. "It lives in your heart."
Allie Greenwall has always had one dream: to get into her dream school, Juilliard. But, due to a traumatic event that happened in the past, she hasn't played the piano in over six years. She knows she needs help with her playing because she has lost her passion. And the only person she thinks can help her ace her audition is someone she refused help from years ago. Russian pianist Nikolai Zhednov. Who had once been her friend.
But Nikolai isn't the same man she knew all those years ago. He's harder, more harsher than she remembered. And in his dungeon, Allie will soon realize that he might have the power to help her pass her audition, but at a high cost. One she's not sure she can pay.
There's many things I enjoyed about this book. I loved all the BDSM scenes. They were all steamy and hot but they weren't overdone to a point where it started taking away from the plot. I enjoyed how Nikolai did all these things to Allie, things that seem demeaning and harsh, but at the same time, had great meaning and actually helped her, but didn't hurt her. I just enjoyed how the author wrote this book. The descriptions were vivid and the characters, at least in my opinion, grew as people and had some development. The Allie I read about in the first chapter was a spoiled brat who didn't know how to deal with her pain, but she transformed into this strong woman who owned up to all the things she did wrong in her life and wanted to live life to the fullest. She was likable and Nikolai? Gosh, he was swoon-worthy. I didn't think I'd like him, considering the harsh things he put Allie though, but he was surprisingly a very enjoyable character to read about.
All in all, this book was wonderful and I really enjoyed the storyline of the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
My favorite quotes:
"I don't hold the key to your cage, Allie," he says. "You do."
"...I realized I could give up, or I could try to emulate my mother. There's always joy in music. You just have to let it in."
"Never forget--you play the biggest role in your resurrection."
"Music," he says, very, very quietly. "It lives in your heart."
March 3, 2015
Tara Crescent has written a lot of books. The Audition is the first book of hers I've read. While I barter to say that Crescent knows exactly what it takes to make up a great novella, this book fell flat for me. The Audition was not developed well, the characters were one-dimensional, and I was left with more questions than answers. I believe that Crescent is a great writer, but this book just wasn't as strong as I would have hoped to get. It could have been so much better and I felt that it was on the cusp a lot of times but didn't go over the brim.
Allie wants to get into Julliard more than anything. Her mother taught there, she's a legacy. It's her dream to make a career as a concert pianist. But her life has been in shambles since her mother died. She's given one week to shape up for her second chance try out. Her only way of making it is if she gets the help of her Nikolai, her mother's former student.
While this has the makings of being awesomely hot, this is where it fell flat for me. When Allie meets up with Nikolai again, the old spark of her former crush surfaces. He's attractive, has a darker past, and lives his life as a Dominant. The Dominant part doesn't even phase Allie. She jumps right into his version of "music therapy" without batting an eye. I get it, she's desperate, but a little resistance would have made it more realistic. Allie is not surprised at all by Nikolai's life. It's almost like she knew about it, but we aren't shown that shedid. I would have loved to learn more about the pair before they are reunited. I wanted to see more about Allie's depression, her downward spiral that led her to him. But we didn't get that.
I also would have loved to see more Nikolai: his motivations, his struggles, what he really has to bring Allie besides sexual understanding. I didn't really see where music really was the issue here. The discipline wasn't shown as being such a strong factor in the reason she could discipline her playing.
While I love the concept of this book, it felt disjointed. I wanted more. I think there could have been very much more if it was given another chance, but right now, I wasn't feeling it.
Allie wants to get into Julliard more than anything. Her mother taught there, she's a legacy. It's her dream to make a career as a concert pianist. But her life has been in shambles since her mother died. She's given one week to shape up for her second chance try out. Her only way of making it is if she gets the help of her Nikolai, her mother's former student.
While this has the makings of being awesomely hot, this is where it fell flat for me. When Allie meets up with Nikolai again, the old spark of her former crush surfaces. He's attractive, has a darker past, and lives his life as a Dominant. The Dominant part doesn't even phase Allie. She jumps right into his version of "music therapy" without batting an eye. I get it, she's desperate, but a little resistance would have made it more realistic. Allie is not surprised at all by Nikolai's life. It's almost like she knew about it, but we aren't shown that shedid. I would have loved to learn more about the pair before they are reunited. I wanted to see more about Allie's depression, her downward spiral that led her to him. But we didn't get that.
I also would have loved to see more Nikolai: his motivations, his struggles, what he really has to bring Allie besides sexual understanding. I didn't really see where music really was the issue here. The discipline wasn't shown as being such a strong factor in the reason she could discipline her playing.
While I love the concept of this book, it felt disjointed. I wanted more. I think there could have been very much more if it was given another chance, but right now, I wasn't feeling it.
February 15, 2015
The Audition is a super-hot 91 page BDSM novella with a strict brooding Dom and a sub who needs his discipline and care to help her come to terms with her mother's death, and to tutor her to pass her Juilliard audition. This is the first book I've read by Tara Crescent but it won't be the last, it was a great read.
I'll be honest and say that after the first few pages I wasn't sure I'd like this book, Allie just seemed a bit immature and annoying, but I'm glad I persevered as I really enjoyed it. We soon learn that there is a reason that Allie has gone off the rails, and she is trying her best to put this right. A major part of her plan is to start playing the piano again and pass her Juilliard audition. But she's rusty and needs the help of her mother's former protege Nikolai.
Nikolai is just the kind of Dom I like - dark, brooding, strict and so, so sexy but with a good heart and strong desire to help our heroine. His methods seem unusual and a bit extreme, but they work and the resulting scenes are seriously steamy. Nikolai is also the only Dom I've come across with a piano in his dungeon!
This book is told from Allie's first person point of view. I'm not always a first person POV fan, but in this case it really works. We don't know what's going through Nikolai's mind and it makes him seem even more mysterious and enigmatic,
The Audition is a sexy, short read that I'd really recommend to BDSM romance fans. I give it four out of five stars.
I was given a copy of this book free of charge by the publisher for the purposes of an honest review.
I'll be honest and say that after the first few pages I wasn't sure I'd like this book, Allie just seemed a bit immature and annoying, but I'm glad I persevered as I really enjoyed it. We soon learn that there is a reason that Allie has gone off the rails, and she is trying her best to put this right. A major part of her plan is to start playing the piano again and pass her Juilliard audition. But she's rusty and needs the help of her mother's former protege Nikolai.
Nikolai is just the kind of Dom I like - dark, brooding, strict and so, so sexy but with a good heart and strong desire to help our heroine. His methods seem unusual and a bit extreme, but they work and the resulting scenes are seriously steamy. Nikolai is also the only Dom I've come across with a piano in his dungeon!
This book is told from Allie's first person point of view. I'm not always a first person POV fan, but in this case it really works. We don't know what's going through Nikolai's mind and it makes him seem even more mysterious and enigmatic,
The Audition is a sexy, short read that I'd really recommend to BDSM romance fans. I give it four out of five stars.
I was given a copy of this book free of charge by the publisher for the purposes of an honest review.
July 24, 2015
We'll what can I say the amazing and talented author 's Crescent has done it again.
I have to admit Tara Crescent is fastly becoming one of my favorite authors.
This book has all the way to become a full length novel and I would be one clicking it right away.
We meet Allie who.throughout all of her childhood has dreamt of getting into Jillard to play the piano. But she hasn't played for 6 years so is feeling very rusty. To fulfill her childhood dream she enlists the help of her late mother's protege Nikolai who has an unorthodox way of getting Allie's passion for the piano.
But Nikolai is not the man she remembers. He's alot harsher but Allie knows he is the one who will be able to get into Jillard. But for Allie his help comes at a cost a cost Allie doesn't know she can pay.
Can Allie become his submissive and listen to his every command and control.
As usual Me Crescent explores the characters so you don't feel the book has been rushed through.
If you want to read a book that takes you through sadness,misery, happiness and not forgetting ref hot kinky sex this is the book for you.
I have to admit Tara Crescent is fastly becoming one of my favorite authors.
This book has all the way to become a full length novel and I would be one clicking it right away.
We meet Allie who.throughout all of her childhood has dreamt of getting into Jillard to play the piano. But she hasn't played for 6 years so is feeling very rusty. To fulfill her childhood dream she enlists the help of her late mother's protege Nikolai who has an unorthodox way of getting Allie's passion for the piano.
But Nikolai is not the man she remembers. He's alot harsher but Allie knows he is the one who will be able to get into Jillard. But for Allie his help comes at a cost a cost Allie doesn't know she can pay.
Can Allie become his submissive and listen to his every command and control.
As usual Me Crescent explores the characters so you don't feel the book has been rushed through.
If you want to read a book that takes you through sadness,misery, happiness and not forgetting ref hot kinky sex this is the book for you.
December 24, 2014
This is the story of Nicholai and Allie. Nicholai is a former piano star brought to the US by Allie’s mother. He sustained career ending injuries trying to save Allie’s mom following a car wreck. Allie gave up on life after the death of her mother, and has wandered through life lost for 6 years. After a disappointing audition to Julliard she enlists Nicholai’s help in getting back her life back on track.
Early on it seemed there was a rush to get to the heart of the story and there was little time to allow the story and characters to develop. Once the story slowed down it got a lot better, and ended up being a very sweet, mild BDSM romance. I would rate this story 4 stars. It is not my favorite work from this author, but still really good.
Early on it seemed there was a rush to get to the heart of the story and there was little time to allow the story and characters to develop. Once the story slowed down it got a lot better, and ended up being a very sweet, mild BDSM romance. I would rate this story 4 stars. It is not my favorite work from this author, but still really good.
December 19, 2014
Allie is on a self destructive path, after losing her mom, she doesn't care any more. She just exists. At her Julliard interview she falls flat and knows she needs help. And the only person who can help her is Nikolai , her mother's protege and her first crush.
He offers her the help she needs but with a string attached. He controls her every move. EVERYTHING. Can Allie give it all up in order to regain the passion she needs to play the piano again?
Short story with lots of peaks to it. It took me less than an hour to read, but was worth it. I was amazed at Nikolai's control and his dominance. He helped Allie in more ways then one. The ending is all clean and cozy.
He offers her the help she needs but with a string attached. He controls her every move. EVERYTHING. Can Allie give it all up in order to regain the passion she needs to play the piano again?
Short story with lots of peaks to it. It took me less than an hour to read, but was worth it. I was amazed at Nikolai's control and his dominance. He helped Allie in more ways then one. The ending is all clean and cozy.
February 16, 2015
*Copy given in exchange for an honest review *
Allie completely muffs her audition to Julliard. She is given a second chance on behalf of her late mother. Only one person can help her now. Nikolai.
Nikolai was Allie's mother's protégé and the premiere pianist for the New York philharmonic. Nikolai's career was cut short trying to rescue Allie's mother from a car accident.
Allie takes a shuttle from New York to Boston in order to convince Nikolai to tutor her. Nikolai agrees in exchange for her complete submission.
This story was good and an easy read. It wasn't very compelling for me. It was sexy and well written but I never felt emotionally invested in the characters.
Allie completely muffs her audition to Julliard. She is given a second chance on behalf of her late mother. Only one person can help her now. Nikolai.
Nikolai was Allie's mother's protégé and the premiere pianist for the New York philharmonic. Nikolai's career was cut short trying to rescue Allie's mother from a car accident.
Allie takes a shuttle from New York to Boston in order to convince Nikolai to tutor her. Nikolai agrees in exchange for her complete submission.
This story was good and an easy read. It wasn't very compelling for me. It was sexy and well written but I never felt emotionally invested in the characters.
February 19, 2015
Short with what I would consider mild to medium bdsm.
With a unsuccessful audition to get into Julliard, Allie turns to the only person she feels can help her with a chance to succeed in her second audition...that would be Nikolai.
Nikolai was once a principal pianist in the Philharmonic till an accident ended his career.
After years of not seeing Allie she turns up on his doorstep asking for his help.
He agrees but with stipulations. She is to do as he says and once she sees what he has in store for her it's much more than she would have ever expected.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to giving other books a chance.
With a unsuccessful audition to get into Julliard, Allie turns to the only person she feels can help her with a chance to succeed in her second audition...that would be Nikolai.
Nikolai was once a principal pianist in the Philharmonic till an accident ended his career.
After years of not seeing Allie she turns up on his doorstep asking for his help.
He agrees but with stipulations. She is to do as he says and once she sees what he has in store for her it's much more than she would have ever expected.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to giving other books a chance.
February 10, 2015
Sexy and Sweet
Allie lost her mom six years ago and lost her way. Nikolai trained under her mother. When Allie needs guidance to get into Julliard she talks Nikolai into teaching her to be better.
Nikolai has a rather unorthodox way of teaching Allie. Enter the dungeon and play.
Good book. Lovable characters but just missing a tiny bit, I personally like epilogues to wrap up a story. I feel a little let down to not see how things play out. But it has a nice ending that leaves you to hope things work out for Allie and Nikolai.
Allie lost her mom six years ago and lost her way. Nikolai trained under her mother. When Allie needs guidance to get into Julliard she talks Nikolai into teaching her to be better.
Nikolai has a rather unorthodox way of teaching Allie. Enter the dungeon and play.
Good book. Lovable characters but just missing a tiny bit, I personally like epilogues to wrap up a story. I feel a little let down to not see how things play out. But it has a nice ending that leaves you to hope things work out for Allie and Nikolai.
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