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Unraveled #1

Unraveled by Him

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Unraveled by Him embraces the sensuality of Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series and sweeping ​mystery and twisty ​nail-biting ​suspense. The first in a spellbinding trilogy that entwines, love, hate, romance, jealousy, lust and a white hot sexual adventure.

This erotically charged roller coaster debut by New York Times bestselling author Wendy Leigh, introduces us to Miranda, a free-spirited celebrity ghost writer who gets swept up into a dark world of passion and glamour​ when she meets notorious billionaire Robert Hartwell,​ an irresistible dominant older man.

After sparks fly between Robert and Miranda, he enables her to live out her wildest dreams of sexual submission, and she, in turn, inflames his dominance in every aspect. Although both of them are haunted by their past demons, they embark on a love affair that is part romance, part sexual exploration, and utterly addictive.

A truly riveting trilogy that entwines mystery, suspense and erotica and which breaks romance world boundaries like never before, fans of Lisa Renee Jones' Inside Out series will find themselves under the spell of the Unraveled series.

173 pages, Unknown Binding

First published February 2, 2015

2 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Leigh

36 books26 followers
Ghostwriter & celebrity biographer. She has also written books on love, sex & relationships

http://www.wendyleigh.com/#

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5 stars
13 (16%)
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16 (20%)
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16 (20%)
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23 (29%)
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9 (11%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Leo.
4,997 reviews629 followers
March 10, 2023
It was okay although not my kind of romance/erotica. Not intrigued enough at the moment to read part two.
Profile Image for Albert.
1,453 reviews37 followers
May 5, 2015
Unraveled by Him by Wendy Leigh is the kind of BDSM book that had I read it first and not any others, I would probably never have picked up another BDSM book again.

The story centers around a celebrity ghost writer named Miranda who pens a memoir of her sexual experiences called Unraveled. She writes it as a novel and it gets the attention of billionaire publisher Robert Hartwell. He agrees to allow Miranda to ghost his story if she reads her book to him out loud. He deduces that she is the submissive in this story and begins his domination. To prove her loyalty and love, Miranda must submit to five tests of bondage, pain, obedience and loyalty. This will prove her to be a true submissive.

Robert is of course rich and beautiful so Miranda agrees to his terms. But Robert has a past and a deceased wife who the world believes to be the perfect woman. How can Miranda compete with her ghost? Their pasts catch up with the two and somehow, through love and repeated caning, they will blossom into a true romance.

Someone once wrote that the only reason women loved Fifty Shades of Grey was because Grey was uber rich. If he wasn't, if he lived as a poor man in a trailer park, then all that story would be is another episode of Criminal Minds. That thought works here.

Unraveled by Him is poorly written and contrived. It brings nothing fresh to the genre and in fact takes other concepts from other novels and tries to capitalize on them. A rich dominant with a troubled past whose need to control and punish is the only way he can feel secure. Not love someone, just not feel insecure. A submissive who needs to be punished to feel loved, to be hurt to be loved, because she was sexually molested as a child by someone she trusts and loves. A memory of a lost loved one that is based on lies. All taking place in a secluded mansion, down in the dungeons.

I don't believe a dominant needs to inflict pain to ease their own insecurities and I don't believe a submissive is so because of a past sexual childhood trauma. In fact I think this belittles and disrespects a lifestyle that though not mainstream, certainly deserves better.

At best, Unraveled by Him is cheap porn. At best and I am being generous there.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,525 reviews132 followers
October 4, 2015
I'm wavering between 2 and 2.5 stars

I felt this was a mash up of Fifty Shades of Grey and Rebecca. Honestly, I almost quit reading when at 30%, nothing had happened except Miranda's manuscript had been "accidently" sent to millionaire Robert Hartwell and he'd told her she needed to read the first chapter to him. So, you're probably wondering what else was in the first 30%. We got to know, in great detail, exactly how RICH Robert was and how amazingly wonderful his late wife Georgiana was. We got reminders of these two things all through the rest of the book too.

Having read Rebecca 13 times (it's my all time favorite), I kind of figured out what was going to happen here, and I was right. I never really warmed up to Miranda, and her revelation towards the end kind of made me sick. As for Robert, he didn't do it for me either with his hot and cold behavior.

Be warned, the book ends with a HUGE cliffhanger.

Sadly, this just wasn't for me.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
February 3, 2015
Unraveled by Him (Unraveled #1) by Wendy Leigh
3 stars!!

“Once you parlay with the enemy, the fortress is lost.”


Miranda was a ghost writer to the stars but secretly wanted to pen a dark erotica BDSM book, giving in she secretly puts pen to paper and writes what she has always wanted to do. Intent on publishing under a pen name so as not to tarnish her exemplary reputation Mia sends the manuscript to her agent, Linda, or at least that is what she thought she had done.

Mistakenly having sent her secret manuscript to her sister Lindy you would have thought it wouldn’t have been too bad, but having had this manuscript for two weeks before she noticed meant that her sister could have already done a lot with it. In fact she had, so taken by the writing her sister had personally delivered the manuscript to the country’s top publisher, Robert Hartwell…this sets off an amazing turn of events.

I have to say that I loved the premise of the book; I found the book to be both intriguing and unexpected. My biggest niggle was that I felt little to no connection to either character and that really impacted my enjoyment of the book. The Dom and Sub relationship between the two of them was good, but at times felt cold and a bit cruel. Also, the underlying feelings that were supposed to be there between them just never made it through the pages for me. I love being able to feel that emotion and feel the tension but I sadly found this part lacking. I do appreciate that both characters have been hurt in the past and are both harbouring secrets and have their own problems, but I expected at least an ember or a flicker of warmth.

Even though I failed to connect to these characters on an emotional level, on a suspense and intrigue level my curiosity has been piqued. I cannot wait to see where Wendy Leigh is going to take this couple; I have high expectations that these two will be each other’s salvation. I know that sounds cliché but these two are seriously well matched and I am hoping that Wendy Leigh can ramp up that emotion and really bring this couple to life.

For these two, life should just be beginning, I guess we will have to wait and see.

www.theromancecover.com

Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,146 reviews323 followers
February 26, 2015
Oh my goodness! I think my kindle was smoking during parts of this book!

We begin by meeting Miranda, a successful ghost writer who decided to branch out and try her hand at erotica. A simple mistake has her emailing her completed manuscript to her younger sister, Lindy, instead of her editor, Linda. Lindy takes it from there and the manuscript ends up in the hands of Robert, a billionaire publisher.

That e-mail mistake leads Miranda and Robert down an interesting road. Early on, it seems like they will have smooth sailing then Robert’s past rears up and makes him suspect Miranda’s motives. The process he puts her through to prove she is being honest is difficult for her, but it also leads to him opening up to her. Just as it looks like Miranda and Robert may get their happy ever after we get hit with a major cliffhanger.

I struggled with my feelings towards both Miranda and Robert. The story is written from Miranda’s point of view, so we see more of what she is thinking. I went from liking her spunky attitude to wishing she would stand up for herself to hoping she could get what she wanted. I never really warmed up to Robert, but I was intrigued by him.

There is a LOT of sexy time in the book and most of it is of the BDSM variety. The author does a great job of creating the environment, but without repeating scenes and experiences. It was fascinating to watch Miranda’s reactions to what Robert asked of her.

I normally don’t like cliffhangers, they are actually a pet peeve for me. This is book one in a trilogy, so we go in knowing that the story won’t be complete at the end of the book, but I feel like it could have been handled a little more smoothly. The way this cliffhanger is set up, I couldn’t help but be a little frustrated. I am definitely curious about what is going to happen next!

Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
Profile Image for Gretchen.
1,022 reviews152 followers
March 4, 2018
DNF.

To me, this story felt really rushed without a lot of development and no real build up. I felt like I was being told things and not drawn in to feel them. The main characters relationship feels forced and I didn't really feel any connection or chemistry from them. I had a lot of questions but feel like I was left with a "wait! what just happened?" confused feeling.

I'm sorry to say it wasn't for me.

Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
2,155 reviews109 followers
February 1, 2015
2 Violet Stars
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I picked this up because I love reading BDSM, Sylvia day and Lisa Renee Jones which the blurb promises me
The story is about Miss Stone who accidently emails her erotica book to her sister who delivers it to Mr. Hartwell in hopes for publishing.
Mr. Hartwell tells Miss Stone if she reads him a chapter out of her novel he will allow her to write his biography. So..she does
*horrible erotic story… the BDSM play didn’t make sense and some areas were strange
--he pushes my face down into a bowl of champagne which fizzes up my nose and I slurp and lick it……the Master has me rise to my knees and feeds me gently, painstakingly, almost lovingly… (so your covered in sticky champagne I assume your hair is matted and tangled but you are lovely fed a meal on your knees but drink champagne from a bowl on the floor with your face??) This act is immediately followed by sex with a blindfold, canning, a gag, and a whip. I think it bothers me more that there is no aftercare or any words spoken from the “Master” in the acts. *

Mr. Hartwelll…Miss Stone…blehhh there is no emotion in these two, there is no sexual connection. The characters are detached. They don’t pull that sexual tension or the dominance provided by Lisa Renee Jones’s characters when they refer to eachother by last name.
After Stone reads her chapter to Hartwell he decides she will immediately go with him to Switzerland and she agrees… while on Hartwell’s plane he asks her when she learned she was a submissive and she admits she had a master who wasn’t loving nor did they have sex often. And when the seatbelt light goes off he is inside her panties.

When they get to Switzerland he takes her a heavy spanking session with no warmup, letup, or mercy. And she calls him Master. (this is like the erotica version of instalove in NA/YA novels!)  photo http3A2F2F38.media.tumblr.com2Ftumblr_lqel4zoJ8c1qb0bobo1_250_zpsjpyygg1g.gif So Hartwell buys all these expensive gowns for Stone and they have seemingly uninteresting vanilla sex. And then Hartwell says if Stone is not lying about actually being a submissive she will endure 5 tests in 5 nights in his dungeon..
I should take his tests because taking them will give me the ultimate S&M experience fo submitting to a cruel, relentless, experienced master who will teach me more about submission thant I could ever imagine

interested photo: kurt_nowiminteresting.gif
(how did I just read that get interested at 41% and yet practically fell asleep because NOTHING of any value, importance, faint interest occurs until 50% where she is caught masturbating with her Magic wand. )
Also if I hear.. oh I hope he doesn’t find my magic wand, oh my magic wand my trusty lover, my magic wand my saving grace one more time im going to throw it out a window!!!
I just found it funny… hes like well I guess you are busy and turns around and slams the door.. haha
After a huge chunk of meaningless words we are pulled back into the actual story at 53%
So he walks in the dungeon on day one and the start of the trails… and COLLARS her!!!
Insta lov, insta submission… gag!
 photo http3A2F2F38.media.tumblr.com2Ff1315bd36f22d8da39f8ccc8b0bc0fba2Ftumblr_ngz1t9EsM91tek3xbo1_500_zps4wxaau6g.gif
Bored… however her dress at 62% is amazing!

 photo http3A2F2F40.media.tumblr.com2F7b62f9c4a5f4338aff5eeb96157c5a352Ftumblr_ni6j5ah4mQ1t07z8ao1_400_zpsgxyinx50.jpg
The book speeds over important things and takes so much time talking about unimportant things. I think the strange disconnected dear diary feel in this didn’t work for me. There were definitely scenes that captured my senses and attention. The details given are quite beautiful from dresses to opulence . The situation with her Grandpa..that needed more than a paragraph… and that cliffhanger. I would say this series wont be for me but I think people would enjoy it, it’s a quick read but I need more of a connection in a dom/sub relationship and a larger storyline to follow in a series.
Profile Image for Cyndi Becker.
1,385 reviews11 followers
February 10, 2015
Unraveled by Him is my first exposure to Wendy Leigh’s writing. The story promises passion, mystery and romance. Admittedly I went into this read with HUGE expectations and in the end, I liked it very much. There are really 3 main focuses of this story; a mystery, a BD/sm inspired relationship and the promise of intrigue and seems to confirm for us that really nothing is as it seems. My experience and desire to read this was driven by the need to figure out just what was off with Roberts’ perfect world.

The story is told over a two plus week period with a relationship going from zero to sixty miles an hour in what feels like seconds. From the moment Miranda Stone meets Robert Hartwell her life is turned upside down. The pace of the story is matched to the pace of their relationship so its a fast read. Miranda is a ghost writer angling for a chance to write the bazillionaires life story Roberts story, his status as a widower who had the perfect wife, is a story that makes Miranda curious, jealous and envious all at the same time.

Roberts wealth is over the top, so much so that that it makes the story a bit predictable, but the predictability ends there . Robert has a huge personality and he is not all that likeable, but that not unexpected for his role in story. But, if you want romance then you hold out hope that there is something deep in Robert still open for love.

Miranda is first painted independent, smart and as a women who will only do what SHE wants But once she falls under Roberts influence, those traits are submersed for Miranda’s desire to be Roberts submissive. What he demands of her means that she must endure things beyond physical pain, she must prove to him she’s is a submissive by his harsh standards and experience humiliation that isn’t necessarily private.

It’s the extremes of a BD/sm relationship that takes this story JUST beyond what's comfortable for the general populace of readers of this genre. Sometimes uncomfortable is a great thing to feel while reading and I think the author keeps it JUST in bounds of what readers of this genre find acceptable. Its a very fine line and the author pulls this off with panache..

But, my favorite aspect of this story is the mystery that unfolds through the 2nd half of the book. Robert slowly rewards (while he punishes - in true BD/sm style) Miranda with a story that gives Miranda the background information she needs to really be able to make a decision about her place in Roberts life. I had some assumptions about Roberts quick interest in Miranda that didn’t necessarily play out as I thought it might and the story ends on a great cliffhanger. I recommend getting on board with this series now.

4 1/2 Stars and recommendation .
Profile Image for Bookish Shannon.
526 reviews26 followers
February 12, 2015
Unraveled by Him is one of those books where you think you know which direction the book is going to take, but when you read it, it’s completely unexpected. There wasn’t one thing about this book I expected. The characters were none-typical, that was the first shock. The second would have been the area’s of BDSM which is explored. I’ve read so many books like Fifty Shades and Crossfire series that I almost have an expectation, or almost a cliche which I think is going to be in the novel. But Unraveled by Him was totally different. There were BDSM parts explored and dabbled in which I really didn’t expect to read.

I liked that the characters weren't what I expected. Miranda was an established person, she knew exactly who she was and what she liked. Experienced is submission, healthy body image-- it was refreshing to see. I actually think this is the first time where I've read of the main woman knowing her stuff with sexual submission rather than them starting out clueless and learning throughout the novel. I found Robert to be a delightful change, too. He had demon's in his closet like everyone else but they didn't consume his life or the story. Both of them, as individuals and as a couple were refreshing.

Unraveled by Him dealt with more of a brutal side of BDSM, for lack of better words. It wasn't full on, but definitely contained scenes and aspects which made my eyes widen (with unexpected shock) but sometimes you need to read something with a bit more oomph (winky face). Both characters were experienced in the BDSM world, so why not? Extra kink never hurts anyone, especially when it's what they crave.

In a way I found this book hard to review. I didn't connect to the characters on any emotional level and I found aspects to be unbelievable, though this only happened twice, but at the same time the twists and turns and the jaw dropping cliffhanger made me cling onto this novel more than I originally would have. The shocks and twists really sold me on the novels. But, I do understand that this novel was fast paced and things didn't really kick in until the end. I bet it'll all come into action in book two, but it would have been nice to have had a taste of it here.

But saying that, I really enjoyed this one. It was different and refreshing in ways. And I’d recommend it to anyone who likes adult novels with BDSM subjects. I hope you all enjoy it like I did!
Profile Image for Heather.
165 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2015
Miranda Stone a writer who has made her name ghosting autobiographies for the rich and famous. She has now penned an erotic novel that she plans to publish under a pen name. As misfortune would have it, Miranda accidentally sends the manuscript to her sister instead of her publicist. This sleight of hand sets off the chain of event that follows, putting her directly in the cross hairs of Robert Hartwell.

Robert Hartwell, a widower, is used to getting his way, without question. When he tells people to jump, the only thing they ask is how high. Miranda is confident, stubborn and willful person. Neither of them is likely to back down, except, Miranda is a submissive and discovers that her attraction to Robert has her wishing to please him. Robert is a dominate but one that has long been hidden for risk of losing it all.

Due to a cryptic message delivered to Robert, he proposes 5 tests for Miranda to prove herself as a sub. In between these five tests, Robert reveals the story of him and his first wife, the one person who has Miranda feeling very insecure and jealous despite Lady Georgiana death. As revelations continue things come full circle and create such a cliff hanger, I dare not say more.

This book is not as emotionally charged but I enjoyed the detail and the storyline. Having read many of the current erotic/BDSM, this is the first I’ve felt really focused on the relationship between a dom and a sub. It also focused on the potential emotions of a sub during and after an event of domination, especially as the two are learning each other. Characters are easy to follow and additional characters are for storyline development, not the trend of additional storylines to create new books. I look forward to the next book Unraveled by Her.
Profile Image for Lynn.
421 reviews75 followers
August 4, 2015
OMG ...really.... pausing at that moment... it was almost like a old black and white movie (which would go along with the vintage theme of the wardrobe of the heroine). The book was a interesting mix of genres. The BDSM was very high in this story, the intrigue was the secrets that are hidden throughout the story, of the heroine's childhood, the hero's marriage.

I expected the story at the beginning, a straight sexy bdsm book, what you get here is a lot more. I am still shocked by the ending, the pause onto the next book, as well as the secrets hidden in the back story of the main characters.

There is a few "triggers if you read the shelves I placed it on, please look.

I cannot wait to move onto the next story to find out what in the world is coming after that sudden ending!

Recommend to all who enjoy male dominating bdsm books
3 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2015
An amazing, incredible, sexy book, with a fantastic gripping story. I couldn't put it down, and can't wait for the next in the trilogy. A must read for anyone who likes suspense, mystery, and supersexy characters. So in love with Robert Hartwell that I can hardly think of anyone else!!! Miranda is a strong woman AND a submissive. An interesting conundrum. Don't wait another second..Unraveled by Him is a stupendous, mind-blowing, heat-generating read!!!
Profile Image for Michele.
300 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2015
I’ve read Fifty Shades of Grey and the Crossfire series and I found Unraveled by Him to be very different. The characters weren't what I expected (which in this case is good). Miranda knows who she is and Robert was interesting to read about.

Unraveled by Him dealt with the BDSM world head on with both characters being experienced in that world. There were twists and surprises and I bet book two will bring more excitement.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Dina.
208 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2015
I received this from Netgalley for a honest review. Thank you and the publisher. I loved this book, it was sexy, suspenseful, loving, painful and kept me on the edge. It was dark and erotic and the author did an amazing job. The cliffhanger left me crazy for more. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Sandi.
25 reviews
August 19, 2015
ARC For honest review from NETGALLEY.com


I thought this book started out a little slow,but once I got to reading it I was hooked, I am tad disappointed at how the book ended but I am on pins and needles waiting for the second book to come out so we can see...
Lady Georginia returns or is mrs hatch?
1 review
January 30, 2015
I can't say enough about how brilliant this book is, how romantic, special, unusual and hypnotic in every way. I'm about to read it again, I loved it so much. Thank you, Wendy Leigh.
Profile Image for All Romance.
420 reviews95 followers
May 10, 2016

DAWN'S REVIEW


Our best friend of the program (BFOP), Dawn, is back with another hilarious guest review!!

I seriously have no idea where to start with this book. Other than to say… What the dammmmn Daniel!


This book got me like a trout- I swallowed that mother effing hook like it was a last supper with Jesus himself!


This book makes a couple “what the fuck just happened” turns and ends up at “oh holy crap”. I am pretty sure that while reading this I uttered “da’hell” multiple times. The important part was I could not put this down. I woke up around 7am, (my cat is an asshole and likes to headbutt me when he feels I should be awake!) and I legit just finished it at 1030. Which brings me to now, sitting in my dirty clothes basket so I can write this review and not wake my husband! Why am I lounging on dirty clothes you ask? Well my friends, if I left my room I would need to put my bra on, since last night the boy had a friend spend the night- they are currently playing COD.


But I digress...

I don't even know how to describe this book, but I will try. For you.

Miranda is a erotic novelist, however her family does not know what she writes about. One day she finishes her book and accidentally emails it to her sister and not the publisher. *I do have to tell you this book starts out super slow, more than once I thought to put it down.*

Anyway, she eventually goes to speak with her sister, who turns out to have sent it to a billionaire publisher, Robert Hartwell, whom she secretly is in love with.


She eventually meets him to ask him to please not tell anyone who wrote it. Well, Robert being a man with a story decides to make her a deal: she reads a chapter of her book, out loud to him and he will not tell anybody about it. And also, allow her to ghost write his story! Which to her is an amazing deal… Other than having to read a chapter.

I don't know how much of the rest I am allowed to tell you, because I don't want to give anything away. I will say there are several dungeon scenes, some caning, whips, and smexy times. And there is a story within the story, so that's cool!

In my personal opinion, I thought that the dungeon scenes could have been elaborated a little more, I suppose they were supposed to go through a period of time- but while reading it felt more like 10 minutes. That may be my only issue with this book- not enough whips and chains and kinky games!


But you can not please everyone, so please read the book- make the judgement yourself!

Also, I let you in on a little secret. So come real close, and don't go blabbing your mouth to everyone…. I. Umm… Its totsmagoats a cliffy!!

Which honestly pissed me off the most! Right when I said - wait a fucking minute- it was done. I flipped the page and was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


Just do yourself a flavor and read the damn book!


 
Profile Image for Wendy Leigh.
Author 36 books26 followers
March 12, 2015
THIS IS FROM AMAZON UK and NOT FROM ME. POSTED IT BECAUSE THE READER REALLY GOT IT!!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars I’ve read so many books like Fifty Shades and Crossfire series that I almost have ... 12 Feb. 2015
By Amazon Customer
Format:Kindle Edition
Unraveled by Him is one of those books where you think you know which direction the book is going to take, but when you read it, it’s completely unexpected. There wasn’t one thing about this book I expected. The characters were none-typical, that was the first shock. The second would have been the area’s of BDSM which is explored. I’ve read so many books like Fifty Shades and Crossfire series that I almost have an expectation, or almost a cliche which I think is going to be in the novel. But Unraveled by Him was totally different. There were BDSM parts explored and dabbled in which I really didn’t expect to read.

I liked that the characters weren't what I expected. Miranda was an established person, she knew exactly who she was and what she liked. Experienced is submission, healthy body image-- it was refreshing to see. I actually think this is the first time where I've read of the main woman knowing her stuff with sexual submission rather than them starting out clueless and learning throughout the novel. I found Robert to be a delightful change, too. He had demon's in his closet like everyone else but they didn't consume his life or the story. Both of them, as individuals and as a couple were refreshing.

Unraveled by Him dealt with more of a brutal side of BDSM, for lack of better words. It wasn't full on, but definitely contained scenes and aspects which made my eyes widen (with unexpected shock) but sometimes you need to read something with a bit more oomph (winky face). Both characters were experienced in the BDSM world, so why not? Extra kink never hurts anyone, especially when it's what they crave.

In a way I found this book hard to review. I didn't connect to the characters on any emotional level and I found aspects to be unbelievable, though this only happened twice, but at the same time the twists and turns and the jaw dropping cliffhanger made me cling onto this novel more than I originally would have. The shocks and twists really sold me on the novels. But, I do understand that this novel was fast paced and things didn't really kick in until the end. I bet it'll all come into action in book two, but it would have been nice to have had a taste of it here.

But saying that, I really enjoyed this one. It was different and refreshing in ways. And I’d recommend it to anyone who likes adult novels with BDSM subjects. I hope you all enjoy it like I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
February 2, 2015
As a fan of sexually edgy writing, and being out-of-the-box bored with the enormously popular but endless Fifty Shades of Grey saga, I was eager to take a look at what biographer/ghostwriter/journalist Wendy Leigh would turn out in this genre. After all, she’s long had actual sexual creds from the likes of her early, groundbreaking GIB (Good In Bed) series and maybe it would be a little more like reality, and perhaps as interesting. At opening fast read (it does move along quickly), this first volume of three charges along with a cast of the usual (dauntless heroine, wealthy hero, lots of glitz) and even the somewhat unusual (there’s even an astrologer in there), rolling in lots of well-paced SM sex in private jets, castle mansions, and other high-end locations. Certainly enough introspection here to satisfy the romantic and enough action and real insight to make whips and chains seem worth a try again (sorry, but Shades of Grey, like Madonna’s early forays into SM, makes it seem both unreal and rather uninteresting at the same time, far from the actual situation).

But, in this case, even as you think you’re coming to the apparent intermission/hiatus between books, expecting enough resolution to lead into the next set of developments, things explode and you suddenly find you’re no longer in a romance novel, you’re in a thriller, and nobody you’ve been sleeping or getting tied up with/by is at all who you thought they were. Like, you suddenly wake up and it’s all different in an instant, and the motives and backgrounds of all concerned are totally other than what they seemed, and more than a little devious. That, of course, has me ready to dive in and find out what’s really happening come volume two, not to mention book three.

In sum, Ms. Leigh uses her literary skill and real-life sexual expertise in totally unexpected ways in this opening gambit of a new kind of erotic adventure, which definitely brightens up the sometimes-dulled edge of sexy romantic writing by mixing and switching genres with an original and creative approach. Just when you thought pushing the official edge was beginning to put you to sleep, along comes this wake-up call, and you’re off to the races with a start. And it’s refreshing to see that you can have the best of several styles of yarn-spinning all attractively and arousingly rolled into one. It even makes you recall, for instance, that the underrated Corinne Clery (who starred in the original film of Story of O) was also a fine Bond girl in a totally different context…Wendy Leigh’s new erotic/romantic thriller/mystery aims to show you can have it all, and I have to agree…
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,813 reviews41 followers
September 25, 2015
*** Review based on an ARC which may not match the final published copy.

You know when you pick up a book that has so much promise and then it doesn’t deliver…this was one of those books. Now don’t get me wrong the story line was so different and had plenty of mystery and intrigue, but at the same time it seemed choppy. Even though I was reading an e-copy, I kept turning back thinking I missed a page. For example, we never really are told what tragedy happened to Robert’s wife. There are also continuity errors, for example the letter she leaves on the table in Geneva, she notices it is gone the next morning, but then mentions it is gone from the table again the next day.

So the story revolves around Miranda Stone who is a celebrity ghost writer, but has just finished her debut erotic novel and means to send it to her editor Linda, but mistakenly sends it to her sister, Lindy. By the time she realizes her mistake her sister who was trying to be helpful hand delivered it to billionaire Robert Hartwell, who is a notorious media mogul and the number one publisher in the world.

In desperation, Miranda contacts Hartwell Global Media to explain the error and get the manuscript back. Unfortunately Robert has already read it and will only give it back on the condition that Miranda meets him and reads the first chapter out loud, face-to-face.

Through a series of twists and turns the Robert ends up taking Miranda with him to Geneva and he lavishes her with gifts and affection until a mysterious message arrives that makes him believe she is not who she says she is. The only way he will believe she is truly who she says she is is if she agrees to spend five nights in his dungeon and successfully completes five challenges.

Without giving spoilers, it is hard to explain the good story line, but it revolves around what happened in Roberts past life to cause him to completely distrust Miranda based on the unexplained message.

During the whole process it is also revealed that Miranda has some difficult things in her past which makes you wonder if she is really who she says she is or if she is unknowingly a pawn in a larger mystery.

Overall I am torn between a 3 and 4 star rating. 4 because the story was good and the plot was so unexpected, but 3 for the large gaps in the story that hopefully get resolved in the final copy.

Profile Image for Alexis Sky.
386 reviews
June 30, 2015
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. I try to avoid writing reviews for books I don't enjoy but that being said I feel like I have to for this one. I'm not saying the book was horrible or that it was unreadable because that certainly is not the case. I finished it but I just didn't enjoy it as much as a I wanted to. The mystery is honestly what kept me going. As my mother says, I'm too damn curious for my own good. So here it goes... I hate when books advertise that they are like Sylvia Day's books when they aren't even close. This book was a disappointment from start to finish and just didn't work overall. I only finished it because it was short. I put it down several times because I failed to understand the characters or their real motivation as it was never explained well. There were other parts and characters that just didn't make sense in the overall plot that I felt slowed the story down or had me questioning the entire premise. I never post negative reviews because usually I can find something about the book I liked or think others would like. In this case I believe the comparison to The Crossfire series or any other romance series misleads the reader because it is nothing like them. I applaud the author for trying to do something different and maybe she fixes the mistakes and develops the characters better in the subsequent books. I do not give spoilers and haven't felt I did here but I was alerted the author felt I had so I am editing this review from the first one. I apologize to any who felt the story was given away by one sentence that could have referenced so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janette.
28 reviews
February 2, 2015
Wholly cliffhanger... What happens when you feel like you are fighting a ghost for someone else's affections.

Miranda is an amazing writer. She has been taken over by a new form of writing that the night she typed her last period and the ending she was delirious with sleep and thinking she sent it to her publisher she realized her mistake, a mistake that set off a chain reaction. And that landed in the hands of her most greatest both personally and professional desires. Robert the Robert.

Robert has been in a long-term mourning since the death of his forever love. But the moment he gets a script in his hands and reads it, he is one hundred percent intrigued on who penned it. The moment he lays eyes on Miranda he is taken with her looks and body but he hears a faint sound of a sirens calling but the fact of the matter is can it be true what he hears from the silence between them that she is whom he has been seeking from far to long.

Just when he is ready to move forward a spook from the past swindles it's way into what could be life changing between him and Miranda.. But burned once he has no choice but to test the boundaries between him and Miranda.

Once the truth and the declarations have been made a whirlpool of secrets and deceits begin to Unravel right before their eyes.. And just when the truth of whom the players are behind some of their greatest pains the lights go off and BOOM.. The wholly cliffhanger moment.. Revenge and betrayal is in order for book two Unraveled by Her... And I can't wait...
Profile Image for Colleen Oppenheim.
416 reviews38 followers
February 3, 2015
*This book was given to me for a fair and honest review*

I was so excited to read Unraveled by Him that as soon as I got it I dove right in…then I stopped. I couldn’t get into the storyline so I figured I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to enjoy it. A week or so later, I picked it up again and muddled through. I have to say I was disappointed, unfortunately.

I take pride in my reviews being honest, so that is what I am going to be – completely honest. The story was disjointed and had not one ounce of believability. Yes, I understand that it is called FICTION for a reason, but this was crazy even for fiction. I love my erotica but honestly, there was nothing erotic about Miranda having to slurp champagne out of a bowl on her hands and knees or be beaten by a woman she hates just to pass tests. The characters were cold and detached. I felt absolutely zero chemistry between Robert and Miranda, nor did I believe that they really love one another.

The only part of the book that really intrigued me was the cliffhanger ending. It is what pulled the rating from a one star to a two star.

I always feel bad when I have to give a bad review, but this book just didn’t do it for me. Maybe it is another person’s cup of tea, but unfortunately, not mine.
Profile Image for Samantha.
571 reviews45 followers
May 19, 2015
3.5 really confused stars for Unraveled by Him. I tend to like the darker stories but this one just seemed a bit too much for me. The writing is good, the characters are pretty good, but I think the story as a whole didn't work for me. There was a bit too much going on at once with the tying in of several characters, the crazy ex of Robet's, and the issues both Robert and Miranda have separately.

I'm a bit shocked this story is compared to Sylvia Day's Crossfire series when this is much more fucked up and dark than it, not to mention heavy on BDSM. I found myself asking, "What the actual fuck is going on?!" more than once. I forced myself to finish the book simply because I was given book two in exchange for an honest review. This book didn't hit it for me, I really wanted to like it but neither of the main characters were easy to relate to or fall in love with.

I do have to give it to Wendy Leigh for having the courage to write such a dark and twisted story. I also have to give her credit for her writing ability. Is say her storytelling ability is pretty good but she lacks the ability to have the reader relate to the characters. Overall, I didn't hate the story but I didn't love it. I'm left feeling confused.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
January 22, 2016
This is book one in the "Unraveled" series. This book does leave you with a cliffhanger that leads you into the second book 'Unraveled by Her' and I would image the third book 'Unraveled Together '. So if you are looking for a story to end in one book this won't be for you. I enjoyed the book and the cliffhanger was nail biting that you can't wait...so I am not sorry that I read it.
Miranda is a ghost writer but in her spare time she has been writing an exotica book. Once she is finished she emails it to her publisher but doesn't realize until a few weeks later that she made a mistake and sent it to her sister. Her sister in turn fell in love with the story and took in to Robert who she thought might publish it. Once Miranda finds out what she did she calls him to let him know that it was a mistake and that her own publisher would be publishing it. She asked for him to give it back to her and he tells her he will if she comes to his house.
Robert who also is a dominance person in his affairs wants to meet Miranda, who by reading her book he thinks she might be the sexual submission he has been looking for. This starts there story and the struggle for each of them to trust the other due to both having personal issue in their past.
Profile Image for Heather 123.
954 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2015
** I received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review **

This story was very unexpected and was full of surprises right to the end! Miranda, a ghost writer for celebrities, accidentally sends her erotic story to her sister instead of her publisher who had agreed to publish it under a ghost name. Miranda's sister sends the story to a famed publisher who agrees to give it back but only if Miranda agrees to personally read him one chapter.

This is where the story jumped too fast for me. One minute Miranda is reading the chapter to him and the next she is on a plane to Geneva. The couple scene on the plane with little trust in each other and of no real discussions about their preferences. However this is the only part of the story that felt rushed. The remainder of the story progressed as expected with a couple falling in love. There are many surprises throughout the book which are unexpected. The ending does have a cliffhanger but one that had me immediately wanting to request book 2 in this series.

There were a few spelling and grammar errors but the overall I really enjoyed this story
Profile Image for Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf.
483 reviews85 followers
January 29, 2015
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story was really jumbled for me. it had a dear diary feel to it which didn't allow me to connect with the characters. I also didn't feel like Robert really loved her in his dominance even though he said so...and some of those scenes were brutal. Note: the BDSM nature didn't bother me AT ALL. I generally like that shit. I just wanted more affection between dom and sub to ease the harshness of the hardcore BDSM scenes. I finally got a bit at the end but then I felt like the story was moving at lightening speed.

Also, information that should have been shocking and majorly life altering were glossed over and barely dealt with while other scenes were drawn out for unknown reasons. The ending was extremely abrupt. Almost as if it ended mid sentence. I had to read it three times to figure out what happened. I suppose you could call it a cliffhanger but I'm really not sure and I can't fully express why with revealing a spoiler. I digress. I really wanted to like it but I just didn't.
Profile Image for Michele.
2,263 reviews
December 6, 2016
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

Unraveled by Him is the first book in a new erotic trilogy that has a pleasing blend of passion, intrigue, secrets, and love. Plus a shocking cliffhanger that has to be read to be believed.

I’ll start right off by saying this is a pretty intense journey into the world of BDSM. No fuzzy handcuffs or playful spanking. Nope. This is the real deal, with floggers, canes, and even dungeons. The relationship between our protagonists moves along at a fairly quick rate. For me, the leap they made from business to pleasure might have been a little bit too fast, but the scenes that followed that transition were smokin’ hot and quite well written.

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Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
448 reviews9 followers
March 26, 2016
I hate having to write reviews like this, so I'm going to keep it short. I was looking forward to reading this book as I loved the sound of the blurb, but unfortunately this book was not for me. I really struggled to finish it, and nearly gave up on it twice. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why I didn't enjoy this book very much, it just failed to keep my attention. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't connect with the main characters, it felt like hard work and took away any enjoyment from the book.

This book wasn't for me, but I know other people really enjoyed it - unfortunately I wasn't a good match for this book, which happens sometimes. Sadly I can only give it two stars.


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
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