An alternate title/cover for this ASIN can be found here.
Bethany Thorne has secrets and she’s told a few lies but she’s hurt no-one. She just wants a better life, she works hard for a better life, a life with choices but a chance encounter at her new University with disturbing stranger Daniel Stone makes her heart beat, her body tremble and rocks her very foundation. Reeling from the intensity of her unfathomable reactions to this man her world is sent further spiralling out of her control when on this first meeting he casually whispers that he knows she’s a liar. Bethany begins to feel her hard earned choices start to disintegrate before her.
Her innate and newly discovered submissive nature is highlighted further by her extreme reaction to each encounter with Daniel Stone. Dark and dominant he evokes an instant heat and desire she has never felt before, but he is dangerous, he is powerful and he seems to see right through her. Choosing to try and stay under his radar proves to be the first choice to slip through her fingers.
Dee Palmer lives just outside of London with her husband and (slightly embarrassed) children. Her passion is writing sexy steamy romance stories that will scorch the pages right off your kindle and are guaranteed to make your heart pound. She loves an HEA but isn't afraid to put her readers through the ringer before she delivers.
When not at her desk she can be found either fannying around on Facebook or with her nose stuck in her Kindle. Once in a while when the lights are down she might be spotted about town searching for the best French martinis and throwing some dubious shapes on the dance floor.
I have had my eyes on this one…. Book 1 in trilogy. Series is complete.
BLURB: Bethany Thorne has secrets and she’s told a few lies but she’s hurt no-one. She just wants a better life, she works hard for a better life, a life with choices but a chance encounter at her new University with disturbing stranger Daniel Stone makes her heart beat, her body tremble and rocks her very foundation. Reeling from the intensity of her unfathomable reactions to this man her world is sent further spiralling out of her control when on this first meeting he casually whispers that he knows she’s a liar. Bethany begins to feel her hard earned choices start to disintegrate before her.
Her innate and newly discovered submissive nature is highlighted further by her extreme reaction to each encounter with Daniel Stone. Dark and dominant he evokes an instant heat and desire she has never felt before, but he is dangerous, he is powerful and he seems to see right through her. Choosing to try and stay under his radar proves to be the first choice to slip through her fingers.
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 430 books) https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
This book should come with a warning saying "do not read for any reason because it's stupid!" With that being said I will warn you this review will be loaded with spoilers.
The first chapter was quite interesting. Oddly enough you don't hear much about that individual 99% of the book. Start the story about them then nothing! For several chapters it was never ending data. Not inner dialogue or facts even important to the story just filler. Enter hero who comes off as having XMen capabilities since he can read her mind and know she is a liar. Bets tries pushing him away by faking a relationship with bestie/brother dude. Hero immediately states she's lying because bestie looked like he just got kissed by his sister. You quickly discover he is a alpha Dom, possessive and protective oh my! The perfect hero for me! Suddenly Bets evil sister enters picture and she wants the hero Daniel. Daniel even calls evil sis a gold digger. Gold digger tells Daniel a line of bullshit two feet deep and guess what?? He believes her without question. He is doubting the heroine. It's goes south quick. Evil sis convinces Daniel Bets has been sleeping with her bestie(you know the guy she tries faking a relationship with?)! Wtf?! Obviously evil sister drained hero of his XMen abilities because he can't even notice how upset the sis makes her. He chooses gold digger over the love of his life. Our doormat suddenly gets a call from sir ordering into kinky outfit. She goes. She gets there and hero is not nice. She asks if she needs a safe word. This virgin before hero who has never done anything likes this lets him beat her raw. He does it. She later admits she felt better after?! He kicks her out again. How much humiliation can one girl take. She is attacked and almost raped. Black eyes, bloody, broken nose running from attacker she shows up at Daniels place. Daniel is in hospital room when she wakes. I'm thinking he has come to his senses. Nope! While standing in the hospital room of the love of his life who was attacked and almost raped, covered in bruises he cuddles her evil Sister and tells her he doesn't do sloppy seconds. How can anyone with a soul like this trash. If he didn't care about her he should have left not stand in her room after being attacked and make that comment! Before anyone jumps down my throat I know he was not referring to sloppy and being raped but you don't say anything like that to a woman who has just been attacked! IDIOTs! Apparently our hero begins to question some things like the pics of her with bestie(his words "I know every inch of your body") but hero show thought his post virgin girlfriend was sleeping with her brother/bestie and that was her ass in the pics. The bestie was able to recognize the girl in the pics as his girlfriend even minus her tattoo. Speaks volumes about the Dom alpha hero....not. So he is suspicious about the attack. Why didn't he arrange protection? He thinks the love of his life was attacked,beaten and almost raped and he didn't think to get someone to keep an eye on her. He left town and she is attacked again by evil sister. It takes video footage and dna to finally be free of dark side. Please I wanted to vomit with all this bs. Because it was getting pretty thick. After all that no groveling and she forgives him in 0.5 seconds. I have no clue how woman against violence are not going ape shit at this story . I have no clue how true bdsm individuals are not tearing this book apart. Because it's a mockery. I am so disappointed my XMen hero lost his powers, had a personality transplant and became a sniveling pathetic loser. No thanks and this is just my honest opinion. For anyone who wishes to argue I can produce pages and percentages to argue my points!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A must read!! This was a great book and I could not put it down. This book is a part of a series and does not end in a cliff-hanger. You need to read this one!
I'm going with 4.5 Mr. Stone Stars. I'll review this soon. I need some time to collect my thoughts.
Thoughts have been collected. Review is finally here.
So, Daniel Stone is the new Christian Grey. Only, I'm pretty sure I'd rather have Mr. Stone in my bed than Mr. Grey. Stone doesn't seem quite as fucked up as Grey does. Oh well.
Now, Bethany is a girl after my own heart. I can't live without my Kindle, but really there is no comparison to finding yourself lost in a room with shelves stacked high, soft chairs scattered, and quiet secluded corners surrounded by tombs of literature.
So. Fucking. True.
Anyway, Bethany is a student at University (yes, this is a British book so some of the terminology screwed with me, but it didn't take long to figure it all out). The course-load she is taking requires her to attend a lecture series by awesome people who are successful in their respected fields. Enter Mr. Stone. They first see each other at a gathering for the mature students (this is where my American shows and I have to Google what the fuck that means). The heat is there. The implication that something more will happen is there. Oh, and the truth is going to come out because Daniel Stone knows Bethany is lying. The question is: How does he know?!
Thinking she won't see him again, she carries on about her business. She enters the first lecture of the year and who should be headlining it? Of course, Mr. Stone. He enters and locks the door. His 'brief' description does go into a bit more detail than a Wiki page, and he is not afraid to sing his own praises. It's lucky he did lock the door. I don't think there is any more room now that his ego has landed.
Obviously, we know these two will just have to hook up. But to what extreme? What are the circumstances? Does it really matter? No. Just know that this book has some hot sex. Dee Palmer proves she can write a hot, dominating alpha with the following scene: "Bethany, I am going to drive you insane, I am going to make you come so many ways, so many times and you're going to scream my name so fucking loud, you won't be able to speak after. Which will be a shame because you're going to be begging me to stop and baby, I won't be able to hear you."
Yep. Pretty sure dirty things are happening below the waist with that line. Where's my Mr. Stone?! Dayum. This book is hot. There are always issues in romance novels and this one does not disappoint with the angst. The surprise in this story is the antagonist behind the scenes. The person you don't see coming until she slaps you in the face--almost literally. Or maybe literally. I can't remember.
Read this book if you're into the D/s scene. This has some of that. Oh, and did I mention that Bethany is a phone sex girl? No? Well, she is and it's kinda hot. Yeah. Hot.
Well,I was so honoured to be given an ARC of this book and I was not disappointed!! If you looking for a male who always gets his own way no matter what and has enough power and money to turn your head then look no further then the hot alpha male that is Daniel Stone!!! This book although from a brand new author will leave you counting the days for the next one there are so many twists and turns it will make your head spin but you will not be able to put the book down it is totally addictive and has one of the best storylines I have read in a long time.... So don't hesitate to read it
This book was amazing!! I could not put this book down. I really didn't have any words to give this book. It made me mad, love, sad, and "NO!!! Why did that have to happen (which I said a couple times)."
If anyone needs a good love story, don't go any where else!! I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book. Well done, Dee!! I am looking forward to more of your work!! It was an honor to get this book for free, for an honest review!
I could not put this book down!!! It has been a while since I have read a book that grabbed me right in the feels like this one has. Between shock, anger, and laughter, I seriously had no idea what was going to happen from one page to the next!!
‘Never a Choice’ gives lessons in forgiveness and selflessness along with cruelty and malice. It shows that, literally, for some there is no choice but surrender. Do I agree? Not exactly. Probably because I’m not one to back down.
It just scrapes the surface of BDSM, I’d say it’s vanilla with spice, with a promise of more in the future. There is a chase, there is submission. There is fun and intensity. Nonetheless, the most important factor is mystery.
You never know what to expect, what to think of any of this. Is this a charity case or is it simply lust ridden adventure? Will there be more or are we expected to be satisfied with the way it is?
At the beginning the story is disguised in black and white.
Bethany tries to get her life organized. Get a degree, better job to be able to provide for her sick mother, fight the ghosts of the past altogether with the skeletons in the closet. She has a secret she tries to keep hidden. She fools everyone but him.
And here come the shades of grey.
Daniel is a controlling, demanding and frustrating alpha man. He always gets what he wants. Not that his looks and prosperity are any obstacles. Beside that there is not much we get to know about him. Well, maybe that he’s got a taste for discipline.
I admit, it’s scorching hot, yet many things are hidden in a fog of uncertainty. Moreover, what’s astonishing are the games they play, in many of forms.
Hush-hush late night calls? Unidentified mystery lingerie deliveries? The whole big deal was ridiculous if you ask me. Domineering head games all over the place? Another one. Grabbing cash and go? Check.
For bystanders these games of deny are hard to believe in, when everything, every little pointer fits right into the puzzle, so convenient it’s almost stupid. Forgive me my being so dramatic and blunt. That’s just the way I see it. Maybe it was supposed to be that way, for us to be the wiser ones and all.
Excruciating pain and unfairness, twisted family ties and backstabbing sisters. Another aspect.
Obedience and resistance, to and fro, up and down. Just like the emotions. It is quite a ride.
Still, I’m blood thirsty. I have admired and simultaneously been shocked by Bethany’s understanding, if not magnanimous behavior. Privileged asshole, when he wasn’t hot, he just pissed me off. If I was her, I would probably kick him out on his ass and grow a backbone to finish it off. Not to mention I’d start with pouring some acid on what’s-her-name’s face. Oh yes, I’m feeling violent. That’s unfortunately true. Possibly I’m a masochist because I quite liked it, sometimes a lot. Angsty, with a promise of retribution. I’m waiting for that. And the man himself? He has some groveling to do. I wonder what the author has up her sleeve next.
To sum up: I liked how it started, mysterious and exciting. The second part of the book frustrated the hell out of me, boiling my blood and chilling up my bones. I give it 4 stars. It has potential.
I do love a good debut novel and Dee certainly gave me that.
Firstly I thought wow this is a big book but I literally flew through it. I couldn't read it fast enough. I had to moan when I put my kindle down to make dinner. Can my family not see I'm reading a gripping book lol
Secondly I thought I was jumping into a story about a rich alpha male and a broken girl. Ok maybe that's true. That's the jist of the story. However the author threw so much more at me. Just when I thought I knew what way the story was going it changed.
Bethany's a really lovely girl. She's struggled for the last few years but thankfully her head is screwed on and she has goals she wants to achieve. She's not afraid of working hard to get what she wants.
Daniel Stone is drop dead gorgeous. He's the ultimate alpha male. He knows what he wants and he's determined to get it. He's not afraid to fight dirty to get what he wants.
The sex scenes between these two is real hot. The chemistry was jumping off the kindle at me. I felt as if I was going through emotions with them and at other times I just wanted to bang their heads together.
If your looking for a well written hot story that will make your pants melt then I highly recommend this book. This is book one & doesn't end in a cliffhanger. Looking forward to jumping into book two now.
I don't often leave reviews but since I was so surprised by this book I felt it deserved to have some attention brought to it! I actually got this book for free on Amazon. I'm always skeptical about new authors because I can be quite hard to please. But I was very pleasantly surprised by Dee Palmer's novel. I loved the characters almost instantly and the plot kept me hooked throughout. While not exactly a 'dark' romance it definitely had enough of an edge to keep me sated! I'm very interested to know where Daniel and Bethany's relationship takes them next so I will absolutely be picking up the next book in the series. (Because another series obsession was just what I need)
I also feel I should mention that there were quite a few editing issues with this edition, mainly spelling and grammar errors. Which while not serious are mildly irritating and will hopefully be taken care of in the rest of the series. However it was not nearly enough to stop me from enjoying the book.
Wow - I'm so impressed with this book! I came across Never A Choice through Kindle Unlimited and I'm so glad I took a chance and starting reading it. I'm a sucker for the hot, wealthy, obsessive/possessive, dominant alpha, and Daniel Stone doesn't disappoint. In fact, he's been added to my growing list of favorite leading men! I love the chemistry between Daniel and Bethany, they are smoking hot together and I really enjoyed their budding romance, it felt authentic and I could really imagine myself there with them. The story was engaging and had just enough angst to keep me on my toes. I love the bit of mystery that surrounds their lives as well, it unravels a bit in this first book and I'm sure it'll come even further to light in the subsequent books. There were a few editing issues I found, but nothing that couldn't be overlooked or detracted from the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this erotic romance and I look forward to reading the entire series.
I'm not sure where to start other than I am mad at myself for paying $6 for the trilogy. This story had so much potential, I love a good alpha male and I love a stubborn female. The problem was that throughout the book there were so many errors and sentences that did not make any sense. Normally that doesn't bother me, but there was a lot so it distracted me from the story (sadly this is also an issue in book 2/3). Another thing was that there was a lot of similarities with another book that features an unreasonable man whom I love and that had me constantly thinking of the other characters. There was too much of the same drama throughout this series that I skimmed some. I may read future books by this author ONLY if the editing in her books improves. After all despite all my issues she did manage to get me hooked enough to read the trilogy.
4.5 Stars...I think I need a GOOD lecture! In this book we meet Bethany and she's hiding some things ...for what reason we aren't sure yet .... She quickly meets Mr. Stone ...aka Daniel or Sir ...if you prefer ...and he's one HOT ALPHA male .. I liked this read ..took a bit to really get into it ...but once I did ..I enjoyed it and it really took off ...lots of Hotness ...some romance ...a loving family ...sons mystery and one HATEFUL sister ..and you have a wonderful exciting read ...RECOMMENDED READ!
Third time restarting this book was not a charm. When the hero starts hanging out with the heroine's evil sister...I was done. And his excuse for doing so...STUPID. It felt like manufactured drama. However, I could see why the heroine did not try to correct the hero about her evil sister. I do not think he would believe her. That whole situation left a bad taste in my mouth. Some of the dialogue was ridiculous and awkward. I loved the premise and wanted to at least like it, but it just did not work for me, may work or you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it normally takes me a while to get into books, but I was hooked on reading the first chapter and couldn't put it down. Fabulous
5 Freaking Enchanted Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hello Mr Stone!! If you enjoy books like 50 shades and crossfire with Christian and Gideon then you will wanna meet Daniel Stone in the Choice trilogy by Dee Palmer. This was a great first book of the trilogy. I was completely captivated by Bethany and Daniel's story. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I had to see what was gonna happen next. Bethany meets Daniel as a guest lecturer at her university. Sparks fly and love follows. They are perfect for one another once they learn how to open up to each other. I had so many emotions while reading this. I loved, hated, and wanted to slap the shit out of Daniel at times. And I got so frustrated with Bethany while reading. I was completely involved in this story, which is the best part about reading an amazing book. I can't wait to start book 2 in this trilogy. Thanks NetGalley and Dee Palmer for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I'm always wary of investing the time into reading a new author, but there was no need to be with "Never a Choice". I was surprised at how quickly I got into this story. The book flowed smoothly from the first chapter, and I 'got' the characters from the start'! This was a one-sitting read - a rare thing for me nowadays. It's a book that stands alone as a good read, but left me wanting to know where the story goes from here. There is plenty in the leading lady's life to give the reader a break from the intensity of the relationship between the main characters (not that I was looking for too much of a break!!). Well done to the author. In a genre that is pretty saturated at the moment, this book was a refreshingly good read. Believable, relevant & raunchy. A great first book - bring on the next, ASAP please ;-)
In this book we meet Bethany and she's hiding some things ...for what reason we aren't sure yet .... She quickly meets Mr. Stone ...aka Daniel or Sir ...if you prefer ...and he's one HOT ALPHA male .. I liked this read ..took a bit to really get into it ...but once I did ..I enjoyed it and it really took off ...lots of Hotness ...some romance ...a loving family ...sons mystery and one HATEFUL sister ..and you have a wonderful exciting read ...RECOMMENDED READ!
This book reminds me a little of FSOG. Daniel is similar to Christian. I feel like I'm reading about Christian again. As for Bets she does remind me of Ana, college virgin student, smart, strong and very submissive. She also doesn't take crap from Daniel lol. But all in all it has it's very own story. I really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to find out what happen to Kit her sister because that's some series shot she pulls.
I don't usually leave reviews. I normally rate with stars and thats about it but I had to put something down after finishing this book. A friend recommended it, I mean really recommended it and I'm so glad she did. I couldn't put it down. The characters are engaging, the sex is hot as hell and there are more twists than a country road in Cornwall. Loved it and can't wait for the next one.
Sorry to say that i was disappointed in this. Don't get me wrong..it checks all the boxes....Good hearted virgin heroine, rich and gorgeous alpha male, good sex, and a decent story with secrets, lies, betrayal and suspense....sounds good right?? And i may have really enjoyed this a few years ago, BUT...
Starting off, the first half of the book is pretty boring. Yes, there is good sex, but other than that it was dull..it didn't really start to get good and suspenseful until about 60%. The hero ticked me off for his stupidity of thinking he knew best when it came to the heroines relationship with HER sister..also, there are quite a few similarities to FSOG...which I LOVED..(don't judge me :) no contract, but there other things that tend to remind me of FSOG. And last but definitely not least...the editing..I'm a stickler for grammar...to my friends, hubby, etc..it drives them crazy... ;). But i can let some things go when I'm reading a book. I may not like it, but a few typos, missed word or comma in a book, happens and I overlook it. Impossible to do with this one. The editing was terrible.
Towards the end i started to enjoy it, but then it ended. There are questions left unanswered, but it didn't really end in a cliffhanger...if that makes sense. There are 2 more books in the series...not sure i will read them, although i am curious about a few things...i just hope its edited better.
** I added 1/2 star for it getting good towards the end...
This has been on my kindle for ages so at least this is one less book to get to..
This is book #1 in the Choices Trilogy from new author Dee Palmer....it's not perfect but it's certainly gripping with lots of drama.
For me, although said to be a BDSM/D/s book, it was less about that and more about the story.
There is so much that happens in this first book that it's kind of hard to review without giving too much away. Bethany is on her own, with no family to speak of really, except the family that have taken her in. She's hard working and struggling to juggle her education with her need to make enough money to cover her bills.
She has an encounter with Daniel Stone that leaves her experiencing feelings she's never had before. Although I liked Daniel's character, he wasn't as much of a Dom as I'd expected and I guess this is my biggest issue with this book. I've never known a Dom to ask so many questions. Doms IMO demand...they don't ask and for me there were too many question marks when he's demanding things. I think some must be in error as some of the sentences just don't work as a questions.
That being said, it's definitely a page turner and I was compelled to keep reading. Once I got over my issues with how dominant or forceful Daniel was or wasn't, I really got into the story.
There's laughter and tears, drama in abundance and a nemesis too. There's plenty to sink your teeth into. For a first book, with only a few minor editing issues, I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to book two.
Purch Amazon April 25, 2016 Never A Choice (The Choices Trilogy #1) by Dee Palmer is an Adult Erotic Contemporary Romance. I really had trouble deciding on how many stars to give this one. It started off really well. Then it slowed to a crawl. Then picked up again. This cycle seemed to repeat itself throughout the story. You start off really liking both Bethany and Daniel Stone. But somewhere down the line, the author changes them both into idiots. By the end of the story their characters are somewhat redeemed, but it put me off. My final problem with the story is the details. There are often little details written in that seem like filler. They are unnecessary and bog you down. While there are other details needed to enhance the story that are missing. You may think that I didn't like this book from my 3 star rating and my comments above. Let me fix that. I did like the story. It was interesting. I enjoyed most of it. There were a few minor editing problems. But they didn't really effect the story line. I have very mixed feelings about this one.
I received a copy of this through NetGalley - so my thanks as always, and my honest review. 3.5 stars actually. Can we all lament a moment and bow our heads one more time praying for the ability to leave 1/2 star ratings? Cuz truly, this deserves more than 3 stars, but it's not quite 4 stars in my rating world. Okay...on to the book. Well that was a lot of sex! A lot of hot, steamy, well-written sex. And there was a story here too...so extra bonus! I was sure that by the time I got to the end of this book, I'd just have enjoyed the ride and moved on, not necessarily needing to read book 2 or book 3. But, I now find myself having to know where this goes and I really think I'll be moving on to the rest of the series at some point. Daniel, our hero, really is dominant and domineering and alpha, but he isn't the typical bully asshole with a mile long list of his own baggage, at least not as far as book 1. And that is refreshing change. Yeah, there is gratuitous sex...so the heck what? Yes, there is quite a bit of serendipity, but it is needed to make the storyline work. Yeah, you have to throw a little sanity to the wind to make it all believable. But it's fiction, and it's schmexy time fantasy and it was an enjoyable read!
I liked this one. Bethany has had a lot happen and go wrong in her life. Everyone that she has loved has left. Some by choice and some not. Things change and people move on and out of her life. She meets a wealthy man and she changes. This character is different and you can see her problems through out this read. I agreed with Bethany. This man she loves might not love her. She gets put between a rock and a hard spot and she took the right way out. I really would have liked to have his POV. I found myself very frustrated. In just want a glimpse into what he thinks through out this read. Awwa... beyond frustrated!! Daniel what were you thinking!? I received this ARC from the publisher Via Net Galley for my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mr. Stone or should I say Sir... Alpha business why yes please. Bethany is struggling through she's having a rough time. She has a positive attitude that's good right? Sexy seduction. Intrigue You have it all. Great story really enjoyed
This was a very good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.