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Provocation: a lesson in trust
Grace was quiet...sweet...a seemingly gentle flower. Boy did she have everyone fooled!! Inside the petite lovely figure was a force to be reckoned with! Her quiet strength was just what Ryker Jensen needed! His seemingly narcissistic behavior melts with her humble presence in his life! And secrets left under wrap...reappear. Provocation is an action that demands a reaction....and Grace is full of it! Is she ready for the reaction she invokes in Ryker? "Provocation" is a story of new love and emotional reckoning! A push and pull of trust and hope!
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Brocious
8 books105 followersSarah Brocious was born into a steadily growing family. She is one of eight siblings. Growing up in a "crowded" home gave her a great need to slip away for some time alone. In those times she chose to read or write. She found no greater joy than creating stories. This desire continued to grow but as does often happen...life got in the way. Her love for writing did not diminish. It was pushed aside for a time. Now she has decided to put her "need to" aside and give into the want to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 27, 2015
I am not ashamed to admit that there were a lot of tears as I wrote this story. There were happy points as well...I had the most fun creating a world and circumstances for Ryker and Grace.
But there were tears.
I struggled with the content of this story, but only because I wanted to write the dark matter in a way that would make you love...not shy away from the circumstances.
This is a story of grace. This is a story about redeeming love...even when those monsters come out of the closet. There will always be someone who will see you...monsters and all...and still love you.
But there were tears.
I struggled with the content of this story, but only because I wanted to write the dark matter in a way that would make you love...not shy away from the circumstances.
This is a story of grace. This is a story about redeeming love...even when those monsters come out of the closet. There will always be someone who will see you...monsters and all...and still love you.
June 24, 2015
I loved this book right from the very first page. Take Provocation: A Lesson in Trust off your “to read” list if you’re looking for a sweet summer romance read! Grace and Ryker’s story is beautifully told. You want this to be a match made in heaven, but life isn’t always that simple…Ryker’s past brings trust issues into this romance. The story line is well written and holds your attention right to the very end.
My favorite thought provoking line in the book - “How did you show someone you loved them in a kiss? Was it the gentle touch or the taking?” I literally stopped at that point to think about those questions before I continued reading. Well done, Ms. Brocious!
A lesson in love, a lesson in trust, a very pleasant surprise. I definitely recommend this book.
My favorite thought provoking line in the book - “How did you show someone you loved them in a kiss? Was it the gentle touch or the taking?” I literally stopped at that point to think about those questions before I continued reading. Well done, Ms. Brocious!
A lesson in love, a lesson in trust, a very pleasant surprise. I definitely recommend this book.
September 4, 2014
Provocation is a lovely, sweet & charming story.
Grace Love is the luckiest "little mouse" on the planet. Though content with her Kindle and book boyfriends, she ended up being Ryker Jansen's muse.
Ryker, a talented celebrity author, is gorgeous, hot, sensitive and caring.
Did I mention hot? LOL. He also has beautiful blue eyes. ; )
Despite insecurities, trust issues and some drama concerning Ryker's past, their budding friendship quickly turned to love. And they both clung to their feelings for each other and fought for their HEA.
There were other likable characters, as well. Ry's sister Alma and his friend, Peter Arnold. Peter, also a writer, is handsome, gentle, and an all around nice guy with a sexy accent.
Both were supportive and a pleasant addition to the story.
I enjoyed reading this modern day fairy tale.
Good job, Ms. Sarah Brocious! : )
4 azure stars!
September 5, 2014
Very sweet story!
While certain aspects of the story dealt with a dark subject matter, the overall tone was light, I didn't feel overwhelmed.
There was also a wonderful cast of supporting characters, the writer friend (Peter) and the sister (Alma).
The star of the book is Ryker! He starts off as a brooding, reclusive type writer but Grace brings out another side of him. I loved how Grace was able to connect with Ryker when no one else could.
The story is told from Grace's POV but we get to see a lot of Ryker and his thoughts through their interaction. Usually, when a book is only on one person's POV I always wonder what the other is thinking, but in this case, Ryker was very forthcoming!
Overall, a very sweet story!
Good job Sarah!! : )
While certain aspects of the story dealt with a dark subject matter, the overall tone was light, I didn't feel overwhelmed.
There was also a wonderful cast of supporting characters, the writer friend (Peter) and the sister (Alma).
The star of the book is Ryker! He starts off as a brooding, reclusive type writer but Grace brings out another side of him. I loved how Grace was able to connect with Ryker when no one else could.
The story is told from Grace's POV but we get to see a lot of Ryker and his thoughts through their interaction. Usually, when a book is only on one person's POV I always wonder what the other is thinking, but in this case, Ryker was very forthcoming!
Overall, a very sweet story!
Good job Sarah!! : )
September 3, 2015
Whenever I'm in a mood to read something fluffy and romantic and charming, I look at Sarah Brocious. I wasn't disappointed. There are days when you just want to get cozy in a couch with a drink in hand and an uncomplicated love story to unwind. Today was that day. How quickly the characters wove into my heart - Grace, Ryker, Alma, and Peter. Grace and Ryker's 'courtship' was slow in building, which I absolutely appreciated, and when they finally came together, it was gentle and sweet.
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April 23, 2018
I finished Sarah Brocious's book More Than Scars and immediately downloaded this book. 8 hours later at 3 am I was finished.
Like her book More Than Scars, this was also full of a lot of editing errors which once again I was able to overlook because I was engrossed in the storyline. Despite the poor editing and the content mentioned below, odds are high I'll be reading another one of this author's books. She writes dimensional characters who I care about. It's not often I read a book this length in one sitting especially one that keeps me up as late as this one did. There was just no way I could put this down without seeing how it resolved. Plus my Kindle reading speed was inaccurate. Despite having 1/3 of the book left it told me I only had an hour of reading left. If only that had been true I might have gotten more than 3 hours of sleep last night.
This was labeled "clean and wholesome" and "inspirational" so I was not expecting sex. Ryker is no doubt a playboy who has spent his timing sleeping around and Grace is not his type. He wants to be something different for her, which he is (until one night when things go too far).
Content: Language (not explicit but much more than I prefer), innuendo throughout and lots of talk about sex, fade to black sex. Also, there are some disturbing happenings from Ryker's childhood that get dealt with.
Like her book More Than Scars, this was also full of a lot of editing errors which once again I was able to overlook because I was engrossed in the storyline. Despite the poor editing and the content mentioned below, odds are high I'll be reading another one of this author's books. She writes dimensional characters who I care about. It's not often I read a book this length in one sitting especially one that keeps me up as late as this one did. There was just no way I could put this down without seeing how it resolved. Plus my Kindle reading speed was inaccurate. Despite having 1/3 of the book left it told me I only had an hour of reading left. If only that had been true I might have gotten more than 3 hours of sleep last night.
This was labeled "clean and wholesome" and "inspirational" so I was not expecting sex. Ryker is no doubt a playboy who has spent his timing sleeping around and Grace is not his type. He wants to be something different for her, which he is (until one night when things go too far).
Content: Language (not explicit but much more than I prefer), innuendo throughout and lots of talk about sex, fade to black sex. Also, there are some disturbing happenings from Ryker's childhood that get dealt with.
February 9, 2016
I couldn't put this down but I didn't want it to end either. There were moments where I felt I would almost cry and then suddenly I was laughing.
Grace is so sweet and petite, but plucky. She's not Ryker's type (or so he thinks because she is just his type!)
Ryker is successful and gorgeous, with blue blue blue blue eyes. He can also be a jerk, but there is a reason behind that. It was heartbreaking to find out why.
This was all about someone so wounded, allowing love to slowly creep in and do some healing. This kind of romance is rare and beautiful. HIGHLY recommended.
Grace is so sweet and petite, but plucky. She's not Ryker's type (or so he thinks because she is just his type!)
Ryker is successful and gorgeous, with blue blue blue blue eyes. He can also be a jerk, but there is a reason behind that. It was heartbreaking to find out why.
This was all about someone so wounded, allowing love to slowly creep in and do some healing. This kind of romance is rare and beautiful. HIGHLY recommended.
January 20, 2016
A gentle love story.
It had some surprising revelations and those revelations were handle with care.
This book was very much about the healing of a heart. We think of guys as tough and unfeeling, but in this story, Ryker felt deeply. Most of that was because of the sweet and unassuming heroine, Grace.
I wanted more at the end and I hope to see more about Ryker and Grace! I have so many questions!
It had some surprising revelations and those revelations were handle with care.
This book was very much about the healing of a heart. We think of guys as tough and unfeeling, but in this story, Ryker felt deeply. Most of that was because of the sweet and unassuming heroine, Grace.
I wanted more at the end and I hope to see more about Ryker and Grace! I have so many questions!
August 29, 2016
Grammar, where are you?
This would have been such a GREAT book! The story is engaging, the characters are well constructed, the writing is engaging. But WHY did nobody edit this book? Where are the commas? You need commas to make sense of certain sentences! You can't really fully enjoy a book is you need to re-read passages to see which way you need to read certain sentences. What a pity.
I usually don't finish books that have such bad grammer but I did finish this one - a testament of how great it actually is.
This would have been such a GREAT book! The story is engaging, the characters are well constructed, the writing is engaging. But WHY did nobody edit this book? Where are the commas? You need commas to make sense of certain sentences! You can't really fully enjoy a book is you need to re-read passages to see which way you need to read certain sentences. What a pity.
I usually don't finish books that have such bad grammer but I did finish this one - a testament of how great it actually is.
December 22, 2015
Provocation PG13
Lots of growling - Needs To Be Edited - super distracting, but power on!
Violence: none
Language: 50+ swears, including deity (omg)
Sex: lots of kissing, some "fade to black" intimacy, our H was very promiscuous.
Some of the subject matter gets pretty intense. The h is Grace and she teaches the H about true grace. It's a lovely story, and the H is smokin' hot, so the chemistry is off the charts without gratuitous details. Steamy, but not sex-filled. 5 stars
Lots of growling - Needs To Be Edited - super distracting, but power on!
Violence: none
Language: 50+ swears, including deity (omg)
Sex: lots of kissing, some "fade to black" intimacy, our H was very promiscuous.
Some of the subject matter gets pretty intense. The h is Grace and she teaches the H about true grace. It's a lovely story, and the H is smokin' hot, so the chemistry is off the charts without gratuitous details. Steamy, but not sex-filled. 5 stars
April 19, 2015
Good
This was a good book. I didn't want to put it down. Many twists and turns and you just want to keep reading to see what happens to the characters. One of the best free books I have read in a long time. A few grammatical errors but nothing you can't overlook. I will be looking for more from this author.
This was a good book. I didn't want to put it down. Many twists and turns and you just want to keep reading to see what happens to the characters. One of the best free books I have read in a long time. A few grammatical errors but nothing you can't overlook. I will be looking for more from this author.
March 11, 2016
I was touched by this story. There were some ugly moments that were handled by the author with grace and beauty! The heroine Grace was soft in manner, but she had that inner strength and that was what the hero Ryker needed! Love isn't perfect but it is healing and in the right hands (Grace's) it was just what Ryker needed,
Need a sweet uncomplicated story? This book is perfect!
Need a sweet uncomplicated story? This book is perfect!
June 28, 2016
Let me just say, when I think of a hot guy, I picture manliness and that draw. Ryker has that draw physically. He is that man you want to fix and to heal. Not to get the upper hand but because there is something about him that makes you want to protect him. RYKER JENSEN.
This was a very touching romance.
This was a very touching romance.
December 30, 2015
Beautiful. This story was simply beautiful. Past abuse that can only be healed by the softest of hearts. This story made me weep.
March 3, 2016
Love in all its perfect imperfections. I loved this!
April 23, 2016
Incredibly touching. In the hands of the right people, healing is possible.
December 27, 2016
This story bordered on the dark side. The way it was handled was beautifully done with a nice HEA. I would like to see more from these characters in future books.
September 3, 2014
*review to come :)*
October 7, 2023
I loved the premise of this story. For me, having the male MC as a writer was the perfect backdrop for any story. Since reading is one of my favorite pastimes, I loved the “behind the scenes” feel of seeing Ryker work on his book. Seeing him get into the zone and overcome his writers block was one of the things I quite enjoyed.
INITIAL THOUGHTS:
Ryker’s personality was a lot to unpack. Some might call his actions toward Grace protective, others possessive but to me he was obsessive, controlling and manipulative. They weren’t even dating and he was telling her who she can and can’t go out with. He was literally in a “physical” relationship with his girlfriend and calling the shots for Grace. I get that some women may find this sort of behavior attractive or masculine but I beg to differ. IMO that is some psycho behavior and it’s more than a little scary.
When certain main plots were revealed, however, I did have a lot more sympathy toward him. I understood why he became the man he was and why he treated others the way he did. That being said, i don’t feel his past justified some of the things he did and said because even when things were “good” with him and Grace he was still pretty mean. He was just damaged.
Don’t even get me started on Grace. As much as she tried to be her own woman, she was so dependent on Ryker’s approval that she just gave him all this power over her, which he eats up like the narcissist he is. Also, the fact that she felt that she had to “fix” Ryker and change him, seemed like temporary fixes to me because they never really addressed the root of his problems.
I hated it most when she pressed him for info he was not ready to reveal or go behind his back and find out things he didn’t want her to know about, it just rubbed me the wrong way.
Another thing that was weird was the relationship between Alma (Ryker’s sister) and Grace. I liked that they were fast friends and just clicked but Alma having conversations with Grace about having sex with her brother was just cringy and super weird. NO SISTER wants that kind of imagery.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Ryker and Grace were both extremely toxic. The back and forth was at times funny and cute but mostly hot and cold on both their ends. Both of them making assumptions, jumping to conclusions, apologizing, saying hurtful things then making up, getting hurt, hurting each other then making peace. The constant roller coaster of emotions was just too much. Their entire romance/relationship was centered purely on a physical level, which is tenuous at best. In short, Ryker was confused, Grace was pining. To quote Cher from Clueless, “I don’t think (they) meshed well together.”
IRRITATING THINGS THAT WERE MENTIONED;
“His eyes were a stormy blue”
“His azure blue eyes”
Ryker calling Grace “little mouse”
Grace thinking, “his voice was as smooth as whiskey
I’m not gonna lie but these phrases were written on Every Other Page!! If I never see these phrases again, it would be too soon.
CONTENT
Romance: PG-14, Innuendo, Fade to black
Language: Crude speech, Mild cursing (S**t)
Violence: Moderate (Not detailed), **Trigger Warning** (Mention of abuse, not detailed)
INITIAL THOUGHTS:
Ryker’s personality was a lot to unpack. Some might call his actions toward Grace protective, others possessive but to me he was obsessive, controlling and manipulative. They weren’t even dating and he was telling her who she can and can’t go out with. He was literally in a “physical” relationship with his girlfriend and calling the shots for Grace. I get that some women may find this sort of behavior attractive or masculine but I beg to differ. IMO that is some psycho behavior and it’s more than a little scary.
When certain main plots were revealed, however, I did have a lot more sympathy toward him. I understood why he became the man he was and why he treated others the way he did. That being said, i don’t feel his past justified some of the things he did and said because even when things were “good” with him and Grace he was still pretty mean. He was just damaged.
Don’t even get me started on Grace. As much as she tried to be her own woman, she was so dependent on Ryker’s approval that she just gave him all this power over her, which he eats up like the narcissist he is. Also, the fact that she felt that she had to “fix” Ryker and change him, seemed like temporary fixes to me because they never really addressed the root of his problems.
I hated it most when she pressed him for info he was not ready to reveal or go behind his back and find out things he didn’t want her to know about, it just rubbed me the wrong way.
Another thing that was weird was the relationship between Alma (Ryker’s sister) and Grace. I liked that they were fast friends and just clicked but Alma having conversations with Grace about having sex with her brother was just cringy and super weird. NO SISTER wants that kind of imagery.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Ryker and Grace were both extremely toxic. The back and forth was at times funny and cute but mostly hot and cold on both their ends. Both of them making assumptions, jumping to conclusions, apologizing, saying hurtful things then making up, getting hurt, hurting each other then making peace. The constant roller coaster of emotions was just too much. Their entire romance/relationship was centered purely on a physical level, which is tenuous at best. In short, Ryker was confused, Grace was pining. To quote Cher from Clueless, “I don’t think (they) meshed well together.”
IRRITATING THINGS THAT WERE MENTIONED;
“His eyes were a stormy blue”
“His azure blue eyes”
Ryker calling Grace “little mouse”
Grace thinking, “his voice was as smooth as whiskey
I’m not gonna lie but these phrases were written on Every Other Page!! If I never see these phrases again, it would be too soon.
CONTENT
Romance: PG-14, Innuendo, Fade to black
Language: Crude speech, Mild cursing (S**t)
Violence: Moderate (Not detailed), **Trigger Warning** (Mention of abuse, not detailed)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2016
Okay, just finished this one. Like her other book, More than Scars, it needs a good editor. This one more so than the other. The story was good, tension galore, but there were quite a few repeated phrases. The hero's eyes were described as "warm like whiskey," or some version of that, over 43 times! There were also lots of disjointed, awkward sentences, jumpy ones that you had to go back to figure out what the context was.
March 27, 2016
I picked this book up shortly after finishing Sarah's book
and I was not disappointed. It was witty and sweet and completely romantic. The way Ryker's past came to light and was handled was wonderful! And the romance? STEAMY.
and I was not disappointed. It was witty and sweet and completely romantic. The way Ryker's past came to light and was handled was wonderful! And the romance? STEAMY.August 23, 2016
This book is sickly sweet that almost made me gag.
The book missed punctuation marks
The book cover does not represent Ryker and Grace for he was tall and Grace was petite.
The book never mentioned about Grace's parents at all, which was odd since people usually relate to their own parents when facing with other people's parents.
The book missed punctuation marks
The book cover does not represent Ryker and Grace for he was tall and Grace was petite.
The book never mentioned about Grace's parents at all, which was odd since people usually relate to their own parents when facing with other people's parents.
February 19, 2015
The story had potential but just fell flat at every turn. It is what it is. Simple. Tame and for me boring. I gave it one star because at 50% I started skimming. At 70% I gave up. Just not my cup of tea.
April 26, 2016
Intoxicating!
This was a very driven story. The chemistry between the two of them was palatable. The tension built and built. Thank goodness the author took pity and did not prolong it too long, or with tedium!
This was a very driven story. The chemistry between the two of them was palatable. The tension built and built. Thank goodness the author took pity and did not prolong it too long, or with tedium!
March 11, 2018
Very psychological. This story got in my head. It addressed so many things, but really centered on abuse and the affects abuse has even into our later years. It was beautifully written without being over the top. Sweet love story to boot.
October 10, 2023
I have read this and More Than Scars at least 3 times. I Love them! I bought a print copy of More Than Scars…is there any where I can get a print copy of Provocation? I’m an old fashion kind of girl, I love print books.
I really enjoy your writing, and I look forward to reading more!😁
I really enjoy your writing, and I look forward to reading more!😁
February 15, 2015
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! One of my favorites by far!! Sarah did a great job, again! :) Can't wait to see what new things she comes out with in the future!
March 3, 2016
Love is healing. Period.
November 1, 2017
****
Absolutely loved this sweet book. A few editing issues, but nothing that made me stop reading it. Loved the ending! Overall was just a wonderful read!
Absolutely loved this sweet book. A few editing issues, but nothing that made me stop reading it. Loved the ending! Overall was just a wonderful read!
February 3, 2016
Love the story very swoony great characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews