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Borden #1
Borden
Marcus Borden has always been used to power and control. After a crime-filled upbringing in a very harsh neighbourhood, Borden leaves his hometown, returning four years later mysteriously rich and unrecognizable, with one woman on his mind.
A woman he'll never have.
Pained by his devastating loss and filled with rage and guilt, Borden's world turns dark.
*
As a fiercely independent woman, Emma Warne knows all about hard living. Having kept to herself most of her life, the last thing she expects is to be thrust into the world of infamous criminal Marcus Borden, the dangerous man the entire city fears and loathes. But the more she pushes him away, the more he comes back, taking over her life and stripping her of her control she desperately clings to.
Once Borden has his sights on her, Emma is going nowhere anytime soon, and what she doesn't expect least of all... is that she may not want to either.
Book 1 of 2.
******* WARNING: This is NOT a love triangle. This book contains sexual situations - of a very rough nature - violence, and strong language that may be offensive to some.*******
A woman he'll never have.
Pained by his devastating loss and filled with rage and guilt, Borden's world turns dark.
*
As a fiercely independent woman, Emma Warne knows all about hard living. Having kept to herself most of her life, the last thing she expects is to be thrust into the world of infamous criminal Marcus Borden, the dangerous man the entire city fears and loathes. But the more she pushes him away, the more he comes back, taking over her life and stripping her of her control she desperately clings to.
Once Borden has his sights on her, Emma is going nowhere anytime soon, and what she doesn't expect least of all... is that she may not want to either.
Book 1 of 2.
******* WARNING: This is NOT a love triangle. This book contains sexual situations - of a very rough nature - violence, and strong language that may be offensive to some.*******
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
504 people are currently reading
4820 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Lewis
33 books3,022 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller, R.J. Lewis, is the number one bestselling author of the Ignite series, the Loving Lawson series, the Borden series, and numerous other titles. She has been writing all her life and looks forward to sharing her stories with readers who are interested in character growth and romance of the unconventional kind.
For news on upcoming books, you can follow her on:
WEBSITE: http://www.authorrjlewis.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rj.lewis13
EMAIL: at rj.lewis@outlook.com.
MAILING LIST: http://eepurl.com/hi76Zb
INSTAGRAM: author.rjlewis
Nothing makes her happier than hearing back from readers!
For news on upcoming books, you can follow her on:
WEBSITE: http://www.authorrjlewis.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rj.lewis13
EMAIL: at rj.lewis@outlook.com.
MAILING LIST: http://eepurl.com/hi76Zb
INSTAGRAM: author.rjlewis
Nothing makes her happier than hearing back from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews
March 17, 2024
5 The Bloody King of New Raven Stars ⭐
~Second Read of this beauty in preparation for book 3~
Borden is the first book in now a trilogy, and it was the ideal lead up to an explosive ending to follow. It is no secret that this author ticks all my boxes. With flawed characters made up of anti-heroes, girls with backbones and storylines that break my heart but slowly put all my fractured pieces back together; I'm always guaranteed an utter reading pleasure.
“That’s life. It’s a gamble. We take risks so that on the other side it might mean something.”
In the first part of the book we meet a young Marcus Borden. A petty thug and small time criminal with integrity. Just a product of a shitty upbringing with no real prospects. And when a relationship with his first love from the 'right' side of the tracks ends badly, any ounce of humanity is gone.
Fast forward to present day, and in his place is a rich, ruthless Overlord. Now everyone tremors with the mention of his name. Borden has wealth and power, but he operates on auto pilot until her. A girl who doesn't cower in his presence. Strangely someone from his past that reinvigorates him.
“You’re feisty, aren’t you, alley cat?”
I blinked in surprise, utterly speechless.
“You’re a little kitten. You think you’re vicious, but you’re fucking adorable instead.”
Emma Warne is focused on just getting by. When she hears something she shouldn't, Emma is placed in direct path of Borden. Staying away isn't an option since nobody says no to Borden. And as he pulls no punches in manipulating her, Emma has no choice but to succumb to his demands.
I hated myself even in that moment. I had a criminal on my back, and he was fucking me with a hand around my throat. It was crazy. It was wrong. It was everything filthy I never wanted to be a part of.
Being dragged into Borden's world will either be her downfall or blessing. The tension was delicious and I was mesmerized by Borden staking his claim. There is something completely magnetic about the man, that you quickly forget why he's supposedly the villain. When these two finally come together, holy fuck!! Dirty, raw and complete. This ends in a cliff-hanger with Emma officially part of his world. Will she make it out unscathed?
~Second Read of this beauty in preparation for book 3~
Borden is the first book in now a trilogy, and it was the ideal lead up to an explosive ending to follow. It is no secret that this author ticks all my boxes. With flawed characters made up of anti-heroes, girls with backbones and storylines that break my heart but slowly put all my fractured pieces back together; I'm always guaranteed an utter reading pleasure.
“That’s life. It’s a gamble. We take risks so that on the other side it might mean something.”
In the first part of the book we meet a young Marcus Borden. A petty thug and small time criminal with integrity. Just a product of a shitty upbringing with no real prospects. And when a relationship with his first love from the 'right' side of the tracks ends badly, any ounce of humanity is gone.
Fast forward to present day, and in his place is a rich, ruthless Overlord. Now everyone tremors with the mention of his name. Borden has wealth and power, but he operates on auto pilot until her. A girl who doesn't cower in his presence. Strangely someone from his past that reinvigorates him.
“You’re feisty, aren’t you, alley cat?”
I blinked in surprise, utterly speechless.
“You’re a little kitten. You think you’re vicious, but you’re fucking adorable instead.”
Emma Warne is focused on just getting by. When she hears something she shouldn't, Emma is placed in direct path of Borden. Staying away isn't an option since nobody says no to Borden. And as he pulls no punches in manipulating her, Emma has no choice but to succumb to his demands.
I hated myself even in that moment. I had a criminal on my back, and he was fucking me with a hand around my throat. It was crazy. It was wrong. It was everything filthy I never wanted to be a part of.
Being dragged into Borden's world will either be her downfall or blessing. The tension was delicious and I was mesmerized by Borden staking his claim. There is something completely magnetic about the man, that you quickly forget why he's supposedly the villain. When these two finally come together, holy fuck!! Dirty, raw and complete. This ends in a cliff-hanger with Emma officially part of his world. Will she make it out unscathed?
December 29, 2015
4-4.5 Stars!!
Ugh…why I waited so long to read this one? No time for reviewing these days, but I have to say I really enjoyed this one! Loved Marcus & Emma! <3
Ugh…why I waited so long to read this one? No time for reviewing these days, but I have to say I really enjoyed this one! Loved Marcus & Emma! <3
Read
June 30, 2016I had high hopes because several people with similar tastes just loved this book.
Sadly, it pretty much grabbed and twisted all of my book pet peeves, with the exception of editing.
Spoiler
The 23% mark in this book will be a problem for a lot of readers.
If you want a spoiler, all you have to do is look at the table of contents for this book, which is divided into two parts: "Part One: "Marcus and Kate" and "Part Two: Borden and Emma."
Not safe for safety gang peeps.
The author promises the book isn't a "love triangle," and that's a true statement in the literal sense.
My thoughts on part one will be specific spoilers that will ruin the twist at 23%; Be warned!
PART TWO
Emma
Emma is a mixed bag.
I like that she's mouthy and has an occasional funny line.
I don't care that she's...
Or
Or
What does bother me is that she's written in the most inauthentic way possible.
We meet Emma as a 14-year-old girl about to be assaulted. She watches her attacker's face gets slammed into unconsciousness. She shows no fear, anxiety, nor gratitude. She's street wise and calls her own self a "street rat."
Now fast forward to present day Emma who is a sweetie to her grandma, goes on blind dates, freaks out over violence, doesn't want Borden to be violent, and basically acts like she KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT STREET SMARTS...
Finances aside, nearly all of her inner thoughts and character profile sound likea potty mouthed kinky Kate a privileged chick who hasn't the first clue about street life, not the calm 14-year-old who was on the streets being assaulted, carries a switchblade, and had a jailbird mom.
Marcus Borden
Petty hoodlum disappears for a few years. Reemerges as the richest, most powerful businessman evah. There is NO explanation by the end how, why, when, where this all happened. None!
He shares Emma's problem...
Only that's about all he offers.
He's a sexy fucker in the bedroom NO DOUBT, but outside of it? Ehh, meh...
He's both flat and spastic. He's... Sensitive. Flighty. Commanding. Submissive. Hard core Killer. Sentimental. Offended over porn. Beats people down in public. I mean the dude is just all over the fucking place.
The big issue is the spoiler. My romantic tastes in books do not include the that troupe. Give me the gold medal or move your ass along to some twit who appreciates the brass your offering.
Plot
Aside from the spoiler, there's not really a plot for a long, long, long time. It's mundane convos, ovaries and balls throbbing, and them pushing each other's buttons just for kicks. Fine enough.
She wants him but don't. He wants her but don't and won't let anyone else have her.
Goes. On. For. Too. Long.
Finally, at 76%, he makes his move. It's a hot sex scene. Hot!
[image error]
But, the fucking melodrama of BOTH their internal thoughts about whether it was or wasn't too rough and everything under the sun afterward was just too fucking much.
Her: I'm a bloody, disgraced mess and a sadist. Not ten pages later she fuming over the possibility that he regretted it and thought she was a bad lay because now she's dissected it and FUCKING loved every minute of it the kinky shit.
Him: She's mine and always has been. What would you know who think. Oh, was I too rough. And finally circling all the way back the beginning and him not letting anyone close ever again. Oooh, I know, I'll ice her out and pretend it didn't happen. Damn, she's so perfect, though. Oh, okay, but only office fucks.
Not long before he pushes her alway ... Again.
By 96%...
I swear to god I have whiplash scars.
Back to Emma and confusion.
Back to You know who...
Let me say that Emma is perfectly okay with the pedestal plot line here and that her love may likely never be returned.
Back to Emma finally getting the brass ring and her moving in with him.
Of course, it ends in a cliffhanger of a threat to Emma.
Bottom line
How the book was handled AFTER THE spoiler ruined something I had already invested too much time in to just quit.
I put this book down multiple times to DNF, but I kept coming back trying to see what all the five star reviews raved about.
Again, he's a sexy fucker in the bedroom, But I can get that in a short story without reading hours of troupe that bores me.
The endless cycle of push, pull, push, pull BS that finally comes to a head of him just saying okay and is ultimately too much sugar for a dime.
Insert cliffhanger.
Will I continue to book two:
H. E.L. L! .. F. U.C. K. I. N. G! .. N. O!
1 star for the book as a whole.
4 stars for the smex.
2 stars overall
Sadly, it pretty much grabbed and twisted all of my book pet peeves, with the exception of editing.
Spoiler
The 23% mark in this book will be a problem for a lot of readers.
If you want a spoiler, all you have to do is look at the table of contents for this book, which is divided into two parts: "Part One: "Marcus and Kate" and "Part Two: Borden and Emma."
Not safe for safety gang peeps.
The author promises the book isn't a "love triangle," and that's a true statement in the literal sense.
My thoughts on part one will be specific spoilers that will ruin the twist at 23%; Be warned!
PART TWO
Emma
Emma is a mixed bag.
I like that she's mouthy and has an occasional funny line.
I don't care that she's...
Or
Or
What does bother me is that she's written in the most inauthentic way possible.
We meet Emma as a 14-year-old girl about to be assaulted. She watches her attacker's face gets slammed into unconsciousness. She shows no fear, anxiety, nor gratitude. She's street wise and calls her own self a "street rat."
Now fast forward to present day Emma who is a sweetie to her grandma, goes on blind dates, freaks out over violence, doesn't want Borden to be violent, and basically acts like she KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT STREET SMARTS...
Don't you dare feel for that man. That's sick. It's wrong. Look what he did to Joel. But he said he had a goddamn reputation to keep. And that meant what exactly? That it was all for show? ...
Finances aside, nearly all of her inner thoughts and character profile sound like
Marcus Borden
Petty hoodlum disappears for a few years. Reemerges as the richest, most powerful businessman evah. There is NO explanation by the end how, why, when, where this all happened. None!
He shares Emma's problem...
Only that's about all he offers.
He's a sexy fucker in the bedroom NO DOUBT, but outside of it? Ehh, meh...
He's both flat and spastic. He's... Sensitive. Flighty. Commanding. Submissive. Hard core Killer. Sentimental. Offended over porn. Beats people down in public. I mean the dude is just all over the fucking place.
The big issue is the spoiler. My romantic tastes in books do not include the that troupe. Give me the gold medal or move your ass along to some twit who appreciates the brass your offering.
Plot
Aside from the spoiler, there's not really a plot for a long, long, long time. It's mundane convos, ovaries and balls throbbing, and them pushing each other's buttons just for kicks. Fine enough.
She wants him but don't. He wants her but don't and won't let anyone else have her.
Goes. On. For. Too. Long.
Finally, at 76%, he makes his move. It's a hot sex scene. Hot!
[image error]
But, the fucking melodrama of BOTH their internal thoughts about whether it was or wasn't too rough and everything under the sun afterward was just too fucking much.
Her: I'm a bloody, disgraced mess and a sadist. Not ten pages later she fuming over the possibility that he regretted it and thought she was a bad lay because now she's dissected it and FUCKING loved every minute of it the kinky shit.
Him: She's mine and always has been. What would you know who think. Oh, was I too rough. And finally circling all the way back the beginning and him not letting anyone close ever again. Oooh, I know, I'll ice her out and pretend it didn't happen. Damn, she's so perfect, though. Oh, okay, but only office fucks.
Not long before he pushes her alway ... Again.
By 96%...
I swear to god I have whiplash scars.
Back to Emma and confusion.
Back to You know who...
Let me say that Emma is perfectly okay with the pedestal plot line here and that her love may likely never be returned.
Back to Emma finally getting the brass ring and her moving in with him.
Of course, it ends in a cliffhanger of a threat to Emma.
Bottom line
How the book was handled AFTER THE spoiler ruined something I had already invested too much time in to just quit.
I put this book down multiple times to DNF, but I kept coming back trying to see what all the five star reviews raved about.
Again, he's a sexy fucker in the bedroom, But I can get that in a short story without reading hours of troupe that bores me.
The endless cycle of push, pull, push, pull BS that finally comes to a head of him just saying okay and is ultimately too much sugar for a dime.
Insert cliffhanger.
Will I continue to book two:
H. E.L. L! .. F. U.C. K. I. N. G! .. N. O!
1 star for the book as a whole.
4 stars for the smex.
2 stars overall
August 13, 2015
TITLE: Borden
SERIES: (Borden #1)
AUTHOR: R.J. Lewis
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: August 01st 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
This was recommended to me by a friend on here so of course after seeing her FIVE STAR RATING I had to go one click it..Digging the cover and loving that synopsis..
I've only read one other by this author and really enjoyed it..
THEN ~ BORDEN & KATE
BORDEN: Straight away you a thrust into Kate's world, bound in a cell with her arms behind her back, no escape, thinking death is just around the corner..
There had been two of them waiting inside my apartment, springing on me when I stepped into the shower, drugging me and dumping me, nude and vulnerable, in this very place for what felt like an eternity.
This is promising to be a gritty read if this is the start of what's to come..
THEN
The story has moved into the past and how she first met Marcus at a college party on the wrong side of the tracks..
I knew all about Marcus Boden. Knew he was a thug. An untameable man.
I'm just a normal guy on the other side of the tracks.
Driving home late at night from dropping off Kate he sees a young beautiful female walking the streets by herself with a lone male closing in behind her, Marcus intervenes, her name is Emma..
Holy shit on a nuns tit!! What the F*ck!! Here I was getting carried along on the whirlwind romance of Kate and Marcus and loving every minute of it then, that twist or what ever the f*ck you want to call it was a huge game changer!! A twist that I did not see coming!!
BAM!!
Ohhhhh and no it's really really not a love triangle
And even though that whammy twist sucked old man's crusty old nuts I have never ever read a book where one character is taken out!!
You have 2 choices either 1: You go hunt down the author or 2: the safer option just carry on reading!!
Ohhh and since I'm on a roll with that twisty game changer I got a message from the mate that read this and rated it 5 stars This will not go in the direction you expect be warned x
Geez thanks for that LOL
NOW ~ BORDEN & EMMA
One night out clubbing on the rich side of the tracks, a young female steps out to catch a breath of fresh air when she witnesses something not for her eyes, her name is Emma, yes the very same Emma mentioned above.
AND GEEZ why are people always going out of their neighbourhood (stay in your own and no one will get hurt) just saying lol
October 16, 2015
I sure am glad that I came across this book while seeing Book #2 being just released! Even better is that I don't have to wait for the second book as it just came out! As I was reading this gem, I was scratching my head trying to figure out why this book seems to have been overlooked?? I quite loved it! I love the dark man that is Marcus Boyden. He is not for the faint of heart, and really neither is this book. I really don't want to give much away because some parts of this had me shocked that things happened, and that upped the enjoyment for me. This book is at times heartbreaking, it is dark, gritty, and absolutely sexy. The warning at the beginning says that there is very rough sex involved, and while the sex is very animalistic and rough indeed, it isn't over the top. In fact I have read a lot rougher; but believe me...I'm not complaining! The intense sex between the couple has more than enough sizzle to satisfy me...hands down!!
My best advice would be to expect the unexpected, and this is NOT a love triangle in the least. I was worried because of the books description, and I want to reassure that it is absolutely not!!
Marcus Boyden is not for the faint of heart...and he comes from a major hardcore "ghetto" neighborhood; but his circumstances eventually change so that he becomes very rich and powerful. Everyone fears him, and he takes no crap from anyone....well....there is one person that gets under his skin...but you have to read to find out who! Do not expect flowery, romantic words from Boyden as he is not that type of hero. He is a hard man, one who has had major tragedy in his life...and he's numb to the core. He is very intense, and possessive to the extreme..but there is something about him that our heroine can't resist, and truthfully neither could I!!
There is a bit of a cliffie; but never fear..book two is now out, and that means I am moving right on full speed ahead! I highly recommend this dark and sexy read!!
My best advice would be to expect the unexpected, and this is NOT a love triangle in the least. I was worried because of the books description, and I want to reassure that it is absolutely not!!
Marcus Boyden is not for the faint of heart...and he comes from a major hardcore "ghetto" neighborhood; but his circumstances eventually change so that he becomes very rich and powerful. Everyone fears him, and he takes no crap from anyone....well....there is one person that gets under his skin...but you have to read to find out who! Do not expect flowery, romantic words from Boyden as he is not that type of hero. He is a hard man, one who has had major tragedy in his life...and he's numb to the core. He is very intense, and possessive to the extreme..but there is something about him that our heroine can't resist, and truthfully neither could I!!
There is a bit of a cliffie; but never fear..book two is now out, and that means I am moving right on full speed ahead! I highly recommend this dark and sexy read!!
October 20, 2015
5 Firecracker Stars!
This ones told in two parts.
Marcus Borden grabbed me up at the beginning of this book and held onto me until the end. I don't want to say much about the beginning of the book but it did choke me up. It also made Borden the powerful man he is today.
Part two
Emma is at a club one night and wants some fresh air. When she steps outside a side door she hears something that she shouldn't.
This brings her face to face with Borden. When Borden hears this feisty woman's name he remembers her from when he was younger. There was something about Emma that after 9 years Borden still remembered her.
Emma is scared of Borden but she's also not going to let a man walk all over her. It's not her problem Borden should of tended to his business behind closed doors not in an alley where witnesses could be.
Emma has a shit job but it gets her by. When Borden gets her fired she has no choice but to go work for this alpha jerk. He will just keep getting her fired from new jobs because he wants her to work for him.
These two work side by side for weeks. The tension is thick. I loved that we got both Emma's and Borden's POV. I laughed many times being in their heads. I also needed a damn cold shower after this baby.
Emma and Borden grew up with the same kind of life. They understand each other. I loved that Emma could be feisty as hell but still could submit to Borden when told to.
I can't wait to see what happens next. We are left hanging on a cliff.
I'm off to start on book 2. I hear it's even better than this one. I'm super excited!
This ones told in two parts.
Marcus Borden grabbed me up at the beginning of this book and held onto me until the end. I don't want to say much about the beginning of the book but it did choke me up. It also made Borden the powerful man he is today.
Part two
Emma is at a club one night and wants some fresh air. When she steps outside a side door she hears something that she shouldn't.
This brings her face to face with Borden. When Borden hears this feisty woman's name he remembers her from when he was younger. There was something about Emma that after 9 years Borden still remembered her.
Emma is scared of Borden but she's also not going to let a man walk all over her. It's not her problem Borden should of tended to his business behind closed doors not in an alley where witnesses could be.
Emma has a shit job but it gets her by. When Borden gets her fired she has no choice but to go work for this alpha jerk. He will just keep getting her fired from new jobs because he wants her to work for him.
These two work side by side for weeks. The tension is thick. I loved that we got both Emma's and Borden's POV. I laughed many times being in their heads. I also needed a damn cold shower after this baby.
Emma and Borden grew up with the same kind of life. They understand each other. I loved that Emma could be feisty as hell but still could submit to Borden when told to.
I can't wait to see what happens next. We are left hanging on a cliff.
I'm off to start on book 2. I hear it's even better than this one. I'm super excited!
April 18, 2021
The title says BOR-DEN but mind says BROA-DEN. Look at that dude on the cover. *laying-on-the-grass-looking-at-the-stars-when-its-day-time-sighs* Yep, Borden has me utterly smitten so much. It's been a while where both the H and h in a book likeable alltogether. This story is about a thug, who grew up in the wrong tracks, has done wrong things to survive and that had a consequence which befell on the person he loved.
Marcus Borden had an abusive father and an uncaring mother. He was kicked out of his home at fifteen. Poverty turned him to street crime. His life was hard. He had no place for a girl in his life, not that she would ever understand. Until Kate Davenot, a privileged, naive daughter of loving parents who wanted this untamable man. Both loved each other, until tragedy striked and separated them forever.
"You’re a little kitten. You think you’re vicious, but you’re fucking adorable instead.”
Broden saved Emma years ago in an alleyway, coincidently he meets her again nine years later, this time she is caught witnissing/listening to a crime scene. Emma is a poor girl with a loving grandmother. She too faced hardships in life. She is sweet, smart and cunning. Broden cannot let Emma go, she seems to brighten his world.
'I’d let a bad man into my heart, and I didn’t want the bad man to leave it.'
Emma is a fearless girl, she knows the difficulties of growing up in the rough neighbourhood. She is independent and does get in trouble for that. She can't understand why this tough and tattooed man wouldn't listen to her. He is too demanding and irresisitible.
'He licked his lips, and still he tasted her. The girl abuses him and he kisses her for it. And not just kisses her, but fucking ravages her too.'
Emma is feisty and kind of fussy without being annoying. I enjoyed how the author gives them bonding time, build up emotional connection between them and the sex scenes are hot. You need to check this book out if you enjoy big, huge, cocky, arrogant, angry hero and a feisty heroine with no nonsense.
Marcus Borden had an abusive father and an uncaring mother. He was kicked out of his home at fifteen. Poverty turned him to street crime. His life was hard. He had no place for a girl in his life, not that she would ever understand. Until Kate Davenot, a privileged, naive daughter of loving parents who wanted this untamable man. Both loved each other, until tragedy striked and separated them forever.
"You’re a little kitten. You think you’re vicious, but you’re fucking adorable instead.”
Broden saved Emma years ago in an alleyway, coincidently he meets her again nine years later, this time she is caught witnissing/listening to a crime scene. Emma is a poor girl with a loving grandmother. She too faced hardships in life. She is sweet, smart and cunning. Broden cannot let Emma go, she seems to brighten his world.
'I’d let a bad man into my heart, and I didn’t want the bad man to leave it.'
Emma is a fearless girl, she knows the difficulties of growing up in the rough neighbourhood. She is independent and does get in trouble for that. She can't understand why this tough and tattooed man wouldn't listen to her. He is too demanding and irresisitible.
'He licked his lips, and still he tasted her. The girl abuses him and he kisses her for it. And not just kisses her, but fucking ravages her too.'
Emma is feisty and kind of fussy without being annoying. I enjoyed how the author gives them bonding time, build up emotional connection between them and the sex scenes are hot. You need to check this book out if you enjoy big, huge, cocky, arrogant, angry hero and a feisty heroine with no nonsense.
September 10, 2015
This book was so good I could not put it down. This was really epic storytelling, and the author has done some terrific character work with Borden, Kate and Emma. There are no two-dimensional characters in this book, and the supporting characters bring so much to the plate too.
This story focuses on three characters, Borden, Kate and Emma, and as the blurb warns us this is not a love triangle. Borden is the main character and I must admit I’m in love with this guy. Borden is a straight up hot Alpha whose devotion to the people he cares about is his first priority and anyone who threatens them will have to answer to him. His journey of life will lead him to two women, very different the one from the other. Kate is a nice girl from a rich background while Emma is a sassy, fearless girl from a poor and rough neighborhood. Borden is rough around the edges, tattooed, pierced, and fierce and a male dominant, but it seems that the two girls still want him in his worst.
I don’t want to give much about this story, because spoilers are going to ruin it. What happens is an emotional coal cart full of tears, healing shattered pasts and finding true love. It’s off the rails sexy and filled with raw emotion and heated passion.
The books that have amazed me 100% are quite a few, and Borden is undeniably one of them. It’s intense, fully layered and deep.
This is a must read! I can't wait for book 2 to be out! Please, hurry the heck up Ms. Lewis! :)
November 6, 2021
-3.25 stars-
i feel like this cover is misleading. when i picture borden he is most definitely not wearing that sweater 😂 but anyway, i'm combing through this authors work trying to find a hero that can hold a candle to my sweet bb nixon <3 but i think i'm about to give up my search. that beautiful knife-sharpening man was an anomaly and it's depressing me watching these other heroes try
as for the book, it was okay but i don't know how much i felt the MC's chemistry. it did have a fun plot twist pretty early on tho. i'll let tanaz say it since she tells it so eloquently:
thanks babe, the emojis rly set the tone ✊🏽
real talk tho that was prob the best part of the book. i loved emma (h) when we met her when she was 14, but older emmaaaaaa? eh. i prob would've liked her a lot more if she didn't set my expectations so high w her first appearance. in conclusion: might read book 2 if i'm ever bored.
"Fuck me."
"Work for it."
i feel like this cover is misleading. when i picture borden he is most definitely not wearing that sweater 😂 but anyway, i'm combing through this authors work trying to find a hero that can hold a candle to my sweet bb nixon <3 but i think i'm about to give up my search. that beautiful knife-sharpening man was an anomaly and it's depressing me watching these other heroes try
as for the book, it was okay but i don't know how much i felt the MC's chemistry. it did have a fun plot twist pretty early on tho. i'll let tanaz say it since she tells it so eloquently:
thanks babe, the emojis rly set the tone ✊🏽
real talk tho that was prob the best part of the book. i loved emma (h) when we met her when she was 14, but older emmaaaaaa? eh. i prob would've liked her a lot more if she didn't set my expectations so high w her first appearance. in conclusion: might read book 2 if i'm ever bored.
August 7, 2018
Pues.... exactamente no sé qué decir. Es verdad que la historia engancha y tiene un momento "what???', pero no puedo aceptar lo que ya viene siendo normal en esta clase de novelas: el poco amor que se tiene la protagonista hacia ella misma. Es ridículo e insultante la facilidad con la que él la domina.
July 13, 2022
3,8. This story was beautiful and sad. The only problem for me was the male character, I thought his behavior robotic. Maybe because his past…
Its worth the reading.
Its worth the reading.
April 22, 2020
Re read April 2020
4.5 stars**
4.5 stars**
May 10, 2021
-ˏ͛⑅ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ⋆⁷⁵ sᴛᴀʀs ⑅ˏ͛-
*× ɪɴᴛʀᴏ ○*
What an. . . unexpectedly entertaining read. Borden had a little bit of everything. Romance, enemies-to-lovers, age-gap, high steam, mafia-shit, and a pretty heartbreaking beginning. I should also mention that for once I actually kind of liked that the book was split up into p1 & p2. It allowed some breathing room for the romance, and let Borden and Emma get to know one another. In addition, the whole Kate situation was actually handled really well. I was a bit hesitant because, to put it bluntly, nothing dampens a romance like the hero pining over his dead lover. Its been a while since I've read a really good mafia-romance so I'm glad I stumbled upon Birjis's review of BORDEN.
*× ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ○*
Marcus Borden is an infamous man in Ravenwood. Everyone knows who he is, and they know not to cross him. Emma Warne is a - and i quote - ❝fiercely independent❞ woman. She's grown up on the rough side of town and knows how to fend for herself. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Borden her life changes forever. Emma is instantly wary of and yet also drawn to Borden in ways she can't explain. Luckily (or unluckily) for Emma, Borden is just as taken with her.
*× ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ○*
✿ MARCUS BORDEN ✿
If Marcus Borden was a vegetable he'd be a certified organic onion. HE HAD LAYERS Y'ALL. Seriously, he starts the book actually kinda, well, sweet. Watching him with Kate was really touching and in an alternate timeline that's the love story we would have gotten. Witnessing him with Emma demonstrated a completely different side of who Marcus was. He wasn't afraid to show all of him to her. The good, the bad, and the dark. Markus was possessive, domineering, protective, secretly kind of a sweetheart, and deep, deep, deep down I'd say he had a heart of gold. . . just don't say that his face if your name isn't Emma. Basically, this is a man who will bash your face into the curb for disrespecting him, but at the same time he'll take out his dick piercing for you like a goddamn gentleman.
✿ EMMA WARNE ✿
Where Kate was soft, light, and naive, Emma was tough as nails, closed off, and a bit more rough around the edges. She's had a tough life and the way she was written perfectly showcases that. On the outside, Emma is putting on this front, but on the inside she's actually a very caring individual. Her capacity for empathy and care is what allowed her to break down Borden's walls.
In addition, I am happy to report that Emma had a gosh darn backbone of steel. She was extremely street smart, and knew when to sass, push back, and call Borden out on things. On the other hand, she also knew when to keep quiet, remain observant, and keep her head down. Essentially, she had a strong sense of self-preservation and wasn't a TSTL heroine, which, thank fuck for that.
Ultimately, Emma was a perfect match for Borden. She was his equal and I really enjoyed that aspect of not only her character, but their romance as well. Emma was a very compelling heroine and I liked her just as much as Borden.
✿ THE ROMANCE ✿
The romance in BORDEN was absolutely wonderful. There was a strong enemies-to-lovers thing happening between Emma & Borden that I absolutely loved. In addition, watching Borden let go and actually let himself fall in love with Emma after Kate was beautiful. See, losing Kate almost destroyed Borden and he really blamed himself for her death.
What I liked though, was the way in which Emma and Borden's dynamic was different enough from his and Kate's. Emma was his equal, he clearly trusted her, and due to that he allowed Emma to see the darker parts of himself. Meanwhile, the love between him and Kate was something a bit more nebulous. Moreover, Borden and Emma had this crackling electric chemistry that oozed out of their every interaction. Some of the best scenes in BORDEN were when Emma was working with him at the office.
Not only that, but once Borden and Emma actually came together their chemistry only seemed to grow. I loved watching not just Borden, but Emma fall as well. See with Borden it was almost expected. From the very first time he met Emma (both when she was younger and a couple of years later) it was obvious that she held all of his attention. He appeared reluctantly dazzled by her.
Thus, I wasn't that surprised when Borden ended up falling head over heels for Emma. However, Emma seemed a bit more reserved. From the get-go she was extremely wary of Borden. She knows he's a dangerous man, and she wants no parts of him or his life. At first she only sees what he wants her to see. Yet, as she gets to know him she slowly comes to the startling realization that she's in love with him. And I loved watching her fight for him. Basically, she wants Marcus Borden, loves Marcus Borden, and because of that, she's gonna motherfucking keep Marcus Borden.
This romance showcases two very scarred individuals. Life hasn't been kind to either of them, but when they found each other, they finally found a sense of safety and love.
*× ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇʜ ○*
✿ THE PLOT. . . (mafia-shit) ✿
In my humble opinion, the above quote, was essentially the "real" plot. The main "problem" or "driving force" that kept this story going was the question of whether Borden and Emma were gonna fuck. I mean. . . that was my biggest question! And honestly, I didn't mind that. However, I think the book wanted the plot to be something different. See as I mentioned earlier, this is part 1 in a 2 part duet. So, this book had a lot of "mafia-shit" happening in the background, and I think the book really wanted me to care about said mafia-shit. The real question is, did I actually end up caring?
I mean. . . kinda? But as I said, I was more interested in watching Emma and Borden eye fuck each other. I - I don't know. I think the aforementioned "mafia-shit" was cool, but it seemed to only come into play when drama was needed. Which again, fine, but idk, I wasn't invested. Overall, I think I'm just very meh on mafia-romances in general.
✿ FORGETABILITY ✿
So. . . yeah. . . this is a bit awkward. I read this book on April 19th, it is now May 7th, and I, for the life of me, could barely tell you what this book is about. I originally rated BORDEN 4 stars but I had to knock it down to 3.75 because of that. I just - IDK, nothing much happened in this book. The lack of that extra something something detracted from its memorability. Moreover, I haven't been tempted to pick up Borden 2. Which. . . kinda sorta speaks volumes.
So, look, I'm not saying BORDEN was a bad book, it wasn't. I enjoyed reading it and I sped read through the entire thing in a day. BUT WHAT I AM SAYING, is that you maybe, kinda, sorta, most likely, won't feel a bone deep need to pick up P2. And you know what? That's okay! I think eventually I'll read BORDEN 2, but probably not for a while. Honestly, this book ended really well and while I think it's cool that the author decided to explore Emma and Borden's relationship more, having a book 2 almost wasn't necessary? or like, this book didn't need to be split into two books?? which is in direct contrast to what i said in the intro. . . so sue me. Oh well. As I always say, take my random musings with a grain of salt.
*× ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ ○*
BORDEN was one of those books that I found on a whim and ended up seriously liking. This story was an entirely character driven, and for the most part, I enjoyed that. Marcus Borden was quite the enigma - but in the best way possible - , and Emma was such a delight. I have quite the fondness for the "enemies-to-lovers" trope, and this book executed that fabulously. Where the book faltered a bit was in the way the plot - or lack of plot - came into play. I would say that this book is more of a "foundation" book. The overarching plot is simmering in the background, and instead we're just watching and waiting for Borden and Emma to have sex. i'm not complaining though Okay, tbh, you guys know how I am about plots, so it really wasn't that much of a dealbreaker. All in all, I recommend BORDEN. It's a quick, fun, mafia-adjacent romance, starring two very endearing main characters!
➽ ᴀ ʙʀᴇɪғ ᴘsᴀ - welcome to another installment of my read-instead-of-being-productive series! i should've been writing a research paper. . . but instead i wrote a majority of this review//read this book. please enjoy a "quick" (lol sure) review about my new husband, Marcus Borden. you're all invited to our future nuptials, btw ❤︎❝No matter how hopeless it might feel, you can only be in it to win it.❞
➽ sᴏɴɢ ʀᴇᴄ ♫ - Bloody Valentine (MGK) ✨(◕▿◕✿)
*× ɪɴᴛʀᴏ ○*
What an. . . unexpectedly entertaining read. Borden had a little bit of everything. Romance, enemies-to-lovers, age-gap, high steam, mafia-shit, and a pretty heartbreaking beginning. I should also mention that for once I actually kind of liked that the book was split up into p1 & p2. It allowed some breathing room for the romance, and let Borden and Emma get to know one another. In addition, the whole Kate situation was actually handled really well. I was a bit hesitant because, to put it bluntly, nothing dampens a romance like the hero pining over his dead lover. Its been a while since I've read a really good mafia-romance so I'm glad I stumbled upon Birjis's review of BORDEN.
*× ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ○*
Marcus Borden is an infamous man in Ravenwood. Everyone knows who he is, and they know not to cross him. Emma Warne is a - and i quote - ❝fiercely independent❞ woman. She's grown up on the rough side of town and knows how to fend for herself. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Borden her life changes forever. Emma is instantly wary of and yet also drawn to Borden in ways she can't explain. Luckily (or unluckily) for Emma, Borden is just as taken with her.
*× ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ○*
✿ MARCUS BORDEN ✿
❝… I can only handle a little taste of you. You show more and I’m going to demand the whole fucking cake.❞
Marcus Borden is my future husband, you guys.
If Marcus Borden was a vegetable he'd be a certified organic onion. HE HAD LAYERS Y'ALL. Seriously, he starts the book actually kinda, well, sweet. Watching him with Kate was really touching and in an alternate timeline that's the love story we would have gotten. Witnessing him with Emma demonstrated a completely different side of who Marcus was. He wasn't afraid to show all of him to her. The good, the bad, and the dark. Markus was possessive, domineering, protective, secretly kind of a sweetheart, and deep, deep, deep down I'd say he had a heart of gold. . . just don't say that his face if your name isn't Emma. Basically, this is a man who will bash your face into the curb for disrespecting him, but at the same time he'll take out his dick piercing for you like a goddamn gentleman.
🧅 ✨ i'm talking l-a-y-e-r-s 🧅 ✨
✿ EMMA WARNE ✿
❝So, uh, who’s Graeme?❞
He exhaled slowly and shook his head in disbelief.
How was it my fault I didn’t know Moustache Man’s name was Graeme? It wasn’t like we were on first name basis.
Where Kate was soft, light, and naive, Emma was tough as nails, closed off, and a bit more rough around the edges. She's had a tough life and the way she was written perfectly showcases that. On the outside, Emma is putting on this front, but on the inside she's actually a very caring individual. Her capacity for empathy and care is what allowed her to break down Borden's walls.
❝I don’t know what to do with you,❞ he finally muttered, sounding lost.
❝What do you mean?❞
❝I mean, you’re getting under my skin, Emma.❞
In addition, I am happy to report that Emma had a gosh darn backbone of steel. She was extremely street smart, and knew when to sass, push back, and call Borden out on things. On the other hand, she also knew when to keep quiet, remain observant, and keep her head down. Essentially, she had a strong sense of self-preservation and wasn't a TSTL heroine, which, thank fuck for that.
❝That’s it?❞ she said, eyebrows up.
❝You’ll consider it? I’m not sure how long I can take being bent over your desk. Not that I don’t enjoy it, but fuck, Borden, I’m not an acrobat.❞
Ultimately, Emma was a perfect match for Borden. She was his equal and I really enjoyed that aspect of not only her character, but their romance as well. Emma was a very compelling heroine and I liked her just as much as Borden.
✿ THE ROMANCE ✿
He couldn’t lose himself to another woman again. He’d never survive the pain of it if something happened. He’d be to blame, and the blame would physically kill him. Shit. Shit. Shit. What the hell was he going to do now?
The romance in BORDEN was absolutely wonderful. There was a strong enemies-to-lovers thing happening between Emma & Borden that I absolutely loved. In addition, watching Borden let go and actually let himself fall in love with Emma after Kate was beautiful. See, losing Kate almost destroyed Borden and he really blamed himself for her death.
❝… I wish it was me instead. I know I don’t deserve to be here, and if I could choose, she’d be here instead of me. I’d take the worst kind of death just to make that happen. Sell my soul to the fucking Devil if he could make it happen, but it’s never going to fucking happen, and I can’t change the past no matter how many times I blame myself for it.❞
What I liked though, was the way in which Emma and Borden's dynamic was different enough from his and Kate's. Emma was his equal, he clearly trusted her, and due to that he allowed Emma to see the darker parts of himself. Meanwhile, the love between him and Kate was something a bit more nebulous. Moreover, Borden and Emma had this crackling electric chemistry that oozed out of their every interaction. Some of the best scenes in BORDEN were when Emma was working with him at the office.
❝… But because I’m not on my own lunch break, I’m on company time, and this place was on the company account for catering. And don’t worry, you left a nice tip. Thank you, Mr Borden.❞
there is just something about offices and unresolved sexual tension that goes hand in hand.
Not only that, but once Borden and Emma actually came together their chemistry only seemed to grow. I loved watching not just Borden, but Emma fall as well. See with Borden it was almost expected. From the very first time he met Emma (both when she was younger and a couple of years later) it was obvious that she held all of his attention. He appeared reluctantly dazzled by her.
❝You’re feisty, aren’t you, alley cat?❞
I blinked in surprise, utterly speechless.
❝You’re a little kitten. You think you’re vicious, but you’re fucking adorable instead.❞
Thus, I wasn't that surprised when Borden ended up falling head over heels for Emma. However, Emma seemed a bit more reserved. From the get-go she was extremely wary of Borden. She knows he's a dangerous man, and she wants no parts of him or his life. At first she only sees what he wants her to see. Yet, as she gets to know him she slowly comes to the startling realization that she's in love with him. And I loved watching her fight for him. Basically, she wants Marcus Borden, loves Marcus Borden, and because of that, she's gonna motherfucking keep Marcus Borden.
❝I’m not soft,❞ I added, angered by his doubt.
❝I’ve taken care of myself through a hell of a lot in my short life, Borden, and the only person who has ever gotten through to me is a man who takes great pleasure in being an asshole. Deep down, we’re the same. We came from the same place. We carry similar scars and we’ve endured. You don’t have any right to say otherwise.❞
This romance showcases two very scarred individuals. Life hasn't been kind to either of them, but when they found each other, they finally found a sense of safety and love.
*× ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇʜ ○*
✿ THE PLOT. . . (mafia-shit) ✿
Now look at me. I was bleeding thanks to a pierced cock that belonged to a man I hated to admit rocked my body like a sex god.
In my humble opinion, the above quote, was essentially the "real" plot. The main "problem" or "driving force" that kept this story going was the question of whether Borden and Emma were gonna fuck. I mean. . . that was my biggest question! And honestly, I didn't mind that. However, I think the book wanted the plot to be something different. See as I mentioned earlier, this is part 1 in a 2 part duet. So, this book had a lot of "mafia-shit" happening in the background, and I think the book really wanted me to care about said mafia-shit. The real question is, did I actually end up caring?
I mean. . . kinda? But as I said, I was more interested in watching Emma and Borden eye fuck each other. I - I don't know. I think the aforementioned "mafia-shit" was cool, but it seemed to only come into play when drama was needed. Which again, fine, but idk, I wasn't invested. Overall, I think I'm just very meh on mafia-romances in general.
✿ FORGETABILITY ✿
*le sigh*
So. . . yeah. . . this is a bit awkward. I read this book on April 19th, it is now May 7th, and I, for the life of me, could barely tell you what this book is about. I originally rated BORDEN 4 stars but I had to knock it down to 3.75 because of that. I just - IDK, nothing much happened in this book. The lack of that extra something something detracted from its memorability. Moreover, I haven't been tempted to pick up Borden 2. Which. . . kinda sorta speaks volumes.
uggggghhhhh, the guilt. . .
So, look, I'm not saying BORDEN was a bad book, it wasn't. I enjoyed reading it and I sped read through the entire thing in a day. BUT WHAT I AM SAYING, is that you maybe, kinda, sorta, most likely, won't feel a bone deep need to pick up P2. And you know what? That's okay! I think eventually I'll read BORDEN 2, but probably not for a while. Honestly, this book ended really well and while I think it's cool that the author decided to explore Emma and Borden's relationship more, having a book 2 almost wasn't necessary? or like, this book didn't need to be split into two books?? which is in direct contrast to what i said in the intro. . . so sue me. Oh well. As I always say, take my random musings with a grain of salt.
*× ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ ○*
BORDEN was one of those books that I found on a whim and ended up seriously liking. This story was an entirely character driven, and for the most part, I enjoyed that. Marcus Borden was quite the enigma - but in the best way possible - , and Emma was such a delight. I have quite the fondness for the "enemies-to-lovers" trope, and this book executed that fabulously. Where the book faltered a bit was in the way the plot - or lack of plot - came into play. I would say that this book is more of a "foundation" book. The overarching plot is simmering in the background, and instead we're just watching and waiting for Borden and Emma to have sex. i'm not complaining though Okay, tbh, you guys know how I am about plots, so it really wasn't that much of a dealbreaker. All in all, I recommend BORDEN. It's a quick, fun, mafia-adjacent romance, starring two very endearing main characters!
❝Marcus. You can call me Marcus, okay?❞
SIDE NOTE:: awwwhhhh, was the above quote the most emotional part of the book?? i mean. . . . yeahhhh
February 11, 2016
4 Mr. Borden Stars
I was really surprised on how the author started this book. I didn’t know much but the first 20% kind of threw me off. I’m not sure if it was a good or bad thing, it’s just different. R.J. Lewis is really descriptive in the writing, so you get a good painted picture of who Mr. Borden was before he became the man.
The warning on the summary is true, this is not a love triangle book, although there is a third woman. I’m kind of confused to why there is a third woman, I guess she kind of sets the tone and pace of the book and molds Borden to who he will become today.
Marcus Borden is the guy from the other side of the tracks. He’s had a hard life and he worked VERY HARD to get where he is at today. He’s a powerful and dangerous man. He basically owns the town and everyone is scared of him.
I loved getting to know Marcus even though it was a different and not typical beginning of the book. We saw him when he wasn’t powerful and just a guy trying to survive. It made me understand him a bit more as I read on.
Emma is a typical struggling girl. She’s poor and works as a waitress even though she has a degree in book keeping. I didn’t even know that was a thing, but power to her. Somehow Emma and Borden cross paths and no matter what Emma does she continues to bump into him.
Borden likes Emma. He sees something in her that makes his heart ignite and brings some life to his darkness. I love his reaction to Emma. Borden is not the hearts and flowers kind of Hero. He’s harsh, abrasive and doesn’t care if he plays games with Emma. He takes what he wants when he wants it.
Emma is conflicted with her emotions as she should be. Borden is a dangerous man and she’s not sure if she is ready for that kind of person in her life.
What I really enjoyed most about this book are the “dark aspects”. It’s not a dark book, but with Borden’s rough treatment towards Emma, it makes the book darkish and very addictive to read. He makes her crawl to him, come on, that is hot.
The book doesn’t end on a huge cliffy, but you will be want to read the second book.
READ on Kindle Unlimited
AMAZON 99 Cents
I was really surprised on how the author started this book. I didn’t know much but the first 20% kind of threw me off. I’m not sure if it was a good or bad thing, it’s just different. R.J. Lewis is really descriptive in the writing, so you get a good painted picture of who Mr. Borden was before he became the man.
The warning on the summary is true, this is not a love triangle book, although there is a third woman. I’m kind of confused to why there is a third woman, I guess she kind of sets the tone and pace of the book and molds Borden to who he will become today.
Marcus Borden is the guy from the other side of the tracks. He’s had a hard life and he worked VERY HARD to get where he is at today. He’s a powerful and dangerous man. He basically owns the town and everyone is scared of him.
I loved getting to know Marcus even though it was a different and not typical beginning of the book. We saw him when he wasn’t powerful and just a guy trying to survive. It made me understand him a bit more as I read on.
Emma is a typical struggling girl. She’s poor and works as a waitress even though she has a degree in book keeping. I didn’t even know that was a thing, but power to her. Somehow Emma and Borden cross paths and no matter what Emma does she continues to bump into him.
Borden likes Emma. He sees something in her that makes his heart ignite and brings some life to his darkness. I love his reaction to Emma. Borden is not the hearts and flowers kind of Hero. He’s harsh, abrasive and doesn’t care if he plays games with Emma. He takes what he wants when he wants it.
Emma is conflicted with her emotions as she should be. Borden is a dangerous man and she’s not sure if she is ready for that kind of person in her life.
“You’re the sun, babe, and I’m the … darkness. We come from completely different realities, and you deserve a … lot more than me”
“Yes, he was a criminal. Yes, he was a rage case lunatic. Yes, he made my skin crawl when I thought about the rumors that people spoke of him. But being around him was an entirely different thing, I discovered.”
What I really enjoyed most about this book are the “dark aspects”. It’s not a dark book, but with Borden’s rough treatment towards Emma, it makes the book darkish and very addictive to read. He makes her crawl to him, come on, that is hot.
The book doesn’t end on a huge cliffy, but you will be want to read the second book.
READ on Kindle Unlimited
AMAZON 99 Cents
April 7, 2016
Borden is book one of two and ends with a cliff-hanger. The good thing is book two has been out for some time so there is no waiting.
This book is about Kate, Marcus, (Borden), and Emma and is not a love triangle. The first few chapters are fairly dark and gritty and involve Kate in captivity as she tells her back story about her relationship with Borden.
Borden meets Emma when he rescues her from a thug in a dark and dangerous neighborhood. Emma is unlike any other woman Borden has met. She is strong, fiercely independent and doesn't need anyone to protect her. Emma is determined to make it on her own. Years later Borden and Emma cross paths again and Borden remembers her.
"How was it possible that this had been the very same girl he’d rescued in that alleyway nine years ago? She looked exactly like her. No, she was her. The little alley cat with the switchblade. He remembered that girl like a picture inside his mind, and from time to time he’d revisited that memory, thinking of her jet black hair and haunted eyes."
Borden and Emma's relationship takes off from this point on. I loved Borden and Emma's story. Borden is a tough and tattooed male alpha who just can't understand why Emma isn't falling all over him. Emma, who is resisting Borden all the way, is so independent and strong but even she eventually succumbs to Borden's charm. Their story is filled with danger, lust and many humorous moments. The sex between the two is hot off the charts and once they start, they can't seem to stop.
“You’re too fucking perfect,” he murmured in astonishment. “Hard yet adaptable. It’s the biggest turn on seeing you submit, and you like it, don’t you?”
"I was entirely at his mercy. I was weak, and I didn’t mind it. I’d let a bad man into my heart, and I didn’t want the bad man to leave it."
"Truth was, I… I think I loved him."
This book is about Kate, Marcus, (Borden), and Emma and is not a love triangle. The first few chapters are fairly dark and gritty and involve Kate in captivity as she tells her back story about her relationship with Borden.
Borden meets Emma when he rescues her from a thug in a dark and dangerous neighborhood. Emma is unlike any other woman Borden has met. She is strong, fiercely independent and doesn't need anyone to protect her. Emma is determined to make it on her own. Years later Borden and Emma cross paths again and Borden remembers her.
"How was it possible that this had been the very same girl he’d rescued in that alleyway nine years ago? She looked exactly like her. No, she was her. The little alley cat with the switchblade. He remembered that girl like a picture inside his mind, and from time to time he’d revisited that memory, thinking of her jet black hair and haunted eyes."
Borden and Emma's relationship takes off from this point on. I loved Borden and Emma's story. Borden is a tough and tattooed male alpha who just can't understand why Emma isn't falling all over him. Emma, who is resisting Borden all the way, is so independent and strong but even she eventually succumbs to Borden's charm. Their story is filled with danger, lust and many humorous moments. The sex between the two is hot off the charts and once they start, they can't seem to stop.
“You’re too fucking perfect,” he murmured in astonishment. “Hard yet adaptable. It’s the biggest turn on seeing you submit, and you like it, don’t you?”
"I was entirely at his mercy. I was weak, and I didn’t mind it. I’d let a bad man into my heart, and I didn’t want the bad man to leave it."
"Truth was, I… I think I loved him."
August 26, 2016
Me loves how ya mind works miss Lewis.....
WARNING: Book 1 of 2. This is NOT a love triangle. THANK FUCK FOR THAT!!!!
So this is my second book by this author and i LOVE IT! I think she is becomming one of my favorites.
One sexy bad ass motherfucker criminal > two loves (one thankfully out of the picture).....HOT chemistry, suspension and i am SOLD!
Please i beg of you miss Lewis HURRY up with part two!!!!!
WARNING: Book 1 of 2. This is NOT a love triangle. THANK FUCK FOR THAT!!!!
So this is my second book by this author and i LOVE IT! I think she is becomming one of my favorites.
One sexy bad ass motherfucker criminal > two loves (one thankfully out of the picture).....HOT chemistry, suspension and i am SOLD!
Please i beg of you miss Lewis HURRY up with part two!!!!!
July 1, 2016
DNF
This really is one of the books that truly is me and may really work for you.
My notes and why it did not work for me.
This really is one of the books that truly is me and may really work for you.
My notes and why it did not work for me.
December 27, 2015
Intriguing and addictive
This was recommended by a friend I skimmed the blurb and the cover and reviews were all good so it jumped right to the top of my read list.
It started well and I could tell I was going to love it and then OMG I didn't expect that and I'm a bit upset at the way this book has gone and I need a break.
I took a full day away from this book and then continued and I'm so glad I did both, the break and continuing.
Marcus Borden is a living legend, he's a huge powerful and merciless man who is both rich and powerful but he carries a heavy burden and a ton of baggage.
Emma Warne is a great character although I wasn't sure at first but then I wasn't keen on the circumstances.
I'm not saying anymore because I don't want to spoil it but once I'd settled in I couldn't put it down, both Marcus and Emma are interesting characters and I really want it to work out for them.
It's straight onto Borden 2 for me now.
October 23, 2015
Holy Shit - this book was intense. So sad and heartbreaking - I had to stop and walk away (poor Kate)!! I did't think I could go on after all the sorrow, but so glad I did. RJ Lewis really knows how to write a gut wrenching story. Marcus is a freaking sexy bad-ass, but there's a loving man hidden beneath all that 'tough guy' persona.
August 9, 2015
There are not many books that I hate. But this one took the cake. This is a thriller romance. Which I really only do if the romance plot is good. I thought this was good girl and a bad boy story. I am a sucker for those bad boy stories. At first the author has you reeled in and I was like this is really GOOD! then the author does the most crazy thing...ends the story in the most horrible way and adds a second story title diffrent in the same book named after there hero and I can't even say. ahhhhhh! this is BS!
I would never say this. I mean...I have read bad books that the writer just started out as a writer or there was no connection between hero and heroine..but I Want my money back!!!!this is BS.. If there was a rating for no stars...I would give that rating...this author has emotionally scarred me. Ugh!! This is BS!
Okay so I gave it some time and I am giving this 3 stars for my original 1 star..I guess I did not read the teaser and it does state that the guy is grieving a loss. but for me this is a no go. the stars are for writing because you know as readers...... if we could write are own book we would...and writing books is hard work..So extra stars for writing and cover picture.
I would never say this. I mean...I have read bad books that the writer just started out as a writer or there was no connection between hero and heroine..but I Want my money back!!!!this is BS.. If there was a rating for no stars...I would give that rating...this author has emotionally scarred me. Ugh!! This is BS!
Okay so I gave it some time and I am giving this 3 stars for my original 1 star..I guess I did not read the teaser and it does state that the guy is grieving a loss. but for me this is a no go. the stars are for writing because you know as readers...... if we could write are own book we would...and writing books is hard work..So extra stars for writing and cover picture.
October 28, 2015
Posting my late and short review...on 28th October
LATE cause I had to start reading the book 2 immediately after the book 1
SHORT cause I have no extra words to discribe the stuff that goes on in my mind right now...
about infamous criminal Marcus Borden MC of this book:
fuckin speechless, man!
and I feel kinda goofy right now...
about the heroine EMMA WARNE you effin rule, babe!
you need to teach me how to use that little switch blade, and how to keep it hidden in a bra! I need to look that up!
I loved them both, I liked the story, the only thing I didn't quite swallow as acceptable was the beggining, well one small thing at the beginning to be precise...LOL
moving on to book 2
move it, move it, get out of my way...
October 27, 2020
I don't know... This is the situation where I need more of Miss Lewis book to determine whatever I like it or not. So for now, I give it middle stars.
The mafia story promising something dark. However this element is disappear across the book. I can not make up my mind about Borden himself. What is he? Is he dark? Is he dangerous? Is he Dom? I do not know. There is an element BDSM in this book but not very graphic nor deep. I do not understand the attraction/ chemistry between Emma and Borden. Heck, I do not understand the chemistry between Borden and Kate.
This book has more telling than showing. Lack of vulnerable chemistry between the characters.
BTW, this is not a love triangle.
Well anyway, like I said, I need more. I will thinking about to pick up the next book on this series.
3 stars
The mafia story promising something dark. However this element is disappear across the book. I can not make up my mind about Borden himself. What is he? Is he dark? Is he dangerous? Is he Dom? I do not know. There is an element BDSM in this book but not very graphic nor deep. I do not understand the attraction/ chemistry between Emma and Borden. Heck, I do not understand the chemistry between Borden and Kate.
This book has more telling than showing. Lack of vulnerable chemistry between the characters.
BTW, this is not a love triangle.
Well anyway, like I said, I need more. I will thinking about to pick up the next book on this series.
3 stars
August 17, 2015
Okay, Marcus Borden is just what I needed to pull me out of my book slump..
I LOVE everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING about this story.
I have no complaints at all with the characters or their issues and how it was all executed here. This one is a some what mysterious, DANGEROUS, sexy, erotic, heart pounding ride.
These people & their circumstances intrigued me to no end.
That "cliffy" was very cruel but I knew there was a cliffy here, going into this. So I can't be mad. I just hate waiting for book 2 *pouts*
All in all this was an excellent read & I HIGHLY recommend this one.
I LOVE everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING about this story.
I have no complaints at all with the characters or their issues and how it was all executed here. This one is a some what mysterious, DANGEROUS, sexy, erotic, heart pounding ride.
These people & their circumstances intrigued me to no end.
That "cliffy" was very cruel but I knew there was a cliffy here, going into this. So I can't be mad. I just hate waiting for book 2 *pouts*
All in all this was an excellent read & I HIGHLY recommend this one.
April 12, 2018
Just yuk. But curious- why do so many women like this sort of stuff? It's not standard dom/sub with consensual rôles. It's just cruel.
But if you like a "hero" that is still in love with dead GF, demands new f***buddy to crawl to him AND then you go for it.
But if you like a "hero" that is still in love with dead GF, demands new f***buddy to crawl to him AND then you go for it.
September 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I was very confused in the beginning and wasn't sure how I felt about the story, but I don't think I was the only one who felt this way. I'm glad I pushed through because when everything clicked into place, I couldn't put this book down! I don't want to spoil it for anyone because I ended up really enjoying Lewis' writing style and it worked out well for Borden and Emma's story. This story is NOT a love triangle which I greatly appreciate. I highly recommend to just push through your confusion in the beginning (if you have any) and just let yourself fall into Borden's love story.
October 25, 2015
Wow!! This was shocking, frustrating and hot as hell. Borden.... YUMMY.... He is a grumpy, brooding asshole but fucking delectable. I would gladly get on my knees for this man!!!
Bring on book 2!!!
Bring on book 2!!!
October 23, 2015
Borden Borden Borden... Marcus Borden....
Let's say I kept reading this book for HIM! The story was nice with a twist. The second part was filled with UST and still a lot of mysteries to open up.
Looking forward for the next book.
If you are looking for a quick weekend read, this will do. Bonus, he is tattooed and pierced!
Happy reading
D
October 1, 2015
Wow! What an amazing story.
I loved every second of this story. The back story of Borden's life before he became such a badass, the devastation he went through, and the awkward courting (is that even the right word? lol) of Emma. It was a blast watching their relationship develop and it had it's funny moments too. Ah, and the sex. The sex between Emma and Borden was Smoking Hot!
I didn't even mind the cliffhanger ending. What will Borden do next? Will he fight to protect her, or will he set her free? I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel!
I loved every second of this story. The back story of Borden's life before he became such a badass, the devastation he went through, and the awkward courting (is that even the right word? lol) of Emma. It was a blast watching their relationship develop and it had it's funny moments too. Ah, and the sex. The sex between Emma and Borden was Smoking Hot!
I didn't even mind the cliffhanger ending. What will Borden do next? Will he fight to protect her, or will he set her free? I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel!
November 18, 2015
This one was good! Border is the definition of a bad boy. One of my biggest pet peeves with romance novels is when an author tries to sell a book by making you think the hero is a "bad boy" in the synopsis. Then you read the book and the guy could be your friendly neighborhood choir boy. This was not the case with Marcus Borden. He totally is the poster child for bad boys everywhere. I don't want to give away anything about this story but I will say bring your tissues for this one. It has a little bit of everything for everyone and a major twist that will confuse the hell out of you. Just go with it and enjoy the ride because this one ends on a cliffy but Borden 2 is awesome and ties everything up.
August 21, 2015
I regret reading this book, I struggled to finish it (once I start a book I must finish reading it though!) SPOILER ALERT!! Of course it wasn't a love triangle! Why even state that! So misleading! How ridiculous Borden's one true love dies and then he moves on easily enough! Not for me!
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