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Mastermind #1
Blind
“Revenge is served SMOKING HOT in this smoldering, second chance, slow burn, billionaire romance from bestselling author Lydia Michaels!”
Asher Roan has always been smart, but it took a fortune for him to become popular, and he’ll never forget those who made his journey especially challenging along the way.
When Asher earns his first billion, he seizes the opportunity to go after the woman who crushed his heart in high school. He uses his IQ to become a master of seduction in order to master the infamous Scarlet Farrow.
Somehow, Scarlet’s drunken rant is accidentally published in the local paper. After publicly swearing off men, she receives the invitation of a lifetime from a mysterious gentleman named Mr. Stone. Tempted by this secret admirer who promises to be the answer to her prayers, she agrees to engage in fourteen nights of sophisticated seduction, having her darkest fantasies delivered by a perfect stranger.
The catch? She will never look him in the eye and must wear a blindfold the entire time.
Asher Roan has always been smart, but it took a fortune for him to become popular, and he’ll never forget those who made his journey especially challenging along the way.
When Asher earns his first billion, he seizes the opportunity to go after the woman who crushed his heart in high school. He uses his IQ to become a master of seduction in order to master the infamous Scarlet Farrow.
Somehow, Scarlet’s drunken rant is accidentally published in the local paper. After publicly swearing off men, she receives the invitation of a lifetime from a mysterious gentleman named Mr. Stone. Tempted by this secret admirer who promises to be the answer to her prayers, she agrees to engage in fourteen nights of sophisticated seduction, having her darkest fantasies delivered by a perfect stranger.
The catch? She will never look him in the eye and must wear a blindfold the entire time.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2015
259 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
153 books1,892 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 11, 2015
The Prologue is awesome-what a tease! We then start the story at Chapter 1, THREE months prior! I had to know what happened up to that sensual scene in the prologue.
Scarlet is a 30 year old, single school teacher. She's discouraged by her dating prospects. Her best friend (since childhood), Nicole says that she's too fussy, and has unrealistic standards in men. Scarlet feels defeated and her feeling are hurt. Scarlet types out her thoughts on her dating frustrations and sends her rant into a newspaper columnist. Her thoughts are published in the morning newspaper for everyone to see!
Asher Roan, a guy from Scarlet's high school days, sees the column. He recognizes Scarlet's alias. He just knows that it's her! Ash's unrequited love of Scarlet haunts him to this day. Ash and was an awkward nerd in high school, but is now the founder of a facebook-type social medial site "GeekPeek". Ash contacts Scarlet through his website using the alias, "Mr Stone".
Scarlet and "Mr Stone" correspond. "Mr Stone" is very smooth and in control and Scarlet is intrigued. Ash's friends, Elliot, Hunter and Jet also went the same high school 12 years prior and are co founders of GeekPeek. They all know about Asher's infatuation with Scarlet.
Ash decides to get fit with a personal trainer and plan a persona around his "Mr Stone".
In high school Scarlet was in the popular crowd while Ash was constantly bullied by Scarlet's boy friend Bobby(what a tool!). Ash and his friends, Elliot, and Hunter were all targeted by Bobby and his friends. Ash seems to have taken the brunt of the abuse.
Mr Stone and Scarlet have a lot of chemistry. Scarlet reveals that she has never had a meaningful relationship. Ash really studies up on what will please a woman.
A blind-folded Scarlet meets Ash at one of his residences-driven by Steve, Ash's trainer who poses as his chauffeur. I loved Steve. Perfect in his part as he delivered blindfolded Scarlet to their "meetings".
The middle wasn't slow for me, but it had a lot of dialogue. (spoken and thoughts) - and stalled their progress a little.
Ash had something to prove. He wanted Scarlet to notice him, but eventually he couldn't tell if Scarlet wanted Mr Stone or if she would accept Ash as himself.
Scarlet is very receptive to Mr Stone. He is very respectful and lets her know that she can say no at anytime. I honestly would have 2 major issues, I would rip off the mask and I would check for cameras. I really liked the sexual build up, but wanted a pay off earlier in their "game". Ironically, I was touched by the flash backs about the bullying--how Ash and his friends tried to cope and eventually survive. Ash is successful now but has to learn to fully let go. Ash was still angry & fearful of Bobby. He did get satisfaction seeing present-day Bobby.
The big unmasking went a little differently than I expected.Just prior to that, Ash pulls an almost unforgivable wtf move. Very cruel, IMO. I liked the making up and the ending and the epilogue. "The Princess Bride" was quoted. As I read this part, I happened to have the Princess Bride on TV (w/ it on mute) right after the ".... as you wiiiiiish " scene! What a coincidence.
Very original take on recovery and reinventing yourself.
4.5 stars. I will probably read this again. I would love to read the next book. Elliot (Yoda is his hero) or Jet.??
ARC provided by the author.thank you!
** want to edit to add: (what I forgot to say!) I really enjoyed The supporting characters, esp Elliot. I loved the dancing lesson scene. I wish that Ash would have been the one to go to Scarlet in the end. Scarlet had some growth and knew that Ash was hurting too.
Scarlet is a 30 year old, single school teacher. She's discouraged by her dating prospects. Her best friend (since childhood), Nicole says that she's too fussy, and has unrealistic standards in men. Scarlet feels defeated and her feeling are hurt. Scarlet types out her thoughts on her dating frustrations and sends her rant into a newspaper columnist. Her thoughts are published in the morning newspaper for everyone to see!
Asher Roan, a guy from Scarlet's high school days, sees the column. He recognizes Scarlet's alias. He just knows that it's her! Ash's unrequited love of Scarlet haunts him to this day. Ash and was an awkward nerd in high school, but is now the founder of a facebook-type social medial site "GeekPeek". Ash contacts Scarlet through his website using the alias, "Mr Stone".
Scarlet and "Mr Stone" correspond. "Mr Stone" is very smooth and in control and Scarlet is intrigued. Ash's friends, Elliot, Hunter and Jet also went the same high school 12 years prior and are co founders of GeekPeek. They all know about Asher's infatuation with Scarlet.
Ash decides to get fit with a personal trainer and plan a persona around his "Mr Stone".
In high school Scarlet was in the popular crowd while Ash was constantly bullied by Scarlet's boy friend Bobby(what a tool!). Ash and his friends, Elliot, and Hunter were all targeted by Bobby and his friends. Ash seems to have taken the brunt of the abuse.
Mr Stone and Scarlet have a lot of chemistry. Scarlet reveals that she has never had a meaningful relationship. Ash really studies up on what will please a woman.
A blind-folded Scarlet meets Ash at one of his residences-driven by Steve, Ash's trainer who poses as his chauffeur. I loved Steve. Perfect in his part as he delivered blindfolded Scarlet to their "meetings".
The middle wasn't slow for me, but it had a lot of dialogue. (spoken and thoughts) - and stalled their progress a little.
Ash had something to prove. He wanted Scarlet to notice him, but eventually he couldn't tell if Scarlet wanted Mr Stone or if she would accept Ash as himself.
Scarlet is very receptive to Mr Stone. He is very respectful and lets her know that she can say no at anytime. I honestly would have 2 major issues, I would rip off the mask and I would check for cameras. I really liked the sexual build up, but wanted a pay off earlier in their "game". Ironically, I was touched by the flash backs about the bullying--how Ash and his friends tried to cope and eventually survive. Ash is successful now but has to learn to fully let go. Ash was still angry & fearful of Bobby. He did get satisfaction seeing present-day Bobby.
The big unmasking went a little differently than I expected.Just prior to that, Ash pulls an almost unforgivable wtf move. Very cruel, IMO. I liked the making up and the ending and the epilogue. "The Princess Bride" was quoted. As I read this part, I happened to have the Princess Bride on TV (w/ it on mute) right after the ".... as you wiiiiiish " scene! What a coincidence.
Very original take on recovery and reinventing yourself.
4.5 stars. I will probably read this again. I would love to read the next book. Elliot (Yoda is his hero) or Jet.??
ARC provided by the author.thank you!
** want to edit to add: (what I forgot to say!) I really enjoyed The supporting characters, esp Elliot. I loved the dancing lesson scene. I wish that Ash would have been the one to go to Scarlet in the end. Scarlet had some growth and knew that Ash was hurting too.
January 2, 2019
It's a stand-alone. Incredibly smart and OMG, so damn hot. Each page burns you hotter and hotter, while transcending the mundane formula of boy meets girl. Move over alpha assholes. Asher Roan doesn't need to growl and flex his six pack. He melts hearts with his intelligence alone. Good lord, he's mysterious, gorgeous, sexy, complicated, wildly devoted--everything we want in a book boyfriend.
December 16, 2015
This is what I think is going to be a "marmite book" you will either love it or hate it. For me personally, I fell in love with these characters and this story.
This was a book that popped up on my Amazon recs and I fell in love with the synopsis. This is a book that is all about connection, trust and learning to believe in yourselves and each other. This was nothing like I expected but I lived the journey that these two characters took. I was emotionally invested throughout, kept page turning and didn't want the book to end...always a winner in my eyes. This was geek tastic and for us nerds even we deserve love.
(Full review to come)
This was a book that popped up on my Amazon recs and I fell in love with the synopsis. This is a book that is all about connection, trust and learning to believe in yourselves and each other. This was nothing like I expected but I lived the journey that these two characters took. I was emotionally invested throughout, kept page turning and didn't want the book to end...always a winner in my eyes. This was geek tastic and for us nerds even we deserve love.
(Full review to come)
January 29, 2019
4 💖💖💖💖🤓🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️
What a refreshing, distinguished and intriguing story!!!!
Usually we see a woman trying to be better looking, either going on a diet or changing her whole attire.
But having a man trying to transform from geek to god, was a brilliant concept!!!!
Asher was a great character regardless his insecurities and fears.
I would have given 5 stars if it wasn’t that long, like there were seven encounters instead of fourteen.
What a refreshing, distinguished and intriguing story!!!!
Usually we see a woman trying to be better looking, either going on a diet or changing her whole attire.
But having a man trying to transform from geek to god, was a brilliant concept!!!!
Asher was a great character regardless his insecurities and fears.
I would have given 5 stars if it wasn’t that long, like there were seven encounters instead of fourteen.
Want to read
February 14, 2023💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/20/2018)!💝
December 10, 2018
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Let me first say, this book is well written. I find a lot of books I read are just poorly crafted and have lazy editing. Not this book. My objection is entirely with the how the story unfolded.
The story starts with a titillating prologue that was vaguely Dom/Sub and I thought, not going to like this, not my thing. But then the book jumps back in time to introduce these characters and lead us to how we got to this point. Cool.
Asher and Scarlet knew each other in high school. He was the nerdy 90 pound weakling who had a mad crush of the super cute red haired cheerleader who didn't know he existed. Asher and his pals were the target of ruthless bullies. Scarlet was a popular girl who felt pressure to stay in her friend group so they wouldn't turn on her. I'm good with all of this, I can point to people I knew in school for whom this was reality.
So here they are 12 years post high school back in each others orbit. Asher is the triumphant geek and has grown out of his awkward late bloomer self, but still carries all of those awful insecurities, but he thinks he has the way to win Scarlet this time. Scarlet doesn't remember him at all, but this secret stranger who promises her hearts desire is something she is down for.
I mostly didn't like Scarlet. I felt like she was kind of whiny. Not super fond of her bestie Nicole either. The idea that she needed to be adored by a man to be happy in life, nope. But at the point when the story blows up, my opinion changed about Scarlet. She owned who she was and her pain, and I started to like her and want her to win at life.
Asher I was rooting for from the get go. He just needed to realize he already was the man he wanted to be. He should have listened to his friends, but I get that his self doubt was too much. Asher went on a quest to better himself, hiring a trainer, getting out of his comfort zone, learning to dance. This was all great, but Asher's self improvement journey was left behind to focus just on the mysterious stranger meetings. Then he devolved into a complete asshole and I don't believe he should or could be redeemed, and that was a damn shame.
The problem is, this book is a romance and the genre says we need an HEA, so here we are. Once the stranger is exposed, in a completely awful moment, we still have chapters to go and a relationship to repair. The only way to do this is forcing Scarlet to accept the shitbag back. The idea that men can be broken assholes and still worthy of redemption by women is a story line I hate. Why can't women own their worth?
For me the story could have been really great, but the mysterious stranger crossed way to many lines, and Scarlet was way to willing to let him. It was unnecessary, and done, I guess to add the required sex into the story. I would have taken the story without it, because I liked the premise the author set of who these people were as kids, and who they became to be as adults, who still carry that hurt child inside them. When the mysterious stranger takes physical advantage of his position I wanted Scarlet to walk away. It was just a total turnoff to me.
What could have been a great story, for me, missed the mark.
Let me first say, this book is well written. I find a lot of books I read are just poorly crafted and have lazy editing. Not this book. My objection is entirely with the how the story unfolded.
The story starts with a titillating prologue that was vaguely Dom/Sub and I thought, not going to like this, not my thing. But then the book jumps back in time to introduce these characters and lead us to how we got to this point. Cool.
Asher and Scarlet knew each other in high school. He was the nerdy 90 pound weakling who had a mad crush of the super cute red haired cheerleader who didn't know he existed. Asher and his pals were the target of ruthless bullies. Scarlet was a popular girl who felt pressure to stay in her friend group so they wouldn't turn on her. I'm good with all of this, I can point to people I knew in school for whom this was reality.
So here they are 12 years post high school back in each others orbit. Asher is the triumphant geek and has grown out of his awkward late bloomer self, but still carries all of those awful insecurities, but he thinks he has the way to win Scarlet this time. Scarlet doesn't remember him at all, but this secret stranger who promises her hearts desire is something she is down for.
I mostly didn't like Scarlet. I felt like she was kind of whiny. Not super fond of her bestie Nicole either. The idea that she needed to be adored by a man to be happy in life, nope. But at the point when the story blows up, my opinion changed about Scarlet. She owned who she was and her pain, and I started to like her and want her to win at life.
Asher I was rooting for from the get go. He just needed to realize he already was the man he wanted to be. He should have listened to his friends, but I get that his self doubt was too much. Asher went on a quest to better himself, hiring a trainer, getting out of his comfort zone, learning to dance. This was all great, but Asher's self improvement journey was left behind to focus just on the mysterious stranger meetings. Then he devolved into a complete asshole and I don't believe he should or could be redeemed, and that was a damn shame.
The problem is, this book is a romance and the genre says we need an HEA, so here we are. Once the stranger is exposed, in a completely awful moment, we still have chapters to go and a relationship to repair. The only way to do this is forcing Scarlet to accept the shitbag back. The idea that men can be broken assholes and still worthy of redemption by women is a story line I hate. Why can't women own their worth?
For me the story could have been really great, but the mysterious stranger crossed way to many lines, and Scarlet was way to willing to let him. It was unnecessary, and done, I guess to add the required sex into the story. I would have taken the story without it, because I liked the premise the author set of who these people were as kids, and who they became to be as adults, who still carry that hurt child inside them. When the mysterious stranger takes physical advantage of his position I wanted Scarlet to walk away. It was just a total turnoff to me.
What could have been a great story, for me, missed the mark.
hell-fucking-no
December 14, 2015Hell fucking no.
May 6, 2016
3 Blind Love Stars!
Source: eARC For Honest Review Courtesy of Author
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Part 1 in a new series
My Blind Review . . .
I'm a HUGE fan of Lydia Michaels. HUGE!!!! But I have to sadly admit that this was definitely not my favorite. I liked the premise of the book and I liked parts of it but I didn't love it. This book had many LONG chapters which I find hard to keep being captivated as the chapters felt never ending. I usually prefer smaller chapters especially if I'm reading a book that I have to put down to do things like life or work. I hate putting books down mid chapter as I lose the momentum but with this book I had to put it down mid chapter or not start the next one knowing that it was a 31 minute chapter coming up.
The idea of the book was cute where a high school geek who turned millionaire still had the psyche of the bullied geek and the heart that went with it. A heart that had fallen in love with the cheer squad girl, but the heart that also broke because of said girl.
This girl is now a teacher and thirty. She's single and a closet geek, but she's also extremely lonely and having no luck in love. After a bottle of wine she chooses to write her woes down onto a letter which she drunkenly sent to the local paper.
Asher Roan finds out his first crush Scarlet Farrow is in need of love. At first it starts at a bit of redemption for his once broken heart, but then it turns into helping himself be a man who can give a women everything he didn't think possible. He didn't mean to fall in love with Scarlet over again but it happened and now his deep seated insecurities are getting in the way.
For Asher to help give Scarlet everything he wants, he becomes the persona of Mr. Stone. At first, Scarlet fights the idea because she can't see who this man that is promising her a new opportunity but she digs in deep and lets go to get the full experience.
They both had deep seated insecurities that made them much more real characters. They both also had to work through the pasts which they did by seeing through the eyes of the other. I loved the concept of falling in love blindly which helps cemented their relationship because they fell in love with the person not the superficial looks. Of course it was a bonus for them that Asher ended up also being good looking. It is true that often people fall in love the idea of it or the fantasy of it but to truly fall in love is a different story. This was portrayed well with that concept.
Like I said I liked this book but didn't love it. Which is okay because I can't love every single book I read. Will this stop me from reading more into this series? No, not at all as I'm invested with all the characters. Will this stop me from reading more of Lydia Michaels? Absolutely not, as I flipping adore her writing and there was nothing wrong per se with it, I just didn't jive completely with it is all.
November 27, 2018
Blind was so much more than I ever anticipated! It captured me from the very first chapter, making me oblivious to my actual reality. Ash and Scarlet's unconventional relationship was EVERYTHING. The climb was so intense that before it even happened, I was dreading the fall. And when it did happen, I was left as broken as they were.
They did of course pick up the pieces and eventually find their way back to each other. But, it was their personal growth and the evolution of their relationship that was so captivating. Blind shows you that the true essence of love comes from the vulnerability it takes to bare yourself and have that met with a deep respect and unconditional acceptance.
Despite the small amount of actual sex in this book, the eroticism was at an all time high. The art of intellectual stimulation was done to perfection. From mildly titillating to pure carnal desire, this book is holds you in it's grip on every single page.
Blind is passion, it is lust and it is the unconditional, all encompassing love that everyone craves.
They did of course pick up the pieces and eventually find their way back to each other. But, it was their personal growth and the evolution of their relationship that was so captivating. Blind shows you that the true essence of love comes from the vulnerability it takes to bare yourself and have that met with a deep respect and unconditional acceptance.
Despite the small amount of actual sex in this book, the eroticism was at an all time high. The art of intellectual stimulation was done to perfection. From mildly titillating to pure carnal desire, this book is holds you in it's grip on every single page.
Blind is passion, it is lust and it is the unconditional, all encompassing love that everyone craves.
December 21, 2015
Ho hum, 2.5 stars
I did not care for this story about the hero pretending to be someone else and the fact that he was all over the place, even at the end. For me this was more chick-lit than romance, but it was somewhat entertaining to read the heroine's shenanigans but not so much about her issues, which made up most of the book. Mr. Stone was quite pompous with his romance-book-self-taught sentences that he seemed to think Scarlet wanted to hear, and I did not like him even a bit. Asher was adorable and he should have just taken his adorable self over to Scarlet's home the first night and gone from there. That book I would have loved to read. The texting/instant messaging/phone to build UST was not convincing to me and I did not get that Scarlet herself wanted that either from the letter she wrote, but I went along with it, until I realized that most of the book was going to be about this pretending business. Charging forward to the end then, I looked for something to save this read for me, and again Asher could not seem to actually chase his woman, except once and got punched for his troubles, really Scarlet? Then it was the end, once again where the hero's friends seemed to be more important than Asher himself and of course the obligatory reunion, confession and the end. There was no time in the story where we saw Scarlet and Asher together, being themselves and learning and growing together, so that was another big disappointment for me.
I did not care for this story about the hero pretending to be someone else and the fact that he was all over the place, even at the end. For me this was more chick-lit than romance, but it was somewhat entertaining to read the heroine's shenanigans but not so much about her issues, which made up most of the book. Mr. Stone was quite pompous with his romance-book-self-taught sentences that he seemed to think Scarlet wanted to hear, and I did not like him even a bit. Asher was adorable and he should have just taken his adorable self over to Scarlet's home the first night and gone from there. That book I would have loved to read. The texting/instant messaging/phone to build UST was not convincing to me and I did not get that Scarlet herself wanted that either from the letter she wrote, but I went along with it, until I realized that most of the book was going to be about this pretending business. Charging forward to the end then, I looked for something to save this read for me, and again Asher could not seem to actually chase his woman, except once and got punched for his troubles, really Scarlet? Then it was the end, once again where the hero's friends seemed to be more important than Asher himself and of course the obligatory reunion, confession and the end. There was no time in the story where we saw Scarlet and Asher together, being themselves and learning and growing together, so that was another big disappointment for me.
December 8, 2015
4 Stars. (btw, 4 stars is a great rating for me... 5 stars is perfect, and REALLY hard to achieve for me. I read quite a bit, and probably only 5 star 3-5 books a year)
Wow, totally SUPER FANTASTIC read. I love unique stories. This was something like I'd never read before. Totally different. There was a lot I loved about this. So much dialogue, which is a huge plus for me. I loved their back and forth... I loved the back story, and the theme of reinventing yourself... And also confronting past demons... I thought the romance was hot, and there was SO much anticipation. It kept me reading ALL night long! The characters were great, and I LOVED the ending!
What kept me from giving it 5 stars? Well, I thought it dragged a little about 50-85% through... I mean, I wasn't bored or anything... But it was taking TOO long to get to the resolution. Dragging it out for the sake of dragging it out. Also, the sex got a little too explicit for my taste. I think less is more. I thought it was SO sexy until a certain point... Then it got to be too much. It's a difficult balance between sexy and over the top... Hard to pull off. Anyway, it wasn't like crazy erotica over the top or anything... But I started to skim a bit after the first few scenes...
The fact that this story was so unique, and had such a fantastic ending... And I read it in one evening... None of my gripes kept me from really enjoying this. I REALLY liked it a lot, and would highly recommend. it!
Wow, totally SUPER FANTASTIC read. I love unique stories. This was something like I'd never read before. Totally different. There was a lot I loved about this. So much dialogue, which is a huge plus for me. I loved their back and forth... I loved the back story, and the theme of reinventing yourself... And also confronting past demons... I thought the romance was hot, and there was SO much anticipation. It kept me reading ALL night long! The characters were great, and I LOVED the ending!
What kept me from giving it 5 stars? Well, I thought it dragged a little about 50-85% through... I mean, I wasn't bored or anything... But it was taking TOO long to get to the resolution. Dragging it out for the sake of dragging it out. Also, the sex got a little too explicit for my taste. I think less is more. I thought it was SO sexy until a certain point... Then it got to be too much. It's a difficult balance between sexy and over the top... Hard to pull off. Anyway, it wasn't like crazy erotica over the top or anything... But I started to skim a bit after the first few scenes...
The fact that this story was so unique, and had such a fantastic ending... And I read it in one evening... None of my gripes kept me from really enjoying this. I REALLY liked it a lot, and would highly recommend. it!
December 2, 2018
I love nerds! This book was so good. I don’t want to say anything. I just want you to read it.
Go in blind and see for yourself.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Series ~ Mastermind series ~ standalones
Book Cover~ Good
Source~ Kindle eBook
Would I read more from this author? Absolutely
Would I recommend this book? Hell yes
Go in blind and see for yourself.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Series ~ Mastermind series ~ standalones
Book Cover~ Good
Source~ Kindle eBook
Would I read more from this author? Absolutely
Would I recommend this book? Hell yes
January 9, 2016
So. This was a book that had potential but then the hero turned out to be really shitty. I could've excused the first her abandoned her but the second one took the cake. I understand why the hero disliked her at first but she wasn't his bully. I usually enjoy Lydia's books.
November 25, 2015
FINALLY!!! A hot nerd geek guy! Geekiness is so underrated in the book world and Asher makes up for it. I love this book as it made me swoon, laugh, and sigh.
February 2, 2016
In short, this author is a romantic MasterMind and I look forward to reading more!http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
April 23, 2018
I have to admit, this story completely blindsided me. After the prologue, I wondered if it would be too 50 Shades-ish and I wouldn’t be able to relate to the characters. Was I ever wrong! I adored Asher. He was just the sort of emotionally vulnerable hero I adore. I ached for him after learning where his insecurities came from. And to be honest, after learning that Scarlet was a factor in those insecurities, I was determined not to like her. I should have known Lydia Michaels would completely change my opinion. She has a real talent for delving into the heart of a character and making me love them, flaws and all.
Both Asher and Scarlet evolved so much through this story. Their 14 meetings were deliciously arousing and steamy but they were touching as well. I was captivated by the various emotions that both went through on their journey. Both benefited from their rendezvous. Asher was discovering sides of himself he’d never anticipated and was making physical changes in himself. Scarlet was building her confidence and felt more free and brave. But while Scarlet was letting go and sharing her deepest desires and fears, Asher couldn’t bare himself as she did. What had started as a way to feel “good enough” seemed to be failing him. The more he spent time with Scarlet, the more he cared, and the more his deepest insecurities returned. He was afraid Asher would pale in comparison to his alter ego, Mr. Stone when Scarlet finally saw him.
Through these characters, Lydia Michaels shows that vulnerability is neither weak nor old fashioned. I loved seeing Scarlet and Asher face their insecurities and doubts in their struggle for acceptance, hope, and love. I’m hoping there is more to come in this series. I am dying to see Asher’s friends find love. Especially Elliot. This series proves nerd love is the best love.
Both Asher and Scarlet evolved so much through this story. Their 14 meetings were deliciously arousing and steamy but they were touching as well. I was captivated by the various emotions that both went through on their journey. Both benefited from their rendezvous. Asher was discovering sides of himself he’d never anticipated and was making physical changes in himself. Scarlet was building her confidence and felt more free and brave. But while Scarlet was letting go and sharing her deepest desires and fears, Asher couldn’t bare himself as she did. What had started as a way to feel “good enough” seemed to be failing him. The more he spent time with Scarlet, the more he cared, and the more his deepest insecurities returned. He was afraid Asher would pale in comparison to his alter ego, Mr. Stone when Scarlet finally saw him.
Through these characters, Lydia Michaels shows that vulnerability is neither weak nor old fashioned. I loved seeing Scarlet and Asher face their insecurities and doubts in their struggle for acceptance, hope, and love. I’m hoping there is more to come in this series. I am dying to see Asher’s friends find love. Especially Elliot. This series proves nerd love is the best love.
July 18, 2017
4.5 Tension building stars.
This book. THIS BOOK!
There are so many amazing things about this book that I'm literally struggling at where to start. This isn't your normal romance with lots of sex. This is SO MUCH MORE. My heart is still swooning over the sexual mind stimulation(is that a thing?...Lydia Michaels made it a thing...brilliant!!!!)
Mr. Stone. Please...just take my panties cause they are soaked for you. Every little bit of you. Your dominance. Your insecurities. Your fucking everything.
The way Ms. Farrow falls under Asher's spell is just pure wanderlust for me. She somehow opens up to a complete stranger, telling him of all her secret desires(no ,this wasn't an insta love). I love heroines that I can relate to. And damn she measured up to the bar!
Lydia Michaels is a new author for me and God Damn I am officially an addict. I'm itching to just pick up another book of hers. She is pure genius. This book was a bit like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Graeme Simsion had a baby together and that baby is still twisting my heart out of its juices.
Love. Love. LOOOOOOVE!!!!!
This book. THIS BOOK!
There are so many amazing things about this book that I'm literally struggling at where to start. This isn't your normal romance with lots of sex. This is SO MUCH MORE. My heart is still swooning over the sexual mind stimulation(is that a thing?...Lydia Michaels made it a thing...brilliant!!!!)
Mr. Stone. Please...just take my panties cause they are soaked for you. Every little bit of you. Your dominance. Your insecurities. Your fucking everything.
The way Ms. Farrow falls under Asher's spell is just pure wanderlust for me. She somehow opens up to a complete stranger, telling him of all her secret desires(no ,this wasn't an insta love). I love heroines that I can relate to. And damn she measured up to the bar!
Lydia Michaels is a new author for me and God Damn I am officially an addict. I'm itching to just pick up another book of hers. She is pure genius. This book was a bit like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Graeme Simsion had a baby together and that baby is still twisting my heart out of its juices.
Love. Love. LOOOOOOVE!!!!!
October 31, 2018
High School, everyone has a least one experience that brings back all the pain of growing up and being a nerd, geek, outcast, dork, weirdo, fool or bully. Leave it to Lydia to bring all those memories flying back into your face, doesn't matter if your out of HS a year or 5o her writing has a way of touching you and sucking you into her world. Scarlet and Asher have done just that with a few twists and turns you will be wondering what if? If only? Well, that didn't turn out the way I thought? You will at least have one if not more of these thoughts as you read a very interesting tale, don't be fooled by the reference to HS, take a chance and read the book for yourself.
November 3, 2018
I must admit I didn’t think I would enjoy this book as much as others from this author but I was absolutely mistaken. It was such a great story with amazing characters!
Even though I kept thinking Scarlet was either very brave or very crazy, I just loved her. And of course Asher was just the sweetest guy.
I really enjoyed this book and I think the epilogue was just beautiful! ❤️
Even though I kept thinking Scarlet was either very brave or very crazy, I just loved her. And of course Asher was just the sweetest guy.
I really enjoyed this book and I think the epilogue was just beautiful! ❤️
February 24, 2019
Slightly different from what I expected, but really engaging and oh my *fans herself* despite the somewhat formulaic plot line. Some stupid decisions, some things I cannot really agree with, but overall a really enjoyable story for me as I found it a bit difficult to put down. Some days I might find the story tedious and down-right awful, but today it fit my reading mood to a T. Plus it didn't hurt that the book was free on Amazon when I grabbed my copy. :)
January 24, 2022
The Big Bang Theory meets Fifty Shades of Grey.
The book's description gives you the overall story but not the tittilating details.
The inner teenager of a sexy CEO, Asher Roan is still in pain from a broken heart he got senior year in high-school. After 12 years the woman who broke it, Scarlet Farrow comes under his radar when a letter she wrote to the local newspaper is published.
In it the 30 year old single school teacher bemoaned that there were no good men left to date.
Asher was determined to prove her wrong while remaining anonymous.
I loved this story. The heat level is burning up. It had a great HEA. Every aspect of the story was well written.
The book's description gives you the overall story but not the tittilating details.
The inner teenager of a sexy CEO, Asher Roan is still in pain from a broken heart he got senior year in high-school. After 12 years the woman who broke it, Scarlet Farrow comes under his radar when a letter she wrote to the local newspaper is published.
In it the 30 year old single school teacher bemoaned that there were no good men left to date.
Asher was determined to prove her wrong while remaining anonymous.
I loved this story. The heat level is burning up. It had a great HEA. Every aspect of the story was well written.
February 25, 2019
Damn this was hot. One of the best slow burns I've read!
June 26, 2017
Great Book
It's my first book by Lydia Michael and I have to say it was well written! Mr Stone was a great character wanting to rescue his childhood infatuation several years later. Scarlet was everything AR wanted ! I do recommend this nice read...
It's my first book by Lydia Michael and I have to say it was well written! Mr Stone was a great character wanting to rescue his childhood infatuation several years later. Scarlet was everything AR wanted ! I do recommend this nice read...
December 20, 2018
This is a great book just to completely get lost in. Forget stranger danger and imagine all the beautiful words and the emotions that come with them. Once all inhibitions were gone and I let myself fantasize, I was completely hooked. Imagine that connection, the one that allows you to wholly trust someone and let them adore you. This was a bit of a roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it.
March 21, 2016
As a fan of Michaels’ McCullough Mountain series, I was quite excited for the chance to read Blind, the first book in her new Mastermind series. Seriously, any book that’s blurb begins with the definition of the word “nerd” will certainly pique my interest. Not surprisingly, Michaels not only piqued my interest, she kept it throughout the entire novel as I accompanied Scarlet and Asher on their journey to overcome their painful memories from high school to the successful and confident adults they are now, or want to be.
Scarlet had my upmost sympathy during her most recent dating disaster and it increased significantly when her best friend informed her she was too picky and her standards were too high. WTH!?!?! Honestly, my blood boiled on Scarlet’s behalf when her BFF told her that, especially when Scarlet outlined her expectations for a significant other as they were all reasonable – even if she ended up expounding upon them during a drunken pity party for one. But were it not for her rant being published in the local paper, Asher would have never had the courage to approach her as the mysterious Mr. Stone or to propose 14 non-consecutive nights, during which he would prove to her that men like that really did exist. That is, once he figured out how to get over his high school fears and was able to meet her face-to-blindfolded face. But as their time together progresses and Asher comes to know the woman Scarlet is now, can he keep from confusing fantasy with reality? Can they find happiness? Or will hearts be broken again in the end?
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. The character growth was fascinating because as Asher made even the simplest of Scarlet’s fantasies a reality, helping to restore her faith in men and rebuild her confidence, he learned more about himself. He discovered his inner alpha male and it was under Mr. Stone’s direction that Scarlet flourished. I enjoyed the Domination/submission aspects of the “romance” because Michaels showed how the arrangement tapped into parts of Asher’s personality that he’d never investigated and likely never would have were it not for Scarlet’s letter, yet the author did not try to turn Asher into a full-fledged dom. Instead, the couple learned about their sexual preferences over the course of the arrangement naturally instead of it being a forced foray into D/s. And it was hot. Asher’s seduction of Scarlet was intellectual and they were well into the arrangement before anything sexual took place. But even then, Asher refused to have sex with her until she knew who he was. I was devastated for the both of them when a particularly nasty ghost from the past popped up because it was heartbreaking to see Asher’s well-earned confidence splinter and the fallout was like a car accident – you don’t want to look, yet you can’t look away. While both Asher and Scarlet did get the happy ending they deserved, it did not come quickly or easily, making it all the better. Blind was a great way to kick off a new series and I’m looking forward to its sequel.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Scarlet had my upmost sympathy during her most recent dating disaster and it increased significantly when her best friend informed her she was too picky and her standards were too high. WTH!?!?! Honestly, my blood boiled on Scarlet’s behalf when her BFF told her that, especially when Scarlet outlined her expectations for a significant other as they were all reasonable – even if she ended up expounding upon them during a drunken pity party for one. But were it not for her rant being published in the local paper, Asher would have never had the courage to approach her as the mysterious Mr. Stone or to propose 14 non-consecutive nights, during which he would prove to her that men like that really did exist. That is, once he figured out how to get over his high school fears and was able to meet her face-to-blindfolded face. But as their time together progresses and Asher comes to know the woman Scarlet is now, can he keep from confusing fantasy with reality? Can they find happiness? Or will hearts be broken again in the end?
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. The character growth was fascinating because as Asher made even the simplest of Scarlet’s fantasies a reality, helping to restore her faith in men and rebuild her confidence, he learned more about himself. He discovered his inner alpha male and it was under Mr. Stone’s direction that Scarlet flourished. I enjoyed the Domination/submission aspects of the “romance” because Michaels showed how the arrangement tapped into parts of Asher’s personality that he’d never investigated and likely never would have were it not for Scarlet’s letter, yet the author did not try to turn Asher into a full-fledged dom. Instead, the couple learned about their sexual preferences over the course of the arrangement naturally instead of it being a forced foray into D/s. And it was hot. Asher’s seduction of Scarlet was intellectual and they were well into the arrangement before anything sexual took place. But even then, Asher refused to have sex with her until she knew who he was. I was devastated for the both of them when a particularly nasty ghost from the past popped up because it was heartbreaking to see Asher’s well-earned confidence splinter and the fallout was like a car accident – you don’t want to look, yet you can’t look away. While both Asher and Scarlet did get the happy ending they deserved, it did not come quickly or easily, making it all the better. Blind was a great way to kick off a new series and I’m looking forward to its sequel.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
November 1, 2018
BLIND is one of those books that I seriously wish there were higher star ratings available.
After discovering a letter in the paper written by his high school crush, Asher decides to try something different. Scarlet is tired of the dating game, of only seeming to find losers. Until she gets a private message via a social media site.
Asher is a nerd, a very hot one, but with being a nerd comes insecurities. It is awesome to see his character grow, to see himself discover a side he never knew existed. He is such an awesome hero, and I loved that's Lydia chose to have a nerd as a hero (y'all will never look at a nerd the same at after reading this) Scarlet is a sweet but jaded heroine, who does everything right when it comes to protecting herself when going on a "blind" date. She is definitely a strong heroine, who knows what she wants, but can be patient to get it.
The chemistry between the two was freaking HOT! They each had demons from their past, and they are faced with them and overcome them. The secondary characters win me over as much as Asher and Scarlet did.
This book is definitely in my top 3 reads of 2015. It drew me in, and sent me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. After finishing, I sat back and all I could think was wow! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a phenomenal read, and look forward to seeing what Lydia has for us next in this series
After discovering a letter in the paper written by his high school crush, Asher decides to try something different. Scarlet is tired of the dating game, of only seeming to find losers. Until she gets a private message via a social media site.
Asher is a nerd, a very hot one, but with being a nerd comes insecurities. It is awesome to see his character grow, to see himself discover a side he never knew existed. He is such an awesome hero, and I loved that's Lydia chose to have a nerd as a hero (y'all will never look at a nerd the same at after reading this) Scarlet is a sweet but jaded heroine, who does everything right when it comes to protecting herself when going on a "blind" date. She is definitely a strong heroine, who knows what she wants, but can be patient to get it.
The chemistry between the two was freaking HOT! They each had demons from their past, and they are faced with them and overcome them. The secondary characters win me over as much as Asher and Scarlet did.
This book is definitely in my top 3 reads of 2015. It drew me in, and sent me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. After finishing, I sat back and all I could think was wow! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a phenomenal read, and look forward to seeing what Lydia has for us next in this series
December 20, 2018
Mr. Stone, Mr. Stone, Mr. Stone
I wasn’t sure going into this book how I would like it. It’s not that the description didn’t sound like it was going to be good because it did. But their are a lot of nerdy guy who turns into wealthy, hott alpha male books out there. And some of them just get so repetitive that it feels like you are reading the same book over and over again.
Alas I should not have worried as Lydia Michaels did not disappoint. This book was different than any other nerdy guy book I’ve ever read. The words were engaging and hard to stop reading. And even though Scarlet and Asher at times made me so mad and frustrated that I wanted to actually go in the book in their world and smack them upside the head I still wanted to keep reading. I loved the premise of them just trying to keep their meetings to just sext times but failing at it. It showed them with more depth than just trying to have a good time while not making it seem cold.
I’m glad the book ended the way I wanted it to bc their were times while reading it I wasn’t sure if it was going to go the way I wanted it to. Sometimes people’s insecurities and mishaps for lack of a better word are too hard to overcome.
I felt like this book was so hypnotic it made me feel the characters feelings. It made me laugh and cry and happy and so mad I wanted to throw my kindle. If you can read a book and go thru all those feelings that’s how you know you picked up a great read.
I wasn’t sure going into this book how I would like it. It’s not that the description didn’t sound like it was going to be good because it did. But their are a lot of nerdy guy who turns into wealthy, hott alpha male books out there. And some of them just get so repetitive that it feels like you are reading the same book over and over again.
Alas I should not have worried as Lydia Michaels did not disappoint. This book was different than any other nerdy guy book I’ve ever read. The words were engaging and hard to stop reading. And even though Scarlet and Asher at times made me so mad and frustrated that I wanted to actually go in the book in their world and smack them upside the head I still wanted to keep reading. I loved the premise of them just trying to keep their meetings to just sext times but failing at it. It showed them with more depth than just trying to have a good time while not making it seem cold.
I’m glad the book ended the way I wanted it to bc their were times while reading it I wasn’t sure if it was going to go the way I wanted it to. Sometimes people’s insecurities and mishaps for lack of a better word are too hard to overcome.
I felt like this book was so hypnotic it made me feel the characters feelings. It made me laugh and cry and happy and so mad I wanted to throw my kindle. If you can read a book and go thru all those feelings that’s how you know you picked up a great read.
January 26, 2016
A book once you start you can't put down!!
As Scarlet finds her biological clock ticking to find Mr. Right, but instead finds Mr. Stone who opens her mind and soul to a new level. Mr. Stone is a nerd who was rejected years ago by her who is determined to rekindle their relationship to a new and exciting level. They both learn to overcome demons from their past along with patience to move on in their relationship. Lydia does a wonderful job including all characters so you want to learn more about them all.
I have read all of Lydia's book and this one is another one of her masterpieces which has room for more to follow. Like always reading her books you go through all of the emotions from laughing to crying and never wanting it to end.
As Scarlet finds her biological clock ticking to find Mr. Right, but instead finds Mr. Stone who opens her mind and soul to a new level. Mr. Stone is a nerd who was rejected years ago by her who is determined to rekindle their relationship to a new and exciting level. They both learn to overcome demons from their past along with patience to move on in their relationship. Lydia does a wonderful job including all characters so you want to learn more about them all.
I have read all of Lydia's book and this one is another one of her masterpieces which has room for more to follow. Like always reading her books you go through all of the emotions from laughing to crying and never wanting it to end.
welcome-to-wtf
May 10, 2017I just can't get past the supposed hero I know I'd still be so incredibly angry with him by the end of the book (and seriously questioning and even rooting against the HEA) that it's probably best I just don't go here...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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December 20, 2018
Unique story
"Blind" was unique, intriguing, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking. I want someone to make this into an audiobook and a movie. I need a narrator or actor to capture the essence of Asher Roan. Asher was fascinating. He was broken but exuded confidence; confidence he did not know he had until he decided to pursue his dream. It was a dream that he almost lost because of insecurities and lies that had been spoken into his spirit. But thank God for friends who genuinely loved and cared for him and knew that they needed to put Asher and his dream back on course so that they could reach the road to happiness.
"Blind" was unique, intriguing, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking. I want someone to make this into an audiobook and a movie. I need a narrator or actor to capture the essence of Asher Roan. Asher was fascinating. He was broken but exuded confidence; confidence he did not know he had until he decided to pursue his dream. It was a dream that he almost lost because of insecurities and lies that had been spoken into his spirit. But thank God for friends who genuinely loved and cared for him and knew that they needed to put Asher and his dream back on course so that they could reach the road to happiness.
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