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Inside Out #5
Olen sinun
Taidegalleria Alluren johtaja Mark Compton on tottunut pitämään ohjaksia käsissään, niin työssä kuin yksityiselämässä. Kauhea menetys on kuitenkin saanut hänet tolaltaan, ja joku yrittää tuhota hänen perheensä. Nyt jos koskaan hän kaipaa kontrollin tunnetta. Mutta ehkä hän tarvitsee myös erästä naista... Crystal on kaikkea mitä Mark ei koskaan uskonut haluavansa: itsenäinen, voimakastahtoinen ja kaikkea muuta kuin alistuva.
380 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
263 people are currently reading
6058 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Renee Jones
373 books14.6k followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
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April 25, 2022Start the scorching and suspenseful Inside Out series for just $1.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME! Then binge read the entire series!
The story of my heart and soul is on sale! IF I WERE YOU, the first book in my Inside Out series is just $1.99 for a few days - if you haven't started the series yet, now is the perfect time to do so! The entire series is available now and complete! For those of you wondering about the Hollywood update, this has been what I call a champagne and roller coaster ride. We've been at Starz, Paramount, and more. We've been ready to cast. We were about to film a pilot when covid hit. So if you still want to see it made, remind everyone how much! Tell the world about the sale and share, share, share! Remind them this project is still important! TEN YEARS it's been in Hollywood with so many almost-there stories. I'd need a big drink to tell you all the ways it's ALMOST been done. I believe this series is the best I ever wrote and ever will write again because it's that special to me.
GET IF I WERE YOU FOR $1.99
Amazon: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYou
Apple: https://apple.co/36du3du
Nook: https://bit.ly/37ZgG1Q
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2TdU6yw
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZZe4CP
Audio: https://adbl.co/37ZS21h
Print: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYouP
Series page: https://www.lisareneejones.com/the-in...
ABOUT IF I WERE YOU
How It All Started…
One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expired.
Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.
Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.
The dark, passion it becomes…
Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.
All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.
The story of my heart and soul is on sale! IF I WERE YOU, the first book in my Inside Out series is just $1.99 for a few days - if you haven't started the series yet, now is the perfect time to do so! The entire series is available now and complete! For those of you wondering about the Hollywood update, this has been what I call a champagne and roller coaster ride. We've been at Starz, Paramount, and more. We've been ready to cast. We were about to film a pilot when covid hit. So if you still want to see it made, remind everyone how much! Tell the world about the sale and share, share, share! Remind them this project is still important! TEN YEARS it's been in Hollywood with so many almost-there stories. I'd need a big drink to tell you all the ways it's ALMOST been done. I believe this series is the best I ever wrote and ever will write again because it's that special to me.
GET IF I WERE YOU FOR $1.99
Amazon: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYou
Apple: https://apple.co/36du3du
Nook: https://bit.ly/37ZgG1Q
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2TdU6yw
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZZe4CP
Audio: https://adbl.co/37ZS21h
Print: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYouP
Series page: https://www.lisareneejones.com/the-in...
ABOUT IF I WERE YOU
How It All Started…
One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expired.
Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.
Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.
The dark, passion it becomes…
Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.
All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.
July 21, 2018
Από τα καλύτερα που έχω διαβάσει αυτού του είδους!
July 11, 2018
Δεν περίμενα ότι όλα τα βιβλία της σειράς θα μου άρεσαν τόσο!!
Η συγγραφέας ξέρει να γράφει..
Απ΄τα προηγούμενα βιβλία, ο Μάρκ δεν μου ήταν καθόλου συμπαθής,ήρθε όμως το τελευταίο για να τον συμπαθήσω και να μάθω το παρελθόν του.Βρήκε τον δάσκαλο του με την Κρίσταλ :P
Η συγγραφέας ξέρει να γράφει..
Απ΄τα προηγούμενα βιβλία, ο Μάρκ δεν μου ήταν καθόλου συμπαθής,ήρθε όμως το τελευταίο για να τον συμπαθήσω και να μάθω το παρελθόν του.Βρήκε τον δάσκαλο του με την Κρίσταλ :P
September 8, 2018
Το 5ο βιβλίο της σειράς έχει ως πρωταγωνιστή τον Μάρκ... Ναι, το Μάρκ, μετά τη στροφή 180° που έχει κάνει από τον θάνατο της Ρεμπέκα. Βέβαια, εμεις τον γνωρίσαμε μεσα απο τα ημερολόγια της, έτσι είχαμε σχηματίσει μια άποψη. Ενώ τωρα, διαβάζουμε τις σκέψεις του κι ανακαλύπτουμε έναν νέο, διαφορετικό και πιο ενδιαφέρον Μάρκ.
October 6, 2020
Yıllar önce başlamış olduğum kitabı bitirmenin mutluluğu içerisindeyim.
Hikayenin gidişatına o kadar sinir olmuştum ki devam etmeye elim gitmiyordu ne yazık ki.
Ama seriyi bitirmemiş olmak bana batmaya başladığı için oturdum okudum.
Hislerim hâlâ değişmedi aslında.
Mark'ın Crystal ile olmasını hiç istemedim.
Ama ikisi de öyle çok şey yaşamış ki sonunda mutluluğu birlikte yakalamış olmalarına üzülmedim.
Yine en çok Rebecca'ya üzüldüm. Kız resmen kaynamış arada. Mark'ın geçmiş pişmanlıkları yüzünden heba olmuş.
Ama Mark'a kızamıyorum. Sevdim lanet herifi!
Hikayenin gidişatına o kadar sinir olmuştum ki devam etmeye elim gitmiyordu ne yazık ki.
Ama seriyi bitirmemiş olmak bana batmaya başladığı için oturdum okudum.
Hislerim hâlâ değişmedi aslında.
Mark'ın Crystal ile olmasını hiç istemedim.
Ama ikisi de öyle çok şey yaşamış ki sonunda mutluluğu birlikte yakalamış olmalarına üzülmedim.
Yine en çok Rebecca'ya üzüldüm. Kız resmen kaynamış arada. Mark'ın geçmiş pişmanlıkları yüzünden heba olmuş.
Ama Mark'a kızamıyorum. Sevdim lanet herifi!
November 13, 2014
ONCE AGAIN, I HAVE NO CONTROL.- Mark Compton
Mark just got back to New York.
He wants/needs to be there for his mom, who's going through chemo/radiation.
And he has to take care of the family business.
And I also have to take the helm of my life, and everything around me. I have to be the Master that I lost somewhere along the line - the one who would never allow someone close to him be hurt, as I did Rebecca.
Then there's Crystal, of course.
He just can't get her out of his head.
They think they're so wrong for each other, but they are totally drawn to each other.
To make it easier for both of them, Mark tries to scare her away from him by offering her a Dominant-Submissive contract.
But Crystal won't be scared away so easily.
She's not going to sign the contract either. She's not a submissive, she could never be submissiv to a man.
And since Crystal loves his mother and wants to be by her side too, they just have to live with being around each other - a lot. Especially since Mark wants to stay in NYC indefinitely.
He's still everything I don't want,
and somehow everything I crave.
But of course they can't stay away from each other for long.
Especially with the danger of Ava still lurking out there somewhere, just waiting for the right time to strike.
Mark has to keep everybody he cares about safe - and that includes Crystal.
He wouldn't survive another person getting hurt or worse because of him.
What will happen to Mark & Crystal?
Will there be a HEA?
What about the whole Ava/Rebecca mess?
Will everybody die at the end? o.O
Or will there be a horrible Cliffhanger?
I'M NOT TELLING YOU THAT OF COURSE... ☺
______________________________
AMAZING BOOK!!!
What?!?!?!?!?! That was it???? NooooooOooOooOoooooo!!!!
No more Mark???? o.O
I BELONG TO YOU was sooo amazing!
I loved every second of it!
The way they both don't really want each other - or at least how they pretend to not want the other ☺
They're so adorable trying to ignore their feelings.....
"You truly excel at being an asshole, Mark Compton. But you're the asshole your mother needs. You give her strength. You make her fight. And if that means you have to revel in your assholeness, so be it. I'll tolerate you for her sake."
This was such a sexy book - so full of emotions ... you just want to crawl into it and hug the hell out of them all....
"... You don't have the power over me."
"No. You have the power. That's what you don't understand. You have the power - or I wouldn't be lying in bed at night remembering how you taste. And I do remember how you taste. All of you. Every last inch. Your mouth. Your neck. Your nipples. Your-"
It was so wonderful to see how those two damaged souls fight their way through all the problems of the past and present to get to their HEA.
/
She is freedom. She is passion. She is the safe place where I can be the man I've tried to deny beneath the Master persona, and failed.
If you loved the other books in the #InsideOut series, you will definitely love Mark's book too!!!
The big bad Master from IF I WERE YOU etc. has finally found his perfect match.
I have been lost, and in some way, this woman has found me.
Now, there's only one tiny little Novella left - Chris & Sara's wedding...I guess/hope that we'll see Mark & Crystal as wedding-guests ☺
ALL OF ME - coming in February!
I mentioned it before - but can I please have the Inside Out TV Show on my TV tomorrow??? And can it please be a daily thing? Because I want/need to stare at (naked) Chris & Mark all day long!
October 24, 2014
Mark Compton. Mr. Compton. Master. How I’ve longed for your story to be complete. How I wanted to see you as the man that caught my attention in all of Rebecca’s entries.... but I fear that man is gone forever.
Mark is heading to New York to stand by his mother’s side as she battles cancer, closing Allure and being sure to mitigate any fall out his scandal might cause for Riptide. But beyond those reasons there is Crystal Smith. A woman that has seen the man beneath the façade that he’s given to the world for the last ten years. There is also that little mess with Ava on the loose to deal with.
Mark is certain of one thing, he can’t resist or deny himself of Crystal. He knows that he should be protecting her by getting her away from him – but now that he’s had a taste of this stubborn woman he can’t walk away. As for Crystal, submission is not something she is willing to give him. She may be ready to give him her heart, but she carries her own demons that won’t allow her to lose her control.
But together they create a balance of dominance and control. Both giving in a bit to get what they truly want.
I have to admit that I have not stalked LRJ’s website to see what else she has planned for this series, so if I were to just assume that this might be the final installment, I think I’d be disappointed. Although we get some closure with some of the loose ends, there are far too many questions left unanswered – so I really hope that there is going to be a final installment that will give those to us.
I think the image of Mark that had been painted thus far led me to desire that cold version of him. I wanted to see him be that man and wanted to watch Crystal be the one to thaw him. But given what occurred with Rebecca and the guilt that he felt, Crystal found herself with a sort of broken version of the man.
I’ve enjoyed this series, some parts more than others, but overall this journey has held my attention. It is easy to see why this would be picked up for a series option, but part of me feels like that might have led this story in a different direction. With so many things left unresolved I am finding myself in a place where I just need closure on all counts. I need to know the entire story behind Rebecca, the roommate that went missing... all of just seems too unfinished.
Mark is heading to New York to stand by his mother’s side as she battles cancer, closing Allure and being sure to mitigate any fall out his scandal might cause for Riptide. But beyond those reasons there is Crystal Smith. A woman that has seen the man beneath the façade that he’s given to the world for the last ten years. There is also that little mess with Ava on the loose to deal with.
Mark is certain of one thing, he can’t resist or deny himself of Crystal. He knows that he should be protecting her by getting her away from him – but now that he’s had a taste of this stubborn woman he can’t walk away. As for Crystal, submission is not something she is willing to give him. She may be ready to give him her heart, but she carries her own demons that won’t allow her to lose her control.
But together they create a balance of dominance and control. Both giving in a bit to get what they truly want.
I have to admit that I have not stalked LRJ’s website to see what else she has planned for this series, so if I were to just assume that this might be the final installment, I think I’d be disappointed. Although we get some closure with some of the loose ends, there are far too many questions left unanswered – so I really hope that there is going to be a final installment that will give those to us.
I think the image of Mark that had been painted thus far led me to desire that cold version of him. I wanted to see him be that man and wanted to watch Crystal be the one to thaw him. But given what occurred with Rebecca and the guilt that he felt, Crystal found herself with a sort of broken version of the man.
I’ve enjoyed this series, some parts more than others, but overall this journey has held my attention. It is easy to see why this would be picked up for a series option, but part of me feels like that might have led this story in a different direction. With so many things left unresolved I am finding myself in a place where I just need closure on all counts. I need to know the entire story behind Rebecca, the roommate that went missing... all of just seems too unfinished.
September 12, 2024
My Review:
This was a book I was really nervous to read, because there were so many reviews and I wasn't sure that the author would be able to satisfy me with Mark's book and while I know there are novella's involved, I think this portion of their story could have used some more fleshing out in some ways. It didn't quite have the depth as some of the other couples related to this world. I did enjoy Mark's story but it lacked some things that left me feeling a bit empty at times. I think I was hoping the mixed reviews were false lol but no they were correct in that this book was a bit of a disappointment in comparison to what we see from the other books in the series. I think their story had some solid storytelling and I really enjoyed the emotional aspects at times, but I didn't quite connect with this couple much. I also was expecting more BDSM than there was. I was hoping that would be more explored to what the blurb hinted it would be at. I did enjoy the suspense side plot though, that was really interesting to get that other piece of the puzzle that fell in place, but at the end of the day this book was flawed and could have been better in connecting the couple.
This was a book I was really nervous to read, because there were so many reviews and I wasn't sure that the author would be able to satisfy me with Mark's book and while I know there are novella's involved, I think this portion of their story could have used some more fleshing out in some ways. It didn't quite have the depth as some of the other couples related to this world. I did enjoy Mark's story but it lacked some things that left me feeling a bit empty at times. I think I was hoping the mixed reviews were false lol but no they were correct in that this book was a bit of a disappointment in comparison to what we see from the other books in the series. I think their story had some solid storytelling and I really enjoyed the emotional aspects at times, but I didn't quite connect with this couple much. I also was expecting more BDSM than there was. I was hoping that would be more explored to what the blurb hinted it would be at. I did enjoy the suspense side plot though, that was really interesting to get that other piece of the puzzle that fell in place, but at the end of the day this book was flawed and could have been better in connecting the couple.
October 21, 2014
ARC received via netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
5 Vanilla Stars
Aww swoon my favorite series!
This is Mark’s full length novel.
This novel changes everything we ever thought about Mark
This novel shows that Mark likes vanilla sex
This novel proves Mark loved Rebecca
This novel proves that Mark can be in love
This novel shows that a Master can get rid of terms and contracts.
I fucking loved this novel
5 Vanilla Stars
Aww swoon my favorite series!
This is Mark’s full length novel.
This novel changes everything we ever thought about Mark
This novel shows that Mark likes vanilla sex
This novel proves Mark loved Rebecca
This novel proves that Mark can be in love
This novel shows that a Master can get rid of terms and contracts.
I fucking loved this novel
May 17, 2017
Yum Yum, Marky boy. So far so good.
More after I'm finished.
***
***
Updated my rating to 5 stars just because after reading this book I love Mark's character even more if that's even possible.
So I won't go fangirling about Mark, I'll do that in the privasy of my home (and believe me, I'm doing plenty of that), but the man is just WOW. That is all I'm going to say about him.
I like the relationship between him and Crystal, but I kind of hope that Rebecca is somewhere out there (please don't throw stones at my face). I know, I know, but they haven't found the body and until there's a body it's still possible. And I don't even want Mark and Rebecca to have another shot at it, I just want closure for him, that's all. It would be kind of nice for him to let her go, because he never really did.
But that's wishfull thinking on my part, Rebecca probably is dead, and if so I want her body found in the last book, just so we can know for sure, otherwise i will be forsed to think she's intentionally making Mark suffer and all of us with him. That would be unthinkably cruel of her.
Over and out
More after I'm finished.
***
***
Updated my rating to 5 stars just because after reading this book I love Mark's character even more if that's even possible.
So I won't go fangirling about Mark, I'll do that in the privasy of my home (and believe me, I'm doing plenty of that), but the man is just WOW. That is all I'm going to say about him.
I like the relationship between him and Crystal, but I kind of hope that Rebecca is somewhere out there (please don't throw stones at my face). I know, I know, but they haven't found the body and until there's a body it's still possible. And I don't even want Mark and Rebecca to have another shot at it, I just want closure for him, that's all. It would be kind of nice for him to let her go, because he never really did.
But that's wishfull thinking on my part, Rebecca probably is dead, and if so I want her body found in the last book, just so we can know for sure, otherwise i will be forsed to think she's intentionally making Mark suffer and all of us with him. That would be unthinkably cruel of her.
Over and out
November 20, 2014
In what is perhaps the most pivotal book of the series, I Belong To You chronicles the 180 degree personality change of Mark Compton and gives us some much needed answers to the mystery that is the Inside Out Series. I Belong To You is also the first full length novel centered on Mark Compton and Crystal Smith with nary a mention of Chris and Sarah, however their story continues in All Of Me coming in February 2015. There is a long slow buildup to what seems inevitable, the fall of Mark, and his conversion from a cold-hearted Dom to a man that learns to associate love and sex.
Lisa’s writing is always smooth and her stories are always easy read. We get the story from both Marks and Crystals point of views, told in alternating chapters, so we do see how the two struggle; Mark with Crystal not accepting his role as a master; and Crystal not wanting to give into Marks demands. These two definitely have chemistry and Lisa does an amazing job making the reader really feel it. She is truly an expert writer at creating sexual tension that seeps off the page. A big emphasis of this story is also how Mark navigates reconciling with his past and trying to move forward, and Mark absolutely needs Crystal as his sherpa in this journey.
The mystery that is the premise of the series unfolds slowly and the villains are and aren’t who you would expect. It was always apparent that Mark would have to face his personal demons and the guilt over his part in Rebecca’s demise (and in his desire to move on),however Mark’s plan to catch and/or ruin the culprits acts as the main driver of the story and puts his family and Crystal at risk. I will say that this isn’t how I saw the mystery shaking out and my only problem with this part of the story was just how quickly the story wrapped up. The final 10% of the story is filled with action but it fizzled out with regards to the who-done-it aspect. For me, I Belong To You is the only 4 star read in the series and I know part of the reason is that I have had an emotional attachment to Rebecca Mason and had hoped for a different ending for her.
The series is a 5 stars series and I highly recommend it.
Lisa’s writing is always smooth and her stories are always easy read. We get the story from both Marks and Crystals point of views, told in alternating chapters, so we do see how the two struggle; Mark with Crystal not accepting his role as a master; and Crystal not wanting to give into Marks demands. These two definitely have chemistry and Lisa does an amazing job making the reader really feel it. She is truly an expert writer at creating sexual tension that seeps off the page. A big emphasis of this story is also how Mark navigates reconciling with his past and trying to move forward, and Mark absolutely needs Crystal as his sherpa in this journey.
The mystery that is the premise of the series unfolds slowly and the villains are and aren’t who you would expect. It was always apparent that Mark would have to face his personal demons and the guilt over his part in Rebecca’s demise (and in his desire to move on),however Mark’s plan to catch and/or ruin the culprits acts as the main driver of the story and puts his family and Crystal at risk. I will say that this isn’t how I saw the mystery shaking out and my only problem with this part of the story was just how quickly the story wrapped up. The final 10% of the story is filled with action but it fizzled out with regards to the who-done-it aspect. For me, I Belong To You is the only 4 star read in the series and I know part of the reason is that I have had an emotional attachment to Rebecca Mason and had hoped for a different ending for her.
The series is a 5 stars series and I highly recommend it.
December 7, 2014
I belong to you is Mark's book!!! A full-length novel just for him.
It's not fair that Sara and Chris got 4 full lenght novels and Mark and Crystal got only one. I loved their story and I wouldn't mind more novellas about them.
Despite my doubts the Ava part of the story had some closure but the whole Rebecca mystery isn't revealed yet. I hope that willl happen in the next (and final? ) book in the series. I was very disappointed when I finished the book, since I expected answers. I didn't get them and I am starting to think I never will.
The book is more Mark focused. I had forgotten that Crystal had demons herself that hunted her, until it was mentioned in the second half of the book. Personally I would have liked to see more of Crystal's past and her demons, especially from her point of view.
Mark wasn't the master I expected him and wanted him to be. I guess with Crystal he became more vanilla.
It's not fair that Sara and Chris got 4 full lenght novels and Mark and Crystal got only one. I loved their story and I wouldn't mind more novellas about them.
Despite my doubts the Ava part of the story had some closure but the whole Rebecca mystery isn't revealed yet. I hope that willl happen in the next (and final? ) book in the series. I was very disappointed when I finished the book, since I expected answers. I didn't get them and I am starting to think I never will.
The book is more Mark focused. I had forgotten that Crystal had demons herself that hunted her, until it was mentioned in the second half of the book. Personally I would have liked to see more of Crystal's past and her demons, especially from her point of view.
Mark wasn't the master I expected him and wanted him to be. I guess with Crystal he became more vanilla.
November 21, 2014
This was an epic tale of tragic love. Damage to the bone that leaves you with a gaping whole loss, this is what Mark Compton suffered from. Everyone he's loved has gone. We see the emotions behind the mask of the master. I loved this book. I am huge Mark Compton fan and this book did not disappoint. I am very glad the book ended with a HEA!
Lisa Renee you hit this one out of the park. The story was engaging and I loved the surprise elements.
Pick it up and read it!
Lisa Renee you hit this one out of the park. The story was engaging and I loved the surprise elements.
Pick it up and read it!
October 13, 2014
I was given an ARC by the Author in exchange for an honest review
note: I do not write spoilers, If I told you what happened that would spoil the fun of reading!
I tell you what I thought and felt about the book and characters
I Belong to you was ...
in a word ... MARVELOUS!
We've met Mark before ... and Crystal ... We know they have a very hot, electric, intense sexual connection.
He's an alpha, always in control ... except with Crystal ...
Crystal isn't a submissive ... she's in control!
I love Mark and Crystal!
Which shocks me because I didn't always like Mark (there I said it) lol
These two butt heads over control but are united about the business and Mark's mother.
Both have pasts, pasts they keep secret, that haunt them.
I was swept up into Mark and Crystals story.
I was emotionally invested.
I often found myself biting my lip, eyes widening, from the intensiveness of their attraction
I laughed at parts ... not at them but with them
I cried at parts too ... the emotions, the fear and concern, were so great at times my heart would race and I would hold my breath and tears would stream down my face
Gosh, I love a book that takes you that deep into the emotions and Lisa Renee Jones has done this to me many times so I am NOT disappointed
I couldn't put this book down ... I pulled another very late night with LRJ ... AGAIN!
While this book could stand alone, I suggest you read the other books and novellas to get a full intense ride!
note: I do not write spoilers, If I told you what happened that would spoil the fun of reading!
I tell you what I thought and felt about the book and characters
I Belong to you was ...
in a word ... MARVELOUS!
We've met Mark before ... and Crystal ... We know they have a very hot, electric, intense sexual connection.
He's an alpha, always in control ... except with Crystal ...
Crystal isn't a submissive ... she's in control!
I love Mark and Crystal!
Which shocks me because I didn't always like Mark (there I said it) lol
These two butt heads over control but are united about the business and Mark's mother.
Both have pasts, pasts they keep secret, that haunt them.
I was swept up into Mark and Crystals story.
I was emotionally invested.
I often found myself biting my lip, eyes widening, from the intensiveness of their attraction
I laughed at parts ... not at them but with them
I cried at parts too ... the emotions, the fear and concern, were so great at times my heart would race and I would hold my breath and tears would stream down my face
Gosh, I love a book that takes you that deep into the emotions and Lisa Renee Jones has done this to me many times so I am NOT disappointed
I couldn't put this book down ... I pulled another very late night with LRJ ... AGAIN!
While this book could stand alone, I suggest you read the other books and novellas to get a full intense ride!
October 14, 2014
I BELONG TO YOU
A ARC REVIEW COPY
I LOVED THIS STORY I LOVE THE WHOLE STORY no matter what whether it is about Sarah or Chris or Mark and Rebecca or in this case about Mark and Crystal and how they both in a way give each other what is needed they both crave control but for totally different reasons .. Crystals Father wants Crystal to work for him but she wants independence not to be dependent on anyone else but herself .. she is also very selfless and makes sacrafices so those she loves will be okay Mark he is still in his past that keeps haunting him and does not want to lose Crystal and both have nightmares that they try to forget but they both know they need to reveal each others pasts so they both can heal and move ahead so they can have a future without the past dominating their lives ..also a proposal and a confession and so much more to find out what well pre order the book at Amazon.com look up Lisa Renee Jones and I Belong to You comes out November 18th to read the next exciting book so far the most exciting of the book series of The Inside out Series .. so buy , read when it comes out then review it so you too can share your thoughts on this exciting installment ..
A ARC REVIEW COPY
I LOVED THIS STORY I LOVE THE WHOLE STORY no matter what whether it is about Sarah or Chris or Mark and Rebecca or in this case about Mark and Crystal and how they both in a way give each other what is needed they both crave control but for totally different reasons .. Crystals Father wants Crystal to work for him but she wants independence not to be dependent on anyone else but herself .. she is also very selfless and makes sacrafices so those she loves will be okay Mark he is still in his past that keeps haunting him and does not want to lose Crystal and both have nightmares that they try to forget but they both know they need to reveal each others pasts so they both can heal and move ahead so they can have a future without the past dominating their lives ..also a proposal and a confession and so much more to find out what well pre order the book at Amazon.com look up Lisa Renee Jones and I Belong to You comes out November 18th to read the next exciting book so far the most exciting of the book series of The Inside out Series .. so buy , read when it comes out then review it so you too can share your thoughts on this exciting installment ..
August 4, 2020
Εντάξει, δηλώνω ξεκάθαρα team Mark!!!
Το πέμπτο βιβλίο της σειράς και πλέον βασικός ήρωας είναι ο Μαρκ Κόμπτον.
Τον Μαρκ, τον γνωρίσαμε απο τις αναφορές της Ρεμπέκα στα ημερολογιά της. Είναι ο άντρας που είχε ερωτευτεί παράφορα. Του είχε παραδόσει τον εαυτό της και δεν μπορούσε να αντισταθεί σε καμία του επιθυμία.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο βλέπουμε την ιστορία του και πώς έφτασε ως εδώ αλλά και την καινούργια αρχή που κάνει στην ζωή του με την Κρίσταλ.
Για μένα ίσως το πιο ωραίο βιβλίο της σειράς!
Το πέμπτο βιβλίο της σειράς και πλέον βασικός ήρωας είναι ο Μαρκ Κόμπτον.
Τον Μαρκ, τον γνωρίσαμε απο τις αναφορές της Ρεμπέκα στα ημερολογιά της. Είναι ο άντρας που είχε ερωτευτεί παράφορα. Του είχε παραδόσει τον εαυτό της και δεν μπορούσε να αντισταθεί σε καμία του επιθυμία.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο βλέπουμε την ιστορία του και πώς έφτασε ως εδώ αλλά και την καινούργια αρχή που κάνει στην ζωή του με την Κρίσταλ.
Για μένα ίσως το πιο ωραίο βιβλίο της σειράς!
December 5, 2015
If you've been following this series since the beginning like me, this is the book that you have been most anticipating! Throughout the entire Inside Out Series, we've gotten a little taste of who Mark is. Finally, we get a whole book from his pov and hopefully answers to all of our questions.
I Belong to You picks up right where My Control ends. Mark is on his way to New York to be with his mother as she fights her battle with cancer. As if that wasn't enough, Ava is still on the loose, he has to deal with closing Allure and make sure his scandal doesn't cause anymore trouble..... But there is another pressing reason that brings him to New York. One that Mark can't ignore and that is Crystal Smith. Crystal Smith is everything that Mark never knew he wanted. She is unlike any woman that he's ever met and he finds himself constantly throwing out his own rules for her. There's just something about her that he just can't fight. She sees Mark for who he truly is, the man, not The Master. Mark is fighting an internal battle with himself to not only protect Crystal and his family, but to have something he desperately needs, control.........
I have to say, I was super excited that Mark and Crystal were getting their own book. I loved getting inside Mark's head, understanding his need for vengeance and the guilt that has plagued him for years. We finally get to see The Man behind the constant facade. And then there's Crystal. I've been fascinated by her character for a while now. She is stubborn, passionate and needs to have her own control of things. Definitely an interesting match for Mark. I loved watching the two of them butt heads and try to fight their desire for each other. Their chemistry is undeniable and completely off the charts. They are truly the perfect match.
As the series is coming closer to an end, we are finally getting some answers to questions that I've had since the series began. Do I still have some questions? Yes, I do. I know that there is some issues that are still unresolved, but I have hope that those questions will be answered very soon.
I have really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue that surrounds this story. There certainly was never a dull moment and I'm always wondering what will happen next. This has been one exciting journey and I can't wait to see where Lisa Renee Jones will take us next!
*I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
You can also see my review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
I Belong to You picks up right where My Control ends. Mark is on his way to New York to be with his mother as she fights her battle with cancer. As if that wasn't enough, Ava is still on the loose, he has to deal with closing Allure and make sure his scandal doesn't cause anymore trouble..... But there is another pressing reason that brings him to New York. One that Mark can't ignore and that is Crystal Smith. Crystal Smith is everything that Mark never knew he wanted. She is unlike any woman that he's ever met and he finds himself constantly throwing out his own rules for her. There's just something about her that he just can't fight. She sees Mark for who he truly is, the man, not The Master. Mark is fighting an internal battle with himself to not only protect Crystal and his family, but to have something he desperately needs, control.........
I have to say, I was super excited that Mark and Crystal were getting their own book. I loved getting inside Mark's head, understanding his need for vengeance and the guilt that has plagued him for years. We finally get to see The Man behind the constant facade. And then there's Crystal. I've been fascinated by her character for a while now. She is stubborn, passionate and needs to have her own control of things. Definitely an interesting match for Mark. I loved watching the two of them butt heads and try to fight their desire for each other. Their chemistry is undeniable and completely off the charts. They are truly the perfect match.
As the series is coming closer to an end, we are finally getting some answers to questions that I've had since the series began. Do I still have some questions? Yes, I do. I know that there is some issues that are still unresolved, but I have hope that those questions will be answered very soon.
I have really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue that surrounds this story. There certainly was never a dull moment and I'm always wondering what will happen next. This has been one exciting journey and I can't wait to see where Lisa Renee Jones will take us next!
*I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
You can also see my review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
December 17, 2017
"5 Stars!"
"He's still everything I don't want,
and somehow everything I crave." ~Crystal Smith
Oh Mark... bless your heart and Crystal's too. What a great book I just adore Lisa's writing style she pulls me into her stories no matter what's happening and I love her characters and that there IS actually a story which is rare for erotic romance most of the time it's hook up after hook up with some fluff in between .... I love that these books have a great story one that you don't expect and the characters have depth the whole time all this stuff is going on with Crystal and Mark we know that Chris and Sarah are in Paris and that there is still a missing woman out there waiting to be found hopefully. You could read this book as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning (including the novella and Rebecca'Diaries) the experience would be much better and you could understand more about Mark going into the story. I just love this series!! I really need to read her Tall, Dark and Deadly books.... *moving them up on my TBR list* :) Anyhow loved this book ... no spoilers from me though!
"He's still everything I don't want,
and somehow everything I crave." ~Crystal Smith
Oh Mark... bless your heart and Crystal's too. What a great book I just adore Lisa's writing style she pulls me into her stories no matter what's happening and I love her characters and that there IS actually a story which is rare for erotic romance most of the time it's hook up after hook up with some fluff in between .... I love that these books have a great story one that you don't expect and the characters have depth the whole time all this stuff is going on with Crystal and Mark we know that Chris and Sarah are in Paris and that there is still a missing woman out there waiting to be found hopefully. You could read this book as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning (including the novella and Rebecca'Diaries) the experience would be much better and you could understand more about Mark going into the story. I just love this series!! I really need to read her Tall, Dark and Deadly books.... *moving them up on my TBR list* :) Anyhow loved this book ... no spoilers from me though!
October 22, 2014
I was given this book for my honest opinion:
I adored this book. I love Mark from all the Inside Out series books. He is such an interesting and complicated character but one who is so much more than the surface. Crystal is the perfect woman for him, one that won't back down, won't let him withdraw and is in some ways just as messed up as he is. She is his equal but still soft and tender.
In this book, Mark is getting closer to Crystal while dealing with his mother's illness and trying to find Ava. He is finding strength in his relationship with Crystal. We learn so much in this book and I came to understand both Mark and Crystal so much more.
The sex between them is super hot, the ending is intense and satisfying. It may be one of my favorite spinoff books. If you have read the others, don't hesitate to read this.
I adored this book. I love Mark from all the Inside Out series books. He is such an interesting and complicated character but one who is so much more than the surface. Crystal is the perfect woman for him, one that won't back down, won't let him withdraw and is in some ways just as messed up as he is. She is his equal but still soft and tender.
In this book, Mark is getting closer to Crystal while dealing with his mother's illness and trying to find Ava. He is finding strength in his relationship with Crystal. We learn so much in this book and I came to understand both Mark and Crystal so much more.
The sex between them is super hot, the ending is intense and satisfying. It may be one of my favorite spinoff books. If you have read the others, don't hesitate to read this.
June 1, 2015
I really liked this. Mark and Crystal were such a very good and interesting pair to explore. After Ava escape, Mark is still under threat by unknown party that is somehow connected through Ava.
As well as being alert to threats, Crystal and Mark are working on their relationship. Crystal is a girl how is not easily swept by the idea of submission and she a girl that likes some defiance. She is also someone who cares deeply for the people around Mark especially his mom. I can see why he's be head over heels in love with her.
Mark may continue to ask her to trust him and sign the contract but for now, they signed the HEA contract.
As well as being alert to threats, Crystal and Mark are working on their relationship. Crystal is a girl how is not easily swept by the idea of submission and she a girl that likes some defiance. She is also someone who cares deeply for the people around Mark especially his mom. I can see why he's be head over heels in love with her.
Mark may continue to ask her to trust him and sign the contract but for now, they signed the HEA contract.
October 16, 2014
Marky Mark I loved him, I loved how he wanted to earn her trust and not demand it, "I don't just want this woman's trust. I want to deserve it. "You won't fall," I promise, my words, rough, vehement. "I won't let you." Sometimes the rough things he says come out really hot and romantic, "then you need to know who and what I am. I'm going to spank you and it's not going to be gentle. And in the future I will flog you, clamp you, and torment you in ways that you have never dreamed of. Still want me to stay?" I mean the boy is a total romantic, "I'm going to need more than a simple eff when I finally get you alone." I really enjoyed reading this book immensely.
August 2, 2015
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers
I think this was my fave book of the series!
finally getting the answers we've been waiting for, and Mark gives in to his emotions. so glad that he's finally becoming the man we saw glimpses of throughout the series, & no longer sticking with his default setting of ASS! lol
I think this was my fave book of the series!
finally getting the answers we've been waiting for, and Mark gives in to his emotions. so glad that he's finally becoming the man we saw glimpses of throughout the series, & no longer sticking with his default setting of ASS! lol
November 24, 2014
OMG!!! Mark's story was AHMAZING!!!
I read it in one sit...couldn't put it down!! Loooved it :)
I read it in one sit...couldn't put it down!! Loooved it :)
April 29, 2025
I mean, if there's a guy that doesn't deserve an hea, it's Mark.
Most of the damaged heroes have like a past where like a lover died or something like that ,and I'm always rooting for them but this time it felt like a betrayal to Rebecca who died because of him and his trauma. He got his happy ending with a new shiny toy, and R is dead in the ocean, and that's just annoying 😒
Also, I didn't care much about the new h. But it is sad how Rebecca paid with her life to make Mark open to love and emotionally available, like damn it.
Most of the damaged heroes have like a past where like a lover died or something like that ,and I'm always rooting for them but this time it felt like a betrayal to Rebecca who died because of him and his trauma. He got his happy ending with a new shiny toy, and R is dead in the ocean, and that's just annoying 😒
Also, I didn't care much about the new h. But it is sad how Rebecca paid with her life to make Mark open to love and emotionally available, like damn it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2015
• OK, so why has it taken me 5 days to read a 256 page book from an author whose writing and books I’ve enjoyed?
• What was I expecting from the story of Mark and Crystal?
• Has this book meet my needs by tying up loose ends in the series?
I find that I’m numb upon completing I Belong to You (Inside Out #5) by Lisa Renee Jones. The book just wasn't what I was expecting, and it didn't hold my attention. I edgy mystery woven throughout all of the books, just seems long,drawn out and tired in this book, and the love story just wasn't convincing.
For me the romance between Mark and Crystal was like two magnets, put together one way they repel each other, turn one of them around and they attract each other. Both Mark and Crystal are strong characters, wounded and scared from earlier life issues, and use control of their surroundings and situations to protect their feelings. For them getting close or involved opens them up to their own vulnerabilities and to situations in which they might not be able to control the outcome.
Was Mark drawn to Crystal out of loneliness, guilt, attraction or just lust? I felt that Mark was using sex to fill the void that Rebecca had left in his life, coming to terms with the fact that he did actually love her, he was in pain. I never felt an honest, emotional connection between Mark and Crystal. I found their declarations of love to be unbelievable, and way too soon with all that was going on around them. I saw Crystal as dutiful, wanting to keep Riptide running during Dana’s absence, and in that capacity becoming involved more with Mark.
For me the relationship just wasn't what I expected. I wanted more tenderness, wanted to see Mark address his feelings towards Rebecca and his growing feelings towards Crystal. I wanted them to be together because they loved each other. I wanted to feel that love, desire and commitment. I couldn't get past seeing Crystal as a replacement for Rebecca (despite the words used in the story). I was also surprised that Crystal easily fell right into step with Mark’s sexual tastes, adopting the lighter side of bondage and impact play.
I felt that there were issues that were glossed over and never really addressed.
• Why was Rebecca really killed? Was it jealously, and if so what did Ava really want?
• What was up with the kid, who was beaten – what info might he have had that was not made part of the story?
• Why was Rebecca’s body never found? Ava could have really hurt Mark by telling him.
• What was Ryan’s part in all of this?
• What happened to Ava?
• Why the hit man – what was it with Ricco, Jimenez, and Ava?
• Why the rush to the traditional HEA for two people with so much emotional baggage (yes I saw they were in counseling)
• What’s the status of Mark’s mother
• What’s the status of both galleries – was Allure sold, and Mark and Crystal will continue to run Riptide?
I’m glad that all ended well for Mark and Crystal, but for me this just wasn't a satisfying story. For me a 2.75 star read that I’ll round up to 3 stars
I was provided with this advanced copy from NetGalley on behalf of Gallery, Threshold, Pocket BooksGallery Books. The expected publication date is Nov 18, 2014
• What was I expecting from the story of Mark and Crystal?
• Has this book meet my needs by tying up loose ends in the series?
I find that I’m numb upon completing I Belong to You (Inside Out #5) by Lisa Renee Jones. The book just wasn't what I was expecting, and it didn't hold my attention. I edgy mystery woven throughout all of the books, just seems long,drawn out and tired in this book, and the love story just wasn't convincing.
For me the romance between Mark and Crystal was like two magnets, put together one way they repel each other, turn one of them around and they attract each other. Both Mark and Crystal are strong characters, wounded and scared from earlier life issues, and use control of their surroundings and situations to protect their feelings. For them getting close or involved opens them up to their own vulnerabilities and to situations in which they might not be able to control the outcome.
Was Mark drawn to Crystal out of loneliness, guilt, attraction or just lust? I felt that Mark was using sex to fill the void that Rebecca had left in his life, coming to terms with the fact that he did actually love her, he was in pain. I never felt an honest, emotional connection between Mark and Crystal. I found their declarations of love to be unbelievable, and way too soon with all that was going on around them. I saw Crystal as dutiful, wanting to keep Riptide running during Dana’s absence, and in that capacity becoming involved more with Mark.
For me the relationship just wasn't what I expected. I wanted more tenderness, wanted to see Mark address his feelings towards Rebecca and his growing feelings towards Crystal. I wanted them to be together because they loved each other. I wanted to feel that love, desire and commitment. I couldn't get past seeing Crystal as a replacement for Rebecca (despite the words used in the story). I was also surprised that Crystal easily fell right into step with Mark’s sexual tastes, adopting the lighter side of bondage and impact play.
I felt that there were issues that were glossed over and never really addressed.
• Why was Rebecca really killed? Was it jealously, and if so what did Ava really want?
• What was up with the kid, who was beaten – what info might he have had that was not made part of the story?
• Why was Rebecca’s body never found? Ava could have really hurt Mark by telling him.
• What was Ryan’s part in all of this?
• What happened to Ava?
• Why the hit man – what was it with Ricco, Jimenez, and Ava?
• Why the rush to the traditional HEA for two people with so much emotional baggage (yes I saw they were in counseling)
• What’s the status of Mark’s mother
• What’s the status of both galleries – was Allure sold, and Mark and Crystal will continue to run Riptide?
I’m glad that all ended well for Mark and Crystal, but for me this just wasn't a satisfying story. For me a 2.75 star read that I’ll round up to 3 stars
I was provided with this advanced copy from NetGalley on behalf of Gallery, Threshold, Pocket BooksGallery Books. The expected publication date is Nov 18, 2014
July 19, 2015
http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
Synopsis:
Master…
Being
that person, that man is how I define myself, how I allow the rest of
the world to define me as well. And now, with a terrible loss shredding
me inside out and someone trying to destroy my family to punish me,
control is more important than ever. It is everything. It is what I
need. It is all I need. Or maybe I just need…her.
My review: Review copy provided by NetGalley
5 move over Christian Grey stars!!
Wow I loved this book! I've loved the whole Inside Out series but something about this book just did it for me. I really wasn't a Mark Compton fan AT ALL but getting into his head and seeing how vulnerable he was just melted me. And Crystal was so bad a**... loved her! She was strong and feisty but vulnerable herself. I love how she put Mark in is place and seeing their playful banter. This book shows many sides to Mark we didn't get to see in the Inside Out series. We really see the love he had for Rebecca and even the respect he has for Sara. It was very real to me the struggles that both Crystal and Mark were feeling about the loss of Rebecca. Crystal completely throws him and it's then he realizes he can be more than he gives himself credit for.
I really enjoyed the build up to Crystal and Mark's story, I like how we got little pieces of their past at a time and weren't just thrown right into it.
Mark and Crystal thought they were too similar to be together, both too strong and in control.
"She nods and moves with the same pace, the same confident steps, confirming that she is not my type. As she once said, we're too alike, two bulls fighting for the same red flag."
And there lays the unique push and pull of their relationship. Lisa Renee writes it so well too, you felt their struggles. I really have to say I think this was my favorite so far. When an author can completely change my thinking on a character like she did Mark and make me LOVE him that's saying something. Now I want more of them, I don't want this to be the end of Mark and Crystal's story! There is a part in the book that showed me that Mark was changed and it made me fall in love with him. It was in the end when he says he's aware that if anything happened to him it would hurt Crystal, so he decided to not put himself in danger. Right there did it for me...selfless!!
I highly recommend this book as well as the Inside Out series.
HEA? 3<<
Synopsis:
Master…
Being
that person, that man is how I define myself, how I allow the rest of
the world to define me as well. And now, with a terrible loss shredding
me inside out and someone trying to destroy my family to punish me,
control is more important than ever. It is everything. It is what I
need. It is all I need. Or maybe I just need…her.
My review: Review copy provided by NetGalley
5 move over Christian Grey stars!!
Wow I loved this book! I've loved the whole Inside Out series but something about this book just did it for me. I really wasn't a Mark Compton fan AT ALL but getting into his head and seeing how vulnerable he was just melted me. And Crystal was so bad a**... loved her! She was strong and feisty but vulnerable herself. I love how she put Mark in is place and seeing their playful banter. This book shows many sides to Mark we didn't get to see in the Inside Out series. We really see the love he had for Rebecca and even the respect he has for Sara. It was very real to me the struggles that both Crystal and Mark were feeling about the loss of Rebecca. Crystal completely throws him and it's then he realizes he can be more than he gives himself credit for.
I really enjoyed the build up to Crystal and Mark's story, I like how we got little pieces of their past at a time and weren't just thrown right into it.
Mark and Crystal thought they were too similar to be together, both too strong and in control.
"She nods and moves with the same pace, the same confident steps, confirming that she is not my type. As she once said, we're too alike, two bulls fighting for the same red flag."
And there lays the unique push and pull of their relationship. Lisa Renee writes it so well too, you felt their struggles. I really have to say I think this was my favorite so far. When an author can completely change my thinking on a character like she did Mark and make me LOVE him that's saying something. Now I want more of them, I don't want this to be the end of Mark and Crystal's story! There is a part in the book that showed me that Mark was changed and it made me fall in love with him. It was in the end when he says he's aware that if anything happened to him it would hurt Crystal, so he decided to not put himself in danger. Right there did it for me...selfless!!
I highly recommend this book as well as the Inside Out series.
HEA? 3<<
November 21, 2014
My Review:
This has been a series that I have adored every single minute spent reading it...until this book. *sigh* This book was such a disappointment to me, but the reason I was so disappointed was that for so much of the book, it felt like simply a re-hash of what we've read before. Easily the first 2/3's of the book is the push/pull relationship between Crystal and Mark...that has been their relationship from the very beginning. He wants complete control of her so he can get lost in her. She doesn't want to give it. Nothing new, except I felt like Crystal lost a bit of her spine in this one.
Then it gets to the climax when things are finally supposed to be resolved with Rebecca's murder. The danger happens off the page so there's not even a ramp-up of the suspense. There are brand-new revelations by Mark as to why he's so messed up, but for me those just didn't jive with his issues. And the entire ending felt super-rushed, which was a shock after the extremely slow beginning/first half. And we learn NOTHING NEW about what really happened with Rebecca. Reading it, it just felt like the author had no real game plan on how to finish the series and that's a disappointment to me...because it's been amazing up until this book.
And I want to know...does Dana live or die????
And it's not that this book is bad. I just don't see why I had to read it to get anything more from the story line of the series. And that makes me sad because I have a ton of books that are waiting for me to read them. I don't like feeling like I wasted my time on one. Can we have a re-do?
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This has been a series that I have adored every single minute spent reading it...until this book. *sigh* This book was such a disappointment to me, but the reason I was so disappointed was that for so much of the book, it felt like simply a re-hash of what we've read before. Easily the first 2/3's of the book is the push/pull relationship between Crystal and Mark...that has been their relationship from the very beginning. He wants complete control of her so he can get lost in her. She doesn't want to give it. Nothing new, except I felt like Crystal lost a bit of her spine in this one.
Then it gets to the climax when things are finally supposed to be resolved with Rebecca's murder. The danger happens off the page so there's not even a ramp-up of the suspense. There are brand-new revelations by Mark as to why he's so messed up, but for me those just didn't jive with his issues. And the entire ending felt super-rushed, which was a shock after the extremely slow beginning/first half. And we learn NOTHING NEW about what really happened with Rebecca. Reading it, it just felt like the author had no real game plan on how to finish the series and that's a disappointment to me...because it's been amazing up until this book.
And I want to know...does Dana live or die????
And it's not that this book is bad. I just don't see why I had to read it to get anything more from the story line of the series. And that makes me sad because I have a ton of books that are waiting for me to read them. I don't like feeling like I wasted my time on one. Can we have a re-do?
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 16, 2014
**I received an ARC through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Mark is back in NYC to help Crystal save Riptide and to be close to his mother during her treatments. The attraction is still in full force between Crystal and Mark but there's a definite power struggle. It's not in Crystal's nature to submit but that's exactly what Mark wants. But he also enjoys her company and their sexual relationship outside of the D/s parameters he's used to. Their relationship progressed at warp speed but I was okay with it. Between his mother's battle with cancer and learning from his mistakes with Rebecca, Mark was done fucking around.
We learn more of Mark and Crystal's backgrounds in this book. And with the help of the Walker Security team the hunt for Ava and Ricco is in full force.
I was mainly dying to get to the end to see if we finally get some answers regarding Rebecca's murderer. *sighs* Aaaand we're still left confused as to where the case stands. Or maybe it's just me. Are we meant to draw our own conclusions...because I suppose I can but why not more details? I like my endings to be wrapped up nice and neat with a pretty bow. Even if it's a black bow I can deal but this ending was just kind of stuffed in a brown paper bag and thrown in my lap.
I know there's another Chris and Sara book so I'm crossing my fingers there will be more details ending Rebecca's story too.
Mark is back in NYC to help Crystal save Riptide and to be close to his mother during her treatments. The attraction is still in full force between Crystal and Mark but there's a definite power struggle. It's not in Crystal's nature to submit but that's exactly what Mark wants. But he also enjoys her company and their sexual relationship outside of the D/s parameters he's used to. Their relationship progressed at warp speed but I was okay with it. Between his mother's battle with cancer and learning from his mistakes with Rebecca, Mark was done fucking around.
We learn more of Mark and Crystal's backgrounds in this book. And with the help of the Walker Security team the hunt for Ava and Ricco is in full force.
I was mainly dying to get to the end to see if we finally get some answers regarding Rebecca's murderer. *sighs* Aaaand we're still left confused as to where the case stands. Or maybe it's just me. Are we meant to draw our own conclusions...because I suppose I can but why not more details? I like my endings to be wrapped up nice and neat with a pretty bow. Even if it's a black bow I can deal but this ending was just kind of stuffed in a brown paper bag and thrown in my lap.
I know there's another Chris and Sara book so I'm crossing my fingers there will be more details ending Rebecca's story too.
October 12, 2014
Thanks to the author I was allowed to read an ARC of this book. I love this series and this book was no different. In fact, I could not put it down and read it all in one day. This storyline is intense that every single page is riveting. In this book, we get answers and insight to both Mark and Crystal
I have said many times over that I did not care for Mark early in this series. As the story progressed and we learned more about him, I grew to "like" him a little more each book. After this book, I can safely say that I love Mark Compton! His character is so deep and intense. Everything is clear now on how he became "The Master".
I loved Crystal's character from the first time she entered the series. She has always struck me as the perfect companion for Mark with her personality. It was very interesting to learn more of her story so that we could see inside her. It was heartwarming to see her relationship not only with her family but with Mark's family too. In addition, Mark's mom is a priceless character. I loved her in this book!
This is a huge five-star read! Lisa Renee Jones knows how to tell a story! I can't believe this series is nearing an end. These characters have worked their way into my heart and feel like family! If you haven't read this series, start now! It is definitely worth it!
I have said many times over that I did not care for Mark early in this series. As the story progressed and we learned more about him, I grew to "like" him a little more each book. After this book, I can safely say that I love Mark Compton! His character is so deep and intense. Everything is clear now on how he became "The Master".
I loved Crystal's character from the first time she entered the series. She has always struck me as the perfect companion for Mark with her personality. It was very interesting to learn more of her story so that we could see inside her. It was heartwarming to see her relationship not only with her family but with Mark's family too. In addition, Mark's mom is a priceless character. I loved her in this book!
This is a huge five-star read! Lisa Renee Jones knows how to tell a story! I can't believe this series is nearing an end. These characters have worked their way into my heart and feel like family! If you haven't read this series, start now! It is definitely worth it!
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