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Forbidden Desires #3
Shark
Thea Good girl? Always.
Loyal daughter? Without a doubt.
Hiding a scandalous secret? Only when night falls.
I put up a good act, hiding my true self beneath a wholesome mask. But as the daughter of a High Court Judge I must be extremely careful, and the men I entertain must be relied upon to be discreet.
However, everything changes when Vincent, my stepbrother, comes into my life. Rugged, handsome and downright dirty, he’s a far cry from the rich businessmen I’ve set my sights on. But Vincent inadvertently sets in motion a chain of horrid events that sends my world into a dangerous spin.
The scandal would ruin me, embarrass my father and lower his opinion of me.
Bribed, threatened, and used, I’m trapped and can see no way out… I can’t ask for help and yet Vincent takes it upon himself to deliver the final blow.
Vincent Bad Boy? F*ck yeah!
Disowned? I didn’t need them anyway.
Man with a temper? Keep looking at me like that and you’ll find out.
When the red curtain of rage falls over my eyes, I’m unable stop myself. The anger that builds up inside me demands an a punching bag, a man’s face…
In my line of business the reputation of being a savage can come in extremely handy. But this time it went too far.
I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress and though when I met Thea she is anything but helpless, I can’t help but think she will be my f*cking downfall.
And one gratifying act could mean a lifetime in prison.
This is a story of a Good Girl gone bad. And a Bad Boy foolishly trying to do good.
**This is a standalone novel with a HEA**
Loyal daughter? Without a doubt.
Hiding a scandalous secret? Only when night falls.
I put up a good act, hiding my true self beneath a wholesome mask. But as the daughter of a High Court Judge I must be extremely careful, and the men I entertain must be relied upon to be discreet.
However, everything changes when Vincent, my stepbrother, comes into my life. Rugged, handsome and downright dirty, he’s a far cry from the rich businessmen I’ve set my sights on. But Vincent inadvertently sets in motion a chain of horrid events that sends my world into a dangerous spin.
The scandal would ruin me, embarrass my father and lower his opinion of me.
Bribed, threatened, and used, I’m trapped and can see no way out… I can’t ask for help and yet Vincent takes it upon himself to deliver the final blow.
Vincent Bad Boy? F*ck yeah!
Disowned? I didn’t need them anyway.
Man with a temper? Keep looking at me like that and you’ll find out.
When the red curtain of rage falls over my eyes, I’m unable stop myself. The anger that builds up inside me demands an a punching bag, a man’s face…
In my line of business the reputation of being a savage can come in extremely handy. But this time it went too far.
I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress and though when I met Thea she is anything but helpless, I can’t help but think she will be my f*cking downfall.
And one gratifying act could mean a lifetime in prison.
This is a story of a Good Girl gone bad. And a Bad Boy foolishly trying to do good.
**This is a standalone novel with a HEA**
- GenresRomance
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2015
15 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 27, 2015
Exciting and a little bit dark.
What a pair of characters! both are really flawed and complicated. Yet their powerful feelings for each other jumped out of the pages. Vincent is a criminal with a weakness for women in peril, Thea is a lady of the night that ends up in real bloody trouble. The sparks flow between these two, and the author's words made me feel their passion, their sharp personalities, and the fear and guilt that mark their lives.
Whereas the text still needed a bit of editing (missing or extra words), the writing style itself was very good. I liked how the emotions and despair were portrayed and there was a couple of similes that really resonated with me.
I absolutely loved the plot because the main characters are in serious trouble together and they're both salvation and doom to each other. Despite Thea having too wild a life for my taste, she's strong and learns a valuable lesson about her mother by the end of the story. What's more, I loved that wonderful epilogue! Also, her relationship with her father was rather interesting, though his sudden change of heart at the end was a bit drastic. However, Vincent's violent nature and seedy lifestyle are really engaging, especially because his past makes him so gallant in a dark way.
I'm a fan of stepbrother romances and lately I've been reading some original ones. This one definitely makes that list :-)
What a pair of characters! both are really flawed and complicated. Yet their powerful feelings for each other jumped out of the pages. Vincent is a criminal with a weakness for women in peril, Thea is a lady of the night that ends up in real bloody trouble. The sparks flow between these two, and the author's words made me feel their passion, their sharp personalities, and the fear and guilt that mark their lives.
Whereas the text still needed a bit of editing (missing or extra words), the writing style itself was very good. I liked how the emotions and despair were portrayed and there was a couple of similes that really resonated with me.
I absolutely loved the plot because the main characters are in serious trouble together and they're both salvation and doom to each other. Despite Thea having too wild a life for my taste, she's strong and learns a valuable lesson about her mother by the end of the story. What's more, I loved that wonderful epilogue! Also, her relationship with her father was rather interesting, though his sudden change of heart at the end was a bit drastic. However, Vincent's violent nature and seedy lifestyle are really engaging, especially because his past makes him so gallant in a dark way.
I'm a fan of stepbrother romances and lately I've been reading some original ones. This one definitely makes that list :-)
August 31, 2018
Bit different but a good read
June 18, 2019
I chose to read and review this book I enjoyed it nice plot characters I was surprised in some chapters awesome ending was hooked kept me reading all night will read the rest of the series
December 7, 2020
if I could rate it 0 stars, i would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2015
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
In this book we meet Vincent and Thea. Thea has always tried to be the good girl because she watched her mother go out and try her own thing and her father cut her from their lives completely. Little does her daddy the Judge know that she is doing something that could get her in a lot of trouble and tarnish his reputation as a judiciary member of the high court. One night though Thea meets Vince while on a job and the sparks are off the chart. The problem with this is the man that she was there to meet doesn't take to kindly to this and makes her life really hard after that. She knows she can't turn to her father for help because she doesn't believe that he will help her. She is also not sure if turning to Vince is really the right call either.
Vincent has some dark secrets that make him a man that when he sees red everyone should hide, well almost everyone. Vince has an issue with men hitting women and if he sees it he wants to help in anyway he can. The problem he has is not everyone wants help. So when he sees Thea in a bar one night though he can't see her face he knows that he has to get to know this woman one way or another. The next time he sees her he knows she needs help but he is sick of trying to help women who don't really want out of the situation that they are in. He doesn't know Thea's real name when he meets her and for quite a bit of the book he doesn't know her real name but the sparks that fly between them he can't deny them or how they make him feel.
This is an amazing book about how one wrong move can change your life either to the good or the bad. Also it shows us that sometimes there are people out there that really are there to give a helping hand even when you don't realize you need it. This book does have some reference to some harsh subjects but it makes this book even more amazing the way the author included them. I would recommend this book because even thought it is as step book it has some amazing insights that I think everyone should read.
In this book we meet Vincent and Thea. Thea has always tried to be the good girl because she watched her mother go out and try her own thing and her father cut her from their lives completely. Little does her daddy the Judge know that she is doing something that could get her in a lot of trouble and tarnish his reputation as a judiciary member of the high court. One night though Thea meets Vince while on a job and the sparks are off the chart. The problem with this is the man that she was there to meet doesn't take to kindly to this and makes her life really hard after that. She knows she can't turn to her father for help because she doesn't believe that he will help her. She is also not sure if turning to Vince is really the right call either.
Vincent has some dark secrets that make him a man that when he sees red everyone should hide, well almost everyone. Vince has an issue with men hitting women and if he sees it he wants to help in anyway he can. The problem he has is not everyone wants help. So when he sees Thea in a bar one night though he can't see her face he knows that he has to get to know this woman one way or another. The next time he sees her he knows she needs help but he is sick of trying to help women who don't really want out of the situation that they are in. He doesn't know Thea's real name when he meets her and for quite a bit of the book he doesn't know her real name but the sparks that fly between them he can't deny them or how they make him feel.
This is an amazing book about how one wrong move can change your life either to the good or the bad. Also it shows us that sometimes there are people out there that really are there to give a helping hand even when you don't realize you need it. This book does have some reference to some harsh subjects but it makes this book even more amazing the way the author included them. I would recommend this book because even thought it is as step book it has some amazing insights that I think everyone should read.
December 30, 2015
I received this for an honest review. This is actually the second book I have read of Emilia Beaumont. This stepbrother book is a little different then the last one I read of hers, oh but it was just as good. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in this read.
Dorothy Beatrice Reagan aka Thea had a huge weight on her shoulders. Her father Theodore Wolsey Reagan was a high court judge. She had to really watch her ps and qs. Thea had a bad girl just dying to come out. She had this secret life that she lived behind her father’s back. Sorry you will have to read the book to find out what that secret is but trust me it is a good one.
Vincent Hudson was a bad boy. He owned a gym and had a shady business going on the side. My heart actually broke for Vincent. He was living with this guilt that was not his to bare. His mother disowned him, not certain if she really ever claimed him. Reading about his past I have to wonder if he truly knew how it felt to be loved. No person should have to grow up that way. His stepfather would not have anything to do with him. He was never to show his face around.
Vincent was everything that Thea craved. The moment she laid eyes on her stepbrother she wanted him. I did find it funny that Thea was the only one that knew they were stepsiblings. Thea is in trouble and Vincent wants to keep her safe, but things go wrong and Vincent ends up in more trouble than he can shake a stick at.
When you read this book you will fall in love with Vincent and Thea. They are two people lost and looking for something. They both hold the key to what the other needs. Can they both find true happiness?
Dorothy Beatrice Reagan aka Thea had a huge weight on her shoulders. Her father Theodore Wolsey Reagan was a high court judge. She had to really watch her ps and qs. Thea had a bad girl just dying to come out. She had this secret life that she lived behind her father’s back. Sorry you will have to read the book to find out what that secret is but trust me it is a good one.
Vincent Hudson was a bad boy. He owned a gym and had a shady business going on the side. My heart actually broke for Vincent. He was living with this guilt that was not his to bare. His mother disowned him, not certain if she really ever claimed him. Reading about his past I have to wonder if he truly knew how it felt to be loved. No person should have to grow up that way. His stepfather would not have anything to do with him. He was never to show his face around.
Vincent was everything that Thea craved. The moment she laid eyes on her stepbrother she wanted him. I did find it funny that Thea was the only one that knew they were stepsiblings. Thea is in trouble and Vincent wants to keep her safe, but things go wrong and Vincent ends up in more trouble than he can shake a stick at.
When you read this book you will fall in love with Vincent and Thea. They are two people lost and looking for something. They both hold the key to what the other needs. Can they both find true happiness?
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December 29, 2015This was such an emotional story that tells the story of Thea Reagan and Vincent Hudson. Thea is the daughter of a high court judge. She is under tremendous pressure to be perfect and because of that , she does things –naughty, dirty things to unload the pressure on herself when her stepbrother catches her.
Oh Vincent, what a dirty bad boy—he has a thing for Thea and when he threatens her and their arrangement ends up really coming to real feelings between them, neither expected that. They fought it and when Thea ends up in real danger, Vincent was there for her. Both aren’t perfect people and they are fighting a losing battle in keeping their head above water. Vincent saves Thea and in the process, Thea finds out who her real friends/family are –
This was an interesting spin on a stepbrother storyline and I am a sucker for the stepbrother storyline. Vincent isn’t a rich stepbrother –he is a guy with a dark past who ,when he sees Thea, sees something he thought he would never have. Thea, she is a rich girl and supposedly perfect but underneath that, she is a dirty girl who has a daddy complex. Oh this is so delicious and rich. The father here could use a swift kick…This is interesting and I highly recommend this story. This author has woven a rich and interesting stepbrother story from start to finish.
My rating: 4.9 stars.
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review***
Oh Vincent, what a dirty bad boy—he has a thing for Thea and when he threatens her and their arrangement ends up really coming to real feelings between them, neither expected that. They fought it and when Thea ends up in real danger, Vincent was there for her. Both aren’t perfect people and they are fighting a losing battle in keeping their head above water. Vincent saves Thea and in the process, Thea finds out who her real friends/family are –
This was an interesting spin on a stepbrother storyline and I am a sucker for the stepbrother storyline. Vincent isn’t a rich stepbrother –he is a guy with a dark past who ,when he sees Thea, sees something he thought he would never have. Thea, she is a rich girl and supposedly perfect but underneath that, she is a dirty girl who has a daddy complex. Oh this is so delicious and rich. The father here could use a swift kick…This is interesting and I highly recommend this story. This author has woven a rich and interesting stepbrother story from start to finish.
My rating: 4.9 stars.
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review***
December 27, 2015
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I know it's considered a "step brother" romance because these two main characters parents are married, it's not like they have ever even been around each other. So the taboo nature of that, for me, was pretty nonexistent....
Vincent is a man with a temper. He can't stand men who abuse women, or being lied to. Most of the time that's when his temper rears its ugly head. He's also a loan shark, so really that temper can come in handy. His cover is a gym he runs. However, he wants to go legit.
Thea is a judges daughter who has a secret life as a high priced call girl. She meets Vincent in a hotel bar while on a "date" with the douchy owner of said hotel. The attraction between these two is immediate.
Well, of course things can't work out all easy peasy now can they?
Without too many spoilers suffice it to say that Vincent takes care of a problem but not to the extent that is at first assumed. Thea does what she needs to clear his name.
All in all it was a decent, quick little read. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters. This was my first Emilia Beaumont book and I look forward to reading more.
I know it's considered a "step brother" romance because these two main characters parents are married, it's not like they have ever even been around each other. So the taboo nature of that, for me, was pretty nonexistent....
Vincent is a man with a temper. He can't stand men who abuse women, or being lied to. Most of the time that's when his temper rears its ugly head. He's also a loan shark, so really that temper can come in handy. His cover is a gym he runs. However, he wants to go legit.
Thea is a judges daughter who has a secret life as a high priced call girl. She meets Vincent in a hotel bar while on a "date" with the douchy owner of said hotel. The attraction between these two is immediate.
Well, of course things can't work out all easy peasy now can they?
Without too many spoilers suffice it to say that Vincent takes care of a problem but not to the extent that is at first assumed. Thea does what she needs to clear his name.
All in all it was a decent, quick little read. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters. This was my first Emilia Beaumont book and I look forward to reading more.
December 26, 2015
Emilia Beaumont's latest offering. "Shark" is a romance, between Vincent & Thea. They are step-siblings who never knew each other; his mother had pushed him out of her life when he was in his teens, then married Thea's father, a Judge. Thea's mother had left her family & Thea had a secret life to the one that she showed to her ultra - conservative family. That is until she meets Vincent & they fall in love.
The story has several twists & surprises; it's fast paced action & the chemistry between Thea & Vincent is sizzling. He's speechless when he notices her from across a bar! It's wonderful... The story flowed well, with a gritty edge to the plot & the step relationship was not important to the story if that's. turnoff for some reader. I was impressed with Vincent & Thea & would very much like to read more of their story.. I received an ARC from the author for an honest review & Shark was definitely worth my time. If you like hot, "rough round the edges" good guys & strong-minded sassy women then this book is exactly what you need to read.
The story has several twists & surprises; it's fast paced action & the chemistry between Thea & Vincent is sizzling. He's speechless when he notices her from across a bar! It's wonderful... The story flowed well, with a gritty edge to the plot & the step relationship was not important to the story if that's. turnoff for some reader. I was impressed with Vincent & Thea & would very much like to read more of their story.. I received an ARC from the author for an honest review & Shark was definitely worth my time. If you like hot, "rough round the edges" good guys & strong-minded sassy women then this book is exactly what you need to read.
January 1, 2016
Great plot, great story but it was fast. Love at first sight okay, one kiss and your madly in love, it was a bit rushed. Also the good girl Thea is a high priced prostitute or escort and daddy is one of the most high judges in England? there was no mention of city. Vincent is you typical bad boy, built like a brick wall and can break a jaw in one punch but does have a soft spot for damsels in distress. He runs a gym but is a loan shark. Now their parents are not okay, her father is a control freak everything has to be under his control , I mean everything like dinner and what is talked about. His mother disowned him when her young daughter got killed by their father and his mom blamed Vincent since them and treats him as shit on the bottom of her shoe and has gotten her new husband to treat him the same way. Wish it was a bit longer, but overall a good story.
ARC was given for a honest review!
ARC was given for a honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2016
This is a story about a good girl who wants to be bad. She is keeping a whole secret life from her father who is a judge. She ends up in a bad situation and the only one willing to help is her step-brother.
Usually, the step-brother romances have a sweet kind of innocent young woman as the main character. Thea is not that kind of woman. She pursues a dangerous life and it is a very dark world.
Vincent is not part of the family. He is pretty much on his own and sometimes his temper gets out of hand. He is extremely protective of women due to his past. He sees Thea and he wants her. It starts them down a very difficult path.
The story keeps your attention and it was interesting to see a little darker kind of characters involved in the story.
It is a pretty quick read.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
Usually, the step-brother romances have a sweet kind of innocent young woman as the main character. Thea is not that kind of woman. She pursues a dangerous life and it is a very dark world.
Vincent is not part of the family. He is pretty much on his own and sometimes his temper gets out of hand. He is extremely protective of women due to his past. He sees Thea and he wants her. It starts them down a very difficult path.
The story keeps your attention and it was interesting to see a little darker kind of characters involved in the story.
It is a pretty quick read.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
January 7, 2016
I really like more creative, non cookie cutter, books, and even though this book is a bad boy stepbrother romance, it does fall into the more creative aspect that I look for. This is not a bad boy - good girl romance. It is more of a bad boy trying to be good and a good girl trying to be bad romance. Vincent is a loan shark with a really bad temper, that is trying to become legitimate. Thea is the daughter of a judge and is a high class call girl. Their parents are married, but they have never met each other before, but when they do, instant chemistry erupts between them. Who killed Thea's mean, black mailing client? Did Vincent's temper cause him to kill him? I received this book from the author in return for an honest review, and I really enjoyed it. I stayed up half the night reading, because I could not put it down. Excellent book!!
December 31, 2015
This is a great stepbrother romance that is a bit different than the usual stories I've read. In this case Thea and Vincent's parents are married, but they don't know each other. Vincent ends up rushing in to save the day and helps her out of a difficult situation. Vincent is a bad boy in the process of going good and Thea comes from a wealthy family where she's known as a good girl and she's doing very bad things in secret. I loved the role reversal going on here. I really enjoyed reading this and liked the twists and turns thrown in that made this an even more interesting read. This is the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. I highly recommend this to anyone and I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2016
Darker and rougher but with hope
Shark is a rougher, darker book than usual, but it has hope and doesn’t drag out the difficult parts.
There’s more to Thea and Vincent than meets the eye, and even some of the supporting characters are not what they seem—good and bad. The book has sex, violence and a little mystery. Thea and Vincent are better together and find happiness through their love and acceptance. Neither one of them grew up with the security of a loving home, but are drawn to each other.
There is freedom in their new outlooks and some surprises. There's even an epilogue with a satisfying finish.
Shark is a rougher, darker book than usual, but it has hope and doesn’t drag out the difficult parts.
There’s more to Thea and Vincent than meets the eye, and even some of the supporting characters are not what they seem—good and bad. The book has sex, violence and a little mystery. Thea and Vincent are better together and find happiness through their love and acceptance. Neither one of them grew up with the security of a loving home, but are drawn to each other.
There is freedom in their new outlooks and some surprises. There's even an epilogue with a satisfying finish.
February 2, 2016
Once again Emilia gives us an amazing book to fall in love with.
Thea and Vincent are an exciting couple that hit every obstacle to get their happily ever after.
Thea a high priced call girl, and Vincent a bad boy that owns a gym. He accidently meets Thea an instantly has an attraction for her. He ends up saving her from, and helps her by keeping her safe.
You find out that they are step siblings, but neither one have been around each other to have the sibling like relationship.
This is an emotional book to read, but well worth the time it takes to read it! I highly recommend this book, and you won't be disappointed.
Thea and Vincent are an exciting couple that hit every obstacle to get their happily ever after.
Thea a high priced call girl, and Vincent a bad boy that owns a gym. He accidently meets Thea an instantly has an attraction for her. He ends up saving her from, and helps her by keeping her safe.
You find out that they are step siblings, but neither one have been around each other to have the sibling like relationship.
This is an emotional book to read, but well worth the time it takes to read it! I highly recommend this book, and you won't be disappointed.
December 26, 2015
About a pair of step siblings who kinda forget about each other because of the families demands of keeping them away from each other. But in a twisted way still found a way into each other's heart.
Thea is your not so average good girl. She is a call girl who hides it behind a soap scent business front for appearances to the father a district judge.
Her stepbrother Vincent, is a bad boy loan shark. Whose gym is a front for his business and taxes purposes.
When they meet each other in the flesh sparks will fly. Will she be able to help him in time? And will he be able to keep her safe?
Thea is your not so average good girl. She is a call girl who hides it behind a soap scent business front for appearances to the father a district judge.
Her stepbrother Vincent, is a bad boy loan shark. Whose gym is a front for his business and taxes purposes.
When they meet each other in the flesh sparks will fly. Will she be able to help him in time? And will he be able to keep her safe?
January 1, 2016
Thea has two occupations. One her father approves of, the other he knows nothing about and would definitely not approve. Vincent takes one look at Thea in a hotel bar and wants her, but she is working her second profession, and is with another man. Thea and Vincent may never get the chance at a future when he is set up for a crime he didn't commit. This book has a lot of violence, some intrigue and sizzling hot step sib lovers. Fantastic!
I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2017
Received this free Arc copy from the author for an honest review. Oh Emilia what a story. Thea is a good girl gone astray and Vincent is a lost soul looking for peace. This is a raw gritty story and such chemistry between Thea and Vincent. It keeps you wanting to know more and never guessing who was behind everything. Absolutely loved it.
January 11, 2016
* * ARC given on behalf of the author for an honest review * *
what a book, shew it was hot, sexy, deceiving. These characters Vincent and Thea are amazing with amazing chemistry. it's well written. Both characters save each other and both haven't lived the perfect life but together can the rebuild themselves. loved it.
what a book, shew it was hot, sexy, deceiving. These characters Vincent and Thea are amazing with amazing chemistry. it's well written. Both characters save each other and both haven't lived the perfect life but together can the rebuild themselves. loved it.
January 30, 2016
Got this as an arc in exchange for an honest review. And wow, I need a Vincent of my own...lol. I really enjoyed Thea & Vincents story. And rather enjoyed the darker undertones. Had a hard time putting it down actually. Can't wait to read more by this wonderful author.
February 19, 2016
Shark was a very captivating story
It kept me on my toes it left me in tears I myself wanted to hurt the man that hurt Thea and Vincent her protector and white knight coming to her rescue when he couldn't save his baby sister that made me cry. All in all a great book
It kept me on my toes it left me in tears I myself wanted to hurt the man that hurt Thea and Vincent her protector and white knight coming to her rescue when he couldn't save his baby sister that made me cry. All in all a great book
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May 19, 2018Darker and rougher but there's love
“Shark” is a rougher, darker book than usual for this author, but it has hope and doesn’t drag out the difficult parts.
There’s more to Thea and Vincent than meets the eye, and even some of the supporting characters are not what they seem—good and bad. The book has sex, violence, and a little mystery. Thea and Vincent are better together and find happiness through their love and acceptance. Neither one of them grew up with the security of a loving home, but are drawn to each other.
There is freedom in their new outlooks as well as some surprises. There's even an epilogue with a satisfying finish.
“Shark” is a rougher, darker book than usual for this author, but it has hope and doesn’t drag out the difficult parts.
There’s more to Thea and Vincent than meets the eye, and even some of the supporting characters are not what they seem—good and bad. The book has sex, violence, and a little mystery. Thea and Vincent are better together and find happiness through their love and acceptance. Neither one of them grew up with the security of a loving home, but are drawn to each other.
There is freedom in their new outlooks as well as some surprises. There's even an epilogue with a satisfying finish.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews