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House of Payne #5
Steele
TRIGGER WARNING: This book deals with the sensitive subjects of surviving rape, trauma suffered during combat, child abuse, and possible sterility. If you have issues with these elements, this book might not be for you.
Raped. Tortured. Beaten. Essie Santiago’s life fell apart when she was sixteen, and it’s taken eight years to put it back together. There are some pieces that can never be mended; it would take a miracle for her to get pregnant, and physical closeness is something that makes her shudder. Only her love of creating beauty in the form of fashion gets her through the worst of the darkness.
When a mortar attack destroyed half his face and all of his life as he knew it, something vital died inside of former Marine, Ezekiel Steele. For years he’s felt nothing… until he sees Essie trying her best to be invisible. But the feisty spark inside the lovely fashion designer is too bright to be concealed, and like a moth to a flame, he’s helpless to resist her.
Chicago’s premiere tattoo studio, House Of Payne, is taking the world of fashion by storm, holding a contest to find the best designer the city has to offer. Competition is fierce, but all Essie can concentrate on are Steele’s dirty-talking lessons in sex. But when the student surpasses the master when it comes to love, Steele’s inner demons get the better of him. If he can't face them down, he’ll lose Essie forever.
123,000 words
***This standalone, mildly erotic contemporary romance contains a dirty-talking Alpha with a penchant for having sex in public places. No cheating, no love triangles and no cliffhangers. Fairy tale HEA guaranteed. Due to adult language and sexual content, this book is not intended for people under the age of 18***
Raped. Tortured. Beaten. Essie Santiago’s life fell apart when she was sixteen, and it’s taken eight years to put it back together. There are some pieces that can never be mended; it would take a miracle for her to get pregnant, and physical closeness is something that makes her shudder. Only her love of creating beauty in the form of fashion gets her through the worst of the darkness.
When a mortar attack destroyed half his face and all of his life as he knew it, something vital died inside of former Marine, Ezekiel Steele. For years he’s felt nothing… until he sees Essie trying her best to be invisible. But the feisty spark inside the lovely fashion designer is too bright to be concealed, and like a moth to a flame, he’s helpless to resist her.
Chicago’s premiere tattoo studio, House Of Payne, is taking the world of fashion by storm, holding a contest to find the best designer the city has to offer. Competition is fierce, but all Essie can concentrate on are Steele’s dirty-talking lessons in sex. But when the student surpasses the master when it comes to love, Steele’s inner demons get the better of him. If he can't face them down, he’ll lose Essie forever.
123,000 words
***This standalone, mildly erotic contemporary romance contains a dirty-talking Alpha with a penchant for having sex in public places. No cheating, no love triangles and no cliffhangers. Fairy tale HEA guaranteed. Due to adult language and sexual content, this book is not intended for people under the age of 18***
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Published May 1, 2016
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March 18, 2017I don't know how many stars should I give this book so I'm not going to rate it I did like it to the point of 69% and it's not fair to give this book a low rating since it's MY pet peeve. when she tells him that she loves him. I kinda knew his heart was broken by his ex wife and this is why I don't like reading books where's there's a ex wife or a dead one. He goes and explains to her why he can't give her his heart ok I'm thinking I get what you're saying you're broken but the h is amazing I actually loved this h with everything that happened to her she's so strong. But when he started explaining all went to hell. There's nobody who's perfect but the H says that his ex wife was so damn perfect she was his love,his best friend,his partner in crime,his first dance,his first lover. Ok I get it she was his everything but he kept mentioning that the bitch was perfect well she's NOT that perfect if she dropped your ass faster than a hot potato when you got hurt. The h tells him that nobody is perfect and this is what he tells her.
“She was,” came the simply reply. To Essie’s ears, it sounded as final as a door slamming irrevocably closed. “She lived in the kind of world that I’d only seen in storybooks—loving parents, laughter at every meal, hugs and kind words. She even lived on a little farm that had a duck pond surrounded by flowers, a tire swing of a huge oak tree… hell, she even had her own fucking pony. She was the idyllic princess, with her silky blonde hair and a smile like sunshine. She never swore. She never had a show of temper. Never drank or smoked, and always had a kind word to say about everyone she met. Ugliness never touched her life, until I came back with half my face blown off and she couldn’t bear to look at me" and then he says this.
“Don’t get me wrong—I’ll never forgive that Apolline didn’t stick by me when I needed her the most. But I also know that it broke her, seeing me like that. It broke her.”
My heart broke for the h nobody deserves to feel what she felt when the H was telling her all of this. He might've redeemed himself but to me he didn't. He does say that if the ex wife didn't leave him he would still be with her. I kinda felt like the h was second best but that's my opinion don't let my opinion stop you from reading this book. Also the h tells him that if he can love her just a little bit that they can make it work.
“She was,” came the simply reply. To Essie’s ears, it sounded as final as a door slamming irrevocably closed. “She lived in the kind of world that I’d only seen in storybooks—loving parents, laughter at every meal, hugs and kind words. She even lived on a little farm that had a duck pond surrounded by flowers, a tire swing of a huge oak tree… hell, she even had her own fucking pony. She was the idyllic princess, with her silky blonde hair and a smile like sunshine. She never swore. She never had a show of temper. Never drank or smoked, and always had a kind word to say about everyone she met. Ugliness never touched her life, until I came back with half my face blown off and she couldn’t bear to look at me" and then he says this.
“Don’t get me wrong—I’ll never forgive that Apolline didn’t stick by me when I needed her the most. But I also know that it broke her, seeing me like that. It broke her.”
My heart broke for the h nobody deserves to feel what she felt when the H was telling her all of this. He might've redeemed himself but to me he didn't. He does say that if the ex wife didn't leave him he would still be with her. I kinda felt like the h was second best but that's my opinion don't let my opinion stop you from reading this book. Also the h tells him that if he can love her just a little bit that they can make it work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2017
Lots of feels.. really had a hard time with Steele and felt Essie deserved so much better for so much of this book. I felt like she just kept getting kicked in the teeth. Steele groveled well but by then my heart was just cold towards him. Essie made the book..she's the true hero. I loved the secondary characters and really loved Carla. I kinda wish she'd have poisoned Steele tho. Essie got her fairy tale but had to fight for it herself. I'm just probably in a no forgiveness mood.. and I'll say I cried a lot reading this and that means Stacy really knows how to pull out the emotions. I hope Steel really continues to cherish Essie.. I am really loving that even when I don't particularly care for a character.. she still makes me feel strongly and as a writer that's important for a reader to experience .good and bad feelings.
I hope I get my good feelings for the hero in the next one....
#SafeRead but has massive triggers
I hope I get my good feelings for the hero in the next one....
#SafeRead but has massive triggers
May 12, 2016
5 Beautiful, VERY Sexy and Emotional Stars!!!
OMG....this book, this story, these characters were just AMAZING!!!! There are not enough words and 5 Stars is just simply not enough for this story.
Steele and Essie......oh wow, where to even start. Their relationship developed PERFECTLY and I mean to a tee perfect! The slow build, the sexual relationship and how it developed, holy hell, the emotional rollercoaster they BOTH endured as they tried to overcome their tragic pasts was just one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking stories that I have ever read.
The writing was outstanding, the storyline flowed seamlessly, flawlessly and perfectly on every single level for me, the characters were spot on perfect and the sexual relationship/sex scenes were like a raging inferno. I mean the billiards scene where Steele is first teaching Essie to play pool....one of the MOST sexually charged scenes ever, I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it and PS yes, I went back to re-read it too!. I loved everything about these two and more! Now, there was a part where I could have strangled Steele, I mean my heart HURT for Essie and yet, I got it and although Essie didn't quite get it for awhile, lol, in the end.......OMG...... I mean PERFECT, PERFECT, PERFECT!!!!!!!!
Author Stacy Gail, congrats on not only a Grand Slam in my book but one of the ,most touching and beautiful love stories that I have ever had the pleasure to read!!!!! You took very sensitive subjects and handled them with such care and respect and I applaud you so much for that!
This is a must read true LOVE story:)
OMG....this book, this story, these characters were just AMAZING!!!! There are not enough words and 5 Stars is just simply not enough for this story.
Steele and Essie......oh wow, where to even start. Their relationship developed PERFECTLY and I mean to a tee perfect! The slow build, the sexual relationship and how it developed, holy hell, the emotional rollercoaster they BOTH endured as they tried to overcome their tragic pasts was just one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking stories that I have ever read.
The writing was outstanding, the storyline flowed seamlessly, flawlessly and perfectly on every single level for me, the characters were spot on perfect and the sexual relationship/sex scenes were like a raging inferno. I mean the billiards scene where Steele is first teaching Essie to play pool....one of the MOST sexually charged scenes ever, I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it and PS yes, I went back to re-read it too!. I loved everything about these two and more! Now, there was a part where I could have strangled Steele, I mean my heart HURT for Essie and yet, I got it and although Essie didn't quite get it for awhile, lol, in the end.......OMG...... I mean PERFECT, PERFECT, PERFECT!!!!!!!!
Author Stacy Gail, congrats on not only a Grand Slam in my book but one of the ,most touching and beautiful love stories that I have ever had the pleasure to read!!!!! You took very sensitive subjects and handled them with such care and respect and I applaud you so much for that!
This is a must read true LOVE story:)
June 5, 2018
If he wasn’t careful he’d wind up addicted to her, needing her warmth and sweetness in his life every damn day like he needed fucking air.4.5 stars
This book was so, so good!! I've read books 3, 5, and 6 in this series and it is definitely my favorite. Is one of my favorite reads of 2018 actually. As with the other books in the series, although the covers make them seem like erotica, they're not—they just have super delicious covers! While the others are squarely in the contemporary romance category, an argument could possibly made that this falls into romantica, but I'm going to mainstream it and say it's also CR.
What I Loved
• Essie — she is such a fantastic heroine, as so many others have noted. Strong as nails, but also vulnerable and questioning. She has been through so much (omg!), but she is so brave and puts herself out there nonetheless. I love how she came out of her shell so much and how at the end she knows that she is worth loving and is worth a man taking that chance (that's the trope obstacle we're given). She was so likable, but also so kick-ass; definitely one of my favorite heroines.
• Steele — omg I ADORED Steele; at the beginning, given their first exchange, I admit I was wary and was right on board with Essie's WTF-why-are-you-being-an-asshole, but that quickly, quickly changes. I love how he sees her as such a fighter and knows how much she's capable of. He's so sexy and sweet and just absolutely delicious. Just like Essie, he easily makes it onto my favorite heroes/heroines shelf.
• The chemistry — WOWZERS!! It was SIZZLING and leaping off the page. I thought Twist was hot, but that was almost nothing compared to this. The sexual tension between Essie and Steele was fantastic, the scenes were so well-written, it was just WOW, seriously. You'll definitely need a fan on this one, because the sexy times are CRAY CRAY.
• Loved all the supporting characters. It was great seeing all the House of Payne people again; they're all so colorful and really add to the story. Essie's best friend, Carla, was priceless. OMG that woman was hysterical and added so much humor to the book, I absolutely loved it.
• Superbly fantastic epilogue!
Note
I was really wary going in, because having read multiple reviews, I knew about the trope obstacle, and specifically what Steele says about his ex-wife. I don't know if it's because I was prepared for that or what, but I didn't end up being that bothered by that scene. I mean yes, it sucked, and it's like "WTF Steele, you so OBVIOUSLY love Essie, how can you be such a dumbass??," because really, he so obviously does, but it didn't throw me like it did some other readers. Though ...
What I Didn't Love
• Post-72% and Steele's dumbass explanation for why he can't love Essie (or anyone), it's almost like Gail read many of the numerous reviews, focusing on people's complaint about perfection—or something, I don't know, but although I had been prepared for all this focus on perfection given his apparent rant, that wasn't what had stuck out at me, and so it was really weird to me that that is what ends up being such a focal point. Joey tells her there's no perfect relationships, she keeps on insisting to Steele that she can never be perfect and he uses the "perfect" language, etc. etc. I don't know, it just didn't fit to me and didn't really dovetail with Steele's issue—at least, not to me.
• One thing that did really annoy me about Steele's spiel when he is explaining to Essie why he can't love anyone is that he says she's the best thing that happened to him in "nearly half a decade." A) that doesn't sound that long (half a decade??) and B) that DID annoy me, because Appoline was a shit-fuck and didn't deserve to be viewed as something good happening to him ever.
• I wish that there had been more interaction between Essie/Steele and her family; I found it unlikely that given how close she is to her family, none of them asked her what she was suddenly doing with all her extra time or that no one suspected anything and she didn't let anything slip. It's over a two-month period that the majority of the book takes place, and I just didn't really buy it. At least one would think Twist would have picked up on something (which would have been great, because WOW I was really looking forward to that scene—Twist is so protective, Steele is so possessive, it could have played out oh so deliciously lol).
Overall
So fantastic, read it now!!!!
She knew a different side to him that no one else did. To the rest of the world he was careful, quiet. Methodical. He never rushed. He never took risks. In his line of work, that kind of shoddy behavior got people killed. But with Essie, he was free. He could show her anything, do anything, and he knew she’d take it all in without judgment. She accepted everything that he was, and he trusted her to do that. He trusted her.Something Steele's best friend says to Essie:
“You’re a tough one, aren’t you? No one understands Steele better than you,” he went on before she could answer. “Just as no one will ever understand you better than Steele. Once he finally gets used to that idea, no one on this earth will be able to tear him from your side.”
April 30, 2016
Received a copy for a honest review
Ok so for 4 books we have gotten hot, tattooed, alpha men and women from the House of Payne. Now we have head of the House's security non-tattooed alpha Ezekiel Steele in the mix along with Essie Santiago, fashion designer and Twist's little sister.
We found out in book 3 why Essie left Chicago as a damaged teen, but now she's back in town to win the honor of being House of Payne's exclusive fashion designer. Being that it's Payne we know she's gonna have to jump through some hoops to get there.
I think it's great that straight out of the gate Steele, as he likes to be called, knows how to deal with Essie. When she finds out that the contestants have to go through deep background checks for the contest she wants out, she doesn't want anyone else to know she has been through some serious shit that almost killed her.
By pushing her into a corner, so to speak, he gives her a reason to stay because she is a fighter!!
These two characters are made in fire from the experiences they've lived. Him a ex solider, not only scarred on the outside from the wounds of battle, but scarred on the inside from the wounds that his childhood and his ex wife left on him. Her scarred both on the outside and the inside from a monster that decided to take her childhood from her.
Watching these two together is great! Steele does a awesome job of making Essie feel safe, yet letting her come into her own.
Steele realizing that his perfect ex wife wasn't worth the pedestal that he put her on and that he hurt the one person that he promised not too broke my heart.
Essie and Steele fit together so well that when they figure it out its beautiful.
Reading about the fashion show is super cool! I love seeing how Essie gets her inspirational from the different tattoo artist! Enter Mad Max!! Helloooooooooooo hot stuff!! Accent and tats he needs a book like, STAT!!!
Not only did Gail give us our original House favs and introduce us to a new hot tattoo god, but she also gave us some seriously mental competition for Essie in the Fashion Designer contest!
Dizzy Izz and Oliver are pissy, uppity, and just plain no completion when it comes down to it, but like a good villain makes for good tv they also make for good reading too!
I love just how well Gail's characters fit in the story, whether they're a main character or a side one.
I LOVE this series and can't wait for more!!
Ok so for 4 books we have gotten hot, tattooed, alpha men and women from the House of Payne. Now we have head of the House's security non-tattooed alpha Ezekiel Steele in the mix along with Essie Santiago, fashion designer and Twist's little sister.
We found out in book 3 why Essie left Chicago as a damaged teen, but now she's back in town to win the honor of being House of Payne's exclusive fashion designer. Being that it's Payne we know she's gonna have to jump through some hoops to get there.
I think it's great that straight out of the gate Steele, as he likes to be called, knows how to deal with Essie. When she finds out that the contestants have to go through deep background checks for the contest she wants out, she doesn't want anyone else to know she has been through some serious shit that almost killed her.
By pushing her into a corner, so to speak, he gives her a reason to stay because she is a fighter!!
These two characters are made in fire from the experiences they've lived. Him a ex solider, not only scarred on the outside from the wounds of battle, but scarred on the inside from the wounds that his childhood and his ex wife left on him. Her scarred both on the outside and the inside from a monster that decided to take her childhood from her.
Watching these two together is great! Steele does a awesome job of making Essie feel safe, yet letting her come into her own.
Steele realizing that his perfect ex wife wasn't worth the pedestal that he put her on and that he hurt the one person that he promised not too broke my heart.
Essie and Steele fit together so well that when they figure it out its beautiful.
Reading about the fashion show is super cool! I love seeing how Essie gets her inspirational from the different tattoo artist! Enter Mad Max!! Helloooooooooooo hot stuff!! Accent and tats he needs a book like, STAT!!!
Not only did Gail give us our original House favs and introduce us to a new hot tattoo god, but she also gave us some seriously mental competition for Essie in the Fashion Designer contest!
Dizzy Izz and Oliver are pissy, uppity, and just plain no completion when it comes down to it, but like a good villain makes for good tv they also make for good reading too!
I love just how well Gail's characters fit in the story, whether they're a main character or a side one.
I LOVE this series and can't wait for more!!
December 11, 2016
Essie Santiago has struggled to get where she is, she overcame more than anyone should endure and pursued her passion for fashion. When her brother called with a job opportunity that could catapult her career, she jumped on a plane thinking this was afresh start. However she didn't realize that the House of Payne would turn into a fashion contest for best designer, Essie is used to hiding in the background and this is completely out of her comfort zone.
Ezekiel Steele sees something in Essie that peaks his interest, the normally demure woman is a spitfire when pushed. Steele knows her wants her, he knows she needs time to see he is not a threat, he plans to have her. However, Steele doesn't believe he can have a happily ever after, in the time of need he was broken but he believes he can keep Essie happy but Essie as other ideas about what she wants from Steele.
I hadn't picked up one of the Payne books yet but I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. This was fantastic, just what I was looking for in a book. Essie is a wonderful heroine, she is so strong and doesn't realize how strong she truly is. Steele is just pure unfiltered alpha male, he is so protective of Essie you can't wait for more. Thought the fashion show contest was great, reminded me of Project Runway. Will be reading more from this talented author.
Ezekiel Steele sees something in Essie that peaks his interest, the normally demure woman is a spitfire when pushed. Steele knows her wants her, he knows she needs time to see he is not a threat, he plans to have her. However, Steele doesn't believe he can have a happily ever after, in the time of need he was broken but he believes he can keep Essie happy but Essie as other ideas about what she wants from Steele.
I hadn't picked up one of the Payne books yet but I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. This was fantastic, just what I was looking for in a book. Essie is a wonderful heroine, she is so strong and doesn't realize how strong she truly is. Steele is just pure unfiltered alpha male, he is so protective of Essie you can't wait for more. Thought the fashion show contest was great, reminded me of Project Runway. Will be reading more from this talented author.
October 18, 2017
I liked the writing but super pissed with how the Hero did this speech how much he loved his first wife and could never love again (even if he retracted it and said that it wasn’t real)
June 10, 2016
Title: House of Payne: Steele
Author: Stacy Gail
Series: House of Payne Series, Book 5
Publisher: Self
Reviewer: Melissa
Release Date: May 1, 2016
Genre(s): Dark Erotic Romance
Page Count: 348
Heat Level: 5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“The molten heat inside her softened and filled her with another, equally destructive kind of warmth, and she raised a hand to cup his cheek. ‘By just being you, you gave me the strength to do that. Thank you, Steele.’”
5 Steele stars!!! Another great one in the series!
Essie has had a rough go at life. At sixteen she was brutally raped, beaten and tortured. Six years later and she’s finally starting to get her life back together. Although she still has severe trust issues and being close to people gives her the creeps. So she throws herself into creating fashion. Steele had half his face destroyed in a mortar attack and he hides and lurks in the shadows. He feels nothing for and he’s fine with that. Until he sees Essie and he can see the beauty in her the minute she falls in his line of vision. But when these two come together it’s explosive and sexy!
I think out of all these books in the series, this one is my favorite to date! It has heart, emotion and it’s gritty!! Essie’s story will tear you in two and break your heart! It’s a raw and edgy book and I loved every single page!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Stacy Gail
Series: House of Payne Series, Book 5
Publisher: Self
Reviewer: Melissa
Release Date: May 1, 2016
Genre(s): Dark Erotic Romance
Page Count: 348
Heat Level: 5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Raped. Tortured. Beaten. Essie Santiago’s life fell apart when she was sixteen, and it’s taken eight years to put it back together. There are some pieces that can never be mended; it would take a miracle for her to get pregnant, and physical closeness is something that makes her shudder. Only her love of creating beauty in the form of fashion gets her through the worst of the darkness.
When a mortar attack destroyed half his face and all of his life as he knew it, something vital died inside of former Marine, Ezekiel Steele. For years he’s felt nothing… until he sees Essie trying her best to be invisible. But the feisty spark inside the lovely fashion designer is too bright to be concealed, and like a moth to a flame, he’s helpless to resist her.
Chicago’s premiere tattoo studio, House Of Payne, is taking the world of fashion by storm, holding a contest to find the best designer the city has to offer. Competition is fierce, but all Essie can concentrate on are Steele’s dirty-talking lessons in sex. But when the student surpasses the master when it comes to love, Steele’s inner demons get the better of him. If he can't face them down, he’ll lose Essie forever.
Review:
“The molten heat inside her softened and filled her with another, equally destructive kind of warmth, and she raised a hand to cup his cheek. ‘By just being you, you gave me the strength to do that. Thank you, Steele.’”
5 Steele stars!!! Another great one in the series!
Essie has had a rough go at life. At sixteen she was brutally raped, beaten and tortured. Six years later and she’s finally starting to get her life back together. Although she still has severe trust issues and being close to people gives her the creeps. So she throws herself into creating fashion. Steele had half his face destroyed in a mortar attack and he hides and lurks in the shadows. He feels nothing for and he’s fine with that. Until he sees Essie and he can see the beauty in her the minute she falls in his line of vision. But when these two come together it’s explosive and sexy!
I think out of all these books in the series, this one is my favorite to date! It has heart, emotion and it’s gritty!! Essie’s story will tear you in two and break your heart! It’s a raw and edgy book and I loved every single page!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
May 25, 2016
Wow having not read any of the prior books in this series I think I will go back and get the rest!
Essie is up for a chance to be the new clothing designer for the House of Payne,a tattoo shop a very classy tattoo shop. Her brother Twist works there with his wife Angel and he got her the chance so she picked up herself up and moved from Texas back to Chicago where her attack happened but she is stronger now, she hopes. She was attacked by one of her brothers friends who nearly killed her and she left to go to her aunts to heal.
The competition is down to three people and Essie just wants to quit but a man named Steele stops her by calling her weak,Essie wants to kill him but she does go back to compete in the contest.
Steele is attracted to Essie right from the start but with his scars he figured she wouldn't be interested but she is. He is attached to her right away but after his wife left him because of his face being scared he is afraid to love again.
The story is part of a series but is a stand alone and it really keeps you interested, I just loved the honesty between Essie and Steele and how much they both loved each other.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon a Alpha
Essie is up for a chance to be the new clothing designer for the House of Payne,a tattoo shop a very classy tattoo shop. Her brother Twist works there with his wife Angel and he got her the chance so she picked up herself up and moved from Texas back to Chicago where her attack happened but she is stronger now, she hopes. She was attacked by one of her brothers friends who nearly killed her and she left to go to her aunts to heal.
The competition is down to three people and Essie just wants to quit but a man named Steele stops her by calling her weak,Essie wants to kill him but she does go back to compete in the contest.
Steele is attracted to Essie right from the start but with his scars he figured she wouldn't be interested but she is. He is attached to her right away but after his wife left him because of his face being scared he is afraid to love again.
The story is part of a series but is a stand alone and it really keeps you interested, I just loved the honesty between Essie and Steele and how much they both loved each other.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon a Alpha
May 12, 2016
First
This was !my first Stacy Gail read and I was delighted.
Steele and Essie were two characters damaged by their pasts, and paired well together. There was twists and bumps along life's journey, but both managed to overcome what life had thrown at them.
Well worth the read.
This was !my first Stacy Gail read and I was delighted.
Steele and Essie were two characters damaged by their pasts, and paired well together. There was twists and bumps along life's journey, but both managed to overcome what life had thrown at them.
Well worth the read.
May 5, 2016
Just what I needed!
*happy sigh*
*happy sigh*
May 29, 2016
I like the House of Payne books because I think Gail has an unique take on the tattoo aspect of it. She treats it like an artistry, and it's clear that this particular shop is an elite business. In previous books, Gail also writes about the different styles of tattooing, delving more into the craft than most authors do. So when I saw there was a new addition to the series, and for only 0.99, I snatched it up.
In the book's blurb, Gail makes it clear that the book will touch on a lot of dark stuff, so the reader knows what they're getting into. In truth, I actually expected it to be much darker than it was. I think because the heroine of Steele, Essie, was introduced in her brother's book, Twist, Gail didn't feel the need to deeply delve in Essie's trauma again. Gail does recap it a bit, so a new reader won't be lost, but it's treated more as backstory rather than an ongoing emotional issue. Essie has dealt with it and moved on.
Somewhere along the line, I got the impression, and I think it was because of the acknowledgement page, that both Essie and Steele had PTSD. This made perfect sense to me because Essie went through something horrific, and Steele was gravely injured in an IED attack. However, neither character had what I like to call 'active PTSD.' Essie had a heightened startle reflex and the tendency to lash out when stressed, and Steele was paranoid about safety, as well as emotionally disconnected.
So there I was, merrily reading away. There were some typos. When Steele started calling Essie 'Pet' (short for 'Teacher's Pet') while domming her, I got a little 'hrm' because that ain't my kink, but that's a personal preference thing. I admit I did think that Essie should not be adapting to sex quite so easily, considering what happened to her, but I overlooked it because *jazz hands* fiction. 'Pet' part aside, the sex was hot. And I was loving the fashion designer aspect of things, and really liked how Essie just kept making the best of things. She was handed a raw deal after raw deal, and she made it work for her.
Then I got to page 235-236 on my Nook, this exchange between Essie and Steele, Essie speaking first, emphasis part of the original text:
Fuck you, Essie.
I don't know, maybe I'm overly sensitive about this, but I can't help feel that if the roles were reversed here, if it was Steele telling Essie this bullshit, everybody would be up in arms that he's trying to dictate at what point her emotional healing should be at. You know what this boils down to for me? "You should be over it by now." "Let it go." "It's in the past." "Just forget it."
PTSD isn't a conscious choice. Being emotionally disconnected from the world isn't a conscious choice. It would be one thing if Essie was saying something along the lines of, 'Look, I understand why you feel this way, I went through something similar, but it's not healthy.' But that's not what she's saying here. She's saying that the way Steele feels is wrong, that he is consciously choosing to be lost in the emotional morass of trauma's aftermath.
On page 238-239, Gail started to fix it a little. Essie's best friend, Carla, points out that Steele does have a lot of issues that have shaped his ideas about love. Then Essie talks about how she wishes she was a better person and how she could just take what he's offering, but she knows it's not what she needs. This exchange is why I kept reading because I thought, okay, that's valid.
But the rest of the book de-evolved into more of the same 'blame Steele for not being what Essie expects' and I was so irritated by the end of it, here I am writing this. Steele, at one point, disappears to take a trip to deal with some of his issues because he feels he has to, if he wants to be with Essie, and of course, when he comes back, look, he's all better!
I think, at the core of it, I feel like Essie handed him an ultimatum: if you want to be with me, change into what I need. There was no compassion or empathy on her part about his emotions and/or lingering scars from his past, it was all about her. That selfishness, it destroyed the character for me. I wanted to believe that someone who had been through a trauma of her own, who was such a fighter, would choose to fight for someone she claimed to love. And that's not what happened.
So I don't know how to rate this. If I wasn't so intimately familiar with PTSD, would I have had such a visceral reaction to Steele? While I think Gail could've cut about thirty pages, the first two hundred pages were good, and I did like how the fashion show was ultimately resolved. The ending was predictable, but it was sweet. Also, I do think this would stand alone nicely.
Okay, I've decided on two stars because here's the thing, if you go back and read the quoted text under the first spoiler cut, and pretend Steele has depression or anxiety or an eating disorder, it's still awful. Since the book continues this theme throughout the end, it has to be two stars for me. I do recommend the other House of Payne books, and I think I might go back and re-read Payne now, but, in my opinion, Steele is one to skip.
In the book's blurb, Gail makes it clear that the book will touch on a lot of dark stuff, so the reader knows what they're getting into. In truth, I actually expected it to be much darker than it was. I think because the heroine of Steele, Essie, was introduced in her brother's book, Twist, Gail didn't feel the need to deeply delve in Essie's trauma again. Gail does recap it a bit, so a new reader won't be lost, but it's treated more as backstory rather than an ongoing emotional issue. Essie has dealt with it and moved on.
Somewhere along the line, I got the impression, and I think it was because of the acknowledgement page, that both Essie and Steele had PTSD. This made perfect sense to me because Essie went through something horrific, and Steele was gravely injured in an IED attack. However, neither character had what I like to call 'active PTSD.' Essie had a heightened startle reflex and the tendency to lash out when stressed, and Steele was paranoid about safety, as well as emotionally disconnected.
So there I was, merrily reading away. There were some typos. When Steele started calling Essie 'Pet' (short for 'Teacher's Pet') while domming her, I got a little 'hrm' because that ain't my kink, but that's a personal preference thing. I admit I did think that Essie should not be adapting to sex quite so easily, considering what happened to her, but I overlooked it because *jazz hands* fiction. 'Pet' part aside, the sex was hot. And I was loving the fashion designer aspect of things, and really liked how Essie just kept making the best of things. She was handed a raw deal after raw deal, and she made it work for her.
Then I got to page 235-236 on my Nook, this exchange between Essie and Steele, Essie speaking first, emphasis part of the original text:
Fuck you, Essie.
I don't know, maybe I'm overly sensitive about this, but I can't help feel that if the roles were reversed here, if it was Steele telling Essie this bullshit, everybody would be up in arms that he's trying to dictate at what point her emotional healing should be at. You know what this boils down to for me? "You should be over it by now." "Let it go." "It's in the past." "Just forget it."
PTSD isn't a conscious choice. Being emotionally disconnected from the world isn't a conscious choice. It would be one thing if Essie was saying something along the lines of, 'Look, I understand why you feel this way, I went through something similar, but it's not healthy.' But that's not what she's saying here. She's saying that the way Steele feels is wrong, that he is consciously choosing to be lost in the emotional morass of trauma's aftermath.
On page 238-239, Gail started to fix it a little. Essie's best friend, Carla, points out that Steele does have a lot of issues that have shaped his ideas about love. Then Essie talks about how she wishes she was a better person and how she could just take what he's offering, but she knows it's not what she needs. This exchange is why I kept reading because I thought, okay, that's valid.
But the rest of the book de-evolved into more of the same 'blame Steele for not being what Essie expects' and I was so irritated by the end of it, here I am writing this. Steele, at one point, disappears to take a trip to deal with some of his issues because he feels he has to, if he wants to be with Essie, and of course, when he comes back, look, he's all better!
I think, at the core of it, I feel like Essie handed him an ultimatum: if you want to be with me, change into what I need. There was no compassion or empathy on her part about his emotions and/or lingering scars from his past, it was all about her. That selfishness, it destroyed the character for me. I wanted to believe that someone who had been through a trauma of her own, who was such a fighter, would choose to fight for someone she claimed to love. And that's not what happened.
So I don't know how to rate this. If I wasn't so intimately familiar with PTSD, would I have had such a visceral reaction to Steele? While I think Gail could've cut about thirty pages, the first two hundred pages were good, and I did like how the fashion show was ultimately resolved. The ending was predictable, but it was sweet. Also, I do think this would stand alone nicely.
Okay, I've decided on two stars because here's the thing, if you go back and read the quoted text under the first spoiler cut, and pretend Steele has depression or anxiety or an eating disorder, it's still awful. Since the book continues this theme throughout the end, it has to be two stars for me. I do recommend the other House of Payne books, and I think I might go back and re-read Payne now, but, in my opinion, Steele is one to skip.
July 27, 2018
Essie, a fashion designer & Steele, PSI security both living half lives because of horrific pasts.
While feeling the heartbreak of trauma both characters had experienced it was life affirming to see their trust grow, Essie blossom & kick ass. I was also relived how sensitive, creatively & straight forward their relationship developed yet had air of innocence.
I loved the drama, imagery & creativity of the tattoo to fashion contest. I felt I was there watching it conception to fruition.
Looking forward to this series continuing.
While feeling the heartbreak of trauma both characters had experienced it was life affirming to see their trust grow, Essie blossom & kick ass. I was also relived how sensitive, creatively & straight forward their relationship developed yet had air of innocence.
I loved the drama, imagery & creativity of the tattoo to fashion contest. I felt I was there watching it conception to fruition.
Looking forward to this series continuing.
June 30, 2016
Essie Santiago has had it rough. At the age of 16 she was raped and tortured by her brothers friend, leaving her with not only physical scars but emotional scars as well. But the one thing that keeps Essie's thoughts from going back to the past is her career as a costume designer in Texas. Essie is thriving in her new state but when her brother "Twist" presents her with a job offer back home, she soon finds herself packing her bags and heading to Chicago. The one place that was filled with heartache. The House of Payne Tattoo Studio is now looking to expand their brand into fashion and has now turned Essie's dream job into a contest. With nothing left, she enters to the contest and quickly makes it to the finals. However when contest tunes into a three ring circus, Essie learns that her and her fellow designers are to make a full line and present it to the CEO. But while in the meeting with the CEO, she locks eyes with the sexy man standing in the corner. He has to be security but he doesn't look like the typical "Rent-a-Cop" she is use to. Something about this man has awakened something is Essie that hasn't been there since before her attack.
Ezekiel Steele really didn't want to attend this stupid meeting at The House of Payne but his security company (PSI) was to be in charge of the contest. But when his eyes land on the small creature in the corner, he is soon glad he was there. She wasn't like the other two designers. She was normal. Well as normal as one can be when they are covered from neck down in thick layers of clothing and won't look up. However when they do make eye contact, Steele knows that there is more to this girl than what appears.
With the electrifying attraction between the two, it was only a matter of time before they start to hang out and get together. Steele, with his own demons soon starts to help Essie work out her issues using his own therapy, aka "lessons". Which consist of plenty of dirty talk and public encounters that open her up to a new world. However the one thing he knew he wouldn't be able to do was to fall for her. He already had his "perfect" in life and look at where that got him; a broken and scared man.
Essie on the other hand was coming into a new life. Steele was everything to her and was starting to fall for him. But after she reveals her feelings to him, he quickly states his past and how he can not allow himself to feel the same way. This then leaves Essie crushed. Can she get over the fact that his demons won't allow him a moment of happiness? Can she still be there for him? Or was Steele only in this for some fun?
This is where Essie starts to aggravate me. She finds out from one of Steele's co-workers that he traveled back to Louisiana to try and come to terms with his past. She was asked to be patient and wait for him but when he returns she shuts him out. How selfish of her to do that. After everything this man did for her. How he treated her with such care and ease and this is what he has to come home to, a bitter woman. She couldn't stay by his side and support him? He did that for her on multiple occasions.
Now on to the parts that I loved and made me blush:
1-The Bowling Alley Scene, who knew a stinky bowling alley could be so hot.
2-The car wash scene........no comment,lol.
3-Steele's actions after hearing of Essie's news towards the end of the book. His take charge approach was just what she need.
Lets just say Stacy knows how to write a hot scene. I was blushing for 75% of the book. The characters were perfectly written and the supporting characters couldn't have been better. The way they gave Essie a taste of what freedom was like should us that she surrounded herself with a great group. Even the villains in the book were greatly done. I love the talking in third person, I was cracking up reading that. All I kept thinking while reading about the villain was some short of mess up episode of Project Runway.
This book is the 5 book of the House of Payne Series but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the previous books but will definitely check them out. 5 Star read.
ARC was provided in return for a honest review.
Ezekiel Steele really didn't want to attend this stupid meeting at The House of Payne but his security company (PSI) was to be in charge of the contest. But when his eyes land on the small creature in the corner, he is soon glad he was there. She wasn't like the other two designers. She was normal. Well as normal as one can be when they are covered from neck down in thick layers of clothing and won't look up. However when they do make eye contact, Steele knows that there is more to this girl than what appears.
With the electrifying attraction between the two, it was only a matter of time before they start to hang out and get together. Steele, with his own demons soon starts to help Essie work out her issues using his own therapy, aka "lessons". Which consist of plenty of dirty talk and public encounters that open her up to a new world. However the one thing he knew he wouldn't be able to do was to fall for her. He already had his "perfect" in life and look at where that got him; a broken and scared man.
Essie on the other hand was coming into a new life. Steele was everything to her and was starting to fall for him. But after she reveals her feelings to him, he quickly states his past and how he can not allow himself to feel the same way. This then leaves Essie crushed. Can she get over the fact that his demons won't allow him a moment of happiness? Can she still be there for him? Or was Steele only in this for some fun?
This is where Essie starts to aggravate me. She finds out from one of Steele's co-workers that he traveled back to Louisiana to try and come to terms with his past. She was asked to be patient and wait for him but when he returns she shuts him out. How selfish of her to do that. After everything this man did for her. How he treated her with such care and ease and this is what he has to come home to, a bitter woman. She couldn't stay by his side and support him? He did that for her on multiple occasions.
Now on to the parts that I loved and made me blush:
1-The Bowling Alley Scene, who knew a stinky bowling alley could be so hot.
2-The car wash scene........no comment,lol.
3-Steele's actions after hearing of Essie's news towards the end of the book. His take charge approach was just what she need.
Lets just say Stacy knows how to write a hot scene. I was blushing for 75% of the book. The characters were perfectly written and the supporting characters couldn't have been better. The way they gave Essie a taste of what freedom was like should us that she surrounded herself with a great group. Even the villains in the book were greatly done. I love the talking in third person, I was cracking up reading that. All I kept thinking while reading about the villain was some short of mess up episode of Project Runway.
This book is the 5 book of the House of Payne Series but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the previous books but will definitely check them out. 5 Star read.
ARC was provided in return for a honest review.
May 30, 2016
Eeeish! It's taken me two full days and reading parts of this story over twice, for me to even decide how I feel about it, never mind give a cohesive review.
The trigger warnings are all good and well but it fails to mention the fact that SG will crack your chest open Ducky style and lift your beating heart out, give it a good squeeze then shove it back in all mushy and aching.
So 4 amazing stars for another winner by Ms Gail. Now I'm going to go find something light and frivolous to read just to sooth my aching heart. :P
The trigger warnings are all good and well but it fails to mention the fact that SG will crack your chest open Ducky style and lift your beating heart out, give it a good squeeze then shove it back in all mushy and aching.
So 4 amazing stars for another winner by Ms Gail. Now I'm going to go find something light and frivolous to read just to sooth my aching heart. :P
April 30, 2016
I was settling in for the night, and decided to check out my recommendations before I started the book I had chosen to read for the night. Much to my delight, it seemed this book was not set for pre-order, but actual purchase, and I thanked the Kobo gods for it! Needless to say, chosen book set aside and I dove right in
Steele works for the security firm that Payne has hired. Scared and silent, his still waters hold a repressed spirit and a person in denial. We get hints of it as things progress, before it all comes out, and then before you can slap him silly, he figures it out himself. Still, he is protective, surprisingly sweet, and, up until his implosion, takes excellent care of Essie
Essie, if you read the previous books in the series, is Twist's little sister. She had a horrible trauma at 16 and, while she has pulled her life together, she is still missing an important part. Steele is the first person who awakens that part of her. Thus, yes thus, begins the building of their relationship. This isn't a quick hook-up, this is a building of a relationship with landmines galore. Steele calls Essie sweetness, and it fits her so perfectly. She has a temper, she is an artist after all, but she has the biggest heart and genuinely cares for those around her.
This was a slow burn story but that doesn't mean there weren't all sorts of swoon worthy moments, they were definitely peppered in when you didn't expect them. To go through this experience with Essie, and then later realize Steele was doing the same, warm and fuzzies everywhere.
The chemistry between Steele and Essie, oh, that was burning off the ereader, and they couldn't control it, even when they tried. That made for some interesting moments in the story, and they were perfect! This story enveloped me, and like the ones before it, I read it in one sitting and didn't even notice the passage of time. I was in the world with Essie and Steele, and didn't want to leave them until they had it all figured out. They didn't disappoint, and Steele was his perfect self and Essie complimented him completely
Of course, the supporting cast of characters, some old, some new, were around. I loved Essie's best friend and her husband, such an amazing couple and perfect foil for Essie and Steele. Twist and Angel were there, as was Payne, of course, and we got to meet Max and heard Talon was coming. The note at the end that Payne will not have a new story for a bit, okay with that too because Scorpio is coming next!!!!!!!!
Steele works for the security firm that Payne has hired. Scared and silent, his still waters hold a repressed spirit and a person in denial. We get hints of it as things progress, before it all comes out, and then before you can slap him silly, he figures it out himself. Still, he is protective, surprisingly sweet, and, up until his implosion, takes excellent care of Essie
Essie, if you read the previous books in the series, is Twist's little sister. She had a horrible trauma at 16 and, while she has pulled her life together, she is still missing an important part. Steele is the first person who awakens that part of her. Thus, yes thus, begins the building of their relationship. This isn't a quick hook-up, this is a building of a relationship with landmines galore. Steele calls Essie sweetness, and it fits her so perfectly. She has a temper, she is an artist after all, but she has the biggest heart and genuinely cares for those around her.
This was a slow burn story but that doesn't mean there weren't all sorts of swoon worthy moments, they were definitely peppered in when you didn't expect them. To go through this experience with Essie, and then later realize Steele was doing the same, warm and fuzzies everywhere.
The chemistry between Steele and Essie, oh, that was burning off the ereader, and they couldn't control it, even when they tried. That made for some interesting moments in the story, and they were perfect! This story enveloped me, and like the ones before it, I read it in one sitting and didn't even notice the passage of time. I was in the world with Essie and Steele, and didn't want to leave them until they had it all figured out. They didn't disappoint, and Steele was his perfect self and Essie complimented him completely
Of course, the supporting cast of characters, some old, some new, were around. I loved Essie's best friend and her husband, such an amazing couple and perfect foil for Essie and Steele. Twist and Angel were there, as was Payne, of course, and we got to meet Max and heard Talon was coming. The note at the end that Payne will not have a new story for a bit, okay with that too because Scorpio is coming next!!!!!!!!
May 6, 2016
I absolutely love when I stumble upon a book by an author that I've never read before and the book is awesome. Stacy Gail wasn't even on my radar until a fellow book lover suggested that I read this book and I'm so glad I did! At first I was a bit apprehensive as this is the 5th book in a series and I thought I may be missing out on part of the ongoing story line but the blurb did say it was a standalone and it absolutely was. It definitely isn't necessary to read the previous four books first but this author really has a way with words and writes a great story with great characters and I will definitely be reading the other books in the House of Payne series. As the warning says this book deals with sensitive subjects that might not be for everyone but I can say that this is the first book that I've read that touched on some of these subjects that was written in such a way that you didn't cringe or get that weird feeling while reading about what the characters went through. I liked that the main focus of this story wasn't about the acts of violence or trauma per se, but more about what happens after the fact and how it affects your life and being a survivor and not a victim. I loved that Essie didn't let her trauma break her and she was so matter-a-fact about the experience, I also loved her witty and smart mouth attitude and that she could give as good as she got. Steele was your typical alpha male who also endured trauma and I think that Essie and Steele had a real understanding of what it's like to endure what they each other went through and in the end they helped heal the broken parts of each other. This book is based on a fashion design contest (very Project Runway) but using House of Payne tattoos in the designs. With this story you get a bit of everything: some dark themes, humorous and funny scenes, super hot sexy scenes, strong characters and a well written story. House of Payne fan all the way!
February 15, 2019
I don’t give five stars out all that often but this book definitely deserves it. This book grabs you from the get go. Even with this being my 4th re-read of the book, i am sucked into the pages and the gauntlet of emotions that this couple run through to get to their HEA. As always the plot is well written, the characters very engaging and the art (in this case in the form of fabric) is described perfectly. Ms. Gail still hits it out of the park with the sexy fun times even with having to work with Essies issues. Be prepared to want to scream in anger, laugh hysterically, groan in frustration, and cry in sadness and in happiness.
February 21, 2017
This series continues to blow my mind. Not a little bit. A lot. It's equal parts sweet and sexy and empowering and so incredibly emotional and it makes me feel all the feels. Yes, I might have teared up once or twice. IT HAPPENS. (Although I usually deny that part. My cold, black heart must be finally unthawing. Or something.)
Essie is amazing. We learned her story in Twist and she's fought hard to be where she is now. I mean, she's FOUGHT. I didn't know if Steele's issues could match hers, but...they did. The guy has as much baggage as she does and watching them navigate their way through the bumps and chasms of their relationship was GLORIOUS.
Honestly, who doesn't like a dirty talkin' man who unwittingly bares his soul to someone who's just as damaged as he is? And a lady who figures out that she has steel in her spine after said man takes the time to coax her out of her shell?
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
This series is five books strong and every installment has seriously rocked my socks off. Payne and those who orbit around him make me giddy and I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite couple among those we've already met. I'm VERY happy to know we're going to get more of the explosive relationships and temperamental shenanigans that go hand in hand with this house.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Essie is amazing. We learned her story in Twist and she's fought hard to be where she is now. I mean, she's FOUGHT. I didn't know if Steele's issues could match hers, but...they did. The guy has as much baggage as she does and watching them navigate their way through the bumps and chasms of their relationship was GLORIOUS.
Honestly, who doesn't like a dirty talkin' man who unwittingly bares his soul to someone who's just as damaged as he is? And a lady who figures out that she has steel in her spine after said man takes the time to coax her out of her shell?
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
This series is five books strong and every installment has seriously rocked my socks off. Payne and those who orbit around him make me giddy and I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite couple among those we've already met. I'm VERY happy to know we're going to get more of the explosive relationships and temperamental shenanigans that go hand in hand with this house.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 1, 2016
This book is part of the House of Pain Series. Prior to reading this book I have not read any of the other books in the series and I had no problem following along in this book. It definitely can be a stand alone.
This book captured my interest right from the start. In fact I read it straight through. I just didn't want to put it down. It was well worth the missed sleep.
Ezekiel Steele (prefers to be called Steele) works from a security company that is ahead of the House's security.
Essie Santiago, who is Twist's sister (he works in the house) and moved back to town believing she had a job with the house. She is now involved in a contest that the winner gets a job with the company.
Both Steele and Essie have scars from their past. He being wounded in action during his time in the military and Essie from having survived a severe trauma in her teens.
The author did a great job pulling you into the story. I was crying at parts, especially when Essie was reliving her trauma.
I think knew how to get Essie to excel due his own experiences. He has her back 100%! We all need men like him!
This is the first book I have read by this author. She now has a new follower and I will be going back and reading the rest of this series.
This book captured my interest right from the start. In fact I read it straight through. I just didn't want to put it down. It was well worth the missed sleep.
Ezekiel Steele (prefers to be called Steele) works from a security company that is ahead of the House's security.
Essie Santiago, who is Twist's sister (he works in the house) and moved back to town believing she had a job with the house. She is now involved in a contest that the winner gets a job with the company.
Both Steele and Essie have scars from their past. He being wounded in action during his time in the military and Essie from having survived a severe trauma in her teens.
The author did a great job pulling you into the story. I was crying at parts, especially when Essie was reliving her trauma.
I think knew how to get Essie to excel due his own experiences. He has her back 100%! We all need men like him!
This is the first book I have read by this author. She now has a new follower and I will be going back and reading the rest of this series.
May 3, 2016
This book knocked my socks off! I loved it! This book was chock full of witty conversation, emotional conversation, and downright dirty conversation. (Yay for the dirty talk!)
I loved Essie and Steele. Both of them have suffered horrific circumstances and come out scarred, both physically and emotionally. Neither of them was prepared for what hit them.
Steele was bossy, pushy, and never let Essie hide or give up. I absolutely loved the way he pushed her out of her comfort zones and the "lessons" he gave her. The lesson of communication (Oral 101) at the car wash was one of my favorite moments. Essie had a lot to overcome and she rose to the challenge like a champ.
I didn't realize how closed off Steele was until he eff-ed up in an epic way. It was so heartbreaking, it brought tears to my eyes. And yet Essie, again, rose to the challenge and ended up teaching Steele a lesson in love. I adored her for her strength and grace in the face of heartache.
And the end of the book? Perfection. And I cried. Happy tears. It was awesome.
I'm sad that we don't get another House of Payne installment for a year, but you can bet I'll be snapping that up as soon as it's available!
I loved Essie and Steele. Both of them have suffered horrific circumstances and come out scarred, both physically and emotionally. Neither of them was prepared for what hit them.
Steele was bossy, pushy, and never let Essie hide or give up. I absolutely loved the way he pushed her out of her comfort zones and the "lessons" he gave her. The lesson of communication (Oral 101) at the car wash was one of my favorite moments. Essie had a lot to overcome and she rose to the challenge like a champ.
I didn't realize how closed off Steele was until he eff-ed up in an epic way. It was so heartbreaking, it brought tears to my eyes. And yet Essie, again, rose to the challenge and ended up teaching Steele a lesson in love. I adored her for her strength and grace in the face of heartache.
And the end of the book? Perfection. And I cried. Happy tears. It was awesome.
I'm sad that we don't get another House of Payne installment for a year, but you can bet I'll be snapping that up as soon as it's available!
June 23, 2016
Steele is the fifth book in the House of Payne series by Stacy Gail. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I would definitely read Twist's book first because it will add more depth to Steele and Essie's story.
This book is heartbreaking. Essie's character gutted me. Her life, her struggles, the things she's survived and how determined she was to find her way to the other side and LIVE again. Steele was so perfect for her. I don't think the author could have created a more perfect match in those two.
If you're looking for a series that will give you all of the feels and super sexy smut then you have to read these books. I can't tell you how many times I've laughed, cried, and swooned over the characters and their stories.
Five Stars and Five Wet Panties.
Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
(Beware the Trigger Warning, it is something to consider before purchasing this title.)
This book is heartbreaking. Essie's character gutted me. Her life, her struggles, the things she's survived and how determined she was to find her way to the other side and LIVE again. Steele was so perfect for her. I don't think the author could have created a more perfect match in those two.
If you're looking for a series that will give you all of the feels and super sexy smut then you have to read these books. I can't tell you how many times I've laughed, cried, and swooned over the characters and their stories.
Five Stars and Five Wet Panties.
Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
(Beware the Trigger Warning, it is something to consider before purchasing this title.)
May 3, 2016
I don't write many reviews but I had to for this one. What a wonderful book this was!
The best book I have read so far this year. I can't remember the last time I cried reading a book but this one made me do just that. I'm not going to go into the story, that's what the blurb is for. I loved both H and h but Essie, oh my I loved that girl. She's my favorite heroine ever and when I say this it's really BIG because I read a lot (five to six books per week). Essie was so real and beautiful inside and out. I loved Steele and I think he was the perfect guy for her.
Stacy you are really getting better at writing amazing stories with each new book and I can't wait for your next story. You have become one of my favorite authors because you never disappoint.
Once again job well done. If you like a great love story and real lovable characters read this book!
The best book I have read so far this year. I can't remember the last time I cried reading a book but this one made me do just that. I'm not going to go into the story, that's what the blurb is for. I loved both H and h but Essie, oh my I loved that girl. She's my favorite heroine ever and when I say this it's really BIG because I read a lot (five to six books per week). Essie was so real and beautiful inside and out. I loved Steele and I think he was the perfect guy for her.
Stacy you are really getting better at writing amazing stories with each new book and I can't wait for your next story. You have become one of my favorite authors because you never disappoint.
Once again job well done. If you like a great love story and real lovable characters read this book!
June 1, 2016
This was my first book I read from this author...and I won it in a author hop..but had I had known that she writes about the things that I like...I would of read her stuff earlier...enter hot hot alpha male...Steele works security at the House of Payne
..and in comes Essie...trying to get a job as a new clothing designer for the HOP...but Essie has had a right shitty past...Essie is shy and quiet and tries to blend into the shadows as to not get noticed...but she gets noticed by Steele...so he teaches her to believe in herself again..and works through all her triggers...only to be pulled up on his trigger...and broken heart...but needless to say it is a HEA...(which I am a sucker for)...this book made me laugh..cry..and get serious butterflies in my belly...so I'm giving this 5 stars...didn't realise this was part of a series..so I'm going to catch myself up on the others..
..and in comes Essie...trying to get a job as a new clothing designer for the HOP...but Essie has had a right shitty past...Essie is shy and quiet and tries to blend into the shadows as to not get noticed...but she gets noticed by Steele...so he teaches her to believe in herself again..and works through all her triggers...only to be pulled up on his trigger...and broken heart...but needless to say it is a HEA...(which I am a sucker for)...this book made me laugh..cry..and get serious butterflies in my belly...so I'm giving this 5 stars...didn't realise this was part of a series..so I'm going to catch myself up on the others..
August 12, 2018
HOLY SMOKES! My first book by this author and I'm hooked! I absolutely loved this book! Couldn't put it down, read it right through till the end once I started.
What these two go through is totally heart wrenching. Essie is such a fighter and Steele knows just how to get her to fight, how to stand up and fight for herself. Steele (rawr) has been through his own personal hades BUT he doesn't see the past as he should. He has misconceptions on it.
Loved the family love that this book had with the crew from the House of Payne and Essie's family. This book is steamy hot but I absolutely loved the LOVE in this book. Steele pushes Essie outside her comfort zone but does it patiently and with caring. She pushes him to see what was before wasn't everything he thought it was. Will it be enough for these two or will the past always come between them?
What these two go through is totally heart wrenching. Essie is such a fighter and Steele knows just how to get her to fight, how to stand up and fight for herself. Steele (rawr) has been through his own personal hades BUT he doesn't see the past as he should. He has misconceptions on it.
Loved the family love that this book had with the crew from the House of Payne and Essie's family. This book is steamy hot but I absolutely loved the LOVE in this book. Steele pushes Essie outside her comfort zone but does it patiently and with caring. She pushes him to see what was before wasn't everything he thought it was. Will it be enough for these two or will the past always come between them?
July 31, 2016
I fell for Steele and wanted to shake him hard at the same time. I fell even harder for his girl - Essie. She was just so damn strong and had such a huge capacity for love even with all that she had been through. I really loved her relationship with her bestie. Their conversations made me laugh out loud many times throughout the book. Both Essie and Steele suffered something so very life changing, but both had been holding back in their lives for fear of being hurt again. I loved watching Essie come out of her shell. A beautiful thing that at the same time she was...so was he. And they were scorching hot together to boot. I mean get some ice handy while you read hot. I so enjoyed their story and love this series BIG.
I give Steele 5 hearts!
I give Steele 5 hearts!
May 12, 2016
What a truly beautiful and captivating book! This book has everything you could need a alpha male, passion, fighting to leave the past behind! And true love and a surprise at the end! This is my kind of book 100% "essie." He squeezed his eyes shut in a kind of wince and his indrawn breath echoed with pain. "Damn my fucking carelessness for planting that seed of ugly in you, when all I've ever wanted was to give you beauty"
Swoon!!
Swoon!!
June 17, 2016
House of Awesome
I had almost forgotten how wonderful the House Of Payne series is ,then I read Steele. So brilliant. Two emotionally and physically wounded souls find each other, heal each other and find love a a couple of miracles along the way. Great read. Rate it a 30 if I could. I recommend reading the whole series to date .
I had almost forgotten how wonderful the House Of Payne series is ,then I read Steele. So brilliant. Two emotionally and physically wounded souls find each other, heal each other and find love a a couple of miracles along the way. Great read. Rate it a 30 if I could. I recommend reading the whole series to date .
May 2, 2016
Steele
Finally. I have been waiting forever for the next House of Payne to come out. As always it was great. I can't believe we have to wait a whole year for the next one. Great series.
Finally. I have been waiting forever for the next House of Payne to come out. As always it was great. I can't believe we have to wait a whole year for the next one. Great series.
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May 22, 2016Loved it
This book was awesome. I did not want it to end. Steele and Eddie's story grabbed you at the beginning and kept you sucked in until the end.
This book was awesome. I did not want it to end. Steele and Eddie's story grabbed you at the beginning and kept you sucked in until the end.
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