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Awaken to Pleasure
The proposal was as unexpected as her feelings for the man whose dark good looks rivaled an even darker past. Painful experience screamed that Taylor Reid should run far and fast from Jackson Santorini. But keeping custody of her brother meant becoming her former boss’s bride. And giving Jackson a baby.
Despite his powerful size and presence, Jackson had been wounded… deeply… by a woman. Yet he’d protected her at a personal cost, if his restrained ardor in deference to her virginal apprehension was one indication. Suddenly, for Jackson’s sake, Taylor wanted to replace pain with pleasure. Only, she’d never imagined what sensations—and secrets—she would awaken…
Despite his powerful size and presence, Jackson had been wounded… deeply… by a woman. Yet he’d protected her at a personal cost, if his restrained ardor in deference to her virginal apprehension was one indication. Suddenly, for Jackson’s sake, Taylor wanted to replace pain with pleasure. Only, she’d never imagined what sensations—and secrets—she would awaken…
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 23, 2004
129 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
249 books26.8k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 21, 2018
"Awaken to Pleasure" is the story of Taylor and Jackson.
When Jackson, the Hollywood superstar finds his old secretary soaking in the rain on a deserted road, he immediately rescues her and takes her to his apartment. Jackson has always been attracted to Taylor, even when he was married to his now dead wife- but his principles never allowed him to act on it. But now as Taylor re-enters his life and confesses a heartbreaking problem, he finally finds a chance to make her his, and desperately craves the love she might eventually give him.
Taylor was once attracted to her married boss, something that caused her to run from him. But as her step-father decides to take her half sibling Nick, who she has raised from birth, away from help, she finds an unexpected savior in Jackson, who is ready to marry her and save her family, as long as she can give him an heir..
A broken couple who finds love and solace in one another, this book was a delightful pleasure to read. I am one of the biggest fans of NS, and Psy Changeling has provided me with three of my top book husbands- Hawke, Lucas and Kaleb.
And while this book is not as polished as her later works, the potential shines here.
The hero is relentlessly devoted, caring, alpha, jealous, possessive and has a hunger for the heroine's love. I adored that the author penned down his feelings and desperation for the heroine's adoration.
The heroine on the other hand is a scared cat- having had a traumatic past, sometimes lashing out with her words, but other times acting as a fierce tigress for those she loves.
Their chemistry is powerful, the sex is hot and the angst is REAL.
The heartbreak at the last 3/4th was a tear jerker, but I really, really loved the way it ended.
What a great read!
SWE
4.5/5
When Jackson, the Hollywood superstar finds his old secretary soaking in the rain on a deserted road, he immediately rescues her and takes her to his apartment. Jackson has always been attracted to Taylor, even when he was married to his now dead wife- but his principles never allowed him to act on it. But now as Taylor re-enters his life and confesses a heartbreaking problem, he finally finds a chance to make her his, and desperately craves the love she might eventually give him.
Taylor was once attracted to her married boss, something that caused her to run from him. But as her step-father decides to take her half sibling Nick, who she has raised from birth, away from help, she finds an unexpected savior in Jackson, who is ready to marry her and save her family, as long as she can give him an heir..
A broken couple who finds love and solace in one another, this book was a delightful pleasure to read. I am one of the biggest fans of NS, and Psy Changeling has provided me with three of my top book husbands- Hawke, Lucas and Kaleb.
And while this book is not as polished as her later works, the potential shines here.
The hero is relentlessly devoted, caring, alpha, jealous, possessive and has a hunger for the heroine's love. I adored that the author penned down his feelings and desperation for the heroine's adoration.
The heroine on the other hand is a scared cat- having had a traumatic past, sometimes lashing out with her words, but other times acting as a fierce tigress for those she loves.
Their chemistry is powerful, the sex is hot and the angst is REAL.
The heartbreak at the last 3/4th was a tear jerker, but I really, really loved the way it ended.
What a great read!
SWE
4.5/5
September 26, 2020
Sweet, low-conflict marriage of convenience story. Heroine needs to insure custody of her brother. Hero has been smitten since she was his secretary for a few months.
They both have demons. Heroine was sexually assaulted when she was young (but escaped) and her mother was an alcoholic with abusive men around all the time.
Hero was neglected by both of his rich and famous parents. His first wife died from a drug overdose and she cheated on him.
They heal by having lots of sex and talking it out. Heroine even goes to a therapist.
They both have demons. Heroine was sexually assaulted when she was young (but escaped) and her mother was an alcoholic with abusive men around all the time.
Hero was neglected by both of his rich and famous parents. His first wife died from a drug overdose and she cheated on him.
They heal by having lots of sex and talking it out. Heroine even goes to a therapist.
September 13, 2021
"Half of that was genetics. Being part italian and part viking tended to do that to a man. The other half was nightmares"
oooooook. Give me this man every day please.
This is Nalini Singh at her best. The best alpha, controlling, passionate men you can ever imagine, but tender, caring, loving, she has them all.
He was married to a crazy junkie when he met her, she was his PA for some weeks and as soon as he saw her, so young and naive, he fell in love with her, hopelessly, totally, forever.
But he didn't do anything because he was a married and honorable man, even if his wife was a faithless bitch and they haven't slept together for years.
He let the heroine go, because first he dad to solve his situation.
He also had sex once with his wife, of course frustrated and thinking of the heroine all the time, but then asked for a divorce because she was still cheating on him. She overdosed and died, and she was pregnant with his child.
The hero was horrified.
Then he met the heroine again and decided that the time to claim her as his own has come. Because it was never in doubt that he would have claimed her, only when.
He must seduce her but he has to go slow because she was abused many times when she was a teenager, so now she's afraid of every man's touch. He has to persuade her to trust him.
"You taste like you belong to me"
Ehem. This is it.
He offer marriage to help her to have custody of her half brother, but asks her to be the mother of his child.
She accepts, but tells him she doesn't know if she will ever be able to have sex with a man.
The seduction begin.
And it's very very hot.
What a man.
He never forces her, he always waits for her and stops when she asks him to, even if he burns, really burns for her. She talks to a counselor (thank god!) and eventually takes the initiative.
There are some sexy scenes, in the gym...
"He wondered if a man could die of unadulterated pleasure"
Then there's also a very angsty and painlul moment, but this hero is never ever cruel or mean.
He's one of the best hero ever.
He always loved her, even when he was married, and I appreciated he was faithful even when his wife was not.
He's not afraid of commitment.
He's caring.
He's sexy.
He's passionate.
What a refreshing reading.
I can only recommend it.
oooooook. Give me this man every day please.
This is Nalini Singh at her best. The best alpha, controlling, passionate men you can ever imagine, but tender, caring, loving, she has them all.
He was married to a crazy junkie when he met her, she was his PA for some weeks and as soon as he saw her, so young and naive, he fell in love with her, hopelessly, totally, forever.
But he didn't do anything because he was a married and honorable man, even if his wife was a faithless bitch and they haven't slept together for years.
He let the heroine go, because first he dad to solve his situation.
He also had sex once with his wife, of course frustrated and thinking of the heroine all the time, but then asked for a divorce because she was still cheating on him. She overdosed and died, and she was pregnant with his child.
The hero was horrified.
Then he met the heroine again and decided that the time to claim her as his own has come. Because it was never in doubt that he would have claimed her, only when.
He must seduce her but he has to go slow because she was abused many times when she was a teenager, so now she's afraid of every man's touch. He has to persuade her to trust him.
"You taste like you belong to me"
Ehem. This is it.
He offer marriage to help her to have custody of her half brother, but asks her to be the mother of his child.
She accepts, but tells him she doesn't know if she will ever be able to have sex with a man.
The seduction begin.
And it's very very hot.
What a man.
He never forces her, he always waits for her and stops when she asks him to, even if he burns, really burns for her. She talks to a counselor (thank god!) and eventually takes the initiative.
There are some sexy scenes, in the gym...
"He wondered if a man could die of unadulterated pleasure"
Then there's also a very angsty and painlul moment, but this hero is never ever cruel or mean.
He's one of the best hero ever.
He always loved her, even when he was married, and I appreciated he was faithful even when his wife was not.
He's not afraid of commitment.
He's caring.
He's sexy.
He's passionate.
What a refreshing reading.
I can only recommend it.
January 11, 2019
3.75 stars ⭐️.
Gripping plot. Lovable MC’s. Hot chemistry. Delicious possessiveness. Superbly written.
Recommended.
Gripping plot. Lovable MC’s. Hot chemistry. Delicious possessiveness. Superbly written.
Recommended.
February 19, 2015
A sweet and sexy story featuring a swoon worthy alpha hero and a strong heroine. Even in its very simple plot, it shows Nalini Singh's talent for relationship building. The "petting" scene definitely helped me start the already long Psy-Changeling series (when I started it, the series already had 9 books and Kiss of Snow was going to be released). She improved and refined her writing since but her signature style is already there.
August 1, 2023
Too sugary sweet
November 28, 2011
I used to devour Harlequin books (at first very old HP's, later Temptations, Desires and Blazes) starting when I was a young teenager, until about early in my twenties.
I bought them secondhand for €1, and always got the ones that had 3 books in them (the Dutch Harlequin publisher often prints different books in one edition). They were my cure for heartbreak (I would bury myself in bed with 10 Harlequins, weep and read through my tears and weep at all the romance again. After the weekend I'd be over the heartbreak and all happy again.
My father loathed that I read 'crap like Harlequins' and we had epic fights about them which are still an undercurrent in our relationship now, and the base of my fervent stance that nobody should ever be judged for what they like to read/watch/listen to.
I've been moving quite a lot lately, so it's getting time to get rid of them, and while I don't really want to (I love how they look on my library) I really can't keep them all around forever.
Still, they feel like old friends, so as a way of remembering them, I'm logging them down in Goodreads slowly.
Most of them are craptastic or hilarious in their contrived plots, or simply bad, bad, bad. A lot of them are typical mediochre category romance, with billionaires a-plenty and hot wanton virgins. Some of them though, I absolutely loved, and love still. I never looked at authors when buying them, because the translation thing pretty much made the style universal, so I only cared if the plot sounded ok. It's been such a surprise to find out the authors behind the books I loved most, and this one was the biggest surprise, because I adore Singhs Psy-Changeling series, and I'd never have thought I actually owned one of her categories (didn't even know she had written those).
I should have known though, because the plot is very much Singh. With the giant, strong and slightly over-protective alpha-male who's all about safety and family and taking care. With the strong female who can take care of herself perfectly well, but learns to lean on others once and a while.
The plot is great. Years ago Taylor and Jackson were terribly attracted to each other (without knowing it from the other), both on the physical and personal front. However, Jackson was married, he was Taylor's boss, and Taylor had severe relationship issues thanks to an abusive childhood. So without ever doing something about the attraction, Taylor switched jobs so she could walk away from temptation and heartbreak.
Now Jackson is a widower, and he bumps in into Taylor who's just been robbed, so of course he takes care of her that evening, get mixed up in each others life and before Taylor realizes it Jackson makes a marriage of convenience offer (which surprisingly totally makes sense in the story).
And so starts the beauty.
It's a story of healing really. Both Jackson and Taylor have a lot of sadness and pain in their past, and it's all purged slowly and beautifully as these people learn to trust each other.
As someone with a rocky sexual past herself, I think this book deals really well (for a category) with the physical part of getting over trauma. The sex was hot yes, but also a bit practical and with a lot of communication and patience, patience, patience. I loved that realism, and could feel the care through the pages. I think that's the biggest reason I love this book.
There's a lot of other interesting stuff going on as well (the custody thing for Taylor's brother, the whole papparazzi thing, and all the stuff about Jackson's dead wife), but it's all used to show how these two people have loved each other for years, love each other still, but are so hurt and scared that it takes a whole lot before they can admit it to themselves. It's lovely to read.
I'm pretty sure I've read it more than 20 times. I know that's more because of the period when I first got it than because of the quality of the book, but still. I love this book with all my heart, and for a category romance, with it's limited page number, this is a great, great contemporary romance.
I bought them secondhand for €1, and always got the ones that had 3 books in them (the Dutch Harlequin publisher often prints different books in one edition). They were my cure for heartbreak (I would bury myself in bed with 10 Harlequins, weep and read through my tears and weep at all the romance again. After the weekend I'd be over the heartbreak and all happy again.
My father loathed that I read 'crap like Harlequins' and we had epic fights about them which are still an undercurrent in our relationship now, and the base of my fervent stance that nobody should ever be judged for what they like to read/watch/listen to.
I've been moving quite a lot lately, so it's getting time to get rid of them, and while I don't really want to (I love how they look on my library) I really can't keep them all around forever.
Still, they feel like old friends, so as a way of remembering them, I'm logging them down in Goodreads slowly.
Most of them are craptastic or hilarious in their contrived plots, or simply bad, bad, bad. A lot of them are typical mediochre category romance, with billionaires a-plenty and hot wanton virgins. Some of them though, I absolutely loved, and love still. I never looked at authors when buying them, because the translation thing pretty much made the style universal, so I only cared if the plot sounded ok. It's been such a surprise to find out the authors behind the books I loved most, and this one was the biggest surprise, because I adore Singhs Psy-Changeling series, and I'd never have thought I actually owned one of her categories (didn't even know she had written those).
I should have known though, because the plot is very much Singh. With the giant, strong and slightly over-protective alpha-male who's all about safety and family and taking care. With the strong female who can take care of herself perfectly well, but learns to lean on others once and a while.
The plot is great. Years ago Taylor and Jackson were terribly attracted to each other (without knowing it from the other), both on the physical and personal front. However, Jackson was married, he was Taylor's boss, and Taylor had severe relationship issues thanks to an abusive childhood. So without ever doing something about the attraction, Taylor switched jobs so she could walk away from temptation and heartbreak.
Now Jackson is a widower, and he bumps in into Taylor who's just been robbed, so of course he takes care of her that evening, get mixed up in each others life and before Taylor realizes it Jackson makes a marriage of convenience offer (which surprisingly totally makes sense in the story).
And so starts the beauty.
It's a story of healing really. Both Jackson and Taylor have a lot of sadness and pain in their past, and it's all purged slowly and beautifully as these people learn to trust each other.
As someone with a rocky sexual past herself, I think this book deals really well (for a category) with the physical part of getting over trauma. The sex was hot yes, but also a bit practical and with a lot of communication and patience, patience, patience. I loved that realism, and could feel the care through the pages. I think that's the biggest reason I love this book.
There's a lot of other interesting stuff going on as well (the custody thing for Taylor's brother, the whole papparazzi thing, and all the stuff about Jackson's dead wife), but it's all used to show how these two people have loved each other for years, love each other still, but are so hurt and scared that it takes a whole lot before they can admit it to themselves. It's lovely to read.
I'm pretty sure I've read it more than 20 times. I know that's more because of the period when I first got it than because of the quality of the book, but still. I love this book with all my heart, and for a category romance, with it's limited page number, this is a great, great contemporary romance.
February 8, 2013
This book started off good but quick became contrived and cliché-ridden. Elements of this book had the potential to be incredibly emotional and add really depth to the story, but instead the author just skims the surface and the issues raised just seemed to resolve rather too easily.
Nice descriptive writing, although taken (in my opinion) a little too far with the physical description of the hero. He ended up sounding like some hulking-great, thick-necked, pulsing-veins WWE wrestler - not the toned sort-of sexy kind either!
Found myself rolling my eyes throughout a lot of the book too. Shame, as this could have been so much more.
Nice descriptive writing, although taken (in my opinion) a little too far with the physical description of the hero. He ended up sounding like some hulking-great, thick-necked, pulsing-veins WWE wrestler - not the toned sort-of sexy kind either!
Found myself rolling my eyes throughout a lot of the book too. Shame, as this could have been so much more.
April 28, 2013
This is a disappointing read. Usually I love a romance writer's id-filled early category works, when her heart's still in it. I didn't expect a book by Nalini Singh to be so clunky and boring. It's got some well-loved tropes -- an arranged marriage, a virgin bride, an abusive background, a custody battle, a Hollywood lifestyle -- but it's hard to care what happens to a pair of such irritating and unevenly drawn characters as they try to out-protect one another from various unlikely tragedies and villains. The plot elements are thrown together into a hurried, unconvincing and unromantic mess. What even happened to the evil stepfather in the end? Oh well :/
October 25, 2021
2 stars. Singh’s writing style has developed so much since this book because woof was this not good. The characters are inconsistent, the writing and dialogue was awkward and clunky, and the plot is tonally a mess. I didn’t really like either character. Taylor was a bitch and so unlikable. She was constantly snapping and saying out of pocket shit and I never grew to like her. I empathized with her for all of the things she had been through but she was still not someone I liked. Jackson was a tiny bit better but his personality was so dry and he made for a dull love interest. The romance between them wasn’t that enthralling but their chemistry was definitely there. I just wish that I had cared more.
May 3, 2023
Taylor and Jackson's story was kinda sweet and easy to read. I somewhat liked it but the last chapter before the epilogue wasn't for me... it destroyed the book for me...
WARNING: This story contains triggers .
WARNING: This story contains triggers .
December 9, 2015
The book had a lot of elements I like, but it could've been better. Jackson is a successful, very wealthy movie producer (something big in the movies, anyway). His wife Bonnie cheated on him quite a bit, then committed suicide, taking their unborn child with her. He was devastated and humiliated by the press. The book starts with him driving home and glimpsing Taylor, his former secretary (a temp), waiting for a bus in the rain late at night. He was always deeply attracted to her, but he held back because he was still married. He decides to pursue her, but Taylor's life is complicated. She has been raising her younger half-brother Nick, and suddenly Nick's father wants him back. In addition, she had some bad experiences when she was young and is afraid of being intimate with any man, for all that she's attracted to Jackson. When Jackson persuades her to confide in him about her recent troubles regarding Nick's father, he suggests that they get married, promising to handle the lawsuit.
I really did enjoy it, but the writing was a little shoddy and over-the-top and something was missing. Maybe too much of the book was focused on the two mains. Never thought I'd say that... Usually, something's going on in the background, but here, it really just felt like all the focus was on them. Also, it's another one of those books where the heroine is afraid of sex for vague reasons and then you find out what happened to her and it's like, "That's IT? She's been traumatized for the past 10 years over THAT?" Added to that, she gets over her anxiety with Jackson very very quickly. In fact, she's never really afraid of him. From the beginning, she trusts him never to hurt her, blablabla. It would have been better to hold off on the past abuse if nothing was really going to be done with it anyway.
I really did enjoy it, but the writing was a little shoddy and over-the-top and something was missing. Maybe too much of the book was focused on the two mains. Never thought I'd say that... Usually, something's going on in the background, but here, it really just felt like all the focus was on them. Also, it's another one of those books where the heroine is afraid of sex for vague reasons and then you find out what happened to her and it's like, "That's IT? She's been traumatized for the past 10 years over THAT?" Added to that, she gets over her anxiety with Jackson very very quickly. In fact, she's never really afraid of him. From the beginning, she trusts him never to hurt her, blablabla. It would have been better to hold off on the past abuse if nothing was really going to be done with it anyway.
January 4, 2012
Super-sweet yet dangerous-when-necessary swoony hero reconnects with a heroine who is somewhat hung-up and in need of some of the special healing he can offer. Some of the situations seem rather contrived so that the protagonists can put their mutual possessiveness and protectiveness on display, and too many of the secondary characters are perfectly awful (probably to allow for the aforementioned possessiveness and protectiveness), but the hero made up for a lot.
June 8, 2013
Wow! heart-wrenching and very emotional book. Hero was dreamy, patient and treated the damaged heroine with endless love and respect. The only reason I give it 3 stars instead of 4 is because it made me very sad. Even the epilogue didn't lift my spirits.
May 30, 2017
3.5 Stars
May 18, 2020
Nalini Singh knows how to wow with a story, even with less than 200 pages to work with. I can't help but wish the story was longer just because I would love to read more about Taylor and Jackson's love in the future at some point, but that's the case with every Nalini story I've read to date. :)
August 7, 2021
It's always comforting to read an early book from one of your favorite authors that is unequivocally bad. It gives you the illusion that you too could be as good a writer as they ended up becoming if you just put in the time & work.
July 13, 2011
Awaken to Pleasure is a stand-alone Contemporary Romance Story by Nalini Singh.
This story is about Jackson Santorini and Taylor Reid.
Jackson is a successful movie producer who once employed Taylor. Jackson was married and loyal to his wife. She was anything but loyal and addicted to drugs. In the end, she killed herself and their unborn child. Jackson longs for a child and to be loved unconditionally.
Taylor was Jackson’s secretary but left the job to pursue a career in a less corrupt and vain industry. Taylor is traumatized from a bad childhood. She took over parenting her younger brother when he was just a baby and after her mother died, she took on guardianship. His father only appeared on the scene to beat their mother and until recently, showed no interest in the children. Now that he’s well cared for and happy, his father is threatening to sue her for custody.
The story begins with Jackson seeing Taylor walking in the pouring rain. She was deserted on the side of the road after turning down advances from a co-worker, who was giving her a ride home. She left her purse in his car and didn’t have another option but to walk. The roads leading to her neighbourhood are closed due to the bad weather and she stays with Jackson until the weather improves. Her brother is at a sleepover, so there’s no harm in staying with Jackson. Taylor and Jackson exchange stories and he discovers that her brother’s father is a wealthy lawyer and trying to gain custody of her brother. One problem at a time. He calls a police friend to retrieve the purse and scare the jerk. Then he offers marriage as a way to show the courts that she’s emotionally and financially stable and since the Santorini’s have some mob connections, the scare tactic might be enough to get rid of the threats. The rest of the story is based on the two of them moving closer together, working out their inner demons from childhood to adults. They’ve both been attracted to one another from the beginning and now their attraction increases. When they both learn to trust one another, their relationship develops into something beautiful. Taylor discovers that sex is beautiful and not something to be feared. There are a few set backs in their relationship but they eventually triumph.
This is a beautiful story and I enjoyed it.
This story is about Jackson Santorini and Taylor Reid.
Jackson is a successful movie producer who once employed Taylor. Jackson was married and loyal to his wife. She was anything but loyal and addicted to drugs. In the end, she killed herself and their unborn child. Jackson longs for a child and to be loved unconditionally.
Taylor was Jackson’s secretary but left the job to pursue a career in a less corrupt and vain industry. Taylor is traumatized from a bad childhood. She took over parenting her younger brother when he was just a baby and after her mother died, she took on guardianship. His father only appeared on the scene to beat their mother and until recently, showed no interest in the children. Now that he’s well cared for and happy, his father is threatening to sue her for custody.
The story begins with Jackson seeing Taylor walking in the pouring rain. She was deserted on the side of the road after turning down advances from a co-worker, who was giving her a ride home. She left her purse in his car and didn’t have another option but to walk. The roads leading to her neighbourhood are closed due to the bad weather and she stays with Jackson until the weather improves. Her brother is at a sleepover, so there’s no harm in staying with Jackson. Taylor and Jackson exchange stories and he discovers that her brother’s father is a wealthy lawyer and trying to gain custody of her brother. One problem at a time. He calls a police friend to retrieve the purse and scare the jerk. Then he offers marriage as a way to show the courts that she’s emotionally and financially stable and since the Santorini’s have some mob connections, the scare tactic might be enough to get rid of the threats. The rest of the story is based on the two of them moving closer together, working out their inner demons from childhood to adults. They’ve both been attracted to one another from the beginning and now their attraction increases. When they both learn to trust one another, their relationship develops into something beautiful. Taylor discovers that sex is beautiful and not something to be feared. There are a few set backs in their relationship but they eventually triumph.
This is a beautiful story and I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2020
I hope to heck this was her debut, because man, did this one go off the rails. It starts out pretty promisingly - our hero is inexplicably and illogically Italian, he and the heroine meet-(again)-cute, he's very alpha and protective - and then it slowly veers into utter nonsense, as the heroine explains her obsessive devotion to her half-brother, we meet the heroine's erstwhile stepfather (who's the second villain we've met - in like twenty pages) and he's basically everything awful you can think of (he abandoned the child! but wants him back! but used to beat him when he was an infant! and only wants him because he's now infertile! but he's rich and well-connected! but he totally abandoned the heroine's mother to live in poverty after pursuing her but came back enough to get her pregnant!), then the heroine starts revealing a seemingly endless parade of childhood attempted sexual assault - not all at once, mind you, but drawn out over pages - and we learn that her mother was an alcoholic prostitute (but also very beautiful and obsessively pursued by rich and powerful men), oh and by the way the hero's first wife was a drug addict but the worst part is that she was pregnant with his child when she OD'd, that's really the only depressing thing; and by the way I mean, "hot mess" is an understatement.
April 13, 2022
Awaken to Pleasure
4 Stars
Taylor Reid is desperate to retain custody of her younger brother, but lacks the resources. Thus, when her former employer, sexy movie mogul, Jackson Santorini, offers her a solution, marriage, she eagerly accepts. But, is she ready for the passion and pleasure Jackson needs from her?
One of Nalini Singh’s earlier category romances that has all the hallmarks of her later bestsellers although her plotting and dialogue have definitely come a long way since this book.
The story is engaging and contains some of my favorite tropes including the physically intimidating, possessive and protective alpha hero aching for love and acceptance; the innocent yet spirited heroine who challenges him at every turn, and the convenient marriage between two lonely and haunted people.
There is some very good character development as Jackson opens up to the idea of trusting a woman again after being hurt by his despicable ex, and Taylor comes to terms with the traumas of her childhood. Singh’s sex scenes are steamy and sensual even in this more traditional Silhouette format.
All in all, a light and easy read recommended for Singh fans while they await the next installments in her Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.
4 Stars
Taylor Reid is desperate to retain custody of her younger brother, but lacks the resources. Thus, when her former employer, sexy movie mogul, Jackson Santorini, offers her a solution, marriage, she eagerly accepts. But, is she ready for the passion and pleasure Jackson needs from her?
One of Nalini Singh’s earlier category romances that has all the hallmarks of her later bestsellers although her plotting and dialogue have definitely come a long way since this book.
The story is engaging and contains some of my favorite tropes including the physically intimidating, possessive and protective alpha hero aching for love and acceptance; the innocent yet spirited heroine who challenges him at every turn, and the convenient marriage between two lonely and haunted people.
There is some very good character development as Jackson opens up to the idea of trusting a woman again after being hurt by his despicable ex, and Taylor comes to terms with the traumas of her childhood. Singh’s sex scenes are steamy and sensual even in this more traditional Silhouette format.
All in all, a light and easy read recommended for Singh fans while they await the next installments in her Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.
October 1, 2009
Although this is an early novel of Singh's, I can tell the writing style that Singh will eventually develop so well in her Psy-Changeling series. The sex scenes are steamy, too - the workout room scene is definitely x-rated. It's a modern contemporary romance, light on plot, about a movie producer mogul w/the baggage of a dead druggie first wife and a secretary with intimacy problems. Unless you're a completist like me, this one is easily skipped.
January 29, 2018
It was ok. The couple had strong chemistry but that’s it. The over-protective attitude of the Hero and his wanting to “claim” the heroine as his made him seem a bit paranormal. I guess that’s why the author concentrates more on that genre now. The trauma of the heroine seemed a bit excessive considering her experience, though awful, did not merit it.
February 24, 2008
Touching story of woman who was molested as a child and can't get past it and her special relationship with a man who's smart and patient enough to help her work past it. Nalini Singh writes hot stuff even when it's Harlequin.
July 12, 2016
I love Singh, even when I don't like her books. This book has less story than any random erotica book but the depth of characters, and the respect for them, is trademark Singh. Not anywhere NEAR her best, but you can see the promise in her writing.
March 16, 2018
re read 2014
May 18, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This is one of the author’s earliest books, but her trademark emotional style of writing is there. It tells the story of Taylor and Jackson, both of whom have been hurt by relationships in their lives. Both were rejected by their parents and Jackson also had a terrible first marriage. His wife, Bonnie, had a string of infidelities and dies of a drug overdose while pregnant with their child.
Taylor and Jackson met and connected when she was sent to work for him as a temporary assistant at his film studio. She impresses him with her competence and her ability to stand up to him. He is married at the time, so they do not act on their mutual attraction. About a year later, they meet again, and Jackson’s wife has died, and Taylor is trying to retain custody of her younger, half-brother, Nick.
Taylor has to overcome her fear of s*x because of some events in her childhood and quite a bit of the focus of the book is on this issue. The book began to feel more like erotica as she fairly quickly goes from fear to being adventurous. I do think it is good that the book spoke positively about therapy.
Both Taylor and Jackson were patient and caring towards each other which was nice. Most of the book happens over a short period of time and it feels a bit fast.
The author brought up issues with Jackson’s family that continue to affect Jackson, but they were not resolved. Taylor helps him accept a part of what happened, but I thought this could have been explored more deeply.
There was a bit too much of a single-minded focus on a couple of issues. More of a story could have been developed. At least one secondary character could have been developed a bit better: Nick or someone else.
I plan to continue reading her books. For anyone who likes her books, reading this book will show her early, developing talent.
This is one of the author’s earliest books, but her trademark emotional style of writing is there. It tells the story of Taylor and Jackson, both of whom have been hurt by relationships in their lives. Both were rejected by their parents and Jackson also had a terrible first marriage. His wife, Bonnie, had a string of infidelities and dies of a drug overdose while pregnant with their child.
Taylor and Jackson met and connected when she was sent to work for him as a temporary assistant at his film studio. She impresses him with her competence and her ability to stand up to him. He is married at the time, so they do not act on their mutual attraction. About a year later, they meet again, and Jackson’s wife has died, and Taylor is trying to retain custody of her younger, half-brother, Nick.
Taylor has to overcome her fear of s*x because of some events in her childhood and quite a bit of the focus of the book is on this issue. The book began to feel more like erotica as she fairly quickly goes from fear to being adventurous. I do think it is good that the book spoke positively about therapy.
Both Taylor and Jackson were patient and caring towards each other which was nice. Most of the book happens over a short period of time and it feels a bit fast.
The author brought up issues with Jackson’s family that continue to affect Jackson, but they were not resolved. Taylor helps him accept a part of what happened, but I thought this could have been explored more deeply.
There was a bit too much of a single-minded focus on a couple of issues. More of a story could have been developed. At least one secondary character could have been developed a bit better: Nick or someone else.
I plan to continue reading her books. For anyone who likes her books, reading this book will show her early, developing talent.
May 9, 2017
Leído el 22/12/2011
¿Qué dirías si te pidiera que te casaras conmigo?
Sus sentimientos hacia aquel hombre cuya mirada era tan oscura como su pasado eran inesperados. La experiencia le decía a Taylor Reid que debía alejarse de Jackson Santorini inmediatamente. Pero si quería conservar la custodia de su hermano, debía convertirse en la novia de su ex jefe. Y darle un hijo.
A pesar del aspecto fuerte de Jackson, era un hombre herido... por una mujer. Y aun así la había protegido y respetado al máximo. Ahora Taylor había decidido sustituir su dolor por placer... sin saber qué sensaciones y secretos estaba a punto de despertar.
¿Qué dirías si te pidiera que te casaras conmigo?
Sus sentimientos hacia aquel hombre cuya mirada era tan oscura como su pasado eran inesperados. La experiencia le decía a Taylor Reid que debía alejarse de Jackson Santorini inmediatamente. Pero si quería conservar la custodia de su hermano, debía convertirse en la novia de su ex jefe. Y darle un hijo.
A pesar del aspecto fuerte de Jackson, era un hombre herido... por una mujer. Y aun así la había protegido y respetado al máximo. Ahora Taylor había decidido sustituir su dolor por placer... sin saber qué sensaciones y secretos estaba a punto de despertar.
April 19, 2018
Taylor & Jackson
This is a sweet, sexy And very Hot story about two people that meet each other after working together some years back. There's not major conflicts, just two people getting to know each other again this time in a physical way. The Red Hot sexual tension between them will scorch you. Super hot , sexy family orientated alpha hero and a strong heroine.
Love love love
Highly recommended
This is a sweet, sexy And very Hot story about two people that meet each other after working together some years back. There's not major conflicts, just two people getting to know each other again this time in a physical way. The Red Hot sexual tension between them will scorch you. Super hot , sexy family orientated alpha hero and a strong heroine.
Love love love
Highly recommended
February 15, 2019
This book reminds me a lot of Lucy Monroe's "Blackmailed into marriage". The hero in both cases is physically powerful, yet tender and patient and protective with his woman's fears and vulnerabilities. I love that. Similarly, in both books, the heroine is strong enough to fight her fears and trust her husband not to hurt her the way she has been hurt in the past. This is going to be a keeper for me and will go on my "to be reread" shelf.
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