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Sleeping Giants #1
Intoxicated
Etienne Shaw makes a decision one night that will shape her destiny and haunt her future. For Etienne, it was the night she believes she became a monster. Whether the monster was simply conjured in a moment of terror or had been brewing inside her for years, was a question with the power to incapacitate her. Then, she meets Mercuri Nikolaides, a man with the power… to intoxicate her.
For Mercuri, meeting Etienne was a potent surprise and he doesn’t know what to make of the waif-like beauty who has the ability to lay waste to the fortress he’s constructed around his emotions.
Now, Etienne’s and Mercuri’s worlds passionately collide as their enemies return. In the midst of this collision, the innocent and the guilty will be crushed.
For Mercuri, meeting Etienne was a potent surprise and he doesn’t know what to make of the waif-like beauty who has the ability to lay waste to the fortress he’s constructed around his emotions.
Now, Etienne’s and Mercuri’s worlds passionately collide as their enemies return. In the midst of this collision, the innocent and the guilty will be crushed.
- GenresContemporaryMystery
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2016
46 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Ally Fleming
8 books20 followersAlly Fleming’s world is one where the imagination is fueled by the suspense of fiction, the allure of romance, the depravity of villains and the potency of those who oppose them.
The work of the award-winning author known as AlTonya Washington, is influenced by an infatuation with powerful heroes, irresistible heroines, gritty story-lines, intriguing villains and the heat those forces generate.
AlTonya (aka Ally) has over 12 years in the business. Her writing creds span the historical and contemporary romance genres as well as contemporary and paranormal YA. She also dabbles in erotica. Ally Fleming is her pen-name for interracial (BWWM) suspense fiction.
The work of the award-winning author known as AlTonya Washington, is influenced by an infatuation with powerful heroes, irresistible heroines, gritty story-lines, intriguing villains and the heat those forces generate.
AlTonya (aka Ally) has over 12 years in the business. Her writing creds span the historical and contemporary romance genres as well as contemporary and paranormal YA. She also dabbles in erotica. Ally Fleming is her pen-name for interracial (BWWM) suspense fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 5, 2016
I was very pleased
I've always liked this author and I'm glad that this is a series that I can follow. I love all the characters and can't wait to read the best friends stories. Hopefully theirs won't be long coming
I've always liked this author and I'm glad that this is a series that I can follow. I love all the characters and can't wait to read the best friends stories. Hopefully theirs won't be long coming
January 30, 2021
4 Stars
Honestly, this story moved kind of slow, but I did enjoy it overall. I was a well written story. I loved Mercuri and Tee together. They had a good connection and chemistry, hence the reason why they engaged in “relations” so often...lol. I got tired of them hunching all the time after awhile. Nevertheless, you could definitely feel the love between them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Good job, Ally Fleming!
Honestly, this story moved kind of slow, but I did enjoy it overall. I was a well written story. I loved Mercuri and Tee together. They had a good connection and chemistry, hence the reason why they engaged in “relations” so often...lol. I got tired of them hunching all the time after awhile. Nevertheless, you could definitely feel the love between them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Good job, Ally Fleming!
November 6, 2016
Edge of your seat
Suspense. Check
Great characters. Check
Good plot. Check
Passion. Check
MN was everything a hero should be in a story. He was the perfect Alpha Male. He was sexy, protective, and resourceful. He did what was needed for his girl and his friends. Definitely recommend this book
Suspense. Check
Great characters. Check
Good plot. Check
Passion. Check
MN was everything a hero should be in a story. He was the perfect Alpha Male. He was sexy, protective, and resourceful. He did what was needed for his girl and his friends. Definitely recommend this book
February 18, 2021
This was tough!
I wanted to give this 5 stars but there was something holding me back. I liked all the characters a lot except Prin, she drove me nuts for some reason, although I’m sure in her book that would probably change once you learn more about her. The romance was so sweet and I love the H and h. They were so cute. I would’ve liked more scenes of them just hanging out and going on dates in place of some of the sex scenes they were just that cute. This book unfortunately had the disservice of being the first in the series so it also had to do some world building which slowed the story for me at times. Overall I was into the story and once things started heating up it had my full attention. I’ll give the other books in the series a try.
I wanted to give this 5 stars but there was something holding me back. I liked all the characters a lot except Prin, she drove me nuts for some reason, although I’m sure in her book that would probably change once you learn more about her. The romance was so sweet and I love the H and h. They were so cute. I would’ve liked more scenes of them just hanging out and going on dates in place of some of the sex scenes they were just that cute. This book unfortunately had the disservice of being the first in the series so it also had to do some world building which slowed the story for me at times. Overall I was into the story and once things started heating up it had my full attention. I’ll give the other books in the series a try.
May 10, 2017
Great read!! Well developed characters, strong H/h, great plot, action, hot sex, and a great love story. This story has it all. Looks like this is Ms. Fleming's first foray into IR/BWWM, so glad she did! I'm a picky reader, I authors who don't get strong confused with ghetto...don't get sexy mixed up with skank, and who invest in creating a great story. I'm a fan Ms. Fleming! Already purchased the next book in the series and anxiously await the arrival of the next!
December 5, 2021
a pleasant find
Looking for a good read and came across this first book in a series. It is a very good storyline lots of drama and secrets and betrayals Mercuri sees Tee and she shook him and they have similar pasts of trauma I’m looking forward to the next book I don’t want to spoil any plots for this book just want say it’s an excellent start to the series
Looking for a good read and came across this first book in a series. It is a very good storyline lots of drama and secrets and betrayals Mercuri sees Tee and she shook him and they have similar pasts of trauma I’m looking forward to the next book I don’t want to spoil any plots for this book just want say it’s an excellent start to the series
January 25, 2022
Outstanding
I literally couldn't stop reading. This story was amazing. It started slow but stick with it and I promise you won't be disappointed
I literally couldn't stop reading. This story was amazing. It started slow but stick with it and I promise you won't be disappointed
July 31, 2016
FULL REVIEW POSTED -->
I am officially intoxicated by this sleeping giant, all pun intended. I’m always game for a new romance series and author, only this author isn’t new. Ally Fleming is the pen name for one of my favorite authors, Altonya Washington. I saw her tweet a blog post about this new book and pen name last week, and let’s just say I immediately went to Amazon to purchase.
Altonya Washington has always known her way around a fantastic suspenseful romance and as Ally Fleming, she continues to deliver. Intoxicated is a novel that wraps you up in lust and danger. It follows Mercuri Nikolaides and Etienne Shaw, two people who had previously never met but who were unknowingly tied to an event in Vegas 6 years prior. For Etienne, what she and her friends did on that fateful night was necessary in order to survive. Though they know this to be true and have gone on to lead successful lives, guilt and fear have never allowed the events of that night to stray far from their minds. For Mercuri, what these four women did allowed him to put plans in motion to leave behind an evil group.
When Mercuri and Etienne first meet, it’s all about lust. They have no idea just how intertwined their lives are until much later. Once the truth is discovered, however, while Etienne would like to let Mercuri go save them both pain, all Mercuri wants to do is love and protect her at all costs.
Mercuri was fine as all get out! Tee was definitely better than me because she held out longer than I would have been able to. I also have no shame in admitting this. There was something so alluring yet dangerous about Mercuri that you couldn’t help but be drawn to him. With his friends, just like Etienne, he was the glue that held everyone together. While he never explicitly said it, true love was the one thing he very much desired that always seemed to evade him. Given his past and all the wrongs, he has helped to right, very few people deserved a happily ever after more than him. Except maybe Etienne, of course.
I also respected the fact that once Mercuri was sure of what he wanted, he did whatever he could to get it and keep it. Etienne was afraid, rightfully so, and tried to push him away. He was adamant about not only protecting her but loving her past the pain. Mercuri was determined to let her know that he loved her depsite AND because of her past.
You know Mercuri had my heart, right? There are very few things I love more than a hero who is willing to love the heroine past her pain.
As you can imagine, with both Etienne and Mercuri having three best friends, Intoxicated won’t be a standalone novel for long. I cannot say that I am unhappy about that in the least. These stories aren’t nearly over, the demons that they all face aren’t quite behind them and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a few more villains before this is all put to rest.
Ms. Washington, may I make a suggestion for the next couple in this series, please? My hope is for Pope and Bear. There’s something about Pope that I am very intrigued about.
Intoxicated is a gritty storyline of love, power struggle and mystery. I definitely recommend reading this book, you won’t want to put it down.
I am officially intoxicated by this sleeping giant, all pun intended. I’m always game for a new romance series and author, only this author isn’t new. Ally Fleming is the pen name for one of my favorite authors, Altonya Washington. I saw her tweet a blog post about this new book and pen name last week, and let’s just say I immediately went to Amazon to purchase.
Altonya Washington has always known her way around a fantastic suspenseful romance and as Ally Fleming, she continues to deliver. Intoxicated is a novel that wraps you up in lust and danger. It follows Mercuri Nikolaides and Etienne Shaw, two people who had previously never met but who were unknowingly tied to an event in Vegas 6 years prior. For Etienne, what she and her friends did on that fateful night was necessary in order to survive. Though they know this to be true and have gone on to lead successful lives, guilt and fear have never allowed the events of that night to stray far from their minds. For Mercuri, what these four women did allowed him to put plans in motion to leave behind an evil group.
When Mercuri and Etienne first meet, it’s all about lust. They have no idea just how intertwined their lives are until much later. Once the truth is discovered, however, while Etienne would like to let Mercuri go save them both pain, all Mercuri wants to do is love and protect her at all costs.
Mercuri was fine as all get out! Tee was definitely better than me because she held out longer than I would have been able to. I also have no shame in admitting this. There was something so alluring yet dangerous about Mercuri that you couldn’t help but be drawn to him. With his friends, just like Etienne, he was the glue that held everyone together. While he never explicitly said it, true love was the one thing he very much desired that always seemed to evade him. Given his past and all the wrongs, he has helped to right, very few people deserved a happily ever after more than him. Except maybe Etienne, of course.
I also respected the fact that once Mercuri was sure of what he wanted, he did whatever he could to get it and keep it. Etienne was afraid, rightfully so, and tried to push him away. He was adamant about not only protecting her but loving her past the pain. Mercuri was determined to let her know that he loved her depsite AND because of her past.
You know Mercuri had my heart, right? There are very few things I love more than a hero who is willing to love the heroine past her pain.
As you can imagine, with both Etienne and Mercuri having three best friends, Intoxicated won’t be a standalone novel for long. I cannot say that I am unhappy about that in the least. These stories aren’t nearly over, the demons that they all face aren’t quite behind them and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a few more villains before this is all put to rest.
Ms. Washington, may I make a suggestion for the next couple in this series, please? My hope is for Pope and Bear. There’s something about Pope that I am very intrigued about.
Intoxicated is a gritty storyline of love, power struggle and mystery. I definitely recommend reading this book, you won’t want to put it down.
February 25, 2017
Omg, loved Mercuri and Tee!
This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Whew, this book was sexy, dangerous and full of twists and turns. Can't wait to read the next book. I hope that Slay, Pope and Rut get their own stories too. Great book!
This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Whew, this book was sexy, dangerous and full of twists and turns. Can't wait to read the next book. I hope that Slay, Pope and Rut get their own stories too. Great book!
June 21, 2016
Just Fantastic!!
I don't have that many words to say engaging this story was,from the beginning to the end.This was a well written story that ran the total course of emotions and feelings.This was a book of mystery and intrigue that kept you on the edge at all times.I love that we get a heroine that doesn't sit back and feels helpless but jumps into action save herself and knows when to ask for help.The chemistry between the two main characters is so hot that they burn the pages every time they are in a scene.You are also getting a well rounded supporting cast who can bring just as much heat,I look forward to reading more from this crew.This was just an sexy,mysterious,intriguing story that borders on the savage.This was so worth all of my reading attention and time.
I don't have that many words to say engaging this story was,from the beginning to the end.This was a well written story that ran the total course of emotions and feelings.This was a book of mystery and intrigue that kept you on the edge at all times.I love that we get a heroine that doesn't sit back and feels helpless but jumps into action save herself and knows when to ask for help.The chemistry between the two main characters is so hot that they burn the pages every time they are in a scene.You are also getting a well rounded supporting cast who can bring just as much heat,I look forward to reading more from this crew.This was just an sexy,mysterious,intriguing story that borders on the savage.This was so worth all of my reading attention and time.
July 17, 2016
Good but too many things in the plot were left dandling or just didn't make any sense. Like, explain how four untrained, abused and frightened women could kill 10 men even if some were sleeping, figure out the video security system, take all of the security tapes, and then connect with an international gangster and win his protection and financial backing even if he just wanted the tapes that the women weren't giving up to him.
June 29, 2016
Awesomeness!!
Mercuri....what can I say about a 6'7" Greek God?! Alpha, sexy, sense of humor and a serious Badass who loves his sprite (Tee)! Etienne is a compact firehouse herself!
I love the characters, I loved the grown up dialogue and I adored the sensual blossoming of their romance. Can't wait to see who's up next!
Buy this book!!
Mercuri....what can I say about a 6'7" Greek God?! Alpha, sexy, sense of humor and a serious Badass who loves his sprite (Tee)! Etienne is a compact firehouse herself!
I love the characters, I loved the grown up dialogue and I adored the sensual blossoming of their romance. Can't wait to see who's up next!
Buy this book!!
February 28, 2017
This is my first book by this author. I loved the story and the couple. However, I enjoyed it more when I got to Part 2 of the story, as I felt Part 1 was slow and not get into the romance until Part 2. I think if the romance was started from the beginning and then we found out the circumstances of the story I would have enjoyed the story much more. Definitely worth a read.
December 17, 2020
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. You have the making of a romance unfolding with a lot of supense as well. I do not want to give anything away, but you will not be disappointed. When two people are running from the ghost of their past, is love enough to conquer all? You just might find the answer thanks to Ally Fleming. I could not put this book down.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews