**Special Notice: This romance is of the darker variety, contains adult themes, and sexually explicit content. The hero is flawed and dirty. Consider yourself warned**
Insomniac. Narcissist. Sex addict.
…the only description sex therapist, Vanessa Ferris, was given of her newest patient, a fellow psychologist, Dr. Zander Hale.
From the moment he entered her office, she knew he’d be trouble—possibly the good kind. What she wasn’t prepared for was how he’d blindside her; how he would challenge everything she thought she knew about her profession, about herself.
There are certain lines a doctor is warned never to cross with their patients, but she didn’t listen.
Now, they’re both addicted.
One hit was all it took.
***AUTHOR NOTE: "OVERDOSE" is a full-length standalone, bursting at the seams with sexual heat, thanks to one smoking hot bad-boy and his feisty, no nonsense therapist. Expect a dark tale of erotic romance with no cliffhanger. This story is not for the faint of heart and is definitely intended for readers 18 and older. (130,000+ words) ***TRIGGER WARNING: Be advised, this book contains a brief, nondescript reference to sexual abuse and other violent acts that some readers may find offensive.
Raven is the author of several interracial and African-American romances, including her debut series, "Free Falling" books 1 - 3, "Red Sun", and "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob". Since early on, she has found writing to be her creative outlet of choice, although she did not complete her first full-length novel until 2009. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, but currently works from home, mostly writing, but also building her own Virtual Assistant business. If you're interested in learning more about Raven's upcoming works, there are a number of ways to find her and to stay in touch!
Something very, very different from Raven St. Pierre. There's nothing I love more than an author who takes risks and write outside of their proverbial box. I'm used to sweet and demure romance from this author, and this ain't it! Refreshing...I think this story defies classification because there are so many components: Romance (duh), erotica, psychological, dark, mystery, classic alpha...St. Pierre does a really good job of taking multiple genres and creating this literary gumbo of page-turning emotion.
Vanessa and Zander are both psychologists who have no damn sense being together because...well it not only raises ethical issues, but they both have personal issues, which are the basis of the entire narrative. Their attraction to one another is mutual and undeniable and reading their story unfold will have you asking, "Did sweet Raven St. Pierre really write this?" Yeah, she did that!
This story does have dark elements, which I am admittedly not a fan of, but the writing, as always, is superb and engrosses you from beginning to end. Add to your TBR because it's definitely worth the read.
New release coming October 9th, 2016, so make sure you add it to your TBR list today! (Cover Reveal scheduled for August 23rd!!)
Blurb:
**SPECIAL NOTE: This romance is of the darker variety. The hero is flawed and dirty. Consider yourself warned**
Insomniac. Narcissist. Sex addict.
…the only description sex therapist, Vanessa Ferris, was given of her newest patient, a fellow psychologist, Dr. Zander Hale.
From the moment he entered her office, she knew he’d be trouble—possibly the good kind. What she wasn’t prepared for was how he’d blindside her; how he would challenge everything she thought she knew about her profession, about herself.
There are certain lines a doctor is warned never to cross with their patients, but she didn’t listen. Now, they’re both addicted. One hit was all it took.
***AUTHOR NOTE: "OVERDOSE" is a full-length standalone, bursting at the seams with sexual heat, thanks to one smoking hot, bad-boy and his feisty, no nonsense therapist. Expect a dark tale of erotic romance with no cliffhanger. This story is not for the faint of heart and is definitely intended for readers 18 and older. (130,000+ words)
*To receive the first 2-3 chapters before release day, make sure you're on my email list. Just copy and past this link into your browser: https://youaresowrite.wordpress.com/s...
** I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. I was not paid for my review. **
This is Vanessa and Zander's story. Vanessa is a sex therapist and Zander is a sex addict. Zander is a doctor in his own right and understands that he needs help for his addition.
I enjoyed the chemistry between the couple. Vanessa is a strong intellectual woman and Zander is a bit of cynic probably due to his life experiences. The story starts off slowly until Zander meets Vanessa as his therapist. I found the subject matter interesting and how Vanessa tries to get Zander to open up to her about his issues.
In the background is Vanessa's ex-husband imposing himself on Vanessa's life even though she wants nothing to do with him. I felt that Simon was let off the hook and was not made to pay for his crimes against Vanessa and others, he took the easy way out. I found that element of the story dissatisfying.
I am not sure I would call this story a dark romance. What Vanessa and Zander experience with each other through their developing relationship, was not dark. Yes Zander's childhood was dark but in relation to his feelings towards Vanessa they were not. I loved how in sync with her feelings and emotions he was. He was able to read her very well. I loved the honest in their relationship, even when they were crossing the line.
This is a long engrossing read which deals with the issues of abandonment, sexual abuse, love, addictive behaviour, betrayal and my personal trigger, mothers who put the love of men before their children.
Me after receiving my ARC from Ms. raven. Me after reading this marvelous story! Yes! cheers you Ms. Raven! I enjoyed this so much I love that she stepped outside her box this was a delicious read. I loved Nessa and oooooh Zander!!! *fans self* there is soooo much more I have to say I'm going to come back to the Review, but I just need to say this is a must read, a page turner of non stop juiciness and I recommend:) I'm off to make my couple cover art be back soon with more on this review! To be continued... :D
"Overdose" was deliciously good! It has a strong, slow build up that will leave you dripping in anticipation, waiting to see what happens next. Ms. Raven did an amazing job with the chemistry between the characters and I love her writing style. It's a dark romance book, which I love. It's not for the faint of heart, and definitely has mature content in it. Warning: Do Not Read While In Bed. You will never go to sleep, and your significant other might not get any rest either (if you know what I mean). ;-)
WOW! Now that was a different book! I gotta say I was all in! So in I ended up dvr’n a couple of my favorite shows this evening because there was no chance H e double hockey sticks ( clever right ) I was putting this book down until I was finished! The triangle of craziness this strong women / sex therapist Vanessa is between her soon to be Ex husband and business partner Simon and her patient Zander and her son Ryan smack dab in the middle is nothing short of nightmare masterpiece! Whats even more amazing is while this book was a bit heavy on the angst and serious side it flowed well into fun flirty hilarious quips and downright naughty scenes!! I love a book that challenges my mind a bit while I read and I feel this one did that. The intriguing plot twists great length and a excellent HEA rounded out this killer book. If you are in the mood for something different in the bad boy romance genre I HIGHLY suggest this one!
I tried, I really did and from the reviews something interesting happens towards the end... which may be great but I guess I will never know.
I have been trying to finish this book for over a week... it only takes me hours no more than a day or two to finish I book when everything is connected. I didn't feel any connection with Zander and Vanessa and maybe that would come towards the end but I didn't get it. Sexual attraction? absolutely but that's about it.
So the buck stops here.
Hey maybe one day..... I may say... lets see what was the conclusion to this.. but until then
I received this ARC for an honest. And folks let me tell you that this book is is super hot, I enjoyed every part of this book from beginning, middle and end. I have to give Raven St. Pierre a thousand thumps up because I am a true fan of her stories. I can't wait for the next book I am so freaking happy that I get to join her and others in this wonderful experience. So back to my "Overdose" review, This was a story about Vanessa and Zander two people who lived messed up lives but that's what brings them together. Though this story had its down and dirty moments it had also its sweet moments to. It was dark tale and I won't give any spoilers away but I think everyone should read this book. My hat goes off to you Raven your just so amazing!!!!
I have to be honest, I became interested in this book after seeing who the author choose as her muse for this book. Joseph Morgan a.k.a. Klaus form Vampire Diaries and The Originals, one of my favorite characters I love to hate. His personality fit Zander's characters perfectly. Gabrielle Union was the muse for Vanessa. Picturing these two together, while the story unfolded had me going back getting a second helping of parts of this book. This is an excellent read without the muses, but for me the muses made it go beyond excellent. I wish I could give this book a sixth star, for keeping me entertained from start to finish. This was a great read that I will gladly read again in the future.
Sex Therapist Dr. Vanessa Ferris, is going through a divorce and her personal life seems to be hurtling out of control. So when a colleague of hers refers a new patient to her, she feels that this new challenge maybe just the thing she needs to take her mind of her personal life and help her to prove that she can make it on her own without her soon to be ex. Dr Zander Hale, has known he needed help with his addiction, he just needs to find the right person to help him. He hopes that he's found that in Dr. Vanessa Ferris, that is until he meets her and realizes that their mutual attraction to each other may do more damage than good. This is not your warm and fuzzy romance. Vanessa and Zander's story is a very emotional and passionate read with plenty of ups and downs. One minute you will be sympathizing with the characters and the next you will be screaming at them. One thing this story will continuously do is keep you on the edge of your seat wondering whats going to happen next with these two, and how it will all end. Will it be a happily-ever-after, or will they hurt each other more than love each other. I give it 4.5 stars!
Wow… I think I’m gonna start with the ending which through me by surprise! I actually never expected how it went down or the leading cause of it going down. Like I knew it was going to happen but the situation that was mind blowing…never thought about! I truly think that this is phenomenal a great forbidden romance between a psychiatrist and her patient! Very steamy and great! I have two cons with the book though!
First would be the sex addiction part, especially with Zander. How technically he transferred his extradition to one woman. I think that was very unbelievable, but him continuing to go to therapy and still talk about his addiction because he still has it was great.
Then the second one would be, the non-factor of the relationship in the very beginning. Like everyone knows that you shouldn’t be in a relationship with your therapist or a psychiatrist. But it wasn’t bring up as a crime until her ex-husband came into play! There are some states that say after a certain period of time you can actually date your former patient, and others there’s absolutely no way no matter how many years have passed since they became your former patient. So I just had to assume that they were in a state that you couldn’t bear former patient, but they are dating so they can?????!!! That was just a little convoluted!
Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m thinking about reading the complete series because I went out of order! I’m hoping that the other two books will be just as great! Highly recommend!!!
After being trapped in unsuspecting darkness and bath in rain Therapist Vanessa Ferris is not seeking out the opposite sex by any means. She not in a hurry to know what joy in the summertime feels like, but it is coming. It is just outside of her door. It's getting ready to come in and without a knock. Vanessa doesn't have time to prepare herself for Dr. Zander Hales.
Confident, intelligent and more than sexy. Dr. Zander Hale has been constantly chasing moments of a certain type of high. He's locked his past away. He doesn't know that the key to unlocking that door is with therapist Vanessa Ferris. It isn't until her that his body and mind come to an understanding. He has choosen to remain lost, but now he is choosing to be found. New to the emotion of feeling needy. Zander finds himself wanting and wanting to be wanted in return. He surrenders to the feeling of loving and hoping for love in return,
Overdose is a far cry from anything I have previously read by Raven St. Pierre. I was more than satisfied.Please read if you are looking for a good book you can escape into. Overdose a romance mixed with drama and suspense. I enjoyed every minute of it. Great read!
I was given a copy of Overdose for an honest review.
Wait... I have to gather myself. This book had sooooo much to offer. It didn't disappoint. At the start of this novel, I kept thinking to myself Vanessa is strong, but naive at times. Once Raven paints a complete picture of her, you get to know her genuine goodness at the core. I think this is part of what draws her to Zander. She wants to help him. Soon, though you see that they are helping each other navigate their passions and sorrows. Lord knows that I love a tortured soul in my Alphas. Zander sensualness just permeates from my Kindle. His sexy swagger, arrogance, and asshole yet totally humorous behavior had me salivating. I felt so emotional for the young boy that he was. Vanessa and Zander together were so authentic. I appreciate the way that she slowly peeled back the layers of who Zander is at his core. I can feel the burden that is lifted from his shoulders as he shares more than just his body with Vanessa. When, he finally admitted his feelings of intimacy and love to his heroine I was sooooo rooting for them. The HEA was just perfect for these two...no rush; just take your time to heal. Thanks Raven for tackling abuse, addiction, and self-love with such vigor.
Favorite Quotes:
"Yes, Zander Hale was an acquired taste, of this fact he was sure, but he did have his rare moments when the good outweighed the bad."
"The remainder of their time together was spent naked, tangled in Zander’s sheets, exhausting every sexual position they could think of. Every now and then, they’d resurface to eat and engage in lengthy, soul-cleansing conversation..."
"Yes, he was indeed complex, but there was a certain beauty in his brokenness."
"After all, he was well aware of the fact that being with him, dealing with him, was a lot to handle. So much so, he probably ought to have a disclaimer stamped on his forehead, but the wait was still difficult."
Omg!!!! I really enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters. The chemistry between Zander and Vanessa was on point. They both helped each other in more ways than one. Simon was an pure A$$. I didn't see that coming. I felt like I was there when they had group session. I'm looking at Simon like why are you here? I loved how Zander had every body going . SMH. I didn't want the book to end. Loved the ending. Thanks for allowing me to be in ARC group. I have recommended this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
APB Perspective Reviews : ***I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated in anyway.*** 4.5 stars
First I want to say this , though the author describes the book as a dark romance , it's not. This book is an erotic romance and once you read the book you will see what I mean. The story starts with Vanessa and Simon on there way to divorce, due to Simon's infidelity . Vanessa is just waiting on the papers to be free , during that time a patient( Zander) strides into her office . Now Zander is a force to be reckoned with, as he rides his way into Vanessa's heart on his motorcycle. All sexy as hell , with the confidence to go after what he wants , and what he wants is Vanessa. One of the things I loved most about Zander was his ability to overcome is abusive childhood ( this is the dark part of the story), he starts some of the therapy with Vanessa but eventually moves on to continue his treatment. I wanted more details about his childhood , and about his relationship with his brother. When Vanessa doesn't really choose to be with Zander , I felt nature put these two together . They can't be in the same room without some how coming together like two magnets . Zander is in there as often as he can get it , he's very sexy and irresistible ,but I felt Vanessa was just as sexual, when she let go and stopped worrying about everything. She wanted Zander , he wanted her and they deserved a chance to be together. When I came to the end of this story I wanted to know more , I did not want to close the book on Zander and Vanessa . I hope the author gives us a little bit more of their story.
4.5 stars Seeing Zander overcome his issues and even just how they manifested in him was very interesting. I liked how his and Vanessa's feelings grew for each other...it was just the right pace. The fact that he's also a therapist makes their interactions more fascinating. It was a little more dramatic in the end than I was anticipating but it didn't take away from the book for me. As we see all the time in reality people are capable of many things which keeps the ending from seeming over the top in my opinion.
Call me greedy but I left off the point .5 rating because I wanted to see a little further into the relationship in the epilogue. But again that could just be me being greedy. :)
Overall I loved this! This is the second book I've read by this author and am becoming a fan of hers.
Omg! This book was awesome! Whew, I felt so many emotions that had me all up in my feelings! That doggone Zander! I loved me some Zander! He was the right mix of everything from his dark past to his honesty. I was on my seat and out done when the secret came out about Simon! Vanessa endured a lot but she endured more in the end. I loved the mystery and thrill of the book. I was actually mad when it ended! I wanted more of Zander! This was a great book. Mrs. Raven proved why she is the best of the best. Great work! This book was far from a disappointment!
I was excited to read this book after reading the blurb. The book did not disappoint. It was good from beginning to end. I cried, I laughed, I cursed and I got mad, not in that order though. You know a book is great when it has you wishing you could reach into the pages and smack one of the characters. I experienced this feeling and more while reading Overdose. Raven St. Pierre did good.
Just WOW!!!! When Raven St. Pierre writes a reader can expect originality, hotness and a sense of relating to the female main characters!! This book is no different. Immediately I was able to relate to Vanessa and the many hats she wears in this book. Zander came in and changed everything!!! Great read for those that expect the unexpected!!!
This was a very different kind of story for Raven St Pierre and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like when authors switch things up and give you something different.
I loved Zander and I loved him with Vanessa. They had amazing chemistry. There some surprising twists and turns that made this a great story.
Wow...just wow! Holy plot twist Batman! I knew something big was coming at the end but I was speechless. This book is great. We got a good insight into the mind of a sex addict and Vanessa and Zander's connection was incredible. Loved it cover to cover!
What a GREAT read! I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end... what a page turner.... I didn't see any of what happened in this book coming! Wow..... what an overdose!!!
A doctor love triangle!! Into the mind of a dirty, naughty therapist who seeks help from a sexually frustrated therapist. I mean come on if you want naughty go no farther! Raven puts you right in the middle of this triangle and keeps you there!
Vanessa is a sex therapist who is in business with her soon to be ex-husband Simon. She is sexually and mentally frustrated due to this divorce and just taking everything day by day. She is a great mother, she is a good therapist and was a great wife but now she just is in a fun. She continues to see her usual patients, that is until the amazingly hot and sexy sex addict, Dr Zander Hale, walks into her office. He needs help getting through his addiction and anger but neither one can keep their eyes off the other. Can Vanessa keep it strictly professional or will she let this British bad boy ruin her career?!?!
Zander is a sex addict and a psychologist. So he has no problem reading people...well everyone except himself. He knows where his issues come from he just can't seem to let these barriers he has up come down. So when he decides to get help with healing he walks into the office of Vanessa Ferris. Well Zander isn't sure this particular Dr. was a good idea, she is extremely sexy and intelligent. Oh no what has he gotten himself into?!?!
I love the banter between the two, I think the sexual frustration just adds to it. It all builds up and then when it's go time...let's just say we all feel relieved. Zander is like super hot and the way he transforms throughout the book is beautiful. Add him to my book boyfriends list. Vanessa is going through something a lot of women have faced and it is sad but she is one strong ass woman. But I do want to address Simon, if he was a real man I think I would have to kick his ass. I knew he was a POS but as the book went on he only disgusted me more and my heart broke for Vanessa. My only criticism would be the book seem to kinda keep skating over the same things and draw them out, other then that this was a very well written, kept me flipping pages book.
** I was graciously gifted this book by the author Raven St. Pierre as an ARC and in return I gave my honest review**
I actually enjoyed reading this mainly because they are both a psychologist and that's a plot that I would like to read about. The ending, wow, what a plot twist, I didn't expect that. Worth a read.
Imagine a well written grown up story of 2 adults meeting...one is a patient, the other the psychologist/therapist specializing in sexual disorder....the patient is plagued with a lifetime of sexuality mainly just a hit it and quit it type....whose also hyper sexual....simply got to have...always needing a fix...Vanessa is the therapist and Zander is the patient...whose also a therapist..this story is so expertly written...pushing the boundaries of doctor/patient dynamics...the magnetism between them defies everything that should stop them from crossing that line...Zander becomes so enamored with his doctor and doesn't even realize he's becoming cured...he's finally found the one woman on earth whom he cherishes and surrendered his heart to..but there's a problem...she comes as a package deal which includes a soon to be ex hell bent on destroying her...I fell in love with Zander and you will too
I love that Zander was a bad boy for actual reasons and not just because of privilege. It gave his character more depth. For about 70% of the book, Zander dominates the story. And his tale had me in tears. I didnt love him at first, but i did after he exposed himself. The story felt complete and everyone mentioned had a part in the overall plot. It was an enjoyable read, even though my emotions were high through majority of the book. My favorite line had to be 'There shouldn't be limits to what you're willing to do for someone you love.'