REX: a BDSM romance

by Saskia Walker

Rex Carruthers can have any woman he wants, but he wants only one -- his stepsister, Carmen Shelby. Their desire was once forbidden, and Rex walked away from his heritage as a result. Now, the reading of a will brings them back together, and Rex has something Carmen wants – his birthright, the stately home, Burlington Manor. Carmen Shelby is haunted by her desire for her stepbrother, Rex -- a dangerous, masterful player, the man who broke her heart. Then Rex makes an outrageous suggestion -- he will give her the Burlington Manor Estate, in exchange for the affair they were denied. To resolve the desire that haunts her, Carmen must risk her fragile heart and explore a new, submissive sexuality with Rex, a natural Dom. But while they thrash out their mutual passions, Carmen and Rex discover family secrets threaten and surround them. Carmen learns Rex is her true Master, but can he control the powerful forces that both drew them together – and threaten to tear them apart. Please This book was previously published with a different cover under the title The Burlington Manor Affair. This book has been substantially revised.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Saskia is British by birth, but because of her parent's nomadic tendencies she grew up traveling the globe--an only child with a serious book habit. She dreamed of being a writer since the age of 12 and finally began writing seriously in the late 1990s.

Saskia's short stories have now been published in over one hundred international anthologies and magazines including Cosmo, and Bust. In the noughties Saskia started working on longer projects and since then her novels have been published by Penguin and Harlequin as well as other publishing houses. To her absolute delight two of her novels won Passionate Plume awards and her work has twice been nominated for an Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers' Choice Award. Her Witches of Scotland series was widely translated and became a Scandinavian bestseller. In 2015 she became a USA TODAY bestselling author. It's been an amazing journey! Saskia is now a full time author and she has many more stories to tell.

Saskia lives in the north of England, on the beautiful, windswept landscape of the Yorkshire moors, with her real life hero, Mark. Mark supports her work through all its ups and downs, and manages to keep her sane and grounded when fiction threatens to take over.

http://www.saskiawalker.co.uk.home.html

Reviews

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...

Being a huge fan of Saskia Walker’s erotic historical romances, I’ve been keeping track of her latest releases of late. The Burlington Manor Affair sounded... well, historical, so I went ahead and requested for the ARC. It wasn’t until I started reading that I discovered it’s not a historical romance but contemporary. Also, I became aware of the fact that the story wasn’t going well for me. Why? Let’s if I can elaborate in my review.

When the story starts off, we’re introduced to a scene in the Burlington Manor I’m not sure I was happy about. It’s sort of a flashback, of years earlier, of our heroine, a teenage Carmen accidentally spying her best friend Amanda and her step-brother, Rex in bed together, going at it like the bunnies. A scene that breaks her heart as much as it arouses her. You see, though Rex is technically her step-brother, he has not really been a brotherly figure. Carmen has harbored a huge crush on him ever since her mother, Sylvia married Rex’s father some years prior and they started living in here. Though Rex is couple of years older, both he and Carmen were already in their teens when the marriage took place. Carmen, the reserved sort, never could tell the sexy and handsome Rex about her real feelings or infatuation, however you see it. They fooled around a bit, hiding behind their parents back but it never went anywhere... until she finds him in bed with Amanda, who actually knew of her feelings. Who needs enemies when you have friends like that, right? Even though she still wanted Rex, after this incident, Carmen promises to herself that she’d never fall for or think of Rex and give him the chance hurt her again.

At present time, about 10 or so years later, Carmen is taking care of her now deceased mother’s business. Recently, Rex’s father also passed away. She hadn’t seen Rex for a long time too. He’s rich, a successful entrepreneur, his specialty being manufacturing racing cars. He’s also, as the rumor goes, a womanizer. Beautiful women, models and socialites are seen in his arms quite frequently. Carmen always knew this is how it’ll be. Rex is still as tall and handsome as he was, if not more so and sexy to boots. Her assumptions about him are proven correct when she sees him at his father’s funeral. Even now Carmen can’t resist him, just one look at him makes her knees go weak. It wasn’t until the will is read, where she was specifically advised to be present, are things go crazy. It seems like Rex’s father has divided the ownership of the Burlington Manor, a house where she had lived and experienced so much until her mother’s death in an accident, between her and Rex. Carmen didn’t expect to inherit anything, so she’s as surprised as she’s exhilarated to be a part of the house again.

Carmen assumes Rex doesn’t care about the manor much. He’d had a difficult time there with his father there. At one point, their relationship deteriorated so much that he left and didn’t return. Carmen though, loves this house very much and wants it to be hers, if she can manage it. She wants to buy out Rex’s portion and renovate it to her liking. But the trouble is, for that, she needs to negotiate with the one person she wants to avoid at all cost. Rex himself, who it seems do not care to give away his portion that easily. After the reading of the will, the deviltry in his eyes told Carmen she has her work cut out where he’s concerned.

True to her thoughts, Rex puts forth a proposal. He doesn’t want money. He doesn’t want any other kind of deal that Carmen is trying to talk him into. All he wants is, her, in his bed, for a month. Each weekend, spend in the manor in question, together. No holds barred and no-strings-attached. Take it or leave it.

For Carmen, the choice is set. Though she tries to talk her brain into denying this, Rex’s touches immediately makes turns it into mush. Her body doesn’t even listen to her whenever he’s near. So it was no surprise that she finds herself leaving for the manor the next weekend. She continues to try to convince herself that she’s going to talk Rex out of it, that she’s now grown up and a businesswoman, that she can ignore his advances etc. etc... but nothing of the sort happens. When the time comes, she jumps right into bed with him.

Hmmm. I was not happy. Nope.

First of all, Rex came off as one of those rich and spoiled womanizer heroes. His every intention was to get Carmen into bed, as if she’s a challenge he wanted to concur and this was the perfect opportunity. Like a sort of blackmail. He confesses almost as much, that he had always wanted her (... and you jumped into bed with her best friend when the opportunity arrived? Right!). Not my thing. And Carmen, OMG, did she even have a personality? Or will power? After what she witnessed, doesn’t matter some years ago if it’s still that fresh on her mind, I would’ve thought she’d run as far away as possible from Rex cause heartbreak and big NO-NO are written all over him. But she doesn’t do a thing. For me, such a pushover h does not add much to the story. So together, I found skipping the first 150 or so pages because they were just full of sex or Carmen telling herself she can keep the no-strings-attached thing going but we all knew she couldn’t. Rex keeps manipulating her the way he saw fit, she just could not say ‘not’ to his advances. It was annoying! Moreover, out of nowhere, we’re told that Rex brings out the submissiveness in her. Um, huh? She has never been in BDSM, yet suddenly she’s crawling on the floor for Rex?

Ok.

TBH, there was nothing appealing for me in those sex scenes. At some point I found myself debating if I should stop reading or not. I even stopped reading for a while to give myself some times.

When I returned, after a few more pages of slogging through it, finally things started to shift around. It was when Rex’s POVs were beginning to get clearer and more concise (without lust hazing every thought and intentions). Also, I begin seeing some, albeit late, will power from Carmen’s part. Yah, she was still having sex with him but she was also thinking of the consequences. It was pretty obvious that she never got over him. And now that she’s tasted the ‘forbidden’, something she craved almost all her life, she knows she can’t let it go.

I wanted Carmen to confront Rex about that night in particular, where she saw him with Amanda. It would’ve ruined the book completely if she decided to forget it all just because he’s ‘oh-so-good’ in bed. At that point, Rex was finally beginning feel more comfortable, starting to show his affections for Carmen. He decides to throw a party by inviting some of their old friends. Amanda was one of them. The b!tch does some stuff to put Carmen off, not wasting a minute to be all over Rex, who didn’t want any of it to begin with. It hurts Carmen and she leaves the party early. When Rex finds her, she confesses about what she saw. A little anti-climactic for me cause, though Rex is shocked and feeling really guilty, he confesses that he doesn’t remember much about that encounter. That was a one-time thing, a bad judgment on his part. It was right after he had this argument with his father about his growing attraction of Carmen, something that obviously left him restless. The old man didn’t want him involved, forcing him to treat her as a younger sister, which was never going to happen. And since Carmen was out of reach... it just happened.

This confession comes as a shock for Carmen too, who had no idea how bad things have gotten between the father and the son, and probably, it was for her. Her old yearnings return full force when Rex confesses that it’s her he always wanted. I couldn’t blame her as I was also beginning to see things differently. In all these give and take, what Rex doesn’t come clean about is, now that the opportunity has landed on his lap, quite literally, he’s going to do anything to keep Carmen. It becomes clearer with each page and sexual encounters just how desperate Rex is to keep her, so that she accepts him the way he wants her. But it wasn’t going to be easy as Carmen, quite a few times, pushes him away whenever he tried talking about something more serious. I couldn’t entirely blame her. Rex’s track record has not been good. Then again, it came down to the fact, again, that it was her he wanted and not those women.

His assurances, at first, doesn’t allay Carmen’s vulnerabilities. She thinks she’s not supposed to be all alone cause all her loved ones have left, one way or the other. Her few past encounters haven’t been successful due to her eternal obsession with Rex. The one person she could never forget, and never have. And now that he’s telling her something of that proportion, what’s she supposed to do? Can she accept it, and him?

It was also true that she can’t stay away from him, just as Rex himself. So they kept meeting at the manor. Carmen’s plan of keeping things ‘just there’ fails as Rex is determined to meet her outside of that set boundary, as a normal couple would. His skillful maneuvering had her doing exactly what he’s been asking for even before Carmen could utter a ‘no’. The talks about their initial deal of buying out are still a part of their conversation, though, gradually, that ceases to become the center. She even, at one point, goes to Rex’s apartment to spend time with him. Also would like to mention that sex scenes were much hotter for me now that I could feel the connection between them.

As the story progressed, some of Rex’s father’s ugly deeds begin to come into the view. With that, some sudden and unwanted mishaps started happing too. Rex knew one of the big reasons why his parents broke up was his father cheating on his mother. He had a mistress on the side and regularly visited her. It ended right before he married Carmen’s mother. Rex had always been adamant about never cheating on his girlfriends, no matter how short that relationship was. But when Carmen had a minor accident at the manor and sprained her ankle, then he too survived what he can only term as a murder attempt at the railway station, Rex decides it’s time to pay the woman a call. He had a sickening suspicion that all this sudden ‘accident’s had something to do with his father’s recent passing and the will he left. If only he knew the mess that was waiting for him!

The ex-mistress turns out to be the proverbial evaiiil one. With his visit, not only Rex found hating the woman even more but also, some of his suspicions seemed quite solidly grounded, such as: the recent ‘accident’s and Carmen’s mother’s untimely death. What Rex could surmise is that this woman is desperate enough to do certain things for her own gain. He hires investigators to make discrete inquiries too. Because he didn’t want Carmen to worry over any of it, Rex keeps it all a secret from her.

Then things began to unravel. The mistress certainly wasn’t happy with the will and she strikes with a vengeance. She plans murder to be committed at the manor. Though no one is badly or fatally injured, some more unexpected (and unwanted) truths surface about his father’s rather slimy past. One he already knew, the cheating. Now it seems Rex has two younger half-brothers (with the mistress), whom his father completely overlooked while creating the will, as if they didn’t exist. He actually treated them as such. One of them was employed at the manor without anyone knowing his true identity. This guy, Jason, turns out to be the less guilty of the three; a mere pawn for his mother and elder brother’s plans.

I would’ve been rather disappointed in Rex if he kept treating Jason, who I felt was genuinely innocent of anything, the same hateful way he did to the other two. I don’t blame him for it, yet I was also thinking that his father was to blame for it all. When all three of them were arrested, Rex tries his best not to feel for Jason at all. Jason also doesn’t want the pity but only his genuine regret over whatever happened. I was happy to see, later on, Rex helping him start over when the story ended. Additionally, I remember this letter of his father that was found and given to Rex by an employee. The reading of it was an emotional scene, as Rex was already much deep with Carmen at that time. I guess he needed the closure but I never felt anything positive for his father. The guy was a complete a$$ IMO.

Carmen, this time, learned everything that Rex has been hiding from her. He didn’t want his father’s past to ruin things for them, hence she wasn’t privy of his thoughts or actions. Though she’s sympathetic, she also doesn’t think Jason needs to be treated so harshly. Carmen also becomes angry with Rex when she learns of his plans about the manor. She takes umbrage that Rex would do or plan anything without consulting her when she’s the half-owner of the manor itself. Well, possibly she had had the right to be annoyed, thinking Rex is way too used to getting his way but she had a really childish way of showing it.

Also, not sure why, she suddenly decides to leave Rex and break off this no-strings thing when they had, as I felt, gotten much closer. To me, they felt more like a real couple then they ever were. It was not all about sex anymore but other, more solid things, were involved where their relationship was concerned. There was no doubt that Rex wanted this for more than a handful of weeks and hinted at a long-term relationship. So Carmen’s decision was rather rushed, too sudden, came when I was least expecting it. I thought, the way she was, she’d be happy to hear Rex out and give him a chance. Not that she could stay away for long, so I don’t know what was the point of that short break-up. Moreover, she didn’t seem all that upset seeing his one of ex’s sniffing around him, trying to get together again. So I can only surmise that she wasn’t confident enough to take up on a man like Rex, that’s all.

Rex does his best to take care of this mess about his father’s ex-mistress and her son, but there was one thing he wanted to do; to find the truth of Carmen’s mother’s death. He was already suspicious, now he needed the proof. He wanted to do this for her and give her some piece of mind. To show her that she’s not alone in this world anymore, so she can learn to rely on him just a little bit. Maybe then, Carmen will come to see that he cares that much. Rex had some future plans for the manor too, now that he has no intentions of getting rid of his share but be a part of it, possibly with her by his side and working on this new plan together. Only he has to convince her of his intentions...

When all was said and done and the troubles solved, I have to say that I liked the way it ended. Ms. Walker made me believe in Rex’s feelings for Carmen when I didn’t in the beginning. I never doubted Carmen’s feelings (she was stuck for good where Rex was concerned LOL) but I wish she wasn’t a pushover at times. There definitely could’ve been less drama in their relationship but glad nonetheless that it proved to be a much better, engaging read at the end. 3.75 stars.


This ARC was provided to me by Harlequin/HQN via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, this is going to be short and sweet. The storyline was well defined and executed properly. I found no plot holes or anything like that, however, Carmen and Rex both as characters need a swift kick in the ass with a time-out. Those are all choices an author makes in the personality they create for us to read and if I’m being completely honest, had the sexual scenes not been so delicious, I may not have finished the book *shrug*

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/19/2018)! 💝

[Imad Rouayi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully amazing book for everyone to delve into the world of eroticism. The writing is well-crafted, with an in-depth narration and a perfectly-shaped description throughout the story.

After the death of his father, Rex Caruthers had the opportunity to get close to his ex-step sister once again, Carmen Shelby, in order to discuss the terms of the will. It was obvious that Rexy sexy was not really interested in his share of Burlington manor as much as he was obsessed with Carmen. He even offered to give it out to her in exchange of spending a couple of intimate weekends together. Carmen looked quite reserved on the other side of the fence and couldn't think of building up any sort of relationship with Rex, since his track record proved to be poor.

The plot would thicken, and so would the relationship between the two protagonists deviously develop and reveal much of the missing pieces to complete the puzzle of a haunting past. One can sense that throughout the story both characters would improve themselves in one way or another. Carmen would turn into an experienced woman after being a mere ingénue. Rex, on the other hand, would become more open-minded, faithful and attached to Carmen.

[Pupottina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per avere Burlington Manor

La scintilla amorosa, alle volte, può anche riaccendersi. È così che riprende vigore un amore adolescenziale mai giunto al suo apogeo. I protagonisti sono due fratellastri, Carmen Shelby e Rex Carruthers, alle prese con una milionaria eredità. A distanza di nove anni scoprono che il loro amore era stato solo temporaneamente messo da parte, ma niente nei loro sentimenti è cambiato. Non essendo fratelli di sangue, non c’è niente di sbagliato nel loro rapporto. L’eredità è Burlington Manor, una residenza regale, ed è, per ottenere anche l’altra metà, che Carmen cede alla proposta indecente che le fa Rex: vivere con lui per quattro weekend, esaudendo ogni suo desiderio.
Così, tra lusso ed erotismo, riemerge quel sentimento che il tempo non ha definitivamente sepolto, quel sentimento che ancora li unisce. Ma c’è un ma con cui fare i conti e che metterà entrambi in pericolo nella fantastica dimora da sogno di cui sono comproprietari. Troppi interessi, animosità e rancori sono celati tra quelle sfarzose pareti, dove si insinua un pericolo mortale per entrambi. Le questioni di eredità non sono mai semplici, ma a fare di POSSESSO uno stupendo romanzo erotic romantic suspense è la maestria di SASKIA WALKER, bravissima nel raccontare avvincenti storie di sesso, tradimenti e segreti di famiglia. Solo la Walker è in grado di stregare il lettore e di tenerlo col fiato sospeso fino all’ultima pagina.

“È solo questione di tempo, lo sappiamo tutti e due. Finiremo a letto insieme. Resta solo da scoprire quando.”

http://youtu.be/vxwbR8Y8wmQ

[Christine Kochanowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost a 3
This book took me days to get through, if you knew me you'd know that's a sure sign I'm not into it. The writing was decent, not to many typos or misused words. Though the author did a good job of getting you into the characters and their heads the problem for me was I HATED the heroine, she was whiny and insecure, I can see why she would be but I still just wanted to tell her to shut up.

*****SPOILERS*****
There wouldn't have even been a book if the two main characters would just be honest with each other, in the beginning it was a good thing, yeah dad for stopping a 17 and 21 year old from getting it on, at least let her finish high school, but the way they all went about things was convoluted and then why don't we throw in a physcopath ex mistress into the works also. hmmmm. I also think there was sex scenes for the sake of sex scenes I wish she would have built up the relationship more from the beginning and yes I get that was intentional it's just that I didn't like it.

In the end I have to say this really was a decent book, I would give the author a second chance there was no reason I shouldn't have liked this. Having said that I just didn't like it. Sorry

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steamy read with a very entertaining story. Rex and Carmen have had an attraction for each other since they were teenagers. Rex ran from it years ago and now he is back for his father’s funeral and more importantly to see Carmen his stepsister. When Rex finds out Carmen wants his family estate he makes her a deal, she spends time in his bed and the estate is hers. Will it be so easy to let her go? Plenty of drama and suspense and the chemistry between Rex and Carmen is off the charts hot, I really loved it!

[Tina Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Suspense and Hot Sex!
Rex, by Saskia Walker is a super hot and swoonworthy erotic stepbrother romance containing scenes of light BDSM. Rex is such a devilishly sexy Dom – be sure to have an iced drink and a fan at the ready! The romance is central to a solid and well constructed narrative which also explores family secrets and contains danger and suspense.
Rex is on a mission – to make his stepsister Carmen his – their mutual attraction has been smouldering for over  decade since she became part of the family. His father’s will offers him the perfect opportunity  – the ancestral home of Burlington Manor has been bequeathed to both Rex and Carmen. Whilst Rex has had no love for his former home, Carmen loves the manor, which for the most part harbours happy memories for her. She intends to buy Rex out. Yet Rex does not want Carmen’s money. Instead he wants her body and offers her a deal – spend four weekends with him allowing him full access to her body as he sees fit in return for the house. How can a girl refuse? 
Carmen is conflicted – she wants the house, yet also wants Rex (in fact she has wanted him for SO long, only to witness him go from one short term relationship to the next). This man-whore of a man has shown no wish to settle down and attracts women like a magnet. She resolves to enjoy him whilst she can, without getting too emotionally involved as she needs to protect her heart. Of course this is easier said than done as Rex is very persuasive both in and out of the bedroom… As to Rex, I found him to be an uber sexy alpha male with a heart.
The book contains a combination of scorching and heartfelt scenes as the couple explore their sexuality and feelings for each other, feelings that have laid dormant for far to long. Their  relationship was hampered in the past, a stepsister/brother combo being verboten. Can Rex and Carmen overcome what happened in the past, especially when a series of family secrets begin to reveal themselves? Can Carmen trust the womanising Rex? Will the couple admit their feelings for each other before it is too late and they walk away from each other? When Rex suspects that Carmen is in danger will she trust him enough to allow him to protect her or will she think it is another one of his games? I was on tenterhooks as the plot unfolded. 
A super read which I highly recommend to lovers of contemporary erotic romance. Please note that a copy of this book was made available by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when the stepbrother you've always crushed on gives you an opportunity to live out your fantasies with him? Suffice it to say you jump on that opportunity, who wouldn't? The story starts off with Carmen seeing her heartthrob of a stepbrother, Rex, at his father's, her stepfather's, funeral. They don't talk and only share glances at each other; it's been awhile since they've seen each other. Fast forward to the reading of the father's will. Carmen does expect to receive anything in the and has come fully prepared to buy Rex's inheritance of her beloved Burlington Manor, Rex's family home, where she had cherished memories of her now deceased mother, who instilled in her the love of the manor. Here's the first of several plot twists, she has been willed fifty percent ownership of her beloved manor; now she just has to get Rex to sell his portion to her. He offers her a deal to discuss his turning over his share, not for a monetary amount, rather a month of weekends together at the manor with her in his bed with her refusing him nothing. The first weekend comes up and they're there together, she tries to convince him to let her pay for his share and he refuses to accept anything except his offer. She finally agrees and the smoldering flame between them ignites into full blown passion. Neither of them can keep their thoughts and hands off one another. The sizzle factor is off the charts. Further along in the story, secrets are shared, past hurts absolved, and even more family secrets are found out culminating in attempts on their lives. The added plot twists add more to the story instead of it being just a stepbrother romance. Kudos to the author for adding this next dimension. This really is an excellent romance, especially if you like a little kink to your stories. Two thumbs up all around. I suggest this is a definite must have!

[Mary Getz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC. BRAVO ! 😍 HOT SEXY YUMMY ALPHA BADBOY BILLIONAIRE AND HOT SEXY FEISTY POWERFUL WOMAN
I voluntarily ARC for honest review. This story take place in Oxfordshire countryside in Southeast England . Rex Carruthers is a playboy , car racer and engineering engines for racing cars industry. His ancestral home is Burlington Manor. He hates it .
Carman Shelby is ex-step-sister to Revx Carruthers , when her mother married his father Charles Denton Carruthers. Her mother Sylvia , took over her mother's company , when she passed away.
Now she is there with Rex , for the reading of will of Charles Denton Carruthers, by the family's solicitor Christopher Montague. Both Rex and Carman gets 1 /2 of the Manor. Carman wants the Manor and Rex wants Carman . He offers Carman , if she agrees to everything(sexual) for next 4 weekend , she can get the Manor. Both of them are attracted to each other for years . First time reading from this author Saskia Walker. Very HOT READ. Do they want ? HEA? Page turning .
I love and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙. The strong structure storyline and well developed characters and supporting characters brilliant exquisitely well written. The story is drama rom-com adventure provocative mystery emotional rollar coaster captivating sizzling chemistry strength of character misunderstanding suspense mystery touch of BDSM and captivating from start to finish 💋 💖.

[Patricia Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex and Carmen; brought together as step-brother and step-sister as teenagers but each finding their feelings were so much stronger. Rex's father with a vision of the family unit he wanted and nothing was going to get in the way. So Rex leaves without the brother and sister talking about their feelings. Years later the death of their father and step-father bring them together at the reading of the will which informs them they are now each half owners of the family home and property. Carmen fears Rex will want to buy her out when she wants more than anything to stay in the property. Rex fears Carmen may never let her feelings out. So he comes up with a plan. If she will acknowledge wanting to be intimate with him he proposes they spent 4 weekends at the Manor House doing exactly that; getting each other over the attraction they had as teens and young adults.

A journey of discovery begins for both. A sexual journey, a journey into love(?), family secrets and people who wish them well and others who don't...

Who masterminded the accidents which could have killed either one or both? Was Carmen's mom's death really an accident? What does the letter in the study say and really mean?

I completely enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, they grew and faced down adversity and threats against their lives. And never to be underestimated, the sex was hot, also.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

They met when their parents were engaged, Carmen fell head over heels for the brooding Rex. She was 15, he's was a college student. Rex will break her heart and play with her emotions without Rex even aware what he was doing. Until a night they got high and words were staid that would change their life. Rex's father known what his 'only son's felt for the girl that was supposed to be a sister to his son, but his dad stepped in and things were argued upon and Rex left his childhood home for years until his dad's death that brought him back and facing with a grown up women. What these two will do, discover and will face will have you on the edge of your seat.

Full length with 32 chapters. Yes there will be some sex scenes with the Dom/Sub play but it's not alot, there is a story but with a touch of sex. Drama will be non-stop especially for Carmen and when you hear her history and what she is always thinking about and you'll know why. Also drama with mystery, who is wanting to hurt or do worse towards Carmen and Rex and what that connection is towards Carmen's mom's tragic car accident. Secrets of who is the connection to Rex's dad, his mother and the real reason there was a divorce on up to the present.

The only thing that I have a problem is there were times they were over description of certain places.

ARC was voluntarily exchanged for a honest review

[Lorena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This steamy romance was recommended by another author I follow, and it piqued my curiosity, so I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy. This was the first time I'd read one of Saskia Walker's stories, and it's a bit outside my typical reading subject matter, so I wasn't really sure what to expect.

The story got off to an intriguing start, and I liked the main characters. However, secondary characters were generally not developed very much, and partway through the book, I felt like the pacing started to drag a bit. In addition to the romance, we have elements of mystery and suspense, but the pacing really felt off for those elements. On the plus side, the erotic scenes were reasonably well written with some light BDSM, and while the romance felt a bit frustrating to me while the characters were trying to sort through their feelings and overcome their various obstacles, it did have a very satisfying ending.

Other than the pacing issue, the book was fairly well-written. The ARC had a few typos and other minor errors, which may have been fixed before publication, but they weren't frequent enough to hinder enjoyment of the story anyhow. The other thing that frustrated me a bit is that this is written in dual point of view, and the switch between Rex and Carmen's points of view was not always immediately apparent and could be a bit jarring. I prefer if this style of story uses just one point of view per chapter or has some formatting to indicate the change. In addition, some of the scene changes felt a bit abrupt. Again, I think smaller, more frequent chapters or some formatting (such as a series of asterisks) to indicate the change would have made this easier to read.

I'm not really familiar with the stepbrother romance genre, but if you enjoy that sort of thing, this may be worth a try.

[lf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sizzling hot taboo....

This book is sizzling hot to the touch and then some. The story is about stepsiblings Rex Carruthers and Carmen Shelby. When his father and her mother got married these two found themselves in the same house all of a sudden. The only problem was that they had a very strong attraction to each other and things could have gotten out of control quickly. Rex left the family after a big fight with his father about what was happening. It is now years later and when his father dies Rex returns to the family home to claim his inheritance. Carmen has stayed in the family helping her stepfather over the years. When Rex returns their attraction to each other comes roaring back faster than a jet taking off.
So I really enjoyed this story even as I wanted to knock some sense into both Rex and Carmen at times. Their chemistry was through the charts and the sex scenes were super hot. Overall this was a good book and had it's very enjoyable parts. It is just not the best I have read by Saskia Walker.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader copy of REX by Saskia Walker for voluntarily reviewing.

I loved this book. Rex started out being an arrogant jerk but after the attempt on his life and Carmen's accident at the manor he started to change. He then set out to prove to Carmen that he really does care for her and that this is more than just to "get it out of their system". Rex realizes that he went about things wrong by setting the deal he did using sex for Carmen to get his half of the ownership of the manor. There is a lot of pain from the past that they both have to face and be able to put behind them so they can move forward in life.

Will they find out who is behind trying to hurt them? Will Rex be able to prove to Carmen that she is the only one he has wanted all these years and he wants something more permanent with her? What will happen when Rex decides he wants to move his business and employees to the manor and surrounding grounds after renovations are done? What will Carmen think of his plan for the manor when she had her own plans for the manor?

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first novel by Saskia Walker, but it will not be my last.
This is a step-brother/step-sister romance but only because their parents were once married. They were not raised together and the age difference did not have them spending time together.
What this is, is a beautiful love story with suspense and mystery thrown in.
When Rex's father dies and leaves his estate in and even split to Rex and his step-sister Carmen, both are surprised. Rex because he thought he was written out of the will and Carmen because he expected Rex to get everything.
As these two begin the journey of trying to work together there are some missteps and there is a great deal of the past hurt and secrets that come up. Can Carmen see Rex as someone other than a person trying to get in her pants? Can rex prove to Carmen that she is the one for him? And who is trying to hurt them?
Received this ARC and voluntarily am leaving a review. If you are looking for more than just a step sibling romance this is the one to read.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read short stories by this author before and enjoyed them, so I was interested to see what a longer work was like. The story begins with the funeral of Rex's father, with whom he has been estranged for several years. Rex's father is also Carmen's stepfather. Burlington Manor is the family, which was jointly left to Rex & Carmen. I was slow to warm to the cocky Rex, who proposes 4 weekends together at the Manor, after which he will gift his half to Carmen. I loved the strength and independence of Carmen, who has loved Rex forever. Their time together is hot and sensual. There is a big mystery here, too! This story is beautifully crafted, with memorable characters, and an interesting storyline. If you like well-written stories, with excellent pacing & character development, I would highly recommend this.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex (college age) and Carmen (high school) become step sibs when his father marries her mother. The father does not like those two getting feelings for each other and Rex leaves the area. After the parents are gone, they meet again at the reading of the will for his father. To get the manor she loves, and he hates, he wants to give it another try with her in a time stipulation. The characters are strong and determined. The locales are pretty good and well described. The romance goes from agitated to hot and mild BDSM. Tension and miscommunication comes from many directions as they learn more about their families and their backstories. Very hard to put this book down. Will definitely try another from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story line, plot and idea is well thought out and interesting with a few twists and turns and surprising revelations but the character development and personalities just don't do it justice. Both Carmen and Rex are immature and I found it hard to relate or like either one of them until nearly the end of the book, but by then i just wanted the book done. Carmen is whiny most of the time without much of a personality or back bone while Rex is an arrogant a$$. I just did not connect with the characters and I found the relationship between them lacking and boring at times. I felt that the chemistry, romance and relationship between them was not very believable and strong. Sorry but this book just did not hold my attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always find the step siblings storyline odd, especially when they meet as older teens or young adults. But, regardless, Rex and Carmen meet when both are teens, she has a crush, but he seems the bad boy broody type. Little does she know, Rex is as taken with her as she is with him. Rex has a falling out with his father and strikes out on his own, with no help from him and becomes quite successful. Her mother is killed in an accident, Carmen takes over her business and moves out. When Rex's father dies, he leaves the family estate to them both. He wants her, she doesn't trust him. How can they share?? The book has some twists, turns, surprises, is mostly well paced, although written in dual POV, sometimes uneven, interesting, and is steamy. Overall, not a bad read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

The story is highly complex with many factors that contribute to the main plot. Basicly, Rex and Carmen are ex-step siblings who inherit Burlington Manor from Rex's deceased father. This creates all kinds of emotional turmoil for them. The estate is the backdrop for Rex and Carmen's intimate reunion as well as a place that brings the past into the future with all kinds of surprises.

It starts out a little slow and Rex is an obnoxious ass but, it builds into an intriguing, suspenseful story filled with hot, steamy encounters, revenge and danger. Rex does redeem himself and Carmen learns that she isn't going to be alone anymore.

I recommend this book especially if you like a mystery mixed in with the sexy times.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! This book tells the story of Rex and his step-sister, Carmen who have both buried passionate feelings for each other for over a decade. When his ancestral home is bequeathed to both of them, Rex has no interest in the Manor but Carmen really loves it so, Rex suggests an offer she can’t refuse - spend 4 weeks with him at his beck and call in return for the Manor.

What a rollercoaster of a book with plenty of super passionate sex, mystery, twists, drama and suspense from this really great storyline. The book has me hooked from the very first page.

Overall, a really fabulous read which I highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adults Only!

Even as a romance fan - I haven't encountered a step-sibling romance before, and even though the siblings in this story share no blood connection there is still a little of the forbidden about the whole idea - or should I say, there was - until I read this fantastic book!

Saskia does a wonderful job of describing a scene for the reader and she's a master at getting us to relate to the characters thoughts and emotions.

This book is not an insipid romance, but an intense and passionate love story with a clever plot, some criminal mystery and overall a very touching read.

5 stars and highly recommended.

[Lisa Hoak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book that will have you on an emotional roller coaster. Carmen and Rex were drawn to each other long ago. Will the death of Rex's father give them a second chance or will Carmen be closed off to him to protect her heart and spirit?

The reading of Rex's father's will is just the first twist of many. This story also has old family secrets and vendettas that could bring harm to those involved at Burlington Manor.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. It's not a quick book so you are taken on quite a journey that's well worth the time.

[Epiphany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Saskia Walker I have had the opportunity to read and it will not be the last. Ms Walker has done a fabulous job with the story line and the characters, which are so believable and relatable. I truly enjoyed Rex and Carmen's relationship. Even tho they were stepsiblings when they were younger, they no longer are and now they can explore the feelings they had so long ago. I recommend this touching, hot at times, slightly suspenseful with a little mystery, totally enjoyable read.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex by Saskia Walker was the first book that I have read by this author. I am a huge fan of this type of "taboo" romance and was excited to read this book. In my opinion it was good but it never really captured my attention and emotions as I wanted it to. I feel the storyline and conflict was good but I could not get into the characters. This could just be me and it's only my opinion. However, I will try other books from this author because I feel the potential is there. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex is the taboo romance of Rex Carruthers and his stepsister, Carmen Shelby. They both have had strong feelings for each since they were young which were cut short by their father/stepfather. Rex left the family after the argument with his over their relationship. Upon his father's death, Rex returns for his inheritance which he finds is tied in with Carmen's part of the estate. This dark and taboo stepsiblings romance has depth, drama, suspense, and sizzling passion and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book, somewhat slow paced, but halfway the pace gets a bit faster. Much attention for intimate relations. Rex sees his stepsister Carmen again after years at his father’s funeral and decides on the spot that he finally wants to give in to the attraction that has always been between them. Carmen is somewhat cautious, hurt by the fact that he just left and he is a womanizer. Meanwhile, someone seems to have foreseen it on their life, or their inheritance......

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much indecision

Great premise. Rex is great. Carmen? Geez. This woman frets over every single little thing. She flip-flops, she worries, she’s indecisive. When she does make a decision, she regrets it immediately. It was so annoying. I mean, I can understand her reaction once or twice, but she cared more about how she felt about Rex than she did about her mother’s fatal car accident. This book could have been shortened by at least 30 pages if you edited out all the inane indecision.

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walking away from the woman he loves to save a family scandal Rex lives a dangerous lifestyle.
Carmen loved Rex for years and hated him in the same time frame, he walked away from her and their family to do heavens knows what.

She has lived their should of been life in her head all the while keeping the family together.

Now the times has come to face each other and the mystery unravels with secrets the family had hidden one by one they reveal the truths that change their lives

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.