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X Marks the Spot
Opal Carew takes desire to a whole new level in her latest erotic, standalone romance!
Abi has been in love with Del for years, but they never got around to acting on their mutual attraction. And then she met and married his best friend, Liam.
But when Abi and Liam’s marriage falls apart, Abi decides to take control of her life and find her happily-ever-after with Del. So when they’re all staying in a country inn for her brother’s wedding, Abi decides to slip into Del’s bed and seduce him…except she accidentally ends up in Liam’s instead.
Liam never stopped loving Abi, and he plans to use every blazing hot trick in his book to keep her in his bed…even if it means sharing her with Del.
X Marks the Spot is emotional, sexy, and is Opal Carew at her best!
Abi has been in love with Del for years, but they never got around to acting on their mutual attraction. And then she met and married his best friend, Liam.
But when Abi and Liam’s marriage falls apart, Abi decides to take control of her life and find her happily-ever-after with Del. So when they’re all staying in a country inn for her brother’s wedding, Abi decides to slip into Del’s bed and seduce him…except she accidentally ends up in Liam’s instead.
Liam never stopped loving Abi, and he plans to use every blazing hot trick in his book to keep her in his bed…even if it means sharing her with Del.
X Marks the Spot is emotional, sexy, and is Opal Carew at her best!
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2018
34 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Opal Carew
166 books1,896 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Opal Carew loves cats, Zentangle, and wild nail polish!
http://www.opalcarew.com/
http://us.macmillan.com/author/opalcarew
http://www.opalcarew.com/
http://us.macmillan.com/author/opalcarew
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
February 16, 2018
I love taboo romance novels but this one went too far. It was messed up with a capital F. The sexy scenes were hot but not enough to save the book. I wanted Liam to get his wife back... if he wanted her. I've read a few of Opal Carew's books and have enjoyed them but I'm sorry this one is a no from me.
Abi has a close network of friends who are entangled with her family. She married one, Liam but should have held out for Del. A wedding brings these three together. Abi sleeps with her husband and Del says he's willing to give there romance a chance. Abi can't keep her legs closed. She gets pregnant by her husband. Liam has always wanted a baby with his wife but she wants to be with Del. It's so F***'d up.
Scandal, drama and a lot of sex.
You'll either hate it or love it. The ending makes sense and has a happy ever after.
2 stars out of 5. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Abi has a close network of friends who are entangled with her family. She married one, Liam but should have held out for Del. A wedding brings these three together. Abi sleeps with her husband and Del says he's willing to give there romance a chance. Abi can't keep her legs closed. She gets pregnant by her husband. Liam has always wanted a baby with his wife but she wants to be with Del. It's so F***'d up.
Scandal, drama and a lot of sex.
You'll either hate it or love it. The ending makes sense and has a happy ever after.
2 stars out of 5. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2021
Um bocadinho diferente do que é editado em Portugal.
Quando se opta por este livro tem de se ter uma mente aberta e apreciar a história pelo que ela é.
Pecou por alguma rapidez no desenvolvimento e incongruência das personagens em algumas situações.
Mas serve bastante bem o propósito pela história que é.
Quando se opta por este livro tem de se ter uma mente aberta e apreciar a história pelo que ela é.
Pecou por alguma rapidez no desenvolvimento e incongruência das personagens em algumas situações.
Mas serve bastante bem o propósito pela história que é.
January 29, 2023
Mediocre Smut at best... But hey I get to mark "X" off of my alphabet challenge 😂
August 24, 2019
Ugh, not my cup of tea. I wanted to like it but just couldn't get into it.
Out of the two main characters in X Marks the Spot.. I liked one of them. Maybe. In it, you will meet Del and Abi. Nothing really interested me in them and it was hard for me to stay focused on this audiobook. I will admit that if Del wasn't in this book then I would've probably DNF'd this thing. At times, I almost thought I was going to but somehow I pushed through it.
I honestly have no idea what to say about this thing. It was a book that bored me. I didn't care about the romance or anyone's backstory. This whole love triangle or whatever just disgusted me. I mean, they always do but this one was so freaking messed up. I don't understand why Abi, who is married to another guy, still loved Del. Heck, the whole sleeping around and then pregnancy thing just creeped me out. Which, again.. was weird.
Overall, I'm glad that I'm done with this book and will never think about it ever again.
Out of the two main characters in X Marks the Spot.. I liked one of them. Maybe. In it, you will meet Del and Abi. Nothing really interested me in them and it was hard for me to stay focused on this audiobook. I will admit that if Del wasn't in this book then I would've probably DNF'd this thing. At times, I almost thought I was going to but somehow I pushed through it.
I honestly have no idea what to say about this thing. It was a book that bored me. I didn't care about the romance or anyone's backstory. This whole love triangle or whatever just disgusted me. I mean, they always do but this one was so freaking messed up. I don't understand why Abi, who is married to another guy, still loved Del. Heck, the whole sleeping around and then pregnancy thing just creeped me out. Which, again.. was weird.
Overall, I'm glad that I'm done with this book and will never think about it ever again.
March 9, 2018
Hit and miss.. 2.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a ton of mixed feelings about this book. I have read several books by this author now. In fact, I just finished one not too long ago. So when I started delving into this story, I have to say I was a bit shocked.
The main issue for me is the female character Abi. She is so unlike any other character that this author has developed before. Maybe that’s the problem. Comparing her to other books.
However, with the underlying theme of one woman trying to decide between two men, the way this book was written sheds a negative light on Abi. She comes off kind of trampy and very unsure of her feelings.
I don’t get me wrong. I’ve read many books that share a MFM theme that work. This one did not work until you were about 3/4 of the way through the book. Had the “solution“ be introduced earlier, it may have made for a better read.
I did not connect with any of the characters really because I was so fixated on the slutty ways of Abi. The only reason I kept reading was I hoped the author would turn the book around and find a solution for the problem. And she did. The book got much better around the halfway mark.
The book does have some positive attributes one of which is if you are looking for a book about loads of steamy sex and trying to decide between two hot men, this is it. Unfortunately, that really was not enough to salvage a better review, from me, at least. On Goodreads, 2 stars means it's was ok... and that is where this lands for me
*copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a ton of mixed feelings about this book. I have read several books by this author now. In fact, I just finished one not too long ago. So when I started delving into this story, I have to say I was a bit shocked.
The main issue for me is the female character Abi. She is so unlike any other character that this author has developed before. Maybe that’s the problem. Comparing her to other books.
However, with the underlying theme of one woman trying to decide between two men, the way this book was written sheds a negative light on Abi. She comes off kind of trampy and very unsure of her feelings.
I don’t get me wrong. I’ve read many books that share a MFM theme that work. This one did not work until you were about 3/4 of the way through the book. Had the “solution“ be introduced earlier, it may have made for a better read.
I did not connect with any of the characters really because I was so fixated on the slutty ways of Abi. The only reason I kept reading was I hoped the author would turn the book around and find a solution for the problem. And she did. The book got much better around the halfway mark.
The book does have some positive attributes one of which is if you are looking for a book about loads of steamy sex and trying to decide between two hot men, this is it. Unfortunately, that really was not enough to salvage a better review, from me, at least. On Goodreads, 2 stars means it's was ok... and that is where this lands for me
*copy received for review consideration
April 2, 2018
X Marks the Spot by Opal Carew is the story of Abi, Liam and Del.
Abi and Liam were married but Abi couldn't get her crush of Del, Liam best friend from her mind. When Liam and Abie break up she thinks now is her time to get with Del but Liam still wants her.
This story worked through the three people finding each other and working towards having something together.
This was a different type romance that might not be for everyone but I really enjoyed their story.
Abi and Liam were married but Abi couldn't get her crush of Del, Liam best friend from her mind. When Liam and Abie break up she thinks now is her time to get with Del but Liam still wants her.
This story worked through the three people finding each other and working towards having something together.
This was a different type romance that might not be for everyone but I really enjoyed their story.
April 5, 2018
Three stars for "X Marks the Spot"; Ms Carew introduces us to Abi a young women who finds herself wanting to move on with her life, separated from her husband for two years waiting on him to sign the divorce papers Abi finds herself reluctantly looking forward to her brothers wedding . The wedding brings the oppurtunity to see her freind Del. Del was the first person she met when attending college for her masters ; a freind of her brother's who stopped in to watch ove her a dell her acclimate .Abi had feelings for Del form the start but Del's sense of honor would not allow him to move forward with his mutual attractions to his freinds sister and as it turned out Del is the one who introduced Abi to her husband Liam .
With some meddling by Abi's sister Jamie the perfect opportunity to actually get Del to engage with her on more than freindly level is at hand , that is until Del switches rooms with his freind Liam, thinking he is actually helping to spare Abi from seeing him at the wedding ; leaving Abi naked in the wrong mans bed, her husband and hopefully soon to be X .
Abi makes some poor decisions , such as staying in Liam's bed, when she really wants Del.
This action prompts Liam to push for more time alone with Abi to work through and talk about feelings and possibly keeping their mrriage together , which Abi keeps falling in his bed to spite having finally moved on to a relationship with Del and being in his bed..
For me Abi's wishy washy , I love both of them and she can not decide was driving me nuts , until this wishy washy Abi turned into naughty bold Abi asking for threesomes. This is where MsCarew excels because she writes sexy, steamy and erotic scenes ever for these three that eventually lead to a HEA for all.
Arc copy received vi Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
With some meddling by Abi's sister Jamie the perfect opportunity to actually get Del to engage with her on more than freindly level is at hand , that is until Del switches rooms with his freind Liam, thinking he is actually helping to spare Abi from seeing him at the wedding ; leaving Abi naked in the wrong mans bed, her husband and hopefully soon to be X .
Abi makes some poor decisions , such as staying in Liam's bed, when she really wants Del.
This action prompts Liam to push for more time alone with Abi to work through and talk about feelings and possibly keeping their mrriage together , which Abi keeps falling in his bed to spite having finally moved on to a relationship with Del and being in his bed..
For me Abi's wishy washy , I love both of them and she can not decide was driving me nuts , until this wishy washy Abi turned into naughty bold Abi asking for threesomes. This is where MsCarew excels because she writes sexy, steamy and erotic scenes ever for these three that eventually lead to a HEA for all.
Arc copy received vi Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2018
Can I give a negative star?!?! WTF !! Abi is a selfish, imature, manipulative annoying female lead... Liam can't love me for me, just married me because I became preggers. I love Liam and Del! I am married to Liam but trying to sleep with Del.(seperated.. 2years). Won't stay married to Liam because he was only child and wants family & they believe she can't become pregnant ever. But when she does, she does NOT intend to tell Liam he is going to be a dad!! The one thing she insists she can't give him therefore staying married isn't an option and she isn't going to tell him he's going to be a dad!!! That is the last straw! Not only is she a horrible character, but no one, NO ONE deserves not to be in their child's life!
This is a DNF for me! I just can't enjoy reading a book that makes me angry and annoyed. Books are an escape, relaxing, enjoyable. This book is none of those.
Gifted read by Netgalley for an honest review.
I honestly don't recommend reading.
I hate being negative when author's put their heart and soul in books and give me hours of enjoyment and escapism, but this book and this story is just not one I can stomach finishing!
This is a DNF for me! I just can't enjoy reading a book that makes me angry and annoyed. Books are an escape, relaxing, enjoyable. This book is none of those.
Gifted read by Netgalley for an honest review.
I honestly don't recommend reading.
I hate being negative when author's put their heart and soul in books and give me hours of enjoyment and escapism, but this book and this story is just not one I can stomach finishing!
February 14, 2018
Abi is getting divorced but it's taking two years to get her husband, Liam, to sign the papers. He thinks they can work it out. But Abi wants to move on with her friend Del, who's also Liam's best friend. At her brother's wedding, she waits for Del in his bed. But awakes to find Liam. Liam believes she wants to reconcile and they go at it like bunnies because she still loves Liam but he wasn't there when she needed him. Liam is very rich and will do anything to get his wife back, even coerce her to spend a couple of weeks with him. She agrees as long as Del can come too. Both men love her and are not about to give her up. Abi doesn't want to give either man up, so can they come to an agreement?
I'll be honest at first I didn't like where she was supposed to be in love with Del and having sex with Liam. Even though they are still legally married, so I also felt when she was having sex with Del, she was cheating on Liam, even though they were separated. But at the end it turned out alright.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
February 14, 2018
Since I'm not particularly a fan of this author, it floored me to find the book on my NetGalley shelf. I sure never would have requested it. It showed up automatically. I hope it doesn't happen again.
It's worth about 1.5 stars.
The book is OK. I've read a few things from this author, and it's probably the best of the lot. That isn't saying much though.
I had a terrible time feeling anything for any of the characters, despite the author's attempt to make them sympathetic... to the point of being annoying. Carrying on over and over about their heartaches just got repetitious and boring. They are three oddballs without the charm of a good oddball character. Just three moaners.
The author seems to love to write about three-way romances, so with that in mind, she ought to pay closer attention to the physical act of what they are doing so that it doesn't sound ridiculous. In one instance, one of the gentlemen seems to have fingers growing out of the top of his head- or maybe it was his nose... I had to read it three times to figure out how he could be doing what he was doing. He couldn't.
Another aspect to the book I found very odd was the way the h was supposedly infertile.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Then amazingly, with no medical intervention, she started popping out babies. If you're going to use that theme to make someone sympathetic, then stick to it, for heaven's sake!
*END SPOILER*
So if you're into polyamorous affairs, go ahead and read it. It's OK, just wildly ridiculous.
NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Honestly, I hope I never read another word by this author.
It's worth about 1.5 stars.
The book is OK. I've read a few things from this author, and it's probably the best of the lot. That isn't saying much though.
I had a terrible time feeling anything for any of the characters, despite the author's attempt to make them sympathetic... to the point of being annoying. Carrying on over and over about their heartaches just got repetitious and boring. They are three oddballs without the charm of a good oddball character. Just three moaners.
The author seems to love to write about three-way romances, so with that in mind, she ought to pay closer attention to the physical act of what they are doing so that it doesn't sound ridiculous. In one instance, one of the gentlemen seems to have fingers growing out of the top of his head- or maybe it was his nose... I had to read it three times to figure out how he could be doing what he was doing. He couldn't.
Another aspect to the book I found very odd was the way the h was supposedly infertile.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Then amazingly, with no medical intervention, she started popping out babies. If you're going to use that theme to make someone sympathetic, then stick to it, for heaven's sake!
*END SPOILER*
So if you're into polyamorous affairs, go ahead and read it. It's OK, just wildly ridiculous.
NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Honestly, I hope I never read another word by this author.
March 14, 2018
**I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review**
"It is a beautiful view," she said gazing out over the water.
"Yes, it is."
I gave X Marks the Spot a 2-star rating and honestly that’s being generous. The only reason I am giving it is because I enjoyed the intimate scenes and felt like they had depth to them. I also enjoyed the character Del, but besides that it was a thumbs down for me. This story had no exciting plot to it, even though there was some potential, it just fell flat. In my opinion, the other definitely should have spent more time diving into the lives of the characters, especially the side characters because I felt like I only got to now 3 people and only knew their current situations. Also, to me there was a sort of buildup in what was happening just to have it tumble down instead of continue upward. I do not recommend this novel, unless you just want to read some steamy sex scenes then you may enjoy it quite a bit.
Check out the full review on my blog!
www.savedbythebook.com
"It is a beautiful view," she said gazing out over the water.
"Yes, it is."
I gave X Marks the Spot a 2-star rating and honestly that’s being generous. The only reason I am giving it is because I enjoyed the intimate scenes and felt like they had depth to them. I also enjoyed the character Del, but besides that it was a thumbs down for me. This story had no exciting plot to it, even though there was some potential, it just fell flat. In my opinion, the other definitely should have spent more time diving into the lives of the characters, especially the side characters because I felt like I only got to now 3 people and only knew their current situations. Also, to me there was a sort of buildup in what was happening just to have it tumble down instead of continue upward. I do not recommend this novel, unless you just want to read some steamy sex scenes then you may enjoy it quite a bit.
Check out the full review on my blog!
www.savedbythebook.com
July 26, 2025
DNF's at 59%. Not CF-safe at all. Poor writing, cringy character actions and dialog. Characters are so flat and shallower than a puddle. FMC is dumb as rocks. The behaviours ofbthe 2 MMCs is not realistic at all. And I'm pretty sure a man wrote this because the amount of times the FMC's hormones were referenced was baffling. All this was is mediocre spicy scenes between the characters focusing on a previous miscarriage, infertility, pregnancy, marriage. And the number of times "suckle" was used made me want to gag.
March 15, 2018
Love the cover on this book and it really ties in with the story. Triangle of characters with only the third line needing to be drawn. Abi is friends with Del who is friends with Abi's brother. Abi is married to Liam who has refused to sign divorce papers for two years. Liam is also best friends with Del and is close to her family. SCREAMING SOAP OPERA IN PRINT! Trust issues shadow the pages of this book and stall these characters from a HEA. Plot is a bit weak but the pages kept turning for me because I found the characters interesting although Abi could not get over herself for the most part. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
dnf
December 6, 2018 Copy kindly received via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This one showed up on my NetGalley without me requesting it. I appreciate the opportunity to review, but I am not sure if I would have requested this one. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read it as I wasn't overly hooked on the one previous book I had read by this author. I started this and it's immediately throwing you into what will inevitably be a love triangle that I just don't really feel that I want to read about. The main character is already so wishy washy and the POV's jump around alot.
Unfortunately this one is not for me, so I am going to DNF.
This one showed up on my NetGalley without me requesting it. I appreciate the opportunity to review, but I am not sure if I would have requested this one. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read it as I wasn't overly hooked on the one previous book I had read by this author. I started this and it's immediately throwing you into what will inevitably be a love triangle that I just don't really feel that I want to read about. The main character is already so wishy washy and the POV's jump around alot.
Unfortunately this one is not for me, so I am going to DNF.
February 23, 2018
I have read and enjoyed several of Opal Carew's books. However, I must say this one just didn't quite do it for me. The characters, especially, Abi, were just too weak and indecisive. So while I enjoy a good menage romance, this one ended up being a menage simply because Abi couldn't figure out which man she wanted and kept jumping from bed to bed. She wasn't likeable so at times I frankly wanted both men to drop her.
February 24, 2018
**This book is not for the faint heart**
Frankly, I rarely like this kind of book. But I was intrigued on the story and how will it end. From the start up to the last, I was easily pulled in into the story. There are times that I want to freaking throttle the living s**t out of the characters lol. But I just can't get mad to the characters regardless of what they've done. Overall, the story is good and full of surprises!
Frankly, I rarely like this kind of book. But I was intrigued on the story and how will it end. From the start up to the last, I was easily pulled in into the story. There are times that I want to freaking throttle the living s**t out of the characters lol. But I just can't get mad to the characters regardless of what they've done. Overall, the story is good and full of surprises!
April 3, 2018
This was a bit of a hard book to get through. Chemistry out the wazoo, but I didn't connect with the heroine. Abi came off a bit selfish and whiny. She dangled Liam and Del and strung them both on longer than I would have liked.
Overall, it was a decent enough book, but the lack of connection made it a bit of a struggle to get through.
Overall, it was a decent enough book, but the lack of connection made it a bit of a struggle to get through.
April 7, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I was absolutely disgusted with this book, and not for the reason that one might think. I actually had no problem with some of the erotic situations that were showcased in the story. What I had a problem with was the heroine's wishy-washy attitude when it came to deciding between her two men.
Liam was a manipulative, selfish jerk that I pretty much hated from the get go. Abi (which I hated the spelling of, by the way) seemed to have no problem stringing two men along, which I also hated. Del seemed too weak to go after what he wanted with regard to Abi, and it was like he wouldn't stand up to Liam at all! The solution to their problem was clear a mile off, but the characters were too stupid or focused to see it!
The redeeming factor for this book was that it was a quick read, and well written, but I honestly can't recommend it for others to read.
I was absolutely disgusted with this book, and not for the reason that one might think. I actually had no problem with some of the erotic situations that were showcased in the story. What I had a problem with was the heroine's wishy-washy attitude when it came to deciding between her two men.
Liam was a manipulative, selfish jerk that I pretty much hated from the get go. Abi (which I hated the spelling of, by the way) seemed to have no problem stringing two men along, which I also hated. Del seemed too weak to go after what he wanted with regard to Abi, and it was like he wouldn't stand up to Liam at all! The solution to their problem was clear a mile off, but the characters were too stupid or focused to see it!
The redeeming factor for this book was that it was a quick read, and well written, but I honestly can't recommend it for others to read.
Read
December 31, 2024This is, without a doubt, the worst book I have ever read. After writing this review, I plan to erase it entirely from my memory because that’s all it deserves, to be forgotten.
The writing style? Absolutely terrible.
The story? Practically non-existent.
The only reason I pushed through was to check off the letter X for my challenge, and honestly, that’s the only win I got from this book.
The writing style? Absolutely terrible.
The story? Practically non-existent.
The only reason I pushed through was to check off the letter X for my challenge, and honestly, that’s the only win I got from this book.
October 22, 2018
Peguei neste livro porque confesso que a capa me atraiu por já transmitir alguma sensualidade e momento erótico. A sinopse também prometia algo a três e como já há muito tempo que não lia uma romance erótico arrisquei.
Este é um romance puramente erótico, em que a história se pode resumir em duas linhas e em que ganha mais nas descrições do que nos diálogos, que são bastante fracos. Até o pouco que dizem durante as relações sexuais é irrelevante, mais valia a autora ter descrito murmúrios ou gemidos e calado as personagens.
As próprias cenas mais eróticas não são muito originais, já que muitas se parecem com uma repetição da anterior e só mais para o fim, quando a história finalmente atinge aquele pico (olhem o trocadilho!) é que lemos algo diferente.
A ausência de referências a fluídos e a preliminares tornam tudo pouco realista e só engana quem nunca teve experiências destas, o que foi um ponto bastante negativo, na minha opinião.
As cenas são também demasiado rápidas e para quem me conhece sabe que o facto de Liam ser bastante dotado... de dinheiro, vai dar aquela facilidade à história que costumo condenar. Sim, contribui para a fantasia tal como a não inclusão do que disse no paragrafo anterior, mas a mim não me enganou nem me convenceu.
Fiquei bastante surpresa quando terminei o livro, porque não havendo uma grande história nem sei como o livro pode ter tanta página. Há sim muitas repetições, principalmente nos discursos de Abi quando fala da separação dela com Liam, e bastantes cenas de sexo, como é de esperar. Encontramos também algumas personagens secundárias, como as irmãs de Abi com nomes masculinos (exemplo: Jamie), mas conhecemos pouco da família dos meninos Del e Liam.
Em contrapartida gostei bastante dos cenários, tal como da casa de Liam. As descrições são boas e no geral é um livro que até se lê bastante bem porque a escrita é fluída.
Neste livro também encontramos um tema mais pesado que algumas mulheres, mais do que pensamos, vão se identificar e criar empatia com Abi. Eu pessoalmente não faço parte desse grupo de pessoas, mas o futuro ainda é longo (espero eu) e por isso nunca se sabe se me vou lembrar desta leitura. Não sou ingénua e achar que acontece só aos outros e se calhar se este pensamento tivesse sempre presente muita gente não seria surpreendida e encararia as situações da vida com outra atitude e perspectiva - não estou a falar apenas neste tema claro.
Este é um romance puramente erótico, em que a história se pode resumir em duas linhas e em que ganha mais nas descrições do que nos diálogos, que são bastante fracos. Até o pouco que dizem durante as relações sexuais é irrelevante, mais valia a autora ter descrito murmúrios ou gemidos e calado as personagens.
As próprias cenas mais eróticas não são muito originais, já que muitas se parecem com uma repetição da anterior e só mais para o fim, quando a história finalmente atinge aquele pico (olhem o trocadilho!) é que lemos algo diferente.
A ausência de referências a fluídos e a preliminares tornam tudo pouco realista e só engana quem nunca teve experiências destas, o que foi um ponto bastante negativo, na minha opinião.
As cenas são também demasiado rápidas e para quem me conhece sabe que o facto de Liam ser bastante dotado... de dinheiro, vai dar aquela facilidade à história que costumo condenar. Sim, contribui para a fantasia tal como a não inclusão do que disse no paragrafo anterior, mas a mim não me enganou nem me convenceu.
Fiquei bastante surpresa quando terminei o livro, porque não havendo uma grande história nem sei como o livro pode ter tanta página. Há sim muitas repetições, principalmente nos discursos de Abi quando fala da separação dela com Liam, e bastantes cenas de sexo, como é de esperar. Encontramos também algumas personagens secundárias, como as irmãs de Abi com nomes masculinos (exemplo: Jamie), mas conhecemos pouco da família dos meninos Del e Liam.
Em contrapartida gostei bastante dos cenários, tal como da casa de Liam. As descrições são boas e no geral é um livro que até se lê bastante bem porque a escrita é fluída.
Neste livro também encontramos um tema mais pesado que algumas mulheres, mais do que pensamos, vão se identificar e criar empatia com Abi. Eu pessoalmente não faço parte desse grupo de pessoas, mas o futuro ainda é longo (espero eu) e por isso nunca se sabe se me vou lembrar desta leitura. Não sou ingénua e achar que acontece só aos outros e se calhar se este pensamento tivesse sempre presente muita gente não seria surpreendida e encararia as situações da vida com outra atitude e perspectiva - não estou a falar apenas neste tema claro.
April 3, 2018
Somehow X Marks the Spot is the first book I've ever read by Opal Carew. Yes I know I'm late to the game, but I can say I'm happy to have a back list of books to read now that I've discovered Ms. Carew's books.
I honestly liked all three of the main characters in X Marks the Spot. My heart broke a bit about Abi and Liam's history with the loss of their baby, but I still liked them both as well as Del. My only real issue was the fact the three of them waited so long to find a solution to their situation. Abi and Liam were incredible together as were Abi and Del. I could tell that Abi loved both men and both men loved her. I'm here to tell fans of super sexy romances, Ms. Carew writes some pretty smoking hot love scenes between the couples, and once they became a ménage, they were even hotter.
I did feel like X Marks the Spot moved a bit slowly in the beginning. Not when it came to the love scenes and they were there from the beginning, but from a real relationship standpoint. There were even times I found Abi to be a bit too whiny when she had two amazing men in love with her and she was in love with them as well. I did understand her overall dilemma and let some of it go. Even both Liam and Del had their moments of "woe is me" when Abi was with the other man. I have to say I almost didn't finish reading this book, until Liam walks in on Abi and Del and he is completely entranced in watching them together. It was the first time I had hope for the three of them to work it out. Honestly it was the point I started loving the characters rather than just liking them.
While X Marks the Spot did start out a bit slow for me, I really did end up enjoying the story. I found myself absolutely loving Abi, Del, and Liam as individuals and as a group. I have to say Liam was probably my favorite character by the end of the book and really hope we get to see the three characters in future books from Ms. Carew.
Rating: 3.75 Stars (B-)
I honestly liked all three of the main characters in X Marks the Spot. My heart broke a bit about Abi and Liam's history with the loss of their baby, but I still liked them both as well as Del. My only real issue was the fact the three of them waited so long to find a solution to their situation. Abi and Liam were incredible together as were Abi and Del. I could tell that Abi loved both men and both men loved her. I'm here to tell fans of super sexy romances, Ms. Carew writes some pretty smoking hot love scenes between the couples, and once they became a ménage, they were even hotter.
I did feel like X Marks the Spot moved a bit slowly in the beginning. Not when it came to the love scenes and they were there from the beginning, but from a real relationship standpoint. There were even times I found Abi to be a bit too whiny when she had two amazing men in love with her and she was in love with them as well. I did understand her overall dilemma and let some of it go. Even both Liam and Del had their moments of "woe is me" when Abi was with the other man. I have to say I almost didn't finish reading this book, until Liam walks in on Abi and Del and he is completely entranced in watching them together. It was the first time I had hope for the three of them to work it out. Honestly it was the point I started loving the characters rather than just liking them.
While X Marks the Spot did start out a bit slow for me, I really did end up enjoying the story. I found myself absolutely loving Abi, Del, and Liam as individuals and as a group. I have to say Liam was probably my favorite character by the end of the book and really hope we get to see the three characters in future books from Ms. Carew.
Rating: 3.75 Stars (B-)
March 6, 2019
I received a copy via Netgalley and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own.
Never having read Opal Carew's work, I didn't know what kind of steamy world that I was going to be entering. Although the blurb kind of warned me, nothing could have prepared me for the drama and heat between Liam, Abi, and Del in “X Marks The Spot”. It wasn't long and Opal had me completely engrossed in this love triangle and wanting to see exactly who was going to end up in bed with one another and get a happy ever after.
I found Abi's character to be a bit of a disappointment, but luckily I don't always have to like the heroine to enjoy the story. While she frustrated me, she still kept it interesting, even when I was wanting to shake some sense into her while also being jealous because of the two scrumptious men that she had hanging onto her every word and move.
I think Liam is my favorite out of the two heroes. While he may have broken Abi's heart and caused their marriage to fall apart, he was also hurting due to the circumstances and wasn't completely to blame. Add in his good looks and dominating persona in the bedroom and him seductive nickname of “kitten” for Abi, my heart was his and my knees were like jelly. I found myself wanting to comfort him and fan myself in equal measures.
While Liam had my heart, Del still carved out room for himself. Who wouldn't love a man who stands beside Abi through her heart wrenching experiences and loves her from afar. I have always been a sucker for a man who is a friend to the heroine first. I couldn't wait to see all that pent up passion ignite and take Abi on a scorching ride.
Opal Carew delivers a scorching read that leaves your heart tangled up in emotions by these three characters. While not my favorite romance, there were redeeming parts, lots of sexy surprises, and I will most definitely try another book by Opal Carew.
Never having read Opal Carew's work, I didn't know what kind of steamy world that I was going to be entering. Although the blurb kind of warned me, nothing could have prepared me for the drama and heat between Liam, Abi, and Del in “X Marks The Spot”. It wasn't long and Opal had me completely engrossed in this love triangle and wanting to see exactly who was going to end up in bed with one another and get a happy ever after.
I found Abi's character to be a bit of a disappointment, but luckily I don't always have to like the heroine to enjoy the story. While she frustrated me, she still kept it interesting, even when I was wanting to shake some sense into her while also being jealous because of the two scrumptious men that she had hanging onto her every word and move.
I think Liam is my favorite out of the two heroes. While he may have broken Abi's heart and caused their marriage to fall apart, he was also hurting due to the circumstances and wasn't completely to blame. Add in his good looks and dominating persona in the bedroom and him seductive nickname of “kitten” for Abi, my heart was his and my knees were like jelly. I found myself wanting to comfort him and fan myself in equal measures.
While Liam had my heart, Del still carved out room for himself. Who wouldn't love a man who stands beside Abi through her heart wrenching experiences and loves her from afar. I have always been a sucker for a man who is a friend to the heroine first. I couldn't wait to see all that pent up passion ignite and take Abi on a scorching ride.
Opal Carew delivers a scorching read that leaves your heart tangled up in emotions by these three characters. While not my favorite romance, there were redeeming parts, lots of sexy surprises, and I will most definitely try another book by Opal Carew.
March 22, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is not your typical romance, or menage, story.
Abi and Liam have been separated for a couple of years and Liam refuses to sign the divorce papers. He insists he still loves her, but Abi has her doubts. After a tragic loss, he pulled away from her in every way that counted and she can't put herself in that position again.
She's always had a fierce attraction for Del, but neither of them acted on it because Del is her brother's best friend. Del is also good friends with Liam, and when Abi's life turned upside, she turned to Del for comfort. Abi has never acted on the attraction between her and Del, but she's ready to move on and see where a romance might lead. If only Liam would sign the papers and let her go.
Liam loves Abi. He knows that he screwed up in the past, but he does love Abi, he just has to prove it to her. Del also loves Abi, but knows as long as she's married to Liam there is no way Abi will even consider a relationship with him.
What neither Del or Liam knows is that Abi may have a solution that will solve all their problems.
I enjoyed this book, of the slow build up to the menage story. Of seeing how Abi finally comes to terms with what she wants and how both men want to make her happy.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
This is not your typical romance, or menage, story.
Abi and Liam have been separated for a couple of years and Liam refuses to sign the divorce papers. He insists he still loves her, but Abi has her doubts. After a tragic loss, he pulled away from her in every way that counted and she can't put herself in that position again.
She's always had a fierce attraction for Del, but neither of them acted on it because Del is her brother's best friend. Del is also good friends with Liam, and when Abi's life turned upside, she turned to Del for comfort. Abi has never acted on the attraction between her and Del, but she's ready to move on and see where a romance might lead. If only Liam would sign the papers and let her go.
Liam loves Abi. He knows that he screwed up in the past, but he does love Abi, he just has to prove it to her. Del also loves Abi, but knows as long as she's married to Liam there is no way Abi will even consider a relationship with him.
What neither Del or Liam knows is that Abi may have a solution that will solve all their problems.
I enjoyed this book, of the slow build up to the menage story. Of seeing how Abi finally comes to terms with what she wants and how both men want to make her happy.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
April 5, 2018
3.5 STARS!!
This story wasn't to entertaining at the beginning, but I'm glad I didn't give up on my reading so fast.
This book is not about cheating, is about 2 men willing to share the woman they love and whom in returned loves them back. While there is some jealousy and winning throughout the story, everything changes when the three of them start interacting together.
If you're a fan of Ménage beautifully well written, this book is for you. Abi, Del, and Liam's story was very interesting and I really enjoyed following their journey.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
This story wasn't to entertaining at the beginning, but I'm glad I didn't give up on my reading so fast.
This book is not about cheating, is about 2 men willing to share the woman they love and whom in returned loves them back. While there is some jealousy and winning throughout the story, everything changes when the three of them start interacting together.
If you're a fan of Ménage beautifully well written, this book is for you. Abi, Del, and Liam's story was very interesting and I really enjoyed following their journey.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2019
Well this was different than my usual romance or even my experience with erotica. Liam was terribly unlikeable.
May 28, 2019
Já me tinham dito que o livro era decepcionante..mas pensei... Não, certamente a Vera não gosta deste género, ou estava num dia não... Sei lá. Ainda assim fui confiante a pensar. Não pode ser mau...
É, não é mau é péssimo! Já li muitos livros eróticos e há deles que amo completamente, mas este? Falta-lhe tudo, devia ter ficado no forno apurar. Acontecimentos forçados, cenas sem sentido e para mim a personagem feminina é completamente infantil.
Ok ama dois homens, sente se atraída por dois, mas... Se eu fosse apanhada pelo meu marido a ser comida pelo meu... Amante (?) Certamente que dava um grito de susto e pernas que ai vai ela. Desconfio que batia com os calcanhares no pescoço tal era a pressa de sair dali, ou pedir desculpa..sei lá algum desconforto. Acreditava mais se houvesse um murro ou dois e mais tarde houvesse sexo a três do que assim.. péssimo, forçado.
Mas não, de forma muito insonça e forçada, a mulher já é devorada tanto pelo marido como pelo amante, que é o melhor amigo. Ou seja... é tão sem sal que chega a deprimir.
Não existe história neste livro, a única coisa que há é... Como "trepar" na cama, no chuveiro, na cadeira, contra a parede, na piscina ou no banco. Chegou uma altura que já saltava a cena "erótica" pois para mim, na minha opinião, era tão forçado que chegava a ser deprimente..
É, não é mau é péssimo! Já li muitos livros eróticos e há deles que amo completamente, mas este? Falta-lhe tudo, devia ter ficado no forno apurar. Acontecimentos forçados, cenas sem sentido e para mim a personagem feminina é completamente infantil.
Ok ama dois homens, sente se atraída por dois, mas... Se eu fosse apanhada pelo meu marido a ser comida pelo meu... Amante (?) Certamente que dava um grito de susto e pernas que ai vai ela. Desconfio que batia com os calcanhares no pescoço tal era a pressa de sair dali, ou pedir desculpa..sei lá algum desconforto. Acreditava mais se houvesse um murro ou dois e mais tarde houvesse sexo a três do que assim.. péssimo, forçado.
Mas não, de forma muito insonça e forçada, a mulher já é devorada tanto pelo marido como pelo amante, que é o melhor amigo. Ou seja... é tão sem sal que chega a deprimir.
Não existe história neste livro, a única coisa que há é... Como "trepar" na cama, no chuveiro, na cadeira, contra a parede, na piscina ou no banco. Chegou uma altura que já saltava a cena "erótica" pois para mim, na minha opinião, era tão forçado que chegava a ser deprimente..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2018
UGH...I shouldn't have bothered. This is the third book but this author I've read and the second that I've hated. The other one was just okay....can't say I liked it...
First off, Abi is a tramp. She apparently can't keep her legs closed and doesn't think there's anything wrong with jumping from her husband's bed to his best friend's bed only a few hours later. Apparently it's impossible for her to go more than 2 days without sex. She promises Del she won't sleep with Liam but that promise only lasts one night. And she doesn't seem to have any guilt from her actions/decisions.
Second, there was no real character development in the story. I felt no connection to any of the characters; enough time was not spent developing the relationship between Abi and Del or Abi and Liam. Why not spend more time focusing on how Liam was there for her or what it was like between her and Del?
Third, the entire story was really about sex. I didn't really feel an emotional connection between the characters. The proposal? Yeah, that felt completely out of left field! Talk about sudden!
I think I'm done with this author....the plots are all decent but she doesn't take the time to really develop the story to let the reader get invested in the characters.
First off, Abi is a tramp. She apparently can't keep her legs closed and doesn't think there's anything wrong with jumping from her husband's bed to his best friend's bed only a few hours later. Apparently it's impossible for her to go more than 2 days without sex. She promises Del she won't sleep with Liam but that promise only lasts one night. And she doesn't seem to have any guilt from her actions/decisions.
Second, there was no real character development in the story. I felt no connection to any of the characters; enough time was not spent developing the relationship between Abi and Del or Abi and Liam. Why not spend more time focusing on how Liam was there for her or what it was like between her and Del?
Third, the entire story was really about sex. I didn't really feel an emotional connection between the characters. The proposal? Yeah, that felt completely out of left field! Talk about sudden!
I think I'm done with this author....the plots are all decent but she doesn't take the time to really develop the story to let the reader get invested in the characters.
March 27, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I am a big fan of ménage romance, so was excited to get this on my Kindle. Ms Carew has written some super hot erotica and this also has some very sexy scenes in it. I did however struggle with the pacing and the timing of events. I felt that everything I wanted was there, but just that the way it unfolded didn't entirely convince me.
It is difficult to pinpoint what the issue was, but I think it was that I didn't identify with them as people before the wedding events kicked off. Things are revealed later, but would have helped understand Abi's insecurities and behaviour if revealed earlier. As it is she comes across as spoiled and petulant, rather than having a genuine concern about Liam's claims to love her.
Once they had worked out there was a solution, then things were as hot and heady as I expected, and very satisfying. I am just not sure that the best friends aspect of Liam and Del got a lot of coverage, and there were gaps which seemed odd - surely Del would have known that Liam liked Ds games, and surely Liam would have thought about the voyeur/ trio options earlier.
Having finished the story and thought about it for this review, my memory is shuffling the story round and giving me a good feeling about the outcome. Give it a go and see what you think!
I am a big fan of ménage romance, so was excited to get this on my Kindle. Ms Carew has written some super hot erotica and this also has some very sexy scenes in it. I did however struggle with the pacing and the timing of events. I felt that everything I wanted was there, but just that the way it unfolded didn't entirely convince me.
It is difficult to pinpoint what the issue was, but I think it was that I didn't identify with them as people before the wedding events kicked off. Things are revealed later, but would have helped understand Abi's insecurities and behaviour if revealed earlier. As it is she comes across as spoiled and petulant, rather than having a genuine concern about Liam's claims to love her.
Once they had worked out there was a solution, then things were as hot and heady as I expected, and very satisfying. I am just not sure that the best friends aspect of Liam and Del got a lot of coverage, and there were gaps which seemed odd - surely Del would have known that Liam liked Ds games, and surely Liam would have thought about the voyeur/ trio options earlier.
Having finished the story and thought about it for this review, my memory is shuffling the story round and giving me a good feeling about the outcome. Give it a go and see what you think!
March 29, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the first book I’ve read by Opal Carew and early on I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was having issues with the characters and the story and about 10% in I read a line in a sex scene that just had me laughing and laughing. When I shared this with fellow reviewers I was told Ms Carew writes “unapologetic smut”. This actually helped me get in the right headspace to enjoy the story.
X Marks the Spot is the story about a pretty selfish woman and the two men who are madly in love with her for reasons I couldn’t decipher. This felt a bit like a soap opera but with lots of really hot dirty sexy. And like watching a soap, I just sat back and watched (or in this case read) the drama and story unfolding, judging the characters, enjoying myself and feeling a little guilty doing it.
At the end of the day X Marks the Spot was pretty entertaining and if you are a reader that likes your stories with lots naked time, this book will hit the spot.
This is the first book I’ve read by Opal Carew and early on I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I was having issues with the characters and the story and about 10% in I read a line in a sex scene that just had me laughing and laughing. When I shared this with fellow reviewers I was told Ms Carew writes “unapologetic smut”. This actually helped me get in the right headspace to enjoy the story.
X Marks the Spot is the story about a pretty selfish woman and the two men who are madly in love with her for reasons I couldn’t decipher. This felt a bit like a soap opera but with lots of really hot dirty sexy. And like watching a soap, I just sat back and watched (or in this case read) the drama and story unfolding, judging the characters, enjoying myself and feeling a little guilty doing it.
At the end of the day X Marks the Spot was pretty entertaining and if you are a reader that likes your stories with lots naked time, this book will hit the spot.
March 25, 2018
X Marks the Spot by Opal Carew
3 stars
M/F/M Romance
Triggers: Cheating, Miscarriage
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Abi, Liam and Del... Where to begin with this story? Hmmm. Abi is a woman who is trying to move on from a tragedy in her life. What's making this the most difficult is that her wealthy husband is refusing to divorce her.
Del and Abi have been friends since her older brother asked him to watch over her in school. Despite their attraction, Del has placed Abi firmly in his friend zone, despite their mutual attraction.
The slow build up throughout this story is a good thing. I liked how Abi's sisters tried to give their opinion without being overly pushy. When a unique opportunity of a family wedding presents itself, Abi decides that she'll make her move for Del after all.
What happens next is not what Abi expects, however, it is a very predictable story line. She sneaks in to surprise Del, only to be more surprised that it's her ex-husband, Liam instead. They still are attracted to each other and while one thing leads to another, Abi is now in quite a conundrum.
Abi has to decide whether or not her past will dictate her future. Can she find it in her heart to forgive her husband or has her heart changed allegiance to Del? The relationship aspect is sometimes very youthful, as Abi can't decide between the two men.
Overall, this is a slow burn relationship and everyone must come to the same conclusion. But, my biggest complaint was Abi's character. She wasn't a strong woman throughout and that bugged me a lot.
3 stars
M/F/M Romance
Triggers: Cheating, Miscarriage
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Abi, Liam and Del... Where to begin with this story? Hmmm. Abi is a woman who is trying to move on from a tragedy in her life. What's making this the most difficult is that her wealthy husband is refusing to divorce her.
Del and Abi have been friends since her older brother asked him to watch over her in school. Despite their attraction, Del has placed Abi firmly in his friend zone, despite their mutual attraction.
The slow build up throughout this story is a good thing. I liked how Abi's sisters tried to give their opinion without being overly pushy. When a unique opportunity of a family wedding presents itself, Abi decides that she'll make her move for Del after all.
What happens next is not what Abi expects, however, it is a very predictable story line. She sneaks in to surprise Del, only to be more surprised that it's her ex-husband, Liam instead. They still are attracted to each other and while one thing leads to another, Abi is now in quite a conundrum.
Abi has to decide whether or not her past will dictate her future. Can she find it in her heart to forgive her husband or has her heart changed allegiance to Del? The relationship aspect is sometimes very youthful, as Abi can't decide between the two men.
Overall, this is a slow burn relationship and everyone must come to the same conclusion. But, my biggest complaint was Abi's character. She wasn't a strong woman throughout and that bugged me a lot.
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