I don’t know what made me go to him that night. Steel, the pierced drifter with the neck tattoo. Mostly I wanted to hurt my reputation. He could take my virginity and I’d go home, ruined. I never thought he’d say no.
*** A steamy STANDALONE contemporary romance with a sizzling hot alpha. No cliffhanger, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Please note Carnal was originally published as Carny***
Steel was a carnival worker. Been that way for the last 10 years. He hooked up with the carnival after running from his going-nowhere-fast life and has worked his way up to foreman. He’s had a good life as far as he’s concerned. He’s got a roof, food, friends, a pseudo-family, and all the women he can possibly ask for. Emily was a girl of privilege - sheltered, naive, and inexperienced. One night at the carnival, she meets Steel and the rest was history. These two connected and from there no one and nothing was ever going to tear them apart. Well… almost.
What I loved so much about this story was Steel’s dedication and devotion to Emily. This man was so special and it wasn’t just because of his accessories *wink*. He supported her, he listened and helped and was an all-around amazing guy. I loved him so much. I didn’t love Emily though. Sadly, she was too judgmental and condescending for me. It could be that I don’t totally get the small-town mentality as I’ve always lived in the city, but her attitude simply rubbed me the wrong way. For someone looking to escape the small-minded and ignorant mentality of her neighbors, she wasn’t any better. Not a good look at all. And the way she was inconsiderate of Steel and his feelings when he was so considerate of hers made me really upset. But hey, it all worked out in the end, right? So I can’t really complain. And by the time I got to the end of the story, she actually grew on me. I still don’t love her, but my love for Steel makes her tolerable.
Simone Sowood does such a great job of blending the sweet and the sexy. There are moments of swoon-worthy happiness and fiery hotness and I can’t tell you which one I prefer, they were done so well. The angst is felt but isn’t overwhelming and the character development is thorough without being too detailed. Carnal is definitely steam with no cheating and a sweet happily ever after.
Release Date: September 8, 2017 Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Dual - 1st person Heat: 4 out of 5 Type: Standalone
Carnal: Pierced and Inked was a stand-alone by Simone Sowood. It was my first book by the author.
Emily was a sheltered society girl in a small town. Her dad owned a chain of dealerships and was a man of influence.
Steele was a carnival worker. He went from town to town working the carnival and intent on influencing innocents in each town. He was only looking for the party, fun and short one or two night stands - however long the carnival was in town.
Sowood took us through their initial meeting and then the challenges they faced afterwards. It wasn’t a typical push and pull type of relationship. The challenges were external.
I liked the premise of the story, but I had a difficult time getting through it. I struggled the most with the rude and judgmental attitudes. I felt like we had gone back in time about thirty years and it wasn’t a realistic perspective for today. Additionally, there were numerous editing errors and one of the chapters was out of order so the timeline was off.
All in all, it was an interesting concept, just not a favorite read for me. However, I’d be interested in trying another story by this author.
I liked this book overall. I didn't actually read it the first time, as I was not sure how I felt about the idea of the hero being part of a traveling carnival. I have no idea why, but this wasn't something that had a lot of appeal for me. But, when it appeared the 2nd time, I thought I would give it a shot.
I am glad I did.
I liked Emily and Steel. I liked their relationship. While there was definitely insta-love, I also liked the idea that they were pulled from one another before they had a chance to fully pursue the idea of a relationship and what it might mean. I think, at least for me, when a choice is taken from me, the appeal of the thing I lost becomes much stronger, so that part worked for me.
In places, I found the writing to be a little more dramatic than always works for me, but this is the author's style. She writes the grand stories, the dramatic ones, in which the characters all react to things in a big way. So, while this is not always a favorite of mine, I know this going into the book and I did not change the rating as a result of this.
That said, I thought Emily adjusted to the new life a little easily, but she was young and in the first stages of a new love, so I also thought that was realistic. Sort of. Although going from a Burberry dress to a trailer without AC and not really complaining was a bit of a stretch and I thought there was a lot of story there that was not really addressed.
I did think the whole thing with where he was from was a little much, and I thought it was not really a necessary thing...that there was enough going on for them, enough drama, that this was an addition that was not necessary for the story and that it took away from other points in the story that would have been better served to be a little more developed.
Overall, I did enjoy this, and it is exactly what is advertised, a fun, quick, hot read.
Don't knock it til you try it!! If anyone would have told me months or years ago that I would read a story about carnies and absolutely love it, I would have thought they were crazy but I did and I do!! This book is crazy good!! The heat factor between the two MC's is off the charts. It's pretty much an insta-love that I go crazy over but with a few twist, turns and surprises. I can guarantee that you will never look at a carnival the same way!! Steel, who is a carny, has a body to die for and abs of steel, but ladies that is not how he got his name, you will have to read to find that out and it is definitely worth it. He has lived the life of a carny, going from town to town and women to women with no intention of ever settings roots down in any place, that is until he spots Emily. Emily, has grown up in a small town her whole life where if you don't know what you are up too, everybody else will. People make it their business to know your business and reputations are everything to everybody. Emily has always played by the rules so not to tarnish her dads reputation but what happens one night out with friends at a carnival will change everything!! Highly Recommended!! A Must Read if you like quick, fast and extremely sexy fun!
I was surprised with this one, I went in thinking that a Carny was a drunken mess that couldn't find any other jobs. I completely changed my mind Steel a Carny worker loves to hook up with the girls coming to the carnival. Emily is a rich privileged girl who lives under her parents thumb. She can do no right especially from her Father, who thinks she is a disgrace to his name. Emily aka Goldie meet at the fair and Steel lays it on think. Emily spends one unforgettable night with Steel and then all hell breaks loose , Emily's father finds out, and Steels boss does too so they are separated for months, each one searching and longing to be together. I was on the fence about Emily she was so immature and concerned about her parents, she did a lot of growing up. And finally make chooses for herself. Steel was so freaking Amazing I feel head over heels in love with him. He was a Alpha for sure that keep his Goldie safe. Just a great read. I received a copy for my thoughts
This was a unique read for me, firstly because I don't generally read a lot of books like this and secondly because it's so different to any other book I've read. A story about finding yourself and been happy with who and what you are and want in life, and showing others that stepping out of the box isn't always a bad thing but it can be life changing. I absolutely loved this book. It was an intriguing and very entertaining read. The characters were very likable and really sweet. Steel and Emily made an unusual couple who had a interesting start to their relationship, and I loved their connection and the chemistry between them. My only small grumble is that I would have liked a little more at the end, it just felt a little cut off. But nevertheless, it was a very sweet and enjoyable read. I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this story with Steel and Goldie, how a small town girl totally smothered by her family who just wants to grow up and stand on her own. She falls for a guy who has made a life working for the carnival putting up with the prejudices of all the town folk and really isn't what he seems. A truly love conquers all story about taking control of your own happiness and being against all the odds. This was a great read with funny scenes as well as sexy romance with characters that you will fall in love with but some you will dislike. Great book with well balanced plot that you flowed with it so much I couldn't put it down.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I had read "Carny," and enjoyed it, so when Simone Sowood sent out an email stating she was re-releasing it with a different title and semi-different content, I was excited. This book was a great read and I really enjoyed reading it.
Another super hawt story from Ms. Sowood!! A unique topic and although instalovey, it was also different enough, I couldn't stop listening. The narration by Stephanie Wyles and Lance Greenfield was spot on!!
Pierce Me review for book 1 This is a story about a 27 year old woman named Eloise who is a physical therapist having trouble getting an orgasim. She finds an article in her parents medical practice that talks about how if you get a genital piercing you will have the best orgasims of your life. So because Eloise is desperate to have her first ever orgasim she decides to head to the tattoo parlor to get pierced but to her surprise it turns out that the guy that will be doing the piercing is Gabe who she's known since they were kids. After finding this out and getting caught by Gabes business partner with Gabes finger in her she leaves the tattoo parlor like a bat out of hell. Despite her embarrassment she sees Gabe again in the clinic and he asks her out again with the promise of a mind blowing orgasim too. But after getting persuasion from her sister Sophie to do it she agrees. He takes her out to eat then they end up hooking up and she finally gets to experience her first ever orgasim. Of course after that they get together but the relationship gets cut short due to a secret that Eloise had no knowledge of. After the truth is discovered and time has passed she goes after him to get him back. Eloise uses the excuse that she wants to get a tattoo to get Gabe to speak to her. Of course he agrees but she doesn't get a tattoo she ends up getting the genital piercing in the end. After that they get back together, she gets inked, and the book gives you two epilogues where 10 years have passed, they are married with four kids and about to have another in two months. My overall rating for this book is 2.5 stars!!
Carnal review for book 2 This book is about a 20 year old small town girl named Emily who visits the carnival in town for the weekend and meets a 27 year old employee named Steel. He spends the entire time trying to sweet talk her into getting her to sleep with him. In the end she agrees and comes back to the carnival to see him and give him her virginity but when she tells him he refuses to sleep with her but stays up all night talking and messing around. Morning arrives and she leaves him with the promise that she'll return to see him again. Sadly though her father finds out and keeps Emily locked in her room and Steel gets in trouble with his boss. The carnival leaves and they don't see each other again until the following year and this time they get together but sadly her parents have other plans for Emily but before they get caught they leave to find Steel's boss and join the carnival. As they make a new life together in the carnival they decide to get married and stay together but life had other plans. Emily soon discovers that she's pregnant and they have to leave the life they have built together and go back to her parents with Steel of course but as expected they don't welcome him with open arms and as more secrets are uncovered Emily and Steel soon discover that they will have a few trials before they get there happy ending. In the end though they stay together, get legally married, have a daughter and own their own business. My overall rating for this book was 3 stars!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a unique read for me, firstly because I don't generally read a lot of books like this and secondly because it's so different to any other book I've read. A story about finding yourself and been happy with who and what you are and want in life, and showing others that stepping out of the box isn't always a bad thing but it can be life changing. I absolutely loved this book. It was an intriguing and very entertaining read. The characters were very likable and really sweet. Steel and Emily made an unusual couple who had a interesting start to their relationship, and I loved their connection and the chemistry between them. My only small grumble is that I would have liked a little more at the end, it just felt a little cut off. But nevertheless, it was a very sweet and enjoyable read. I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
loved this awesome romance! Carny is a great read from the first page to the lovely conclusion and I couldn't put it down. The carny and the townie good girl - on the face of it, Steel and Emily have nothing in common except an unexpected but extraordinary passion for each other. Is that enough to build a life together on? Steel and Emily's love story is one of my favorites. It's a great journey, rich in story and emotion, and I am so glad I got to go on it with them.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
5stars and more for the way Eloise wants a sweet tingle inserted into her clitoral tongue Wow what can I say.....happyness is just around the next corner for her with Gabe maybe... .I just hope she gets all the orgasm she wants....HELL...I might have to get one done too...So funny, can't help but laugh so funny hilarious but one does it for sexual pleasure hmmmm?????Great storyline so raunchy smutty humorous sexy OOOH yeah Love it.....I can't wait to read your next series of awesomeness looking forward to your next series of books...THANKS Rangi Young.
This book seems WORLDS different from Pierce Me, and there’s no connection. I felt that this book was immature and at times I had a very hard time liking the characters. Steele and Emily do have a wonderful chemistry, but their story felt more like a High School/College Romance than anything else. I don’t normally like those, so maybe that’s why I didn’t care for this one. I listened to this through audiobook, in the Pierced and Inked boxset.
Carnival, Virgin, Older Man/ Younger Woman, Bad Boy, Inked
I don't know what I expected, but definitely not this. Simone Sowood has given her readers a great original story. You get romance, hot, steamy sex scenes, overbearing parents, a small opinionted town, a hot alpha tattooed bad boy, family drama, love, and a HEA. Carny is a story of finding one's self and how true love can survive obstacles and make you stronger.
I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.
Steel worked at a carnival for 10 years, these carnies became his family. One day he met Emily (goldie) when there carnival went to a small town. Goodies family was a well respected family of the town and her father commanded respect. Goldie was 20 and still under lock and key. Until steel (kayden) Loved this story, the only downfall was on almost every page there were typos. I can ignore 5 or 10, but on almost every page, it was starting to become noticeable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Absolutely loved this story. Emily is the good girl in town and her and her friends go to the weekend carnival where she meets Steel. Steel is the ultimate bad boy with tattoos all over his body. They hit it off are separated for a while when the carnival leaves, but Steel comes back for her and they begin their life together. It isn't always easy, but they have a great relationship and will do anything for each other. A definite must read.
With this book, Simone Sowood has surpassed herself.
Carny is the heart warming story of Emily and Steel told with great sensitivity and emotion. The characters are complex, detailed and lovingly described. The story is a page turner, exciting and contains some unexpected twists!
I could not put it out of my hand and had to grab a tissue not only once! An absolutely must read and one of the best books I have read so far!
What an unexpected treasure! Pierce Me is such a cute and heartfelt story. And it's sexy as f*ck. It's a great book I wish I had found sooner. I felt like I was about to burst into flames at times, but not just that. I felt with the characters, all emotional. Love how unexpected it was. And of course Muffy Newtown and Joe Arden were perfect as always. I know this sounds lame, but they always put in 110% if not more!
Simone really knows how to write a story and make the characters very real and down to earth. I enjoyed the story of Emily and Steel! The unexpected twists, the change up on usual romance stories with a rich girl/poor boy, the steamy love scenes, it was all well written! You'll definitely enjoy this read. One-click today!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
this story was fantastic, i couldn't stop reading and laughing and crying. i was wiping tears several times. loved the story and the characters. the story just seemed to flow. good job, ms sowood.
I really loved this book, been reading romance books for over 30 yrs and I can't ever remember reading one about carnies, this was a nice new treat for me that I enjoyed very much, what a steamy sweet story. I recommend this book, you will not be disappointed, great HEA!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book. Wow. I loved this story so much of Emily & Steel. I never wanted this one to end. Lol. Awesome book!!!!
This story was incredible,outstanding,exciting and just sooo hot 🔥!. It was so moving and heartwarming 😂!. Simone is an amazing writer and fantastic storyteller 😄.
4 Star Kindle Unlimited Read Now this was a fun read. It crosses the classes. It's also demands that you can find real love in what is assumed the wrong place.
This is a hot and sexy box set. The two books don’t really tie into each other so they can be enjoyed individually. I just like the feeling of getting two great books for the price of one;)