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I thought I had it all until he came back.
Julian Caine, my childhood friend, was a short, scrawny thirteen-year-old boy with thick glasses and a mouthful of braces the last time I saw him.
Fourteen years later, he’s no longer an awkward teen.
He’s all man.
A. Beautiful. Staggering. Drop-dead. Gorgeous. Man.
This is more than a fleeting attraction. I’ve spent too many sleepless nights obsessing over him while my fiancé sleeps next to me.
Then Julian makes a proposal I can’t ignore.
One night.
That’s all he’s offering.
If I say yes, will I finally have it all? Or will it be a prelude to disaster?

Note:
Prelude is Book One in The Interlude Duet. There is no cheating and due to graphic sexual content, it is intended for mature audiences only.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2017

307 people are currently reading
1974 people want to read

About the author

Auden Dar

8 books1,167 followers
A former A&R music executive, Auden Dar aspires to create the perfectly imperfect book boyfriend. Besides her family and erotic romance, Auden's other passions include music, foreign films, stalking bulldogs, and learning how to cook like Nigella Lawson.


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5 stars
334 (33%)
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315 (31%)
3 stars
203 (20%)
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81 (8%)
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53 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
April 20, 2022






⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Prelude, book 1 of 2. Should Lina re-bound with the aloof Juliane Caine by riding his 9-inch cock?

“For the first time in my life, naked perfection stands before me. I stare at his long, thick, and very hard erection.”

Books in The Interlude Duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Prelude
Book 2: Interlude


Prelude (book 1) opens up to a fork in the road for soundtrack composer Evangelina Darling James, Lina. After sixteen years with her fiancé they have stagnated into more of a roommate situation with dreary routine sex on Wednesdays.

A hot tall, dark British stranger keeps catching her attention.

It turns out to be her long-lost childhood friend, venture capitalist and heir Julian M.R. Caine, J.C. Their attraction is instant, but complicated by Julian’s aloof, manwhore ways. When Lina finds herself single again, Julian makes an offer for one night of passion endless fucking.

Is Julian safe rebound-sex when she already feels jealous of the women in his life?



Nine words to describe Julian M.R. Caine, J.C.: Aloof, blunt, enigmatic, dirty-talker, elusive, complex, intense, non-committal and larger-than-life.



Seven words to describe Evangelina Darling James, Lina: Loyal, indecisive, non-confrontational, reflective, resilient, confused and trusting.

Prelude, told from Lina’s POV, allowing Julian to remain an enigma, is an unfolding mystery and an unpredictable romance with hints of an epic, addicting love. It’s about obsessing and lusting over someone you cannot have and the aftermath of falling for the wrong guy. It ends leading right to book 2, Interlude for the conclusion of their story.

Infatuation, jealousy, mystery and sex-on-a-stick Julian Caine! Kudos Auden Dar!

“This heartbreak is just a prelude…”

***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★1/2
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★★
Story ending: N/A
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |



ARC provided to me by author Auden Dar in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nelle L'Amour.
Author 50 books1,415 followers
October 29, 2017
I've had the pleasure to meet this lovely new author and begged her to let me to read her first book. Finally, she agreed and all I can say is WOW! I'm so glad she did. Prelude is an amazing debut book, beautifully written with passages that will melt your heart and sometimes tickle your funny bone. Written from the POV of Lina, a successful composer, it is the story of one woman's emotional and sexual awakening...and discovery that the grass IS greener when she encounters her long lost childhood friend, Julian, now a highly successful businessman. Julian is everything any woman could want—devastatingly gorgeous, mega-rich, and extremely attentive and caring. Lina's attraction to him is off the charts, but she is held back by her commitment to her fiancé, who no longer satisfies her in any way. (BTW, there's no cheating!). Finally, Lina makes a brave decision that will alter her life forever, and the fireworks begin.

What I also loved about this book is the meticulous attention to time and place. The story starts off in Los Angeles and transports the reader to New York. Auden's authentic descriptions of both cities will make you feel like you're there and pull you in. I should also add that this book is virtually typo free, something that's always a big plus for me.

This book has it all—a passionate love story, glitz and glamour, a super hot alpha hero, super hot sex scenes, a couple of characters you will love to hate, and even an unsolved mystery. I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.

Bravo, Auden, for a fantastic book!!
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,229 reviews612 followers
November 11, 2017
FOR GOODREADS

prelude

Title: Prelude (The Interlude Duet) 
Author: Auden Dar
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: November 9, 2017


ARC

I finished the book. I actually finished it cause I was half way towards putting this one in the DNF section. I was tricked I tell you- I mean look at that cover! Read that synopsis! Won't you want to read a book that 'supposedly' has it all? A beautiful haunting cover and a blurb that just gets you so excited?!

To tell you the truth, it wasn't all that bad.. at least at the beginning. I was actually feeling sympathetic towards the protagonist...I mean her relationship with her finance is practically non-existent but still... come on woman! The entire time I was reading the damn book my brain was literally screaming "You are a 30 year old woman! Act like one!".

Don't even get me started on Lina's long dragging inner-monologue- her bloody horniness was annoying me! Geez... Desperate much?! For the first time in my life, I didn't like the 'guy' in the book. I couldn't 'connect'. Yes he is rich, cocky and smooth but all I can say is EHHH.

Sorry but this book was such a huge disappointment.

2 star

Note: Yes I gave it a 2 stars... Cause I really like the cover and it had huge potential... and maybe..maybe some 'editing' would have helped?
For more reviews and giveaways follow my blog at www.jemimajamir.com

 
Profile Image for Leigh Lennon.
Author 65 books1,831 followers
November 17, 2017
Every once in a while you are given a book that makes you want to step onto the pages and take over the lead character's life and Lina is that character for me! Sure, she has had her share of crap dealt to her but the author hits on human life because everyone deals with hurt and loss. 

So, you are asking what this story is about-well- let me tell you! This is a wonderful story of a woman who whose mind knows what is good for her but her heart wants something else. The idea of her dreaming about another man as she sleeps next to her fiance' is one of pure torture for Lina.

The author is great at bringing this book to a slow burn as the reader wonders if Julian will ever be part of Lina's life. But it is apparent to the readers that Julian does care deeply for Lina. 

There are reasons I gave this five stars. First, it was written well and I loved the way Ms. Dar paints the canvas of the book so vividly you feel you are in California and New York. I love books that have two settings and this book delivered. I have been to New York once and Southern LA never and I feel I can almost taste the air.

The characters have depth to them as do the minor characters that support them. Patty and Roger are Lina's best friends and they bring humor to the pages; plus the way they protect Lina is absolutely beautiful! 

I also like that the author made Lina believable. How many people do we know (ourselves included) that  get in the cycle of everyday life and may feel stuck at one time or two in our lives! That is the premise of Lina-wanting what she can't have. 

This book will captivate you until the very end and then you will be asking for her January release to come sooner than Santa Claus. Do yourself a favor and get this copy today!  story!
Profile Image for Heather❀Kiss The Pages❀.
755 reviews298 followers
November 7, 2017
DNF @ 85%

I’ll start this off by saying that I really hate giving bad reviews. I also really tried to finish this book and I’m being very sincere because I wanted to DNF @ 25%. So, the fact that I made it as far as I did was an achievement.

The first thing that grabs me about this book is that the writing feels very amateur. Now, I can’t write to save my life and I have so much respect for authors and I can only pretend to imagine what a tall feat it is to write a whole book. However, as a reader it becomes a huge problem when I’m focusing on the writing instead of the actual storyline. Well this is what happened for me while reading this book and it was very distracting and rather annoying. Or maybe I have no idea what I’m talking about and this is just one woman’s opinion. Again, I have absolutely no literacy credentials!

Now the actual plot had so many holes. So many things did not flow or make sense for me. Our heroine Lina is in a very prolonged engagement with her fiancée. Their relationship has lost all the sizzle and they are more like roommates. One day she incidentally runs into a totally hot guy who she realizes is actually Julian, a long time childhood friend she has not seen in years. I start to get confused here because Lina feels very hurt that Julian ignored her calls and letters for so many years and essentially shut her out. Now keep in mind Julian was only 13 years old when all of this went down, which to me is a child, so I just could not connect with how hurt Lina felt as an adult and kept blaming this grown man for a child’s actions.

However, despite how hurt and upset she is with Julian, all it takes is one phone call to invite her to a party and weekend getaway and she’s like… OK, sure. If I had one word to describe Lina is would be DESPERATE. I hate desperate heroines. It’s always an unattractive quality. She was constantly fantasizing about Julian. It became so repetitive! I lost count how many times she masturbated with thoughts of Julian including when she heard him with another woman.

Yes that’s right because Julian brings his own date to this party and asks her if she minds if he has sex with his date that night because his room is right next to hers and she will likely hear them. Seriously?!! Yes Julian was a real catch. Insert eye roll. I especially loved when he visits her house and the first thing he does is insult her décor. I’m sorry but I didn’t connect with Julian either. There was nothing attractive or charismatic about his character.

The other flaw with this book was the fiancée. Now, I am a huge fan of love triangles. I’m not even sure if this would qualify but the problem here is that the fiancée was very indifferent to Lina. He did not seem to care if she stayed or left. He did not seem very attracted to her either. He needs to “focus” and have silence during sex so he can orgasm. I’m also not entirely sure that Julian really wanted Lina as much as she wanted him. So basically we just have a very desperate heroine and that is never a good thing.

So why 2 stars and not 1? Well, I can appreciate the raw honesty of Lina’s character as she explores her sexuality and I can see the potential for the overall storyline even though I didn’t think it was executed well.
Sorry but this just did not work for me.

2 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Series: Book 1 of 2
POV: Single (heroine)


description

Come find me

Profile Image for Elizabeth Knox.
Author 290 books3,400 followers
November 6, 2017
I don’t take my chances on new authors very often, but Auden grabbed my attention. I knew I had to read this, it wasn’t just the amazing cover she had done or the blurb but this gut feeling like this incredible story was about to take hold of my life. Holy cannoli. I was so taken by everything she’d written. I don’t want to give any spoilers but coming from one author to the next - you did an AMAZING job. Readers, pick this one up. You will not be disappointed! ❤️
Profile Image for ♂️Must Have Book Boyfriends ♂️.
523 reviews2,315 followers
February 1, 2018


I have heard amazing things about this book! I just finished reading the PROLOGUE on the author's website and I am INTRIGUED and have bumped this to the top of my TBR! I CANNOT wait to meet Julian! I've heard he's a dirty talking asshole who loves to fuck. YES. PLEASE. I love trying new authors and she's come highly recommended from trusted book friends.



BLURB

I thought I had it all until he came back.
Julian Caine, my childhood friend, was a short, scrawny thirteen-year-old boy
with thick glasses and a mouthful of braces the last time I saw him.
Fourteen years later, he’s no longer an awkward teen.
He’s all man.
A. Beautiful. Staggering. Drop-dead. Gorgeous. Man.
This is more than a fleeting attraction. I’ve spent too many sleepless nights obsessing over him while my fiancé sleeps next to me.
Then Julian makes a proposal I can’t ignore.
One night.
That’s all he’s offering.
If I say yes, will I finally have it all? Or will it be a prelude to disaster?

Note:
Prelude is Book One in The Interlude Duet. There is no cheating and due to graphic sexual content, it is intended for mature audiences only.




PRELUDE IS AVAILABLE NOW!

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2DPz5D0
B&N: http://bit.ly/2ArUwFJ



-----------------------------------------------



INTERLUDE IS COMING JAN. 31st!

BLURB
Heartbreak is my only souvenir.
The morning after the most unforgettable night of my life,
I wake up minus the man and plus one note.
With my head held high, I’m determined to move on without the two men who broke my heart.
My former fiancé who let me go easily without so much as a glance.
And the staggering, gorgeous Englishman who made me scream incoherent words…
All. Night. Long.
When tragic circumstances bring Julian closer than ever, it comes with unyielding passion and
a new proposal… but not the traditional kind, the no-strings attached kind.
Tensions flare.
Life-changing truths are revealed.
New sexual adventures are explored.
But the question remains, will we ever be more than this... than this interlude?

INTERLUDE (Book 2) PREORDER

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2EeDZHB
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,930 reviews395 followers
November 9, 2017
3.5 “Like a seductive melody on repeat,” stars!

Auden Dar’s debut is an emotional second chance romance. Lina’s life has grown a bit stale, at least in the love and sex department. She loves her fiancé, and always has, but there is just something... missing. When someone from her past comes back into her life it makes her question her current situation even more. Will Lina be seduced by the one she feels hurt her long ago, or will she stick it out with the man she knows she loves? You’ll have to read it and see.

I feel like Prelude is a good... well prelude to the story of Lina. Auden Dar does a great job of really putting the reader in Lina’s shoes and allowing you to feel the stagnant place she is in. Sometimes I wanted to just yell at these characters, and shake them until they saw the light. To be blunt these characters are flawed and feel very real at times even if they may be over the top examples of real life. I don’t want to say much more, because I feel like it ruins the story a bit. What I will say is there is no physical cheating. There is a ton of tension, and lots of sexy moments.

Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys extremely angsty contemporary romance.

*ARC provided by the author for an honest review!*
Profile Image for Ari.
344 reviews242 followers
January 4, 2018
DNF at 67%

Ugh, first book I read this year, and it's so bad *insert pout*

Read the entire review @Readin' Under Street-Lamps

Lina is lovely. Julian is hot. And this book is motherfucking cringey.

I did not like one single thing about this book. Not Lina, not Julian and definitely not Auden's writing. Lina was a completely unlikable character (I elaborate it on my blog), and Julian had no clear motives. He'd be fine as a side character, but as a main character? He failed gloriously.

Simply put, this book sucked ass. Auden’s writing is repetitive, unimaginative and boring, to the point that I as a reader, had to stop myself from thinking of new ways of delivering that same sentiment she was so struggling to deliver. Which brings me to the editor- who ever was the editor to this book probably is not qualified to do their job or was really really drunk when they worked on this manuscript. Not that I’d blame them. If I had to make this book bearable, I doubt I could do a better job than this one.

I don't recommend this book to anyone.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,382 reviews896 followers
February 27, 2020
This is a beautifully written story of a woman whose life has been shaped by death. When those that she loved and trusted proved not to be there when she needed them most, she settled into a quiet unassuming life with Andrew. However, after years of being engaged without an engagement ring or a wedding date, Lina finds herself discontent, living a life unfulfilled. Her nights are lonely with the exception of her fantasies despite the fact that her fiancée sleeps only inches away.

When she is reunited with a childhood friend, Julian, she is thrown into a tumultuous storm of doubts and second guessing. After a platonic weekend with the man who is now consuming her thoughts, she returns home and attempts once more to heal the breach between herself and the man she has been with for over a decade. Without any sign of effort from him, she makes the decision to leave.

This is definitely a character driven novel, filled with exceptional prose of LA, San Francisco and New York. It is a journey into the thoughts of a woman who is struggling to escape the doldrums she has settled into. With an incredible music list as a backdrop to the scenes, I experienced the highs and lows as the heroine finds her solitary feet and begins to make a stand for herself.

Julian annoyed me at one point when he blatantly threw another woman into the mix. I like my heroes celibate from the minute they meet their heroine, or in this case, reconnected with her. The fact that Lina was able to get past it helped me to push it aside. She’s a stronger woman than she realizes.

Be prepared, this ends in a cliffhanger but Interlude, book two is supposed to release pretty quickly. You’re going to want to check out Ms. Dar and this incredible debut novel. It’s simply beautiful.

ARC provided by author

Heroine POV
Safety – heroine never sleeps or kisses anyone while still with her finacee; hero does have sex with ow but it is while heroine is still in relationship with om
No apparent triggers
Profile Image for Lana *Best left alone with books and snacks*.
778 reviews156 followers
March 6, 2018

Soooooo... A few things you should know before starting this:

- the MC is a sex-deprived alas sex-obsessed drooling mess of a woman;
- the story doesn't progress that much beyond romantic relationship of the main two;
- Julian is HOT!

That's really all there is to know. Oh, and also the author is a big fan of Bruce Venture, she mentions him A LOT. And I'm not even gonna pretend that I don't know who that is. Yep, I'm that kind of girl ;P

Over and out
October 9, 2017


What it the most exciting thing for a blogger ?
Yes I know what you are going to say - getting a review copy of your favorite author and you are right!
But I mean the OTHER exciting thing .. Yes NOW you are on the right track… I am indeed talking about finding new authors and their debut novels.

Debut novel, especially by indie authors can be a scary business. As sometimes the authors due to their lack of knowledge mistake a blogger for a beta reader and present them with an unedited / less than finished version. And I am not talking about typos or other tiny issues.

So now I am especially happy to tell you about Auden Dar. A while ago she contacted me and requested me to read her debut novel “Prelude”. This book is the first one in a duet and to get one thing out of the way directly. YES it ends on a cliffhanger – and NO Auden I really DO not like that #ME LAUGHING … - because hey lets face it it’s a good sign that I am bothered by that right ?

But no worries – she promised me that the second book will be released shortly behind – so NO SYLIVA DAY effect – I will hold her to that promise. #IDareYou

So about the story itself … When you decide to read this book you will find it is well written & deeply developed. I doubt you will notice that this is a debut as the plot is solid.
Solid also means that the story is predictable at times. That is not a bad thing so do not misunderstand me as it is a kind of second chance romance there has to be a certain predictability I think and there are tons of Readers that love that way of writing.

Its just that I noticed about myself that I am more the “Colleen-Hoover-whiplash” reader than the “Melissa-Foster-romance”. But again NO Misunderstandings I really enjoyed this story its just that I pay attention to these things.

Many reviewers retell the plot in their reviews but I shy away from spoilers wherever possible. So I will only tell you that the blurb gives a good indication on what you can expect of this story. I am pretty sure that if you like the plot you will like the book in total.

I know the Blurb says there is no cheating – and there really isn’t ( at least in my world) But just in case that you are trigger sensitive I believe I should tell you that the story comes close to a love triangle. I mean lets face it the blurb tells you there are two guys involved and it really depends on what you personally feel where cheating starts to make up your mind if there is some kind of cheating here.

For me the fiancé was not really an involved character therefore I guess I would say there is non but a person that is very sensitive might see it differently.
I really liked that the inner fight our female lead had felt real. People are sometimes stuck in their life and it takes quite a lot to get them to change things.
About Julian I haven’t made up my mind yet and THAT is def. the authors “mistake … #cliffhanger HELLO? #hahaha – yeah WE REALLY NEED TO TALK

I am not really sure what I could tell you about the plot that is not already told in the blurb or would give away to much on the story. Something makes me feel that this story so far is really the prelude and that there will be something coming.

So we just have to sit and wait where the author takes us.

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Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,420 reviews302 followers
January 26, 2018
Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars

First of all, we have a new author in the house!! This is Auden's debut novel! A true bookworm loves finding out about new authors and goes absolutely nuts when she discovers a new author that turns out to be amazing. Well, you can say this was the case for me. Not only was this book good and got me hooked and wanting to read Part II ASAP, but Auden is a very sweet gal. If you're like me (and basically all bookworm out there) and love discovering new authors, keep on reading and I hope that you pick up this book and give it a shot!

Now getting into the book, you are introduced to the main character and shown how her life has been like and is currently like. Lina is in a 16 year relationship with her high school sweetheart Andrew but she is very unhappy at the moment, she holds out hope that things will get better but meanwhile they keep getting worse. Not only has she been engaged for years without seeing a ring or a wedding date, her fiancé pays her no attention, he is boring and unsatisfying in all ways possible, specially in bed. I asked myself a lot how she could still be with a man like that but love makes you blind right?! Unfortunately, for a lot of people that is true. And for Lina it was for a very long time, even with her two bffs telling her that she deserved better.

Things got so bad she started fantasizing about other men, real physical men, while having sex with her boring af fiancé! It just so happens that this man she fantasied about had been in more than just her fantasies.

I gaze up and stare at him as if I’ve just seen a ghost. He bites the corner of his bottom lip and doesn’t offer any more. My mouth remains wide open, unable to hide my shock. It’s Julian Caine. The boy I’ve missed for the past fourteen years. Now, a man. A. Gorgeous. Drop-dead. Handsome. Man. Don’t look at him.

This man she first saw at a café and then used to get off in her Wednesday missionary O-less fuck, turned out to be her long lost childhood friend. To be honest, I kind of expected cheating to happen but thank God Lina was a decent person and that didn't happen (I hate cheating).

I had also expected for Lina and Julian's relationship to evolve much faster but it didn't, and that turned out way better than I expected. They got their friendship back on track, hung out together a lot, Lina was spoiled and treated right and with love, even if Julian was just supposed to be a friend. She needed to know that that's what she deserved, that she should be treated like that and not be forgotten or ignored. Those days and events were important because coming off her relationship with Andrew, Lina was very self conscious and had a low self-esteem.
So during those days of 'get back to how their friendship used to be like', there was a lot of subtle and non-subtle flirting. It was so fun! I loved when Lina thought out loud because she always said something inappropriate and then managed to save herself, even though I doubt it worked, Julian will catch anything.

Shirtless, shoeless and only wearing gray sweats, he is a sight I can’t stop gawking at. His damp hair and the traces of water running down along his chest force my mouth to open wider than possible. My eyes trail down to the deep V disappearing below his sweats, and I believe my jaw just dropped. He. Is. Insanely. Hot. Fuck me! Two pairs of eyes stare at me. Did I just say that out loud? “Excuse me?” he asks and gives me a weird expression. “Oh, I just said, ‘stupid me.’ I forgot my manners and didn’t introduce myself to your girlfriend.”
Lina is such a character! I loved her. She made me laugh so hard sometimes.

Their relationship was a very slow burn one but it was awesome to read. Only in the last chapters does something happen between them, well other than their first kiss - I am about to move back when Julian reaches for me, pulling me close to his chest. I swallow hard, aware of what this may mean. Dipping his head, our eyes lock. Oh, my God. His gaze slowly moves down to my mouth, and it renders me speechless. A few long seconds pass by. My chest begins to rise and fall, my mind races, and my heart beats at an absurd velocity. Suddenly, his beautiful mouth is on mine.Sweet Jesus. He tastes better than I had imagined. Our tongues dance a slow dance as if we’ve been lovers for years. We belong. It is the kiss of all kisses. The kind of kiss I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Breathing him in, I’m warmed by the intoxicating spicy notes of his cologne. The feel of his stubble grazes my chin, and I love it. Raindrops continue to fall. Cars honk. Pedestrians walk around us. Our first kiss continues as if the world is coming to an end. I’ve never felt so consumed by one kiss. - All I will say is BIRTHDAY SEX!! It was hot! Julian *heart eyes*!

“I’m going to fuck your tight, sweet pussy, and you’re going to come all over me.”

I cannot wait to see how things turn out with these two. They deserve to be together, to be happy. After losing so many people in their lives, they deserve to be with each other.

When the kiss of all kisses ends, he tilts my chin and studies my face. He can see everything. He can see through all my defenses. He can see my need. Fuck me. Moving closer, Julian whispers, “I want this more than anything I have ever wanted. I need to know that you want this too.” “Oh, God, Julian … Julian, I want you. I want you so much.” I trace his gorgeous face with my fingertips, following every curve. Staring at his haunting gray-blue eyes, I wonder if I’ll ever find myself attracted to another man again. Taking a long deep breath, he sighs. “When I am with you, I forget to breathe. I look at you, and for a moment, I literally forget to breathe.” Capturing my mouth, his kiss is desperate and messy.

One thing you should know though is that the book ends in a cliff-hanger, shocker? Not really! It was to be expected, I mean this is a duet... so yeah, things do not end well. I kind of wanted to strangle Julian, mostly because I desperately want to know why he keeps running and what the f*ck he is hiding in London, because I have a very strong feeling he IS hiding something. I'm super excited for Part II, November is not coming fast enough. At the same time, I don't want it to come because I have a lot of catching up to do with my reading and uni, and these last October weeks are gonna be chaos! Send help.

This heartbreak is just a prelude …
Even though what Julian did sucked and I want to know why so bad, I feel like what happened will be important for Lina. I hope she'll grow from it and become a stronger woman because of it. It might have 'ended' on a bad note but she needed it to happen, even if it was just to show her that she deserved to be treated right and much better than how Andrew treated her, and yes of course, she also deserved to be properly fucked. And Julian got that down pat ;)

➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Jo-Anne Joseph.
Author 33 books759 followers
October 6, 2017
Prelude was a beautifully written story about love lost, found and rediscovered. It makes you believe in second well deserved chances. It is passionately crafted and I found it easy to relate to. It is also a story of inner strength and not settling for anything less than one deserves. It makes you reconsider life and encouraged self-love and discovery. I absolutely loved Lina's story and I enjoyed this book immensely. There were so many emotions I felt reading it and some characters I wish she'd kill off. The last few chapters took a sudden turn and wasn't what I expected at all. It had me hanging on the edge of my seat and concluding it, left me thirsting for more. It's hard to believe this is Auden's debut and I know that I will be waiting to see more from this author.
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
2,049 reviews52 followers
November 10, 2017
Arc provided by author for honest review. Ah I'm so conflicted right now, I didn't like Andrew from the get go. He just seemed so boring and Lina seems way more outgoing they didnt mesh well. Then I met Julian and at first I will admit I was angry with him for leaving Lina when they were kids with no words. Then he started to grow on me. But then again he pissed me off with Shira like why did he have to do that with Lina there. It shows what an ass he can be. Then he sort of redeemed himself but now I'm so angry and confused I just need more and answers a lot more answers. I truly can't wait for the next book. Nice job Auden!
Profile Image for Mizz.
1,074 reviews395 followers
February 25, 2018
This girl needed to wake the eff up and break up with her 'fiance' BEFORE meeting the H again.

STOP WHINING about your 9 year stale relationship and DO something!!!



The book summary states that there is no cheating but there is definitely cheating involved. The h pictures the H every time she sleeps with her fiance and every time she masturbates.

Also, she doesnt break up with her fiance until 80% into the story and even then it's not actually a break up, it's "I need some time away"

Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,209 reviews20 followers
November 13, 2017
What an amazingly tantalizing story of a woman Lina James, twenty-nine, who had a tragic beginning to her life. When her mom died at her birth. Her dad took it hard and was devoted to her but at the age of thirteen, he was ripped from her life in an auto accident. Since his family lived in another country he had a will that was drawn up that she was to stay in the U.S. in joint care with the Caine family Marcel his dear friend and his loving wife Elisa and his parents who would come during the summers.

This is a quick read. Why because once you start you will not want to put it down. You will not and mean will not want to miss book two. I balled like a baby. Full-bodied characters and funny as hell. Roger and Patti were the best-supporting characters ever. Loved them they lived large and alive. So worth the read. This is a to be continued but yet a standalone in the best way. I give this: 5 stars. Provided to me by the author for an honest review. See the rest of my review ...
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Profile Image for Heather South.
759 reviews
November 10, 2017
🌟🌟🌟⭐ 4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟⭐

This was a great debut novel! It took me a minute to get really into it but once it grabbed me, it did not let go. I really Like Lina, I think she grew throughout the book, I think that Andrew is like Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh or maybe a pod person, Alien, robot? I did not like him. Mugpie was a scene stealer! Loved him!! I can't figure Julian out, and I am hoping in the next book we get some of his p.o.v too because I feel as if I missed something important, but I'm not sure what it is. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to pick up where Auden Dar just left us dangling...until January! Seriously great debut novel, will not hesitate to one click the 2nd book in this duet!
Profile Image for Kavita Kumar.
341 reviews34 followers
November 7, 2017
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Plot : 2
Originality : 2
Main Characters : 3
Chemistry between the Leads : 2
Side Characters : 4 (because of Patti)
Feel/Emotions : 2
Twists : 2
Writing Style: 4

My Thoughts : It was such a promising start and from there it just got annoying. I really wanted to like this book. So many things did not work for me. Lina girl, you got issues !! and your issues got issues !!!
1] Lina is with Andrew for 16 years. Andrew who has sex on a schedule (weekly once). Andrew who doesn't like when she plays the piano (which she loves BTW). Andrew who treats her like a servant. And she has not realized that she is unhappy all this time. 16 years !! You slow or what ???
2] Almost 80% of the book has Lina perpetually horny. Dirty thoughts every time she even thinks of Julian. Dirty thoughts of dirty things she would like to do to him..of what he could do to her.. and dirty thoughts of dirty talking too.. Lina is like a 30-year-old-wallflower going 15-year-old-boy.
3] I enjoy scenes having dirty talking.. specially when it's an alpha male in command.. But in this book, things got too fakey (if that's a word).. Oh.. you want it?? Yah, give it!! I gonna give it..Ohh.. you gonna take it.. (And that too at 80% of the book)..
4] Lina is supposedly too naive in the bedroom department and Julian seems to be the so-called expert. Why??? Because she uses "sleeps" (you know, like sleeps with a guy).. while he.. a loud laugh from him.. "F*cks".. really ??? Julian, you just sound like a douche.
5] I just didn't like Lina.. Remember how we get upset when some guy keeps objectifying women just on looks.. Lina does that to Julian.. always always objectifying his body.. Tiring !!

I think Book 2 of this series might unravel a few mysteries about what's wrong with Julian and why he is so aloof.. And Caine Sr has something to share.. But whatever..I am upset, because I really wanted to like this story. Because who doesn't have a friend who is thin and scrawny braces-wearing at 13 and then becomes uber-hot when he grows up !!
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,390 reviews41 followers
November 11, 2017
Wow, I just finished this book and I am at a loss of words to write my review. I can't believe this is Auden Dar's debut book, I could not put it down. This story was well written, full of emotions that pull on your heartstrings and fantastic characters. Lina has been with Andrew her fiance for a long time and her sexy friend Julian shows up from her childhood. My heart was breaking through this entire book and I can't wait for the second book....I need answers. This is the first book in the duet.
Profile Image for Brit.
Author 10 books157 followers
November 11, 2017
I don't even know where to begin with this review. I'm obsessively obsessed with this novel and with the author herself. She did an amazing job writing this book and the characters. I wasn't a fan of Andrew but Julian tho is a different story I loved him. I Highly recommend this story to anyone who likes second chances.
242 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2022
description
Drum rolls please. We have new amazing author to look for new books from and it’s Auden Dar of course with her first book “Prelude”. She definitely became one of my favorite USA indie authors. I got really lucky to find her books when I got lucky to find opportunity for “Interlude” arc reading. And as I singed out I found out it was second book in the two book series. So that’s no surprise I wanted to know how the story begin and so I got the opportunity to read both of them (lucky, lucky me).

So now of to the story. “Prelude” introduce us to Lina one of main characters and shows her current life as well as her life that she had in the past. She is in long term relationship, sixteen years relationship to be exact, with her boyfriend Andrew who is her high school sweetheart, her first and until now last love. But Lina is not happy in this relationship. As a strong character she still is holding to that hope that things with get better even if they are getting worse. After all she is engaged for years without seeing even hint of the ring nor any mentioning of the wedding and her fiancé is treating her more like sure thing, basically like help or piece of home equipment. Even when they are in bed everything is planned to the point that whole situation could not be more unsatisfying and boring. And Andrew doesn’t seem to notice nor care about Lina’s needs. But Lina tries to understand his fiancé and she tries to defend his behavior to her friends which both I totally adore. And I must admit that I hate Andrew for most part of this book. I thought about him as a selfish a-hole who cares only about himself.
And one things led to another until on one “date & sex” Wednesday when being intimate with her fiancé Lina starts to fantasize about man she saw in the coffee shop the other day. But as the story will tell it the man was so much more than her fantasies. That man turned up to be Lina’s long lost childhood friend who invites her to his father’s birthday party. And I was so convinced that there will be cheating. Luckily it did not happen.

What I like in this book is the time it took for Julian’s and Lina’s relationship to evolve. One may suspect it to happen definitely faster but I think after not seeing each other for such long time it would be weird if they would come from hi to relationship stuff very quickly. We may see how it all evolves and that’s one of many advantages of this book. So Lina an Julian got their friendship back once again and she starts to notice that even as a friend Julian treats her better than Andrew does as her fiancé. And finally Lina noticed that she deserve to be treated with love, affection and respect and not like an old piece of furniture forgotten and ignored. Those events led to Lina ending her relationship with Andrew and Lina with low self-esteem and self-conscious goes back to New York. What I love about Lina’s character is her thoughts that many times made me laugh and if said thoughts would be said it may cause some trouble for her definitely. So in the New York Lina goes back to being friend with Julian and another thing I love is that beside “let’s be friends” thing there is a lot, sometimes not so subtle, flirting and Lina’s not so innocence out loud thinking. Lina is definitely my kind of girl.
So as I mentioned earlier that slow burn relationship was really fun to read. Only in few last chapter something serious is finally happening between them and in order to not spoil you that amazing moments all I will say that Lina had very happy birthday celebration. And when I was finishing this book I was really rooting for this two cause after so much lost in both of their lives they definitely deserve to be happy and they definitely deserve each other.

And of course as always with amazing first book in the series there must be a cliff-hanger and this one is so big I was so happy I had arc for book two ready to read and I was able to hop right into it as soon as I finished that book. Yes you may be furious about Julian’s behavior but everything that happen have some good reasoning here. So be patient and read “Interlude”, cause
This heartbreak is just a prelude…

Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
November 9, 2017
Lina is basically just living her life as a lie. Engaged to Andrew which feels like forever but he basically doesn’t care and it’s almost like there just roommates. Lina has some hot, sexy thoughts but there for a different guy which Lina finds out is a guy(Julian). Lina has had feelings for Julian since she was younger. Julian is your basically nerd turned asshole. Will Lina give in and finally show her real self? Or will that explode in Lina’s face and she remains empty? A very different type of writing I loved the whole story I just had to get used to how the author writes so I did have to reread some parts. Can’t wait to read book 2! *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book ***
Profile Image for JJ The Book Boss.
46 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2018
Freaking LOVED this book and I can't WAIT for book 2!!

This book wrapped up love, mystery, desire and loss together in one beautiful package.
So many times throughout, I couldn't believe this was a debut novel. Ms. Dar has a great
career ahead of her.

**sits patiently waiting... begging, for book 2!!**
Profile Image for Vickie.
1,652 reviews63 followers
November 8, 2017
I love reading books from new authors, you never know what you're going to get and I dived into this without even reading the blurb. I honestly can't believe this is a debut book from a new author. The writing and flow is extremely good and I admit i found it hard to put this book down.

Lila has been stuck in a very routined, ordered relationship for the past 15 years with Andrew. Sexually repressed in her relationship, you start to get the feeling straight away that Lila is deeply unhappy, unfulfilled and extremely lonely. Her career seems to be the only thing she's happy with. I loved Lina. I found her very easy to understand and to relate to. She's miserable, her life hasn't turned out like she once hoped it would and she finds herself questioning her relationship with Andrew. When a gorgeous stranger catches her eye, she can't help feeling a sense of familiarity about him and she soon finds herself thinking/obsessing about him constantly.

What can I say about Lina's fiancé Andrew? Could a man be any more boring? The answer to that would be a resounding no. Everything about him bores me, his personality, his dress sense and don't even get me started on his 'finesse' in the bedroom *insert the worlds biggest eye roll here*. He annoyed me so much with his selfish, blasé attitude.

Julian knew Lila when she was a kid. They were best friends until Julian left abruptly and severed all contact with Lina. Years later they meet again and there's now this insane sexual attraction between Lila and Julian that I loved.
I loved Julian from the start. Then he started with the sweet attitude and the deliciously dirty mouth and I was a complete goner....until he went and made me hate him. This man!!! Talk about infuriate me. If he was a real person I'd be seriously tempted to hunt him down and slap some sense into him. The man's keeping something secret and I for one need to know what.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lina is very easy to like and I loved seeing her change throughout the book. She starts to find who she is, getting more confident and more willing to put herself first.

If you like an angsty (not too much angst, just enough to keep those emotions confused and the blood pumping) romance that's sweet and sexy, that will make you laugh, make you mad, and make you want to stalk the author until she gives you the next book...this is the book for you!!
Profile Image for H.B. Jasick.
Author 14 books125 followers
November 9, 2017
This book was beautiful, and it was so full of angst, that I couldn’t bear putting it down for a single moment. Lina is a girl that know suffering and loss. She’s lonely, sad, and insecure. She is relatable, and her story makes you feel everything she feels. She also loves with her whole heart, and when she realizes that she deserves more, she does what she feels is the right decision. I liked Lina. She is nothing, if not loyal and sweet. Andrew and Julien... one is cold, and one is so so hot. Like irresistible, begging to be burned, hot. But his hotness comes fully equipped with flaws. Though every character has a fully developed story, and every character deserves a voice, this story is about Lina, and where she wants, and deserves, to be. I loved this story. If you love angst against all odds, then this story will be perfect for you! I now need the next book...like yesterday!

Also... this cover is absolutely gorgeous!!

✨I give this book 4.5 Stars!! ✨

Reviewed by #TheUnratedBookshelf & Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,441 reviews39 followers
November 9, 2017
This is one of the books that I love. It has a great sorry with the building the tension so high that you knows when the characters finally come together is going to be EXPLOSIVE!!!!!!
Lina and Julian go way back but haven't saw each other in a long time. Lina is engaged to Andrew, who let's face it, needs to get his head out of ass and care a little more. He needs to take care of his woman in and out of the bedroom. I seriously have no clue how Lina stayed for as long as she did. I would have been gone and finding something new. A girl has needs and he wasn't fulfilling them at all. I loved Lina. She stayed faithful but it was so,so hard.. Julian turned out to be smokin Hot guy who knows some serious dirty talkin and how to please a woman! Sweet Jesus that scene was Hot! 🔥
I must say the ending broke my heart and while I kinda wanted to smack the crap out of Julian, the note was sweet. I do hope he has a good reason. This book will definitely keep your attention and if you like your tension high then thief is the book for you! It was hard to put down and I didn't really want it to end! I NEED MORE!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,513 reviews61 followers
November 9, 2017
Fantastic Debut Release from Auden Dar. I can't believe it's her first book. I binged this in one day - it's a really great read.

The story is written from Lina's POV and she was a character that I quickly warmed to, and felt protective of. Her colourless life is interrupted by the return of her childhood best friend Julian, and he's definitely not the gangly teen she remembers. He's a total babe & a total dirty talking assehole. But who doesn't love a bit of assehole in their book boyfriend??

Add in two of the funniest best friends I have read in a book, plenty of angst, great chemistry and some really well written emotional scenes and you've got a great read. There's a definite slowburn feel to the book which I loved. Always happy to wait for a great story to unfold and the story ended leaving me wanting more.

I am really looking forward to more stories from this new author. Definitely recommend.

PS It ends on a cliffhanger

I received an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
276 reviews27 followers
October 13, 2017
I received the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I got pulled into this story and instantly became addicted. This isn't just a love story but also a story of inner strength and how it's okay to be single. I can easily relate to it as I'm currently single. I loved every moment of this story and I just adore Lina. The only part I wasn't crazy about was that there was a cliffhanger at the end of the book. I need more! I can't wait to see what happens with Lina later on.
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