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Shiver
Kensey Lyons has never had ‘normal’. Instead, she has a mother who lives in her head, a stepfather who’s on death row, and the stigma that comes with being the child of an extramarital affair. Writing has always been her escape. Knowing the reception her books receive will be tainted by her personal life, Kensey secretly writes under a penname when she’s not working part-time at her godmother’s bar. Her world might not be exciting, but she likes it exactly as it is. When she meets alarmingly compelling businessman Blake Mercier, the snap of attraction is instant. She doesn’t like it. Doesn’t want to be drawn to this man who is blatantly dangerous, carries dark secrets, and lives life by his own rules. Neither of them make a great first impression on the other, so she’s more than surprised when he begins to pursue her with a single-minded focus that is unsettling, thrilling, and infuriating. Her gut tells her to keep her distance, but Blake won’t let her run. Won’t give her space. There’s another person who won’t give her space. Someone who has discovered the secret of her penname and who seems intent on taunting her. And as Kensey struggles to identify her persecutor, Blake is by her side, determined to keep her safe … because Blake Mercier always holds tight to what’s his. Always.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
722 people are currently reading
3147 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Wright
68 books14.5k followersSuzanne Wright lives in England with her husband, two children, and her Bengal cats. When she's not spending time with her family, she's writing, reading, or doing her version of housework - sweeping the house with a look.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 637 reviews
May 6, 2023
3 - 3.25 Stars
This was my 19th Suzanne Wright book.
Meaning...I'm a fan.
Obviously.
That said, I liked this book...but I didn't love this book.
There was a lot going on.
Almost too much going on.
Honestly, reading this was like riding the J.D. Robb Trolley and getting hit with the Fifty Shades Bus.
Like a total transformer sideswipe, folks.
There was a serial killer.
There was an overarching mystery.
There was a BDSM/fantasy sex club.
There was the fucked up hero and the mysterious older woman...
Honestly?
I hate to say it, but it almost read like Fifty Shades fan fiction.
Which isn't a BAD thing necessarily, I just wasn't prepared for it or expecting it.
I guess I just never would have expected Wright to write anything like this because, let's be honest, it had a few cliches in it and it just didn't feel like what Wright usually puts out.
To be clear, this is NOT a negative review.
I still found the book to be entertaining and the writing/characters just as crisp and humorous as always, although I must admit I didn't feel the pull between the two love interests that I usually get with Wright's other books.
But maybe that's a result of the whole BDSM/fan fiction-esque elements I mentioned above.
As much as I love Wright's characters and writing, I just felt the highly overused romance cliches I just mentioned to be a bit off putting.
All that said, I think fans of Wright's books will still enjoy this book, so long as they don't go in expecting the magic I feel is inherent to her PNR series.
Also, if you read this and it's your first Wright book, PLEASE don't use this at the litmus test for whether or not to read her in the future. She is an amazing writer and, while this might have been a bit of a miss for me, she has so many good books out there to enjoy.
As I said, this just wasn't a favorite for me, but I enjoyed it well enough and I do not regret reading it.
This was my 19th Suzanne Wright book.
Meaning...I'm a fan.
Obviously.
That said, I liked this book...but I didn't love this book.
There was a lot going on.
Almost too much going on.
Honestly, reading this was like riding the J.D. Robb Trolley and getting hit with the Fifty Shades Bus.
Like a total transformer sideswipe, folks.
There was a serial killer.
There was an overarching mystery.
There was a BDSM/fantasy sex club.
There was the fucked up hero and the mysterious older woman...
Honestly?
I hate to say it, but it almost read like Fifty Shades fan fiction.
Which isn't a BAD thing necessarily, I just wasn't prepared for it or expecting it.
I guess I just never would have expected Wright to write anything like this because, let's be honest, it had a few cliches in it and it just didn't feel like what Wright usually puts out.
To be clear, this is NOT a negative review.
I still found the book to be entertaining and the writing/characters just as crisp and humorous as always, although I must admit I didn't feel the pull between the two love interests that I usually get with Wright's other books.
But maybe that's a result of the whole BDSM/fan fiction-esque elements I mentioned above.
As much as I love Wright's characters and writing, I just felt the highly overused romance cliches I just mentioned to be a bit off putting.
All that said, I think fans of Wright's books will still enjoy this book, so long as they don't go in expecting the magic I feel is inherent to her PNR series.
Also, if you read this and it's your first Wright book, PLEASE don't use this at the litmus test for whether or not to read her in the future. She is an amazing writer and, while this might have been a bit of a miss for me, she has so many good books out there to enjoy.
As I said, this just wasn't a favorite for me, but I enjoyed it well enough and I do not regret reading it.
December 13, 2018
2.5 stars
It was my 1st book by this author.
Despite I didn’t quite enjoy this one, I must admit this woman can write.
Otherwise I would have DNFed it latest at 60%.
I liked the story and especially the heroine till approx. 50%.
She was cool and sassy, I liked her spirit and, even paired with one of the most annoying male protagonists I ever read, she was still good.
Yes, she accepted his non-string agreement, but she did it with grace. And their sex-scenes were still ok, despite this wimp aka alpha tried to convince me/other readers/the h/himself*?* that he was strong and possessive. I call him childish and drama-queenlish.
They dragged on his mystery and secrets to the extend I didn’t even care…
Did he have plush toy fetish?
Clown phobia?
Was his grandpa Elvis?
Me didn’t care.
And then they threw ‘Miss Robinson’ in the mix.
Yeah, I 'never' read it before…
What happened after? Male protagonist was still the same – at least something constant, but the heroine turned into a horny spineless sex pet. The scene at 60% with BJ followed by dildo made me shiver – see, the title fits.
He never asked, he only demanded. And his pseudo possessiveness…
"you belong to me", "I own you", "you are mine", "your pussy is mine", "your tits are mine"…
"you want my cock?", "you come when I say", "you want my cock?", "you get my cock when I say", "good girl" blah blah blah
"One day … I’m going to put a baby in you."
**********************************************
… Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha)
I wanna really, really, really wanna zigazig ah
**********************************************
The suspense was good, but I lost it somewhere in the middle.
What was really cool ;-) – all side characters had their own theories. I call it a team project!
It happens almost never to me, but I was totally out-of-everything, when twist and action happened. They said villain names again and again and I couldn’t remember who was this guy!!!
Do I have space for one more gif???
I dedicate it to h’s BFF Sarah!
It was my 1st book by this author.
Despite I didn’t quite enjoy this one, I must admit this woman can write.
Otherwise I would have DNFed it latest at 60%.
I liked the story and especially the heroine till approx. 50%.
She was cool and sassy, I liked her spirit and, even paired with one of the most annoying male protagonists I ever read, she was still good.
Yes, she accepted his non-string agreement, but she did it with grace. And their sex-scenes were still ok, despite this wimp aka alpha tried to convince me/other readers/the h/himself*?* that he was strong and possessive. I call him childish and drama-queenlish.
They dragged on his mystery and secrets to the extend I didn’t even care…
Did he have plush toy fetish?
Clown phobia?
Was his grandpa Elvis?
Me didn’t care.
And then they threw ‘Miss Robinson’ in the mix.
Yeah, I 'never' read it before…
What happened after? Male protagonist was still the same – at least something constant, but the heroine turned into a horny spineless sex pet. The scene at 60% with BJ followed by dildo made me shiver – see, the title fits.
He never asked, he only demanded. And his pseudo possessiveness…
"you belong to me", "I own you", "you are mine", "your pussy is mine", "your tits are mine"…
"you want my cock?", "you come when I say", "you want my cock?", "you get my cock when I say", "good girl" blah blah blah
"One day … I’m going to put a baby in you."
**********************************************
… Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha)
I wanna really, really, really wanna zigazig ah
**********************************************
The suspense was good, but I lost it somewhere in the middle.
What was really cool ;-) – all side characters had their own theories. I call it a team project!
It happens almost never to me, but I was totally out-of-everything, when twist and action happened. They said villain names again and again and I couldn’t remember who was this guy!!!
Do I have space for one more gif???
I dedicate it to h’s BFF Sarah!
April 19, 2020
Compelling story by Suzanne Wright!
The story was intriguing, Kenzie has an interesting life. She is the product of an affair her mother had with a wealthy married man in their small town. The man claimed she was not his, though he has two different colored eyes and Kenzie’s eyes are exactly the Same so everyone in town, including the man’s legitimate son knows the truth but acts like it is a lie. When Kenzie was just a baby, her mother married a serial killer on death row.
Kenzie is now a writer of horror fiction but doesn’t want her identity as the step-daughter of a famous serial killer to be tied to her success or failure as a novelist so she writes under a pen name. She starts getting stalked and she also meets a new guy around the same time. The romance is very steamy and he is very protective and possessive, though he also has secrets of his own. The romance, the stalker storyline and his issues all tie together nicely and make for a very good book.
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The story was intriguing, Kenzie has an interesting life. She is the product of an affair her mother had with a wealthy married man in their small town. The man claimed she was not his, though he has two different colored eyes and Kenzie’s eyes are exactly the Same so everyone in town, including the man’s legitimate son knows the truth but acts like it is a lie. When Kenzie was just a baby, her mother married a serial killer on death row.
Kenzie is now a writer of horror fiction but doesn’t want her identity as the step-daughter of a famous serial killer to be tied to her success or failure as a novelist so she writes under a pen name. She starts getting stalked and she also meets a new guy around the same time. The romance is very steamy and he is very protective and possessive, though he also has secrets of his own. The romance, the stalker storyline and his issues all tie together nicely and make for a very good book.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
May 1, 2024
4 You're My Good Thing Stars ⭐
Kelsey was an intriguing, kickass heroine. Between working at a bar, writing horror books and dealing with a dysfunctional family, her plate is pretty full. It didn't help that she was surrounded by unwanted attention. However, when your mother has been married to an imprisoned serial killer for years, life is a little weird. It's not surprising that Kelsey does not want to add a complicated man to the mix.
“The fact that you have a low opinion of me stands in your way.” I had more self-respect than to go to bed with someone who regarded me with pure distaste. “And then there’s the fact that I don’t like you.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t fuck you so hard you scream.”
Blake Mercier is morally grey. The kind of man you don't want to mess with but perfect to have in your corner. When Blake makes unfounded accusations towards Kelsey, he screws up because not only is he wrong, he realizes that he wants her. And frankly, Kelsey is not having it. Or so she tries since it's impossible to say no to Blake.
They may have started out as two people indulging in no strings sex (and it was steamy) but the moment Kelsey tries to walk away, well Blake's not letting go. I really enjoyed Blake's brand of grovelling. Assertive, manipulative and delicious. Plus, he might just save her life.
“You’re not asking me if I want a relationship. You’re telling me that we’re now in one.”
I guess the twist in this romance is Kelsey's stalker which is around from the beginning. If you like a bit of suspense/thriller in your books this will only elevate the story for you. Me not so much although it didn't ruin the story. I just prefer stories without the dramatics.
Kelsey was an intriguing, kickass heroine. Between working at a bar, writing horror books and dealing with a dysfunctional family, her plate is pretty full. It didn't help that she was surrounded by unwanted attention. However, when your mother has been married to an imprisoned serial killer for years, life is a little weird. It's not surprising that Kelsey does not want to add a complicated man to the mix.
“The fact that you have a low opinion of me stands in your way.” I had more self-respect than to go to bed with someone who regarded me with pure distaste. “And then there’s the fact that I don’t like you.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t fuck you so hard you scream.”
Blake Mercier is morally grey. The kind of man you don't want to mess with but perfect to have in your corner. When Blake makes unfounded accusations towards Kelsey, he screws up because not only is he wrong, he realizes that he wants her. And frankly, Kelsey is not having it. Or so she tries since it's impossible to say no to Blake.
They may have started out as two people indulging in no strings sex (and it was steamy) but the moment Kelsey tries to walk away, well Blake's not letting go. I really enjoyed Blake's brand of grovelling. Assertive, manipulative and delicious. Plus, he might just save her life.
“You’re not asking me if I want a relationship. You’re telling me that we’re now in one.”
I guess the twist in this romance is Kelsey's stalker which is around from the beginning. If you like a bit of suspense/thriller in your books this will only elevate the story for you. Me not so much although it didn't ruin the story. I just prefer stories without the dramatics.
January 24, 2018
Suzanne Wright's new book excells in detail elaborated content filled with dominant, controlling alpha and ruthless businessman with a bit shady deals,
Blake Mercier
( that is one sexy name, just sayin😉) and a feisty, independant heroine,
Kensey Lyons
, both living their lives scarred and hurt from the past and hiding beyond the firm, distant postures in her case, and rude assholery posture in his case.
BUT what they both can't deny is the off charts chemistry boiling between them
Until, well, alpha decides to act upon the attraction and starts to pursue Kensley, finding out all the needed info about her from the first hand, which would eventually lead them both towards an agreement that will satisfy the physical carnal need, at first,
as they enter a purely explorative intense and passionate sexual relationship
that would subsequently lead towards MORE, no matter how they try to mask it.
but when the secrets of the past and heavy burdens from both of their lives come knocking on their doors...it will take a strong will, push and shove to reach beyond the shielding wall and win the hardened heart...
And then, well not even that is enough to settle in each other, cause the repercussions from her dysfunctional family would drag more scary and life threatning events from reasons that are pure evil, delusional and demented...
And yet she will find freedom in the one person she was meant to be with and vice versa.
And even though this is the first time I have read a contemporary romance from one of my fave authors, who mostly writes steamy hawt action flicks in fantasy genre, I was pretty excited to enter the world of this one.
I had no doubt Suzanne Wright would portray an alpha hero like no other, cause she knows how to make them thrillingly attractive without them being overbearing, hence I liked the characters, loved the intensity and passionate interactions, I loved the plot, I loved the depth of the background story and the main storyline the author presented in vivid detail.
BUT
unfortunately, I found the number of pages a tadbit too much, even for me. So that kind of dettered me from giving an instant 5 star rating as I felt the length in this case was, in fact, a little overbearing. *sigh*
Other than that, I absolutely aplaud to the author at achieving and maintaining the quality of the content.👍
God dammit, there are too many new books out there....what gives?! LOL
BUT fuck it, count me in!!!
I never pass on a good ALPHA...*wink*
BUT what they both can't deny is the off charts chemistry boiling between them
Sexual chemistry sparked the air like static electricity...and yet Kensey, especially, puts up a strong hesitant fight against the 'i-want-you-and-i-gotta-have-you' approach from Blake, since their first encounter kinda started badly, based on wrong assumptions which left them both with bad impressions.
Until, well, alpha decides to act upon the attraction and starts to pursue Kensley, finding out all the needed info about her from the first hand, which would eventually lead them both towards an agreement that will satisfy the physical carnal need, at first,
What we'd have is arrangement. The boundaries would be clear. Our lives would be our own. We'd each know where we stood. But it wouldn't be impersonal.
as they enter a purely explorative intense and passionate sexual relationship
I'll do a lot of things to you. Fuck you. Tease you. use you. But never hurt you.
that would subsequently lead towards MORE, no matter how they try to mask it.
He wasn't just emotionally unavailable, he was...unreachable. He was a man who didn't want to be known. A man who prioritized time alone. A man apart. A man with demons.
but when the secrets of the past and heavy burdens from both of their lives come knocking on their doors...it will take a strong will, push and shove to reach beyond the shielding wall and win the hardened heart...
"These are my marks, and they're ugly. But I need you to say you can deal with them."
"You're my good thing. Don't ask me to watch you walk away. I can't do that. I won't."
And then, well not even that is enough to settle in each other, cause the repercussions from her dysfunctional family would drag more scary and life threatning events from reasons that are pure evil, delusional and demented...
And yet she will find freedom in the one person she was meant to be with and vice versa.
"Love looking at you. Love waking up and seeing you next to me. Love knowing you're mine. I need you to stay mine, Kensey. You deserve better. More. Normal. But I need you to stay mine."
"Blake was my good thing, just like I was his."
And even though this is the first time I have read a contemporary romance from one of my fave authors, who mostly writes steamy hawt action flicks in fantasy genre, I was pretty excited to enter the world of this one.
I had no doubt Suzanne Wright would portray an alpha hero like no other, cause she knows how to make them thrillingly attractive without them being overbearing, hence I liked the characters, loved the intensity and passionate interactions, I loved the plot, I loved the depth of the background story and the main storyline the author presented in vivid detail.
BUT
unfortunately, I found the number of pages a tadbit too much, even for me. So that kind of dettered me from giving an instant 5 star rating as I felt the length in this case was, in fact, a little overbearing. *sigh*
Other than that, I absolutely aplaud to the author at achieving and maintaining the quality of the content.👍
God dammit, there are too many new books out there....what gives?! LOL
BUT fuck it, count me in!!!
I never pass on a good ALPHA...*wink*
September 22, 2020
A great listen...
I really enjoyed listening to Shiver and thought the narrator did a great job of bringing this story to life. The characters were easy to recognise and I had no problems with the way the narrator portrayed them. It did not take me long to remember the storyline but there were still a few surprises that I didn't remember from my first read. I'd even forgotten who one of the baddies was.
Suzanne Wright is a great storyteller and this audiobook was as entertaining as the read. No changes to my rating.
***********************************************
Sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone for love…
I kind of wish I was more like Kensey, the heroine in Shiver. In some ways, I’m a little like her already. I’m not great with busy places and find it exhausting dealing with a lot of people at one time. I like quiet and seclusion when my stress levels are high or I’m angry about something. I’m kind of jealous that Kensey becomes a compulsive cleaner when she’s stressed. My house would be spotless. Instead, when I'm under stress, I head to my bedroom with a coffee and my Kindle. Oh well, them’s the breaks, we all have our burdens to carry…
I finished reading Shiver this morning which initiated a conversation with hubby. Now, I’m going to break every bloody rule in reviewing as I can’t keep this one thing a secret because it’s SO BLOODY COOL!! I’ll put it in spoilers because it’s your choice whether you want to open the door to Spoilersville or not.
I really enjoyed Shiver and hated that real life kept interrupting. It’s the kind of story where it plays on your thoughts even when you’ve stopped reading. Not all of it is pleasant and there were times when I was very angry, upset and completely disgusted.
Kensey finds out that she has a stalker. Everyone is a suspect because the details known by the perpetrator are not things widely known about Kensey. Her past and family have left her vulnerable to attack, where nastiness and insults can be a daily occurrence. When Blake finds out the situation, nothing will stop him from protecting Kensey.
Both the hero and heroine could be absolute knuckleheads. I was frustrated with them yet I could understand why they acted that way. I think you push away connections before they can form to protect yourself and others. Their pasts are messy and when you finally understand their history, it makes everything clearer. Blake’s secrets and lies are to protect Kensey and keep her close. Kensey’s lack of communication is to lessen the burden she feels she has already placed on Blake. Eventually, they must lower the barriers, trust each other and express their thoughts and feelings.
Now, I enjoyed Shiver but it was obvious that it was self-published. I’m not saying that in a good or a bad way because in some ways the good and bad balance each other out. There are some errors and mistakes (the old *hands tied behind her back, with her fingers playing in his hair* trick) but it wasn’t the whole way through. The first half seemed to have more errors than the last half. It was also a touch longer than it needed to be. But, as I said, there’s a lot of positives that come from self-publishing. We get the author’s story straight from the source without extreme manipulation that can lessen the impact. It is all of the author...warts, mistakes and all.
I have been a fan of Suzanne Wright for a long time. I like her imperfect characters. The heroine is independent, smart and beautiful…with a difference. The hero is bossy, controlling and possessive…with a difference. Shiver kept me entertained from start to finish. The characters were interesting, the suspense kept me riveted and the connection between Kensey and Blake was easy to see as it developed from lust to love.
I highly recommend and can’t wait for more from this author.
I really enjoyed listening to Shiver and thought the narrator did a great job of bringing this story to life. The characters were easy to recognise and I had no problems with the way the narrator portrayed them. It did not take me long to remember the storyline but there were still a few surprises that I didn't remember from my first read. I'd even forgotten who one of the baddies was.
Suzanne Wright is a great storyteller and this audiobook was as entertaining as the read. No changes to my rating.
***********************************************
Sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone for love…
I kind of wish I was more like Kensey, the heroine in Shiver. In some ways, I’m a little like her already. I’m not great with busy places and find it exhausting dealing with a lot of people at one time. I like quiet and seclusion when my stress levels are high or I’m angry about something. I’m kind of jealous that Kensey becomes a compulsive cleaner when she’s stressed. My house would be spotless. Instead, when I'm under stress, I head to my bedroom with a coffee and my Kindle. Oh well, them’s the breaks, we all have our burdens to carry…
I finished reading Shiver this morning which initiated a conversation with hubby. Now, I’m going to break every bloody rule in reviewing as I can’t keep this one thing a secret because it’s SO BLOODY COOL!! I’ll put it in spoilers because it’s your choice whether you want to open the door to Spoilersville or not.
I really enjoyed Shiver and hated that real life kept interrupting. It’s the kind of story where it plays on your thoughts even when you’ve stopped reading. Not all of it is pleasant and there were times when I was very angry, upset and completely disgusted.
Kensey finds out that she has a stalker. Everyone is a suspect because the details known by the perpetrator are not things widely known about Kensey. Her past and family have left her vulnerable to attack, where nastiness and insults can be a daily occurrence. When Blake finds out the situation, nothing will stop him from protecting Kensey.
Both the hero and heroine could be absolute knuckleheads. I was frustrated with them yet I could understand why they acted that way. I think you push away connections before they can form to protect yourself and others. Their pasts are messy and when you finally understand their history, it makes everything clearer. Blake’s secrets and lies are to protect Kensey and keep her close. Kensey’s lack of communication is to lessen the burden she feels she has already placed on Blake. Eventually, they must lower the barriers, trust each other and express their thoughts and feelings.
Now, I enjoyed Shiver but it was obvious that it was self-published. I’m not saying that in a good or a bad way because in some ways the good and bad balance each other out. There are some errors and mistakes (the old *hands tied behind her back, with her fingers playing in his hair* trick) but it wasn’t the whole way through. The first half seemed to have more errors than the last half. It was also a touch longer than it needed to be. But, as I said, there’s a lot of positives that come from self-publishing. We get the author’s story straight from the source without extreme manipulation that can lessen the impact. It is all of the author...warts, mistakes and all.
I have been a fan of Suzanne Wright for a long time. I like her imperfect characters. The heroine is independent, smart and beautiful…with a difference. The hero is bossy, controlling and possessive…with a difference. Shiver kept me entertained from start to finish. The characters were interesting, the suspense kept me riveted and the connection between Kensey and Blake was easy to see as it developed from lust to love.
I highly recommend and can’t wait for more from this author.
January 23, 2018
Had high expectations but I couldn't finish the book. I'm sorry, I don't know how to mark it as 'dnf' so I have to give one star in order to review.
What ruined the book for me was the heroine. I hated the heroine.
This was the point where I stopped reading. I just can't handle a stupid heroine. Heroes can be whatever as long as she gives as good as she gets, as long as she user her brain and she keeps me interested in her journey. I hate it when they're supposed to be these smart, strong women but they act like a doormat or refuse to see the obvious. They melt at the sight of a hot man and they rather face danger alone because they're ''independent'' like that. Give me a break.
I'm pretty bummed because Suzanne Wright had some nice heroines so I really wanted to like this. I was reading ''Shiver'' before going to bed and I got so mad that I couldn't fall asleep. I don't know if its me being bored with all the romance lately, but I miss some kick a$$ heroines. Which this book does not have.
What ruined the book for me was the heroine. I hated the heroine.
This was the point where I stopped reading. I just can't handle a stupid heroine. Heroes can be whatever as long as she gives as good as she gets, as long as she user her brain and she keeps me interested in her journey. I hate it when they're supposed to be these smart, strong women but they act like a doormat or refuse to see the obvious. They melt at the sight of a hot man and they rather face danger alone because they're ''independent'' like that. Give me a break.
I'm pretty bummed because Suzanne Wright had some nice heroines so I really wanted to like this. I was reading ''Shiver'' before going to bed and I got so mad that I couldn't fall asleep. I don't know if its me being bored with all the romance lately, but I miss some kick a$$ heroines. Which this book does not have.
November 6, 2020
Miss Wright is a true storyteller. She has this ability to create a story with so many layers and complex characters that hold your interest until the end of this book.
Shiver is another proof of her talent. At first I was hesitate picking up this book. Because the audiobook is nearly 17 hours. I have to sacrifice my sleep. I am not disappointed.
Blake and Kensey are 2 people who should not fit together. Both of their past are f*cked up. I do not even know who is the worst. Blake's past or Kensey's upbringing. And yet when these 2 collides, manu dark secret, twisted lies, kinky sex etc come out to play.
The whole story is not easy to shallow. Trigger warning to the faint heart readers. The story include abuse. Even with many complex plot, I still think the lenght can be reduced. Some parts are not important.
Overall I enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
Shiver is another proof of her talent. At first I was hesitate picking up this book. Because the audiobook is nearly 17 hours. I have to sacrifice my sleep. I am not disappointed.
Blake and Kensey are 2 people who should not fit together. Both of their past are f*cked up. I do not even know who is the worst. Blake's past or Kensey's upbringing. And yet when these 2 collides, manu dark secret, twisted lies, kinky sex etc come out to play.
The whole story is not easy to shallow. Trigger warning to the faint heart readers. The story include abuse. Even with many complex plot, I still think the lenght can be reduced. Some parts are not important.
Overall I enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
January 23, 2018
4.25 stars.
A page turner!
I loves it! Like having a big portion of my favourite comfort food, simply delicious 😋
Also I feel like reading a human version of Knox and Harper latest adventures! LOL 😂
A real alpha male and a kickass heroine who also a horror author.
This is not exactly a contemporary romance more like a romantic suspense, and the real villain got me by surprise. Didn't expected that, so that’s good:)
Oh, if you love erotica scene, there are a lot in here!
That’s annoying me a bit because I just finished binge Meghan March and Alessandra Torre books before this one and those ladies loving their erotica too. Lol.
Oh well, that probably won’t a problem for you!:)😂😜
A page turner!
I loves it! Like having a big portion of my favourite comfort food, simply delicious 😋
Also I feel like reading a human version of Knox and Harper latest adventures! LOL 😂
A real alpha male and a kickass heroine who also a horror author.
This is not exactly a contemporary romance more like a romantic suspense, and the real villain got me by surprise. Didn't expected that, so that’s good:)
Oh, if you love erotica scene, there are a lot in here!
That’s annoying me a bit because I just finished binge Meghan March and Alessandra Torre books before this one and those ladies loving their erotica too. Lol.
Oh well, that probably won’t a problem for you!:)😂😜
February 8, 2019
3.5*
This author is responsible for one of my all time favourite series Dark in You. Seriously if you like paranormal romance and you haven’t read this you have to ask yourself why?
She also wrote the fabulous Deep in Your Vein. So what I’m saying is this author can write. Her characters are amazing especially her strong sarcastic females. So despite the mixed reviews (and not wanting to do yet another Deep or Vein re-read) I decided to give this a try.
I was completely hooked almost immediately. I loved Kensey in the beginning and couldn’t read fast enough. I’ll be honest and say I was less impressed with Blake.
There’s a lot here and after finishing the book I totally get the mixed reviews.
The writing itself is fabulous I totally lost myself in this book. But it felt like too much was going on at times. It had a very Fifty Shades feel to it as well and yes there’s a lot of sex. And I do mean a lot.
It’s a good read, brilliant in places but it felt too long and there’s too much sex. Yes I did say that.
Rating this is hard because I’m going to give 3.5* but it’s so much better than say the Alexa Riley book I read and gave 3*. But then for me it’s not really a 4 so....
I want to give the Phoenix Pack another try but I found it disappointing and quit after the third book. Should I try again?
This author is responsible for one of my all time favourite series Dark in You. Seriously if you like paranormal romance and you haven’t read this you have to ask yourself why?
She also wrote the fabulous Deep in Your Vein. So what I’m saying is this author can write. Her characters are amazing especially her strong sarcastic females. So despite the mixed reviews (and not wanting to do yet another Deep or Vein re-read) I decided to give this a try.
I was completely hooked almost immediately. I loved Kensey in the beginning and couldn’t read fast enough. I’ll be honest and say I was less impressed with Blake.
There’s a lot here and after finishing the book I totally get the mixed reviews.
The writing itself is fabulous I totally lost myself in this book. But it felt like too much was going on at times. It had a very Fifty Shades feel to it as well and yes there’s a lot of sex. And I do mean a lot.
It’s a good read, brilliant in places but it felt too long and there’s too much sex. Yes I did say that.
Rating this is hard because I’m going to give 3.5* but it’s so much better than say the Alexa Riley book I read and gave 3*. But then for me it’s not really a 4 so....
I want to give the Phoenix Pack another try but I found it disappointing and quit after the third book. Should I try again?
February 15, 2018
02/11/18
3.5 stars.
Need to think a little before reviewing.
This was a puzzling one and quite unlike any of her previous books that I have read. It is not a PNR book which was unexpected.
Quite a few themes going on here for sure .
Sort of a cross between a twisted, dark psychological thriller and a steamy, sexy contemporary romance evocative of FSOG while still retaining that wicked humor Suzanne Wright is known for.🤤
02/15/18
Though not her usual type of fare. Ultimately this wasn't a bad read. I liked the second half of the book better than the first for some reason. Even an average read by this author surpasses a lot of authors best offerings. If you are new to Suzanne Wright I recommend checking out her 2 wolf-shifter series first, or her "Dark in You" series. They are amazing .
3.5 stars.
Need to think a little before reviewing.
This was a puzzling one and quite unlike any of her previous books that I have read. It is not a PNR book which was unexpected.
Quite a few themes going on here for sure .
Sort of a cross between a twisted, dark psychological thriller and a steamy, sexy contemporary romance evocative of FSOG while still retaining that wicked humor Suzanne Wright is known for.🤤
02/15/18
Though not her usual type of fare. Ultimately this wasn't a bad read. I liked the second half of the book better than the first for some reason. Even an average read by this author surpasses a lot of authors best offerings. If you are new to Suzanne Wright I recommend checking out her 2 wolf-shifter series first, or her "Dark in You" series. They are amazing .
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars
So this book had three things-
1- A damn satisfying possessive hero.
2- Ablity to hold my interest till the end. ( i never ever force myself to finish a book if it's not holding my intrest then i dnf them on the spot)
3- Suzanne Wright's splendid writing .
The plot was S.W's usual one.
it had suspense with the villian, who's creating troubles for MC.
A kinda detached hero who needs heroine's ass-beating to come to his senses.
A strong connection between the MCs.
It was a nice one time read which can be used when you are in a solid book funk!
Note: i can be wrong about calling this book S.W's usual type plot but as far as i have read her books they mostly have this kind of scenarios...
Then again i have'nt read all of her books out there. So yup nothing personal there....
B.R-So let me see!
Suzanne wright?
Possessive hero?
A full length book?
In january?
Fuck yeah! Count me in🔥
Damn! There are so many good looking releases in January💁♂️
So this book had three things-
1- A damn satisfying possessive hero.
2- Ablity to hold my interest till the end. ( i never ever force myself to finish a book if it's not holding my intrest then i dnf them on the spot)
3- Suzanne Wright's splendid writing .
The plot was S.W's usual one.
it had suspense with the villian, who's creating troubles for MC.
A kinda detached hero who needs heroine's ass-beating to come to his senses.
A strong connection between the MCs.
It was a nice one time read which can be used when you are in a solid book funk!
Note: i can be wrong about calling this book S.W's usual type plot but as far as i have read her books they mostly have this kind of scenarios...
Then again i have'nt read all of her books out there. So yup nothing personal there....
B.R-So let me see!
Suzanne wright?
Possessive hero?
A full length book?
In january?
Fuck yeah! Count me in🔥
Damn! There are so many good looking releases in January💁♂️
October 8, 2023
4.5 ♥
I love, love this story so much!
I think the fact that I have read this book so many times says it all.
I love, love this story so much!
I think the fact that I have read this book so many times says it all.
Read
September 6, 2019I am a huge Suzanne Wright fan. So, when I saw this book I just had to read it and now it truly, truly pains me to write this, but this did not work for me.
I am gutted it started off strong and Kensey's story as a kid broke my heart. It was all smooth sailing until the Hero Blake Mercier turned up. He is a twit of epic proportions. The heroine doesn't just want to be a one-night stand, so they come to an "arrangement" because she thinks she deserves better and she does. I don’t understand why Kensey went for this agreement tbh it just doesn’t make sense. She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and yet she makes this choice? It truly baffles me.
What is the "arrangement " you ask? Well let me tell you, they only have a relationship in the club sex club but not a full out sex club just where people meet who are curious about kinks they are curious about. This is where the author lost me. On top of that he takes her to his club were there are also other women which he indulged in.
There are some positive aspects to this book which were that I liked the background of how Kensey grew up with what her stepfather is. The shit hand she’ been dealt with in life and yet although she is guarded she is a good person, others might not have turned out that way.
At 25% I have decided to call it quits once again I have reached my limit. Currently this is not what I am looking for in a book.
I’m also not sure what genre SW was trying to aim at here or in what direction was going to take the book is it kink? Con-temp rom? or romantic suspense? Or erotica?
I am gutted it started off strong and Kensey's story as a kid broke my heart. It was all smooth sailing until the Hero Blake Mercier turned up. He is a twit of epic proportions. The heroine doesn't just want to be a one-night stand, so they come to an "arrangement" because she thinks she deserves better and she does. I don’t understand why Kensey went for this agreement tbh it just doesn’t make sense. She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and yet she makes this choice? It truly baffles me.
What is the "arrangement " you ask? Well let me tell you, they only have a relationship in the club sex club but not a full out sex club just where people meet who are curious about kinks they are curious about. This is where the author lost me. On top of that he takes her to his club were there are also other women which he indulged in.
There are some positive aspects to this book which were that I liked the background of how Kensey grew up with what her stepfather is. The shit hand she’ been dealt with in life and yet although she is guarded she is a good person, others might not have turned out that way.
At 25% I have decided to call it quits once again I have reached my limit. Currently this is not what I am looking for in a book.
I’m also not sure what genre SW was trying to aim at here or in what direction was going to take the book is it kink? Con-temp rom? or romantic suspense? Or erotica?
April 18, 2022
Growing up Kensey Lyons grew a tough skin, she had to. Although she loves her mother, her choices have put her as a target for the ire surrounding them. When she meets knew co-owner of the place she works, Blake Mercier, she knows he is another judgmental jerk who has already formed his opinion of her.
Blake had heard quite the rumors whee Kensey was concerned and he says some things that after spending time with her he realizes their is no truth in them. Blake wants Kensey but he is not a relationship man and Kensey made it clear she has no interest in one night stands. Blake is a negotiator though and comes up with an idea that will satisfy them both if Kensey agrees. However Blake doesn't plan to fall for Kensey but he finds himself doing just that but in order to keep Kensey, Blake is going to have to unveil all the secrets he has been holding onto.
Another remarkable read from Suzanne Wright. I loved everything about this book, it hooked me and I couldn't put it down. This was a little bit more erotic than her other books. Completely different and Kensey's back story is incredible. Excellent.
Listened to the Audible, great story.
Blake had heard quite the rumors whee Kensey was concerned and he says some things that after spending time with her he realizes their is no truth in them. Blake wants Kensey but he is not a relationship man and Kensey made it clear she has no interest in one night stands. Blake is a negotiator though and comes up with an idea that will satisfy them both if Kensey agrees. However Blake doesn't plan to fall for Kensey but he finds himself doing just that but in order to keep Kensey, Blake is going to have to unveil all the secrets he has been holding onto.
Another remarkable read from Suzanne Wright. I loved everything about this book, it hooked me and I couldn't put it down. This was a little bit more erotic than her other books. Completely different and Kensey's back story is incredible. Excellent.
Listened to the Audible, great story.
February 6, 2018
4 Shivering Stars
Kensey never really had it easy, she’s the result of an infidelity that destroyed a family that still blames her for it, her mother married a serial killer on death row when she was a kid and the only thing she loves, writing, she needs to do it under a pen name because her real one would only attract bad publicity. And the best part? She now also has a stalker.
Enters tall, dark and mysterious Blake. He wants Kensey but he also has a dark past. Neither of them denies they want each other, and both of them believe they are too broken for a relationship. Until everything gets too real and too dangerous and going back it’s not really an option anymore.
I believe this is the first time I don’t rate a Suzanne Wright book five starts, but even though I liked this book, I didn’t love it. If it wasn’t for the twisted, unexpected (at least for me) and great ending this would have been a 3 stars read. I didn’t love the beginning, a lot of it because of the hero (see below) and a lot because there was a lot of happening, it was confusing and overwhelming because I didn’t know in which different drama I should focus on. It got much, much better mid-way and it ended up being a sexy and slightly twisted reading. If you want to read a dark book but you don’t want to go too far on the “f*cked-upeness” this would be a good choice for you. If you like books with a nice couple, a lot of steam and a lot of emotional issues to overcome between them, this is again, a good choice for you.
Rating: 4 Stars
Characters Development: I had no problems with Kensey. She went through a lot in her life and she didn’t victimize herself. She was strong, sassy and knew what she wanted. I love strong heroines and Suzanne Wright is a master creating them. With Blake I had some issues in the beginning… he was an asshole (there’s really no other way to say it). Yes, he had issues and Kensey unfairly didn’t have the best reputation, but still. He got much better and I end up really liking him, but it took me a while to get there. However, my main issue with the MC’s was the lack of “pull”. If you’ve read this author before there’s always this crazy pull and chemistry between the couple. It’s amazing to read and one of the reasons I love Suzanne’s book so much, and maybe I’m being unfair and my expectations were too high, but this couple didn’t have it, and for me it was a bit of a disappointment. Secondary characters are, however, great! I loved Sarah a and Bastien’s story in the background.
Steam: Hot.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Kensey never really had it easy, she’s the result of an infidelity that destroyed a family that still blames her for it, her mother married a serial killer on death row when she was a kid and the only thing she loves, writing, she needs to do it under a pen name because her real one would only attract bad publicity. And the best part? She now also has a stalker.
Enters tall, dark and mysterious Blake. He wants Kensey but he also has a dark past. Neither of them denies they want each other, and both of them believe they are too broken for a relationship. Until everything gets too real and too dangerous and going back it’s not really an option anymore.
I believe this is the first time I don’t rate a Suzanne Wright book five starts, but even though I liked this book, I didn’t love it. If it wasn’t for the twisted, unexpected (at least for me) and great ending this would have been a 3 stars read. I didn’t love the beginning, a lot of it because of the hero (see below) and a lot because there was a lot of happening, it was confusing and overwhelming because I didn’t know in which different drama I should focus on. It got much, much better mid-way and it ended up being a sexy and slightly twisted reading. If you want to read a dark book but you don’t want to go too far on the “f*cked-upeness” this would be a good choice for you. If you like books with a nice couple, a lot of steam and a lot of emotional issues to overcome between them, this is again, a good choice for you.
Rating: 4 Stars
Characters Development: I had no problems with Kensey. She went through a lot in her life and she didn’t victimize herself. She was strong, sassy and knew what she wanted. I love strong heroines and Suzanne Wright is a master creating them. With Blake I had some issues in the beginning… he was an asshole (there’s really no other way to say it). Yes, he had issues and Kensey unfairly didn’t have the best reputation, but still. He got much better and I end up really liking him, but it took me a while to get there. However, my main issue with the MC’s was the lack of “pull”. If you’ve read this author before there’s always this crazy pull and chemistry between the couple. It’s amazing to read and one of the reasons I love Suzanne’s book so much, and maybe I’m being unfair and my expectations were too high, but this couple didn’t have it, and for me it was a bit of a disappointment. Secondary characters are, however, great! I loved Sarah a and Bastien’s story in the background.
Steam: Hot.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
February 8, 2018
I had so many problems with this book. I didn't like h; she cursed, had a serious attitude, and her tattoos were not cute. She had tattoos of lace cuffs on her wrists and garters on her thighs. I remember thinking that they were going to look really ugly when she is over 50. There were several characters that hated the h and went out of their way to terrorize her. It was too OTT. Plus, the way the women were so catty to the h was ridiculous. The h in the story works at a coffee shop and writes. I wish authors would write female characters that were mathematicians, professors, accountants, etc. Too many times the h is a waitress, secretary, stripper, escort, etc. The mystery in this story was also disappointing. By the end I didn't understand the big reveal and didn't even care. By the way, the H has a sex club! Really?! How is this a thing? Having a sex club is not sexy! It's pervy! Come on ladies, how many of you would be attracted to a guy that owned a sex club?
nope
September 4, 2021The heroine accepts a "no strings- attached" relationship based on having sex only in the sex-club the hero owns. And from the reviews I have read, I feel that the hero is too possessive for me to like him.
May 9, 2022
I’m a huge Suzanne Wright fan, I believe I’ve read everything she’s ever put out. (except that last Deep in Your Veins book, but I’m waiting for the Ancient’s spinoff to come out first) She’s a VERY formulaic writer, so if you love one… you usually love them all… mostly. Her h’s are usually tough, non-virgins, and confident; the H’s are always OTT alpha badasses, and there’s always a wannabe OW sniffing around that goes nowhere because these H’s are obsessed with their gals.
This is Kensey and Blake’s story. Kensey has had it rough. She’s the illegitimate daughter of a married man; her mother is a smidge nutso and married a serial killer on death row. Blake is a man of mystery. He’s a super sexy businessman that isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. They get off to a rocky start, but it’s lust at first sight. They agree to a sex only/no strings relationship where their only interaction is when they hook up on the weekends at his club… but it doesn’t take long for things to progress.
Bottom Line- I liked it, but there is a lot going on. (secrets, family drama, pervy step-mom, a serial killer, childhood bullies, a stalker, secret project, wannabe OW, BFF w/ her side-story, etc.) It made for an active read, but also felt a little bit all over the place. There were times that I felt like it read like a spinoff… like we should already know characters when they came on the scene. Like Emma and Adam and their PI business. I was really interested in Sarah and Bastien’s story… I wish they would’ve got a book… especially since he screws up all the time.
This is Kensey and Blake’s story. Kensey has had it rough. She’s the illegitimate daughter of a married man; her mother is a smidge nutso and married a serial killer on death row. Blake is a man of mystery. He’s a super sexy businessman that isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. They get off to a rocky start, but it’s lust at first sight. They agree to a sex only/no strings relationship where their only interaction is when they hook up on the weekends at his club… but it doesn’t take long for things to progress.
Bottom Line- I liked it, but there is a lot going on. (secrets, family drama, pervy step-mom, a serial killer, childhood bullies, a stalker, secret project, wannabe OW, BFF w/ her side-story, etc.) It made for an active read, but also felt a little bit all over the place. There were times that I felt like it read like a spinoff… like we should already know characters when they came on the scene. Like Emma and Adam and their PI business. I was really interested in Sarah and Bastien’s story… I wish they would’ve got a book… especially since he screws up all the time.
February 28, 2022
*3.25 rounded up* This book tried really hard. Sometimes it was good, but most often it was eye rolling. The story couldn't make up its mind if it wanted to be a thriller, a romance, or a Fifty Shades knock-off. Extremely predictable, OTT alpha male, serial killer stepdad, take no shit h, the generic OW, and the ever annoying, coming on command. I liked it, but I also put off finishing it to read other books.
February 3, 2018
The rating is an optimistic mix between the very one star beginning and the 2.5 one of the rest of the book.
All the romance is based on a very shaky foundation: first, the stupidity of the fabled animal lust where you meet a stranger and you start dripping, stop thinking and it has actual physical effects like tingling, electricity etc etc. Pity that desire is linked to the mind, not the body. The second pillar is as shaky: an heroine that refuses one night stands (because she is worth more) but accepts to be a booty call.
I'm not sure how they decided they love each other or simply how/why they wanted more. They had nothing to start with. I disliked the hero quite strongly in that first half, he moved from asshole to ugly immediately. He does not respect boundaries nor 'noes'. And the heroine lets him steamrolling her with only a token resistance.
Maybe it's a common core of romance heroes, but I don't respect a guy who is centered only on what he wants (and btw he wants to shag a woman he despises... on gossip), and neither I do an heroine who says she's worth more, but then doesn't show herself that respect. And to be honest I am not sure why I disliked here what I may have accepted elsewhere.
Mostly the heroine is always the same character in all her books: snarky, but pollyannish. She's is perfect, she's never angry, never really distressed. Her life is tragic but she suffers no consequences...
I didn't particularly appreciate the self published author as heroine. It does smack tooo much of wishful thinking and personal details :/
This is mostly erotica, the plot seems to be an accessory for the crime, sorry sex. In theory this should be a RS, but the story resembles one of KA's (the first in the burg) and the serial killer angle is so overdone and unbelievable...
The author jumps on the Grey bandwagon, with a touch of the so avoidable bsdm club.
It reads easily, mostly the second half. But I can't find it in me to say it's a particularly good book.
All the romance is based on a very shaky foundation: first, the stupidity of the fabled animal lust where you meet a stranger and you start dripping, stop thinking and it has actual physical effects like tingling, electricity etc etc. Pity that desire is linked to the mind, not the body. The second pillar is as shaky: an heroine that refuses one night stands (because she is worth more) but accepts to be a booty call.
I'm not sure how they decided they love each other or simply how/why they wanted more. They had nothing to start with. I disliked the hero quite strongly in that first half, he moved from asshole to ugly immediately. He does not respect boundaries nor 'noes'. And the heroine lets him steamrolling her with only a token resistance.
Maybe it's a common core of romance heroes, but I don't respect a guy who is centered only on what he wants (and btw he wants to shag a woman he despises... on gossip), and neither I do an heroine who says she's worth more, but then doesn't show herself that respect. And to be honest I am not sure why I disliked here what I may have accepted elsewhere.
Mostly the heroine is always the same character in all her books: snarky, but pollyannish. She's is perfect, she's never angry, never really distressed. Her life is tragic but she suffers no consequences...
I didn't particularly appreciate the self published author as heroine. It does smack tooo much of wishful thinking and personal details :/
This is mostly erotica, the plot seems to be an accessory for the crime, sorry sex. In theory this should be a RS, but the story resembles one of KA's (the first in the burg) and the serial killer angle is so overdone and unbelievable...
The author jumps on the Grey bandwagon, with a touch of the so avoidable bsdm club.
It reads easily, mostly the second half. But I can't find it in me to say it's a particularly good book.
January 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this a lot.
September 30, 2024
1 star
I hated this.
And so DN Fucking Effed in the middle
First of all, it's not a romance.
It's instalust and fucking in a sex club.
It's a pathetic excuse for a heroine and a controlling ass for a hero.
It's the brazen stupidity of the main heroine that drives you crazy.
It's another moronic idiot as the bff of our dumb heroine.
It's jumping to bed pretty much right away to scratch an itch and the no-strings arrangement that I hate with passion.
Don't even mention her idiotic tats.
What kind of a sane woman inks garters on her thighs and cuffs on her wrists?
What kind of a sane woman wants to stay in touch with a serial killer who isn't even her father?
What kind of a sane woman agrees to be a stranger's booty call who thinks of her so low (because a guy you know for a day or two is still a stranger) and likes being treated just like that, like a cheap hoe with three holes the hero likes to fuck when he has nothing better to do?
Just wtf is wrong with this girl?
She was a combination of everything I despise in a heroine: stupid, easy, ignorant, aggressive, swearing like a sailor every other word and showing a nasty attitude every possible way.
And yet, a complete and utter doormat.
Seriously, I had to stop this shitshow because I was afraid I'd lose even more IQ points if I choose to continue with this nonsense.
I think there are some honourable mentions that made me dnf:
*like the self-absorbed, sad excuse for a mother who keeps saying she wants what's best for Kensey, our dumb heroine, and yet she married a man who murdered over 30 women including his own mother and that dumb bitch made her daughter visit him in prison regularly and call him her dad
*the whole mystery stalker thing that was somehow uninteresting for me, pushed aside by the sex club doings and the fucking sessions
*no chemistry or connection
*the heroine, after a string of one night stands, with one including a drug dealer, decided she was too good for that. And yet, she jumped at the first opportunity to be Blake's booty call despite the fact that she didn't know him, he had a very low opinion of her, but you know, he was sexy and loaded and had a very popular sex club for the rich and famous, so I'm guessing that was a good enough reason for our sis to jump on that wagon
*this mess reminded me too much of Fifty fucking Shades
All in all, I gotta say I am really disappointed with this one.
I normally avoid books with sex clubs, sex dungeons, sex slaves, sex workers, promiscuous heroines and some other shit.
But it's Suzanne Wright and I love her writing so I thought I could give this a go because this girl can write and she gave me The Favor, one of my all time favourites.
But this mess is just that, a mess.
And I was really bummed that it came from Wright.
And I think I would have continued with this book and swallowed the bitter pill of disappointment that was the sex club setting or the stupid mother if the heroine had some traces of intelligence or self-respect.
Because I don't want to follow a story of a girl who annoys me every time she opens her stupid mouth.
I think I could even like Blake, our controlling hero because he wasn't the problem in this book.
And I like my heroes to be a bit fucked up, so he was just perfect to be honest.
The real problem was the heroine.
So if you don't like heroines who are idiotic and immature doormats who think they are something they really aren't (strong and clever), I'd say skip this one.
Go read The Favor, it is a million times better.
I hated this.
And so DN Fucking Effed in the middle
First of all, it's not a romance.
It's instalust and fucking in a sex club.
It's a pathetic excuse for a heroine and a controlling ass for a hero.
It's the brazen stupidity of the main heroine that drives you crazy.
It's another moronic idiot as the bff of our dumb heroine.
It's jumping to bed pretty much right away to scratch an itch and the no-strings arrangement that I hate with passion.
Don't even mention her idiotic tats.
What kind of a sane woman inks garters on her thighs and cuffs on her wrists?
What kind of a sane woman wants to stay in touch with a serial killer who isn't even her father?
What kind of a sane woman agrees to be a stranger's booty call who thinks of her so low (because a guy you know for a day or two is still a stranger) and likes being treated just like that, like a cheap hoe with three holes the hero likes to fuck when he has nothing better to do?
Just wtf is wrong with this girl?
She was a combination of everything I despise in a heroine: stupid, easy, ignorant, aggressive, swearing like a sailor every other word and showing a nasty attitude every possible way.
And yet, a complete and utter doormat.
Seriously, I had to stop this shitshow because I was afraid I'd lose even more IQ points if I choose to continue with this nonsense.
I think there are some honourable mentions that made me dnf:
*like the self-absorbed, sad excuse for a mother who keeps saying she wants what's best for Kensey, our dumb heroine, and yet she married a man who murdered over 30 women including his own mother and that dumb bitch made her daughter visit him in prison regularly and call him her dad
*the whole mystery stalker thing that was somehow uninteresting for me, pushed aside by the sex club doings and the fucking sessions
*no chemistry or connection
*the heroine, after a string of one night stands, with one including a drug dealer, decided she was too good for that. And yet, she jumped at the first opportunity to be Blake's booty call despite the fact that she didn't know him, he had a very low opinion of her, but you know, he was sexy and loaded and had a very popular sex club for the rich and famous, so I'm guessing that was a good enough reason for our sis to jump on that wagon
*this mess reminded me too much of Fifty fucking Shades
All in all, I gotta say I am really disappointed with this one.
I normally avoid books with sex clubs, sex dungeons, sex slaves, sex workers, promiscuous heroines and some other shit.
But it's Suzanne Wright and I love her writing so I thought I could give this a go because this girl can write and she gave me The Favor, one of my all time favourites.
But this mess is just that, a mess.
And I was really bummed that it came from Wright.
And I think I would have continued with this book and swallowed the bitter pill of disappointment that was the sex club setting or the stupid mother if the heroine had some traces of intelligence or self-respect.
Because I don't want to follow a story of a girl who annoys me every time she opens her stupid mouth.
I think I could even like Blake, our controlling hero because he wasn't the problem in this book.
And I like my heroes to be a bit fucked up, so he was just perfect to be honest.
The real problem was the heroine.
So if you don't like heroines who are idiotic and immature doormats who think they are something they really aren't (strong and clever), I'd say skip this one.
Go read The Favor, it is a million times better.
September 11, 2019
In my top TEN reads this year.
OMG this story blew ME AWAY! If you add anything to your TBR list this year then it needs to be this.
A brand new author for me. And one I’ll be checking out.
Wasn’t sure what to expect reading the first chapter. At first it wtf!
Kensey hasn’t had a normal life. The product of a scandalous affair, her mother Clear had when she was seventeen with a married man. Now wait no judging here. Clears character was that of a fragile woman. She was kicked out of home when she refused to abort her baby. Shunned by the town who looked at them like they were nothing. This woman never waivers with her love for Kensey.
It might seem outrageous what she did but reading on you’ll understand through Kensey’s mind.
When she starts to correspond with serial killer Micheal Bates that part of the story fascinated me. It was something I’d never heard of before or that people actually did that. When she marries Michael that’s the start of Kensey journey.
Kensey has had to live with the taunts all her life. At first she didn’t understand. She was a baby when her mother married Micheal. She grew up visiting him in the maximum security jail he was housed in. It was only when she got older and overheard the whispering that she found out.
So not only being a product of an extramarital affair to deal with being Michael Bates step daughter raised it to a whole other level. She’s learnt over the years who she can trust. A close inner circle of friends ( who I freaking loved) she’s kept her head down.
Writing under a pen name she keeps that part of her life hidden. She doesn’t need it publicly known that the step daughter of Michael Bates writes horror stories. The irony is not lost on her. But when it looks like someone is toying with her she’ll have to fight to keep that a secret along with keeping Blake at arms length.
But that all changes the minute Blake Mercier enters the picture. This man is Alpha with a capital A. He’s ruthless, wealthy and seems somewhat detached. But the moment he spots Kensey that detachment is gone.
Blake has heard the rumours and stories regarding Kensey. When he meets her for the first time he can’t reconcile what he’s been told with the stunning woman standing before him. All he knows is he wants her.
One time deal. Fuck her and the fascination will be gone. But that’s not going to be easy. She’ll fight him, try to resist him. But it’ll be futile Blake Mercier gets what he wants.
I doubt even he knew what she’d come to mean to him. This obsession with her is something he wasn’t prepared for but damn if he’ll let her go. She’s his now.
With both our leads fighting demons of a different kind this story will take you on an absolute page turning journey.
I was HOOKED. I was ENGAGED. INVESTED.
The twists and turns and the unexpected of WHO will have you thinking damn I did not see that coming.
As to her mother? She lives in a different world. She loves Michael. And Michael? He was quiet an interesting character.
I really really ENJOYED this story. In fact I loved it.
Seriously do yourself a favour and read. It’s not what you expect.
OMG this story blew ME AWAY! If you add anything to your TBR list this year then it needs to be this.
A brand new author for me. And one I’ll be checking out.
Wasn’t sure what to expect reading the first chapter. At first it wtf!
Kensey hasn’t had a normal life. The product of a scandalous affair, her mother Clear had when she was seventeen with a married man. Now wait no judging here. Clears character was that of a fragile woman. She was kicked out of home when she refused to abort her baby. Shunned by the town who looked at them like they were nothing. This woman never waivers with her love for Kensey.
It might seem outrageous what she did but reading on you’ll understand through Kensey’s mind.
When she starts to correspond with serial killer Micheal Bates that part of the story fascinated me. It was something I’d never heard of before or that people actually did that. When she marries Michael that’s the start of Kensey journey.
Kensey has had to live with the taunts all her life. At first she didn’t understand. She was a baby when her mother married Micheal. She grew up visiting him in the maximum security jail he was housed in. It was only when she got older and overheard the whispering that she found out.
So not only being a product of an extramarital affair to deal with being Michael Bates step daughter raised it to a whole other level. She’s learnt over the years who she can trust. A close inner circle of friends ( who I freaking loved) she’s kept her head down.
Writing under a pen name she keeps that part of her life hidden. She doesn’t need it publicly known that the step daughter of Michael Bates writes horror stories. The irony is not lost on her. But when it looks like someone is toying with her she’ll have to fight to keep that a secret along with keeping Blake at arms length.
But that all changes the minute Blake Mercier enters the picture. This man is Alpha with a capital A. He’s ruthless, wealthy and seems somewhat detached. But the moment he spots Kensey that detachment is gone.
Blake has heard the rumours and stories regarding Kensey. When he meets her for the first time he can’t reconcile what he’s been told with the stunning woman standing before him. All he knows is he wants her.
One time deal. Fuck her and the fascination will be gone. But that’s not going to be easy. She’ll fight him, try to resist him. But it’ll be futile Blake Mercier gets what he wants. I doubt even he knew what she’d come to mean to him. This obsession with her is something he wasn’t prepared for but damn if he’ll let her go. She’s his now.
With both our leads fighting demons of a different kind this story will take you on an absolute page turning journey.
I was HOOKED. I was ENGAGED. INVESTED.
The twists and turns and the unexpected of WHO will have you thinking damn I did not see that coming.
As to her mother? She lives in a different world. She loves Michael. And Michael? He was quiet an interesting character.
I really really ENJOYED this story. In fact I loved it.
Seriously do yourself a favour and read. It’s not what you expect.
January 15, 2025
****4.5****
I haven't read all of Suzanne Wright's stuff, but with all the ones I have read, I end up utterly captivated. What's interesting to me is that I end up utterly captivated despite some things that would normally turn me way off.
With this book, I honestly thought I'd never like Blake. I didn't find his arrogance attractive, and I found the heroine's instant, undeniable attraction to him to be off-putting, because it felt like a fundamental lack of respect for herself, that she would let herself be with someone who treats her that way.
I think the bulk of that was informed by their meeting, which is probably my primary quibble with this book... mostly because it feels contrived. Blake, as a character, is very smart, strategic, and seems like someone who would be hard to bullshit. But in their meeting, he came across as shitty, judgmental, and a fucking moron who got played like a patsy. As I got to know him and found out about those good qualities - smart, strategic, hard to bullshit - their initial encounter felt more and more contrived to me. That this man would take such hyperbolic gossip - she's a crackwhore who attempts suicide for attention - as gospel, without even sparing a moment to confirm (if he looked into it for even a nanosecond he'd have found the long history of shit from Libby and the Buchanans)... and marches off to Kensey's job to press them to shit-can her... well, like I said, it makes him look like a moron who is easy to jerk around.
It took a lot for me to respect him, after that. And the way he just marched back into her life and demanded she get over it and submit to him... it just bugged the fuck out of me. I probably didn't start liking Blake until the 50% mark. That said, once I started to like him, I really liked him. The dominance stuff sometimes made me roll my eyes - probably because it's just not my thing, and I have a hard time not laughing my ass off when a guy has tried that kind of dominance crap with me - but it didn't hurt anything, because I could see the vulnerability behind it. Once he decided to remake his life because he wanted Kensey in it - once he decided to try - he really put his all into it and there were some beautiful moments.
I liked Kensey a lot, though, right from the outset. She's a good person who has had a shit life, but hasn't let it jade her world. And I liked the angle of Michael - the psychology of it is fascinating, and I can only imagine how torn Kensey must be. The emotions of their relationship are just impossible to reconcile. I honestly wish we'd gotten to spend more time on that part of the story. Does Michael really love her? Has he really changed? If so, does it mean anything? Those are interesting things to wrestle with.
Really enjoyed it. Definitely going to have to pick up more from Suzanne Wright.
I haven't read all of Suzanne Wright's stuff, but with all the ones I have read, I end up utterly captivated. What's interesting to me is that I end up utterly captivated despite some things that would normally turn me way off.
With this book, I honestly thought I'd never like Blake. I didn't find his arrogance attractive, and I found the heroine's instant, undeniable attraction to him to be off-putting, because it felt like a fundamental lack of respect for herself, that she would let herself be with someone who treats her that way.
I think the bulk of that was informed by their meeting, which is probably my primary quibble with this book... mostly because it feels contrived. Blake, as a character, is very smart, strategic, and seems like someone who would be hard to bullshit. But in their meeting, he came across as shitty, judgmental, and a fucking moron who got played like a patsy. As I got to know him and found out about those good qualities - smart, strategic, hard to bullshit - their initial encounter felt more and more contrived to me. That this man would take such hyperbolic gossip - she's a crackwhore who attempts suicide for attention - as gospel, without even sparing a moment to confirm (if he looked into it for even a nanosecond he'd have found the long history of shit from Libby and the Buchanans)... and marches off to Kensey's job to press them to shit-can her... well, like I said, it makes him look like a moron who is easy to jerk around.
It took a lot for me to respect him, after that. And the way he just marched back into her life and demanded she get over it and submit to him... it just bugged the fuck out of me. I probably didn't start liking Blake until the 50% mark. That said, once I started to like him, I really liked him. The dominance stuff sometimes made me roll my eyes - probably because it's just not my thing, and I have a hard time not laughing my ass off when a guy has tried that kind of dominance crap with me - but it didn't hurt anything, because I could see the vulnerability behind it. Once he decided to remake his life because he wanted Kensey in it - once he decided to try - he really put his all into it and there were some beautiful moments.
I liked Kensey a lot, though, right from the outset. She's a good person who has had a shit life, but hasn't let it jade her world. And I liked the angle of Michael - the psychology of it is fascinating, and I can only imagine how torn Kensey must be. The emotions of their relationship are just impossible to reconcile. I honestly wish we'd gotten to spend more time on that part of the story. Does Michael really love her? Has he really changed? If so, does it mean anything? Those are interesting things to wrestle with.
Really enjoyed it. Definitely going to have to pick up more from Suzanne Wright.
June 22, 2018
Ok so this one started out rough for me but it ended almost in perfection. Blake is the reason this started on some very shaky ground in the beginning. Thankfully Blake woke up and ended up doing a 180. Once he decided to let Kensey in, he became one of my favorite heroes.
Blake starts out very cold and distant but ends up being very protective and possessive. He's rich and powerful and a bit of bad boy. He's got morals but doesn't stick to the law. Once he committed to Kensey, he was 100% committed. If they fought, he made sure they made up. I really liked that about him.
Kensey was an awesome heroine that I could totally root for. She was strong and independent. Maybe a little to independent but not enough that it bothered me. I respected how she reacted to certain situations, especially when she didn't like how Blake handled things.
This actually reminded me of a human version of the Burn In You series. Just the way the Blake and Kensey were...I related them to Knox and Harper. I'm not saying the stories are the same, just the feeling of these characters. I'm sure that's why I ended up loving this one so much.
Blake starts out very cold and distant but ends up being very protective and possessive. He's rich and powerful and a bit of bad boy. He's got morals but doesn't stick to the law. Once he committed to Kensey, he was 100% committed. If they fought, he made sure they made up. I really liked that about him.
Kensey was an awesome heroine that I could totally root for. She was strong and independent. Maybe a little to independent but not enough that it bothered me. I respected how she reacted to certain situations, especially when she didn't like how Blake handled things.
This actually reminded me of a human version of the Burn In You series. Just the way the Blake and Kensey were...I related them to Knox and Harper. I'm not saying the stories are the same, just the feeling of these characters. I'm sure that's why I ended up loving this one so much.
October 1, 2021
This book was such a delightful surprise! This novel has phenomenal and unique characters, from the heroine who is the stepdaughter of a serial killer to the hero, who has his own dark demons that he is trying to put to bed. Kensey and Blake have scorching hot chemistry right off the bat, despite Blake making all kinds of assumptions about Kensey based on gossip. I loved following the wild ride of their romance, but honestly, what makes this book truly unique is the AMAZING suspense plotline.
The book features an intense and complex mystery. There are numerous subplots that all interweave with one another. There are so many shady characters introduced--from the guy who thinks he’s her stepbrother to the reporter who’s writing a book about her stepfather. All this on top of the fact that Kensey has a stalker, and there are more than a handful of suspects. The book has a few mindblowing plot twists, and I definitely did not see that final reveal coming.
5 stars, and I really, really, really hope that her shifter series has just as amazing suspense plotlines!
The book features an intense and complex mystery. There are numerous subplots that all interweave with one another. There are so many shady characters introduced--from the guy who thinks he’s her stepbrother to the reporter who’s writing a book about her stepfather. All this on top of the fact that Kensey has a stalker, and there are more than a handful of suspects. The book has a few mindblowing plot twists, and I definitely did not see that final reveal coming.
5 stars, and I really, really, really hope that her shifter series has just as amazing suspense plotlines!
June 6, 2020
This book has it all and I love it! A serial killer on death row, a caveman hero who won’t take no for an answer, a horror novelist. a sex club, OW drama, a bullying cop, and to top it off a stalker. This is suspenseful and hotter than hell and I could not put this down. I highly recommend it, 5 stars!
January 8, 2023
This was highly entertaining
That said, I've made a grave mistake of reading this book straight after her book The Favor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They are very similar, not in tropes necessarily, but in the general vibe and writing. Main male heroes were practically the same, both heroines had difficulties during their upbringing and the aftermath of it still had an affect on their present. They both had a great support system to counterattack the mayhem that happened in their lives. This book also featured a bit of OW drama, but I'm glad that the author didn't take the situation to the OTT extreme as it was in the "The Favor". Disclaimer: the hero was actually faithful the whole time.
Had I read this book separately, I think I would enjoy it far more, but since it was one after another of the same vibe...
Although I must admit, I liked the unpredictability of this book. There were not so many scenario-based tropes, meaning I could not easily assume where the book was going, except that there would be a HEA. The story managed to hold my attention till the end, albeit the resolution of the big mystery and the reveal of the secret identity...a touch underwhelming? Or maybe I'm disappointed because I never once suspected the culprit correctly.
What I've noticed in both of her books, is that the author forces her heroes to put the engagement ring on the "third finger" of their women. I don't know what side she starts to count the fingers, but either way, the third finger is the middle finger and you simply don't put an engagement ring on it.
The book doesn't have an epilogue. It's not that I wanted to see them married and with kids, but a little closure would be nice. Especially I lacked the resolution of the drama with the heroine, her stepfather, her mother and the hero. The ending was a little abrupt for my taste.
Having said that, the story was still great: action-packed, intriguing, the chemistry between the couple was pulpable, their smutty times were hot and explosive. I'm glad I read this book and would certainly recommend it, although I doubt I will reread it in the future.
That said, I've made a grave mistake of reading this book straight after her book The Favor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They are very similar, not in tropes necessarily, but in the general vibe and writing. Main male heroes were practically the same, both heroines had difficulties during their upbringing and the aftermath of it still had an affect on their present. They both had a great support system to counterattack the mayhem that happened in their lives. This book also featured a bit of OW drama, but I'm glad that the author didn't take the situation to the OTT extreme as it was in the "The Favor". Disclaimer: the hero was actually faithful the whole time.
Had I read this book separately, I think I would enjoy it far more, but since it was one after another of the same vibe...
Although I must admit, I liked the unpredictability of this book. There were not so many scenario-based tropes, meaning I could not easily assume where the book was going, except that there would be a HEA. The story managed to hold my attention till the end, albeit the resolution of the big mystery and the reveal of the secret identity...a touch underwhelming? Or maybe I'm disappointed because I never once suspected the culprit correctly.
What I've noticed in both of her books, is that the author forces her heroes to put the engagement ring on the "third finger" of their women. I don't know what side she starts to count the fingers, but either way, the third finger is the middle finger and you simply don't put an engagement ring on it.
The book doesn't have an epilogue. It's not that I wanted to see them married and with kids, but a little closure would be nice. Especially I lacked the resolution of the drama with the heroine, her stepfather, her mother and the hero. The ending was a little abrupt for my taste.
Having said that, the story was still great: action-packed, intriguing, the chemistry between the couple was pulpable, their smutty times were hot and explosive. I'm glad I read this book and would certainly recommend it, although I doubt I will reread it in the future.
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