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The Protégé
He’s always protected me since I was eight years old, the neglected girl he took off the street and raised as his own. Laszlo can feel what music needs instinctively. He can tell what I need.
My world shattered the night of my eighteenth birthday and he still hasn’t forgiven me for what I did. I’m not asking him to love me, touch me, take me to bed. What I want goes deeper than that and I have to say this out loud because it’s one thing that music won’t be able to tell him.
I want what only Laszlo can give me. I want to be his protégé again. And this time, I’m going to be so good for him.
Yes, maestro.
Yes, sir.
Yes, daddy.
My world shattered the night of my eighteenth birthday and he still hasn’t forgiven me for what I did. I’m not asking him to love me, touch me, take me to bed. What I want goes deeper than that and I have to say this out loud because it’s one thing that music won’t be able to tell him.
I want what only Laszlo can give me. I want to be his protégé again. And this time, I’m going to be so good for him.
Yes, maestro.
Yes, sir.
Yes, daddy.
343 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2018
429 people are currently reading
3127 people want to read
About the author
Brianna Hale
26 books1,573 followersThere's nothing Brianna Hale likes more than a large, stern alpha male with a super-protective and caring streak, and when she's not writing about them she can usually be found with a book, a cocktail, planning her next trip to a beautiful location or attending the theatre. She believes that pink and empowerment aren’t mutually exclusive, and everyday adventures are possible. Brianna lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
November 22, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! The Protégé (stand-alone). A forbidden & kinky mentor-protégé budding romance with much to overcome!
“Good girl, Isabeau. All three. Daddy. Sir. Maestro. I rule you in all three parts of your life and don’t you fucking forget it.”
The Protégé opens up to cellist Isabeau Laurent, Issy returning to her home time after three years in college. She is apprehensive about seeking out her former ward and maestro, Laszlo Valmary. More on why to unfold with story.
Held back by secrets, forbidden desires and stigmas this is a story filled with sexual tension galore, slowly building to explosive sex between a commanding and conflicted yet oh-so sweet Lazlo and a compelling and mixture of insightful and naïve Issy.
Told from dual POVs, set against the backdrop of the world of classical music, this is a forbidden love with kinky elements such as daddy-play and master-submissive. But most of all it is a beautiful against-all-odds love story spanning over a decade.
“My benevolence is given when I choose. I control when you get to come and when you don’t. Even if I give you that satisfaction, this is never over. My control. My praise. My punishment. My comfort. I bestow them, and always on my terms, little girl.”
***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★1/2
Sexual tension: ★★★★1/2
Sex scenes: ★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | HIGH FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |
ARC provided to me by author Brianna Hale in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2018
➳An intense romance filled with raw passion that makes your dirty mind run around with lust and addiction...
➳Encountering with authors that truly do make you change your mind about a specific topic deserve the best of everything when it comes down to kink romances. My mind has been blown away at how much I truly did enjoy this filthy romance. Never in a million years would I have thought that an addiction to daddy kink would grow on me. For once, I am glad to have been surprised by such a wonderful romance novel. The age gap between both main characters is what makes me adore this romance novel more than any of Brianna's previous novels. There is so much care and protectiveness when it comes down to Isabeau. Laszlo is not only a dominant that makes you crave his touch, but he also has an extent of compassion and power that oozes out of him.
➳This romance is not a copy that follows the BDSM world, this is a romance that only has a dominant wanting his submissive to bow down to him and make him want her love and attention. Making her his, Laszlo has found the proper way of keeping her love and admiration towards their forbidden relationship. When it comes down to wanting to admire each other, Laszlo and Isabeau are the it couple that will take your breath away with all the passion they have, all the drama and forbidden ambiance that surrounds and follows them.
➳Overall, I want to say that my love for this romance novel is so immense! If you are hesitant to read it, don't be since this novel is a definite for those seeking something new from a new author. The heightened hype about it is what makes this novel worth the time and worth the read. Thank you so much to Brianna for sending me a copy of this INCREDIBLE masterpiece!
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
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➳Encountering with authors that truly do make you change your mind about a specific topic deserve the best of everything when it comes down to kink romances. My mind has been blown away at how much I truly did enjoy this filthy romance. Never in a million years would I have thought that an addiction to daddy kink would grow on me. For once, I am glad to have been surprised by such a wonderful romance novel. The age gap between both main characters is what makes me adore this romance novel more than any of Brianna's previous novels. There is so much care and protectiveness when it comes down to Isabeau. Laszlo is not only a dominant that makes you crave his touch, but he also has an extent of compassion and power that oozes out of him.
➳This romance is not a copy that follows the BDSM world, this is a romance that only has a dominant wanting his submissive to bow down to him and make him want her love and attention. Making her his, Laszlo has found the proper way of keeping her love and admiration towards their forbidden relationship. When it comes down to wanting to admire each other, Laszlo and Isabeau are the it couple that will take your breath away with all the passion they have, all the drama and forbidden ambiance that surrounds and follows them.
➳Overall, I want to say that my love for this romance novel is so immense! If you are hesitant to read it, don't be since this novel is a definite for those seeking something new from a new author. The heightened hype about it is what makes this novel worth the time and worth the read. Thank you so much to Brianna for sending me a copy of this INCREDIBLE masterpiece!
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
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April 20, 2022
5 Laszlo and Music Stars ⭐
With a cello in hand, Isabeau was an 8-year-old girl when discovered busking on the streets of London. She never imagined that this fateful day would change all she knew. That she would be removed from a life of hardship for a world filled with privilege and music.
Two kindred spirits brought together by their passion for music. Laszlo Valmary would go on to become both Isabeau’s guardian and mentor. And for a young girl; and indulgent Laszlo would become the center of her universe.
He hugs me, and his familiar sweet peppercorn scent envelops me. How long, I wonder, hugging him back fiercely, until he falls in love with me and asks me to marry him? It’s taking so long to grow up. I love him so much already.
Except when the whimsical feelings of a young girl become real and can no longer be suppressed, it unfortunately places them both in an awkward situation that neither can come back from.
I lashed out at her. Ever since then the sweetest moment also became the most shameful, because I hurt her. And I’ve never said sorry.
After that fateful night, it would be 3 years before Laszlo and Isabeau are reunited. Isabeau has sorely missed the mentorship and guidance that Laszlo once provided while he has missed the girl who is no longer a child.
With Isabeau back in his life and requesting a place in his orchestra, Laszlo can’t deny what his unhappy girl needs. Except this time around they are different. Because Isabeau’s need for discipline goes beyond music, it’s sexual. Something he is ready to give her.
Daddy. There’s something so arousing about hearing him call himself that. Oh, yes, I’m a good girl for him. I’ll do anything for him as long as he goes on touching me like that. I need the release of him so badly.
Apart from being one of the sexiest age-gap romances I have had the pleasure of reading, it’s difficult not to be captivated by the story telling. Considering I have no musical talent, I could still envision their world of symphonies. The slow burn of their relationship and the crescendo of their coming together was mouth-watering. All the stars for this beautifully written story with the perfect amount of kink…
With a cello in hand, Isabeau was an 8-year-old girl when discovered busking on the streets of London. She never imagined that this fateful day would change all she knew. That she would be removed from a life of hardship for a world filled with privilege and music.
Two kindred spirits brought together by their passion for music. Laszlo Valmary would go on to become both Isabeau’s guardian and mentor. And for a young girl; and indulgent Laszlo would become the center of her universe.
He hugs me, and his familiar sweet peppercorn scent envelops me. How long, I wonder, hugging him back fiercely, until he falls in love with me and asks me to marry him? It’s taking so long to grow up. I love him so much already.
Except when the whimsical feelings of a young girl become real and can no longer be suppressed, it unfortunately places them both in an awkward situation that neither can come back from.
I lashed out at her. Ever since then the sweetest moment also became the most shameful, because I hurt her. And I’ve never said sorry.
After that fateful night, it would be 3 years before Laszlo and Isabeau are reunited. Isabeau has sorely missed the mentorship and guidance that Laszlo once provided while he has missed the girl who is no longer a child.
With Isabeau back in his life and requesting a place in his orchestra, Laszlo can’t deny what his unhappy girl needs. Except this time around they are different. Because Isabeau’s need for discipline goes beyond music, it’s sexual. Something he is ready to give her.
Daddy. There’s something so arousing about hearing him call himself that. Oh, yes, I’m a good girl for him. I’ll do anything for him as long as he goes on touching me like that. I need the release of him so badly.
Apart from being one of the sexiest age-gap romances I have had the pleasure of reading, it’s difficult not to be captivated by the story telling. Considering I have no musical talent, I could still envision their world of symphonies. The slow burn of their relationship and the crescendo of their coming together was mouth-watering. All the stars for this beautifully written story with the perfect amount of kink…
July 22, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~So wow...this book turned out to be significantly better and had way more depth than I thought it would. I've never read anything by this author before, and honestly, the blurb made me think this was going to be one of those insta love, daddy kink type of books (nothing wrong with those). What I actually got was a bloody fantastic, beautifully written, and complex love story. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about it. As I said, the writing was amazing. The pace was perfect. The plot was engaging. Angsty. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Sexy. The classical music angle was just so well done. Last, it was all wrapped up in a very sweet, and perfect way.
~HERO~
LASZLO...Laszlo was a great hero. He was complex. He was frustrating at times. He was sweet. He was sexy. He was domineering. He was kind. He was stubborn. The author did a fantastic job creating a complex character that as a reader you couldn't help but fall in love with.
~HEROINE~
ISABEAU...I enjoyed Isabeau's character just as much as I did Laszlo's. Again the author did a great job of creating a multi-layered character in Isabeau. My heart broke for her on several occasions. You could figuratively feel her pain rising from the pages. Her love for Laszlo. Her pain at being rejected. But she was also a very strong character. She was sweet. Wise beyond her years. She knew what she wanted and needed. I loved her.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
This book was pretty light on secondary characters. We see Isabeau's father a tiny bit. He BFF makes a couple brief appearances, along with some members of the orchestra. Mainly the book focuses the majority of its time on the two main characters.
~HEAT LEVEL~
LOW...for the first 70%. MEDIUM TO HIGH for the last 30%. This turned out to be (surprisingly to me) a slow burn type of romance. I was expecting for us to dive head first in the kink very early on. That isn't what happens though. This couple dances around each other for 70% of the book. But when they finally get to doing the deed, we get some deliciously kinky sex scenes. Isabeau and Laszlo were smokin' hot together and had amazing on page chemistry. Obviously (if you read the blurb) there is "daddy kink" and BDSM elements. Spanking. Belting. Choking. I guess if I HAD to think of something I would have liked different about the book, I would have loved to have seen more sex scenes between those two.
~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
HIGH...this one was fairly angsty, but the angst came from the two main characters and their feelings for each other, and not outside sources. There was no OW drama or OM drama. Isabeau wasn't a virgin, but she had only had sex once (and it wasn't good <--- personally I would have loved if she had more than one experience, and/or it had at least been decent). But again, it didn't overly bother me. Laszlo didn't appear to be a manwhore nor was he a saint. His sexual history is just briefly mentioned.
~IN THE END~
-- I loved it!
-- Was it perfect? Pretty much.
-- Will I read this author again? For sure!
-- Would I recommend it? Completely!
July 10, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Isabeau Laurent was only eight years old when her life changed dramatically. Picked up from the street, her raw talent as a cellist was honed to perfection as she grew into a young woman. But a mistake cost her everything she ever wanted and she was determined to fix it.
Laszlo Valmary knew talent when he saw one. As the conductor of an orchestra, he reveled in the control he had in shaping the direction of the music and the musicians. However, one thing that tested his control and left him out of tune was his own protégé.
I enjoyed the story and liked both of them and their background. However, I felt some of the issues they had to overcome was too easily resolved. The earlier part of the book was more of restraint passion with a hint of angst. Later it evolved into into sexier, dirtier feel.
Even though I'm not very knowledgeable in classical music, I've always love the sound and the romanticism of it. Reading this book was like going through the various stages of a symphony from the highs and lows, and with a satisfying ending.
The Protege is a story of surrendering to one's needs. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a classy DD/lg dynamic.
Note 1:
It's always nice when my country is featured in a book. This this case my city of Kuala Lumpur :D
Note 2:
I also like the familiar but unexpected surprise at the end of the book ;)
🎼 🎻 🎼 . . . (F)BR With Mer . . . 🎼 🎻 🎼
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Isabeau Laurent was only eight years old when her life changed dramatically. Picked up from the street, her raw talent as a cellist was honed to perfection as she grew into a young woman. But a mistake cost her everything she ever wanted and she was determined to fix it.
Laszlo Valmary knew talent when he saw one. As the conductor of an orchestra, he reveled in the control he had in shaping the direction of the music and the musicians. However, one thing that tested his control and left him out of tune was his own protégé.
I enjoyed the story and liked both of them and their background. However, I felt some of the issues they had to overcome was too easily resolved. The earlier part of the book was more of restraint passion with a hint of angst. Later it evolved into into sexier, dirtier feel.
When did she get so grown up? When did she become so beautiful, inside and out? And loudest and most confusing of all: why does it cause me such pain to look at her when she’s everything I hoped she would be?
Even though I'm not very knowledgeable in classical music, I've always love the sound and the romanticism of it. Reading this book was like going through the various stages of a symphony from the highs and lows, and with a satisfying ending.
“Good girl, Isabeau. All three. Daddy. Sir. Maestro. I rule you in all three parts of your life and don’t you fucking forget it.”
The Protege is a story of surrendering to one's needs. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a classy DD/lg dynamic.
Note 1:
It's always nice when my country is featured in a book. This this case my city of Kuala Lumpur :D
Note 2:
I also like the familiar but unexpected surprise at the end of the book ;)
🎼 🎻 🎼 . . . (F)BR With Mer . . . 🎼 🎻 🎼
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 4, 2018
5 Surprising Stars
Well, isn’t this the little gem I found. The Protégé was written really well, engaging and some what kinky. I loved every minute of it and thank you goodreads for helping me find this author.
When I started the book I got a little nervous because the two characters, Laszlo and Isabeau had history and something happened. I didn’t want to read a angsty book, but this wasn’t!
The book is mostly in the present, but there are some flashback chapters and to my surprised I really loved the flashback chapters because there was a reason for each chapter. The author wrote with purpose and there were no filler pages.
Laszlo finds Isabeau when she is little and notices she will become a great cellist with proper education and training. Laszlo is 17 years older than her and is a famous composer. I love the theme of the book! I love the music and I love how much the characters love music.
The relationship between Laszlo and Isabeau is intense and oh my gosh reading it was addictive. I was devouring the pages trying to figure out what will happen. I really love the relationship between the two main characters and I love both characters on their own.
They care for so much for each other and it truly shows in the book.
There is some kink in the book and I think it only made the read better.
This author is 100% on my need to read all books list.
Well, isn’t this the little gem I found. The Protégé was written really well, engaging and some what kinky. I loved every minute of it and thank you goodreads for helping me find this author.
When I started the book I got a little nervous because the two characters, Laszlo and Isabeau had history and something happened. I didn’t want to read a angsty book, but this wasn’t!
The book is mostly in the present, but there are some flashback chapters and to my surprised I really loved the flashback chapters because there was a reason for each chapter. The author wrote with purpose and there were no filler pages.
Laszlo finds Isabeau when she is little and notices she will become a great cellist with proper education and training. Laszlo is 17 years older than her and is a famous composer. I love the theme of the book! I love the music and I love how much the characters love music.
The relationship between Laszlo and Isabeau is intense and oh my gosh reading it was addictive. I was devouring the pages trying to figure out what will happen. I really love the relationship between the two main characters and I love both characters on their own.
They care for so much for each other and it truly shows in the book.
There is some kink in the book and I think it only made the read better.
This author is 100% on my need to read all books list.
July 31, 2018
4 STARS!
When orchestra conductor, Laszlo happens upon a child playing her cello for money on a cold London street corner, he just can't bear to let her natural talent languish. He soon becomes the 8 year old Isabeau's guardian and mentor.
Fast forward ten years and they've both developed feelings for each other, feelings that for obvious reasons, Laszlo finds inappropriate; he rejects her.
I really liked the emotion contained in the writing; Isabeau's devastation and Laszlo's regret at what happened when she turned 18 were palpable, and the journey to their HEA that begins 3 years later was filled with their longing for each other.
The author took the time to re-build their relationship, and the DD/lg kink was added bit by bit in a believable way . . . that was HOT.
I'll DEFINITELY be reading more from Brianna Hale!!
I feel like he burned right through my soul and woke up parts of me that I never knew were slumbering.Gotta love a smutty book that has some depth!
When orchestra conductor, Laszlo happens upon a child playing her cello for money on a cold London street corner, he just can't bear to let her natural talent languish. He soon becomes the 8 year old Isabeau's guardian and mentor.
Fast forward ten years and they've both developed feelings for each other, feelings that for obvious reasons, Laszlo finds inappropriate; he rejects her.
When she needed me most I betrayed her.So, when the story began, I groaned at the dreaded flashbacks, and quite a few of the scenes that the author used to showcase the early relationship between Laszlo and Isabeau felt contrived. BUT once the story got rolling, my grumbling stopped.
I really liked the emotion contained in the writing; Isabeau's devastation and Laszlo's regret at what happened when she turned 18 were palpable, and the journey to their HEA that begins 3 years later was filled with their longing for each other.
The author took the time to re-build their relationship, and the DD/lg kink was added bit by bit in a believable way . . . that was HOT.
"Have you ever been spanked?"And even better, the author explored both Isabeau and Laszlo's reasoning behind their needs, wants, and desires, because at the end of the day, all the hot sex in the world will fall flat if there's no connection between the main characters. Luckily, here, their connection was strong and burned brightly.
Laszlo's presence curls around me like a beloved melody.The story faltered a bit near the end with a smidge of manufactured angst, but I thought this was a solid read overall.
I'll DEFINITELY be reading more from Brianna Hale!!
July 27, 2018
4,5 Hot Stars
Such a brilliant,passionate and intense story.I was intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis and when I start reading it I find myself hooked.I loved the writing a lot and the story was interesting!
“It’s always been you and me, babygirl, one way or another. Even when we were apart my heart has always been with you.”
Isabeau and Laszlo’s love is different and unique.These two have an amazing bond, there is chemistry and passion between them.
I'm looking forward to read more books from this author.This is my first book by her and for sure not the last!
Such a brilliant,passionate and intense story.I was intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis and when I start reading it I find myself hooked.I loved the writing a lot and the story was interesting!
“It’s always been you and me, babygirl, one way or another. Even when we were apart my heart has always been with you.”
Isabeau and Laszlo’s love is different and unique.These two have an amazing bond, there is chemistry and passion between them.
I'm looking forward to read more books from this author.This is my first book by her and for sure not the last!
December 23, 2020
I Cried
*read on KU. No need of sugar daddies called promo teams*
Brianna Hale makes me feel a lot of things when I read her books. She makes them fun, lovely, and so cute. They're page-turners. They're steamy AF. I can't get enough of her stories. I picked this up after I read the Love Don't Cost A Thing books, and uff my Brianna Hale high didn't slow down. I loved this book so much that in the end, I cried. Packed with emotions, this was a beautiful story, and the chemistry between these characters was so strong, I CANNOT DEAL.
ORIGINAL COMMENT
I know y'all wanna hear about Daddy and his little girl, but I'm here to say that I actually cried at the end. Yep. I did. Splendid story.
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August 12, 2018
4 Stars!!
I went into this book blind, without reading the synopsis, and I was pleasantly surprised!!
This book centered around a younger woman and an older/father figure man who fall in love. The love is very taboo and reminded me very much of Fearless and how they shared a unique and inseparable bond that was seen as taboo due to its father/daughter nature.
I was also very surprised this book had a sub/dom relationship! No where in the beginning of the book did it hint that the main characters would be interested in a sub/dom relationship. However, I love sub/dom stories so this was a delicious turn of events!
The one thing that irritated me a little was the constant flashbacks. I thought they were a little excessive. I would have been fine with 3 or 4 of them but almost every other chapter was a flashback.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars because it was a fun little smutty read and kept me very entertained! I recommend this book to anyone who likes sub/dom relationships and also enjoys reading about taboo love!
I went into this book blind, without reading the synopsis, and I was pleasantly surprised!!
This book centered around a younger woman and an older/father figure man who fall in love. The love is very taboo and reminded me very much of Fearless and how they shared a unique and inseparable bond that was seen as taboo due to its father/daughter nature.
I was also very surprised this book had a sub/dom relationship! No where in the beginning of the book did it hint that the main characters would be interested in a sub/dom relationship. However, I love sub/dom stories so this was a delicious turn of events!
The one thing that irritated me a little was the constant flashbacks. I thought they were a little excessive. I would have been fine with 3 or 4 of them but almost every other chapter was a flashback.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars because it was a fun little smutty read and kept me very entertained! I recommend this book to anyone who likes sub/dom relationships and also enjoys reading about taboo love!
July 29, 2018
3.5 Stars
I like to think of Ms Hales books as classy smut/smut for the smart. She definitely is a talented writer and knows how to interweave deep and meaningful romance with some of the dirtiest sex scenes ive ever read. She's for sure one of my go to authors when I want to read something sexy but isnt shallow.
On the other hand, I HATED the fact the H slept with many woman while the heroine was in his care, and many women during their separation. And the book was going so well because his sexual past was pretty ambiguous up until I reached the 75% mark when I found that out. While he never pursued the heroine while she was underage, he was having BDSM relationships with OW in their home while the heroine slept in another bed room. I was pretty pissed after that as I think that little detail cheapened their romance. When the hero already has experience with these kinks with OW then that leaves the heroine to play catch-up and its just another tool to make the heroine super vulnerable and under the hero's power. BUT, thats sort of the whole point of this book and this kind of DD/lg kink.... so.... nature of the beast I suppose.
Safety:
Safe with exception.
Heroine had one sexual experience during separation.
No OW drama
H wasnt a manwhore and he didnt have any emotional relationships with anyone while the H was under his care but he was with many others.
No OW after reuniting with the H.
H never does anything inappropriate with the h while she's underage.
I like to think of Ms Hales books as classy smut/smut for the smart. She definitely is a talented writer and knows how to interweave deep and meaningful romance with some of the dirtiest sex scenes ive ever read. She's for sure one of my go to authors when I want to read something sexy but isnt shallow.
On the other hand, I HATED the fact the H slept with many woman while the heroine was in his care, and many women during their separation. And the book was going so well because his sexual past was pretty ambiguous up until I reached the 75% mark when I found that out. While he never pursued the heroine while she was underage, he was having BDSM relationships with OW in their home while the heroine slept in another bed room. I was pretty pissed after that as I think that little detail cheapened their romance. When the hero already has experience with these kinks with OW then that leaves the heroine to play catch-up and its just another tool to make the heroine super vulnerable and under the hero's power. BUT, thats sort of the whole point of this book and this kind of DD/lg kink.... so.... nature of the beast I suppose.
Safety:
Safe with exception.
Heroine had one sexual experience during separation.
No OW drama
H wasnt a manwhore and he didnt have any emotional relationships with anyone while the H was under his care but he was with many others.
No OW after reuniting with the H.
H never does anything inappropriate with the h while she's underage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2021
Finally she asks, “What do you think that piece is about?”
“It’s said to be a love song, a sad one. One of the instruments saying I love you, and the other answering I loved you, but I don’t anymore.”
“I don’t believe that. I think it’s a love song on both sides, but a love that’s destined never to be.”
This was everything I wanted Overture by Skye Warren to be! This book had depth, great characterization, and a logical plot. I loved having a hero that was a conductor and involved with music. I appreciated getting the full backstory relating how the two characters came together. I wanted to read a romance with music front and center and this book delivered.
Minor spoilers regarding the nature of the guardian-ward relationship:
Minor spoilers regarding kink:
Since I recently read Overture by Skye Warren which has a similar subject (guardian-ward theme with a heroine that’s a musician) I couldn’t help but compare the two books. I liked Overture myself, but it wasn’t a favorite of mine for many reasons. I understand why people like it – it’s sensual and Skye Warren is amazing at creating a hook and suspense.
Reasons why I prefer this to Overture by Skye Warren:
Brianna Hale has to be commended for weaving the meaning behind some of these classical music pieces into the narrative in a smooth manner. She included all kinds of small details about the orchestra, and what it’s like to practice and perform that required a lot of research. Hale could have taken the easy route and simply googled “interesting cello facts” and copy and pasted them into her story (like other authors have done…) but instead she delved deep and created a story that’s rooted in realism and authenticity.
I looked at many of the two stars reviews and one mentioned they thought this book was all about music and sex. I think that’s why I love it. I was craving an erotic story layered with classical music. The love the two MCs have is centered around their passion for music. No brooding alpha billionaire, military subplots, assassination attempts, or criminal activity. I wanted music to take center stage, and I got it here.
“It’s said to be a love song, a sad one. One of the instruments saying I love you, and the other answering I loved you, but I don’t anymore.”
“I don’t believe that. I think it’s a love song on both sides, but a love that’s destined never to be.”
This was everything I wanted Overture by Skye Warren to be! This book had depth, great characterization, and a logical plot. I loved having a hero that was a conductor and involved with music. I appreciated getting the full backstory relating how the two characters came together. I wanted to read a romance with music front and center and this book delivered.
Minor spoilers regarding the nature of the guardian-ward relationship:
Minor spoilers regarding kink:
Since I recently read Overture by Skye Warren which has a similar subject (guardian-ward theme with a heroine that’s a musician) I couldn’t help but compare the two books. I liked Overture myself, but it wasn’t a favorite of mine for many reasons. I understand why people like it – it’s sensual and Skye Warren is amazing at creating a hook and suspense.
Reasons why I prefer this to Overture by Skye Warren:
Brianna Hale has to be commended for weaving the meaning behind some of these classical music pieces into the narrative in a smooth manner. She included all kinds of small details about the orchestra, and what it’s like to practice and perform that required a lot of research. Hale could have taken the easy route and simply googled “interesting cello facts” and copy and pasted them into her story (like other authors have done…) but instead she delved deep and created a story that’s rooted in realism and authenticity.
I looked at many of the two stars reviews and one mentioned they thought this book was all about music and sex. I think that’s why I love it. I was craving an erotic story layered with classical music. The love the two MCs have is centered around their passion for music. No brooding alpha billionaire, military subplots, assassination attempts, or criminal activity. I wanted music to take center stage, and I got it here.
April 26, 2019
I love this author's writing and have enjoyed other books of hers, so this 2 star is purely because of plot points that annoyed me and I just wasn't feeling the love. I did love how the book was centered around music and the orchestra. The musical parts of the book were meaningful and sweet.
I could rant on and on with the problems I had with this book but I'll just put a few quick points in a spoiler tag (and maybe rant a bit too)
All of these things came together to make a book that was very sexy and very well written. But I just couldn't buy the love or the romance.
I could rant on and on with the problems I had with this book but I'll just put a few quick points in a spoiler tag (and maybe rant a bit too)
All of these things came together to make a book that was very sexy and very well written. But I just couldn't buy the love or the romance.
August 4, 2018
3,6. Livro bem escrito, porém não senti muita conexão entre os personagens principais. Achei tudo superficial demais!
August 25, 2018
This my first book by Brianna Hale and I really liked it. I loved her writing so much that I immediately picked up her other books.
Now, having read those, I liked those a little bit more.
Still, I'd recommend The Protégé if you like taboo reads.
Now, having read those, I liked those a little bit more.
Still, I'd recommend The Protégé if you like taboo reads.
August 6, 2018
10's Across the Board!
Let me get the full disclosure stuff out of the way. Laszlo is 17 years older than Isabeau. He became her guardian at a young age. She became his protege. [Nothing happens until legal age]. He is her daddy, her sir, her maestro.
Ok, so I feel like you already know where your line is drawn in the sand. If you cannot get behind this taboo, then you just cant. BUT, if you're like me and your moral line was washed out to sea a long time ago, then you'll just find yourself reading one of the most surprising and heart-warming romances I've read this year.
For me, it just had that inexplicable magic. From page one to the end I only had eyes for this story. It was excellently written. It rotates the past and present. It weaves in the beauty of music, orchestra, etc.
And OMG, Laszlo and Isabeau. I couldn't get enough. I've never been more pro for a taboo couple than this one. Your heart aches, you get frustrated, you get sexy times, you might get a little uncomfortable, and you get totally smitten with these two.
There was one point, when literally everything comes together in this story, and I could not stop the huge grin on my face as I was reading.
Cheers. Such an unexpected surprise for me.
Would I recommend? SO much yes. Unless of course, this topic just isn't for you.
Let me get the full disclosure stuff out of the way. Laszlo is 17 years older than Isabeau. He became her guardian at a young age. She became his protege. [Nothing happens until legal age]. He is her daddy, her sir, her maestro.
Ok, so I feel like you already know where your line is drawn in the sand. If you cannot get behind this taboo, then you just cant. BUT, if you're like me and your moral line was washed out to sea a long time ago, then you'll just find yourself reading one of the most surprising and heart-warming romances I've read this year.
For me, it just had that inexplicable magic. From page one to the end I only had eyes for this story. It was excellently written. It rotates the past and present. It weaves in the beauty of music, orchestra, etc.
And OMG, Laszlo and Isabeau. I couldn't get enough. I've never been more pro for a taboo couple than this one. Your heart aches, you get frustrated, you get sexy times, you might get a little uncomfortable, and you get totally smitten with these two.
There was one point, when literally everything comes together in this story, and I could not stop the huge grin on my face as I was reading.
Cheers. Such an unexpected surprise for me.
Would I recommend? SO much yes. Unless of course, this topic just isn't for you.
July 17, 2018
Holy goodness for a book not that long, it took me quite a while to finish it. And why not? It was so tempting to fly through it in one go. I honestly had to ration out the readings so that I could stretch them over a few days rather than having all the fun in one sitting. [Thank you so much, Brianna, for being so kind to offer me the arc and saving me from waiting for the book! <3]
I'm personally not a fan of huge age gap in relationships (they generally have a non-consensual power imbalance which I hate and at worse, the younger partner is groomed by the older partner which makes me want to puke in their coffee) But...I always seem to like the age gap relationships portrayed by Brianna Hale. She just writes them so beautifully while also addressing the issues that might and do crop up because of the said age gap. What I love the most is that she presents a warm, nurturing and above all, a healthy relationship between two consenting individuals and I can totally get behind that. (except for her Midnight Hunter which is ten degrees of fucked up with some good old Stockholm Syndrome on the side but I have always been trash for transgressive stuff...so there's that)
So the story begins when Lazlo takes a cello prodigy under his wings and basically rescues her from a harsh life with a deadbeat dad and crippling poverty. He raises her as his ward and being a rising star in the world of classical music, trains her to be a cellist. That is pretty altruistic in my opinion and raising a child (much less someone else's) made me like Lazlo right off the bat. He's a warm and an indulgent guardian who knows when to be strict and when to be loving.
Things fall apart when Isabeau (the ward) realises that she's in love with her guardian. The story is told between alternating PoVs going back and forth between the present time and the past when Isabeau was living with Lazlo and I could feel the genuine affection and adoration they have for each other.
The novel primarily revolves around a DD/lg dynamic between the two (which I understand might put off some of the readers) but I personally like it a lot. One thing about such TPE (total power exchange) relationships that a lot of people don't understand is that the power exchange isn't just some giggity giggity ubermensch controlling alpha shtick (yes, there are a lot of trash people who use BDSM as a crutch to abuse their victims) but at the core of the relationship, it's about guiding the other person so that they're their best person. It's about putting their needs above yours. That's what domination is about and I absolutely loved how Laslo was the embodiment of that.
I'm personally not a fan of huge age gap in relationships (they generally have a non-consensual power imbalance which I hate and at worse, the younger partner is groomed by the older partner which makes me want to puke in their coffee) But...I always seem to like the age gap relationships portrayed by Brianna Hale. She just writes them so beautifully while also addressing the issues that might and do crop up because of the said age gap. What I love the most is that she presents a warm, nurturing and above all, a healthy relationship between two consenting individuals and I can totally get behind that. (except for her Midnight Hunter which is ten degrees of fucked up with some good old Stockholm Syndrome on the side but I have always been trash for transgressive stuff...so there's that)
So the story begins when Lazlo takes a cello prodigy under his wings and basically rescues her from a harsh life with a deadbeat dad and crippling poverty. He raises her as his ward and being a rising star in the world of classical music, trains her to be a cellist. That is pretty altruistic in my opinion and raising a child (much less someone else's) made me like Lazlo right off the bat. He's a warm and an indulgent guardian who knows when to be strict and when to be loving.
Things fall apart when Isabeau (the ward) realises that she's in love with her guardian. The story is told between alternating PoVs going back and forth between the present time and the past when Isabeau was living with Lazlo and I could feel the genuine affection and adoration they have for each other.
The novel primarily revolves around a DD/lg dynamic between the two (which I understand might put off some of the readers) but I personally like it a lot. One thing about such TPE (total power exchange) relationships that a lot of people don't understand is that the power exchange isn't just some giggity giggity ubermensch controlling alpha shtick (yes, there are a lot of trash people who use BDSM as a crutch to abuse their victims) but at the core of the relationship, it's about guiding the other person so that they're their best person. It's about putting their needs above yours. That's what domination is about and I absolutely loved how Laslo was the embodiment of that.
July 25, 2018
Brianna Hale is another new-to-me author whose universe I loved. In The Protégé she explores the taboo feelings of Lazlo, conductor of the Royal London Symphony Orchestra, and Isabeau, who has been his protégé since she was 8 years old.
The blurb and the cover, drew me in but the justesse of the tone, the characterization, and the finesse of the feelings were utterly enticing.
The tone is dark and intriguing, passionate and wistful. The what-ifs and guilt, although ever-present, were perfectly balanced; both of the hero and heroine were consumed by their conflicted emotions.
The story is told from both point of views, with flaskbacks revealing their encounter, the way they came to live together and how their relationship and feelings little by little grew into something else, ...something more, ...something so undeniably right.
The taboo equally intrigued and scared me but it never cross the line, thanks to the author's tasteful writing. The intensity and anticipation between Isabeau and Lazlo is seizing, exploring his dominant, strict and stern personality and her submissive, eager to please and perfectionist persona. They beautifully complete each other; I absolutely loved the indulgence Lazlo shows and their mutual respect.
The erotism of this story is one I haven't encountered in a while. The author played with the musical universe, the senses; the sensuality of the sight, sound and touch gave an incredible reality that enhanced the experience. Enjoy, ladies!
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
The blurb and the cover, drew me in but the justesse of the tone, the characterization, and the finesse of the feelings were utterly enticing.
The tone is dark and intriguing, passionate and wistful. The what-ifs and guilt, although ever-present, were perfectly balanced; both of the hero and heroine were consumed by their conflicted emotions.
The story is told from both point of views, with flaskbacks revealing their encounter, the way they came to live together and how their relationship and feelings little by little grew into something else, ...something more, ...something so undeniably right.
The taboo equally intrigued and scared me but it never cross the line, thanks to the author's tasteful writing. The intensity and anticipation between Isabeau and Lazlo is seizing, exploring his dominant, strict and stern personality and her submissive, eager to please and perfectionist persona. They beautifully complete each other; I absolutely loved the indulgence Lazlo shows and their mutual respect.
The erotism of this story is one I haven't encountered in a while. The author played with the musical universe, the senses; the sensuality of the sight, sound and touch gave an incredible reality that enhanced the experience. Enjoy, ladies!
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
August 22, 2021
This was sweeter than I expected and also pretty hard hitting at the same time.
TW: for parent with addiction, death of a parent, past and present.
TW: for parent with addiction, death of a parent, past and present.
July 30, 2018
@ilknur a.k.a iko’nun zannettiği gibi dark çıksaydı var ya... mis olurdu mis, mis!
Düzenli okuduğum yazarlar haricinde kolay kolay kimsenin kitabını çıkar çıkmaz okumak gibi bir huyum yoktur. Kitap çıktığından beri de kapağı olsun birkaç yorum olsun oldukça gözüme çarpıyordu ama okumaya, hiç değilse böyle çabuk, niyetim yoktu. Tabii sevgili aşüfteler aşüftesi amme hizmeti yapıp gruba kitabı atmasaydı böyle de giderdi.
Zank diye muhabbetin ortasına kitabı atıp yok dark yok BDSM dedi, ben yükseldim dedi. Ee, benim başım kel değil ya!
Ben de merak etti. Başka bir kitap okuyordum aslında ama buna da başladım.
Tabii ben başladıktan sonra İko dark olmadığını söyledi ama olsun, sugar daddy sevgimiz de yeter bize bkkgfkh
Isabeau çello çalıyor, Laszlo ise maestro.
Kız da sekiz yaşındayken tanışıyorlar, adam buna bakıyor falan.
Tabii kızın küçüklükten adamda gözü var, adam kızı çok seviyor beğeniyor ama babasıymış gibi değil daddysiymiş gibi jgkfjgh
Kız on sekizinde adama alenen yürüyor sonra ayrı düşme fasa fisosu
Üç yıl sonra tekrar bir araya geliyorlar sonrası işte romance kurgusu ama şunu hatılamıyorum, kız on yıl boyunca adamla yaşıyor muydu yoksa git gel mi yapıyordu?
Kafam o kadar çorba olmuş ki, rezilliğin böylesi...
İşin içinde dominant hero haricinde hiçbir dark unsuru yok. Sexual sahneler de çok abartılmamıştı.
Çooook sevmedim ama beğendim.
Sıkmadan bitti.
İhtiyacım olan tam da buydu; düşündürmeyen bi’şeyler. Yarın açıklanacak sonuçları yeterince zihnimi meşgül ediyor zaten bir de kitabın beni delirtmesine ihtiyacım yok.
Yazarı bir daha okur muyum?
Böyle bir işsizlik anında ya da ilgi çekici bir blurb/kapakla önüme çıkarsa neden olmasın. Ama @Hayledie, yavrum sen okuma nfkfghj ya da gömmek istersen falan oku ama kesinlikle şimdi değil. İki aylık RS’den çıkmışken sakın ama @Sedef okuyabilir.
Kitapta kurgudan falan daha çok ilgimi çeken şey isimler oldu. İkisi de benim daha önce duymadığım, okumadığım isimler ama özellikle Laszlo. Ben ismi syi görmezden gelerek okuyorum LAZlo şeklinde.
Adamın içinde nasıl bir Lazlık var acaba? PUHAHAHHFHSGDFHDGF
Düzenli okuduğum yazarlar haricinde kolay kolay kimsenin kitabını çıkar çıkmaz okumak gibi bir huyum yoktur. Kitap çıktığından beri de kapağı olsun birkaç yorum olsun oldukça gözüme çarpıyordu ama okumaya, hiç değilse böyle çabuk, niyetim yoktu. Tabii sevgili aşüfteler aşüftesi amme hizmeti yapıp gruba kitabı atmasaydı böyle de giderdi.
Zank diye muhabbetin ortasına kitabı atıp yok dark yok BDSM dedi, ben yükseldim dedi. Ee, benim başım kel değil ya!
Ben de merak etti. Başka bir kitap okuyordum aslında ama buna da başladım.
Tabii ben başladıktan sonra İko dark olmadığını söyledi ama olsun, sugar daddy sevgimiz de yeter bize bkkgfkh
Isabeau çello çalıyor, Laszlo ise maestro.
Kız da sekiz yaşındayken tanışıyorlar, adam buna bakıyor falan.
Tabii kızın küçüklükten adamda gözü var, adam kızı çok seviyor beğeniyor ama babasıymış gibi değil daddysiymiş gibi jgkfjgh
Kız on sekizinde adama alenen yürüyor sonra ayrı düşme fasa fisosu
Üç yıl sonra tekrar bir araya geliyorlar sonrası işte romance kurgusu ama şunu hatılamıyorum, kız on yıl boyunca adamla yaşıyor muydu yoksa git gel mi yapıyordu?
Kafam o kadar çorba olmuş ki, rezilliğin böylesi...
İşin içinde dominant hero haricinde hiçbir dark unsuru yok. Sexual sahneler de çok abartılmamıştı.
Çooook sevmedim ama beğendim.
Sıkmadan bitti.
İhtiyacım olan tam da buydu; düşündürmeyen bi’şeyler. Yarın açıklanacak sonuçları yeterince zihnimi meşgül ediyor zaten bir de kitabın beni delirtmesine ihtiyacım yok.
Yazarı bir daha okur muyum?
Böyle bir işsizlik anında ya da ilgi çekici bir blurb/kapakla önüme çıkarsa neden olmasın. Ama @Hayledie, yavrum sen okuma nfkfghj ya da gömmek istersen falan oku ama kesinlikle şimdi değil. İki aylık RS’den çıkmışken sakın ama @Sedef okuyabilir.
Kitapta kurgudan falan daha çok ilgimi çeken şey isimler oldu. İkisi de benim daha önce duymadığım, okumadığım isimler ama özellikle Laszlo. Ben ismi syi görmezden gelerek okuyorum LAZlo şeklinde.
Adamın içinde nasıl bir Lazlık var acaba? PUHAHAHHFHSGDFHDGF
July 27, 2018
THIS BOOK OWNS MY HEART FROM NOW TILL ETERNITY! *broken sobs*
Isabeau and Laszlo were brought together by fate. A small girl brought down by the evils of her circumstances and a man who recognises the beauty of music inside of her. Their love seems impossible but music will bind them forever.
I cannot explain how much I adore this story. Being a new reader to Brianna Hale, I didn't know what to expect. But I was completely blown away and I WANT MORE.
Isabeau is one my favourite heroine ever. I loved how her character grew, loved how she came into herself and became a gorgeous woman. She knew how to handle Laszlo and that's pretty damn badass.
Laszlo is so goddamn pure, he needs to be protected from this cruel World. I understood all his reasons and I absolutely understood how & why he fell in love with Isabeau. He is such an honourable man but his dirty talk makes me pant. *hearts eyes forever*
This book was more than just a daddy trope. It's deep, powerful and so moving. The raw emotions I felt while reading were unlike any other.
I just love and adore this story with all of my heart.
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
Isabeau and Laszlo were brought together by fate. A small girl brought down by the evils of her circumstances and a man who recognises the beauty of music inside of her. Their love seems impossible but music will bind them forever.
I cannot explain how much I adore this story. Being a new reader to Brianna Hale, I didn't know what to expect. But I was completely blown away and I WANT MORE.
Isabeau is one my favourite heroine ever. I loved how her character grew, loved how she came into herself and became a gorgeous woman. She knew how to handle Laszlo and that's pretty damn badass.
Laszlo is so goddamn pure, he needs to be protected from this cruel World. I understood all his reasons and I absolutely understood how & why he fell in love with Isabeau. He is such an honourable man but his dirty talk makes me pant. *hearts eyes forever*
This book was more than just a daddy trope. It's deep, powerful and so moving. The raw emotions I felt while reading were unlike any other.
I just love and adore this story with all of my heart.
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
June 26, 2018
He’s always protected me since I was eight years old, the neglected girl he took off the street and raised as his own. Laszlo can feel what music needs instinctively. He can tell what I need.
My world shattered the night of my eighteenth birthday and he still hasn’t forgiven me for what I did. I’m not asking him to love me, touch me, take me to bed. What I want goes deeper than that and I have to say this out loud because it’s one thing that music won’t be able to tell him.
I want what only Laszlo can give me. I want to be his protégé again. And this time, I’m going to be so good for him.
Yes, maestro.
Yes, sir.
Yes, daddy.
My world shattered the night of my eighteenth birthday and he still hasn’t forgiven me for what I did. I’m not asking him to love me, touch me, take me to bed. What I want goes deeper than that and I have to say this out loud because it’s one thing that music won’t be able to tell him.
I want what only Laszlo can give me. I want to be his protégé again. And this time, I’m going to be so good for him.
Yes, maestro.
Yes, sir.
Yes, daddy.
August 1, 2018
5 STARS!
REVIEW TO COME.
*AN ARC WAS KINDLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.*
REVIEW TO COME.
*AN ARC WAS KINDLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.*
July 30, 2018
To yearn and be besotted
Phew a fast read
It had been a while since I read a gritty romance. While it was steaming hot, there were some words which did not sit well with me. Eg. Slut. Hmm... That was uncalled for. Other words like Daddy etc. made me cringe. I believe this is the style for BDSM-ish so I would just take it with a pinch of salt.
Anyhow, the book was mainly detailing on a forbidden kind of love (Big age gap + love b/w caregiver and child). Also, the backdrop of this story made this story kind of interesting and charismatic!
Phew a fast read
It had been a while since I read a gritty romance. While it was steaming hot, there were some words which did not sit well with me. Eg. Slut. Hmm... That was uncalled for. Other words like Daddy etc. made me cringe. I believe this is the style for BDSM-ish so I would just take it with a pinch of salt.
Anyhow, the book was mainly detailing on a forbidden kind of love (Big age gap + love b/w caregiver and child). Also, the backdrop of this story made this story kind of interesting and charismatic!
May 25, 2024
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/תחת-...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/תחת-...
April 2, 2021
Oh, this is a tough one: I found myself "liking" both the two-star and five-star reviews!
First, let me say that this book will not be for everyone. It charts the romance between celebrated conductor Laszlo and Isabeau, the promising young cellist he has raised since she was eight. While the sex does not occur until she's legally an adult, Ms. Hale foregrounds the taboo she's clearly exploiting by, for example, alternating Laszlo's memory of making school lunches for the pre-pubescent little girl with his current desire to f*ck the adult woman. Let's just say that's more than a little skeevy. While the author tries to make this palatable by depicting Isabeau as the aggressor (which takes a huge suspension of disbelief), Laszlo's possessiveness throughout her teen years smacks of grooming (and the fact that they begin their sexual relationship when he's her boss does nothing to mitigate this). Thus, Ms. Hale tries to have her cake and eat it, too, and I completely understand why some reviewers were turned off.
But, if it's possible to bracket what I say above (and it may not be), this is an otherwise interesting story even if I did have problems with it separate from the in loco parentis element. Let me begin with three aspects I really liked. First, as usual, Ms. Hale did her research; thus, the setting and characters (members of a classical music orchestra) felt that much richer and more authentic. I'm musically ignorant so can't comment on that aspect, but I absolutely believed that these characters were musicians, that music was important to them, and that music acted as a metaphor for their relationship. In addition, I enjoyed Ms. Hale's connection between the highly-disciplined art of music and the highly-disciplined act of BDSM. The power exchange between conductor/dom and musician/sub certainly works in this context. Finally, the author's prose was, as usual, very evocative -- though it did need one more proofing.
My problems were two-fold. First, the narrative really didn't need to be this long: the internal monologues were too numerous and after a while gave us little new information. Second and far more seriously, I was not a fan of Laszlo. I did appreciate that he clearly adored Isabeau and wanted her to be happy; that he supported her in her career; and that he was careful every step of the way to get her consent and to give her what she said she needed (most doms in this genre give their subs what the former thinks they need, which simply strips the latter of their agency). But, at the end of the day, I couldn't forgive him for never contacting Isabeau when she leaves their home in tears after unsuccessfully trying to seduce him. He tells himself that it's for her own good because he feels guilty for responding, but the Cruel To Be Kind/Break Her Heart To Save Her tropes are among my least favorite and rarely convincing. As her guardian, he had a moral and ethical obligation to make sure his barely adult ward -- who had never been away from home before -- was doing okay on her own (and the book never explains who paid for her college if the two weren't speaking). Isabeau's safety and survival trump his guilt; I thought him weak and irresponsible; and in her place I would never have forgiven him for not once checking to see if she was all right.
3 1/2 stars which I'm raising to 4 because I was engaged in the story. But I do stress that this will not be for everyone. Note: This contains Daddy Kink, but no Age Play.
Side Note: Those who enjoy music, power exchange, and guardian/ward characters might like this movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038924/.
First, let me say that this book will not be for everyone. It charts the romance between celebrated conductor Laszlo and Isabeau, the promising young cellist he has raised since she was eight. While the sex does not occur until she's legally an adult, Ms. Hale foregrounds the taboo she's clearly exploiting by, for example, alternating Laszlo's memory of making school lunches for the pre-pubescent little girl with his current desire to f*ck the adult woman. Let's just say that's more than a little skeevy. While the author tries to make this palatable by depicting Isabeau as the aggressor (which takes a huge suspension of disbelief), Laszlo's possessiveness throughout her teen years smacks of grooming (and the fact that they begin their sexual relationship when he's her boss does nothing to mitigate this). Thus, Ms. Hale tries to have her cake and eat it, too, and I completely understand why some reviewers were turned off.
But, if it's possible to bracket what I say above (and it may not be), this is an otherwise interesting story even if I did have problems with it separate from the in loco parentis element. Let me begin with three aspects I really liked. First, as usual, Ms. Hale did her research; thus, the setting and characters (members of a classical music orchestra) felt that much richer and more authentic. I'm musically ignorant so can't comment on that aspect, but I absolutely believed that these characters were musicians, that music was important to them, and that music acted as a metaphor for their relationship. In addition, I enjoyed Ms. Hale's connection between the highly-disciplined art of music and the highly-disciplined act of BDSM. The power exchange between conductor/dom and musician/sub certainly works in this context. Finally, the author's prose was, as usual, very evocative -- though it did need one more proofing.
My problems were two-fold. First, the narrative really didn't need to be this long: the internal monologues were too numerous and after a while gave us little new information. Second and far more seriously, I was not a fan of Laszlo. I did appreciate that he clearly adored Isabeau and wanted her to be happy; that he supported her in her career; and that he was careful every step of the way to get her consent and to give her what she said she needed (most doms in this genre give their subs what the former thinks they need, which simply strips the latter of their agency). But, at the end of the day, I couldn't forgive him for never contacting Isabeau when she leaves their home in tears after unsuccessfully trying to seduce him. He tells himself that it's for her own good because he feels guilty for responding, but the Cruel To Be Kind/Break Her Heart To Save Her tropes are among my least favorite and rarely convincing. As her guardian, he had a moral and ethical obligation to make sure his barely adult ward -- who had never been away from home before -- was doing okay on her own (and the book never explains who paid for her college if the two weren't speaking). Isabeau's safety and survival trump his guilt; I thought him weak and irresponsible; and in her place I would never have forgiven him for not once checking to see if she was all right.
3 1/2 stars which I'm raising to 4 because I was engaged in the story. But I do stress that this will not be for everyone. Note: This contains Daddy Kink, but no Age Play.
Side Note: Those who enjoy music, power exchange, and guardian/ward characters might like this movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038924/.
October 16, 2018
Una especie de historia tipo Pigmalion + BDSM. Lo deje sin acabar
July 25, 2018
"Tell her you’re sorry. For everything. Even the things she doesn’t know about."
4.5 Smoking Stars!
First of all, if are not familiar with Brianna Hale, you MUST read one of her books! I love them ALL. But this one might be my favorite. From the exotic settings to the classical music to the behind-the-scenes workings of a professional orchestra, this story just wowed me!
Brianna Hale really knows how to establish a connection between her main characters. Laszlo is a brilliant, difficult and renowned conductor who takes an interest in Isabeau when she is very young girl. He sees that she has enormous potential but her father is a drug addict and she is living in abject poverty. He takes her under his wing and provides the best musical education possible. She blossoms under his tutelage.
"I’m mesmerized by the sound she’s making and I want to grab passers-by and make them listen until they understand what they’re witnessing. Raw, natural talent. A child’s simplistic style, yes, and she seems to have developed a few bad habits in the way she holds her bow, but these things are easily corrected. As she grows she could get much, much better. She could be world class."
As Isabeau matures into a brilliant musician and a beautiful young woman, things change between her and Laszlo. They both need each other but Laszlo pushes her away, maybe permanently. But Isabeau is not complete without her maestro and she comes back to see Laszlo for the first time in years.
"My heart bangs like a timpani drum against my ribs hearing his name. Laszlo Valmary, conductor and musical director of the Royal London Symphony Orchestra and my former guardian and mentor. I’ve come straight from the train, luggage and all, to face the man I haven’t spoken to in three years. Now that I’m in London again I feel him on every street I walk down, in every strain of music I hear, in the very air I breathe."
This book is so romantic!!! Yes, it is also very kinky but it is so beautifully written and the story flows so well that you will become enraptured by these characters and the gorgeous and exotic settings. I finished this book on a long plane ride and I can still hear the characters' words in my head!! Now that's a great book.
"There are so many things I want to say to Laszlo. Most importantly that I’m sorry, but also that the happiest time of my life was when I was his protégé. That my musical career has stalled and I don’t know what to do about it. That when I play the music doesn’t even sound like me anymore. That I need him in ways he doesn’t understand and I’m only just beginning to."
This book is SO erotic that I can't even begin to quote most of the scenes between Laszlo and Isabeau. He is so dominant but he is afraid to show his true side to his beautiful protégé. Isabeau is perfect for him but must show him that she is ready for his world.
"I’m not asking him to love me, touch me, take me to bed. What I want goes deeper than that. I have to speak it aloud for him because this is one thing that music won’t be able to tell him. I want what only a man like Laszlo can give me. I want to be his protégé again."
If you are looking for an adult, erotic romance that is beautifully written with memorable characters, then you will love 'The Protégé'. I really lost myself in this book and did not want it to end. And Laszlo, OMG!! What a powerful main character!
“Being a conductor is all about power and command and I have to rein myself in all the time from going on a massive power trip. I don’t like to rein myself in with you. I want to push you down onto your knees before me. I want to say the filthiest things to you... Make you feel more vulnerable than you’ve ever been in your life. Strip you bare until there’s nothing left for you but me and the power I have over you."
As you can tell, I adore Brianna Hale's writing and highly recommend this very sexy, very mature and erotic story. It is pure romance. Happy reading!
"Something in me matches something in you. When I hold you in my arms I feel everything that you are, and this is how I cherish you. You make me feel free.”
4.5 Smoking Stars!
First of all, if are not familiar with Brianna Hale, you MUST read one of her books! I love them ALL. But this one might be my favorite. From the exotic settings to the classical music to the behind-the-scenes workings of a professional orchestra, this story just wowed me!
Brianna Hale really knows how to establish a connection between her main characters. Laszlo is a brilliant, difficult and renowned conductor who takes an interest in Isabeau when she is very young girl. He sees that she has enormous potential but her father is a drug addict and she is living in abject poverty. He takes her under his wing and provides the best musical education possible. She blossoms under his tutelage.
"I’m mesmerized by the sound she’s making and I want to grab passers-by and make them listen until they understand what they’re witnessing. Raw, natural talent. A child’s simplistic style, yes, and she seems to have developed a few bad habits in the way she holds her bow, but these things are easily corrected. As she grows she could get much, much better. She could be world class."
As Isabeau matures into a brilliant musician and a beautiful young woman, things change between her and Laszlo. They both need each other but Laszlo pushes her away, maybe permanently. But Isabeau is not complete without her maestro and she comes back to see Laszlo for the first time in years.
"My heart bangs like a timpani drum against my ribs hearing his name. Laszlo Valmary, conductor and musical director of the Royal London Symphony Orchestra and my former guardian and mentor. I’ve come straight from the train, luggage and all, to face the man I haven’t spoken to in three years. Now that I’m in London again I feel him on every street I walk down, in every strain of music I hear, in the very air I breathe."
This book is so romantic!!! Yes, it is also very kinky but it is so beautifully written and the story flows so well that you will become enraptured by these characters and the gorgeous and exotic settings. I finished this book on a long plane ride and I can still hear the characters' words in my head!! Now that's a great book.
"There are so many things I want to say to Laszlo. Most importantly that I’m sorry, but also that the happiest time of my life was when I was his protégé. That my musical career has stalled and I don’t know what to do about it. That when I play the music doesn’t even sound like me anymore. That I need him in ways he doesn’t understand and I’m only just beginning to."
This book is SO erotic that I can't even begin to quote most of the scenes between Laszlo and Isabeau. He is so dominant but he is afraid to show his true side to his beautiful protégé. Isabeau is perfect for him but must show him that she is ready for his world.
"I’m not asking him to love me, touch me, take me to bed. What I want goes deeper than that. I have to speak it aloud for him because this is one thing that music won’t be able to tell him. I want what only a man like Laszlo can give me. I want to be his protégé again."
If you are looking for an adult, erotic romance that is beautifully written with memorable characters, then you will love 'The Protégé'. I really lost myself in this book and did not want it to end. And Laszlo, OMG!! What a powerful main character!
“Being a conductor is all about power and command and I have to rein myself in all the time from going on a massive power trip. I don’t like to rein myself in with you. I want to push you down onto your knees before me. I want to say the filthiest things to you... Make you feel more vulnerable than you’ve ever been in your life. Strip you bare until there’s nothing left for you but me and the power I have over you."
As you can tell, I adore Brianna Hale's writing and highly recommend this very sexy, very mature and erotic story. It is pure romance. Happy reading!
"Something in me matches something in you. When I hold you in my arms I feel everything that you are, and this is how I cherish you. You make me feel free.”
June 26, 2018
Review pending -- but this is a seriously gorgeous book.
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