In Captured Bride, Book 2 of The Bride Series, billionaire Blake Harper would do anything in his power to capture the heart of the delectable Michelin Chef, Amber Summers.
“I don’t have time for, nor am I interested in a fling."
Amber Summers was having a hard enough time dealing with a food critic who was doing their best to destroy her reputation and, in the process, close her restaurant doors ... for good. But also dealing with the magnetic attraction of the first man who managed to make her forget her inhibitions was more than she could handle. Until she realized her one moment of weakness had come with a very hefty price.
“Say yes, Blondie. You know you want to.”
Blake Harper was after one thing: capturing the enticing little chef's heart. He had no interest in a short-term love affair. He'd been there, done that. Now, he was ready to settle down. He would have what he was after, no matter what, until a favor for a friend backfired and threatened the future he coveted.
Love doesn't always come easy, especially if there's a determined third party intent on creating chaos.
Sparks fly as Amber and Blake try to weave their way through a white-hot maze of lies and deceit. Will their love survive the flames?
Editor’s note: Mouth-watering in more ways than one: have your wine, your favorite dessert, and any other fun items you'd like at your near disposal as you traverse this landscape of mental man-candy, scrumptious food, and sizzzzzling sparks.
“Isn’t it a universal truth that it’s our singular experiences and passion, for whatever thing or things, which molds us all into the individuals we become? Whether it's hidden in the depths of our soul or exposed for all to see?”
Linzi Basset is a South African born animal rights supporter with a poet’s heart, and she is also a bestselling fiction writer of suspense filled romance erotica books; who as the latter, refuses to be bound to any one sub-genre. She prefers instead to stretch herself as a storyteller which has resulted in her researching and writing historical and even paranormal themed works.
Her initial offering: Club Alpha Cove, a BDSM club suspense series released back in 2015, reached Amazon’s Bestseller list, and she has been on those lists ever since. Labeling her as prolific is a gross understatement as just a few short years later she has now been published over a hundred times.
“I write from the inside out. My stories are both inside me and a part of me so it can be either pleasurable to release them or painful to carve them out. I live every moment of every story I write. So, if you're looking for spicy and suspenseful, I'm your girl... woman... writer... you know what I mean!"
Linzi believes that by telling stories in her own voice, she can better share with her readers the essence of her being: her passionate nature; her motivations; and her wildest fantasies. She feels every touch as she writes, every kiss, every harsh word uttered, and this to her is the key to a never-ending love of writing.
Ultimately, all books by Linzi Basset are about passion. To her, passion is the driving force of all emotion; whether it be lust, desire, hate, trust, or love. This is the underlying message contained in her books.
Her advice: “Believe in the passions driving your desires; live them; enjoy them; and allow them to bring you happiness.”
Find her also on amazon.com/author/isabeljames in a collaboration of emotional and spiritual tales of discovery written in rich prose. Click on her website at: https://linzibasset.com/ where you will find upcoming information about new releases, and excerpts from her books. Subscribe to her newsletter and join her on Twitter @LinziBasset or say hello on Facebook.
Unpopular opinion alert. I seem to be in the minority with my rating.
"No challenge is too big with you by my side.”
Characters Blake (co-owner of the Allied Group, a global property development firm): Blake was introduced in the previous book as the best friend and business partner of Alex (H of Book 1). Along with his business interests, he's helping out a friend by overseeing 3 restaurants. "Blake had offered to assist him [Drake] in setting up a chain of restaurants in the New York area. For all intents and purposes, he was the one who appeared to own the three establishments.”
Blake is charming, sexy and once he meets Amber (in book 1) he realizes that love at first sight isn't just a myth. He's smitten and not backing down.
Amber (chef and owner of Amber’s Cuisine in uptown Manhattan) Amber was introduced in book one as the best friend of Penny (h of Book 1). Amber has a true passion for cooking and is always looking for ways to better her menu and please her customers. She comes from a good home and was always taught to look for the man who will be her home. "Keep your mind open and find the one who will offer you home. It’s a feeling in your soul before your heart realizes it’s there. That man, a stranger even, will be the one for you.”
The Story: Blake and Amber find out their one-night stand (apparently happened in book 1) resulted in an oops. So, of course, the only logical option is to marry. "I won’t get married purely for the sake of being pregnant. He, on the other hand, refuses his child to be born out of wedlock. Can you believe that? So old fashioned!”
Getting in the way of their HEA is...... 1. a vindictive chef (Emily) at one of the restaurants Blake is overseeing 2. a manipulative woman (same vindictive chef) who is hell bent on having Blake all to herself 3. corruption on an Allied Group development project 4. and, of course, the refusal to discuss their true feelings.
1. "It was the time of year again when restaurants were rated by the Michelin inspectors. Amber had high hopes of adding one more star to her repertoire—until a couple of food critics started targeting her. One after the other, negative reviews were published. Today's was the fifth in a period of three months.” - Emily's handiwork.
2. "I want it all—all three of the restaurants Blake Harper has started up in New York. I will own them … and soon.” She spat out a cackle. “With the cherry on the top, of course.” “Meaning?” “The very elusive owner. It’s time his bachelor wings are clipped."
3. "We’ve spoken to numerous of the construction workers on the different sites. They’ve heard rumors that it’s a deliberate plot to extort money from us in future when disaster strikes."
4. "The moment he had seen Amber, he’d known she was the one he’d been searching for, the one to fulfill the emptiness in his heart, to make his soul whole. He had committed to a life with her at that point already. He wanted it more than anything he’d ever craved in his life” - this is at 24%, but of course he doesn't say a word to her about his true feelings.
4. "He was the one she wanted, unequivocally, with every breath in her being, she craved his love, his devotion and his heart to belong to her, just as much as hers already belonged to him. A baby had always featured in Amber’s dreams, but she’d never factored one into her immediate future. Especially as she hadn’t had a man in her life.” - this is at 24%, but of course she doesn't say a word to him about her true feelings.
My Thoughts: I actually didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped. Here are my reasons..... 1. I think these characters are in their early to mid 30's and sometimes they just felt immature. A grown woman who is embarrassed to say the word penis?? 🤔 C'mon, really?? - "her vision was filled with the most gorgeous Adonis she’d ever encountered—in his full naked glory … and wouldn’t you know it. His … ehm, soldier stood at attention!” - "It’ll take more than an ironclad ass and a huge ..." her finger wiggled in the air, “doodle!to get me hooked.”
2. Some of the lines were just too cheesy/odd/not modern. I mean, who even says "loins", "turgid" or tumescence"? A vagina referred to as a "seductive bouquet"?? OMG. Here's a sample..... Ugh 🙄 - "He exhaled loudly as he felt her heartbeat pulsing in the softness of the folds that wrapped around his turgid length." - "She could almost hear her ovaries ranting in protest. Her loins clenched as he leaned closer to nibble on her lips.” - "He lazily stroked his tumescence” - “The smell of her arousal teased his nostrils with a seductive bouquet” - “He anchored her hips to keep her still while he continued the torrid possession.”
3. The over use of his endearment "love". I counted over 40 times. This takes place in Manhattan with Americans and I don't know any American from NY who speaks like this. On a side note, the H from book 1 also used this same endearment. - Still in denial, love?” - “Now, why would I wanna do that, love?” - “We also can’t turn back the clock, love.” - “Don’t be too long, love.”
4. Amber's endearment for Blake....."lover". 😏. At one point Blake even asks her to stop saying it (although it was for a different reason) and I was like....hallelujah! Once again, what woman talks like this?? - "You’ve got me all hot and bothered again, lover,” - “I told you to be patient, lover.” - “Keep your pants on, lover.” - "Never fear, lover, there’ll be many other mornings for you to spoil me.”
5. The baby surprise. They had a one night stand and didn't discuss safe sex and didn't use a condom? This is kind of a big miss as most romance stories address the topic of safe sex.
Overall, I didn't really enjoy the story. It's short (little over 100 pages) and I felt character development was lacking. I didn't really learn much about Blake and Amber besides the fact they were attracted to each other and liked to have steamy bedroom scenes. I didn't feel connected to them and I think if they had more depth I would have liked them because they were good people. The evil woman seemed to spiral more out of control the farther along you went in the story. This is fine, but in a short story it just seemed to happen at warp speed. The gang connection seemed to come out of left field and it felt out of place.
I really don't like to be so negative in my reviews but I just really struggled with this book (it was almost a DNF for me) and I felt like I needed to spell out why.
Quotes “He loved to goad her and watch her ire steamroller over her face. It made her so endearing and with every blush that spread over her cheeks, she just crawled deeper and deeper into his heart.”
He had always shunned love at first sight. He believed it was something that only happened in fairytales. Until the day she had walked out of the kitchen in Amber’s Cuisine to join him, Alex, and her best friend, Penelope, for breakfast. Her warm smile had hit him like a mule kick in the gut.”
“I've seen you in my future from day one, love.”
“I want you as my wife, period. I want us to build a future together, live in love and harmony, enhancing each other’s weaknesses with our strengths.”
“That first time I sat at this very table and watched this beautiful angel walk toward me, that’s the day I knew I had found the other half of my soul.”
I think I have a new book boyfriend in Blake Harper. He is one sexy, sensual Alpha. Linzi Basset knows how to create strong, centered, resilient, interesting characters and sets them in great storylines. This book ticks all the boxes; intrigue, suspense, danger, bad guys, romance and of course, lots of lusty, steamy sex.
Blake Harper set his sights on Amber Summers the minute he first set eyes on her. They spent one incredibly passionate night together that neither one will ever forget. With his usual single minded focus, he pursues Amber with the intent of marrying her. Amber has other ideas; like no way, Jose. He's a player of the highest order and she's not falling for his line. Unfortunately, life gets in the way when your making other plans. Blake delivers on his promises and Amber finds she cannot refuse him.
Blake & Amber's story was spellbinding! I didn't want to put it down. There connection was instant and explosive. Of course it's steamy but it's also romantic and suspenseful with shady criminals, a delusional woman and loyal friends & family. Linzi Basset has managed to outdo herself again with this book and I cannot wait for the next one!
When I first encountered Blake, I thought hard-headed demanding man, I guess you could say I was on point, but you'll have to read to see what more he can be. Emotions run high in this beautiful romance. I got just enough dom/sub connections, I ran with emotions of love/hate and there was some anger, that if I was in the story some characters would have had a beat down a lot sooner. In comes Amber, can she resist Blake and all his charms, lol. Their little dance into and thru the story is so sweet and hot, at some points probably would have melted the frosting off Amber's specialty dessert. If you want a to know more you must get this book, you won't put it down once you get it. I know I couldn't put it down, I carried it everywhere.
Blake Harper will do whatever it takes to win Amber’s heart. They had a night together that neither one can forget, and Blake is determined to have her as his wife. With the chemistry between them, Amber is coming to realize he is her home. But there is someone out there trying to ruin her reputation and her restaurant. Blake sets out to find out who before it’s too late. The story is full of romance, sexy scenes and intrigue. Their relationship is explosive, loving, and love at first sight. I enjoyed this book very much. ❤️
I can't get enough of Linzi Bassett's books. She writes the kind of story that drags you in and keeps your reading till the end. In the newest installment to her Bride series we meet Blake and Amber 2 people who have the kind of chemistry that makes you wish for it in your life. This story has it all love,mystery and of course the hot sex you expect from one of Linzi's books. Leaves you waiting for the next one. A Must Read.
This second book in the Bride Series written by Linzi Basset is once again hot hot hot. Basset weaves a storyline with passion, alpha males that sizzle, the sassy women they love as well as greed and its tendrils that threaten their very lives. Could not stop reading until the very end. Must Read!!! Blake Harper and his Michelin chef will knock you off your feet as you wind the highways of their experiences together!!!
This story was sexy, funny, and had a bit of suspense and intrigue. Blake and Amber were smokin' hot together. Yes, there's plenty of ways to prevent pregnancies, yet "uh ohs" happen all the time, so I didn't get too stuck on that in this story. It worked for me. I loved how Blake always managed to get his way with Amber and topped it off with a "love" to sweeten things up a bit. I could have done without Miss Thang though. Emily was a straight up b**ch, and I was really waiting for, or hoping that Shannon would slap the "oops" out of her. Anyway, I enjoyed the story a lot.
Blake is the perfect, romantic, attentive boyfriend. Amber is the love of his life. With a few white lies and a whole lot of love this couple can overcome anything. This is the second book in The Bride series. If you haven’t started reading this beautiful romance series you are missing out.
If you have never read a book by Ms Nasser what in the neck are you eating for. She fills her books with great characters, wonderful plot lines, suspense, and excellent writing. And she almost never refers to hair as locks :0) The second book in the Bride series is excellent and I am looking forward to the next.
The passion between Blake and Amber were pouring off the pages. I was caught hook, line and sinker. Add in suspense, corruption, Alpha males and some steamy sex scenes. What more could you want? A definite must read. Can not wait for more from this author. Get your copy today!
I wanted to love this so much more than I did. Parts of this I did like but it was missing something that I normally love about this author. I'm not even sure what it is. I still love this author though.
The dialogue between the two main characters was cheesy and sickeningly sweet. Also the author seems to favor particular words. There are other words besides turgid in the English language.
I love this story! It held your attention from beginning to end with the attraction between Blake and Amber, the suspense, and the steamy sex. A must read for sure!