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Illicit Illusions #1
Alluring Attraction
Love isn’t an option for Hunter, but it’s impossible to ignore his desire for Ryder and Cesare. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with them?
Hunter is trapped in the realm of dark desires. He’s at the mercy of a brutal man, who derives great pleasure from inflicting painful punishments. His body is no longer his own, but he refuses to be defeated. Hunter has a reason to fight, and he’s determined to win his freedom at any cost.
When Ryder and Cesare are pulled into his dangerous world of intrigue, Hunter can’t resist the temptation the two men present him. Showing interest in either of them would put them at risk of retribution from the deranged psychopath who controls him. But he selfishly wants them both, consequences be damned.
Alluring Attraction is the first book in the Illicit Illusions series. It is continued in Developing Desires, then concludes with a HEA in Embracing Euphoria. This series is a dark hurt/comfort, romantic suspense, gay romance and must be read in order to understand the full story. The first two books are M/M, building to an M/M/M relationship in the final book.
Hunter is trapped in the realm of dark desires. He’s at the mercy of a brutal man, who derives great pleasure from inflicting painful punishments. His body is no longer his own, but he refuses to be defeated. Hunter has a reason to fight, and he’s determined to win his freedom at any cost.
When Ryder and Cesare are pulled into his dangerous world of intrigue, Hunter can’t resist the temptation the two men present him. Showing interest in either of them would put them at risk of retribution from the deranged psychopath who controls him. But he selfishly wants them both, consequences be damned.
Alluring Attraction is the first book in the Illicit Illusions series. It is continued in Developing Desires, then concludes with a HEA in Embracing Euphoria. This series is a dark hurt/comfort, romantic suspense, gay romance and must be read in order to understand the full story. The first two books are M/M, building to an M/M/M relationship in the final book.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2018
57 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Zoelle
10 books125 followersA.F. Zoelle loves spicing up her angst with some fiery heat. Her books are a dramatic wild ride, but there’s always a guaranteed happily ever after. She embraces the philosophy of “the more the merrier” when it comes to her passionate characters finding their perfect partners. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something more light-hearted. If you are too, check out her Ariella Zoelle books.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 22, 2019
Ryder and Hunter are in the same classes at university, but they don't get along. They compete for the top grades and often get into heated debates that consume large portions of class time. One night Ryder reluctantly accompanies a friend to an exclusive brothel only to find that Hunter works there. He selects Hunter, to find out if it's really him, and they both admit to being attracted to each other. They sleep together, and a few nights later, Ryder comes back for more. Hunter isn't working at the brothel voluntarily, and Ryder's visits are the highlight of his nights there. Until the brother owner, Hunter's adoptive dad, realises that Ryder and Hunter are getting too close, and threatens them both. Meanwhile, Hunter has a new co-worker that he can't resist.
This story is told in third person omniscient point of view, which would be fine, but the point of view changes from paragraph to paragraph, and sometimes even within a single paragraph. It took me a long time to be able to move past that. Aside from that, the writing style is very good, but I definitely think the book would be greatly improved if the author was able to maintain a single viewpoint for each chapter.
I thought the characters were great, and I thought Hunter was particularly strong. It would be good to be able to see some balance in Hunter's dad, because no one is totally evil, and yet we don't see any balance there.
The author mentions multiple times that Hunter and Ryder are rivals, but we don't really get to see that. It's still being mentioned at the end of the book during sappy romantic or sexual times, when the characters are WELL past thinking of each others as rivals, and it feels a bit forced. Like the author can't think of another word to use, because boyfriend and lover don't quite fit.
I think the story has potential. If the point of view issue was fixed, it'd be an easy read. Aside from that one (major) issue, the writing style is great. The story has good pace and a perfect level of conflict to keep the reader engaged. The main characters are interesting and likeable, and it would be easy enough to add some depth to Christophe. I'm just not sure where Cesare fits into things. And ugh, cliffhangers. I gave the book two stars because I think it needs some more editing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is told in third person omniscient point of view, which would be fine, but the point of view changes from paragraph to paragraph, and sometimes even within a single paragraph. It took me a long time to be able to move past that. Aside from that, the writing style is very good, but I definitely think the book would be greatly improved if the author was able to maintain a single viewpoint for each chapter.
I thought the characters were great, and I thought Hunter was particularly strong. It would be good to be able to see some balance in Hunter's dad, because no one is totally evil, and yet we don't see any balance there.
The author mentions multiple times that Hunter and Ryder are rivals, but we don't really get to see that. It's still being mentioned at the end of the book during sappy romantic or sexual times, when the characters are WELL past thinking of each others as rivals, and it feels a bit forced. Like the author can't think of another word to use, because boyfriend and lover don't quite fit.
I think the story has potential. If the point of view issue was fixed, it'd be an easy read. Aside from that one (major) issue, the writing style is great. The story has good pace and a perfect level of conflict to keep the reader engaged. The main characters are interesting and likeable, and it would be easy enough to add some depth to Christophe. I'm just not sure where Cesare fits into things. And ugh, cliffhangers. I gave the book two stars because I think it needs some more editing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2019
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First up - I liked this book a lot. There's some really intense smut scenes that made it super enjoyable... But there was a lot I couldn't let slide by.
There are numerous typos and grammar errors that make it unenjoyable to me. The paragraphs constantly switch POV and makes it hard to keep up with what's actually going on because of it.
The worst part for me is that I don't really feel like there was a lot of plot to this other than sex. The characters seem interesting and I want to know more about them, but you're not given that choice.
AND JAKE. Where do I start with Jake? I felt like this focused way too much on him given he didn't really mean anything.
That being said though, if you want to read it just for the steam factor, it's a really decent book. I just personally would have preferred more plot and character building to it.
First up - I liked this book a lot. There's some really intense smut scenes that made it super enjoyable... But there was a lot I couldn't let slide by.
There are numerous typos and grammar errors that make it unenjoyable to me. The paragraphs constantly switch POV and makes it hard to keep up with what's actually going on because of it.
The worst part for me is that I don't really feel like there was a lot of plot to this other than sex. The characters seem interesting and I want to know more about them, but you're not given that choice.
AND JAKE. Where do I start with Jake? I felt like this focused way too much on him given he didn't really mean anything.
That being said though, if you want to read it just for the steam factor, it's a really decent book. I just personally would have preferred more plot and character building to it.
April 15, 2023
DNF. Not even the first page. Thank goodness it was free.
"Said" is not a bad word. It does so much invisible work. Love it and embrace it.
"Said" is not a bad word. It does so much invisible work. Love it and embrace it.
August 20, 2023
I dropped it immediately after the abusive, manipulative stepfather entered the story. So totally unpleasant I put it down and returned the borrowed edition.
I'm not a snowflake, but I choose not to inflict this level of cruelty and nastiness in what is billed as a "romance" tale.
I'm not a snowflake, but I choose not to inflict this level of cruelty and nastiness in what is billed as a "romance" tale.
July 8, 2024
Delicious!!!😘
Wooooo!!! Well, well, well. This tale takes your body on an adrenaline rush that has your brain playing catch me up!! And then vice versa, man! Wow, wow, wow...! Villainous Christophe, such a happy sadist. The things we want to know that he's done. Especially to his adoptive son, Hunter. I mean, the monster under your bed, right!? And then there's Ryder, so pure, he doesn't even realize his attraction to Hunter. Yes, Hunter has damage...a lot! Between Hunter and Ryder is a connection we all long for! This psychological trip of circumstances that bring their worlds on a collision course will have up past your bedtime folks! A d what about Cesare? Hmm? Sexy new seemingly well adjusted sex worker. Is he for real? What about the crazy connection between him and Hunter? Can Hunter and Ryder escape the terrible Christophe and find the love they deserve and need? Oh, what about Jake? This book is exciting and leaves you panting for more! Can't wait! There's something a out a high class brothel, a sadistic monster owner, and sexy main characters that will entice your senses in this steamy ( very!!!) tale of seduction and intrigue! I recommend!!!😍😍😍
Wooooo!!! Well, well, well. This tale takes your body on an adrenaline rush that has your brain playing catch me up!! And then vice versa, man! Wow, wow, wow...! Villainous Christophe, such a happy sadist. The things we want to know that he's done. Especially to his adoptive son, Hunter. I mean, the monster under your bed, right!? And then there's Ryder, so pure, he doesn't even realize his attraction to Hunter. Yes, Hunter has damage...a lot! Between Hunter and Ryder is a connection we all long for! This psychological trip of circumstances that bring their worlds on a collision course will have up past your bedtime folks! A d what about Cesare? Hmm? Sexy new seemingly well adjusted sex worker. Is he for real? What about the crazy connection between him and Hunter? Can Hunter and Ryder escape the terrible Christophe and find the love they deserve and need? Oh, what about Jake? This book is exciting and leaves you panting for more! Can't wait! There's something a out a high class brothel, a sadistic monster owner, and sexy main characters that will entice your senses in this steamy ( very!!!) tale of seduction and intrigue! I recommend!!!😍😍😍
April 4, 2023
I really like this author and have loved all her books that I have read so far. I loved this one, but it made me a bit nervous at times, lol. I loved the energy between Hunter and Ryder, their chemistry was off the charts, but then there's Cesare... I liked the attraction between him and Hunter, their's was more of a great lustful sexual attraction. I was always nervous about Christophe and just aggravated about Jake. I want this to be a great love story for Hunter and but I really don't know what the next books entail. I really want to know more about the back story of Christophe, Hunter and his brother. I know Christophe is gonna be a major pain, along with Jake. Wish the earth would open up and swallow them while. I am nervous going into the next book, but need to know what's next... And the ending.
August 20, 2020
Full disclosure, I read this story in its original fan fiction incarnation and still have a good deal of affection for it. A lot of the hallmarks of the fandom it came from remain, so anyone not familiar with its start are going to be confused and potentially put off by the constant reference to “rivals” and “mutts” and the point of characters like Derrick and Kyle and even Grayson. The expansion of Cesare’s role is an interesting deviation, and I’m curious how that will develop in the rest of the trilogy. The plot is a bit threadbare, as are the characters’ backgrounds, but I appreciate how much action there is anyway.
February 28, 2019
The book wasn't horrible, but I would have enjoyed it so much more if there had been some back story to help me get to know the characters before they became romantically involved. It's difficult to empathise and feel the character's emotions without knowing them and their pasts. I also became very annoyed by the author's constant reference to Hunter and Ryder as rivals. Their relationship changed, the descriptive language should have changed too. That being said, the sex scenes were intense and well written. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2022
Looooved Cesare and Hunter than the pair of Ryder/Hunter. OMG, the scenes between Cesare and Hunter were sooooo hot and amazing. Now onto second book and straight to only Cesare+Hunter scenes n going to skip Ryder/hunter
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews