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Providence #1
Providence
Rebekiah Kearns’s passion is photography—erotic images of sex, love, and the boundaries between them. Still wounded by the death of her best friend, she’s locked her heart away and forges her only meaningful connections through the lens of her camera.
Lindsey Blackwell never stops. Her work as a wealth management consultant takes her all over the world, and she just doesn’t have time to make a relationship work. Women always end up asking for more than she can give.
When Rebekiah receives a huge inheritance, all she wants to do is get rid of it, but Lindsey has other ideas. Their professional relationship quickly turns personal when Lindsey agrees to pose for Rebekiah. With every click of the shutter, Rebekiah finds it harder and harder to keep Lindsey in focus without getting too close.
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Workplace Romance, BDSM, Friends & Community, Big City, Animals
Lindsey Blackwell never stops. Her work as a wealth management consultant takes her all over the world, and she just doesn’t have time to make a relationship work. Women always end up asking for more than she can give.
When Rebekiah receives a huge inheritance, all she wants to do is get rid of it, but Lindsey has other ideas. Their professional relationship quickly turns personal when Lindsey agrees to pose for Rebekiah. With every click of the shutter, Rebekiah finds it harder and harder to keep Lindsey in focus without getting too close.
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Workplace Romance, BDSM, Friends & Community, Big City, Animals
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2020
22 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Hays
3 books17 followersLeigh wrote her first story in a spiral notebook at the age of five and she never stopped pretending. She grew up in three of the four corners of the US before heading to college. Despite the warnings that doing so would make her a lesbian, she went to a women’s college.
She lives and works in upstate New York with her wife, son, and two Siamese cats, Percival and Galahad. When she’s not writing, reading, or parenting, she’s tabletop gaming with a crew of like-minded nerds.
She lives and works in upstate New York with her wife, son, and two Siamese cats, Percival and Galahad. When she’s not writing, reading, or parenting, she’s tabletop gaming with a crew of like-minded nerds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 24, 2020
I Loved this !
So let me try to explain why cuz this one is not easy to explain at all !
So both MCs seem to be from different worlds, one is an artist and the other is in finance ! The artist is the client and obviously there’s an instant attraction but it’s more sexual.. What I loved about this is the fact that every time the book took me somewhere, it ended somewhere else! For example, I would be expecting romance, I’d find erotica. Then I would be expecting erotica, I’d find BDSM.
Then I accept the fact that it’s more of an erotic BDSM read, then it gets romantic with some angst thrown in! I get used to that, it moves me to some heavy topics like alcoholism, death and some serious childhood issues with both MCs.
Then When you finally get the hang of it and accept all this chaos, it moves into some action with an interesting work scandal!
The chemistry between both MCs (who are extremely likable by the way) is insane! The sex scenes sooooo hot! So even if you’re not into BDSM, it won’t bother you because in reality, it’s not the main theme it’s just an interesting aspect of the relationship and it adds depth as to why the MCs take submissive Vs Dom roles.
There’s also some family drama there but I didn’t find that it adds anything to the plot. Still, it didn’t bother me!
My only issue was the ending. I would’ve liked it to be less rushed..
My rating is a 4.5 rounded up to 5. And I totally recommend this read!
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
So let me try to explain why cuz this one is not easy to explain at all !
So both MCs seem to be from different worlds, one is an artist and the other is in finance ! The artist is the client and obviously there’s an instant attraction but it’s more sexual.. What I loved about this is the fact that every time the book took me somewhere, it ended somewhere else! For example, I would be expecting romance, I’d find erotica. Then I would be expecting erotica, I’d find BDSM.
Then I accept the fact that it’s more of an erotic BDSM read, then it gets romantic with some angst thrown in! I get used to that, it moves me to some heavy topics like alcoholism, death and some serious childhood issues with both MCs.
Then When you finally get the hang of it and accept all this chaos, it moves into some action with an interesting work scandal!
The chemistry between both MCs (who are extremely likable by the way) is insane! The sex scenes sooooo hot! So even if you’re not into BDSM, it won’t bother you because in reality, it’s not the main theme it’s just an interesting aspect of the relationship and it adds depth as to why the MCs take submissive Vs Dom roles.
There’s also some family drama there but I didn’t find that it adds anything to the plot. Still, it didn’t bother me!
My only issue was the ending. I would’ve liked it to be less rushed..
My rating is a 4.5 rounded up to 5. And I totally recommend this read!
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
February 11, 2020
Rebek.. kia... Rebeki... *sigh* Becca it is!
The plot. Photographer Rebekiah Kearns receives a large inheritance that she wants to get rid of but her plans are derailed as wealth management consultant Lindsey Blackwell convinces her to put the money to better use.
The characters. I certainly consider Lindsey my favorite character of the two and that's partially because I couldn't get a clear picture of who Rebekiah was. Due to the information overload early on in the book, it it took me quite a while to finally figure out just who Rebekiah's 'parents' were.
The writing. I was not a fan of the writing sadly. It felt like there were parts of the story missing because there was so much going on. From the character's personal issues to their professional ones, there were a lot of plot points that felt very rushed and the book ended rather abruptly because of it.
The negative. The biggest problem I had with this book was the limited amount of time the main characters spent together. Portions of the narrative were dedicated to the MC's relationships with several secondary characters. Although that's not a bad thing, I would have preferred that time be used to have the MC's get to know each other better instead of off page. We were told how their relationship progressed instead of shown.
The special. Rebekiah must have one hell of a hairdresser because she went from "short red hair" in chapter 1 to "curly brown hair styled into a long pixie" in chapter 3. Was that a writing error? Who cares, I can appreciate both hairdos.
The verdict. I may have set my expectations too high for this one despite it being a debut novel but I will no doubt be curious about any future writings by the author.
The plot. Photographer Rebekiah Kearns receives a large inheritance that she wants to get rid of but her plans are derailed as wealth management consultant Lindsey Blackwell convinces her to put the money to better use.
The characters. I certainly consider Lindsey my favorite character of the two and that's partially because I couldn't get a clear picture of who Rebekiah was. Due to the information overload early on in the book, it it took me quite a while to finally figure out just who Rebekiah's 'parents' were.
The writing. I was not a fan of the writing sadly. It felt like there were parts of the story missing because there was so much going on. From the character's personal issues to their professional ones, there were a lot of plot points that felt very rushed and the book ended rather abruptly because of it.
The negative. The biggest problem I had with this book was the limited amount of time the main characters spent together. Portions of the narrative were dedicated to the MC's relationships with several secondary characters. Although that's not a bad thing, I would have preferred that time be used to have the MC's get to know each other better instead of off page. We were told how their relationship progressed instead of shown.
The special. Rebekiah must have one hell of a hairdresser because she went from "short red hair" in chapter 1 to "curly brown hair styled into a long pixie" in chapter 3. Was that a writing error? Who cares, I can appreciate both hairdos.
The verdict. I may have set my expectations too high for this one despite it being a debut novel but I will no doubt be curious about any future writings by the author.
October 7, 2020
4.5* – How did I not read this sooner? By the second or third page, I was all in.
Rebekiah Kearns didn’t want to inherit her best friend’s many millions, but trying to get rid of them isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. When she takes over Rebekiah as a client, wealth management consultant Lindsey Blackwell convinces her that she can do more good if she keeps the money than by donating them. “Do you trust me?” asks Lindsey.
That’s what Providence is about: trust. In all areas of life. One of the reasons Rebekiah feels burdened by Emma’s money is that, as a photographer, she spent the last year of her friend’s life documenting her dying, and it broke her. Convincing Lindsey to let her take photos of her, intimate photos of her, is all about trust. As is letting Lindsey in when both decide to stop fighting the attraction. Neither is used to trusting or letting go. Both have shut themselves off, in different ways — Rebekiah favours sex with friends, Lindsey chose her career over any kind of relationship — and for different reasons. Both have complicated relationships with their family. Both need more but only when they get together do they realise that.
The photoshoots at the beginning are tremendously sensual. Hays could have stopped there and I would have been happy. I’m happier that she didn’t, however. At first, Lindsey seems to be the one who needs/wants to get out of her comfort zone but as the story develops, Rebekiah gets more and more challenged. It’s no secret that I love power play in my romance novels (I’m versatile, I love vanilla sex too) and I enjoyed the shifting power dynamics a lot. I also loved both characters, they’re captivating and relatable. The secondary characters also have depth, except maybe Lindsey’s partner, despite the important role she plays in part of the story (there are many layers, I can’t get into them all without spoiling).
Providence is Leigh Hays’ debut novel, which impresses me even more. It came out a few months ago, but her second novel,Too Good to be True, will be released soon and as it’s set in the same universe and I’m a tad obsessive about reading series in order, I had to get to this one first. I’m now looking forward to Hays’ second book even more.
Rebekiah Kearns didn’t want to inherit her best friend’s many millions, but trying to get rid of them isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. When she takes over Rebekiah as a client, wealth management consultant Lindsey Blackwell convinces her that she can do more good if she keeps the money than by donating them. “Do you trust me?” asks Lindsey.
That’s what Providence is about: trust. In all areas of life. One of the reasons Rebekiah feels burdened by Emma’s money is that, as a photographer, she spent the last year of her friend’s life documenting her dying, and it broke her. Convincing Lindsey to let her take photos of her, intimate photos of her, is all about trust. As is letting Lindsey in when both decide to stop fighting the attraction. Neither is used to trusting or letting go. Both have shut themselves off, in different ways — Rebekiah favours sex with friends, Lindsey chose her career over any kind of relationship — and for different reasons. Both have complicated relationships with their family. Both need more but only when they get together do they realise that.
The photoshoots at the beginning are tremendously sensual. Hays could have stopped there and I would have been happy. I’m happier that she didn’t, however. At first, Lindsey seems to be the one who needs/wants to get out of her comfort zone but as the story develops, Rebekiah gets more and more challenged. It’s no secret that I love power play in my romance novels (I’m versatile, I love vanilla sex too) and I enjoyed the shifting power dynamics a lot. I also loved both characters, they’re captivating and relatable. The secondary characters also have depth, except maybe Lindsey’s partner, despite the important role she plays in part of the story (there are many layers, I can’t get into them all without spoiling).
Providence is Leigh Hays’ debut novel, which impresses me even more. It came out a few months ago, but her second novel,Too Good to be True, will be released soon and as it’s set in the same universe and I’m a tad obsessive about reading series in order, I had to get to this one first. I’m now looking forward to Hays’ second book even more.
April 15, 2020
It’s interesting that I don’t really know where to put this in mind but I like it. A lot. Lindsey Blackwell is a wealth management consultant and workaholic. When she takes over a colleague’s (who is fired under a cloud of suspicion) clients she hands most off to her staff but one intrigues her. Rebekiah Kearns has inherited a vast sum of money which she wants to give away. In their first meeting Lindsey convinces her to consider alternatives.
Both Rebekiah and Lindsey come from vastly different backgrounds but their experience of neglect and over-exposure is very similar. It has also affected their adulthood in weirdly similar ways. I loved the way their relationship developed and the way that sex is woven into the story as both creating a connection and keeping a separation. I’m not sure how Hays did it, but it worked for me.
“Providence” is also a slow-burn BDSM romance and I loved how that played out too. I wouldn’t have thought it was possible to do BDSM and slow-burn in the same story but it seems it can be done very effectively. It helps that I liked both Lindsey and Rebekiah as strong women willing to expose their vulnerabilities.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Both Rebekiah and Lindsey come from vastly different backgrounds but their experience of neglect and over-exposure is very similar. It has also affected their adulthood in weirdly similar ways. I loved the way their relationship developed and the way that sex is woven into the story as both creating a connection and keeping a separation. I’m not sure how Hays did it, but it worked for me.
“Providence” is also a slow-burn BDSM romance and I loved how that played out too. I wouldn’t have thought it was possible to do BDSM and slow-burn in the same story but it seems it can be done very effectively. It helps that I liked both Lindsey and Rebekiah as strong women willing to expose their vulnerabilities.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
Providence is really interesting, and I enjoyed the story overall. The premise of the tale is intriguing. Leigh Hays did a fabulous job of creating characters that on the surface are so very different, yet fit so well together. Putting a photographer who creates art with erotic photographs together with a wealth management consultant for powerful people worldwide shows her genius as a writer. The main characters are well developed and the attraction between the two is off the charts from the very beginning. The sex scenes are steamy and almost turn this novel into erotica. There is some consensual light BDSM elements in the story, that adds to the erotic tones of the sex scenes. There is some angst in the book, mostly caused by the main characters pasts, and a little work-related angst as well.
There are only a couple of problems that I have with the novel. One involves Lindsey (the consultant). She agrees to allow Rebekiah to take erotic photos of her and use them in her gallery show. That seems very unrealistic to me. She is the daughter of a U.S. senator and one of two very public partners in a major consulting company. In real life those photos could ruin not only her career but her senator mother’s as well. I had to really work to suspend my disbelief for that part of the story. Also, the ending was really rushed. I’m talking giving-the-reader-whiplash rushed. I would have preferred a more complete ending that finished some story elements that were just left hanging.
In spite of those two problems, I truly enjoyed this book. I can recommend it to anyone who likes a good, steamy, sometimes bumpy, but very entertaining romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
There are only a couple of problems that I have with the novel. One involves Lindsey (the consultant). She agrees to allow Rebekiah to take erotic photos of her and use them in her gallery show. That seems very unrealistic to me. She is the daughter of a U.S. senator and one of two very public partners in a major consulting company. In real life those photos could ruin not only her career but her senator mother’s as well. I had to really work to suspend my disbelief for that part of the story. Also, the ending was really rushed. I’m talking giving-the-reader-whiplash rushed. I would have preferred a more complete ending that finished some story elements that were just left hanging.
In spite of those two problems, I truly enjoyed this book. I can recommend it to anyone who likes a good, steamy, sometimes bumpy, but very entertaining romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
February 12, 2020
OK so in short, MC Rebekiah (no to the name, just,.....no. Rebek-EE-YAH or Rebek-eye-a? Major stumbling block every time I came across it) is a boudoir photographer who gets a mega inheritance, and MC Lindsey is the wealth management lady assigned to her. Cool premise, no? This photographer sure thought so.
However, I am overall kind of "meh" rating on this one. I really liked the photo-talk....it made me salivate to hear about the equipment in wire racks lining the walls, the studio, the lighting, the settings....god yes, it has been way too long since I have been surrounded by that. This part scored big points for me. Unfortunately that was about all that spoke to me. While I do love the concept of her photography, I just did not connect with Rebekiah's character. What she does in her studio would take a helluva lot of trust, and it rubbed me the wrong way that she would get women to open up (literally) then often jump into bed with them. I am all for consenting adults having sex, don't get me wrong, but the professional and personal was really fogged there.
Enter MC Lindsey, who further fogged the boundaries of her profession with getting involved with her client. She was easier to like, but I just did not see the draw between the two. Their relationship was all about erotic, BDSM-esque sex and, like another reviewer said, they hardly spent time together getting to know one another. The kind of sex portrayed, just like Rebekiah's photography, takes so much trust, yet how could they have developed it when they barely knew each other? I didn't buy it. Also, her posing for pictures was great and empowering and all, go Lindsey, but consenting to LARGE identifiable photos of her lettin' it aaaalllll hang out in a public showing, when Lindsey is a senator's daughter, made me shake my head in disbelief.
I think it could have been much stronger had more emphasis been put on one or two things....like, the building of their relationship, or even Rebekiah's past, as I found the revelations choppy and confusing, but had that been given more care and attention it would have made her a stronger character. The drama at the end was waaaaay too fast and jumbled and just did not fit. It easily could have been left out and used as a major plot for part II, had this been a series. I gotta admit I am intrigued by the secondary character Li Jeng.
So unfortunately, about a 2.75/5 for me. Kudos for fairly strong writing and no typos for this new author though, and will still keep her on my radar as I do see potential as details get ironed out.
However, I am overall kind of "meh" rating on this one. I really liked the photo-talk....it made me salivate to hear about the equipment in wire racks lining the walls, the studio, the lighting, the settings....god yes, it has been way too long since I have been surrounded by that. This part scored big points for me. Unfortunately that was about all that spoke to me. While I do love the concept of her photography, I just did not connect with Rebekiah's character. What she does in her studio would take a helluva lot of trust, and it rubbed me the wrong way that she would get women to open up (literally) then often jump into bed with them. I am all for consenting adults having sex, don't get me wrong, but the professional and personal was really fogged there.
Enter MC Lindsey, who further fogged the boundaries of her profession with getting involved with her client. She was easier to like, but I just did not see the draw between the two. Their relationship was all about erotic, BDSM-esque sex and, like another reviewer said, they hardly spent time together getting to know one another. The kind of sex portrayed, just like Rebekiah's photography, takes so much trust, yet how could they have developed it when they barely knew each other? I didn't buy it. Also, her posing for pictures was great and empowering and all, go Lindsey, but consenting to LARGE identifiable photos of her lettin' it aaaalllll hang out in a public showing, when Lindsey is a senator's daughter, made me shake my head in disbelief.
I think it could have been much stronger had more emphasis been put on one or two things....like, the building of their relationship, or even Rebekiah's past, as I found the revelations choppy and confusing, but had that been given more care and attention it would have made her a stronger character. The drama at the end was waaaaay too fast and jumbled and just did not fit. It easily could have been left out and used as a major plot for part II, had this been a series. I gotta admit I am intrigued by the secondary character Li Jeng.
So unfortunately, about a 2.75/5 for me. Kudos for fairly strong writing and no typos for this new author though, and will still keep her on my radar as I do see potential as details get ironed out.
November 25, 2020
I really liked Leigh Hayes’ debut novel Providence. It was well written and engaging with a lot of heat between the two mains Rebekiah Kearns (a name I kept stumbling over) and Lindsey Blackwell.
Money is the theme in this story. Don’t really wanting it because of its connection (Rebekiah) and managing it because that’s her job (Lindsey). It brings these two women on each other’s path. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship. A workaholic who travels all over the world and an emotionally unavailable woman don’t really mix. But somehow they fit and we are front row and center throughout the book to see the magic happen.
Hayes gives us a good back story for both – rather complex - women. The intimate scenes feel grounded and honest (my favorite kind) and even though the novel isn’t pure erotica there is a heavy undertone of sensuality. I thought it worked really well.
An impressive start for Leigh Hayes and I will surely read more from her in future.
f/f some light BDSM (mostly who tops who)
Themes: boudoir photographer, money management, learning to show vulnerability.
3.9 Stars
Money is the theme in this story. Don’t really wanting it because of its connection (Rebekiah) and managing it because that’s her job (Lindsey). It brings these two women on each other’s path. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship. A workaholic who travels all over the world and an emotionally unavailable woman don’t really mix. But somehow they fit and we are front row and center throughout the book to see the magic happen.
Hayes gives us a good back story for both – rather complex - women. The intimate scenes feel grounded and honest (my favorite kind) and even though the novel isn’t pure erotica there is a heavy undertone of sensuality. I thought it worked really well.
An impressive start for Leigh Hayes and I will surely read more from her in future.
f/f some light BDSM (mostly who tops who)
Themes: boudoir photographer, money management, learning to show vulnerability.
3.9 Stars
September 19, 2020
It didn’t really wow me or anything, and I honestly skimmed through most of it. The plot just felt meh and the lack of professionalism as a photographer and the way she slept with her subjects while working... just no, no matter what type of things you are shooting and how sensual and willing the subject is... it just didn’t feel right. I don’t know... and I also couldn’t really feel any chemistry between the main characters.
October 1, 2020
This book surprised me. I picked it up in readiness for Too Good to be True - the second part of the series as I don't like to pick up a series in the middle. I remembered it receiving pretty decent reviews when it first came out so I didn't read the blurb - just went for it and somehow it wasn't what I was expecting.
Lindsey is a workaholic, working in wealth management as a partner in her own firm as a method of life avoidance. I really enjoyed the discussions of her work and the characters she encounters through her job. Rebekiah is a boudoir photographer - capturing the most vulnerable of moments through her lens. They are thrown together when Rebekiah needs someone to manage some newfound wealth.
Both MCs have reasons not to fall in love - which essentially makes them the perfect characters for me to get maximum enjoyment. There are some aspects that could have been dealt with slightly better but I enjoyed the honesty between the two and the slow burn of how they get together. There's some family angst that adds to the character depth.
The sex scenes are steamy. They have BDSM components (we experience this with other characters as well as the MCs) and the scenes are written really well - emphasising the trust and respect between the characters.
There was one part of the narrative that I found disappointing that I'm going to discuss behind a spoiler tag so as to not give away one of the big reveals.
The ending came about too quickly for me. I wanted more - an epilogue, an extra chapter or two - anything, just to give me a little bit more about them as a couple in their new life. Perhaps we'll get a little bit of a taste of this in the second book even though it's going to be about different MCs.
I enjoyed this and I'm glad I finally got round to making time.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a romance with angst, some deep characters and some steamy sex scenes.
Lindsey is a workaholic, working in wealth management as a partner in her own firm as a method of life avoidance. I really enjoyed the discussions of her work and the characters she encounters through her job. Rebekiah is a boudoir photographer - capturing the most vulnerable of moments through her lens. They are thrown together when Rebekiah needs someone to manage some newfound wealth.
Both MCs have reasons not to fall in love - which essentially makes them the perfect characters for me to get maximum enjoyment. There are some aspects that could have been dealt with slightly better but I enjoyed the honesty between the two and the slow burn of how they get together. There's some family angst that adds to the character depth.
The sex scenes are steamy. They have BDSM components (we experience this with other characters as well as the MCs) and the scenes are written really well - emphasising the trust and respect between the characters.
There was one part of the narrative that I found disappointing that I'm going to discuss behind a spoiler tag so as to not give away one of the big reveals.
The ending came about too quickly for me. I wanted more - an epilogue, an extra chapter or two - anything, just to give me a little bit more about them as a couple in their new life. Perhaps we'll get a little bit of a taste of this in the second book even though it's going to be about different MCs.
I enjoyed this and I'm glad I finally got round to making time.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a romance with angst, some deep characters and some steamy sex scenes.
February 15, 2020
Ugh, I’ve been putting off writing this review, but I have to get it out of the way.
This book was a lukewarm read for me. I think it’s because I didn’t like Rebekiah very much.
Warning for spoilers!
There are a few incidences of Rebekiah photographing people without their consent (like the girl checking her out in the crowd and the random woman she gets caught staring at in the BDSM club) and she’s gotten to the point where it seems she expects to have sex with the subjects of her erotic photo shoots. She even lampshades the “alarming” number of her models that she’s slept with. The one that pushed me over the edge was when she was photographing Lindsey in a very intimate and vulnerable moment, and Linsey asked her to stop for a number of reasons. Rebekiah does for a minute, then starts back up! I don’t know why Lindsey didn’t just get up and leave right then.
The BDSM was a bit iffy for me. I’m no expert, but telling someone they’re a submissive because you want them to submit to you doesn’t seem right to me. The relationship doesn’t really get emotional or intimate until they drop the Ds aspect.
The pacing was quite slow. I nearly DNFed a few times but I’ve recently bailed in another book so I stuck this one out. Until the 78% mark, Rebekiah and Lindsey are apart, often for weeks with no contact. There’s not a lot of angst or tension between them. We basically get to see them going through the motions of their daily lives for the majority of the book. The love story is crammed into the last bit of the book and scenes that could be hot are narrated over, for example were told that their texting gets more intimate and flirty, but we never see much of that.
The sex scenes were a mix of explicit, some Ds/pain play, FTB, and one very detailed scene that had me wincing and clenching my butt cheeks in sympathy. They also have the safety talk, a bit late, but it was good to see it. Both of them seem to have substance abuse issues and Rebekiah privately admits to high-risk behavior in the past.
We get a sudden “big reveal” about Rebekiah, but the issue of needing a big reveal wasn’t very clear to me. I understood she is an open minded person with a non-traditional upbringing, but there wasn’t a whole lot of tension or mystery leading up to the reveal. Although apparently it solves all her and Lindsey’s issues, so there is that.
Overall, the book is well-written and includes a lot of diversity in lifestyle, and I enjoyed the last 20% quite a bit. My main sticking points were pacing and iffy consent.
Rating: 2.75 stars
I received this ARC via NetGalley and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book was a lukewarm read for me. I think it’s because I didn’t like Rebekiah very much.
Warning for spoilers!
There are a few incidences of Rebekiah photographing people without their consent (like the girl checking her out in the crowd and the random woman she gets caught staring at in the BDSM club) and she’s gotten to the point where it seems she expects to have sex with the subjects of her erotic photo shoots. She even lampshades the “alarming” number of her models that she’s slept with. The one that pushed me over the edge was when she was photographing Lindsey in a very intimate and vulnerable moment, and Linsey asked her to stop for a number of reasons. Rebekiah does for a minute, then starts back up! I don’t know why Lindsey didn’t just get up and leave right then.
The BDSM was a bit iffy for me. I’m no expert, but telling someone they’re a submissive because you want them to submit to you doesn’t seem right to me. The relationship doesn’t really get emotional or intimate until they drop the Ds aspect.
The pacing was quite slow. I nearly DNFed a few times but I’ve recently bailed in another book so I stuck this one out. Until the 78% mark, Rebekiah and Lindsey are apart, often for weeks with no contact. There’s not a lot of angst or tension between them. We basically get to see them going through the motions of their daily lives for the majority of the book. The love story is crammed into the last bit of the book and scenes that could be hot are narrated over, for example were told that their texting gets more intimate and flirty, but we never see much of that.
The sex scenes were a mix of explicit, some Ds/pain play, FTB, and one very detailed scene that had me wincing and clenching my butt cheeks in sympathy. They also have the safety talk, a bit late, but it was good to see it. Both of them seem to have substance abuse issues and Rebekiah privately admits to high-risk behavior in the past.
We get a sudden “big reveal” about Rebekiah, but the issue of needing a big reveal wasn’t very clear to me. I understood she is an open minded person with a non-traditional upbringing, but there wasn’t a whole lot of tension or mystery leading up to the reveal. Although apparently it solves all her and Lindsey’s issues, so there is that.
Overall, the book is well-written and includes a lot of diversity in lifestyle, and I enjoyed the last 20% quite a bit. My main sticking points were pacing and iffy consent.
Rating: 2.75 stars
I received this ARC via NetGalley and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 15, 2020Providence - Leigh Hays
Let me give you the blurb first, because it mentions elements of photography both literally and metaphorically quite a lot, and this is important.
Rebekiah Kearns’s passion is photography—erotic images of sex, love, and the boundaries between them. Still wounded by the death of her best friend, she’s locked her heart away and forges her only meaningful connections through the lens of her camera.
Lindsey Blackwell never stops. Her work as a wealth management consultant takes her all over the world, and she just doesn’t have time to make a relationship work. Women always end up asking for more than she can give.
When Rebekiah receives a huge inheritance, all she wants to do is get rid of it, but Lindsey has other ideas. Their professional relationship quickly turns personal when Lindsey agrees to pose for Rebekiah. With every click of the shutter, Rebekiah finds it harder and harder to keep Lindsey in focus without getting too close.
There’s an efficiency in Hays’ writing. Sparse. She places the words deliberately, without fanfare. It is an unusual style, and because of it, we’re not able to insert ourselves into the lives of Rebekiah and Lindsey. We are kept at arms-length, so we watch, voyeuristically, much like the cinematography techniques employed in European films.
In ‘Providence’, we are invited to view the story through a lens. This is not our story to join, unlike many books where we are expected to become as one with a protagonist. I don’t think Leigh Hays wanted us to do the latter. Instead, Hays invited us to the movies.
Throughout the novel there are time jumps, moments of stillness where only the emotions are given permission to speak, and long stretches of prose where we sit behind our camera as the details of a single event unfold. Just like those European films.
The personal baggage that both Rebekiah and Lindsay carry is weighty. The heaviness in their backpacks of life causes them to stagger and occasionally list sideways, and when they set their packs down, and sift through the memories, it’s as if a burnt filter is placed over the camera lens. We sit in the cinema as the screen becomes grainy and the soundtrack falters, because every time Rebekiah and Lindsay reflect on past events, it is reminiscent of those scenes in films where breathing is given aural space.
Noted American critic Andrew Sarris once said that the difference between American movies and European films is that American movies tend to correspond to reality, while European films tend to comment on reality. Rebekiah and Lindsay’s story is complex without needing the entire story to be told. Hays does this with her words. They are contained. We are plucked up and out of the independent plots, and the plot of Rebekiah and Lindsay’s developing relationship, and made to hover expectantly, then dropped into the next moment. We are expected, perhaps, to fill in the spaces of time ourselves. This is an aspect that will either attract or repel readers.
‘Providence’ comments on Rebekiah’s dubious actions as a boudoir photographer, as she beds her clients. ‘Providence’ comments on Lindsay’s inability to trust. The flaws are not even attempted to be fixed, and therefore it is commenting on reality. There is a rawness, a darkness, to this story, like careful lighting in a film, despite the massive theme of high-flying wealth and glitz. Or perhaps that’s the point. ‘Providence’ feels gritty.
Cinematography and lighting is about drawing the eye to the place that the story needs you to be looking. If a character picks something up and that object is important to the story, the viewer must see it. It’s part of the storytelling. It’s about moving the story forward. The light, represented by Hays’ succinct words, that is focussed on the food that Lindsay bring to Rebekiah’s studio is important because otherwise the food doesn’t exist.
The BDSM aspect, the sex scenes, are dealt with intricately, for both the characters and the readers. We are invited to step forward and look over the character’s shoulder to watch. Then Hays pulls us out and into a montage of scenes, brief shots, that mix together to move passages of time, often highlighting one of the themes of the book; Childhood trauma. Parental conflict. Death. Grief. Distrust. Inability to commit. Then we are back, peering over the character’s shoulder as sex becomes the tool to strip away every lens.
I’m not sure that ‘Providence’ is for everyone. The writing style is distinctive, polarising. The novel is certainly not as immersive as others in this genre, so the connection between readers and the main characters is lacking. The ending is not a pair of sneakers with the laces all nicely tied up, and it may not sit well with some. Readers are certainly not told how to react emotionally to the conclusion. You are expected to make up your own mind. I enjoyed the book because I think I understand what Hays was trying to achieve. I felt like I’d watched a cool film, wandered out of the cinema, and over to a funky cafe to drink espresso and mull over the plot.
Let me give you the blurb first, because it mentions elements of photography both literally and metaphorically quite a lot, and this is important.
Rebekiah Kearns’s passion is photography—erotic images of sex, love, and the boundaries between them. Still wounded by the death of her best friend, she’s locked her heart away and forges her only meaningful connections through the lens of her camera.
Lindsey Blackwell never stops. Her work as a wealth management consultant takes her all over the world, and she just doesn’t have time to make a relationship work. Women always end up asking for more than she can give.
When Rebekiah receives a huge inheritance, all she wants to do is get rid of it, but Lindsey has other ideas. Their professional relationship quickly turns personal when Lindsey agrees to pose for Rebekiah. With every click of the shutter, Rebekiah finds it harder and harder to keep Lindsey in focus without getting too close.
There’s an efficiency in Hays’ writing. Sparse. She places the words deliberately, without fanfare. It is an unusual style, and because of it, we’re not able to insert ourselves into the lives of Rebekiah and Lindsey. We are kept at arms-length, so we watch, voyeuristically, much like the cinematography techniques employed in European films.
In ‘Providence’, we are invited to view the story through a lens. This is not our story to join, unlike many books where we are expected to become as one with a protagonist. I don’t think Leigh Hays wanted us to do the latter. Instead, Hays invited us to the movies.
Throughout the novel there are time jumps, moments of stillness where only the emotions are given permission to speak, and long stretches of prose where we sit behind our camera as the details of a single event unfold. Just like those European films.
The personal baggage that both Rebekiah and Lindsay carry is weighty. The heaviness in their backpacks of life causes them to stagger and occasionally list sideways, and when they set their packs down, and sift through the memories, it’s as if a burnt filter is placed over the camera lens. We sit in the cinema as the screen becomes grainy and the soundtrack falters, because every time Rebekiah and Lindsay reflect on past events, it is reminiscent of those scenes in films where breathing is given aural space.
Noted American critic Andrew Sarris once said that the difference between American movies and European films is that American movies tend to correspond to reality, while European films tend to comment on reality. Rebekiah and Lindsay’s story is complex without needing the entire story to be told. Hays does this with her words. They are contained. We are plucked up and out of the independent plots, and the plot of Rebekiah and Lindsay’s developing relationship, and made to hover expectantly, then dropped into the next moment. We are expected, perhaps, to fill in the spaces of time ourselves. This is an aspect that will either attract or repel readers.
‘Providence’ comments on Rebekiah’s dubious actions as a boudoir photographer, as she beds her clients. ‘Providence’ comments on Lindsay’s inability to trust. The flaws are not even attempted to be fixed, and therefore it is commenting on reality. There is a rawness, a darkness, to this story, like careful lighting in a film, despite the massive theme of high-flying wealth and glitz. Or perhaps that’s the point. ‘Providence’ feels gritty.
Cinematography and lighting is about drawing the eye to the place that the story needs you to be looking. If a character picks something up and that object is important to the story, the viewer must see it. It’s part of the storytelling. It’s about moving the story forward. The light, represented by Hays’ succinct words, that is focussed on the food that Lindsay bring to Rebekiah’s studio is important because otherwise the food doesn’t exist.
The BDSM aspect, the sex scenes, are dealt with intricately, for both the characters and the readers. We are invited to step forward and look over the character’s shoulder to watch. Then Hays pulls us out and into a montage of scenes, brief shots, that mix together to move passages of time, often highlighting one of the themes of the book; Childhood trauma. Parental conflict. Death. Grief. Distrust. Inability to commit. Then we are back, peering over the character’s shoulder as sex becomes the tool to strip away every lens.
I’m not sure that ‘Providence’ is for everyone. The writing style is distinctive, polarising. The novel is certainly not as immersive as others in this genre, so the connection between readers and the main characters is lacking. The ending is not a pair of sneakers with the laces all nicely tied up, and it may not sit well with some. Readers are certainly not told how to react emotionally to the conclusion. You are expected to make up your own mind. I enjoyed the book because I think I understand what Hays was trying to achieve. I felt like I’d watched a cool film, wandered out of the cinema, and over to a funky cafe to drink espresso and mull over the plot.
October 18, 2020
Neither Lindsey nor Rebekiah were the easiest for me to connect with at first because they’re both carrying some massive baggage. They try to keep each other at arms’ length for a long time, and understandably so, given the way Lindsey’s previous relationship crashed and burned and how Rebekiah was crushed by losing her best friend. They each have a lot to figure out and I appreciated seeing their journeys and how their priorities shift throughout the book.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/prov...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/prov...
November 28, 2020
I don't know - 3*s seems harsh, but the longer I read, the deeper I got into the book the more I realised I just didn't like the 2 main characters. Even the dog had issues. Without prejudice, where does Bourdour Photography end and serial sex begin? If a guy on female model, close to consensual (or not) rape.
February 18, 2020
Non-Traditional Relationship
Rebekiah is a successful photographer who specializes in capturing the beauty of women in the throes of passion both before, during and post climax. For the past few years she has dealt with caring for her dying friend, her death and her friend’s family as they contested the huge inheritance that Rebekiah was left. Over all of it she wants to just get rid of the money, enter Lindsey. Lindsey is a super busy, globe-trotting partner in a wealth management company. On getting back from Hong Kong, she learns one of the other partners has been fired leaving Lindsey to pick up his slack, including Rebekiah. Unable to resist the beautiful photographer, she does what she can to keep her in her life…not that Rebekiah is complaining.
This is a debut book by this author. I loved the romantic and erotic bits, so yummy and hot!! The characters felt lifelike and made a good couple. They had their hang ups and problems but I could see how they would be attracted to each other. They are both strong, stubborn and damaged. The story was good, interesting… but not really to my taste. It wasn’t the typical HEA where they fall madly in love and the corporate raider sees the errors of overworking and settles down with her beloved and they adopt a pet sort of thing. I also felt it dragged out a bit and there were to me some big flaws such as things not being explained properly, they just disappeared not having been resolved in a way that was shown or told. Lindsey was always so busy…there were great time periods that passed by with no mention of them communicating yet the relationship stayed on track. It was disappointing as the story started out so well.
Rebekiah is a successful photographer who specializes in capturing the beauty of women in the throes of passion both before, during and post climax. For the past few years she has dealt with caring for her dying friend, her death and her friend’s family as they contested the huge inheritance that Rebekiah was left. Over all of it she wants to just get rid of the money, enter Lindsey. Lindsey is a super busy, globe-trotting partner in a wealth management company. On getting back from Hong Kong, she learns one of the other partners has been fired leaving Lindsey to pick up his slack, including Rebekiah. Unable to resist the beautiful photographer, she does what she can to keep her in her life…not that Rebekiah is complaining.
This is a debut book by this author. I loved the romantic and erotic bits, so yummy and hot!! The characters felt lifelike and made a good couple. They had their hang ups and problems but I could see how they would be attracted to each other. They are both strong, stubborn and damaged. The story was good, interesting… but not really to my taste. It wasn’t the typical HEA where they fall madly in love and the corporate raider sees the errors of overworking and settles down with her beloved and they adopt a pet sort of thing. I also felt it dragged out a bit and there were to me some big flaws such as things not being explained properly, they just disappeared not having been resolved in a way that was shown or told. Lindsey was always so busy…there were great time periods that passed by with no mention of them communicating yet the relationship stayed on track. It was disappointing as the story started out so well.
February 5, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Providence. It was an edgy storyline with a fresh take on romance. When you start this book, you think it's going to be a romance; then you realize it's erotica with some light BDSM and then you're back to love but not before the author throws in a little drama. I was in a lesfic tailspin by the end… and completely loving it!
Honestly, you will not get bored reading this book because every time you get comfortable and settle in, the author pulls a segway and you are glued to the page once again.
Secondary character, Elena left me feeling intrigued in more than one scene. I'd love to see a book with her at the forefront.
I think the author missed an opportunity for a great Epilogue. It would have been really awesome to finish the book a few years later.
Chemistry in this book is undeniable, and honestly, their sexual connection is almost a sub-story in itself. The eroticism and power dynamics are very well written and bring sexy moments to a whole new level.
Full review: http://lesreveur.com/2020/02/05/provi...
Honestly, you will not get bored reading this book because every time you get comfortable and settle in, the author pulls a segway and you are glued to the page once again.
Secondary character, Elena left me feeling intrigued in more than one scene. I'd love to see a book with her at the forefront.
I think the author missed an opportunity for a great Epilogue. It would have been really awesome to finish the book a few years later.
Chemistry in this book is undeniable, and honestly, their sexual connection is almost a sub-story in itself. The eroticism and power dynamics are very well written and bring sexy moments to a whole new level.
Full review: http://lesreveur.com/2020/02/05/provi...
March 13, 2020
I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. I honestly read it with a foot out the door, but I kept reading, liking it, waiting for some over the top dramatic situation, that never came. The twist felt predictable but it was so forgettable that even if I was expecting it, I wasn’t?
Lindsay was a nice change of pace. Usually authors portray the people in her type of work super closed off and cocky. I liked that she felt like a normal contradicting insecure but with an healthy ego kind of person.
Rebekiah was a pleasant surprise. I tried to stereotype her the whole book and the character just kept changing.
Lindsay was a nice change of pace. Usually authors portray the people in her type of work super closed off and cocky. I liked that she felt like a normal contradicting insecure but with an healthy ego kind of person.
Rebekiah was a pleasant surprise. I tried to stereotype her the whole book and the character just kept changing.
January 27, 2020
Wow. This book bowled me over. Every single character, from the mains to the friends to the family members, were superbly fleshed out. For me the pacing was perfect, all the storylines were necessary and co-mingled exactly right, and adding in the corporate scandal on top of the atypical love story was pure genius. I literally couldn't put the book down because I had no idea where the story was going to go. The love/sex scenes were super hot and appropriate for the story, whether it's your bag or not. Leigh Hays, Providence is a career-defining masterpiece.
June 12, 2020
For FWB Lindsey and Rebekiah sure care a lot for one another! Also, Sera's my favourite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
* I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was an interesting plot but with some situations that I thought would be unrealistic in real life and the ending was abrupt with some issues still hanging.
I admit that the main characters are really well developed and their attraction is sizzling and totally believable since the very beginning. I loved the sex scenes and it's always a big plus for me when I find an author who is able to sell the main characters lust and connection through a believable sexual description. Warning: there are some light BDSM situations (but really tame I have to admit). Not my favorite premise but in this book it was done tastefully.
As I mentioned in the beginning there are a few things in the novel that bothered me and lessened my enjoyment. One has to do with Lindsey when she allowed Rebekah to take some erotic pics of her and use them in her gallery show. This part was like reading some bad fanfic, it was so unrealistic as she is the daughter of a senator and in real life these photos would totally ruin all the people involved . Also as I mentioned before, the ending was abrupt and the author should have explored some issues more.
Despite the above problems I recommend this book because overall it was a quality and entertaining read and since the author is new, I'm excited to read about her next work.
This was an interesting plot but with some situations that I thought would be unrealistic in real life and the ending was abrupt with some issues still hanging.
I admit that the main characters are really well developed and their attraction is sizzling and totally believable since the very beginning. I loved the sex scenes and it's always a big plus for me when I find an author who is able to sell the main characters lust and connection through a believable sexual description. Warning: there are some light BDSM situations (but really tame I have to admit). Not my favorite premise but in this book it was done tastefully.
As I mentioned in the beginning there are a few things in the novel that bothered me and lessened my enjoyment. One has to do with Lindsey when she allowed Rebekah to take some erotic pics of her and use them in her gallery show. This part was like reading some bad fanfic, it was so unrealistic as she is the daughter of a senator and in real life these photos would totally ruin all the people involved . Also as I mentioned before, the ending was abrupt and the author should have explored some issues more.
Despite the above problems I recommend this book because overall it was a quality and entertaining read and since the author is new, I'm excited to read about her next work.
July 9, 2020
3.5 stars. The characters are likable and their journey is interesting. I just wanted more overall. There’s a large event around the 90th% portion of the book and then....it just ends. I can’t tell if that was purposeful or just a rushed ending. Either way, I needed more.
October 8, 2020
Other than not knowing how to pronounce Rebekiah, I enjoyed this.
January 29, 2020
I RECEIVED AN ARC COPY OF THE BOOK FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY AND VOLUNTARILY LEAVING MY REVIEW.
ANOTHER NEW AUTHOR FOR ME. I THINK THIS IS HER DEBUT NOVEL BUT NOT SURE.
LINDSEY IS A WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT AND IS ALSO A WORK-A-HOLIC.
REBEKIAH IS A PHOTOGRAPHER OF EROTIC IMAGAES. SHE IS STILL TRYING TO COME TO TERMS OF THE DEATH OF HER BEST FRIEND.
OMG ... I TOTALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. I WAS HOOKED FROM BEGINNING TO END AND I STILL WANTED MORE FROM THESE MC'S. REBEKIAH AND LINDSEY ARE SUPERB CHARACTERS. I LOVED BOTH OF THEM BUT IF I WERE TO PICK A FAVOURITE THEN I THINK I WOULD GO FOR REBEKIAH. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THIS PAIR IS GREAT. THERE IS SOME ROMANCE, SOME HOT SEX SCENES AND SOME LIGHT BDSM. THERE IS A TWIST IN THE STORY LINE WITH REGARDS TO THE COMPANY LINDSEY WORKS FOR WHICH I ENJOYED. CATHRYN IS A FIRST-CLASS BITCH (FOR WHAT YOU WILL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK). I ENJOYED THE SECONDARY CHARACTERS AND THE PACE WAS JUST ABOUT RIGHT.
ALL-IN-ALL, IT WAS A THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE READ. THIS ONE I WILL DEFINITELY BE RE-READING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. IN FACT, IT IS ONE OF THE BEST READS FOR ME THIS MONTH.
ANOTHER NEW AUTHOR FOR ME. I THINK THIS IS HER DEBUT NOVEL BUT NOT SURE.
LINDSEY IS A WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT AND IS ALSO A WORK-A-HOLIC.
REBEKIAH IS A PHOTOGRAPHER OF EROTIC IMAGAES. SHE IS STILL TRYING TO COME TO TERMS OF THE DEATH OF HER BEST FRIEND.
OMG ... I TOTALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. I WAS HOOKED FROM BEGINNING TO END AND I STILL WANTED MORE FROM THESE MC'S. REBEKIAH AND LINDSEY ARE SUPERB CHARACTERS. I LOVED BOTH OF THEM BUT IF I WERE TO PICK A FAVOURITE THEN I THINK I WOULD GO FOR REBEKIAH. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THIS PAIR IS GREAT. THERE IS SOME ROMANCE, SOME HOT SEX SCENES AND SOME LIGHT BDSM. THERE IS A TWIST IN THE STORY LINE WITH REGARDS TO THE COMPANY LINDSEY WORKS FOR WHICH I ENJOYED. CATHRYN IS A FIRST-CLASS BITCH (FOR WHAT YOU WILL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK). I ENJOYED THE SECONDARY CHARACTERS AND THE PACE WAS JUST ABOUT RIGHT.
ALL-IN-ALL, IT WAS A THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE READ. THIS ONE I WILL DEFINITELY BE RE-READING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. IN FACT, IT IS ONE OF THE BEST READS FOR ME THIS MONTH.
February 17, 2020
Humm...what to say. After reading other reviews, I was not sure if I wanted to take a chance on this read. I am not a big fan of BDSM. Based on the reviews (lite BDSM), I went for it. A pleasant as well as educational surprise. Rebekiah Kearns, photographer, emotionally lonely, and not looking for a relationship. Lindsey Blackwell, wealth management consultant, enjoys her work, and too busy for relationships. Lindsey and Rebekiah meet because Rebekiah has inherited some money and wants to give it away. After meeting with Lindsey, she decides to go in a different direction. Both Lindsey and Rebekiah have issues with family. There is also an issue with Lindsey and her work environment which could have been dealt with a little more. I also would have liked a little more background information on the MC. As I read, I found myself wanting and needing more information. The dog was a nice addition.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
November 1, 2020
3.8 stars
Nice backdrop, drama and slowly revealing characters. The only reason i am not giving this a full 4 stars rating is my personal bias on bdsm.
Nice backdrop, drama and slowly revealing characters. The only reason i am not giving this a full 4 stars rating is my personal bias on bdsm.
July 22, 2020
This book started out quite well. I got to know the main characters first, I got to see the chemistry between them and the photography scene was very sexy. However I found myself putting this down alot and struggling to get through it, skim reading some parts. When the BDSM scenes started I found the book started to take a turn for the better. Then as the book got even better with Lindsey's work drama it ended abruptly, with a lot of unanswered questions. What happened to Cathryn? What was the outcome of the case? Did Lindsey and Rebeckiah relocate? I felt lost and didn't really get anything out of the story. There was a lot of detail about secondary characters and the main characters relationship with them and they were just left. What happened to Thea? I felt this story had the potential to go somewhere but it felt like the author had an idea and went with it and then totally forgot to tie up the loose end. 2.5 stars for me.
January 26, 2020
A new author for BSB, this debut novel was an unexpected delight to read. What keeps coming to mind is that I love the elegant simplicity of a complex story, and that’s exactly what Providence nails. There are multiple themes that Lindsey and Rebekah take on, but the flow of the story ambles smoothly while their connection keep them and us tethered no matter how far apart they are in miles or in their hearts. The pace of their romance has an uncanny ability to race forward yet somehow temper at the same time. The result is relationship based not just on a hot love affair, but on trust, honesty, and friendship. I tremendously enjoyed this debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Rebekiah is a photographer who loves to photograph erotic images. She still dealing with the lost of her best friend Emma who left her a inheritance that she wants nothing to do with it.
All that change when she meets Lindsay who is handling the inheritance. Lindsay is a wealth management consultant when she return from business out of town she learn from her partner Carolyn that their other partner Roger she had to fire him because she learns he been stealing from the company. Lindsay has to takeover his clients as they deal with the mess.
Lindsay wants to help Rebekiah do something great with the inheritance and Rebekiah start to realize she wants to do something goid with it especially when she keep hearing Emma voice.
I like characters development as both Lindsay and Rebekiah open up with each other which is hard for them to do. I love Rebekiah dog Sera. There is a lot of sex in this book so I hope that won't be a turn off because it's a good read.
Rebekiah is a photographer who loves to photograph erotic images. She still dealing with the lost of her best friend Emma who left her a inheritance that she wants nothing to do with it.
All that change when she meets Lindsay who is handling the inheritance. Lindsay is a wealth management consultant when she return from business out of town she learn from her partner Carolyn that their other partner Roger she had to fire him because she learns he been stealing from the company. Lindsay has to takeover his clients as they deal with the mess.
Lindsay wants to help Rebekiah do something great with the inheritance and Rebekiah start to realize she wants to do something goid with it especially when she keep hearing Emma voice.
I like characters development as both Lindsay and Rebekiah open up with each other which is hard for them to do. I love Rebekiah dog Sera. There is a lot of sex in this book so I hope that won't be a turn off because it's a good read.
January 29, 2020
I admit, I am really impressed by this debut novel by Hays. I totally wasn't expecting this whole erotica, light bdsm, romance story. Rebekiah is a photographer that specializes in taking erotic images. She is a woman magnet and if often able to women to pose for her among other things. Lindsey is a wealth management consultant. She is always on the go, is terrible in relationships. These two people could not be any different. But you know what they say...opposites attract.
Both MCs are likeable and I enjoyed the interaction between the two characters. This is technically classified as romance and Rebekiah and Lindsey do eventually get to that part, but they do take their time. Mainly because both characters are busy and have some baggage. One thing I was perplexed about was why Rebekiah was so hung up on her friend's death that was like 2 years ago. I just don't think I was ever satisfied about what the deal was there. Anyway, the sexiness in this Providence is for sure there. Hays does a great job with the sex scenes and even the other scenes that would be classified as erotica or bdsm. The sex between the two mains is hot. Nothing like a well written sex scene!
Providence does have some angst and it is believable. The build up towards the ending was a little lacking for me. I just felt everything was over to quickly. I will let you all be the judge of that. I still enjoyed it.
I rate this one 4.25 stars.
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
Both MCs are likeable and I enjoyed the interaction between the two characters. This is technically classified as romance and Rebekiah and Lindsey do eventually get to that part, but they do take their time. Mainly because both characters are busy and have some baggage. One thing I was perplexed about was why Rebekiah was so hung up on her friend's death that was like 2 years ago. I just don't think I was ever satisfied about what the deal was there. Anyway, the sexiness in this Providence is for sure there. Hays does a great job with the sex scenes and even the other scenes that would be classified as erotica or bdsm. The sex between the two mains is hot. Nothing like a well written sex scene!
Providence does have some angst and it is believable. The build up towards the ending was a little lacking for me. I just felt everything was over to quickly. I will let you all be the judge of that. I still enjoyed it.
I rate this one 4.25 stars.
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
December 19, 2022
This story is a bit peculiar because it cannot be classified as erotic or BDSM, but most of the book has this sexual background, in which the two protagonists enter almost in spite of themselves.
Rebekiah is a photographer dedicated to boudoir portraits, with women, alone in couples or groups. And Lindsey is a wealth management consultant, co-partner and co-owner of the firm where she works. They meet when Rebekiah hires Lindsey's firm to get rid of an inheritance from her that doesn't want to know anything. Lindsey convinces her to try to make sense of the money she has inherited and this makes them collaborate to find a formula that Rebekiah can morally accept.
The two women have a rather complex personality and had a difficult childhood, for very different reasons, but if possible they are quite similar. And it is that similarity that attracts them without them being able to avoid it.
The story pleasantly surprised me and hooked me as it developed. The emotional involvement of the two women has been very moving for me. And the fact of knowing their past history and the why for their current actions, little by little, in the middle of their current relationship, I consider that the author did it very well.
In the end, although the end itself has been a bit rushed in my opinion, this book has been a very pleasant read and I think it is highly recommended.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
Rebekiah is a photographer dedicated to boudoir portraits, with women, alone in couples or groups. And Lindsey is a wealth management consultant, co-partner and co-owner of the firm where she works. They meet when Rebekiah hires Lindsey's firm to get rid of an inheritance from her that doesn't want to know anything. Lindsey convinces her to try to make sense of the money she has inherited and this makes them collaborate to find a formula that Rebekiah can morally accept.
The two women have a rather complex personality and had a difficult childhood, for very different reasons, but if possible they are quite similar. And it is that similarity that attracts them without them being able to avoid it.
The story pleasantly surprised me and hooked me as it developed. The emotional involvement of the two women has been very moving for me. And the fact of knowing their past history and the why for their current actions, little by little, in the middle of their current relationship, I consider that the author did it very well.
In the end, although the end itself has been a bit rushed in my opinion, this book has been a very pleasant read and I think it is highly recommended.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
March 7, 2022
This romance has a lot of erotica scenes. Rebekiah, a photographer, uses her camera to become emotionally intimate with her subjects, and then sometimes sleeps with them. Lindsey is a wealth manager who comes back from an overseas business trip to find that one of her partners has been fired by another partner. That added a bit of outside tension to the story, but this was almost completely about the two women becoming intimate. Another monkey wrench gets thrown in toward the end, also having to do with Lindsey’s career.
This novel was really well written, but I didn’t feel connected to either of the main characters. I appreciated their backgrounds which led to both women being emotionally distant, albeit for different reasons, but it wasn’t quite enough for me to root for them.
This novel was really well written, but I didn’t feel connected to either of the main characters. I appreciated their backgrounds which led to both women being emotionally distant, albeit for different reasons, but it wasn’t quite enough for me to root for them.
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