What do you think?
Rate this book
Age and Innocence #1
He Saw Me First
Age & Innocence #1:
A series of standalones that push the boundaries of forbidden age gap romances.
HE SAW ME FIRST (Age and Innocence #1)
Across an empty laneway in Paris, through my hotel window,
He saw me first.
I stopped undressing . . . but only for a moment.
The next night, he was waiting for me.
He sat there in his expensive suit and watched.
No participation.
My only acknowledgement was the look of lust in his eyes.
It continued until the night before I left,
when I found a card under my door.
No words. Just a number.
So, I texted him.
I’d never done anything like it before.
It felt so dirty and wrong, but at the same time, I felt alive.
He was much older than me, so intimidating and sexy.
He made me feel things no man ever has.
I was under his spell.
The last thing I expected was to ever see him again.
While this book is best enjoyed going in blind, it does contain distressing themes that may upset some readers. Please see the author's review for specific triggers.
A series of standalones that push the boundaries of forbidden age gap romances.
HE SAW ME FIRST (Age and Innocence #1)
Across an empty laneway in Paris, through my hotel window,
He saw me first.
I stopped undressing . . . but only for a moment.
The next night, he was waiting for me.
He sat there in his expensive suit and watched.
No participation.
My only acknowledgement was the look of lust in his eyes.
It continued until the night before I left,
when I found a card under my door.
No words. Just a number.
So, I texted him.
I’d never done anything like it before.
It felt so dirty and wrong, but at the same time, I felt alive.
He was much older than me, so intimidating and sexy.
He made me feel things no man ever has.
I was under his spell.
The last thing I expected was to ever see him again.
While this book is best enjoyed going in blind, it does contain distressing themes that may upset some readers. Please see the author's review for specific triggers.
ebook
First published December 28, 2020
978 people are currently reading
2659 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
January 18, 2021
1.5 why??? stars
I spread my legs, and he smiles.
“Good girl.”
Song : Umbrella - Ember Island Version
I held off reviewing this book for 3 weeks, thinking with some time I’ll cool off a little. No such luck, tho, so here we go.
This is the story of Dom and Lexi. After sharing a passionate night in Paris, they reconnect a year later when Lexie is introduced to her boyfriend (Nate)’s father, who’s none other than Dom. Neither of them moved on from that night, and the only reason why Lexi is in a relationship with Nate is because he pressured her into one, being her friend and roommate. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she agrees to give them a try but it’s so clear from their lack of chemistry and her disinterest in them that nothing’s ever going to come out of it.
This review will be divided into two parts
1. Up until 70% - 3 smut stars
2. Last 30% also known as what in the ever-loving fuck just happened
Both parts have spoilers, as usual.
P̳ A̳ R̳ T̳ 1̳
This was pure smut. Just two people having all kinds of sex, and you know what? Nothing wrong with that. I really do love me my smut reads, but two issues here :
a) Smut is smut, but If you choose to include sensitive topics, such as suicide, you need to have some form of development.
b) Age gap. We know there’s a 20-something age gap between Dom and Lexi, but if you make them both 20, nothing would really change about the story. Where are the high stakes, the daddy issues, the kink??
Speaking of kink, here’s a snippet of a convo between M (the bitchy voice inside my head) and I.
M : he compared her coochie to STEAK TARTARE, MINA
Me : he…enjoys his food.
M : it’s SO INSTA, can’t you freaking see?
*me humming John Cena’s theme song*
Me :
“Shh, pretty girl,” I hiss into her ear. “Wouldn’t want Nate to hear, would we?”
M : ….okay, even I could admit that’s fucking hot.
Me :
M : the bravest thing she ever did was undress in front of her hotel room window, and now they’re fucking in public? And someone is going down on her?
Me :
M *shouting* : his idea of a romantic gesture is taking her to the sex club he owns, getting her up on the stage in front of 1000 attendees and telling her they'll fuck in front of the public but also stream it to his other clubs AND his private website???
Me : BITCH, ITS JUST SMUT FOR FUCKS SAKE + ITS HOT 🔥 SO
To address the cheating, I didn’t really care because Nate and Lexi were really not it. While technically in a relationship, they were never intimate and it was so clear that Lexi was just afraid of hurting his feelings by rejecting him. Having been through a similar situation, I couldn’t really judge her for giving in or not breaking up with him, because it took me 4 months to find the courage to do so. I didn’t sleep with his father, tho, so brownie points for me.
I also didn’t care that we didn’t get to know Dom or Lexie, or that Lexi’s tragic backstory was not explored, or that we don’t know how Dom’s first wife died?? This story had unpacked elements, but guess what?
Care to take a guess why? BECAUSE SMUT. I didn’t take it too seriously, so it was all cool, until the 70% mark.
P̳ A̳ R̳ T̳ 2
Because I’m about to seriously go off, I will just put this entire section under a spoiler tag.
Now, if you’ll excuse, I’ll go to my happy place AKA watch a Criminal Minds episode.
Anyway, I’m in the minority here as a lot of my friends loved this book. I do believe that if you’re only in it for the sexy smut, you’ll be able to overlook the ending, which was what killed this for me, as it was a solid 3 smut stars up to the 70% mark.
Now, will I be reading the next book? YES, because I quite enjoyed the author’s writing style. I’m hopeful the next book will work for me. ✨
The last thing he said to me was good girl after I spread my legs a little wider to let him sink further into me.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
January 3, 2021
3 Stars!
... A L.O.V.E. story.
First of all, I like to highlight that I really enjoyed the act of voyeurism and exhibitionism in the story. And I would be glad to give 5 perfect stars if I wanted erotica and this book was what I've read.
Note: This is an age gap, forbidden romance.
This book is okay. That's a guarantee. There were things I loved, but there were also parts I didn't like. Actually, I loved the premise. The way the author started the story was so intriguing. I instantly fell in love with it ... until the 2nd half of the book.
To say that 50% of the story was all about the hero and heroine having sex is an understatement. I'm not opposed to sex, I swear, I'm just not into it when the plot was all but sex.
Lex and Dom met in Paris, France. Lex was 22 years old and Dom was 43 years old when they first saw each other. Their instant attraction had led to one night of countless and unforgettable sex. After 1 year, they faced each other again, but in an unexpected circumstance. They did forbidden and violent things to be with each other. They made everything possible.
I never noted any elements of age gap trope throughout the story. It felt unreal that they never talked about their insecurities and concerns regarding their age gap which was 21 years. I read a lot of age gap romances and I think it's an important thing to include something like that. I don't know! It's just that I felt stuffs was missing in this book.
Moreover, I didn't like the hero. Something was off with him and I never did find the switch to turn him on. I agree, every sex scenes were amazing, him included. But, that's it. Outside of that aspect, I didn't connect with him. He's just inhuman, and what he did was jaw-dropping, in a bad way; I'm horrified and shocked. The things he'd done for the sake of Lex? I hated it. It was absolutely wrong and unbelievable. It implies that too much love for a person could cause horror.
I have so many issues with this book. And I really tried to love it but I couldn't. I was extremely bothered that almost every time I flipped a page, I'd read the words; fuck, cock, clit, cum, drenched, soaking wet. I endured those things because I really wanted to continue and hoped something good would happen. But, it only led to pregnant trope and HEA. The End!
Sad to say, I didn't like the book. Good thing is I at least enjoyed it. In fact, all I really wanted was to feel the feeling of fervency everytime I read a forbidden romance and I would be happy to give this book 5 stars. Nevertheless, this was such a great read for my first M. Johnson book!
L - Luciferian
O - Obsessive
V - Vapid
E - Ecstatic
Trigger Warning: Vivid depiction of murder.
... A L.O.V.E. story.
First of all, I like to highlight that I really enjoyed the act of voyeurism and exhibitionism in the story. And I would be glad to give 5 perfect stars if I wanted erotica and this book was what I've read.
Note: This is an age gap, forbidden romance.
This book is okay. That's a guarantee. There were things I loved, but there were also parts I didn't like. Actually, I loved the premise. The way the author started the story was so intriguing. I instantly fell in love with it ... until the 2nd half of the book.
To say that 50% of the story was all about the hero and heroine having sex is an understatement. I'm not opposed to sex, I swear, I'm just not into it when the plot was all but sex.
Lex and Dom met in Paris, France. Lex was 22 years old and Dom was 43 years old when they first saw each other. Their instant attraction had led to one night of countless and unforgettable sex. After 1 year, they faced each other again, but in an unexpected circumstance. They did forbidden and violent things to be with each other. They made everything possible.
I never noted any elements of age gap trope throughout the story. It felt unreal that they never talked about their insecurities and concerns regarding their age gap which was 21 years. I read a lot of age gap romances and I think it's an important thing to include something like that. I don't know! It's just that I felt stuffs was missing in this book.
Moreover, I didn't like the hero. Something was off with him and I never did find the switch to turn him on. I agree, every sex scenes were amazing, him included. But, that's it. Outside of that aspect, I didn't connect with him. He's just inhuman, and what he did was jaw-dropping, in a bad way; I'm horrified and shocked. The things he'd done for the sake of Lex? I hated it. It was absolutely wrong and unbelievable. It implies that too much love for a person could cause horror.
"Love is violent, visceral and primal. It’s often uncontrollable and uncontainable."
I have so many issues with this book. And I really tried to love it but I couldn't. I was extremely bothered that almost every time I flipped a page, I'd read the words; fuck, cock, clit, cum, drenched, soaking wet. I endured those things because I really wanted to continue and hoped something good would happen. But, it only led to pregnant trope and HEA. The End!
Sad to say, I didn't like the book. Good thing is I at least enjoyed it. In fact, all I really wanted was to feel the feeling of fervency everytime I read a forbidden romance and I would be happy to give this book 5 stars. Nevertheless, this was such a great read for my first M. Johnson book!
L - Luciferian
O - Obsessive
V - Vapid
E - Ecstatic
“Everything I do is for you.”
Trigger Warning: Vivid depiction of murder.
December 29, 2020
4 Give into Temptation Stars ⭐
I LOVE that this story is set in Melbourne and that the places mentioned are real and on my doorstep. It makes it so real and helps me visualise it perfectly. Although this love affair begins in the 'city of love' it concludes in beautiful Australia. No koalas or kangaroos in sight... but I digress.
Whilst attending a wedding in Paris, Lexi let's loose for the first time in a long while. In a moment of craziness she exposes herself to a stranger (ahem) which follows by a night of some seriously steamy banging.
When my head falls, he tightens his fist in my hair and pulls my head up so I'm staring at the reflection of us in the window.
"Watch me as I fuck you."
But waking to an empty bed the following morning turns it into a distant memory. Settling back into real life, Lexi begins dating her housemate Nate with very little enthusiasm. But figuring out that her boyfriend's father is none other than 'McDaddy' is one serious conflict of interest. Not to mention that said father Dominic is one filthy bastard who wants a repeat.
I want her to want this as badly as I do.
I want her to choke on the need for me to fuck her.
I want it to consume her, like she consumes me.
Because that's what addicts do.
Dominic had Lexi, and lost her first. A year may have passed but the chemistry remains. They will need to hurt the one person they both care for as they pick up where their tryst ended.
He Saw Me First is an erotic, forbidden age gap romance that will singe your eyebrows off (I don't say that lightly). Dominic sees his salvation in this girl, and is unstoppable once they reconnect in his possessive OTT ways...
Beware as this book is not safe. We have a hero with a penchant for breaking and entering, and his sex dirty with a side of voyeurism. I guess they're all positives, but on a serious note, it also touches on depression, cheating and suicide.
I was really impressed with my first read by this author. This is perfect if you like orgasm wielding alphas and heroines who prefer their sex on the spicier side of the spectrum! 🔥🔥
ARC provided in an exchange for my honest opinion.
I LOVE that this story is set in Melbourne and that the places mentioned are real and on my doorstep. It makes it so real and helps me visualise it perfectly. Although this love affair begins in the 'city of love' it concludes in beautiful Australia. No koalas or kangaroos in sight... but I digress.
Whilst attending a wedding in Paris, Lexi let's loose for the first time in a long while. In a moment of craziness she exposes herself to a stranger (ahem) which follows by a night of some seriously steamy banging.
When my head falls, he tightens his fist in my hair and pulls my head up so I'm staring at the reflection of us in the window.
"Watch me as I fuck you."
But waking to an empty bed the following morning turns it into a distant memory. Settling back into real life, Lexi begins dating her housemate Nate with very little enthusiasm. But figuring out that her boyfriend's father is none other than 'McDaddy' is one serious conflict of interest. Not to mention that said father Dominic is one filthy bastard who wants a repeat.
I want her to want this as badly as I do.
I want her to choke on the need for me to fuck her.
I want it to consume her, like she consumes me.
Because that's what addicts do.
Dominic had Lexi, and lost her first. A year may have passed but the chemistry remains. They will need to hurt the one person they both care for as they pick up where their tryst ended.
He Saw Me First is an erotic, forbidden age gap romance that will singe your eyebrows off (I don't say that lightly). Dominic sees his salvation in this girl, and is unstoppable once they reconnect in his possessive OTT ways...
Beware as this book is not safe. We have a hero with a penchant for breaking and entering, and his sex dirty with a side of voyeurism. I guess they're all positives, but on a serious note, it also touches on depression, cheating and suicide.
I was really impressed with my first read by this author. This is perfect if you like orgasm wielding alphas and heroines who prefer their sex on the spicier side of the spectrum! 🔥🔥
ARC provided in an exchange for my honest opinion.
January 12, 2021
Book: He Saw Me First
Author: M. Johnson
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Genre: Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars!
Age: Lexi - 23; Dominic- 44.
Triggers:
What a ride! He Saw Me First was dark, sexy, thrilling, gritty and straight up delicious. So intense right from the start. I devoured this story in less than 24 hours. It had everything I wanted, hot sizzling chemistry, a yummy alpha male and a feisty heroine. And damn, it was also scorching hot. I'm telling you, Missy Johnson sure knows how to get a reader hot and bothered. It doesn't hurt either that she knows how to do her craft. I was addicted to it and it was my first book of hers. *fist bump* The oozing chemistry and sexual tension between Lexi and Dom could be felt through the pages. It started off pretty innocuous and just builds from there until you are sitting at the edge of your seat to see what happens next.
Dom had such a large energy in this story. From the beginning I found myself captivated and sucked into his energy. This book is so much more than an erotica, that's what I initially thought it was, and frankly there was a lot (and I mean, a lot) of sex. But it was also about love, revenge, guilt and redemption. It was jam-packed with some off-the-charts burning passion. This could’ve easily been a few chapters longer than what it is and I would’ve been perfectly happy.
This book contains mature themes and some disturbing scenes that might make certain readers uncomfortable. M. Johnson didn't mince or romanticize some aspects of this story and I'm grateful for her to be honest since this is not an "all hearts and flowers" kind of book and certainly not a conventional love story. While I do believe Nate was a product of his upbringing and Dominic had a huge hand in how his life turned out, I ultimately think that Nate could've been saved.
Safety:
Overall, M. Johnson has created this new world that is full of betrayal, taboo and love. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Sign me up for the next novel.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Follow my blog for more reviews: Crazy, Candid Chattering
Author: M. Johnson
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Genre: Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars!
Age: Lexi - 23; Dominic- 44.
Triggers:
I want to devour her from the inside out. I want to see her trembling with ecstasy, sobbing with pleasure and begging me for mercy all at the same time.
What a ride! He Saw Me First was dark, sexy, thrilling, gritty and straight up delicious. So intense right from the start. I devoured this story in less than 24 hours. It had everything I wanted, hot sizzling chemistry, a yummy alpha male and a feisty heroine. And damn, it was also scorching hot. I'm telling you, Missy Johnson sure knows how to get a reader hot and bothered. It doesn't hurt either that she knows how to do her craft. I was addicted to it and it was my first book of hers. *fist bump* The oozing chemistry and sexual tension between Lexi and Dom could be felt through the pages. It started off pretty innocuous and just builds from there until you are sitting at the edge of your seat to see what happens next.
I'm selfish. A monster. She's mine to use and abuse as I please. But on top of that, I adore her with everything I fucking have to give.
Dom had such a large energy in this story. From the beginning I found myself captivated and sucked into his energy. This book is so much more than an erotica, that's what I initially thought it was, and frankly there was a lot (and I mean, a lot) of sex. But it was also about love, revenge, guilt and redemption. It was jam-packed with some off-the-charts burning passion. This could’ve easily been a few chapters longer than what it is and I would’ve been perfectly happy.
I want her to want this as badly as I do.
I want her to choke on the need for me to fuck her.
I want it to consume her, like she consumes me.
Because that's what addicts do.
This book contains mature themes and some disturbing scenes that might make certain readers uncomfortable. M. Johnson didn't mince or romanticize some aspects of this story and I'm grateful for her to be honest since this is not an "all hearts and flowers" kind of book and certainly not a conventional love story. While I do believe Nate was a product of his upbringing and Dominic had a huge hand in how his life turned out, I ultimately think that Nate could've been saved.
Safety:
No matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise, there's an emptiness buried deep inside me, like something is missing. Something I feel like I might never find again. That scares me more than anything else.
Overall, M. Johnson has created this new world that is full of betrayal, taboo and love. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Sign me up for the next novel.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Follow my blog for more reviews: Crazy, Candid Chattering
July 14, 2021
*Major Spoilers*
Dom is one of the worst book heroes ever and not even stupid Lexi deserves such a pri*k.
No doubt this was hella smutty and yes, it started off well until M Johnson decided to flip the script by introducing some weighty topics that had no business in erotica.
Suicide ideation, addiction, rape and filicide should come with serious trigger warnings and must be handled responsibly. I was blindsided and repulsed by this supposed romance between a 44 yo mess of a man and the ditzy heroine.
Edit 1: Dom broke into Lexi’s hotel room and they had consensual but unprotected sex. Keep in mind Dom is an addict and sexually deviant and even if he were a choir boy, no woman should be having unprotected sex with a stranger. Are you crazy?
January 1, 2021
Let me tell you from the beginning, please leave your moral compass outside for this.
I mean was it necessary for the heroine to drag dating the other guy for so long? No. Do I care? No. Let's be honest, this book is about smut and more smut, so please don't torture yourself with some higher morals, while reading it.
It was inappropriate, obsessive, a little sick - but oh so steamy.
I loved the writing in the first half. It was fast paced and well executed, extremely hot and so well done, I could feel those two going crazy for each other. The second part kind of fell apart for me, it was dragging a bit, while I already predicted what would happen. So I skimmed some of the inner musings just to see how it would turn around...
All in all, I would consider this one an elaborate and well executed erotic fantasy with some elements of dark romance. And the erotic part was perfectly kinky and hot, so if you need some smut after all those sweet holiday movies and books, get in and enjoy the ride!
I mean was it necessary for the heroine to drag dating the other guy for so long? No. Do I care? No. Let's be honest, this book is about smut and more smut, so please don't torture yourself with some higher morals, while reading it.
It was inappropriate, obsessive, a little sick - but oh so steamy.
I loved the writing in the first half. It was fast paced and well executed, extremely hot and so well done, I could feel those two going crazy for each other. The second part kind of fell apart for me, it was dragging a bit, while I already predicted what would happen. So I skimmed some of the inner musings just to see how it would turn around...
All in all, I would consider this one an elaborate and well executed erotic fantasy with some elements of dark romance. And the erotic part was perfectly kinky and hot, so if you need some smut after all those sweet holiday movies and books, get in and enjoy the ride!
December 20, 2020
He Saw Me First was a down right steamy forbidden romance that will make you beg for more. When I first read the blurb to this story, I knew that I had to have it because it has two of my most absolute favorite things which is forbidden and an age gap. I was practically weak in the knees when I saw this and even though I was expecting more from this story, I’m glad that I took a chance on this one and enjoyed most of it.
Picture this for a moment. You’re twenty one, single, a good girl, and you’re in the most romantic place of all time by yourself. You’ve always done things the right way and have never once stepped out into the unknown and did something crazy. But that’s all about to change because for one night, you’ve decided to give into temptation and indulge in to a forbidden world. This became the reality for Lexi and that night is not only going to change the course of her life, but is going to lead to some shocking revelations.
I really loved the forbidden aspect to this story and if I’m being honest, I wanted to see more of it play out. I felt like it was glossed over a little bit and there was so much more that could have been done despite it being a short read. I also felt that certain things were a little too convenient and that if the story had gone the other way, I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
With that being said, I truly did enjoy the other parts of the story and I liked the main characters being together. You felt their connection immediately and you knew that once they got together, it was going to be explosive!!! If you're looking for quick forbidden, hot as hell read, then this one is for you.
January 4, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Needed More Depth and Meaning*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
*THANK YOU TO THE AUTHOR FOR GIVING ME A FREE ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW*
Lexi Hunter met a man in Paris a year ago that changed her world, however, she didn't get his name. Now a year later... she being 23 and saying yes to try to be more than friends with Nate Robinson, her roommate in trying to move on. This includes meeting the father of her "new boyfriend. Only to find out that his estranged dad is her stranger from Paris, Dominic ‘Dom’ (44). The one who she hasn't stopped thinking about since Paris, and she's not alone in feeling this.
Overall I have a few problems with the book. One being depth. While there was a whole lot of sex - hot sex even - there was pretty much nothing else. Outside of sex, I found the relationship lacking. And how is it a relationship? They don't really know each other. They don't talk about likes and don't likes, and so forth. I felt no emotion when (which was predictable btw), I felt nothing when Dom pushed Lexi away, because there was no emotions from the characters. And how can there be love when they only have chemistry while fucking? We and they know nothing of each other besides what's on the surface and what they like in "bed", and that made it hard to connect.
That said, I did like the sex scenes, even got turned on at some point, but in the end, there's a thing called "too much sex" and it takes up the story. But the book has potential. It just need more depth, more development from the characters, and frankly and more deeper plot line. Also I have to point out that I did not like that Dom seemed so desperate. Also, I think he would be hell a lot more appealing had we not gotten his POV. That said, he was still great in bed, but other than that, I don't really know him. Perhaps had the author gone more in depth in the age gap to create more... drama, or show the difference in how they view things? If they view things differently; we don't really know. Or how Dom got into his... profession? I'm guessing he's rich? I just needed more, more details of who the character were. But I liked his dominance.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/F)
Series: - Series (Standalone), Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
Triggers? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dominic ‘Dom’.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3/2 stars (I'm being kind).
December 28, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I love a good age gap romance but M. Johnson just took it one step further and gave us not only an older man/younger woman story, she gave us a dirty, not to be read in public unless you're into that, fanning myself and crossing my legs type of story. I was intrigued from the first look Dom and Lexi shared and from there their relationship went beyond my expectations but in the best way possible.
A dirty older man, voyeurism, drama, and even a little bit of suspense. I don't think there's anything else I could have asked for from this book. It had me captivated just waiting to see how far these characters would push the chemistry between them and I wasn't disappointed at all with the way they kept pushing the boundaries.
Was it smutty and dirty? Hell yes. But it was more then that too. Dom and Lexi really did share a connection and I loved seeing it. It gave this book that something special and connected me to these characters in some pretty powerful ways. The story was heartbreaking at times and had me on the edge of my seat but even through the painful moment it somehow never stopped being a really fun read. This is one I would definitely recommend reading.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I love a good age gap romance but M. Johnson just took it one step further and gave us not only an older man/younger woman story, she gave us a dirty, not to be read in public unless you're into that, fanning myself and crossing my legs type of story. I was intrigued from the first look Dom and Lexi shared and from there their relationship went beyond my expectations but in the best way possible.
A dirty older man, voyeurism, drama, and even a little bit of suspense. I don't think there's anything else I could have asked for from this book. It had me captivated just waiting to see how far these characters would push the chemistry between them and I wasn't disappointed at all with the way they kept pushing the boundaries.
Was it smutty and dirty? Hell yes. But it was more then that too. Dom and Lexi really did share a connection and I loved seeing it. It gave this book that something special and connected me to these characters in some pretty powerful ways. The story was heartbreaking at times and had me on the edge of my seat but even through the painful moment it somehow never stopped being a really fun read. This is one I would definitely recommend reading.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2020
I always love a good age gap, and now I am adding he saw me first to my list. He Saw Me First is the first book by the author, and I didn’t expect it to be such an emotional experience. Ahead to the trigger warning and have tissues on hand. My advice is to go in blind and have an open mind. The review will be vague as I don't want to give any spoilers.
Lexi, twenty-one in Paris for a wedding, Taking advice from her best friend, Jay she steps outside the box and into the forbidden. She does something crazy, gives in to temptation, and spends a fantastic night with a stranger. One year later and she reconnects with the stranger, and neither has forgotten the other. All is not what it seems, and you will be shocked when it comes all into the light.
M. Johnson delivers us a captivating story full of steam, heartbreak, and suspense. In one scene, I felt like I was the voyeur watching an exhibitionist scene. My only constructive criticism is that a few parts of the book could have been more in detail. I did enjoy the book and recommend this forbidden age gap.
Lexi, twenty-one in Paris for a wedding, Taking advice from her best friend, Jay she steps outside the box and into the forbidden. She does something crazy, gives in to temptation, and spends a fantastic night with a stranger. One year later and she reconnects with the stranger, and neither has forgotten the other. All is not what it seems, and you will be shocked when it comes all into the light.
M. Johnson delivers us a captivating story full of steam, heartbreak, and suspense. In one scene, I felt like I was the voyeur watching an exhibitionist scene. My only constructive criticism is that a few parts of the book could have been more in detail. I did enjoy the book and recommend this forbidden age gap.
December 30, 2020
3.5 Stars
Not gonna lie, for almost the first half I didn’t think I was gonna like this one.
Omg Lexi, grow a backbone!
Ok so maybe I’m a bit of a hypocrite. I dated a guy for six months whom I never felt more than brotherly love. He was the nicest guy but guess what? When I was certain it wasn’t gonna work, I ended it. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Long story short (too late), this thing between Nate and Lexi is so uncomfortable.
I hate to compare this to Intoxication but the similarities are unmistakable. And while I did have issues with Intoxication what was done right was the dad. He was unbelievably sexy and the night they shared was beyond salacious and dreamy. I think where this one misses the mark was bad timing. I don’t think enough time was given for the steam to build and when it was released it wasn’t enough.
Oh ... he’s a bad bad man and dirty to boot. Perhaps this is looking up.
“I just don’t understand why you’d want boring and predictable when you can have the man you’ve fantasised about for the last twelve fucking months.” Hmm right?
Is it just me or does Nate feel like a rapist? Like he’s just waiting to finally cross that line? And Jesus Christ, daddy’s not much better; Stalky McStalkerson.
Obviously the best part of this is Dom, he’s everything. And if he wasn’t a selfish, greedy monster I probably wouldn’t like him. Talk about a mindfuck.
And holy shit, it got a lot better when they went to Copenhagen. The theater alone upped my score by a star.
So I was right and wrong but I didn’t see all that drama on the horizon. Talk about a soap opera ... in the best possible way.
My only issue with Dom is his inner monologue is repetitive as all get out. Yes, I understand for the millionth time that you’ll do anything to protect Lexi.
While it was sweet and I’m glad we wrapped everything in a beautiful box, I did think the epilogue was a little long in the tooth.
Not gonna lie, for almost the first half I didn’t think I was gonna like this one.
Omg Lexi, grow a backbone!
Ok so maybe I’m a bit of a hypocrite. I dated a guy for six months whom I never felt more than brotherly love. He was the nicest guy but guess what? When I was certain it wasn’t gonna work, I ended it. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Long story short (too late), this thing between Nate and Lexi is so uncomfortable.
I hate to compare this to Intoxication but the similarities are unmistakable. And while I did have issues with Intoxication what was done right was the dad. He was unbelievably sexy and the night they shared was beyond salacious and dreamy. I think where this one misses the mark was bad timing. I don’t think enough time was given for the steam to build and when it was released it wasn’t enough.
Oh ... he’s a bad bad man and dirty to boot. Perhaps this is looking up.
“I just don’t understand why you’d want boring and predictable when you can have the man you’ve fantasised about for the last twelve fucking months.” Hmm right?
Is it just me or does Nate feel like a rapist? Like he’s just waiting to finally cross that line? And Jesus Christ, daddy’s not much better; Stalky McStalkerson.
Obviously the best part of this is Dom, he’s everything. And if he wasn’t a selfish, greedy monster I probably wouldn’t like him. Talk about a mindfuck.
And holy shit, it got a lot better when they went to Copenhagen. The theater alone upped my score by a star.
So I was right and wrong but I didn’t see all that drama on the horizon. Talk about a soap opera ... in the best possible way.
My only issue with Dom is his inner monologue is repetitive as all get out. Yes, I understand for the millionth time that you’ll do anything to protect Lexi.
While it was sweet and I’m glad we wrapped everything in a beautiful box, I did think the epilogue was a little long in the tooth.
did-not-finish
December 28, 2020DNF 35%
I like this author and her writing but I just can’t be bothered for the whole dating the son and secretly being intimate with the dad. I’m all for older men or single dads but there’s no need to date the son. She could have easily broken up with Nate and started having sex with Dom. Too much drama waiting to happen for me. She doesn’t even like Nate in a romantic way why waste your time and his.
That’s so disappointing because I was really looking forward to reading this. The start was great I loved it but the whole dating the son thing threw me off. I also want to say that Dom should have more respect for his son’s feelings and relationship. I get this is supposed to be some forbidden romance and I’m all in for that but the whole relationship with Nate shouldn’t have happened which makes the forbidden aspect sound unrealistic. Im still reading the second book though because I do like this authors writing and the second book sounds more appealing.
I like this author and her writing but I just can’t be bothered for the whole dating the son and secretly being intimate with the dad. I’m all for older men or single dads but there’s no need to date the son. She could have easily broken up with Nate and started having sex with Dom. Too much drama waiting to happen for me. She doesn’t even like Nate in a romantic way why waste your time and his.
That’s so disappointing because I was really looking forward to reading this. The start was great I loved it but the whole dating the son thing threw me off. I also want to say that Dom should have more respect for his son’s feelings and relationship. I get this is supposed to be some forbidden romance and I’m all in for that but the whole relationship with Nate shouldn’t have happened which makes the forbidden aspect sound unrealistic. Im still reading the second book though because I do like this authors writing and the second book sounds more appealing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
This is a delicious book.
It’s worth the reading!
It’s worth the reading!
Read
December 29, 2020I just read the blurb and it was 🔥🔥🔥
All my friends who like it taboo and twisted are gonna be drooling for this. 🤤😍😍
Age gap✔️
Forbidden ✔️
Dirty-talk ✔️
Intimidating Hero ✔️
Voyeurism ✔️
Need I say more 😉
All my friends who like it taboo and twisted are gonna be drooling for this. 🤤😍😍
Age gap✔️
Forbidden ✔️
Dirty-talk ✔️
Intimidating Hero ✔️
Voyeurism ✔️
Need I say more 😉
Read
January 1, 2022DNF
I can't take this seriously.
Dom is elusive. There is so much missing to him.
The relationship between Lexi and Nate makes no sense to me. It's contrived and it seems to be there to add the taboo element only.
On top of that, I couldn't feel a connection between Lexi and Dom. Zilch, nada, zero!
Another wrong edition I guess.
Peace!
I can't take this seriously.
Dom is elusive. There is so much missing to him.
The relationship between Lexi and Nate makes no sense to me. It's contrived and it seems to be there to add the taboo element only.
On top of that, I couldn't feel a connection between Lexi and Dom. Zilch, nada, zero!
Another wrong edition I guess.
Peace!
January 2, 2021
2 STARS
I was beyond conflicted in my rating of this book. The first 70% of the story was a solid 3.5 or 4 star for me and then it completely went to hell in a hand basket in the final 30%.
I love a good age gap with forbidden elements thrown in. And it just doesn't get more forbidden than your boyfriend's father. I was so here for it.
I'll keep this review short and to the point. What did I like? The beginning. Lexi shares a night with a stranger in Paris that changes her irrevocably. She hasn't been able to move on from the man that rocked her world so thoroughly but she knows that she'll never see him again. Back home, her friend and housemate, Nate, wants them to date. And while she's hesitant to ruin their friendship and feels little to no chemistry with him, Lexi decides to give it a try and takes things slow. In all fairness, because of the lack of chemistry or anything really between these two, I didn't even feel like there was cheating in this book. Nate and Lexi were friends at best and housemates at worst. It was almost awkward seeing them try to make anything romantic out of it considering you can clearly tell that Nate is way more into Lexi than she into him.
When Nate takes Lexi for dinner, she discovers the name of the man that so rocked her world in Paris. And plot twist, he's Nate's father.
What begins is a lurid and sizzling affair between two people that have everything to lose.
The first 60% of the story is little story and plenty of smut. And considering I do love me my smutty smut smut, I didn't take it too seriously and enjoyed it. I thought it would be a smutty romance with a hot forbidden element and I was here for it. But then it took a turn and it did so in irreparable ways.
The book touches some extremely dark elements that are triggering. However, I really didn't feel like they were handled in a good way. If a book is meant to be smutty, it should stay smutty. But if it's going to have the elements that it did, then those elements shouldn't be glazed over and there needs to be development. There wasn't.
But what ultimately dropped my rating is the final 10%. I won't ruin it for those that are going to read this, but I will say that I absolutely HATED the plot twist. But what I hated even more is the incredibly blasé way it was handled. It was rage inducing for me. Of all the ways that this book could have ended, that was the absolute worse scenario I could ever envision. It read like an easy way out for Lexi and I was absolutely repulsed for it with Dominic. The nonchalance in the way it was handled after was even more maddening.
Now some may like it. I wasn't one of those readers, sadly. And as much as I enjoyed most of the story, the ending absolutely killed it for me. I was stewing for DAYS after it. I get riled up all over again just writing this review. Suffice it to say I was triggered.
Now if you like a hot age gap with plenty of sizzling smut, this book may be for you. Heck, plenty of readers liked it. I wish I did. I really do. The theme of this series is extremely promising so I do look forward to the next book.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I was beyond conflicted in my rating of this book. The first 70% of the story was a solid 3.5 or 4 star for me and then it completely went to hell in a hand basket in the final 30%.
I love a good age gap with forbidden elements thrown in. And it just doesn't get more forbidden than your boyfriend's father. I was so here for it.
I'll keep this review short and to the point. What did I like? The beginning. Lexi shares a night with a stranger in Paris that changes her irrevocably. She hasn't been able to move on from the man that rocked her world so thoroughly but she knows that she'll never see him again. Back home, her friend and housemate, Nate, wants them to date. And while she's hesitant to ruin their friendship and feels little to no chemistry with him, Lexi decides to give it a try and takes things slow. In all fairness, because of the lack of chemistry or anything really between these two, I didn't even feel like there was cheating in this book. Nate and Lexi were friends at best and housemates at worst. It was almost awkward seeing them try to make anything romantic out of it considering you can clearly tell that Nate is way more into Lexi than she into him.
When Nate takes Lexi for dinner, she discovers the name of the man that so rocked her world in Paris. And plot twist, he's Nate's father.
What begins is a lurid and sizzling affair between two people that have everything to lose.
The first 60% of the story is little story and plenty of smut. And considering I do love me my smutty smut smut, I didn't take it too seriously and enjoyed it. I thought it would be a smutty romance with a hot forbidden element and I was here for it. But then it took a turn and it did so in irreparable ways.
The book touches some extremely dark elements that are triggering. However, I really didn't feel like they were handled in a good way. If a book is meant to be smutty, it should stay smutty. But if it's going to have the elements that it did, then those elements shouldn't be glazed over and there needs to be development. There wasn't.
But what ultimately dropped my rating is the final 10%. I won't ruin it for those that are going to read this, but I will say that I absolutely HATED the plot twist. But what I hated even more is the incredibly blasé way it was handled. It was rage inducing for me. Of all the ways that this book could have ended, that was the absolute worse scenario I could ever envision. It read like an easy way out for Lexi and I was absolutely repulsed for it with Dominic. The nonchalance in the way it was handled after was even more maddening.
Now some may like it. I wasn't one of those readers, sadly. And as much as I enjoyed most of the story, the ending absolutely killed it for me. I was stewing for DAYS after it. I get riled up all over again just writing this review. Suffice it to say I was triggered.
Now if you like a hot age gap with plenty of sizzling smut, this book may be for you. Heck, plenty of readers liked it. I wish I did. I really do. The theme of this series is extremely promising so I do look forward to the next book.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
December 28, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐
First of all I need to take a deep breath. It was awesome! It was a fiction that fascinated me with every detail.
I don't know how to describe my feelings and thoughts that are as complex as a book.
I have to admit that the pulse of the book was too high and I was drifting. I finished in a day. It was an incredibly hot. I can't give up the trio of Dark Romance, age-gap and forbidden love. And this book met my expectations. Although it's my first book by M. Johnson, it'll definitely not be the last!
It all starts in a hotel room in Paris.
As Lexi undresses, she notices the stranger watching her in front of her. She continues to insist on looking at the stranger and undress.
The next day, stranger leaves a card with his number in the room.
When Lexi calls the number, it's too late to give up.
"I was wondering if you'd call."
The sound of his low, gravelly voice makes my heartstutter in my chest. It's not fear, at least, I don't think it is, but my stomach twists so tightly I feel sick.
"What do you want?" I whisper.
"You."
He pauses for a moment, just long enough that I know he hears my breath catch.
"Do you want me to come over?"
Oh god.
"Yes."
Their chemistry was so gorgeous that I caught fire while I was reading.
They had an incredibly hard relationship. Dom is an amazing man. He's successful on the fine line between making love and fucking.
When I read the first chapters, "I guess I don't like that, what is this?" I said. Especially that night and when I found out the truth about Dom, I was SHOCKED! And the book has taken a completely different turn!
"My fingers clench around her thigh, and she clamps her legs together like a virgin trying to remain pure. She's not a virgin, though.
She's a wild, reckless, absolutely flthy, beautiful woman.
And she's all mine."
Not only had the tropes I loved, but with a good plot and amazing characters made the book memorable for me, the author. Dom is quite different from other male characters.
There is much more to this book than the age-gap in other age-gap books.
The narration and characters were great. It has one of the fiction that I can call truly unique.
Mystery, love, erotic... They all come together and this beautiful book has come into being. IT WAS PERFECT!
The age difference between Dom and Lexi is twenty one.
And the third person in the story has a suicidal tendency. If there are those who could be affected by this...
❗❗ -Age gap
-Forbidden
-Dirty-talk
-Intimidating Hero
-Voyeurism
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
First of all I need to take a deep breath. It was awesome! It was a fiction that fascinated me with every detail.
I don't know how to describe my feelings and thoughts that are as complex as a book.
I have to admit that the pulse of the book was too high and I was drifting. I finished in a day. It was an incredibly hot. I can't give up the trio of Dark Romance, age-gap and forbidden love. And this book met my expectations. Although it's my first book by M. Johnson, it'll definitely not be the last!
It all starts in a hotel room in Paris.
As Lexi undresses, she notices the stranger watching her in front of her. She continues to insist on looking at the stranger and undress.
The next day, stranger leaves a card with his number in the room.
When Lexi calls the number, it's too late to give up.
"I was wondering if you'd call."
The sound of his low, gravelly voice makes my heartstutter in my chest. It's not fear, at least, I don't think it is, but my stomach twists so tightly I feel sick.
"What do you want?" I whisper.
"You."
He pauses for a moment, just long enough that I know he hears my breath catch.
"Do you want me to come over?"
Oh god.
"Yes."
Their chemistry was so gorgeous that I caught fire while I was reading.
They had an incredibly hard relationship. Dom is an amazing man. He's successful on the fine line between making love and fucking.
When I read the first chapters, "I guess I don't like that, what is this?" I said. Especially that night and when I found out the truth about Dom, I was SHOCKED! And the book has taken a completely different turn!
"My fingers clench around her thigh, and she clamps her legs together like a virgin trying to remain pure. She's not a virgin, though.
She's a wild, reckless, absolutely flthy, beautiful woman.
And she's all mine."
Not only had the tropes I loved, but with a good plot and amazing characters made the book memorable for me, the author. Dom is quite different from other male characters.
There is much more to this book than the age-gap in other age-gap books.
The narration and characters were great. It has one of the fiction that I can call truly unique.
Mystery, love, erotic... They all come together and this beautiful book has come into being. IT WAS PERFECT!
The age difference between Dom and Lexi is twenty one.
And the third person in the story has a suicidal tendency. If there are those who could be affected by this...
❗❗ -Age gap
-Forbidden
-Dirty-talk
-Intimidating Hero
-Voyeurism
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
December 27, 2020
Lexi is on holiday in France when she does something completely out of her comfort zone. Standing in front of her hotel room window, she notices a man in the opposite building sitting in a chair watching her. Knowing she will never know who he is, she decides to strip for him. Little did she know that this would lead to the awakening of something in Lexi she hadn’t realised was laying dormant.
One year later her best guy friend and flatmate Nate confesses he has feelings for her. She agrees to dating him and see if there is something worth exploring between them. Taking things slowly with him, she soon realises that keeping things platonic is how she prefers their relationship. When he invites her out for dinner to meet his father, everything changes. The man she meets is the man from the window in Paris, the man she ended up spending one incredibly sexy night with. Talk about a mind fuck.
Ironically, it turns out that his name is Dom. An apt description of a man that completely dominated her sexually and one that she has not stopped thinking about. The pull between them is ridiculously intense. He wants her, she wants him but is dating his son. A slight conundrum! However, lust seems to win in the end and omg, things get very hot and heavy pretty rapidly and I loved every moment of it!
The first 80% of this story was unexpectedly hot and sexy. Way more than I was anticipating and at times very erotic :) Things then change into a more suspenseful theme which I was not expecting towards the end. It is probably just me but I didn’t like how things changed so quickly and it did affect my enjoyment of this story. The first 80% for me was 4.5 stars but towards the end 3.5 stars.
The summary of this story was what pulled me in, I love a good forbidden romance :) However, I ended up with very mixed emotions in the end.
One year later her best guy friend and flatmate Nate confesses he has feelings for her. She agrees to dating him and see if there is something worth exploring between them. Taking things slowly with him, she soon realises that keeping things platonic is how she prefers their relationship. When he invites her out for dinner to meet his father, everything changes. The man she meets is the man from the window in Paris, the man she ended up spending one incredibly sexy night with. Talk about a mind fuck.
Ironically, it turns out that his name is Dom. An apt description of a man that completely dominated her sexually and one that she has not stopped thinking about. The pull between them is ridiculously intense. He wants her, she wants him but is dating his son. A slight conundrum! However, lust seems to win in the end and omg, things get very hot and heavy pretty rapidly and I loved every moment of it!
The first 80% of this story was unexpectedly hot and sexy. Way more than I was anticipating and at times very erotic :) Things then change into a more suspenseful theme which I was not expecting towards the end. It is probably just me but I didn’t like how things changed so quickly and it did affect my enjoyment of this story. The first 80% for me was 4.5 stars but towards the end 3.5 stars.
The summary of this story was what pulled me in, I love a good forbidden romance :) However, I ended up with very mixed emotions in the end.
December 28, 2020
M. Johnson delivers an age gap romance that has you forgetting all about the 21 year age difference and instead has you rooting for Lexi and Dom from the very beginning.
The story starts out with Lexi in Paris for a wedding and her friend, that is back home, suggests that she cut loose, have a ONS, do something that she wouldn't normally do. Sounds intriguing doesn't it, what would you do if you could just let go for a night without repercussions? I will admit I'd never be as bold as Lexi was but sometimes I wish I could be.
You can read my full review along with an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewHSMF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
The story starts out with Lexi in Paris for a wedding and her friend, that is back home, suggests that she cut loose, have a ONS, do something that she wouldn't normally do. Sounds intriguing doesn't it, what would you do if you could just let go for a night without repercussions? I will admit I'd never be as bold as Lexi was but sometimes I wish I could be.
You can read my full review along with an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewHSMF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
January 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
Wow! What a sexy read. He Saw Me First was a wonderful story between two people (Dom & Lexi) who spent one passionate night together in the romantic city of Paris. But things get pretty complicated when they met again. I didn't expect that twist in the story. People are never too perfect and we all do stupid things. Don't judge. It was well-written that kept my interest from the beginning until the end. I read some books by this author and this book was darker than her normal style and I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for age-gap erotic romance, I highly recommend you check this book out.
Note: ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2021
The most meaningless book I’ve read this year.
There’s a fine line between writing erotic romance and just straight-up porn and I think the author doesn’t get it.This book is pretty much just a series of sex scenes till 70%.No storyline,no character development and I definitely didn’t feel any chemistry between h&H.
Then suddenly after 70% Miss Johnson becomes gangsta and adds kidnapping,father killing his own son,the same father trying to commit suicide but not because he felt sorry for killing his son,pregnancy trope and of course their happily ever after...
What the actual fuck! Can I have the time I wasted on this book back please?
There’s a fine line between writing erotic romance and just straight-up porn and I think the author doesn’t get it.This book is pretty much just a series of sex scenes till 70%.No storyline,no character development and I definitely didn’t feel any chemistry between h&H.
Then suddenly after 70% Miss Johnson becomes gangsta and adds kidnapping,father killing his own son,the same father trying to commit suicide but not because he felt sorry for killing his son,pregnancy trope and of course their happily ever after...
What the actual fuck! Can I have the time I wasted on this book back please?
December 28, 2020
It was one night in Paris with a man almost twice my age. I never thought I’d see him again. I was wrong…
👆⬆👆⬆👆⬆👆 You’re not ready for this!
Hooooooly dirty goodness, batkids! Okay, so listen, I know the synopsis the book is pretty much telling you relations might be fire, but you still don’t know.
If forbidden, age-gap, get to the fire of it all quick and easy is your jam … #oneclick
DO.IT.
Seriously
This story is sinfully delicious from page one and the intensity does not lessen even for a second. A ridiculously great story of awakenings, desires, shooting for the stars, stepping outside the comfort, making your own normal and just ALL THE THINGS SEXY!
Download your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited!!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3jiFCGX
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Hm3eNF
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2TeZ78M
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/37zq1Au
👆⬆👆⬆👆⬆👆 You’re not ready for this!
Hooooooly dirty goodness, batkids! Okay, so listen, I know the synopsis the book is pretty much telling you relations might be fire, but you still don’t know.
If forbidden, age-gap, get to the fire of it all quick and easy is your jam … #oneclick
DO.IT.
Seriously
This story is sinfully delicious from page one and the intensity does not lessen even for a second. A ridiculously great story of awakenings, desires, shooting for the stars, stepping outside the comfort, making your own normal and just ALL THE THINGS SEXY!
Download your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited!!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3jiFCGX
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Hm3eNF
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2TeZ78M
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/37zq1Au
December 28, 2020
LIVE AND IN KINDLE UNLIMITED! https://amzn.to/3421iD1
WARNING: While this book is best enjoyed going in blind, it does contain distressing themes that may upset some readers. If you think you might be one of those readers, please see the specific triggers below:
EXCERPT:
“Nervous?”
Stopping outside the restaurant, Nate takes my hand and tugs me closer until our bodies touch. His eyes darken as he twists a loose strand of hair behind my ear, before pulling me in for a soft but persuasive kiss. I can’t deny there’s an attraction between us, I’m just not sure whether it’s worth risking our friendship over.
“Why would I be nervous? I’m just a friend meeting your dad,” I remind him.
“A friend with benefits.”
“Not that many benefits,” I retort, playfully slapping his arm.
His hand slides effortlessly from around my waist as he holds the restaurant door open for me. I walk inside and then let him take the lead.
“There he is—far back table,” Nate murmurs.
When I look up, our eyes lock, and I can’t breathe. I stop in the middle of the restaurant, unable to tear my gaze away from him. He stares right back at me, his expression unfaltering. The only reaction I get is a flicker of recognition in his eyes, enough for me to know he remembers who I am.
It’s almost a year to the day since our night in Paris, but I can still remember every tiny detail like it was yesterday. His soft touch, his warm breath against my thigh, the feel of his mouth as it pressed against my lips, how he made me come in ways I never thought were even imaginable . . .Everything about that night is instilled in my mind because it’s all I think about.
“Are you okay?”
Startled, I look at Nate when he touches my arm.
“I’m fine,” I whisper, even though I’m not.
“It’s okay.” Nate's soft voice hums in my ear. He coaxes me forward, mistaking my hesitation as nerves over meeting his father. “You’ll be fine. I promise he doesn’t bite.”
Oh, I promise you he does.
WARNING: While this book is best enjoyed going in blind, it does contain distressing themes that may upset some readers. If you think you might be one of those readers, please see the specific triggers below:
EXCERPT:
“Nervous?”
Stopping outside the restaurant, Nate takes my hand and tugs me closer until our bodies touch. His eyes darken as he twists a loose strand of hair behind my ear, before pulling me in for a soft but persuasive kiss. I can’t deny there’s an attraction between us, I’m just not sure whether it’s worth risking our friendship over.
“Why would I be nervous? I’m just a friend meeting your dad,” I remind him.
“A friend with benefits.”
“Not that many benefits,” I retort, playfully slapping his arm.
His hand slides effortlessly from around my waist as he holds the restaurant door open for me. I walk inside and then let him take the lead.
“There he is—far back table,” Nate murmurs.
When I look up, our eyes lock, and I can’t breathe. I stop in the middle of the restaurant, unable to tear my gaze away from him. He stares right back at me, his expression unfaltering. The only reaction I get is a flicker of recognition in his eyes, enough for me to know he remembers who I am.
It’s almost a year to the day since our night in Paris, but I can still remember every tiny detail like it was yesterday. His soft touch, his warm breath against my thigh, the feel of his mouth as it pressed against my lips, how he made me come in ways I never thought were even imaginable . . .Everything about that night is instilled in my mind because it’s all I think about.
“Are you okay?”
Startled, I look at Nate when he touches my arm.
“I’m fine,” I whisper, even though I’m not.
“It’s okay.” Nate's soft voice hums in my ear. He coaxes me forward, mistaking my hesitation as nerves over meeting his father. “You’ll be fine. I promise he doesn’t bite.”
Oh, I promise you he does.
April 24, 2021
Nope!
It's wayyyy too overhyped in my opinion.
The story was predictable, the MMC was replusive to me (and it was NOT due to the age gap...just his sparkling personality *feel my sarcasm, people*) and there was no real connection between the two MC's.
Lexi is mine. No other man will ever touch her, least of all my own fucking son. It's because of me that Nate exists at all. He doesn't have the right to claim what's mine. This boy would have no idea how to please her, anyway.
*Snapping* EXCUSE ME?!!!!!!
Nate was one character that I could actual feel for. His feelings were valid and his psychotic break too. Also, I couldn't even digest the scene of Dom being able to kill his own son. His personality is not set that way! It could have been believable if he was a psychopathic maniac (i would love that given my track record of collecting crazy and dark book boyfriends) but he was not one!.
Also, what was with Dom thinking that it would be totally possible that Nate could rape or murder people just because he was his son?!
Fuck, he could really hurt her. He could terrify her, do horrible things to her, violate her. If Nate is anything like me, then he could—
I swallow, the thought too devastating to finish. God, there’s no telling what he might do.
If Nate claims to love her, surely he wouldn't hurt her.
But Nate is my son, and if he's capable of this, there's no telling what else he might do in the name of ‘love’.
Yeah, dude...no brownie points for you. Tell me what are you capable of?!🤦
It's wayyyy too overhyped in my opinion.
The story was predictable, the MMC was replusive to me (and it was NOT due to the age gap...just his sparkling personality *feel my sarcasm, people*) and there was no real connection between the two MC's.
Lexi is mine. No other man will ever touch her, least of all my own fucking son. It's because of me that Nate exists at all. He doesn't have the right to claim what's mine. This boy would have no idea how to please her, anyway.
*Snapping* EXCUSE ME?!!!!!!
Nate was one character that I could actual feel for. His feelings were valid and his psychotic break too. Also, I couldn't even digest the scene of Dom being able to kill his own son. His personality is not set that way! It could have been believable if he was a psychopathic maniac (i would love that given my track record of collecting crazy and dark book boyfriends) but he was not one!.
Also, what was with Dom thinking that it would be totally possible that Nate could rape or murder people just because he was his son?!
Fuck, he could really hurt her. He could terrify her, do horrible things to her, violate her. If Nate is anything like me, then he could—
I swallow, the thought too devastating to finish. God, there’s no telling what he might do.
If Nate claims to love her, surely he wouldn't hurt her.
But Nate is my son, and if he's capable of this, there's no telling what else he might do in the name of ‘love’.
Yeah, dude...no brownie points for you. Tell me what are you capable of?!🤦
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
![Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1652024485i%2F125758944._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 28, 2020
Reviews made me read this but... it was a little too hyped? (ok maybe way too hyped)
Loved the writing style, but the rest was okish.
I would have liked this more if the characters had: more intelligence, a little more common sense, and some strength of character.
How can I root for two weak characters just because they mesh well in the bedroom?
Safety
Loved the writing style, but the rest was okish.
I would have liked this more if the characters had: more intelligence, a little more common sense, and some strength of character.
How can I root for two weak characters just because they mesh well in the bedroom?
Safety
December 19, 2020
*ARC received. All opinions are my own*
Judging by the ratings for this book, I'm clearly going to be in the minority here. I'm on the fence of what to rate it, the line between 2 stars and 3 stars is thin but I'll go with 3 because I genuinely did like the first half of the book a lot. I liked the lead up before revealing who the H was and lemma tell you, maybe it's because I didn't read the synopsis for the book, but I was in for a shock when the H was revealed and I was more than desperate to see what happened next. Up until the 50% mark, I enjoyed it but I found myself wanting MORE. More forbidden moments. More sexual acts that was more than just fingering (it starts to get old quick). More sneaking around. More. More. More. The forbidden element could have been pushed to the limit. The age-gap could have been more of an issue. When they finally do get to the good part for the first time as a couple, it was a quickie which was both equally disappointing and frustrating. Nevertheless, the other scenes made up for it.
Here's one of the frustrations I had with the book. I was all for the couple and I waited for the actual LOVE story to begin but I found their relationship to be purely sexual. I didn't feel the love and connection between them although oddly enough, there was SOMETHING there that seemed like they were good for each other. I just don't know what. Maybe the loneliness?
Now, this is the part that shocked me. The reason why I didn't love this couple as much as I knew I could: I felt for Nate. As snippets of his story was revealed through the other characters and himself, I felt more and more for him. I felt his pain. I felt WHY he acted out the way he did. Sure, none of his actions were justified but did it deserve to result into what takes place? No. Maybe it's the fucked-up, twisted part of me or maybe it's the lover-of-all-dark books reader in me, but I wanted to know his character. There was a darkness in him that would have been interesting to read about. I lowkey wished he had his own book before I got to THAT part and after that, I couldn't see the H the same. How he just went on with his life and returned to a state of normality without much thought. The H's actions messed with me more than I thought. He acted out rashly and it made me question his morality, actions and the way he'd be in the future as a husband and father.
So there it is. A good book overall. I liked the way it was written and I do believe the author's future releases are ones to look out for.
Judging by the ratings for this book, I'm clearly going to be in the minority here. I'm on the fence of what to rate it, the line between 2 stars and 3 stars is thin but I'll go with 3 because I genuinely did like the first half of the book a lot. I liked the lead up before revealing who the H was and lemma tell you, maybe it's because I didn't read the synopsis for the book, but I was in for a shock when the H was revealed and I was more than desperate to see what happened next. Up until the 50% mark, I enjoyed it but I found myself wanting MORE. More forbidden moments. More sexual acts that was more than just fingering (it starts to get old quick). More sneaking around. More. More. More. The forbidden element could have been pushed to the limit. The age-gap could have been more of an issue. When they finally do get to the good part for the first time as a couple, it was a quickie which was both equally disappointing and frustrating. Nevertheless, the other scenes made up for it.
Here's one of the frustrations I had with the book. I was all for the couple and I waited for the actual LOVE story to begin but I found their relationship to be purely sexual. I didn't feel the love and connection between them although oddly enough, there was SOMETHING there that seemed like they were good for each other. I just don't know what. Maybe the loneliness?
Now, this is the part that shocked me. The reason why I didn't love this couple as much as I knew I could: I felt for Nate. As snippets of his story was revealed through the other characters and himself, I felt more and more for him. I felt his pain. I felt WHY he acted out the way he did. Sure, none of his actions were justified but did it deserve to result into what takes place? No. Maybe it's the fucked-up, twisted part of me or maybe it's the lover-of-all-dark books reader in me, but I wanted to know his character. There was a darkness in him that would have been interesting to read about. I lowkey wished he had his own book before I got to THAT part and after that, I couldn't see the H the same. How he just went on with his life and returned to a state of normality without much thought. The H's actions messed with me more than I thought. He acted out rashly and it made me question his morality, actions and the way he'd be in the future as a husband and father.
So there it is. A good book overall. I liked the way it was written and I do believe the author's future releases are ones to look out for.
December 28, 2020
4.50 stars
Oh. My. Lordt.
This book. It has so much to give. The premise/prologue got me so hooked and all the way invested! The chemistry presented on the first few pages was explosive already. It was intense. Very sexual. And oozing with so much filthiness, I was blushing reading them!
I will have to admit that there were 2 things that almost made me stopped reading this awesome book... Nothing big deal, really. It was just a personal preference of mine and not really the story. But boy, when I would usually just stop reading, with this one, I found myself unable to put it down!
But I digress, the storyline aligned to what was built from the first page. I get the point of some things happening. I feel for all the characters and even though this doesn't really feel like too angsty for my taste, it is enough to be emotional and quite heartbreaking too.
All the characters may be flawed but it's just so human and we all have our own weaknesses we can't seem to fight off. It was perfectly presented in the story and I appreciate it so much. To see the struggles, the admissions of knowing they're hurting someone, the escaping your problems for a short reprieve, and the lies and the truths. All perfectly captured by the author. Amazing!
You'd also be surprised to know that this is apparently the author's debut book! She was fantastic and I can tell from now that she has more to unleash in the future! And I'll be waiting for those books!
*ARC provided by the author for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh. My. Lordt.
This book. It has so much to give. The premise/prologue got me so hooked and all the way invested! The chemistry presented on the first few pages was explosive already. It was intense. Very sexual. And oozing with so much filthiness, I was blushing reading them!
I will have to admit that there were 2 things that almost made me stopped reading this awesome book... Nothing big deal, really. It was just a personal preference of mine and not really the story. But boy, when I would usually just stop reading, with this one, I found myself unable to put it down!
But I digress, the storyline aligned to what was built from the first page. I get the point of some things happening. I feel for all the characters and even though this doesn't really feel like too angsty for my taste, it is enough to be emotional and quite heartbreaking too.
All the characters may be flawed but it's just so human and we all have our own weaknesses we can't seem to fight off. It was perfectly presented in the story and I appreciate it so much. To see the struggles, the admissions of knowing they're hurting someone, the escaping your problems for a short reprieve, and the lies and the truths. All perfectly captured by the author. Amazing!
You'd also be surprised to know that this is apparently the author's debut book! She was fantastic and I can tell from now that she has more to unleash in the future! And I'll be waiting for those books!
*ARC provided by the author for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 20, 2020
ONLY 8 DAYS TO GO!! PRE_ORDER FOR ONLY $3.99 OR WAIT FOR KINDLE UNLIMITED
Pre-order: https://amzn.to/3421iD1
EXCERPT:
“Nervous?”
Stopping outside the restaurant, Nate takes my hand and tugs me closer until our bodies touch. His eyes darken as he twists a loose strand of hair behind my ear, before pulling me in for a soft but persuasive kiss. I can’t deny there’s an attraction between us, I’m just not sure whether it’s worth risking our friendship over.
“Why would I be nervous? I’m just a friend meeting your dad,” I remind him.
“A friend with benefits.”
“Not that many benefits,” I retort, playfully slapping his arm.
His hand slides effortlessly from around my waist as he holds the restaurant door open for me. I walk inside and then let him take the lead.
“There he is—far back table,” Nate murmurs.
When I look up, our eyes lock, and I can’t breathe. I stop in the middle of the restaurant, unable to tear my gaze away from him. He stares right back at me, his expression unfaltering. The only reaction I get is a flicker of recognition in his eyes, enough for me to know he remembers who I am.
It’s almost a year to the day since our night in Paris, but I can still remember every tiny detail like it was yesterday. His soft touch, his warm breath against my thigh, the feel of his mouth as it pressed against my lips, how he made me come in ways I never thought were even imaginable . . .Everything about that night is instilled in my mind because it’s all I think about.
“Are you okay?”
Startled, I look at Nate when he touches my arm.
“I’m fine,” I whisper, even though I’m not.
“It’s okay.” Nate's soft voice hums in my ear. He coaxes me forward, mistaking my hesitation as nerves over meeting his father. “You’ll be fine. I promise he doesn’t bite.”
Oh, I promise you he does.
Pre-order: https://amzn.to/3421iD1
EXCERPT:
“Nervous?”
Stopping outside the restaurant, Nate takes my hand and tugs me closer until our bodies touch. His eyes darken as he twists a loose strand of hair behind my ear, before pulling me in for a soft but persuasive kiss. I can’t deny there’s an attraction between us, I’m just not sure whether it’s worth risking our friendship over.
“Why would I be nervous? I’m just a friend meeting your dad,” I remind him.
“A friend with benefits.”
“Not that many benefits,” I retort, playfully slapping his arm.
His hand slides effortlessly from around my waist as he holds the restaurant door open for me. I walk inside and then let him take the lead.
“There he is—far back table,” Nate murmurs.
When I look up, our eyes lock, and I can’t breathe. I stop in the middle of the restaurant, unable to tear my gaze away from him. He stares right back at me, his expression unfaltering. The only reaction I get is a flicker of recognition in his eyes, enough for me to know he remembers who I am.
It’s almost a year to the day since our night in Paris, but I can still remember every tiny detail like it was yesterday. His soft touch, his warm breath against my thigh, the feel of his mouth as it pressed against my lips, how he made me come in ways I never thought were even imaginable . . .Everything about that night is instilled in my mind because it’s all I think about.
“Are you okay?”
Startled, I look at Nate when he touches my arm.
“I’m fine,” I whisper, even though I’m not.
“It’s okay.” Nate's soft voice hums in my ear. He coaxes me forward, mistaking my hesitation as nerves over meeting his father. “You’ll be fine. I promise he doesn’t bite.”
Oh, I promise you he does.
January 17, 2021
This was a little different for me. Hot, dark, sexy, bdsm and a few triggers, but so much control and dominating male. This starts in Paris with Lexi friend Jay telling her to quit being so prudish let her hair down she was in the city of love, do something unexpected and daring, even fuck a stranger. So after Lexi obligation at this wedding she was in was over each day, she decided to do just that. In front of her window in Lexi hotel she started to undress thinking she was being bold. Lexi had never done anything like this before. Anyone looking up could see her and even better the hotel across the alley was so close anyone from there could also. Then it happen a strange man appear in a chair right in front of her holding a tumbler watching. Lexi paused wondering if she could finish but the hunger in this strangers eyes was too lustful he had her in a trance, so Lexi finished undressing for him and then shut the curtains. Lexi was pleased with herself doing exactly what her friend Jay said being bold. Nothing felt as exhilarating and wild as what she had done. The next night she raced back to the window wondering if the stranger would be there waiting again, he was in the same spot waiting. Lexi continued her show and the lust in his eyes made Lexi feel wanton and cherished, she closed the curtain again. The next night she found a card with a number on it and that is all I'm sharing because after that is when the story really begins so click that buy with one click. Free on Kindle Unlimited as of now, it has a few triggers so if you are a little squeamish its not for you, but if you are like me and like a dark, sexy, dominate men, bdsm and lots of sex click the button.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews