The contract made me his for a night. He made me his forever.
When you're in as much debt as I am and a billionaire offers you the kind of money Trent Lavigne promised in return for spending a single night with him, you don't turn him down. Not even when he makes you sign a contract you know will be more shameful than you can imagine.
So shameful you can't even bring yourself to read it.
A contract that gives him the right not just to punish you for being a few minutes late, but to pin you to the mattress and spank your bare bottom until you beg to be taken hard and thoroughly.
But Trent was never going to be satisfied with one night. I knew that even before he told me to stay and share his bed with my body still quivering from an endless series of savage climaxes.
He's not the kind of man who rents. He's the kind who owns.
Publisher's Note: His Pretty Toy includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
Shanna Handel is an Internationally Bestselling author of high-heat romantic suspense. If you like plot-heavy page turners with lots of heat and an HEA with found family, this author is for you.
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I'm obviously in the minority here but this one just didn't work for me. It was an interesting plot and for a smexy book it wasn't horrible but things moved way too fast. There was a lot more telling instead of showing and it made the book seem rushed. Maybe if there weren't added plotlines and twists it would have been a great erotic story. But with those twists taking away from the intimate scenes it just ended up feeling unfinished.
Quick Summary Ashley might be young but she carries a lot of problems on her slender shoulders that are slowly crushing her.
When she's offered a ridiculous amount of money for one night with billionaire Trent, she accepts. With her mother and two nieces at home and medical bills piling up, help like that can't be turned away.
But one night with Ashley isn't enough for Trent. For a guy used to self isolation and one night stands the norm, his fascination with Ashley baffles him and this attraction is something he isn't ready to walk away from.
~ My Thoughts ~ Ashley and Trent are tied to each other by a past neither fully understands. And while their attraction grows hotter with each night spent together, the truth might just break their fragile bond once it's revealed.
I didn't see that twist coming but Ashley's reaction was definitely believable. Seeing first hand how devoted Trent is to finding his brother and punishing those responsible, it was natural for her to fear for her family. Even though it wasn't her mess, Ashley knew she couldn't stand back and let Trent destroy her family.
Although this was a steamy read, the separation caused by the re-appearance of Trent's twin really messed with the flow of the story. There just wasn't enough page time to really set things to right without it feeling rushed.
Everything happened really quick and felt like we were told rather than shown how the relationship went from a business arrangement to a real relationship between Ashley and Trent.
Heat Level: 4/5 Extra (Spoiler-y) Info :
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story is a stand-alone with a touch of Indecent Proposal vibe; only neither one is married. Trent Lavigne is a man who can afford whatever he wants. When he sees Ashe Barnes, she is who he decides he wants. She receives a proposal to use her body for a night for a ridiculous payment; she must take it seriously—with the debt she is carrying for her family.
“I know. I know. All for a good cause. Besides, isn’t true feminism about making choices for yourself? However slutty those choices might be.”
The story’s plot will have Trent making a proposition to Ashley using one of his employees. She is provided with a dress and escort—and she goes into this situation blind—no idea who he is or what he will be like. It comes with a contract of the terms of their agreement, payment, and even lays out discipline—it would have helped if she had actually read the contract.
“What on earth does he want with me? I mean, sure I clean up nice in couture but get rid of the dress and I’m just your average woman. I don’t even wear makeup. And this man is not only crazy rich, but he’s also a god.”
“If I’m going to sell my soul, I’m going to enjoy it. If I can. A lot of that depends on my host and what he has in store for me. For my body.”
“I wanted to know she was completely naked beneath the gown. That she was all mine under that dress. Just the way I wanted her. Call it a power trip, call it an abuse of power, call it what you will.”
The characters each have things about them that will be revealed as the story unfolds—secrets that can make or break them. Trent is a hard man; he doesn’t do relationships, expects loyalty from his people, and demands obedience. Ashe has altered her life and her dreams—something she worked hard to achieve, but family issues changed all that. When she is offered an enormous sum of money for a night with a man, it means she is doing it and lifting some of the financial burdens she is carrying.
The story comes with secrets, mystery, suspense, doubts, and desires. The sexual chemistry between Trent and Ashley is evident—but there is so much angst to—most caused by him. She scares him because he wants more of her rather than to use her and be done—that isn’t how he does things. He pushes her limits—taking away her control, getting her to submit to him, his dominance, and discipline. One night won’t be enough.
“What kind of hold does this girl have on me? From the moment I saw her at the coffee shop, it’s been like this. Is she a witch? Has she cast a spell on me? It’s the only possible explanation for this nonsensical way I’m acting.”
“Money moves the world, doesn’t it?
These two don’t have an easy go of it—physically and sexually, they are highly compatible, but when family, emotions, feelings, and dreams get involved, they have a way of messing up. Love and feelings were never part of this contract. When financial trouble comes back Ashley’s way, will Trent help her out, or is he finished with her?
Ashley: One night. No rules. You can do whatever you want. Anything. Trent: I’ll pay you well. And you’ll be my pretty toy. Ashley: Sounds like a deal.
If Ashley spends one night with billionaire Trent, her money troubles will be over. Soon sparks are flying between them and one night isn’t enough but what will happen when secrets are revealed? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama, emotion and sizzling scenes. I liked it.
Trent sees Ashe and decides he wants her. So, he decides to offer her money in exchange for one night. Desperate for money, she agrees. But one night may not be enough, and it may lead to a lot more than they bargained for.
Ashe and Trent have a different dynamic. It starts with him paying her for her time, and then it's just them together. He went from a being a man that kicked women out after he was done, to being nearly desperate for her. Their chemistry together is intense, and they fit so well together. The scenes they have (was was a good majority of the book) were steamy and emphasized their dynamic even more.
In the beginning, Trent said he didn't kiss and kicked her out because because it. Then goes and does it without any additional intimacy or reasoning? It didn't make sense, and thats how he did a few things throughout the book. Then there was the whole ending with Ashe questioning if he loved her was pointless. It just made her seem whiney and overly dramatic.
I am a HUGE fan of Shanna Handel and thought by now I knew what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised when I received so much more. I read the blurb for 'His Pretty Toy' and thought I'd be sitting down to a deliciously dirty read. Oh, those parts were there, without a doubt and in spades, but what I didn't expect was the twist of a mystery, the million to one odds of fate playing its hand, and the vulnerability of a very strong Alpha male. All this and by the end of the book, I've just melted into a puddle of goo. It's that good.
Good read and a very easy read. It wanted to start out being dark and dangerous, but it didn’t play out that way. There was a tad drama but pretty low key. Of course spanking was involved in the erotic parts. Other than that a quick easy romance.
Received a copy from booksprout for an honest review
This new story by Ms. Handel is a complete stand-alone that has no ties to her previous outstanding series. If you believe in love at first sight, or even if you don’t, this story will really appeal to you. When it comes to spanking romances this author is one of, if not the, best in the business. She writes with heart and soul, and spices that up with a lot of tantalizing spankings and sensuously erotic sex. When Trent first sees Ashe he is smitten and arranges to have an “indecent proposal” contract offered to her. Ashe is desperate for funds so she reluctantly accepts. That date turns out to be the start of something big for each of them. Both Trent and Ashe have issues with missing siblings and that is only the beginning of many coincidences. The HEA to this story is one of the most heartwarming scenarios you are ever likely to read. Five of the brightest stars for the best spanking romance I have read in the last five years. More please. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will this steamy connection fizzle out after their one night together?
His Pretty Toy is a stand alone romance with a steamy connection that leads to love. Trent is used to getting exactly what he wants, and right now, it’s Ashe. One night, her body for his money. But when one night is over, they can’t help but want more. With secrets in their way and a lack of trust, will this steamy connection fizzle out, or will it stand the test of time, family, and true love?
Whoa, I feel like I’m still on a bit of a book hangover. Ashe and Trent had so much chemistry, you could practically feel it pulse out of the pages. There are consensual punishments and steamy scenes in almost every chapter, but there is enough character development, drama, and secrets that I felt completely drawn in and I didn’t want to put the book down. I was fascinated by this couple, both for the good and the bad. Ashe was so brave at times, I felt like, knowing her limitations, knowing what she would do to keep her family safe, and I really liked her loyalty. The one thing that drove me crazy about her, though, was her habit to just run away, literally, without thinking of the consequences, from her problems and thinking she could just hide from them. Trent was a bit of an alpha-hole at times, but that comes with his power. I liked his shift into having a female and family and love in his life, though! They definitely had a ton of chemistry, some secrets that caused a bit of drama, but I liked how certain things intersected. I felt like there were a few things that needed to be answered, or answered better, but it didn’t take away from the relationship aspect of the story. I liked this book, though! I love how Ms. Handel writes!
“His Pretty Toy” is a completely standalone story from Shanna Handel; it isn’t part of any series. It’s a story that really confounded my expectations in several ways. I’m going to try to explain without giving away much of the plot, which has several unexpected twists.
Trent is a wealthy and powerful man, haunted by something that took place in his past. Ashe is a poor but sweet young woman desperately trying to take care of her family, at the expense of her own personal comfort and goals. When he sees her through a window, he can't figure out a reason for his overwhelming attraction to her. When he makes her an offer she can’t financially afford to refuse, neither of them expects that it will last more than a contractual number of hours. The physical relationship between them is intense, with punishment and discipline. He’s a bit of a sadist and she’s a bit of a masochist, although it’s really not a D/s structured connection between them. There’s a lot of sexual activity early in the story, but there is also a detailed plot with multiple layers.
I thought one of the developments that occurs in the plot was particularly outlandish, but hey it’s fiction, so that’s OK. Trent is sometimes cringeworthy at first but hang in there because he’s worth it. If you’re familiar with other works by this author, keep an eye out for a subtle nod to the Bachman family. My main complaint would be that I found the characters so interesting that I really would have enjoyed learning even more about them. Whereas some books drag on too long, this quick read would have benefited from being longer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would like to say this is the first time I am reading a product of Shanna Hadel. This book can be read as a standalone.
The relationship in this book includes Ashley Barnes, “Ashe” and Trent Lavigne. This is billionaire romance with a little damsel in distress type of trope. Ashe gets into a situation with Trent due to a monetary situation that she needs resolution to. This couple lacked intimacy in their relationship. It was an instant love.
In this book, the plot was 15% of the book. The plot was not explained until more than 40% of the book was completed. I could say that there were plot holes, but the plot was not even there to thoroughly analyze. There is 21 chapters with rotating points of view. No character’s POV was dominating another, which is a plus.
The "romance" scenes were fast. It covers about 85% of the book. I will never judge on the amount of romance scenes in a book, but more the quality of the scenes. The scenes felt like a flip book. One minute, the characters are starting. Then, they were done. There was dialogue between the characters in these scenes, but nothing substantial. I would not want to have scenes this short in my own personal life less than read about it.
The ending of the book tied the book together and the character's conflicts were address with some plot holes.
With that being said, I give the book a 1 out of 5. It just lacked quality.
With thanks.
Disclaimer: I did get this book for free through Booksprout. However, I did not get paid for a skewed review. This is an honest review with no intentions to sway readers.
Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were intriguing. This story of Ashley and Trent was hot. Ashley was so desperate for money and her mother was not well she had to give up work. Ashley had a contract to sign to collect more money than she needed to pay the bills they kept the arrangement as a one night only well that did not go to well she was ten minutes late so he was annoyed she was punished for being late and then it was rough hard sex. Trent wanted one night with her, he does not have time for a relationship or want one. Trent sent over the outfit and shoes to Ashley that is what he wanted but what he found as a shock was that he needed more time with her. He received a phone call while they were out and he dropped everything to go to Paris, he wanted her to go with him so she jumped on one of his planes and they flew to Paris they looked around. Ashley asked why they were there, he came clean and told her everything she was cringing because it sounded like, Trent and his brother were driving through Mexico when they crashed at the same time her sister and new husband did and Ashley took off not wanting to admit that her sister was in an accident the same time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Captivating and enjoyable plot, wonderful characters
This was a simply fantastic read that I highly recommend, I do also warn that once you begin reading you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the finale.
Trent Lavigne is a man that is used to his own way in whatever and whenever he desires, he does not understand the word no!! If there is something that he wants all he has had to do was throw sufficient funds at it and usually this acquired it.
I hate giving away too much about the story and the characters and the plot you will thoroughly enjoy and I guarantee that the twist in the story will leave you thinking that you never initially saw that coming. I guarantee that you will enjoy this wonderful book by Shanna Handel, she has never failed to leave me totally blown away and this book has once again ticked all of these boxes.....
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read. I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Donna L 4.0 out of 5 stars A Cracker Of A Story Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2021 What a cracker of a story this was by Shanna Handel. Expect fireworks and emotional turmoil.
I was initially unimpressed by Trent and how he treated Ashe, but he did redeem himself as the book progressed. He proved himself to be more than a one-dimensional character who only treated Ashe as a vessel for his pleasure. Trent was an enigma. A complex man and the snippets that are revealed from his past paint a picture of an emotional scared man seeking answers.
Ashe was desperate. She carried such a heavy burden on her young shoulders, but she also frustrated me with her impulsiveness. Was the price Trent demanded too high. Would her choice come back to haunt her? Grief and sadness shrouded her at the coincidence that made her run from Trent.
I enjoyed the emotional journey that brought this couple together. The trust between them grew slowly as they were honest with each other. I loved everything about this love story complex as it was.
Trent spots Ashe while she is working for a coffee spot. He decides that he wants her and he sends his assistant to get her for him. He pays a lot of money for one night, money that Ashe needs. We learn in the beginning that Ashe needs the money. We don't know how she got so far in debt, but she did. She accepts Trent's proposal and goes to be his. Trent doesn't expect to find that he loves Ashe (though he denies being able to love) but he quickly becomes enamored of her.
There is a second story line that runs though the book that takes a little effort to follow. Trent is looking for his brother and he gets word that he has been seen the night that Trent goes back to get Ashe. So she goes off travelling with Trent and a new plot twist shows up. I do wish that there was more background information about the past. I think it would have made the story better.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! Trent sexy as all get out billionaire who usually gets who/what he wants no matter the price to be paid and right now he wants Ashley. Ashley trying to survive with so much on her young shoulders, so when Trent offers her an enormous amount of money to use her body pretty much, she doesn’t want to agree but have been placed in a position to need the monies. The saving grace is the chemistry is instant and intense, the magnetic pull can’t be ignored can’t be ignored but is it more to them then just a hook up, they both feel it, they both have secrets that need to be told in order for anything to work, and can they find some type of happiness?
Verified ARC Reader Tormented by the past!! by sewsummore
Trent was a man tormented by the accident that left him scarred, however it was not the physical scars that caused him pain it was the emotional loss of his brother that he could not forget. It turned him into a cruel and merciless man who took whatever he wanted regardless of the cost! When he first saw Ashley he knew he had to have her, and when he had her, he was determined to keep her, regardless of the cost. Because Ashley calmed him, she taunted him and made him feel again. Then he lost her! This book was a quick read with characters and emotions that I could relate to and a story that demanded to be told. From the first chapter the story grabbed my attention until the last page was read. I have read many books by this author and have never been disappointed and can assure you this book is no exception!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Formulaic with little chemistry. The plot with the heroine’s sister was ridiculous tbh. There was also so much artificial drama.
I should honestly take off another half star for having to read the following sentence: “I said, I don’t think I’m capable of being in love. That doesn’t mean I don’t love you”.
Actually the final 15-20% of the book severely irritated me in general. I also found Ashley to be pseudo-mature which may be the worst of all traits. She’s also super dumb in a way that’s extremely unattractive. I.E: Ashley: “You need to know that I have baggage before we marry” (the phrase before this “big reveal” was, and I kid you not, “I force myself to share my truth.”) Trent: “oh, you mean the things/people I’ve been helping you deal with for the past 40 pages?” Soooooo dumb. Please note that Trent isn’t much better.
A funny little story about a women who needed money to pay for her college, her sick mother and sister who was missing without her two little girls. The man she met, Trent was a impatient man. He wanted her to not lie to him and have her do everything he wanted her to do. She was only to be with him Twenty Four hours then be on her way. Trent decided that he wanted her a lot longer, so they made a deal for another day together. He went to Paris looking for his missing brother. Ashley got worried and ran away from him and went home to her mothers. Just a fun filled situation with them. I enjoyed reading this story. I am really not in to spankings during sexual activities. So if you like that type of books, you'll like this one!
Interesting concept. Trent seemed like he should have been in therapy for his OTT issues. I genuinely liked Ashley. I understood why she did what she had to do. However, I get a little dominance, but being hit/beaten with a belt and getting aroused by that; maybe Ashley should be in couple therapy with Trent.
Creative plot. Liked the tie in to the accident. Trent redeemed himself near the later part of the book. To be perfectly honest, I liked the dominant aspect, but not so brutal. I have read snippets of her other books and it looks like they all either have belt beating or Daddy issues. While I like a like a Dom perspective, I'll look for it in a tamer book.
Ashe needs money, so she signs a contract for one date with a billionaire...but she didn’t bother reading it.
Trent doesn’t need to pay for dates, but he just had to have Ashe the minute he laid eyes on her.
Ashe is so vanilla but she truly gives it her all. And when there is a bump in the road (dumb man) she makes him suffer just a little. Trent starts out pretty tough but his gooey side comes out and I swooned!
You’ll definitely want to read this book! I couldn’t put it down, i had to learn every secret and every twist as fast as possible.
When I saw that Ms. Handel had this new book, I just had to read it. It’s completely new characters and a stand-alone. The action starts right away, with no backstory (that comes out as you read). Ashe is super sweet and you just have to love her. She is a hard worker and protective of her family. Trent, on the other hand, is a little bit of a jerk (at least at first). Ashe and Trent meet in an unconventional way, but their chemistry is explosive. This story is not the simple boy meets girl; there are definitely twists and turns. There is angst, sexiness, spankiness, and of course a sweet HEA. LOVED IT 💖
I really thought Trent was going to be one of those arrogant billionaires who think they can buy what they want and treat people like trash. He surprised me during his first interaction with Gretchen. It made me realize there was more there than meets the eye as they say.
There were a couple of paths that the storyline took, but I waa unprepared for the twists and turns. Trent and A she's relationship evolved into their HEA in spite of the secrets that were revealed.
All in all, not a bad read. I think it would have been even more interesting if Nathan's situation had played out a bit longer and in more detail.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
His Pretty Toy was compelling and exciting with just a little bit of spanking. Trent was a billionaire who was lonely and looking for his brother who was missing. Ashley was a young woman who was studying art and interior design but had to leave college to help her mom who was taking care of her sister kids. Trent saw Ashley through the window of the coffee shop where she was working and had to have her. He hired her to become his pretty toy. Beautiful love and always enjoy reading Shanna books. She is an amazing writer that keep you reading until the last page. This book I recommend to read with a HEA.
This story was mostly good. It felt a little disconnected at first probably by design to prove that Trent wasn't read for what was coming when he first saw Ashley. She made some questionable choices but it's what you sign up for when you read a book called His Pretty Toy. The mystery and intrigue were interesting... at about 80% through I feel like the author had a scene in her head she didn't know how to work in and stuck it in pretty awkwardly. It followed a weird path that didn't make sense where they were emotionally but I got through it to get to the end. It didn't get totally back on track to how well this started but it's still mostly good.
This was an amazing story. I love every second of it. I couldn't put it down. I loved the interactions between Trent and Ashley. Ashley has made a deal for one night. She normally wouldn't do this but she could you use the money. Trent is used to getting what he wants. Trent only wants one night with her but there is something about her. He makes a new deal with her. He is also searching for someone from his past. Ashley ends things after discovering something. Will they be able to find a way back to each other?
I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
Ashe was in a bind and she needed money for college, a sick mother and a sister who's missing without her little girls. She ends up sold to Trent for a time period of 24 hours. But Trent wants more time with her so they make another deal. They have super great chemistry, some secrets, some drama, spankings, domination, and sexy times. They both have some things that they had to work on one being trust. Their relationship was emotional and grew slowly. This is my kind of story. I couldn't put the book down. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fun read with plenty of spankings, surprises, and eventually love. It was not what I was expecting, but that made it all the better for me. Seeing them both battle with their own issues was both wonderful and sad at the same time, because life would have been either for them both had they not. I loved the characters and the way he embraced her family—and she his, doing what she could from a distance to help find his brother. I can’t wait to see what Shanna Handel has for us next…
Oh my God! This book was absolutely magical. I just can't get over Trent and Ashley. Initially, I didn't like the book because I felt there was no character development. But as you proceed further , you realize that the book is beyond amazing with lot of spankings, plot development and suspense. Trent was sweet and dominating. I don't know how does Shanna writes such books but she always nails it.
I just couldn't keep the book down. Keep it up Shanna.