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Alec Sharpe deseaba proteger a Celia, además de desearla como nunca había deseado a ninguna mujer. Por eso cuando ella necesitó su ayuda, Alec accedió, pero a cambio, durante el tiempo que estuvieran colaborando juntos, los dos saciarían el tórrido deseo que los consumía desde el primer encuentro. Pero, ¿qué ocurriría cuando dejaran de trabajar juntos?
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1999
70 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
424 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 10, 2018
Sorry for the rough review, but I've pretty much had it up to here with "modern" heroes that just want to get laid and either don't care or don't know what consent really means. I understand that this was written in 1999 and I'd probably be more forgiving if this was a 70's or early 80's book...but it's late 90's. Were we really that out of touch that this kind of behavior was acceptable? Even then?
___________________________________
Celia, Dane’s younger sister, is still pretty upset at having been manipulated by a murderer and has started investigative work so she can find a way to atone. She’s involved in one particular case that, to Alec Sharpe, is quite dangerous and he doesn’t want Celia to have anything to do with it. But she’s equally determined. So he agrees to help her out and in exchange, she’ll do “anything he wants.” Well, Alec wants Celia writhing in sexual pleasure underneath him (and to do whatever he tells her) and she very reluctantly agrees to this. She’s extremely wary of her sexual urges because they’re what got her manipulated by that original murderer in the first place and so she’s tried to ignore them. But she can’t do that with Alec anymore.
Okay, so this one didn’t work for me as well as the first one did. Most of this was Alec’s fault. At no point does he really make any effort to see things from Celia’s point of view because all he wants is sex with her. He’s trying to seduce her and she says, “I don’t want this.” and his answer? “Yes, you do.” Next thing he knows she’s broken down and sobbing in his arms at the idea of having sex with him. And he’s all, “Why don’t you want to make love with me?” so he can maybe change her mind or something. Hero-boy clearly has no idea that when a woman doesn’t want it, you respect that. Then she’s making a deal so she can continue her case and she offers anything, and he’s worried she’s planning to prostitute herself. She doesn’t because she offers something else. But he changes the deal and goes ahead and makes it prostitution after all. And this is minutes after her sobbing episode. Meanwhile, he has no intention of it being anything more than sex. Celia is a mess, sexually and mentally and is horrified at the idea wanting him, but he wants that affair and he doesn’t care how she feels about it. She expresses in no uncertain terms that for her, sex without emotion is dirty. This is a perfectly respectable point of view...but he decides she needs to know that sex without emotion perfectly wonderful and not the least big shameful (basically, he needs to get laid), so he makes it so he’ll only help her with the case if she agrees to have sex with him whenever he wants and however he wants. So he administers "sexual therapy" and gets his jollies - how convenient! At one point, when Celia is so embarrassed at his nudity that she can’t look at him like he wants he says, “You have no choice, sweetheart, remember?” Basically this proves that he knows he’s taken away her choice, which makes him the equivalent of a rapist. So needless to say, I had a really difficult time liking Alec. His little sob story was a good reason for his need to keep his distance, but I hated that he entered a sexual relationship full-on knowing that his partner was emotionally vulnerable and still completely unwilling to be more than sexual partners. In fact, his treatment of her in trying to keep it at that level was kinda despicable and made ME feel like he was only using her. I honestly wanted him to get her over her sexual inhibitions so she could waltz out of his life and put them into good practice with a better man.
As a suspense, and particularly one in which a woman with some battered self-esteem does what she can to build herself back up again, this was a bit better. She goes along making decisions and starting to see the potential that she has as a smart, capable woman. So too bad lovely Alec has to come along and smash that back down there towards the end. He apologizes, but the damage still there. And maybe his speech helped, but he’s just not a great guy for building women up. And it irked me to no end that it was Alec who came along and saved the day. What kind of empowerment is that for Celia? She was trying to learn that she could handle herself and she learned that she couldn’t do anything without Alec after all? So if you read this, go into it for the suspense plot or the sex scenes, but don’t hope for any feminine empowerment or a hero who understands the nuances of consent.
___________________________________
Celia, Dane’s younger sister, is still pretty upset at having been manipulated by a murderer and has started investigative work so she can find a way to atone. She’s involved in one particular case that, to Alec Sharpe, is quite dangerous and he doesn’t want Celia to have anything to do with it. But she’s equally determined. So he agrees to help her out and in exchange, she’ll do “anything he wants.” Well, Alec wants Celia writhing in sexual pleasure underneath him (and to do whatever he tells her) and she very reluctantly agrees to this. She’s extremely wary of her sexual urges because they’re what got her manipulated by that original murderer in the first place and so she’s tried to ignore them. But she can’t do that with Alec anymore.
Okay, so this one didn’t work for me as well as the first one did. Most of this was Alec’s fault. At no point does he really make any effort to see things from Celia’s point of view because all he wants is sex with her. He’s trying to seduce her and she says, “I don’t want this.” and his answer? “Yes, you do.” Next thing he knows she’s broken down and sobbing in his arms at the idea of having sex with him. And he’s all, “Why don’t you want to make love with me?” so he can maybe change her mind or something. Hero-boy clearly has no idea that when a woman doesn’t want it, you respect that. Then she’s making a deal so she can continue her case and she offers anything, and he’s worried she’s planning to prostitute herself. She doesn’t because she offers something else. But he changes the deal and goes ahead and makes it prostitution after all. And this is minutes after her sobbing episode. Meanwhile, he has no intention of it being anything more than sex. Celia is a mess, sexually and mentally and is horrified at the idea wanting him, but he wants that affair and he doesn’t care how she feels about it. She expresses in no uncertain terms that for her, sex without emotion is dirty. This is a perfectly respectable point of view...but he decides she needs to know that sex without emotion perfectly wonderful and not the least big shameful (basically, he needs to get laid), so he makes it so he’ll only help her with the case if she agrees to have sex with him whenever he wants and however he wants. So he administers "sexual therapy" and gets his jollies - how convenient! At one point, when Celia is so embarrassed at his nudity that she can’t look at him like he wants he says, “You have no choice, sweetheart, remember?” Basically this proves that he knows he’s taken away her choice, which makes him the equivalent of a rapist. So needless to say, I had a really difficult time liking Alec. His little sob story was a good reason for his need to keep his distance, but I hated that he entered a sexual relationship full-on knowing that his partner was emotionally vulnerable and still completely unwilling to be more than sexual partners. In fact, his treatment of her in trying to keep it at that level was kinda despicable and made ME feel like he was only using her. I honestly wanted him to get her over her sexual inhibitions so she could waltz out of his life and put them into good practice with a better man.
As a suspense, and particularly one in which a woman with some battered self-esteem does what she can to build herself back up again, this was a bit better. She goes along making decisions and starting to see the potential that she has as a smart, capable woman. So too bad lovely Alec has to come along and smash that back down there towards the end. He apologizes, but the damage still there. And maybe his speech helped, but he’s just not a great guy for building women up. And it irked me to no end that it was Alec who came along and saved the day. What kind of empowerment is that for Celia? She was trying to learn that she could handle herself and she learned that she couldn’t do anything without Alec after all? So if you read this, go into it for the suspense plot or the sex scenes, but don’t hope for any feminine empowerment or a hero who understands the nuances of consent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
In "Wanton" (PI & Men to the Rescue, #2) we see Alec and Celia's story continued. As Celia tries to atone for her past Alec is hell bent on making sure she is safe - a tough situation on his part. But as they get closer to the bad guys they both realized there is more to their attraction then they thought.
July 22, 2020
This is the 2nd story in the series and I strongly recommend reading 'Begiled' first. Alec works for Dane as an investigator and Celia is Dane's sister. Both are introduced there.
I really appreciate the subject matter included in this story. Manipulating women or girls of any age into the sex trade is reprehensible. Unfortunately it is not brought to light enough and we as a society tend to forget and don't do anything to stop or hinder it. The more it is talked about the harder it is to hide. Thank you Ms. Foster for this engaging story.
I really appreciate the subject matter included in this story. Manipulating women or girls of any age into the sex trade is reprehensible. Unfortunately it is not brought to light enough and we as a society tend to forget and don't do anything to stop or hinder it. The more it is talked about the harder it is to hide. Thank you Ms. Foster for this engaging story.
February 22, 2019
Celia and Alec are great together. Their story was full of great scenes, chemistry, emotions and action. Loved the case they were trying to solve and how they helped each other move own from their painful past! Fun to see how their family and characters from the first book were doing!
December 9, 2017
I loved this book. Some of Lori's books are okay,most are pretty good,this one is one of her best.
March 3, 2018
Celia and Alec were such great characters - amazing chemistry!!! Outstanding romantic suspense!!!
March 15, 2024
Lori never disappoints
This the second time I’ve read this story and it’s just as good as the first time. I love reading Lori’s stories. ❤️
This the second time I’ve read this story and it’s just as good as the first time. I love reading Lori’s stories. ❤️
February 24, 2017
Author Lori Foster has written a fun romantic suspense book. Wanton is the sequel to Beguiled.
July 6, 2013
Paixão Cega.
Lori Foster.
H. E. Romance 04.
2010
Alex Sharpe é aquele tipo de homem que a maior parte das pessoas tem medo e a outra parte tem mais medo ainda. Com apenas um olhar ele consegue que todos saiam do seu caminho.
Celia Carter, uma mulher determinada a ajudar mulheres que foram de alguma forma enganadas. Ela é uma das poucas pessoas que não se deixam intimidar pela personalidade e o mau-humor de Alex. Na realidade Celia é a única mulher no planeta que consegue deixá-lo louco, totalmente fora de se ambiente... o tira de suas bases.
Nenhum dos dois quer admitir a atração que um sente pelo o outro. E com os passar dos dias, essa atração se transforma num sentimento mais puro e ao mesmo tempo é totalmente primitivo.
Não vai ser fácil para esse casal de investigadores, concluir o caso e o seu conturbado relacionamento.
ADORO!!!
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
Lori Foster.
H. E. Romance 04.
2010
Alex Sharpe é aquele tipo de homem que a maior parte das pessoas tem medo e a outra parte tem mais medo ainda. Com apenas um olhar ele consegue que todos saiam do seu caminho.
Celia Carter, uma mulher determinada a ajudar mulheres que foram de alguma forma enganadas. Ela é uma das poucas pessoas que não se deixam intimidar pela personalidade e o mau-humor de Alex. Na realidade Celia é a única mulher no planeta que consegue deixá-lo louco, totalmente fora de se ambiente... o tira de suas bases.
Nenhum dos dois quer admitir a atração que um sente pelo o outro. E com os passar dos dias, essa atração se transforma num sentimento mais puro e ao mesmo tempo é totalmente primitivo.
Não vai ser fácil para esse casal de investigadores, concluir o caso e o seu conturbado relacionamento.
ADORO!!!
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
March 31, 2016
This book just didn’t do it for me. The hero uses words such as “broad” or says things like “dressed like a tramp”. What era does he live in, the 1950’s? The heroine, after a failed engagement, decides to lock away her sexual desires as she considers them dirty. She calls herself a “loose woman”, states that she is “easy” and says her sensual nature is “prurient”. She’s super naive, even about her job. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the hero is going to show her the error of her ways in her ideas about sex. What could be more of a cliche. It’s not like one can’t figure out in romance books that the hero and heroine are going to become a couple at some point, but I prefer it if authors put some thought into a story so that its not there slapping you in the face in the very beginning. I normally like Lori Foster books but this one just didn’t work.
November 27, 2015
Celia hat nach der Katastrophe mit ihrem Verlobten sich von den Männern und ihre jetzigen Leben verabschieden. Sie arbeitet jetzt für ihren Bruder. Alec Sharpe spielt immer wieder sich als Beschützer auf. Zwischen den beiden funkt es nur so. Doch Celia will einfach nicht nachgeben.....
Man kennt Celia und Alec schon von vorigen Band und man hat dort schon gespürt wie die Leidenschaft zwischen den beiden brodelt. Doch Celia muss erst wieder zu sich selbst finden und obwohl ihr Traummann schon da ist, will sie es nicht wahr haben. Alec war mir schon im 1. Band sympathisch, doch jetzt lernt man ihn richtig kennen und lieben. Die Wandlung von Celia ist auch bemerkenswert und sie kommt immer noch als Person herüber. Die Geschichte ist spannend, leidenschaftlich und voller tiefe Gefühle.
Man kennt Celia und Alec schon von vorigen Band und man hat dort schon gespürt wie die Leidenschaft zwischen den beiden brodelt. Doch Celia muss erst wieder zu sich selbst finden und obwohl ihr Traummann schon da ist, will sie es nicht wahr haben. Alec war mir schon im 1. Band sympathisch, doch jetzt lernt man ihn richtig kennen und lieben. Die Wandlung von Celia ist auch bemerkenswert und sie kommt immer noch als Person herüber. Die Geschichte ist spannend, leidenschaftlich und voller tiefe Gefühle.
November 23, 2010
From the first book, Beguiled, Celia and Alec have already caught my attention and were amused by their apparent chemistry. Their story was really nice, I had a great time reading it and of course, what's a story without the humor and comedy. I think what makes Ms. Lori Foster's stories great is the integration of wit, humor, love and suspense in her every story. Never a dull moment while reading her.
January 15, 2014
I'm glad I continued on in this series. I definitely liked this book better than the first book. Celia and Alec's attraction was wonderful! The danger aspect was more prominent in this book and I loved that too. This has some of the prostitution/human trafficking aspect that Lori seems to write so well about!
January 24, 2016
Corny
For the most part I'm a Hugh Lori Foster fan. This book was so disappointing I couldn't begin to recommend it. Not only was the plot corny but so was the writing and the storyline. It felt like I was reading something written by a first time author than a seasoned professional. Save your money on this one people because it just isn't worth it.
For the most part I'm a Hugh Lori Foster fan. This book was so disappointing I couldn't begin to recommend it. Not only was the plot corny but so was the writing and the storyline. It felt like I was reading something written by a first time author than a seasoned professional. Save your money on this one people because it just isn't worth it.
October 27, 2011
Another great one by Lori Foster. Seeing Alec & Celia's story was so much fun. They certainly seem meant to be together. Celia is a great character and it was fun to see her developed further in this book. Looking forward to continuing to read the rest of the series.
April 24, 2013
Celia feeling guilty about her ex financee, who killed her brother and attempted to kill her sister in law has decided her sex drive was the culprit, so has sworn off casual sex. P.I. Alec Sharpe was determined to reawaken Celia's sexuality.
Didn't care for Alec ..No means NO
Didn't care for Alec ..No means NO
October 30, 2009
Unabridged Audiobook
Hot! Hot! Hot! And Alec reminds me of a grimmer version of Joe. Love this book.
Hot! Hot! Hot! And Alec reminds me of a grimmer version of Joe. Love this book.
November 17, 2013
Loved this book! Never a dull moment. Very hard to put down.
January 23, 2015
"Conosceva Celia, corpo e anima. Il tocco della sua pelle o il suo eccitante profumo naturale gli sarebbero bastati per riconoscerla tra centinaia di altre donne. La sua donna."
February 9, 2016
Great!!!
March 12, 2016
I enjoyed this book. I thought that the characters were cute together. I actually wished the book was longer. I would recommend this book to others.
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March 1, 2019Miniseries: Blaze
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews