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After Dark #1
Fire after dark, Tome 1 : L'étreinte de la nuit
J’étais au trente-sixième dessous. J’avais du verre pilé à la place du cœur. Quand j’ai rencontré Dominic, tout a changé. Peu à peu, la douleur s’est atténuée. J’ai réappris à être heureuse. Je n’aurais jamais soupçonné à quel point il était exaltant de s’abandonner. C’est aussi à Dominic que je dois cette découverte. Avec lui, j’explore un univers inconnu où le plaisir et la douleur ne font qu’un, à l’image de cet amour en clair-obscur dont il m’entoure. Un amour qui me laisse pieds et poings liés. Où qu’il aille, je n’ai pas d’autre choix que de le suivre. « Provocant, grisant et irrésistible, la série fire after dark est un plaisir dont on aurait tort de se priver... » Waterstone « Sadie Matthews entraîne les lectrices dans un univers où la douleur est étroitement liée à l’extase. » Herald « Une intrigue palpitante agrémentée de scènes torrides. » London Evening Standard
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2012
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6039 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
November 24, 2012
This was a book of two halves for me. The first 60% I was convinced that I seriously disliked the heroine, was appalled at her actions and squirmed uncomfortably with faint disgust at what she was doing. I felt embarrassed and ashamed for her BUT, at just over the halfway point, everything that had been building finally clicked into place and the story turned a corner and became something that I was far more comfortable and at home with. Up until that point, I was definitely not going to read any sequel; now I definitely am.
This is the first part of the story that is Beth and Dominic. Beth is a small town girl who has come home from university to discover her long-time boyfriend and high school sweetheart doing the old horizontal shuffle with one of her friends. Heartbroken, she jumps at the opportunity to cat-sit for her Dad’s wealthy Godmother in her luxury flat in Mayfair for a few weeks while she goes on a retreat.
Her living room windows look straight into the windows of the flat opposite where Beth spots her very handsome neighbour, Dominic. At this point the book started to feel very like the old Hitchcock movie Rear Window as Dominic’s life is played out while Beth spies on him from her darkened living room. Dominic may share James Stewart’s easy charm but Beth is most definitely lacking in Grace Kelly’s understated elegance and dignity as she spies on her new neighbour and stalks him and his lady friend all the way to an underground BDSM club in Soho. At this point, I wanted to scream at Beth – ‘Play with fire and you will get burnt’! She sure wasn’t listening.
She gets to know Dominic and they have a couple of dates and some very erotic vanilla sex but Dominic explains that, even though he has loved his time with her, this will not be enough for him and his sexual proclivities and that he is ending it now before they become too attached. Beth, all dignity and pride seemingly forgotten, turns herself into a wannabe submissive on turbo-charge and actively pursues Dominic, masturbating in front of the window where he can see her and driving him to the point that he can no longer resist the intoxicating allure of her potential submission. He decides to give her a week to learn how to submit to him and this is our story.
Beth, as I’ve said before, was not a heroine that I took to very quickly. I did grow to like her but she did make me feel very uncomfortable at first but, after a while, I began to empathise with her enough to want to carry on reading and to read the sequel. She’s a heartbroken soul who’s on a voyage of discovery, totally out of her depth alone in the big city. She’s got a lot to learn and learning is about to become extremely painful.
Dominic is Mr Totally Conflicted. He’s definitely a dom although he’s not afraid to switch but he really isn’t the most convincing or alpha dominant I’ve ever read, not by a long shot. He’s definitely got some dark emotional demons lurking and is totally unable to equate love with sex. When he becomes Beth’s dominant, he’s cold, unattached, and polite and offers her no after-care after the intensity of their scenes. He’s almost the polar opposite to the smiley, carefree guy she had dated and had vanilla sex with. He takes her to extraordinary highs and then just allows her to crash, with no loving arms or tenderness to break her fall. Beth may have a lot to learn as a submissive but I think Dominic has even more to learn as a dom and I’m not really sure that Beth’s the girl for the job – she’s way too naïve and inexperienced.
So, all in all, this has a bit of a different feel to it than a lot of the FSoG style trilogies out there. It’s set in London and Sadie Matthews does a great job of bringing the bustling, busy city in summer vividly to life. I’m left with a feeling of dissatisfaction that can only be assuaged by picking up the sequel – we leave Beth and Dominic at a crossroads and who knows which way the story will go next. The story is, at least eventually, very sensual but it was a difficult and challenging journey for me as a reader.
Dominic
Beth
4 stars British BDSM romance
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
This is the first part of the story that is Beth and Dominic. Beth is a small town girl who has come home from university to discover her long-time boyfriend and high school sweetheart doing the old horizontal shuffle with one of her friends. Heartbroken, she jumps at the opportunity to cat-sit for her Dad’s wealthy Godmother in her luxury flat in Mayfair for a few weeks while she goes on a retreat.
Her living room windows look straight into the windows of the flat opposite where Beth spots her very handsome neighbour, Dominic. At this point the book started to feel very like the old Hitchcock movie Rear Window as Dominic’s life is played out while Beth spies on him from her darkened living room. Dominic may share James Stewart’s easy charm but Beth is most definitely lacking in Grace Kelly’s understated elegance and dignity as she spies on her new neighbour and stalks him and his lady friend all the way to an underground BDSM club in Soho. At this point, I wanted to scream at Beth – ‘Play with fire and you will get burnt’! She sure wasn’t listening.
She gets to know Dominic and they have a couple of dates and some very erotic vanilla sex but Dominic explains that, even though he has loved his time with her, this will not be enough for him and his sexual proclivities and that he is ending it now before they become too attached. Beth, all dignity and pride seemingly forgotten, turns herself into a wannabe submissive on turbo-charge and actively pursues Dominic, masturbating in front of the window where he can see her and driving him to the point that he can no longer resist the intoxicating allure of her potential submission. He decides to give her a week to learn how to submit to him and this is our story.
Beth, as I’ve said before, was not a heroine that I took to very quickly. I did grow to like her but she did make me feel very uncomfortable at first but, after a while, I began to empathise with her enough to want to carry on reading and to read the sequel. She’s a heartbroken soul who’s on a voyage of discovery, totally out of her depth alone in the big city. She’s got a lot to learn and learning is about to become extremely painful.
Dominic is Mr Totally Conflicted. He’s definitely a dom although he’s not afraid to switch but he really isn’t the most convincing or alpha dominant I’ve ever read, not by a long shot. He’s definitely got some dark emotional demons lurking and is totally unable to equate love with sex. When he becomes Beth’s dominant, he’s cold, unattached, and polite and offers her no after-care after the intensity of their scenes. He’s almost the polar opposite to the smiley, carefree guy she had dated and had vanilla sex with. He takes her to extraordinary highs and then just allows her to crash, with no loving arms or tenderness to break her fall. Beth may have a lot to learn as a submissive but I think Dominic has even more to learn as a dom and I’m not really sure that Beth’s the girl for the job – she’s way too naïve and inexperienced.
So, all in all, this has a bit of a different feel to it than a lot of the FSoG style trilogies out there. It’s set in London and Sadie Matthews does a great job of bringing the bustling, busy city in summer vividly to life. I’m left with a feeling of dissatisfaction that can only be assuaged by picking up the sequel – we leave Beth and Dominic at a crossroads and who knows which way the story will go next. The story is, at least eventually, very sensual but it was a difficult and challenging journey for me as a reader.
Dominic
Beth
4 stars British BDSM romance
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
May 24, 2014
I really don't know how to start...
This book has a really good story... but i can't give 5 stars because there were parts in the book that were a little uncertain...
BUT...
I am so frustated.... because in the last 100 pages the story starts getting better... and better... and i can't drop it... and then....
Why this has to happen??? Why Dominic??? You fucking bastard... I already love you (AND BETH TOO)!!
And now... like Beth
I have to get the second book really soon!! xD
***
P.S.
It's hot too! xD
This book has a really good story... but i can't give 5 stars because there were parts in the book that were a little uncertain...
BUT...
I am so frustated.... because in the last 100 pages the story starts getting better... and better... and i can't drop it... and then....
Why this has to happen??? Why Dominic??? You fucking bastard... I already love you (AND BETH TOO)!!
And now... like Beth
I have to get the second book really soon!! xD
***
P.S.
It's hot too! xD
June 25, 2014
Ok, so this is the first book I've reviewed here.
Ever.
And it's not because I enjoyed it. It's the complete opposite. In fact, the main reason I'm reviewing it is because of the other reviews on it.
Everybody seems to LOVE it.
And I simply CANNOT understand why.
I've read some books recently that really blew me away, and I mean really blew me away, ie changed my whole perspective and turned my world upside down. And even that didn't make me want to review. They got 5 stars and I went off on my way smiling.
This, on the other hand.... Where to start???
The heroine, Beth, is a child. Immature and naive. I know most of the heroines of this genre are a little of both and I suppose that's what can enhance the dynamic between her and the strong male lead. But this was on a completely different level. My mind repeated the word 'naive' countless times reading this. I literally could not believe somebody in this day and age, aged 22, could be so bloody naive. It made me stop reading so many times out of frustration.
She was completely in love with love and romance. She can see no other way and is not inclined to accept that there is another way.
Firstly on her rambling about the ex who cheated on her. Her ideas of what love is are laughable. Meet somebody, be in love. Get married, have kids. End. Despite the fact the man she loved all these years has not one redeemable quality. Everything she says about him, she then has to excuse. 'She came back home from uni with a degree to work in a cafe because her future husband lives there and wants to take over the family business. But that's ok, they love one another'. This is just one example.
Then when she's known Dominic all of a couple of days - she loves him too. She doesn't tell him. She doesn't have a eureka moment of "oh god I love him". No, one day she just starts adding it to her narrative. No big deal. She loves him. Known him a week. That's cool. And normal. And even though I am aware of situations where you could develop feelings as strong as that very quickly, you would at least be aware of how mad it was and think about it before you just start accepting it. It's almost as if she's just wired to love any man who pays her attention. Or 'think' she loves him at least.
I know a lot of authors play fast and loose with the 'instalove' thing. But this wasn't just that. It was this girl so intent on romance that she just loves him. Because she loves love in the most unbelievable and, yes, NAIVE way imaginable.
Then there is the BDSM side of things.
This author clearly had no clue. None. I don't even know what to say here. It made me cringe.
The way she had previously described Dominic, his looks, confidence and personality made me like him. Made me think "hmm, can't wait to see his dominant side". But then we see it.... Cringe. He had absolutely NO CLUE. And I'm not just referencing the part when he loses control. That was laughable really. I'm talking about every 'scene' he does with her. I don't feel his dominance. Not at all. This author has no clue whatsoever what a dom/sub relationship is. None. She really wasted this whole angle of the story due to her lack of knowledge and obvious ineptitude at any research on the subject whatsoever.
And jeez, as if it couldn't get any worse.... Beth's whole idea of what BDSM means was truly hard to read without putting the book down. She thinks if she 'follows him into his world, she can CURE him of his desires so they can have a normal loving relationship'.
I shit you not.
She genuinely believes this. So instead of researching it, reading up about it, she just runs in head first with no clue what she's doing and hoping she will cure the man she met the week before of his lifelong desire and they can live happily ever after. I mean, COME ON?!?
It was unbelievable. I couldn't get my head round the fact that anybody could be this naive.
Honestly, that word was repeated in my head over and over. The heroine was naive and childlike and immature and had absolutely no clue about the world, what love is and means and she is so wrapped in her own bubble she just doesn't care. Dominic was a let down too. Great body. Shit dom.
The author could literally not have fucked this up anymore if she tried. It's a minor miracle I finished the book. I won't be reading the next one.
Ever.
And it's not because I enjoyed it. It's the complete opposite. In fact, the main reason I'm reviewing it is because of the other reviews on it.
Everybody seems to LOVE it.
And I simply CANNOT understand why.
I've read some books recently that really blew me away, and I mean really blew me away, ie changed my whole perspective and turned my world upside down. And even that didn't make me want to review. They got 5 stars and I went off on my way smiling.
This, on the other hand.... Where to start???
The heroine, Beth, is a child. Immature and naive. I know most of the heroines of this genre are a little of both and I suppose that's what can enhance the dynamic between her and the strong male lead. But this was on a completely different level. My mind repeated the word 'naive' countless times reading this. I literally could not believe somebody in this day and age, aged 22, could be so bloody naive. It made me stop reading so many times out of frustration.
She was completely in love with love and romance. She can see no other way and is not inclined to accept that there is another way.
Firstly on her rambling about the ex who cheated on her. Her ideas of what love is are laughable. Meet somebody, be in love. Get married, have kids. End. Despite the fact the man she loved all these years has not one redeemable quality. Everything she says about him, she then has to excuse. 'She came back home from uni with a degree to work in a cafe because her future husband lives there and wants to take over the family business. But that's ok, they love one another'. This is just one example.
Then when she's known Dominic all of a couple of days - she loves him too. She doesn't tell him. She doesn't have a eureka moment of "oh god I love him". No, one day she just starts adding it to her narrative. No big deal. She loves him. Known him a week. That's cool. And normal. And even though I am aware of situations where you could develop feelings as strong as that very quickly, you would at least be aware of how mad it was and think about it before you just start accepting it. It's almost as if she's just wired to love any man who pays her attention. Or 'think' she loves him at least.
I know a lot of authors play fast and loose with the 'instalove' thing. But this wasn't just that. It was this girl so intent on romance that she just loves him. Because she loves love in the most unbelievable and, yes, NAIVE way imaginable.
Then there is the BDSM side of things.
This author clearly had no clue. None. I don't even know what to say here. It made me cringe.
The way she had previously described Dominic, his looks, confidence and personality made me like him. Made me think "hmm, can't wait to see his dominant side". But then we see it.... Cringe. He had absolutely NO CLUE. And I'm not just referencing the part when he loses control. That was laughable really. I'm talking about every 'scene' he does with her. I don't feel his dominance. Not at all. This author has no clue whatsoever what a dom/sub relationship is. None. She really wasted this whole angle of the story due to her lack of knowledge and obvious ineptitude at any research on the subject whatsoever.
And jeez, as if it couldn't get any worse.... Beth's whole idea of what BDSM means was truly hard to read without putting the book down. She thinks if she 'follows him into his world, she can CURE him of his desires so they can have a normal loving relationship'.
I shit you not.
She genuinely believes this. So instead of researching it, reading up about it, she just runs in head first with no clue what she's doing and hoping she will cure the man she met the week before of his lifelong desire and they can live happily ever after. I mean, COME ON?!?
It was unbelievable. I couldn't get my head round the fact that anybody could be this naive.
Honestly, that word was repeated in my head over and over. The heroine was naive and childlike and immature and had absolutely no clue about the world, what love is and means and she is so wrapped in her own bubble she just doesn't care. Dominic was a let down too. Great body. Shit dom.
The author could literally not have fucked this up anymore if she tried. It's a minor miracle I finished the book. I won't be reading the next one.
February 26, 2013
So glad the forum ladies convinced me to read this it was a little slow and frustrating to start but once it kicked in there was no going back can't wait to read book 2 and 3 :)
September 24, 2012
GoodReads Synopsis: It started with a spark... Everything changed when I met Dominic. My heart had just been broken, split into jagged fragments that can jigsaw together to make me look enough like a normal, happy person. Dominic has shown me a kind of abandonment I've never known before. He takes me down a path of pure pleasure, but of pain, too - his love offers me both lightness and dark. And where he leads me, I have no choice but to follow. Deeply intense and romantic, provocative and sensual, FIRE AFTER DARK will take you to a place where love and sex are liberated from their limits.
**TITLE INTENDED FOR AN ADULT AUDIENCE**
My Thoughts: UGH! Where to start…A Dom named Dominic…Really??? I should have seen that as a sign. **BEWARE – WHOLE NOVEL SPOILED AHEAD**
The story is really contrived and tries way too hard. Plain, boring, Tessa has only ever had one boyfriend, even plainer Adam. She caught him inflagrante delecto with her friend. Now she is flat sitting for an aunt in the big city, London.
She spies the handsome dude across the courtyard and she spies on him from her darkened sitting room. They meet, Insta-Love, he pushes her away because he is into BDSM and it will never work. She does all sorts of things to get him back, including enlisting her gay boss, and convinces Dom she can be his sub, only he loses control. They break up, she decides she wants him back, he’s decided to travel for work so he can figure out what went wrong cuz only then can they get back together.
Of course the ending is left wide open for a sequel…No thanks. I don’t mind cheesey when the book isn’t taking itself to seriously…This was not the case. BLECH!
**TITLE INTENDED FOR AN ADULT AUDIENCE**
My Thoughts: UGH! Where to start…A Dom named Dominic…Really??? I should have seen that as a sign. **BEWARE – WHOLE NOVEL SPOILED AHEAD**
The story is really contrived and tries way too hard. Plain, boring, Tessa has only ever had one boyfriend, even plainer Adam. She caught him inflagrante delecto with her friend. Now she is flat sitting for an aunt in the big city, London.
She spies the handsome dude across the courtyard and she spies on him from her darkened sitting room. They meet, Insta-Love, he pushes her away because he is into BDSM and it will never work. She does all sorts of things to get him back, including enlisting her gay boss, and convinces Dom she can be his sub, only he loses control. They break up, she decides she wants him back, he’s decided to travel for work so he can figure out what went wrong cuz only then can they get back together.
Of course the ending is left wide open for a sequel…No thanks. I don’t mind cheesey when the book isn’t taking itself to seriously…This was not the case. BLECH!
August 30, 2012
It took me a few chapters to get into this book as I thought it was quite slow. When Beth and Dominic eventually got it together I couldn't put the book down and managed to read it in 24 hours! There were times when I cringed at the thought of 'what is Beth doing' following them etc but all in all I enjoyed the book but gutted with the cliff hanger at the end and I will have to wait until November when I beleive the second book it out! I really hope Dominic comes back as promised, that their relationship works, and there is a happily ever after ending.
I'm a huge fan of the books Fifty Shades of Grey Triology, and have struggled to find a book as good, but I can say that although fire after dark isn't Christian grey, it's on the right path, some things are similar the way Dominic looses his control with Beth and Venesa reminded me of Mrs Robinson but on a smaller scale! Definatley worth a read
I'm a huge fan of the books Fifty Shades of Grey Triology, and have struggled to find a book as good, but I can say that although fire after dark isn't Christian grey, it's on the right path, some things are similar the way Dominic looses his control with Beth and Venesa reminded me of Mrs Robinson but on a smaller scale! Definatley worth a read
August 25, 2017
Mais uma bela história de amor erótica mas neste caso entre Beth e Dominic. A Beth nesta história começa por descobrir que é traída pelo seu namorado, e de forma a mudar de ares, vai passar uma temporada a Londres, o que não esperava era barrar-se com um jovem que mora no prédio à sua frente e que é extremamente bom só de olhar. Dominic também nota em Beth, mas gosta de dominar e tenta submeter Beth ao mundo da submissão. Quando tudo parece correr bem, algo afasta Dominic de Beth. É um livro extremamente viciante, em que ficamos na última página a perguntar "mas porquê dominic a beth gosta de ti".
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March 13, 2015
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
2015 READING BINGO CHALLENGE: A book set in London
I was given this book as a birthday present by a friend because it had on the cover "Did Fifty Shades of Grey leave you wanting more?" and she thought that was hysterical given all the amusing conversations we have had on the topic.
We have developed this ritual now where we buy each other this genre of books and then on unwrapping the present, you have to open up to a random page and read it. I opened to quite a steamy page and we laughed a little and then laughed a little bit more (yes...totally immature I know) and I thought that was going to be an indication of the book. It wasn't. It actually took over half a book for anything remotely relating to fifty shades to occur and even then when it did it just made me want to smash my head against the wall (and for the record I am not a fifty shades fan so my frustration was not due to comparisons with that book).
I hate weak, insipid, stupid characters and the lead one in this has all three traits. The first half of the book you actually wonder whether she is certifiably insane as she does so many (and I mean SO MANY) stupid things. For example, she follows a guy around in a trench coat in summer in the middle of the day because she saw him from her window and is curious about him...WTF???. She gets a job, but never turns up to work and when she does she is melting down, her ex cheats on her but then she welcomes him into her flat...This girl is not playing with a full deck....
This story is less about BDSM and more about when things go wrong and it turns into assault and battery wrapped in the guise of romance. I truly felt there was no compulsion at all to pick up the next book in this series, but then the author goes and ends on a cliffhanger. Grr. OCD kicking in and went to amazon. Saw it was $7.99 and thought no bloody way.....
Unless the sequel goes on sale for 75% off, I think my virtue (and sanity) is safe from book 2 :-).
2015 READING BINGO CHALLENGE: A book set in London
I was given this book as a birthday present by a friend because it had on the cover "Did Fifty Shades of Grey leave you wanting more?" and she thought that was hysterical given all the amusing conversations we have had on the topic.
We have developed this ritual now where we buy each other this genre of books and then on unwrapping the present, you have to open up to a random page and read it. I opened to quite a steamy page and we laughed a little and then laughed a little bit more (yes...totally immature I know) and I thought that was going to be an indication of the book. It wasn't. It actually took over half a book for anything remotely relating to fifty shades to occur and even then when it did it just made me want to smash my head against the wall (and for the record I am not a fifty shades fan so my frustration was not due to comparisons with that book).
I hate weak, insipid, stupid characters and the lead one in this has all three traits. The first half of the book you actually wonder whether she is certifiably insane as she does so many (and I mean SO MANY) stupid things. For example, she follows a guy around in a trench coat in summer in the middle of the day because she saw him from her window and is curious about him...WTF???. She gets a job, but never turns up to work and when she does she is melting down, her ex cheats on her but then she welcomes him into her flat...This girl is not playing with a full deck....
This story is less about BDSM and more about when things go wrong and it turns into assault and battery wrapped in the guise of romance. I truly felt there was no compulsion at all to pick up the next book in this series, but then the author goes and ends on a cliffhanger. Grr. OCD kicking in and went to amazon. Saw it was $7.99 and thought no bloody way.....
Unless the sequel goes on sale for 75% off, I think my virtue (and sanity) is safe from book 2 :-).
December 30, 2012
I was attracted to read this book as it got told if i enjoy fifty shades of gray i would enjoy this also.
i did enjoy the book however it was very hard for me not to compair it to fifty shades
the female main character is fun to ready about in away at first you want to know aboyt her and the heart brake she has sufferd and you can relate to the emotions however after that i did feel it was a bit slow and nothing exciting really happend of course that all changed when she met her man but i still feel that yes the intimite chapters are very well writen and when things got hotter it was great and more dark than fifty shades but like the main character i kind of wanted more romance i get that she was attracted to him instantly ect ect but surly a man of wealth who desierd her so much would show a little more romance but then again he did say that he found it hard to have both love and sex so i guess it was well writen to make that come across and leave it open for the next book but except the steamy sex and gagets i felt the rest of the story line was a bit bland but i didnt put me off as i felt that it was an easy pass the time read i did enjoy it but for me it was probablly the last few chapters where the best so has left me hopeful for the next book as i think maybe this book just had to touch base with all that was said ..and maybe for the next book will have a bit more excitment in the story line and not just the sex incounters .
so my over all view is yes it was a slow start but got better at the end did enjoy it and didnt take long to read and i am looking foward to read the next book.
i did enjoy the book however it was very hard for me not to compair it to fifty shades
the female main character is fun to ready about in away at first you want to know aboyt her and the heart brake she has sufferd and you can relate to the emotions however after that i did feel it was a bit slow and nothing exciting really happend of course that all changed when she met her man but i still feel that yes the intimite chapters are very well writen and when things got hotter it was great and more dark than fifty shades but like the main character i kind of wanted more romance i get that she was attracted to him instantly ect ect but surly a man of wealth who desierd her so much would show a little more romance but then again he did say that he found it hard to have both love and sex so i guess it was well writen to make that come across and leave it open for the next book but except the steamy sex and gagets i felt the rest of the story line was a bit bland but i didnt put me off as i felt that it was an easy pass the time read i did enjoy it but for me it was probablly the last few chapters where the best so has left me hopeful for the next book as i think maybe this book just had to touch base with all that was said ..and maybe for the next book will have a bit more excitment in the story line and not just the sex incounters .
so my over all view is yes it was a slow start but got better at the end did enjoy it and didnt take long to read and i am looking foward to read the next book.
April 8, 2015
Fake. That’s the first word that comes to my mind. I couldn’t relate to the characters because each one of their reactions seems fake.
It looks a lot like 50 shades (the sweet naïve girl meeting a beautiful older man with dark secrets) but 50 shades is a love story, and the evolution of the characters is plausible.
I really wasn’t convinced by the story and felt nothing for the characters, except irritation.
It looks a lot like 50 shades (the sweet naïve girl meeting a beautiful older man with dark secrets) but 50 shades is a love story, and the evolution of the characters is plausible.
I really wasn’t convinced by the story and felt nothing for the characters, except irritation.
July 26, 2012
4.5 Stars
Wow!! So much better than I expected. Read it in a day and can't wait to read book 2 and find out how their relationship will continue.
Wow!! So much better than I expected. Read it in a day and can't wait to read book 2 and find out how their relationship will continue.
August 16, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was. It kept me interested the whole way through (Beth was a bit pathetic at times).
Can't wait for the next one =].
Can't wait for the next one =].
December 31, 2013
Ese final me dejó con ganas de saber mas sobre Dominic, así que acá perando el segundo en español
July 9, 2023
❗️ab 18❗️
Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liebe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️
Ja, es enthält einige Spicyszenen, aber so richtig startet es erst ca. ab Seite 150.
Die Grundstory ist gut, aber erinnert extremst an 50 Shades of Grey. Leider stimmt für mich einiges nicht an der Umsetzung.
Letztendlich wollte ich trotzdem wissen, wie es endet und habe es fertig gelesen, aber die anderen Bände werde ich nicht weiter lesen.
Eventuell gefällt es jemanden, der sich nicht zu sehr mit der BDSM-Thematik auskennt, aber für mich gibt es da einfach zu viele Unstimmigkeiten, die Story fühlt sich einfach für mich nicht rund an.
❗️Spoiler: ❗️
Einerseits ist er Dom, andererseits empfinde ich ihn doch als sehr schwach. Er bricht einige Gesetze die es in einer richtigen Dom-Sub-Beziehung geben sollte, er fängt sie nach der Session nicht auf, missachtet ihre Wünsche usw. Natürlich „leidet“ er nach der missglückten Beziehung und will sich läutern, aber nee, für mich passt das nicht richtig zusammen.
Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liebe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️
Ja, es enthält einige Spicyszenen, aber so richtig startet es erst ca. ab Seite 150.
Die Grundstory ist gut, aber erinnert extremst an 50 Shades of Grey. Leider stimmt für mich einiges nicht an der Umsetzung.
Letztendlich wollte ich trotzdem wissen, wie es endet und habe es fertig gelesen, aber die anderen Bände werde ich nicht weiter lesen.
Eventuell gefällt es jemanden, der sich nicht zu sehr mit der BDSM-Thematik auskennt, aber für mich gibt es da einfach zu viele Unstimmigkeiten, die Story fühlt sich einfach für mich nicht rund an.
❗️Spoiler: ❗️
Einerseits ist er Dom, andererseits empfinde ich ihn doch als sehr schwach. Er bricht einige Gesetze die es in einer richtigen Dom-Sub-Beziehung geben sollte, er fängt sie nach der Session nicht auf, missachtet ihre Wünsche usw. Natürlich „leidet“ er nach der missglückten Beziehung und will sich läutern, aber nee, für mich passt das nicht richtig zusammen.
August 9, 2017
Proprio brutto! Il solito erotico con i soliti stereotipi lui dominatore, lei giovane e ingenua salvo poi trasformarsi in troia nel giro di 10 minuti... mah. L'unica cosa positiva è che ad un certo punto lei mena a lui :P Non sprecate i vostri soldi.
January 28, 2018
Meh :/
December 6, 2013
Avete un bell'uomo, preferibilmente milionario? Sì? Bene.
Una ragazza posata che si è appena trasferita in una nuova città per fare da babysitter ad un gatto? Anche quella? Bene.
Due appartamenti posti uno di fronte all'altro con enormi vetrate in cui sbirciare a volontà? Avete anche quelli, ma siete bravissimi!
Gli ormoni che impazziscono perché non fate del buon sesso da tempo li avete? Spero vivamente di no per voi, ma i nostri due protagonisti li hanno, quindi siamo a posto.
Prendete tutte queste cose, riunitele in una ciotola, mescolatele ed aggiungete un distinto signore gay, proprietario di una galleria d'arte, dei frustini, delle corde e un po' di bondage e avrete questo libro.
Quando ho iniziato a leggerlo, ero sicura che sarebbe stato come leggere uno dei tre libri delle 50 Sfumature e devo dire che ci è andato molto vicino. Ma molto, molto vicino.
Abbiamo Gideon, scapolo sciupa femmine che lavora tantissimo anche se ha tantissimi soldi.
Abbiamo la ragazza imbranata, per di più è appena stata lasciata, quindi ancora più vulnerabile e ancora più imbranata.
Abbiamo anche il bondage.
Vi starete chiedendo ora: e dov'è la differenza, allora?
Nel modo in cui è stato affrontato l'argomento bondage.
In 50 sfumature quasi subito Grey si impone ad Ana, facendole capire che se vuole stare con lui, deve fare così e basta, poi decide di cambiare, ma solo dopo il primo libro!
Qui, invece, si parte molto tranquillamente, con i pensieri incredibilmente ingarbugliati di Elizabeth, che si ritrova a fare da cat-sitter in una città nuova, Londra, che è infinitamente più grande del paesino dove viveva e, soprattutto ha tantissimi stimoli in più da donargli!
Pian piano si inserisce anche il fattore Gideon con un incontro casuale e anche leggermente imbarazzante, poi l'amicizia e l'attrazione tremenda che lei prova per lui ed infinite la loro prima volta insieme.
Arrivano anche i dubbi ed i comportamenti leggermente misteriosi di Gideon e l'approccio maldestro di Beth al mondo di Dominatori e Sottomessi, e devo dire che quella scena mi ha fatto anche un pochino ridere per quanto è imbranata la ragazza e anche per quanto è stupida, visto che ha corso dei pericoli solo per una sua leggerezza.
Da questo primo approccio decisamente stupido, chiede aiuto al suo capo, un simpatico signore gay e decisamente londinese con i suoi modi gentili e molto garbati, così che possa capire in che genere di posto si era andata a cacciare...
Fin tanto che... trova Gideon e da lì si parte nel viaggio del bondage, per gradi e scalini, che sono due cose ben diverse, fino ad arrivare all'irreparabile, ossia al gesto che farà dividere la coppia e ci farà minacciare Gideon di tagliargli le palle se non si scusa!
Ovviamente, stiamo per risolvere la cosa e.... Gideon deve partire per lavoro! Un classico davvero incredibile e che mi ha lasciato l'amaro in bocca, in quanto il finale del libro è fin troppo aperto, dando adito a un sacco di dubbi. Ci sarà un seguito oppure lo lascerà così, con la nostra povera Beth ad aspettare in eterno? Sinceramente ancora non lo so.
Come vi ho fatto notare è veramente molto simile al primo libro di 50 sfumature, eppure io ho colto diverse cosine davvero minime, ma che mi hanno fatto garbare la lettura, anche se, devo dire, non va nei primi posti della mia personale classifica di libri erotici.
La Matthews ha una scrittura fresca e scorrevole, a volte divertente e a volte molto intensa, soprattutto quando sta parlando dei pensieri della giovane protagonista che, a dire il vero, sono pensieri che ogni donna ha avuto in un particolare momento della propria vita, in quanto tutte, prima o poi ci siamo innamorate e non abbiamo capito più nulla se non che “dovevamo” stare con la persona che ci faceva battere il cuore.
Il finale l'ho trovato leggermente banale e carente perché, sinceramente, avrei mosso diversamente i personaggi, soprattutto perché mi è sembrato semplicistico far partire Gideon, farlo uscire dalla vita di Beth dopo averla incasinata per bene, riempiendola di dubbi e di questioni irrisolte, soprattutto sul fatto della dominanza e della sottomissione. Ma, particolare davvero bruttissimo, il finale è troppo aperto, come avevo già scritto prima. Non si riesce a capire se mai ci sarà un seguito, se rivedremo Gideon e se finalmente capirà cosa c'è che non va in lui e nei rapporti che vuole vivere ma, soprattutto, se ritornerà da Beth, cercando di rispondere a tutti i suoi dubbi e alle sue domande (la maggior parte inespressi ma io li ho colti comunque perché una donna non può essere davvero così semplicistica).
Spero che in un futuro abbastanza prossimo venga pubblicato un seguito di questo libro, altrimenti lo metterò negli ultimi posti della mia personale classifica dei libri erotici e mi dispiacerebbe perché il metodo di scrittura della Matthews mi ha subito colpito e catturato.
Consigliato a chi vuole leggere qualcosa di leggero e stimolante e che assomigli terribilmente alla saga 50 sfumature!
Una ragazza posata che si è appena trasferita in una nuova città per fare da babysitter ad un gatto? Anche quella? Bene.
Due appartamenti posti uno di fronte all'altro con enormi vetrate in cui sbirciare a volontà? Avete anche quelli, ma siete bravissimi!
Gli ormoni che impazziscono perché non fate del buon sesso da tempo li avete? Spero vivamente di no per voi, ma i nostri due protagonisti li hanno, quindi siamo a posto.
Prendete tutte queste cose, riunitele in una ciotola, mescolatele ed aggiungete un distinto signore gay, proprietario di una galleria d'arte, dei frustini, delle corde e un po' di bondage e avrete questo libro.
Quando ho iniziato a leggerlo, ero sicura che sarebbe stato come leggere uno dei tre libri delle 50 Sfumature e devo dire che ci è andato molto vicino. Ma molto, molto vicino.
Abbiamo Gideon, scapolo sciupa femmine che lavora tantissimo anche se ha tantissimi soldi.
Abbiamo la ragazza imbranata, per di più è appena stata lasciata, quindi ancora più vulnerabile e ancora più imbranata.
Abbiamo anche il bondage.
Vi starete chiedendo ora: e dov'è la differenza, allora?
Nel modo in cui è stato affrontato l'argomento bondage.
In 50 sfumature quasi subito Grey si impone ad Ana, facendole capire che se vuole stare con lui, deve fare così e basta, poi decide di cambiare, ma solo dopo il primo libro!
Qui, invece, si parte molto tranquillamente, con i pensieri incredibilmente ingarbugliati di Elizabeth, che si ritrova a fare da cat-sitter in una città nuova, Londra, che è infinitamente più grande del paesino dove viveva e, soprattutto ha tantissimi stimoli in più da donargli!
Pian piano si inserisce anche il fattore Gideon con un incontro casuale e anche leggermente imbarazzante, poi l'amicizia e l'attrazione tremenda che lei prova per lui ed infinite la loro prima volta insieme.
Arrivano anche i dubbi ed i comportamenti leggermente misteriosi di Gideon e l'approccio maldestro di Beth al mondo di Dominatori e Sottomessi, e devo dire che quella scena mi ha fatto anche un pochino ridere per quanto è imbranata la ragazza e anche per quanto è stupida, visto che ha corso dei pericoli solo per una sua leggerezza.
Da questo primo approccio decisamente stupido, chiede aiuto al suo capo, un simpatico signore gay e decisamente londinese con i suoi modi gentili e molto garbati, così che possa capire in che genere di posto si era andata a cacciare...
Fin tanto che... trova Gideon e da lì si parte nel viaggio del bondage, per gradi e scalini, che sono due cose ben diverse, fino ad arrivare all'irreparabile, ossia al gesto che farà dividere la coppia e ci farà minacciare Gideon di tagliargli le palle se non si scusa!
Ovviamente, stiamo per risolvere la cosa e.... Gideon deve partire per lavoro! Un classico davvero incredibile e che mi ha lasciato l'amaro in bocca, in quanto il finale del libro è fin troppo aperto, dando adito a un sacco di dubbi. Ci sarà un seguito oppure lo lascerà così, con la nostra povera Beth ad aspettare in eterno? Sinceramente ancora non lo so.
Come vi ho fatto notare è veramente molto simile al primo libro di 50 sfumature, eppure io ho colto diverse cosine davvero minime, ma che mi hanno fatto garbare la lettura, anche se, devo dire, non va nei primi posti della mia personale classifica di libri erotici.
La Matthews ha una scrittura fresca e scorrevole, a volte divertente e a volte molto intensa, soprattutto quando sta parlando dei pensieri della giovane protagonista che, a dire il vero, sono pensieri che ogni donna ha avuto in un particolare momento della propria vita, in quanto tutte, prima o poi ci siamo innamorate e non abbiamo capito più nulla se non che “dovevamo” stare con la persona che ci faceva battere il cuore.
Il finale l'ho trovato leggermente banale e carente perché, sinceramente, avrei mosso diversamente i personaggi, soprattutto perché mi è sembrato semplicistico far partire Gideon, farlo uscire dalla vita di Beth dopo averla incasinata per bene, riempiendola di dubbi e di questioni irrisolte, soprattutto sul fatto della dominanza e della sottomissione. Ma, particolare davvero bruttissimo, il finale è troppo aperto, come avevo già scritto prima. Non si riesce a capire se mai ci sarà un seguito, se rivedremo Gideon e se finalmente capirà cosa c'è che non va in lui e nei rapporti che vuole vivere ma, soprattutto, se ritornerà da Beth, cercando di rispondere a tutti i suoi dubbi e alle sue domande (la maggior parte inespressi ma io li ho colti comunque perché una donna non può essere davvero così semplicistica).
Spero che in un futuro abbastanza prossimo venga pubblicato un seguito di questo libro, altrimenti lo metterò negli ultimi posti della mia personale classifica dei libri erotici e mi dispiacerebbe perché il metodo di scrittura della Matthews mi ha subito colpito e catturato.
Consigliato a chi vuole leggere qualcosa di leggero e stimolante e che assomigli terribilmente alla saga 50 sfumature!
August 26, 2012
Erotica has never been a genre of choice for me but since reading the most talked about Trilogy I have found my post box full with more erotica books most with sticky labels claiming that if you love Fifty Shades then you will love this book and this was no exception when Fire After Dark by Sadie Matthews arrived.
When Beth Villiers’ heart is broken by the only man she’s ever loved, she jumps at the chance to escape and houses it a luxurious Mayfair apartment. There, Beth catches sight of a man in the apartment opposite, and is immediately captivated. When night-time falls and the inside of his apartment is illuminated, Beth sees things she has never imagined even in the darkest shadows of her mind.
Once her and Dominic meet, mutual attraction is ignited and they begin a relationship that takes Beth down an exhilarating path.
This book is written at such an easy pace which allowed me to finish the whole book in one evening! I would definitely describe this book as sexy, sassy and exciting and I did find I was hooked which I feel is because of the ease of the authors writing style. My one negative point about this book is I personally didn’t warm to the main character Beth but yet I loved Dominic he had an unexpected gentle, sensitive side to him rather than an over confident, vain male!
What I loved about this book compared to other erotica is that yes there was a great element of sex but there was also great descriptive writing when referring to London ,the author has clearly done her research as I felt like I was on a mini tour of the City.
Compared to other erotica books this felt a little tame but definitely had the edge with regards to the storyline. I am hoping there is a sequel to this book as I felt the ending was left wide open and so I would like to see what happens next for these characters and to see if Beth grows on me in a second instalment.
When Beth Villiers’ heart is broken by the only man she’s ever loved, she jumps at the chance to escape and houses it a luxurious Mayfair apartment. There, Beth catches sight of a man in the apartment opposite, and is immediately captivated. When night-time falls and the inside of his apartment is illuminated, Beth sees things she has never imagined even in the darkest shadows of her mind.
Once her and Dominic meet, mutual attraction is ignited and they begin a relationship that takes Beth down an exhilarating path.
This book is written at such an easy pace which allowed me to finish the whole book in one evening! I would definitely describe this book as sexy, sassy and exciting and I did find I was hooked which I feel is because of the ease of the authors writing style. My one negative point about this book is I personally didn’t warm to the main character Beth but yet I loved Dominic he had an unexpected gentle, sensitive side to him rather than an over confident, vain male!
What I loved about this book compared to other erotica is that yes there was a great element of sex but there was also great descriptive writing when referring to London ,the author has clearly done her research as I felt like I was on a mini tour of the City.
Compared to other erotica books this felt a little tame but definitely had the edge with regards to the storyline. I am hoping there is a sequel to this book as I felt the ending was left wide open and so I would like to see what happens next for these characters and to see if Beth grows on me in a second instalment.
October 20, 2012
Maybe 3.5 Stars
Disclaimer: this book is written using British terminology and phrases. Since, I'm used to American writing, the use of British terms was somewhat distracting for me.
I'm a bit torn with this one. I will admit that I picked this up because of the 50 Shades reference on the cover. I loved the story once it finally developed, but at the same time I'm frustrated that I had to wait a long time for that to happen. I was so excited to start this once I got it that I rearranged my TBR list; I kind of wish I had just left my list alone.
Dominic is very seductive, alluring, and mysterious which of course drew in me in instantly (once the author finally got around to that part). The writing is very good and descritpive, but I think the background build up should have come to a close much earlier than it did. By the time I was really engrossed in the book, it was almost to the end. The story happens over a 4 week period, but I just don't feel that the intensity of their feelings toward one another came across to justify the way the book ended. I'm left feeling a bit cheated. I would have been in love with this had Beth's and Dominic's feelings/relationship been better conveyed to make it more believable or built over a longer period of time.
Will I read the sequel? Yes. It finally got good at the end and now I'm intrigued......
Disclaimer: this book is written using British terminology and phrases. Since, I'm used to American writing, the use of British terms was somewhat distracting for me.
I'm a bit torn with this one. I will admit that I picked this up because of the 50 Shades reference on the cover. I loved the story once it finally developed, but at the same time I'm frustrated that I had to wait a long time for that to happen. I was so excited to start this once I got it that I rearranged my TBR list; I kind of wish I had just left my list alone.
Dominic is very seductive, alluring, and mysterious which of course drew in me in instantly (once the author finally got around to that part). The writing is very good and descritpive, but I think the background build up should have come to a close much earlier than it did. By the time I was really engrossed in the book, it was almost to the end. The story happens over a 4 week period, but I just don't feel that the intensity of their feelings toward one another came across to justify the way the book ended. I'm left feeling a bit cheated. I would have been in love with this had Beth's and Dominic's feelings/relationship been better conveyed to make it more believable or built over a longer period of time.
Will I read the sequel? Yes. It finally got good at the end and now I'm intrigued......
December 10, 2012
I honestly don't know if i like this book ... really ...
I really couldn't stand the heroine until probably half way through the book by then she became tolerable or I just became good at ignoring her personalty and imagining her someone else ...
I didn't really get the dominant vibe from him ... through out the whole book he sounded like some one who enjoys pain with sex more than he sounded like a Dom.
I mean he is faaaaaaar from being a Christian Grey,a James Cavendish or a Gideon Cross!!!
and the way the heroine takes to that world is ... i don't know ... annoying ?!!
on the other hand ... 75% throughout the book it got a little interesting and some action started happening so i want to know what happens on the next book but I'm not dying to know ...
non the less I'll give the second book a chance and hopefully it well change my opinion of this series ...
I really couldn't stand the heroine until probably half way through the book by then she became tolerable or I just became good at ignoring her personalty and imagining her someone else ...
I didn't really get the dominant vibe from him ... through out the whole book he sounded like some one who enjoys pain with sex more than he sounded like a Dom.
I mean he is faaaaaaar from being a Christian Grey,a James Cavendish or a Gideon Cross!!!
and the way the heroine takes to that world is ... i don't know ... annoying ?!!
on the other hand ... 75% throughout the book it got a little interesting and some action started happening so i want to know what happens on the next book but I'm not dying to know ...
non the less I'll give the second book a chance and hopefully it well change my opinion of this series ...
February 26, 2013
My issues with this book- where do I start. There was way too much detail given to every thing she came across. I understand the need to pull us into a scene but this went over the top. I swear I was halfway through the book before she finally gets with Dominic. I almost stopped reading but if you tell me this book is on a level with Fifty Shades I am going to stick it out to see how it compares. OK by the time I finished I could see pieces that have the Fifty Shades feel but I was so disappointed that it took so long.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a duplicate of Fifty Shades but just a nice juicy story with romance intertwined with heartbreak and emotional breakdowns. You get some of that in this story but in my opinion not very effective. I may check out the 2nd book in the future. Hopefully it can redeem this series.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a duplicate of Fifty Shades but just a nice juicy story with romance intertwined with heartbreak and emotional breakdowns. You get some of that in this story but in my opinion not very effective. I may check out the 2nd book in the future. Hopefully it can redeem this series.
Read
October 23, 2012This book ... I ... I think .. Well it was .. Maybe .... I dont know . I cant really figure out if I've really liked it or not ! There were things I thought I've read before . And then there were things that were totally out of the blue and nice .
I would just have to think this over
I would just have to think this over
October 23, 2014
3,5 Stars
I was hoping for so much better.. But I will read the next book just the same, I'm curious to see what will happen.
This is the story of Beth and Dominic. Beth just got her heart broken and has the opportunity to go to London for 5 weeks to look out for the appartment and cat of her father godmother.
There she meets Dominic, these super sexy guy (aren't all of them?).
He has some pretty special sexual likes and will introduce Beth to his world. But something goes wrong..
And I will leave you to that :P
I was hoping for so much better.. But I will read the next book just the same, I'm curious to see what will happen.
This is the story of Beth and Dominic. Beth just got her heart broken and has the opportunity to go to London for 5 weeks to look out for the appartment and cat of her father godmother.
There she meets Dominic, these super sexy guy (aren't all of them?).
He has some pretty special sexual likes and will introduce Beth to his world. But something goes wrong..
And I will leave you to that :P
September 18, 2013
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I loved Fire After Dark! It was everything I wanted in an Erotica book and more!
I loved the way the first half of the book really let you get to know Beth instead of just jumping right in to sexual situations.
Both of the main characters are interesting and the storyline is intriguing and kept me turning those pages like a mad woman!
Fire After Dark has everything for a steamy romance fan and I highly recommend it!
I loved Fire After Dark! It was everything I wanted in an Erotica book and more!
I loved the way the first half of the book really let you get to know Beth instead of just jumping right in to sexual situations.
Both of the main characters are interesting and the storyline is intriguing and kept me turning those pages like a mad woman!
Fire After Dark has everything for a steamy romance fan and I highly recommend it!
September 19, 2012
I would say 3.5 stars for this one, I did like the book once it got going, I will read the next one though..hopefully now that the groundwork has been laid the next book should be more meaty..can't believe the ending and I must admit a few tears did slip..deffo worth a read but not a patch on 50 shades..
February 23, 2015
3.5
Tiene algunos clichés post-cincuenta-sombras pero lo compensa con buena tensión sexual y mas BDSM .
Me gusto mucho mas que algunos mas famosos que andan dando vueltas (ejem ... crossfire ! Cough cough) pero , igual , tiene muchas fallas .
No es de lo mejor pero es entretenido y tiene cierto misterio .
Tiene algunos clichés post-cincuenta-sombras pero lo compensa con buena tensión sexual y mas BDSM .
Me gusto mucho mas que algunos mas famosos que andan dando vueltas (ejem ... crossfire ! Cough cough) pero , igual , tiene muchas fallas .
No es de lo mejor pero es entretenido y tiene cierto misterio .
July 27, 2012
God, this was a nightmare!
August 31, 2012
I really liked this book. It has the passion of fifty shades and the story to back it up. I'm hoping from the ending that there's more to come!
September 19, 2012
It's was a great book, I read it in three days can't wait for secrets after dark
October 2, 2012
So much better than 50. Writing is better, characters are better, and I can't wait for the sequel.
Kind of lame that the Dom is named Dominic though.
Kind of lame that the Dom is named Dominic though.
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