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The Boss #5
The Baby
When life unravels, someone has to wind it up again. Sophie Scaife has found herself in such a position one time too many. She should be celebrating a new year and bountiful success; instead, she’s trying desperately to hold her world together as it tears apart.
For Sophie and her husband, billionaire Neil Elwood, coupling the domesticity of marriage and their steamy games of Dominance and submission comes naturally. Rekindling their sinfully kinky affair with an old flame makes their passion burn hotter than ever, and Neil’s lust for Sophie is matched only by his drive in undertaking an ambitious new philanthropic venture.
But in the wake of Neil’s greatest triumph comes a staggering life change neither of them are prepared for. Overnight, Sophie finds herself in a new reality, wholly unlike the life she’d planned. As emotions run high, Sophie struggles to reconcile the husband she cherishes with a man she no longer knows; a man she loves too much to let go without a fight...
Content warning: contains mention of suicide and suicidal ideation, as well as recovery.
For Sophie and her husband, billionaire Neil Elwood, coupling the domesticity of marriage and their steamy games of Dominance and submission comes naturally. Rekindling their sinfully kinky affair with an old flame makes their passion burn hotter than ever, and Neil’s lust for Sophie is matched only by his drive in undertaking an ambitious new philanthropic venture.
But in the wake of Neil’s greatest triumph comes a staggering life change neither of them are prepared for. Overnight, Sophie finds herself in a new reality, wholly unlike the life she’d planned. As emotions run high, Sophie struggles to reconcile the husband she cherishes with a man she no longer knows; a man she loves too much to let go without a fight...
Content warning: contains mention of suicide and suicidal ideation, as well as recovery.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published November 9, 2015
96 people are currently reading
1751 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Barnette
63 books1,277 followersAbigail Barnette is the pseudonym of Jenny Trout (alias Jennifer Armintrout, an author, blogger, and funny person. Jenny made the USA Today bestseller list with her debut novel, Blood Ties Book One: The Turning. Her American Vampire was named one of the top ten horror novels of 2011 by Booklist Magazine Online. As Abigail Barnette, Jenny writes award-winning erotic romance, including the internationally bestselling The Boss series.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
November 18, 2015
MAAAAAAAAAAANNNN....
The first chapter is fucking hot. I bow down to Neil and Sophie's sex life. Their Dom/Sub relationship IS THE BEST I've read. *Though I draw the line on slapping*
This book is intense. I honestly didn't see what came and it broke my heart. I can't delve much cause it will give it away but the emotions The Baby evoke from you will hurt(some in good ways but mostly the sadness). If you've followed Neil and Sophie, you know they have been through a lot in their relationship but nothing holds a candle to before than what they go through on this heartbreaking journey. I really want to say more but I just can't. Just be prepared people. Be prepared.
*side note* Easily, this series is in my top five.
*Purchased*
The first chapter is fucking hot. I bow down to Neil and Sophie's sex life. Their Dom/Sub relationship IS THE BEST I've read. *Though I draw the line on slapping*
This book is intense. I honestly didn't see what came and it broke my heart. I can't delve much cause it will give it away but the emotions The Baby evoke from you will hurt(some in good ways but mostly the sadness). If you've followed Neil and Sophie, you know they have been through a lot in their relationship but nothing holds a candle to before than what they go through on this heartbreaking journey. I really want to say more but I just can't. Just be prepared people. Be prepared.
*side note* Easily, this series is in my top five.
*Purchased*
January 6, 2016
The Baby is the fifth installment in Abigail Barnette's erotic romance/bdsm series titled The Boss. I am a loyal follower of this series and my emotions can attest to this fact. The lead characters: Sophie and Neil experience a continuous roller coaster of ups and downs. It's fun and elating at times - it's heartwrenching at others. That being said, to date, The Baby is the most emotionally intense in my opinion.
Ms. Barnette starts out offering readers an opening scene to die for! It's not all dark in this book!! But life doesn't always give us rainbows, rosebuds, and ménage à trois...unfortunately. We as human beings are flawed, life takes us on nosedives at times, but most always we have the opportunity to grow stronger from what we've survived. If anything, Sophie and Neil's characters have reminded me of this. I adore their relationship in this series: so full of love, protectiveness, and resiliency.
My favorite quote:
"Life doesn't care about your plans. We're all at the whim of fate who could take anyone, anything away from us at anytime. Rather than resist it, I was going to embrace it. I was going to love every second I had with everyone in my life."
Note: Although I'm not a fan of Neil's voice in the audiobook version of this series, there is one particular scene in The Baby that is a must listen. There is a moment near the end (chapter 15) when Sophie has an emotionally raw confrontation with Neil and the performance is stellar. I listened to that scene over and over and it gave me goosebumps every time.
The Boss series includes the following installments (as of December 2015):
#1:The Boss
#2:The Girlfriend
#2.5:The Hook-Up
#3:The Bride
#4:The Ex
#5:The Baby
12/24/15:
So, so emotionally intense - well done Ms. Barnette!
Full review to come...
Ms. Barnette starts out offering readers an opening scene to die for! It's not all dark in this book!! But life doesn't always give us rainbows, rosebuds, and ménage à trois...unfortunately. We as human beings are flawed, life takes us on nosedives at times, but most always we have the opportunity to grow stronger from what we've survived. If anything, Sophie and Neil's characters have reminded me of this. I adore their relationship in this series: so full of love, protectiveness, and resiliency.
"You said in your wedding vows that our life would be an adventure and that we would never reach a destination. Every adventure has an awful low point, more than one if you're watching those awful Peter Jackson Hobbit movies." "It didn't need three installments." Neil interrupted. "No, it did not." I agreed. "The point is for every unnecessary battle scene, the roots of a good story are still there. We still have our roots. We just had to get through some overblown CGI nonsense to get back to them."Although incredibly raw, self-destructive, and full of grief, Sophie and Neil's story in The Baby has a few shining stars. This one is my favorite of the series so far, and not because of the sex (which is amazing - thank you Emir and Jenna!), but because of the intimacy that goes beyond that of a physical connection. After hitting bottom, they can rise yet again with no lingering guilt, anger, or shame. They permit each other to move forward and that is truly beautiful. If you follow this series, please continue on to this one. It'll be one you'll remember for sure.
My favorite quote:
"Life doesn't care about your plans. We're all at the whim of fate who could take anyone, anything away from us at anytime. Rather than resist it, I was going to embrace it. I was going to love every second I had with everyone in my life."
Note: Although I'm not a fan of Neil's voice in the audiobook version of this series, there is one particular scene in The Baby that is a must listen. There is a moment near the end (chapter 15) when Sophie has an emotionally raw confrontation with Neil and the performance is stellar. I listened to that scene over and over and it gave me goosebumps every time.
The Boss series includes the following installments (as of December 2015):
#1:The Boss
#2:The Girlfriend
#2.5:The Hook-Up
#3:The Bride
#4:The Ex
#5:The Baby
12/24/15:
So, so emotionally intense - well done Ms. Barnette!
Full review to come...
November 13, 2015
Two and a half-ish stars
I really like this series and this last book of the series really bummed me out. As in all the books, the struggles that the main characters deal with are relevant, realistic, and sometimes taboo. I’ve been impressed with the care and attention in which the author handles difficult situations, often calling out the thing that no one wants to talk about. So when I finished this book it took me a while to figure out what bothered me so much about the story. What it boiled down to is that I am not completely convinced of their happy ending.
Here’s where the discussion gets spoiler-y. Continue at your own risk.
All my ranting is just because I was really invested into the series and wanted a tidy ending. Here’s the deal, if you put your characters through unbelievable torment, you have to prove that their current and future happiness is more abundant because of or in spite of their past sorrows. In this case, it fell short.
I really like this series and this last book of the series really bummed me out. As in all the books, the struggles that the main characters deal with are relevant, realistic, and sometimes taboo. I’ve been impressed with the care and attention in which the author handles difficult situations, often calling out the thing that no one wants to talk about. So when I finished this book it took me a while to figure out what bothered me so much about the story. What it boiled down to is that I am not completely convinced of their happy ending.
Here’s where the discussion gets spoiler-y. Continue at your own risk.
All my ranting is just because I was really invested into the series and wanted a tidy ending. Here’s the deal, if you put your characters through unbelievable torment, you have to prove that their current and future happiness is more abundant because of or in spite of their past sorrows. In this case, it fell short.
November 11, 2015
From the moment I started this series, I fell in love with Neil and Sophie. Every character in their life, no matter how annoying or rude or shallow, was well written and served a purpose. The Boss is definitely in my top 3 favourite books of all time. The writing in every book in the series, including The Baby, is undeniably breathtaking. It's flawless, beautiful and very real. You have a connection to these characters. Which is what makes it very hard to review The Baby. I didn't like it. I am completely shocked that I don't like it. But I just can't imagine wanting to ever read this book again. Whereas I have read all the others several times over. Dealing with Neil's cancer in The Girlfriend was brutal, but it was real and heartbreaking and inspiring. It was a tough read yes, but in a five book series, having one of them be a hard to read, tough and agonising story is amazing. Because the story afterwards shows how the characters have all grown and dealt with the aftermath of something as horrible and terrifying as almost losing a loved one to cancer. I know that real life isn't all sunshine and happiness and sh*t happens, but reading The Baby was like a repeated punch to the gut. That isn't what I signed up for when I started reading these books. I don't read books like that. I don't like reading books that genuinely upset me. There is a whole genre of books to cater to people who do enjoy this. Just as there is a full genre of books that are fantasy, sci-fi, horror, young adult etc. I like romance novels. That's what I read. Not fluff or badly written romance. But romance with a decent plot, that's written well by a good author. That's what Jenny Trout is. She is an exceptional writer. And she writes fantastic books, there is no denying that. But I didn't sign up for The Baby. It belongs on a different bookshelf and I feel sad that for me, this series will end at the end of book 4. :(
February 9, 2017
Avoiding spoilers as much as I can...
I cried. SO MUCH. I know that's a weird thing to say about a book that is classified as romance/erotica, but yeah, don't be fooled - this particular book of the series deals with a lot of serious and complicated emotions, even more than sex, but the portrayal of the emotions and process that both Neil and Sophie go through is so important.
That said, I'm not gonna lie - there's a part of me that was like, "DAMMIT, JENNY, WHY'D YOU HAVE TO THROW THEM THIS CURVEBALL!" But of course, what happens to them in this book is a thing that happens to people in real life too, and I think that, even though it's probably not what we signed up for when we started this series, especially after some of the other serious stuff that has been brought up (abortion, addiction, cancer, rape), I think that ultimately, what we gain from reading this is actually very valuable. Like, this is not fluff - these are some SERIOUS emotions, ones that make you stop and consider how YOU would handle the situation as you're reading at 1am in the morning (*cough*), and even though I wouldn't call this a FUN read or a pleasurable one, I did think it was important. (Though, pleasure-wise, I was glad to see the reappearance of certain characters...)
I am just a wee - WEE! - bit disappointed that Sophie ended up having to do the thing that she said she never wanted to do, and it turns out fine in the end, but just once, I wanted to see a character who could make that decision for herself and stick to it and lead a happy life. But as I said before, this is a thing that happens to people in real life too.
I'm sad to see this series end, but we've been told that Neil and Sophie may make appearances in other books, so I'm trying not to feel too bad about saying goodbye to them...
I cried. SO MUCH. I know that's a weird thing to say about a book that is classified as romance/erotica, but yeah, don't be fooled - this particular book of the series deals with a lot of serious and complicated emotions, even more than sex, but the portrayal of the emotions and process that both Neil and Sophie go through is so important.
That said, I'm not gonna lie - there's a part of me that was like, "DAMMIT, JENNY, WHY'D YOU HAVE TO THROW THEM THIS CURVEBALL!" But of course, what happens to them in this book is a thing that happens to people in real life too, and I think that, even though it's probably not what we signed up for when we started this series, especially after some of the other serious stuff that has been brought up (abortion, addiction, cancer, rape), I think that ultimately, what we gain from reading this is actually very valuable. Like, this is not fluff - these are some SERIOUS emotions, ones that make you stop and consider how YOU would handle the situation as you're reading at 1am in the morning (*cough*), and even though I wouldn't call this a FUN read or a pleasurable one, I did think it was important. (Though, pleasure-wise, I was glad to see the reappearance of certain characters...)
I am just a wee - WEE! - bit disappointed that Sophie ended up having to do the thing that she said she never wanted to do, and it turns out fine in the end, but just once, I wanted to see a character who could make that decision for herself and stick to it and lead a happy life. But as I said before, this is a thing that happens to people in real life too.
I'm sad to see this series end, but we've been told that Neil and Sophie may make appearances in other books, so I'm trying not to feel too bad about saying goodbye to them...
July 17, 2016
With each successive book, I liked this series less. However, I did feel compelled to keep reading. A bit of a contradiction. By the end of series, I was feeling less for Sophie, more for Neil and upset about all the distractions that kept the books from focusing on their relationship. The darkness of the final book left me feeling unsettled.
December 17, 2015
I loved watching Neil and Sophie develop over the series of five books into one of my favorite couples and characters. I am really sad that I will have to let them go now...
January 2, 2016
Clear your schedule when starting to read The Baby, cause the only way to read this book is in one sitting. I don't like including spoilers in my reviews so I don't have much to say beyond the fact that I loved this book and I'm so bummed that I won't see these characters for another year at least.
The Baby continues to delve into, tear down and build up Sophie and Neil's relationship. What I love so much about Abigail Barnette's books is that when I read them I feel respected as a reader. Yes, these books might be shelved under the erotic romance shelf, but they're much more than that. The Baby especially. The sex, the Sir/submissive relationship and Sophie's recent exploration of her sexuality are still a huge part of this story. There's a lot going on but I like that Barnette didn't let the sex fall to the wayside and is able to bring it in to the plot. She makes sex important and sometimes our society can forget that sex is very integral for some people.
That being said, the sex scenes themselves aren't as.... frequent? What was included was very important for the development of the plot and the characters but this story wasn't about what new kink Barnette could expose us to. While The Boss might have been porn with plot this novel is more a plot that has a few sex scenes sprinkled in between real life. You know, like real life. Don't come in to this book expecting a light and fluffy read, it's not. It is a true read though because Barnette respects her readers.
I can't wait to see what Barnette comes up with next! I need more well written and smart romance novels!
The Baby continues to delve into, tear down and build up Sophie and Neil's relationship. What I love so much about Abigail Barnette's books is that when I read them I feel respected as a reader. Yes, these books might be shelved under the erotic romance shelf, but they're much more than that. The Baby especially. The sex, the Sir/submissive relationship and Sophie's recent exploration of her sexuality are still a huge part of this story. There's a lot going on but I like that Barnette didn't let the sex fall to the wayside and is able to bring it in to the plot. She makes sex important and sometimes our society can forget that sex is very integral for some people.
That being said, the sex scenes themselves aren't as.... frequent? What was included was very important for the development of the plot and the characters but this story wasn't about what new kink Barnette could expose us to. While The Boss might have been porn with plot this novel is more a plot that has a few sex scenes sprinkled in between real life. You know, like real life. Don't come in to this book expecting a light and fluffy read, it's not. It is a true read though because Barnette respects her readers.
I can't wait to see what Barnette comes up with next! I need more well written and smart romance novels!
November 15, 2015
This series is a favorite of mine. I could read about Neil and Sophie for years to come. Going into this book, I would have never expected the story that unfolded before me. It was incredibly sad and tragic. That's not to say it wasn't good. The writing is fantastic and I was definitely glued. I just wanted more Neil and Sophie. There was a lot left open, so I'm hoping this isn't the final book. There is so much more left to explore.
December 3, 2015
Oh Abigail you never dissapoint...
Just as with all the books of the series I loved it. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I really couldn't reccomend this more, there is just everything in it....Great characters, solid interesting plots and hot smexy scenes, I mean come on!
Just as with all the books of the series I loved it. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I really couldn't reccomend this more, there is just everything in it....Great characters, solid interesting plots and hot smexy scenes, I mean come on!
December 28, 2017
I appreciate the attempt at realism in this book, but I don't need so much tragedy in my fluff reading. Dear God. The author managed to fit sudden death of loved ones, grief, mental illness including attempted suicide, and addiction all into one short (theoretically) erotica novel. It was jarring as hell to go from a scene in which a character is screaming in emotional agony to a sex scene. I mean, yeah, life is like that sometimes, but let's be honest about what your readers are here for. Hint: it isn't a non-stop piling of the worst things that can happen to people onto your main characters with a couple of random romantic/sexual interludes thrown in.
I may be oversensitive since, you know, I was in a mental health facility for suicidal ideation last year and have been going through the grieving process for two family members this year, but I definitely need a palate cleanser after that "light" read!
I may be oversensitive since, you know, I was in a mental health facility for suicidal ideation last year and have been going through the grieving process for two family members this year, but I definitely need a palate cleanser after that "light" read!
November 14, 2015
For a series that I have loved and a book that I have much anticipated I feel somewhat disappointed.
I feel that this book was a bit of an anti climax. the plot felt a bit rushed and disjointed. To be the last in the series I feel the book as a whole left you on a rather low point instead of the happy and uplifting story that you might expect.
I fell in love with Neil and Sophie throughout the previous 4 books, their strong bond and dynamic relationship. In this book I felt like I was reading about someone else, they were not Neil and Sophie as we know them and there was not enough of them.
Overall I do love Abigail Barnette's novels and I will continue to read them as she is a great author. I am just dissppointed in the dishearted ending that I got for one of my favourite couples.
I feel that this book was a bit of an anti climax. the plot felt a bit rushed and disjointed. To be the last in the series I feel the book as a whole left you on a rather low point instead of the happy and uplifting story that you might expect.
I fell in love with Neil and Sophie throughout the previous 4 books, their strong bond and dynamic relationship. In this book I felt like I was reading about someone else, they were not Neil and Sophie as we know them and there was not enough of them.
Overall I do love Abigail Barnette's novels and I will continue to read them as she is a great author. I am just dissppointed in the dishearted ending that I got for one of my favourite couples.
Read
June 30, 2015#AuthorBehavingBadly
I will never purchase a bok written by this author again in my lifetime. she spends time knocking other women down, instead of helping them up. she wrote books which were knock offs of fifty shades of grey, then had the nerve to bash ELJames. No class. Too many other classy authors to spend my money on.
I will never purchase a bok written by this author again in my lifetime. she spends time knocking other women down, instead of helping them up. she wrote books which were knock offs of fifty shades of grey, then had the nerve to bash ELJames. No class. Too many other classy authors to spend my money on.
November 3, 2016
Esperava mais deste livro, mas infelizmente quando chegamos ao quinto livro já não temos muita imaginação.levou um 3* com muita pena minha, adorei os 4 livros passados, mas este desiludiu-me um bocado.
January 11, 2016
Bummer. I was looking forward to this book, because the past ones were entertaining and often intelligent. A nice, permission-based antidote to the grey-influenced hordes of idiot BDSM for newbies books.
Sadly, this was dull, dreary and sad for me. The hero and heroine are living in a mega-McMansion on steroids in an uber-rich-people's suburb of NYC. Just that alone is indescribably hollow and dull to me. The hero, newly retired, is doing things like setting up a charitable foundation, racing expensive cars on a private track, dealing with depression and working out to keep his figure. His lovely young wife is commuting to and fro to work on her fashion magazine occasionally. She doesn't seem to have active friendships with other people anymore, just her hubby. Neither of these people's lives are now remotely interesting to me.
Two different parties enter separately from stage left - both bisexual, both interested in this couple. I perked up. Would this novel explore the politics of forming a triad or other poly things? Nope. We get a sex scene for each and then they are dropped from the plot. I'm not even sure why they showed up at all except to fill pages....in the case of the male, it seems cruel how quickly he disappears from the story for no reason right after he makes a monagomous commitment to the couple.
Then a baby appears. And pretty much most of the rest of the book is devoted to the utterly dreary and mundane tasks of looking after the child. I'm talking diapers and spit up. All this did was make me very very glad I don't have a baby in my home right now.
This series has not been the most brilliant literature in history, but it was good fun and sometimes noteworthy. It's sad to see it dribble put to this dismal end. This was a Delete After Reading book for me. And now on to better things.
Sadly, this was dull, dreary and sad for me. The hero and heroine are living in a mega-McMansion on steroids in an uber-rich-people's suburb of NYC. Just that alone is indescribably hollow and dull to me. The hero, newly retired, is doing things like setting up a charitable foundation, racing expensive cars on a private track, dealing with depression and working out to keep his figure. His lovely young wife is commuting to and fro to work on her fashion magazine occasionally. She doesn't seem to have active friendships with other people anymore, just her hubby. Neither of these people's lives are now remotely interesting to me.
Two different parties enter separately from stage left - both bisexual, both interested in this couple. I perked up. Would this novel explore the politics of forming a triad or other poly things? Nope. We get a sex scene for each and then they are dropped from the plot. I'm not even sure why they showed up at all except to fill pages....in the case of the male, it seems cruel how quickly he disappears from the story for no reason right after he makes a monagomous commitment to the couple.
Then a baby appears. And pretty much most of the rest of the book is devoted to the utterly dreary and mundane tasks of looking after the child. I'm talking diapers and spit up. All this did was make me very very glad I don't have a baby in my home right now.
This series has not been the most brilliant literature in history, but it was good fun and sometimes noteworthy. It's sad to see it dribble put to this dismal end. This was a Delete After Reading book for me. And now on to better things.
November 18, 2015
The focus of this book was so depressing. I mean there was sadness in the other books as well but this one... my goodness. The other books had some sadness but a lot of happiness too which is what made them good. This book felt very different. I'm not sure I am entirely happy with the path Ms. Barnette has taken this story down. I still hope this isn't the last book because it certainly does not feel like a finished story. I still enjoyed it obviously or I would not have finished it.
Want to read
April 21, 2016
Book 1 is FREE on Amazon US today (4/21/2016)
http://goo.gl/KbgCo9
Books in The Boss series should be read in order:
Book 1: The Boss
Book 2: The Girlfriend
Book 2.5: The Hock-Up
Book 3: The Bride
Book 4: The Ex
Book 5: The Baby
February 16, 2016
Ultimo capitolo di questa saga erotica che mi ha letteralmente tenuta incollata al kindle. Sophie e Neil non sono una semplice coppia in cui il sadomaso rientra nelle loro tendenze sessuali, sono anche una coppia che hanno a che fare con la vita di tutti i giorni, ok magari un po' esagerata, ma sono una coppia che deve affrontare sfide che la vota presenta.
Sono stata indecisa su quante stelline dare a questo libro, ma alla fine il mio voto è più un vogo complessivo. Ho AMATO questa saga, e ogni personaggio è stato parte di me, ognuno di essi era ben strutturato, con sfaccettature che li caratterizzavano. Ma i protagonisti erano loro con la loro relazione fuori dagli schemi.
Inutile dire che ho sofferto durante la lettura di quesgo libro, e l'autrice è stata brava nell'affrontare un momento delicato nella vita dei personaggi, tuttavia ammetto che avrei preferito se avesse gestito la cosa in maniera diversa.
Il finale è probabilmente scontato e soprattutto sembra un voler mettere la parola fine troppo in fretta. A mio avviso, l'autrice avrebbe dovuto approfondire la storia, le dinamiche tra i due e non dare un finel fin troppo sbrigativo.
Ma nonostate alcune critiche che posso avere, la saga è veramente bella. Un libro dal linguaggio forte in alcuni tratti ma che si sa far piacere al lettore per il suo essere a volte fuori dagli schemi.
Bello, bello, bello!!
Sono stata indecisa su quante stelline dare a questo libro, ma alla fine il mio voto è più un vogo complessivo. Ho AMATO questa saga, e ogni personaggio è stato parte di me, ognuno di essi era ben strutturato, con sfaccettature che li caratterizzavano. Ma i protagonisti erano loro con la loro relazione fuori dagli schemi.
Inutile dire che ho sofferto durante la lettura di quesgo libro, e l'autrice è stata brava nell'affrontare un momento delicato nella vita dei personaggi, tuttavia ammetto che avrei preferito se avesse gestito la cosa in maniera diversa.
Il finale è probabilmente scontato e soprattutto sembra un voler mettere la parola fine troppo in fretta. A mio avviso, l'autrice avrebbe dovuto approfondire la storia, le dinamiche tra i due e non dare un finel fin troppo sbrigativo.
Ma nonostate alcune critiche che posso avere, la saga è veramente bella. Un libro dal linguaggio forte in alcuni tratti ma che si sa far piacere al lettore per il suo essere a volte fuori dagli schemi.
Bello, bello, bello!!
December 1, 2015
Oh my what an emotional roller coaster. Shocker for a book in this series I know (that would be sarcasm). I honestly don't know what to say about this, it was definitely the most intense book in the series, I won't say why cause spoilers. It was amazing, it hurt so much at times, it made me absurdly happy at other times. Sophie and Neil are forever perfect together. I loved whenever we got to see little glimpses of Ian and Penny (100% fell in love with them while reading The First Time). So so so good.
December 6, 2016
3,5⭐️
Acho k a cada livro, vou gostando menos da história... a verdade é k só o comprei pq tenho os anteriores.
Comecei a ler e pensei, "Pronto! Mais do mesmo..." e entretanto dá-se uma reviravolta na história, em que fico presa ao livro, n o consigo largar e qd dou conta, já vou a mais de meio. Mas depois vai enrolando... e nos últimos capítulos desenrola e acaba de uma forma mt morna sem grd entusiasmo :/
Esperava mais.
Acho k a cada livro, vou gostando menos da história... a verdade é k só o comprei pq tenho os anteriores.
Comecei a ler e pensei, "Pronto! Mais do mesmo..." e entretanto dá-se uma reviravolta na história, em que fico presa ao livro, n o consigo largar e qd dou conta, já vou a mais de meio. Mas depois vai enrolando... e nos últimos capítulos desenrola e acaba de uma forma mt morna sem grd entusiasmo :/
Esperava mais.
November 15, 2015
Book definition of emotional roller coaster
Brilliant book :)
Brilliant book :)
April 9, 2020
I love Jenny Trout and her writing, but the death of one of my favorite characters in the series I felt was unfair. Additionally while I don’t know what it’s like to raise a child (especially not with the live-in help Sophie has) I don’t think the experience was particularly represented well here. I lost a lot of respect for Sophie who has seemed to grow more and more childish with each book - I normally appreciate Jenny Trout’s pop culture references but they just seemed cheesy and out-of-place here. Ending a serious relationship discussion with “one does not simply walk into Mordor” is not something I’d imagine a 27- or 51-year-old would do.
Other reviewers have mentioned that the more intense BDSM scenes with Neil were ill-timed or not thought out. I agree and feel like these were poor decisions made by the author - specifically her “date” with Gena which, as a queer woman, did almost nothing for me. It made me sad because the Boss Series, for me, has done what 50 Shades never did: respected the boundaries of the submissive and represented a more realistic view of a BDSM relationship. This book is the first in the series where I’m reminded of EL James’ tone deaf inclusion of kink as a cure-all for deeper issues.
The drama of the heavier BDSM scenes, with the plot hinging on death, suicide, and Sophie raising her orphaned granddaughter during Neil’s hospitalization, all seemed to be for shock value. The book is not anywhere near as captivating as the rest of the series. I’m glad it was a quick read because I got through it quickly. I know this is a romance novel, and that the book is years old at this point, but I have only pointed out these problems because I know Jenny Trout can - and has done - much better by her readers and characters.
Other reviewers have mentioned that the more intense BDSM scenes with Neil were ill-timed or not thought out. I agree and feel like these were poor decisions made by the author - specifically her “date” with Gena which, as a queer woman, did almost nothing for me. It made me sad because the Boss Series, for me, has done what 50 Shades never did: respected the boundaries of the submissive and represented a more realistic view of a BDSM relationship. This book is the first in the series where I’m reminded of EL James’ tone deaf inclusion of kink as a cure-all for deeper issues.
The drama of the heavier BDSM scenes, with the plot hinging on death, suicide, and Sophie raising her orphaned granddaughter during Neil’s hospitalization, all seemed to be for shock value. The book is not anywhere near as captivating as the rest of the series. I’m glad it was a quick read because I got through it quickly. I know this is a romance novel, and that the book is years old at this point, but I have only pointed out these problems because I know Jenny Trout can - and has done - much better by her readers and characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 8, 2025I read these books for SMUT I’m not supposed to be emotionally ruined
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January 28, 2016 Ho appena terminato di leggere l'ultimo capitolo di questa serie e sono arrabbiata. Chi ha letto le mie recensioni sui capitoli precedenti sa che ho amato molto questa storia ma questa volta penso che Abigail Barnette abbia fatto degli errori che hanno appesantito questo ultimo volume.
********************************************* SPOILER ALERT **********************************************
Avevamo lasciato Sophie e Neil felici e contenti nella loro casa degli Hamptons, naturalmente dopo aver affrontato quella marea di difficoltà che ha minato la loro bellissima storia d'amore.
Questo volume inizia con un incontro fra Sophie, Neil e Emir. Non sono una puritana, né mi scandalizzo di fronte a determinate scene forti. Ma da subito ho notato un'eccessiva ostentazione di pratiche sessuali discutibili nel ménage a trois, quindi errore numero 1 erano davvero necessarie?
Naturalmente non intendo dirvi cosa succede ma questa scena pur fra adulti e consenzienti l'ho trovata molto forte, se l'avesse scritta in un altro modo e senza determinati "accessori" probabilmente l'avrei digerita... ma veramente stavo per abbandonare il libro.
Neil ha affrontato il suo passato (almeno in apparenza), tanto da dichiarare pubblicamente all'inaugurazione della Fondazione da lui ideata, che in passato ha subito uno stupro. Sophie è molto orgogliosa di lui e sembra che tutto vada per il meglio fino a che una telefonata cambia le loro vite tragicamente.
Emma e Michael muoiono in un incidente automobilistico mentre si recavano al ricevimento della Fondazione di Neil.
Per Neil è l'ennesimo colpo, la perdita della figlia gli è insostenibile.
Emma e Michael nel testamento hanno nominato tutori della piccola Olivia Neil e Sophie .
Sophie non si sente adeguata ad aiutare Neil per l'immensa perdita, pertanto si prende carico della gestione della piccola Olivia e aspetta che sia lui a chiederle aiuto. Ora voi immaginate Neil quante ne ha passate, matrimoni falliti, perdita di un figlio da Sophie sì, perché lui le confida che avrebbe voluto quel figlio, ha sconfitto un cancro, ha perso una figlia e lei a cosa pensa? Che le manca il sesso... Questo è l'errore numero 2. Ma come? Dagli respiro a quest'uomo...
Poi una tragica scoperta di Sophie porta i nostri due innamorati ad allontanarsi. Neil viene ricoverato in una struttura di recupero per guarire dalle sue dipendenze e dai suoi fantasmi. Ecco, qui Sophie mi è piaciuta. Si è presa carico di tutto quello che poteva nell'attesa del ritorno di Neil. Come farebbe qualsiasi moglie/compagna innamorata del suo uomo. Addirittura Emir le fa visita (su richiesta di Neil che gli chiede di consolare la moglie) e lei non sente alcun bisogno di saziare i suoi appetiti sessuali. E' una donna innamorata del suo uomo, senza di lui niente ha senso. Poi finalmente riceve una chiamata di Neil che le chiede di fargli visita e lei gli confida di aver rivisto Geena la ex moglie di Ian e che l'ha desiderata! Ma con tutto quello che è successo non hai altro a cui pensare?
PER CONTINUARE A LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE CLICCA QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...
********************************************* SPOILER ALERT **********************************************
Avevamo lasciato Sophie e Neil felici e contenti nella loro casa degli Hamptons, naturalmente dopo aver affrontato quella marea di difficoltà che ha minato la loro bellissima storia d'amore.
Questo volume inizia con un incontro fra Sophie, Neil e Emir. Non sono una puritana, né mi scandalizzo di fronte a determinate scene forti. Ma da subito ho notato un'eccessiva ostentazione di pratiche sessuali discutibili nel ménage a trois, quindi errore numero 1 erano davvero necessarie?
Naturalmente non intendo dirvi cosa succede ma questa scena pur fra adulti e consenzienti l'ho trovata molto forte, se l'avesse scritta in un altro modo e senza determinati "accessori" probabilmente l'avrei digerita... ma veramente stavo per abbandonare il libro.
Neil ha affrontato il suo passato (almeno in apparenza), tanto da dichiarare pubblicamente all'inaugurazione della Fondazione da lui ideata, che in passato ha subito uno stupro. Sophie è molto orgogliosa di lui e sembra che tutto vada per il meglio fino a che una telefonata cambia le loro vite tragicamente.
Emma e Michael muoiono in un incidente automobilistico mentre si recavano al ricevimento della Fondazione di Neil.
Per Neil è l'ennesimo colpo, la perdita della figlia gli è insostenibile.
Emma e Michael nel testamento hanno nominato tutori della piccola Olivia Neil e Sophie .
Sophie non si sente adeguata ad aiutare Neil per l'immensa perdita, pertanto si prende carico della gestione della piccola Olivia e aspetta che sia lui a chiederle aiuto. Ora voi immaginate Neil quante ne ha passate, matrimoni falliti, perdita di un figlio da Sophie sì, perché lui le confida che avrebbe voluto quel figlio, ha sconfitto un cancro, ha perso una figlia e lei a cosa pensa? Che le manca il sesso... Questo è l'errore numero 2. Ma come? Dagli respiro a quest'uomo...
Poi una tragica scoperta di Sophie porta i nostri due innamorati ad allontanarsi. Neil viene ricoverato in una struttura di recupero per guarire dalle sue dipendenze e dai suoi fantasmi. Ecco, qui Sophie mi è piaciuta. Si è presa carico di tutto quello che poteva nell'attesa del ritorno di Neil. Come farebbe qualsiasi moglie/compagna innamorata del suo uomo. Addirittura Emir le fa visita (su richiesta di Neil che gli chiede di consolare la moglie) e lei non sente alcun bisogno di saziare i suoi appetiti sessuali. E' una donna innamorata del suo uomo, senza di lui niente ha senso. Poi finalmente riceve una chiamata di Neil che le chiede di fargli visita e lei gli confida di aver rivisto Geena la ex moglie di Ian e che l'ha desiderata! Ma con tutto quello che è successo non hai altro a cui pensare?
PER CONTINUARE A LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE CLICCA QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...
November 11, 2015
**I'll leave no spoilers**
Where do I start? Ive read the reviews so far, and I agree, this is not a book that can be put down and continued later on- it needs to be read in sitting. It DEMANDS to read in one sitting. I have long awaited this book, and I never expected the book to take the course it did. I have devotedly followed Sophie and Neil, and I love them like I know them, but my god, I CRIED MY HEART OUT. I said I wouldn't put in any spoilers, but it needs to be said- If you have loved the past four books, lock yourself away in private for this one, and buckle up for the roller-coaster. The personal growth was astonishing to read, like I've never read before, but everyone changes to some degree.
Abigail, Jenny, if you read this review, know I love your books, the way you make me reflect on myself, opinions and your're sort of a free therapist with all the therapy (hehe). You blew my mind with this instalment, as you did with the rest, but this book was hard to read, and I wont lie, I wanted to put it down and not ever pick it up again, but I did. Your choices with this book can't be undone, and that's really hard to come to terms with (I got very attached to this series- and reviewers who haven't read it yet, that's not a spoiler).
4/5* because even though I didn't want to read it at times, I knew I had to. And if I've learned anything from Sophie, I'm a control freak too, and not being able to put down a book took control away.
Fantastic book. I can't wait for Penny and Ian... But I'll always hold Sophie and Neil closest in my heart, so goodbye to their story for now...
Where do I start? Ive read the reviews so far, and I agree, this is not a book that can be put down and continued later on- it needs to be read in sitting. It DEMANDS to read in one sitting. I have long awaited this book, and I never expected the book to take the course it did. I have devotedly followed Sophie and Neil, and I love them like I know them, but my god, I CRIED MY HEART OUT. I said I wouldn't put in any spoilers, but it needs to be said- If you have loved the past four books, lock yourself away in private for this one, and buckle up for the roller-coaster. The personal growth was astonishing to read, like I've never read before, but everyone changes to some degree.
Abigail, Jenny, if you read this review, know I love your books, the way you make me reflect on myself, opinions and your're sort of a free therapist with all the therapy (hehe). You blew my mind with this instalment, as you did with the rest, but this book was hard to read, and I wont lie, I wanted to put it down and not ever pick it up again, but I did. Your choices with this book can't be undone, and that's really hard to come to terms with (I got very attached to this series- and reviewers who haven't read it yet, that's not a spoiler).
4/5* because even though I didn't want to read it at times, I knew I had to. And if I've learned anything from Sophie, I'm a control freak too, and not being able to put down a book took control away.
Fantastic book. I can't wait for Penny and Ian... But I'll always hold Sophie and Neil closest in my heart, so goodbye to their story for now...
November 14, 2015
This series continues to surprise me--in a good way, of course.
I feel like it stands out compared to other romance books. Not that the other romance books out there are terrible, but they do tend to follow a specific formula that can make romance books predictable--enjoyable, but predictable. (At least the one's I've read.) There is just something about this series that makes me excited and also terrified because I have no clue what is going to be thrown at these characters. Not to mention that this series deals with a great deal of series issues (abortion, cancer, rape, suicide, etc..) that is dealt with in a way that feels real.
I feel like when I read this series I learn something new or, at the very least, gain a new perspective because I have never read books that dealt with what this series deals with. Not only with the type of sex that Sophie and Neil have, but with the other serious issues that is shown throughout the series.
And I have to say that I was certainly surprised--AND UPSET--at what was thrown at Sophie and Neil in The Baby. And--again--I felt like it was dealt with care and respect. I love the growth Sophie has shown, especially when dealing that thing that she never really wanted to do.
While I'm sad that this series is over, I am happy to know that Sophie and Neil will be back some time in 2016.
I feel like it stands out compared to other romance books. Not that the other romance books out there are terrible, but they do tend to follow a specific formula that can make romance books predictable--enjoyable, but predictable. (At least the one's I've read.) There is just something about this series that makes me excited and also terrified because I have no clue what is going to be thrown at these characters. Not to mention that this series deals with a great deal of series issues (abortion, cancer, rape, suicide, etc..) that is dealt with in a way that feels real.
I feel like when I read this series I learn something new or, at the very least, gain a new perspective because I have never read books that dealt with what this series deals with. Not only with the type of sex that Sophie and Neil have, but with the other serious issues that is shown throughout the series.
And I have to say that I was certainly surprised--AND UPSET--at what was thrown at Sophie and Neil in The Baby. And--again--I felt like it was dealt with care and respect. I love the growth Sophie has shown, especially when dealing that thing that she never really wanted to do.
While I'm sad that this series is over, I am happy to know that Sophie and Neil will be back some time in 2016.
November 30, 2015
Stupendous addition to The Boss books. Once again, the uber-talented Barnette tackles a tricky subject matter -- suicide. It was great "living" with one of my favorite book couples again -- Neil and Sophie -- but this time there were lots of tears. After only a few chapters into the book, I was sobbing and heartbroken for my pals. Poor Neil! Poor Sophie! Then things started looking a little better and then, oh, good, we're going to move on past this as best we can and then -- I was run over by an emotional train! Abigail Barnette has a wicked way with writing about sensitive subjects realistically while still making you smile every once in a while. Although she writes very good BDSM scenes, I often find myself thinking that she could leave some of them out when she has such a terrific plot going for her. I mean, I LOVE it when Sophie and Neil are going at it -- Doms don't get any sexier than Neil! -- but the rest of the BDSM characters? (shrugs) Not so interested.
All in all, I soared through this book and experienced every emotion right along with Sophie and Neil. I'm quite sure the next book I read will seem lackluster in comparison.
All in all, I soared through this book and experienced every emotion right along with Sophie and Neil. I'm quite sure the next book I read will seem lackluster in comparison.
November 11, 2015
Box of tissues needed
Seriously have a box of tissues on standby when reading this one guys. Maybe some eye drops for those who wear contacts cause my eyes be burnin' from the ocean of blood tears I cried.
I don't even know how to talk about this book without spoiling the journey or fucked-up roll-a-coaster that is this "last" installment of The Boss series.
I will say this though, cause it was something that I had looked forward to since first meeting Emir/El-Mudad, we get to know him a little better in this book on a personal level.
There is always a ton of non sugarcoated "real life" in this series so take the warning at the beginning of this book seriously cause shit gets real. And because of Jenny's personal experiences it makes it that much more real and relatable. Just tissues...TISSUES! Don't read in public and expect puffy eyes. Scheduled your reading time accordingly.
Seriously have a box of tissues on standby when reading this one guys. Maybe some eye drops for those who wear contacts cause my eyes be burnin' from the ocean of blood tears I cried.
I don't even know how to talk about this book without spoiling the journey or fucked-up roll-a-coaster that is this "last" installment of The Boss series.
I will say this though, cause it was something that I had looked forward to since first meeting Emir/El-Mudad, we get to know him a little better in this book on a personal level.
There is always a ton of non sugarcoated "real life" in this series so take the warning at the beginning of this book seriously cause shit gets real. And because of Jenny's personal experiences it makes it that much more real and relatable. Just tissues...TISSUES! Don't read in public and expect puffy eyes. Scheduled your reading time accordingly.
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November 12, 2015Emotional Endings
Neil and Sophie's, life together as husband and wife, takes them through some awesome highs as Neil adjusts to retirement and decides to start a charity for Rape Victims on a very large scale. To the point he and Sophie, have to sink some of their personal funds into it, but, really, when have Neil ever done anything small.
Sophie, still supporting her husband emotionally as well as sexually; while still running her online magazine MODE is happier than ever... when tragedy strikes and turns everybody's world upside down.
Who will survive, who will crumble, who will pull through and who will loose it all???
This book was... amazing, I cried, I laughed and I cried some more. I truly felt the emotional pain as I traveled on this journey. I now need some ibuprofen, a glass of wine and a hot bath.
Neil and Sophie's, life together as husband and wife, takes them through some awesome highs as Neil adjusts to retirement and decides to start a charity for Rape Victims on a very large scale. To the point he and Sophie, have to sink some of their personal funds into it, but, really, when have Neil ever done anything small.
Sophie, still supporting her husband emotionally as well as sexually; while still running her online magazine MODE is happier than ever... when tragedy strikes and turns everybody's world upside down.
Who will survive, who will crumble, who will pull through and who will loose it all???
This book was... amazing, I cried, I laughed and I cried some more. I truly felt the emotional pain as I traveled on this journey. I now need some ibuprofen, a glass of wine and a hot bath.
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