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Need #1
I Need You Always
A random kiss with a stranger who woke parts of her she didn’t know she had. She’d never see him again - what’s the harm?
Until she gets a new job, working for her stranger! And it turns out he wants more than a random kiss in the dark.
Dane Prescott avoids any and all responsibility with his family’s business, until tragedy strikes. Almost overnight, Dane is thrown into a position he never wanted. Nothing is going right in his life, until…
He sees her.
Marissa Lawson couldn’t wait to go from college graduate and intern to employee at a company she loved working for. At least, she did until a co-worker stole her ideas and took the job offer she’d worked so hard to get.
Everything unravels in her life and in the middle of the spiral, she’s pulled in for a controlling kiss from a delicious and dangerous stranger, leaving her breathless. Now, she’s questioning all of her life choices and wondering if she’ll ever see him again.
But with a new job offer in hand, Marissa gives up on ever seeing the handsome stranger again and decides to move on with her life.
But her luck changes when she finds out her new boss is the devilish kissing stranger.
Marissa has to focus on gaining back the footholds in her career that she’s worked so hard to gain, but it’s proving hard when Dane wants to dominate her in every aspect of their lives - mixing business with pleasure. Every touch tempts her to submit to his desire and walk away from any respect she might have in the industry.
Can she hold up to the control he craves in life, especially in love? Can she let go of her own hang-ups and submit to him? Or will she determine that living alone and in longing is the best life for her?
Until she gets a new job, working for her stranger! And it turns out he wants more than a random kiss in the dark.
Dane Prescott avoids any and all responsibility with his family’s business, until tragedy strikes. Almost overnight, Dane is thrown into a position he never wanted. Nothing is going right in his life, until…
He sees her.
Marissa Lawson couldn’t wait to go from college graduate and intern to employee at a company she loved working for. At least, she did until a co-worker stole her ideas and took the job offer she’d worked so hard to get.
Everything unravels in her life and in the middle of the spiral, she’s pulled in for a controlling kiss from a delicious and dangerous stranger, leaving her breathless. Now, she’s questioning all of her life choices and wondering if she’ll ever see him again.
But with a new job offer in hand, Marissa gives up on ever seeing the handsome stranger again and decides to move on with her life.
But her luck changes when she finds out her new boss is the devilish kissing stranger.
Marissa has to focus on gaining back the footholds in her career that she’s worked so hard to gain, but it’s proving hard when Dane wants to dominate her in every aspect of their lives - mixing business with pleasure. Every touch tempts her to submit to his desire and walk away from any respect she might have in the industry.
Can she hold up to the control he craves in life, especially in love? Can she let go of her own hang-ups and submit to him? Or will she determine that living alone and in longing is the best life for her?
Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
28 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia P. O'Neill
28 books241 followersI grew up in a small town in South Florida and moved to Central Florida to attend college. I married my friend, love, and soul mate and still reside in the area with our amazing son, and a feisty, four-legged little doggie boy.
In my books, I draw on my background in healthcare, business, and science, along with my husband’s engineering and wireless technology knowledge.
I love to cook and create in the kitchen and on the bbq grill. I sometimes lose myself in a song at the piano. I enjoy crafting, amusement parks, and the beach!
Let's connect and get to know each other. Find me at: www.cynthiaponeill.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 23, 2015
This is the first book by Cynthia P. O'Neill that I have read and OMG OMG OMG - I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. It is another one of those books that once you start reading it, you will have a hard time putting it down!!!
Marissa (the main character) is a quiet woman that seems to let people walk all over her. And while at work, she even let a fellow employee steal her ideas. As a result, while she was an intern, that employee ended up getting the job offer and she got nothing for her ideas.
Dane (the bosses son) is the dominate male that likes to party, travel, and get around until he and Marissa have one steamy kiss in the elevator. I don't write spoilers - so all I will say is that you need to read the book.
This book is filled with some drama, a little bit of mystery and OMG - some amazingly steamy sex scenes!!! The way that Cynthia describes everything will make you feel that you are there and a part of the story.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Marissa (the main character) is a quiet woman that seems to let people walk all over her. And while at work, she even let a fellow employee steal her ideas. As a result, while she was an intern, that employee ended up getting the job offer and she got nothing for her ideas.
Dane (the bosses son) is the dominate male that likes to party, travel, and get around until he and Marissa have one steamy kiss in the elevator. I don't write spoilers - so all I will say is that you need to read the book.
This book is filled with some drama, a little bit of mystery and OMG - some amazingly steamy sex scenes!!! The way that Cynthia describes everything will make you feel that you are there and a part of the story.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
April 7, 2015
OMG! I'm loving this book. I agree with many of the reviews - it's an excellent start to the series and it leaves me wanting to know more about the other characters. I don't know how many books the author plans for the series, but I'll definitely be checking out each one. The story was amazing, the sex scenes - Smoking HOT, and the overall feel of the book - fabulous!
Some scenes were a bit intense, like the whipping scene. But I get that Dane needs control and can get that through some elements of BDSM. There's one scene with Marissa that surprised the hell out of me, but I guess if I had demons that I wanted to get rid of, I might go to extreme measures, too.
Overall, an excellent read! I've read some of the negative reviews and am left wondering if some of us even read the same book - to my knowledge, and I've read the book twice now, I never saw an aunt and uncle listed, only a couple who are psychological therapists and have no family relation to the main characters. I guess some people see what they want to see. But for this chick...I can't wait for the next story. Nate, Marissa's brother, seems intense and I'd love to see if the author kicks it up another notch.
If you like contemporary/erotic romance, along with a touch of light BDSM, with a lot of LOVE and caring going on...(swooning over here while I'm writing this), then this is the story for you! Definitely not a waste of money, or at least that's my opinion.
Some scenes were a bit intense, like the whipping scene. But I get that Dane needs control and can get that through some elements of BDSM. There's one scene with Marissa that surprised the hell out of me, but I guess if I had demons that I wanted to get rid of, I might go to extreme measures, too.
Overall, an excellent read! I've read some of the negative reviews and am left wondering if some of us even read the same book - to my knowledge, and I've read the book twice now, I never saw an aunt and uncle listed, only a couple who are psychological therapists and have no family relation to the main characters. I guess some people see what they want to see. But for this chick...I can't wait for the next story. Nate, Marissa's brother, seems intense and I'd love to see if the author kicks it up another notch.
If you like contemporary/erotic romance, along with a touch of light BDSM, with a lot of LOVE and caring going on...(swooning over here while I'm writing this), then this is the story for you! Definitely not a waste of money, or at least that's my opinion.
December 27, 2015
This was a new-to-me author I discovered on FB. Story looked good. I was not expecting it to be a D/s story - I'm not so much "into" that, so I haven't read too many stories in the lifestyle.
However, I felt this was really well done & I loved the instant chemistry, the slightly "other" guiding factors, and Dane & Marissa were quite well-developed characters. The supporting characters were also written nicely & had me invested not only in our H/h, but in their families as well, and those are some of my favorite kinds of stories! The D/s side of the story wasn't heavy handed at all, and altho I'm still not a fan of the "Master" moniker, I liked the explanations for how they come to that distinction. (And this was a Master/sub rather than Master/slave scenario, which was slightly less ick-factor for me.)
There's some intrigue going on as well as the fairy-tale-like element to the story, and it all came together nicely! I enjoyed this one so much that I immediately purchased book 2 in the series & am starting that next. : )
However, I felt this was really well done & I loved the instant chemistry, the slightly "other" guiding factors, and Dane & Marissa were quite well-developed characters. The supporting characters were also written nicely & had me invested not only in our H/h, but in their families as well, and those are some of my favorite kinds of stories! The D/s side of the story wasn't heavy handed at all, and altho I'm still not a fan of the "Master" moniker, I liked the explanations for how they come to that distinction. (And this was a Master/sub rather than Master/slave scenario, which was slightly less ick-factor for me.)
There's some intrigue going on as well as the fairy-tale-like element to the story, and it all came together nicely! I enjoyed this one so much that I immediately purchased book 2 in the series & am starting that next. : )
March 27, 2015
4 Stars!
I liked this book. It was definitely not what I expected it to be ... at all. The synopsis does a good job at a basic explanation but this book is so much deeper than that. This book was crazy hot with so much sexual tension it felt almost smothering at times. It definitely touches some BDSM and a Dom/Sub lifestyle but it is more than that. This book was about soul mates and healing.
This is Marissa and Dane's story. Marissa is damaged. In an abusive relationship she is scared to leave, one kiss with a stranger in an elevator is going to rock her world. Dane doesnt want love but he can't get the girl from the elevator out of his head. When tragedy strikes both of their lives shaking it to the core, a plan is devised that throws these two back together. Traveling around the world together, they grow closer than ever. Dane has made his intentions clear... he wants Marissa and he will have her. Will Marissa be able to find healing in the arms of Dane? Will Dane be able to find redemption and justice with Marissa? And when danger lurks around the corner, will Dane be able to keep Marissa safe? Get ready for a sexy, suspenseful ride...
I liked Dane. He was crazy alpha and I actually loved his Dom side. He was sweet, compassionate and caring but also very alpha and protective of Marissa. I like how he took his time with her and slowly introduced her into the lifestyle. He had a naughty mouth at time but then there were times with the way he spoke was a bit... formal. His relationship with his dad, mom, and therapist were definitely interesting and unique in my reading experience. Dane was very complex and his whipping fascinated me as it was a part of his therapy.
I also Marissa, she was crazy sweet though she has damaged. I was rooting for her to open up and explore her sexuality. She was totally a submissive. It was something I noticed right off the gate. I also loved watching her heal her emotional scars and become strong... standing up for herself and telling Dan where he could shove it. I also give her props for resisting him as long as she did but honestly it was only a matter of time for these two to break the boundaries.
Ah... I LOVED their ending. It was perfect for these two. I am definitely going to be reading book two because I loved the small glimpse we got of her brother. He is going to be totally alpha I have a feeling and I am curious as to what his job truly entails because it sounds like super spy stuff.
I recommend this book.
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
I liked this book. It was definitely not what I expected it to be ... at all. The synopsis does a good job at a basic explanation but this book is so much deeper than that. This book was crazy hot with so much sexual tension it felt almost smothering at times. It definitely touches some BDSM and a Dom/Sub lifestyle but it is more than that. This book was about soul mates and healing.
This is Marissa and Dane's story. Marissa is damaged. In an abusive relationship she is scared to leave, one kiss with a stranger in an elevator is going to rock her world. Dane doesnt want love but he can't get the girl from the elevator out of his head. When tragedy strikes both of their lives shaking it to the core, a plan is devised that throws these two back together. Traveling around the world together, they grow closer than ever. Dane has made his intentions clear... he wants Marissa and he will have her. Will Marissa be able to find healing in the arms of Dane? Will Dane be able to find redemption and justice with Marissa? And when danger lurks around the corner, will Dane be able to keep Marissa safe? Get ready for a sexy, suspenseful ride...
I liked Dane. He was crazy alpha and I actually loved his Dom side. He was sweet, compassionate and caring but also very alpha and protective of Marissa. I like how he took his time with her and slowly introduced her into the lifestyle. He had a naughty mouth at time but then there were times with the way he spoke was a bit... formal. His relationship with his dad, mom, and therapist were definitely interesting and unique in my reading experience. Dane was very complex and his whipping fascinated me as it was a part of his therapy.
I also Marissa, she was crazy sweet though she has damaged. I was rooting for her to open up and explore her sexuality. She was totally a submissive. It was something I noticed right off the gate. I also loved watching her heal her emotional scars and become strong... standing up for herself and telling Dan where he could shove it. I also give her props for resisting him as long as she did but honestly it was only a matter of time for these two to break the boundaries.
Ah... I LOVED their ending. It was perfect for these two. I am definitely going to be reading book two because I loved the small glimpse we got of her brother. He is going to be totally alpha I have a feeling and I am curious as to what his job truly entails because it sounds like super spy stuff.
I recommend this book.
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
April 27, 2015
The start of something good…
Marissa Lawson is graduating from college and had high hopes that her internship in a prestigious company would lead to big things for her. Instead of riding the high she should be on she is struggling under a whole host of challenges. Financial issues, family troubles and an internship plagued by ill-will, her current situation could be written up as a dramatic soap opera. Dane Prescott could give her a run for her money in that regard. Family expectations and an unexpected betrayal from his lover as well as his best friend have him reeling. They say things get worse before they get better and, unfortunately, for this duo they do. Brought together by terrible tragedy and some family intervention, the two are set up to face their problems as well as each other. Their relationship may not have started in the usual fashion but it is up to them to work out their life’s path – the question is, will that road be taken together?
There are so many good things to say about this first book in the Need series. The character development is solid and I really get a sense of who Marissa and Dane are. There are quite a few secondary characters in the story but they all mesh together well while each having their own unique identity. How Marissa and Dane get together is unconventional but intriguing. Seeing their family and friends support them through the many upheavals they go through is heart-warming. There was complexity to the story which had the couple at the center but allowed secondary characters to come to the forefront as well. I did struggle with a few things even as I thoroughly enjoyed the story. BDSM elements were everywhere and while it helped to ground the storyline some of the scenes seemed stilted and forced. The dialogue occasionally seemed formal , stiff and out of character for the rest of the conversations. I have to admit to rolling my eyes at the "Dom voice" being used occasionally. These minor issues did not stop me from enjoying the characters and their story so was definitely cheering for a happy outcome. This story did not end in a cliff-hanger but the many sub-plots regarding secondary characters left a lot of room for the series to continue. I enjoyed this promising start to the series and am looking forward to Nate’s story next!
June 24, 2015
The start of something good…
Marissa Lawson is graduating from college and had high hopes that her internship in a prestigious company would lead to big things for her. Instead of riding the high she should be on she is struggling under a whole host of challenges. Financial issues, family troubles and an internship plagued by ill-will, her current situation could be written up as a dramatic soap opera. Dane Prescott could give her a run for her money in that regard. Family expectations and an unexpected betrayal from his lover as well as his best friend have him reeling. They say things get worse before they get better and, unfortunately, for this duo they do. Brought together by terrible tragedy and some family intervention, the two are set up to face their problems as well as each other. Their relationship may not have started in the usual fashion but it is up to them to work out their life’s path – the question is, will that road be taken together?
There are so many good things to say about this first book in the Need series. The character development is solid and I really get a sense of who Marissa and Dane are. There are quite a few secondary characters in the story but they all mesh together well while each having their own unique identity. How Marissa and Dane get together is unconventional but intriguing. Seeing their family and friends support them through the many upheavals they go through is heart-warming. There was complexity to the story which had the couple at the center but allowed secondary characters to come to the forefront as well. I did struggle with a few things even as I thoroughly enjoyed the story. BDSM elements were everywhere and while it helped to ground the storyline some of the scenes seemed stilted and forced. The dialogue occasionally seemed formal , stiff and out of character for the rest of the conversations. I have to admit to rolling my eyes at the "Dom voice" being used occasionally. These minor issues did not stop me from enjoying the characters and their story so was definitely cheering for a happy outcome. This story did not end in a cliff-hanger but the many sub-plots regarding secondary characters left a lot of room for the series to continue. I enjoyed this promising start to the series and am looking forward to Nate’s story next!
~Diane
Marissa Lawson is graduating from college and had high hopes that her internship in a prestigious company would lead to big things for her. Instead of riding the high she should be on she is struggling under a whole host of challenges. Financial issues, family troubles and an internship plagued by ill-will, her current situation could be written up as a dramatic soap opera. Dane Prescott could give her a run for her money in that regard. Family expectations and an unexpected betrayal from his lover as well as his best friend have him reeling. They say things get worse before they get better and, unfortunately, for this duo they do. Brought together by terrible tragedy and some family intervention, the two are set up to face their problems as well as each other. Their relationship may not have started in the usual fashion but it is up to them to work out their life’s path – the question is, will that road be taken together?
There are so many good things to say about this first book in the Need series. The character development is solid and I really get a sense of who Marissa and Dane are. There are quite a few secondary characters in the story but they all mesh together well while each having their own unique identity. How Marissa and Dane get together is unconventional but intriguing. Seeing their family and friends support them through the many upheavals they go through is heart-warming. There was complexity to the story which had the couple at the center but allowed secondary characters to come to the forefront as well. I did struggle with a few things even as I thoroughly enjoyed the story. BDSM elements were everywhere and while it helped to ground the storyline some of the scenes seemed stilted and forced. The dialogue occasionally seemed formal , stiff and out of character for the rest of the conversations. I have to admit to rolling my eyes at the "Dom voice" being used occasionally. These minor issues did not stop me from enjoying the characters and their story so was definitely cheering for a happy outcome. This story did not end in a cliff-hanger but the many sub-plots regarding secondary characters left a lot of room for the series to continue. I enjoyed this promising start to the series and am looking forward to Nate’s story next!
~Diane
March 23, 2015
** ARC KINDLY GIVEN FOR A HONEST REVIEW**
I loved this book..so so much.. You sooooo have to read it.. Such a amazing read..
Marissa is set to graduate from college and is interning at a company.. Ready to become a employee for them when one of her coworker basically stole her ideas from her and took her job..
Dane works for his father’s company.. Flying around the word for work and partying every chance he can get. He doesn’t really want to settle down and take over the company till something very tragic happens..
A chance meeting in the elevator with a kiss that will knock your socks off.. both are left breathless and wanting more but they don’t know who each other are..
This book has it all.. Drama, mystery, and a whole lot of SEXYNESS… Seriously though.. Go read this book.. It wont disappoint..
I can not wait for the next book..
I loved this book..so so much.. You sooooo have to read it.. Such a amazing read..
Marissa is set to graduate from college and is interning at a company.. Ready to become a employee for them when one of her coworker basically stole her ideas from her and took her job..
Dane works for his father’s company.. Flying around the word for work and partying every chance he can get. He doesn’t really want to settle down and take over the company till something very tragic happens..
A chance meeting in the elevator with a kiss that will knock your socks off.. both are left breathless and wanting more but they don’t know who each other are..
This book has it all.. Drama, mystery, and a whole lot of SEXYNESS… Seriously though.. Go read this book.. It wont disappoint..
I can not wait for the next book..
March 23, 2015
***ARC from author for an honest review***
I LOVED this book! I could not put it down and I don't think you will be able to either.
Marissa is this quiet woman that lets people walk all over her and even steal her ideas at work while she is an intern and ends up not getting the job offer.
Dane is the dominate male that likes to party, travel, and get around until him and Marissa have one steamy kiss that neither one can seem to forget about and that is just the first couple chapters of the book. After that it just gets more and more steamy.
You're going to have some drama, a little mystery, traveling to beautiful destinations, many steamy scenes, and of course Dane and his domination!
You will not be disappointed! This book will draw you in from the beginning and you won't want to stop reading until the end and even then you will want more.
I LOVED this book! I could not put it down and I don't think you will be able to either.
Marissa is this quiet woman that lets people walk all over her and even steal her ideas at work while she is an intern and ends up not getting the job offer.
Dane is the dominate male that likes to party, travel, and get around until him and Marissa have one steamy kiss that neither one can seem to forget about and that is just the first couple chapters of the book. After that it just gets more and more steamy.
You're going to have some drama, a little mystery, traveling to beautiful destinations, many steamy scenes, and of course Dane and his domination!
You will not be disappointed! This book will draw you in from the beginning and you won't want to stop reading until the end and even then you will want more.
April 5, 2015
Well....I got 81% through it and just couldn't get myself to finish. Some of the lines were so corny and just ridiculous to me. I'm going to keep it in my book file, for a day I feel motivated but for now, I'm just so over it. The characters annoyed me, I can't believe Dane's parents are talking openly about BDSM with him, they took him to whip therapy and oh the aunt & uncle do it too!! Just stupid....I hate when I feel like I wasted money & time.
April 18, 2015
I loved this book! It was different from the stories I had been reading and every little twist just made me love it more. I was a little iffy on Dane at first but turned out to be a sweet man and I fell in love with him and is hot alpha male side. To me Marissa was a little mixed I liked her and hated her at times too. As the story unfolds we see why she is the way she is and it all comes together. This was a great steamy read that I couldn't put down.
July 23, 2015
Loved this book! My timeline is off on this review because I immediately started book 2. Great characters, awesome plot. My heart broke for Dane. And the things Marissa went through? Wow! I have a few choice words about Tom, but don't want spoilers :)
August 24, 2015
4 Stars!!!
July 5, 2015
I enjoyed Marissa & Dane's story. Loved all the drama & the build up to them falling in love. I'm a huge fan of this author & looking forward to reading Nate's book.
February 7, 2019
This was a new-to-me author I discovered on FB. Story looked good. I was not expecting it to be a D/s story - I'm not so much "into" that, so I haven't read too many stories in the lifestyle.
However, I felt this was really well done & I loved the instant chemistry, the slightly "other" guiding factors, and Dane & Marissa were quite well-developed characters. The supporting characters were also written nicely & had me invested not only in our H/h, but in their families as well, and those are some of my favorite kinds of stories! The D/s side of the story wasn't heavy handed at all, and altho I'm still not a fan of the "Master" moniker, I liked the explanations for how they come to that distinction. (And this was a Master/sub rather than Master/slave scenario, which was slightly less ick-factor for me.)
There's some intrigue going on as well as the fairy-tale-like element to the story, and it all came together nicely! I enjoyed this one so much that I immediately purchased book 2 in the series & am starting that next. : )
However, I felt this was really well done & I loved the instant chemistry, the slightly "other" guiding factors, and Dane & Marissa were quite well-developed characters. The supporting characters were also written nicely & had me invested not only in our H/h, but in their families as well, and those are some of my favorite kinds of stories! The D/s side of the story wasn't heavy handed at all, and altho I'm still not a fan of the "Master" moniker, I liked the explanations for how they come to that distinction. (And this was a Master/sub rather than Master/slave scenario, which was slightly less ick-factor for me.)
There's some intrigue going on as well as the fairy-tale-like element to the story, and it all came together nicely! I enjoyed this one so much that I immediately purchased book 2 in the series & am starting that next. : )
November 2, 2018
Amazing,intense::::
Mix with thriller, suspense,hot romance and explain the dark side of the characters. Wonderful story and brilliant idea to keeps the readers like glue,until finish. The best part encourage the young people to make their goals in life to finish studies:: no matter what. Recommended to open minds people:::
Mix with thriller, suspense,hot romance and explain the dark side of the characters. Wonderful story and brilliant idea to keeps the readers like glue,until finish. The best part encourage the young people to make their goals in life to finish studies:: no matter what. Recommended to open minds people:::
January 1, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Absolutely loved this.
It is so clever how interconnected the story is and how the different parts come together.
I loved how their relationship develops and how patient he is and how he pushes her at the right times too.
Slightly annoying as to how naive she is at times, just a little too much for me……
Absolutely loved this.
It is so clever how interconnected the story is and how the different parts come together.
I loved how their relationship develops and how patient he is and how he pushes her at the right times too.
Slightly annoying as to how naive she is at times, just a little too much for me……
November 10, 2022
Not that hot, a little to cliché for BDSM romance
April 1, 2015
On the fence with this book...
The beginning is why I couldn't get into the story. It just didn't flow easily and I also believe that if the author didn't portray Marissa as this totally naive character than the book could have been better. The book did get better toward the end. Would I read it again probably not. Would I read the next book in the series which revolves around Marissa's brother Nate? Also probably not. I would be interested in reading about Dane's brother-in-law Jackson who became widowed and his little girl.
The beginning is why I couldn't get into the story. It just didn't flow easily and I also believe that if the author didn't portray Marissa as this totally naive character than the book could have been better. The book did get better toward the end. Would I read it again probably not. Would I read the next book in the series which revolves around Marissa's brother Nate? Also probably not. I would be interested in reading about Dane's brother-in-law Jackson who became widowed and his little girl.
June 22, 2015
I loved this book! It was different from the stories I had been reading and every little twist just made me love it more. I was a little iffy on Dane at first but turned out to be a sweet man and I fell in love with him and is hot alpha male side. To me Marissa was a little mixed I liked her and hated her at times too. As the story unfolds we see why she is the way she is and it all comes together. This was a great steamy read that I couldn't put down.
June 16, 2015
DNF @ 32%.
I hated the h, she had a serious attitude problem. The story wasn't engaging and I found myself bored.
I hated the h, she had a serious attitude problem. The story wasn't engaging and I found myself bored.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews