Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Audible sample
Follow the author
OK
Blindfolded Innocence (Hqn) Paperback – January 28, 2014
I'm sure you are exactly as bad as they make you out to be .
Brad De Luca is used to getting whatever and whomever he wants. The premier divorce attorney in town, he's a playboy who's bedded half the cityincluding his own clients. And when the newest intern at his firm poses a challenge, his seductive prowess goes into overdrive.
Pre-law student Julia Campbell is fresh off a failed engagement and happy with her new independence. Even if she weren't warned away from Brad at every turn, she'd know he was bad news. The last thing she needs is a man who could destroy her job prospects, not to mention her innocence. But before she knows it, the incorrigible charmer has her under his spell. His deviant tastes plunge her deep into a forbidden world of sexual exploration but her heart may not survive the fall.
- Print length304 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHQN
- Publication dateJanuary 28, 2014
- Dimensions5.42 x 0.8 x 8.28 inches
- ISBN-100373778287
- ISBN-13978-0373778287
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
You can find out more about Alessandra and her upcoming books at www.alessandratorre.com, or through her Facebook page.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Four months earlier
I decided to break off my engagement on a Wednesday night at 2:20 a.m. I was drunk past the point of walking a straight line, but not yet to the point of slurring my speech. Drunk wasn't the best mind-set to be in to make a lifealtering decision, but a thin curtain had finally been ripped away and a truth that I had evaded for the past two years now stood front and center in the middle of my head, waving its arms and screaming.
Luke was not the one for me.
I met Luke as a sophomore in college. At the time I was emotionally vulnerable, recently dumped by the first "love of my life" two weeks after he took my virginity. That asshole ditched poor deflowered me to run off with a seventeen-year-old blonde, pink-toenailed California princess. Luke was different-quiet, brooding, a sensitive soul who seemed absolutely terrified of me. I was bubbly, beautiful and determined to get over my heartbreak the college way-partying myself into oblivion. I hunted Luke down the way a lioness would a defenseless baby antelope, making my sole occupation getting him to fall completely and hopelessly in love with me- which he did, putting me on a pedestal and worshipping daily at my whim.
I demanded a proposal within six months, which he gave me willingly-I think-and we began to plan a life together. This life plan was hampered slightly by the fact that Luke was a dreamer with high goals but little follow-through. He enjoyed spending time with me, and not much else. He worked in construction-not in a management capacity, as I had originally thought, but as a laborer. My bubbly persona started to turn into more of a nagging mother role. It wasn't long before my subconscious started poking me with a sharp, pointy stick. I ignored the annoying pokes for twelve months, then my subconscious had enough of waiting.
It is weird the things that enter your head during a breakup. I sat on my bed with Luke sitting next to me, and I wondered why I had never purchased a chair for my bedroom. I had a desk and the typical bedside table, but no chair. A chair would have made the situation easier. Sitting next to Luke on the bed was too intimate-his pain was too close-and I knew I would have to fight to keep from reaching over to comfort him.
I stood up, wobbled slightly and turned to face him. I took a deep breath and delivered the bad news. I think my dramatic breakup speech was hampered slightly by the fact that we were both drunk, but I tried my best to be compassionate, coherent and firm. I accomplished at least two of those objectives.
Luke turned out to have a streak of stalker in him. Despite all the poking and prodding that he had needed to bathe, balance a checkbook and show up for work, it turned out he needed little or no encouragement to spend every waking moment trying to convince me to come back to him. In retrospect, maybe I should have spent less effort trying to get him to fall in love with me. I might have overshot that objective.
After two weeks of avoiding my home, work and anyplace I had frequented during the past two years, I decided to leave my crappy apartment and even crappier job and start fresh. It was good timing. Intern season was starting.
My internship at Clarke, De Luca & Broward began on a Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. I sat in the Human Resources offices with eight other interns and waited for my attorney assignment. Our internships would last for one semester. During that time we would be assigned to an attorney and, for the most part, would be their personal bitch for the next ten weeks.
I had heard the stories. Liz Renfield, one of the junior partners, once made an intern cover her gynecology appointment. The intern had to sit in the cold stirrups and undergo a full exam just so Renfield could make a deposition and continue her birth control uninterrupted. Hugo Clarke was apparently the dream assignment. He was known to take interns under his wing and pretty much guaranteed them a salaried position after graduation. Brad De Luca was a skirt chaser, Robert Handler a drunk, and Kent Broward drowned interns in work. There were a few new attorneys that hadn't yet built up reputations, but I was sure that they would have them soon enough.
"Miss Campbell," the throaty-voiced receptionist barked, waving her hand, beckoning me. I stood, smoothed my skirt and strode to the front. I was nervous, but tried to appear calm and collected. I came to a stop in front of her and waited. "You will be assisting Attorney Kent Broward," she stated. "After orientation, report to his office, fourth floor." She dismissed me by turning back to her stack of forms and calling the next victim, Jennifer Hutchinson. I turned and walked back to my seat, passing Jennifer on the way. She gave me a tight, nervous smile, which I returned.
I sat down on the plastic-wrapped seat and exhaled, releasing the breath that I had not been aware I was holding. Attorney Kent Broward. I could have gotten worse. Broward worked long hours and expected his interns to do the same, but at least I would get good, solid training. If I impressed Broward, I should have no problem getting a strong recommendation for law school. Word was that Broward was tough, but not unreasonable, and fair. I heard Jennifer's assignment called out in the background. She received Liz Renfield. Tough break.
Orientation passed slowly, a boring drone of questionnaires, forms and informational videos on topics such as equal opportunity and sexual harassment in the workplace. We had a catered lunch in an empty conference room-cold ham-and-turkey sandwiches with chips. I munched on a Frito and listened to the idle chat. The conversation seemed to center around drinks after work and where everyone wanted to go.
"Hops Grill. Julia, that work for you?" Trevor, a lanky redhead, leaned toward me as he asked the question.
I shrugged noncommittally. "Hops works for me, if Broward lets me out in time," I said. I didn't expect to make many happy-hour events, at least not for the next ten weeks. I could probably cross off any social events, period, until my internship was over.
"I'm sure Broward will let you off early today. It is the first day, after all." The optimism came from Todd Appleton, a handsome, athletic type, as he stared into my eyes from across the table.
I smiled at him, trying not to stare at his perfect grin. Hmm that view will help the next few months pass quickly. "Maybe. Who'd you get?"
"De Luca," he responded breezily. "Should be fine. The guy apparently parties more than he works."
I glanced at Jennifer. She was typing furiously into her phone, probably updating her boyfriend on her day. "Jennifer, you going for drinks?" She glanced up, nodded and resumed her texting.
Jane, the Human Resources receptionist, a petite white-haired woman, who would have seemed motherly if not for her piercing stare and gravelly smoker's voice, strode into the room. "Okay, interns, let's move!" she commanded, clapping her hands. "Report to your attorneys and bring all of your things with you!" She clapped her hands again and began herding us out. Todd caught up with me on the way out and held the door for me, pressing his hand gently on my back to guide me through the door. I tried not to smile, but felt a flush hit my face. I headed for the stairs and prepared myself for the fourth floor, and Broward.
Broward was in his forties, tall and bald-shaved bald, in an obvious attempt to hide a receding hairline. He looked like a runner, thin and in shape. He had his jacket on and was seated behind his desk when I came in. He stood as I entered and came around the desk to shake my hand. "Julia." He beamed, pumping my hand. "Nice to meet you." I liked him immediately. He seemed intelligent, approachable and trustworthy. Plus, it appeared he had excellent taste in interns. Looking around, he grabbed a set of keys and a stack of files. "Come with me. I'll show you your office and start you working."
* * *
Four hours later, I paused in my typing and leaned back in my chair. I stretched my arms and legs and rolled my head, trying to get the kinks out of my neck. I looked around my office, taking my first real appraisal of the space. It was a nice office, more than I had expected as an intern. Dark wood-paneled walls, plush cream carpet and expensive, heavy furniture- the room had a definite masculine sense, a cigar bartype feel. I didn't mind. Girlie, flowery and pink don't exactly inspire fear in the courtroom.
My desk was filled with legal briefs, all covered with Bro-ward's handwritten notes. They all needed to be summarized and to have his notes implemented. I sighed. Long nights were going to be the norm, mostly filled with menial work that would do nothing to further my work experience. Welcome to the world of internship. I leaned back over the desk and started in again.
An hour later, there was a soft knock on my door and Todd Appleton stuck his gorgeous blond head in. "We're heading out for drinks," he said. "Still room for you, if you're interested." He looked carefree and relaxed, happily done for the day, his tie already loosened.
"I think I'll be here awhile," I said from behind the stack of briefs. "But thanks for checking."
His gaze traveled from my full desk to the crammed cardboard file box on the side of my desk. His smile faded slightly. "All right I'll take a rain check." He tapped his hand on the door frame twice and then left, closing the door behind him.
I rubbed my eyes and focused again on Britley v. Russell Properties, an exciting legal battle regarding a dispute over water rights on a condominium project. Thrilling. At least Broward was still there also. I could hear him on the phone, his seat creaking occasionally when he stood up, usually to pace. I bet a track had been worn on his plush carpet from the constant pacing. My stomach growled. The next day I would know to pack a dinner. Damn Todd and the other interns, with their light workloads and happy-hour drinks. I grumbled a little longer and then tried to refocus my mind.
At 10:00 p.m. Broward knocked on my office door and entered. Tie undone, shirt rumpled, he looked at my exhausted face with a gentle smile. "Come on, Julia. Let's go. You've put in a good first day."
I smiled at him wearily. I was so hungry I was ready to start chewing on a Post-it note; I was certain my butt had officially fused to the leather seat, and my hands were cramping from the nonstop typing. I wanted to come across as a road-hardened legal warrior, but I was too tired to keep up the facade. Besides, he looked tired also.
"All right, boss," I said, grabbing my jacket and shrugging into it. "I won't argue with you, seeing it's my first day." I picked up my purse and followed him down the hall, waving to the quiet, round, Hispanic housekeeper who waited at the entrance to Broward's office armed with disinfectant and a trash bag. She smiled at me and waited until we passed before scurrying into the office.
"I'll walk you to your car," Broward said-a statement rather than a question. "You don't need to be in the parking garage alone." I nodded my thanks and tried to walk without stumbling.
We got on the elevator. Muted music filled the car. I tried to think of something moderately intelligent to say.
Broward broke the silence. "I buried you in files today. I didn't give you a proper introduction to the office. Tomorrow I will give you a tour and the basic background information on everything that you will need. Week after next I will be in Fort Lauderdale, so I want to get you as acclimated and self-sufficient as possible."
"Sounds great," I said. Thank God, a week of normal hours. I gestured to the ten-year-old gray Toyota Camry, my mom's old car, now one of two cars in the parking lot, the other a shiny black Lexus, which I assumed was his. "This is mine," I said a bit unnecessarily. "Thank you for walking me." I awkwardly stuck out my hand and he shook it.
"See you tomorrow, Ms. Campbell." Broward smiled and released my hand.
"Good night, Mr. Broward." I nodded, and headed for my car.
Six in the morning came way too freaking early. The day before, I had bounded out of bed, excited about my internship, but today it took two snooze cycles before I lifted my head. My alarm still sounding, I fumbled to turn it offjust as pounding started on the wall beside my bed. "It's off!" I shouted. Zack, my stoner of a roommate, stopped beating on the wall, probably already halfway back to sleep. He'd had friends over till past 3:00 a.m., and they had made no effort to be quiet. I had no doubt there would be plenty of fights in the upcoming months over our sleep routines.
After breakfast and a shower, I grabbed a blue sweater-dress out of the closet and pulled it over my head, cinching a brown belt around my waist. Grabbing small faux diamond stud earrings and a purse, I surveyed my shoe options. All sexy and over three inches tall. Seeing long hours ahead, I realized I would need to buy some shoes that emphasized comfort over fashion. For now, I grabbed some gorgeous leather-and-gold stilettos and slid them on.
I arrived at the office at 7:30 a.m. Pulling open the heavy teak doors, I entered the lobby, nodding to Dorothy, the ancient receptionist. "Good morning, Miss Campbell," she said creakily. "Here late last night?" Her bemused expression had no trace of pity.
"Not too late," I replied breezily. She grinned at me, her wrinkles accentuated by the motion.
"Have a good day," I heard her call as I pressed the door to the stairs and headed for the fourth floor.
The fourth floor-or power floor, as the staff referred to it-was divided into three different wings, one for each partner. Each partner had two secretaries, two paralegals and one intern. Brad De Luca was the exception, with four secretaries and three paralegals. I remembered from orientation that his caseload was double that of any other attorney, including the other two partners. Broward's secretaries were Sheila and Beverly, neither of whom, judging by their empty desks, arrived till 8:00 a.m.
Broward was already in his office, phone to his ear, when I passed his closed door. I waved at him through the glass and entered my office. Setting my purse by the door, I switched my cell to Silent and then started in on the pile stacked on my desk. I was halfway through the first brief when Broward appeared in the doorway.
"Good morning," he said distractedly.
"Good morning."
"Did you make coffee?" His question caused me to look up from my computer.
"Coffee?" I stalled. Is that part of my duties?
"Yes, the kitchen with the coffeepot is on the third floor. I'm sorry I didn't give you the proper tour, but I thought they might have covered that in orientation." A phone began ringing in his office, and he glanced back at me with agitation.
"Yes, I'll get it now." I stood quickly and smoothed down my dress. He disappeared, and I heard him answer his phone a few seconds later.
Coffee. Okay, I can do this. Are Trevor and Todd brewing freaking coffee?
Product details
- Publisher : HQN; Original edition (January 28, 2014)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0373778287
- ISBN-13 : 978-0373778287
- Item Weight : 8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.42 x 0.8 x 8.28 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #486,360 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,773 in Romantic Erotica (Books)
- #15,561 in New Adult & College Romance (Books)
- #55,432 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, as well as guest-blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.
In addition to writing, Alessandra is the creator of Alessandra Torre Ink, a website, community, and online school for aspiring authors. Her annual conference is INKERS CON, and is available online or in-person.
Learn more about Alessandra on her website at www.alessandratorre.com.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate the engaging characters and their development. The storyline is simple yet compelling, with a satisfying conclusion. Readers describe the book as hot and steamy, with some intense love scenes. They find the writing style detailed and enjoyable. The humor is also appreciated.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book. They find the story engaging and well-written. The characters are likable and well-developed. Readers praise the author's first effort and appreciate her strong sense of self-worth.
"...This book has EVERYTHING a reader like myself wants in a book, the perfect amount of angst and heat, something I crave in any good story...." Read more
"...Sigh! My grade: B+ An enjoyable take on the rich guy-young girl story...." Read more
"...Julia is young, impressionable, curious, brave, and impulsive...." Read more
"...despite a 19-year age difference, they communicate as equals, and honestly. I find the prospects for them as a couple fairly depressing...." Read more
Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it flows well, with interesting characters that add depth to the premise. The last chapter is the best for them and they are excited to read the sequel. The book takes an unexpected turn that makes them appreciate it. Overall, the story wraps up nicely and leaves readers wanting more.
"...I can not wait to get my hands on Masked Innocence. This story has completely pulled me in and I'm finding it impossible to think of anything else." Read more
"...There is an allusion to a sequel. I say: this book stands alone pretty well. I'd like to read more from this author, with new characters." Read more
"...The story line was complete and it didn't leave you with unanswered questions, the characters were likable and well thought out. It was a good read...." Read more
"...The story premise is simple enough- an intern works at a law firm and is constantly told to stay away from the `bad boy' of the building, Dean De..." Read more
Customers enjoy the engaging characters and their diverse personalities. They find the heroine intelligent, strong, and assertive. The book offers a forbidden office romance with clashing personalities and an alpha male character.
"...took this book to a whole new level, with a captivating plot, engaging characters and sexual tension for days...." Read more
"...It had a sexy alpha male, a sassy heroine and plenty of umph in those bedroom scenes that weaved in well but didn’t overpower the book...." Read more
"...and it didn't leave you with unanswered questions, the characters were likable and well thought out. It was a good read...." Read more
"...I do like that he is very much an alpha guy personality, but at the same time he shows that side of him with a smile, so he doesn’t come off as a..." Read more
Customers find the book engaging with its sexy love scenes. They appreciate the alpha male character and the vibrant, youthful characters. The storyline is described as believable and steamy.
"...Is. Hot. I mean... honestly. This guy is perfection in a suit...." Read more
"...An enjoyable take on the rich guy-young girl story. It had a sexy alpha male, a sassy heroine and plenty of umph in those bedroom scenes that..." Read more
"...However, Julia can't seem to not be drawn to this incredibally sexy attorney and says yes to a weekend in Vegas...." Read more
"...She is exactly the "type" Brad has been known to go after. Pretty, young, (21) bright and has a sexual undercurrent...." Read more
Customers find the book stimulating, entertaining, and satisfying. They enjoy every moment of reading it and could not put it down. The story never dulls, with good banter and wit. The discussion of love vs. sex is interesting and revealing for readers.
"...boasts no great twists and turns and epic cliffhangers, but it was a fun and sexy story nonetheless...." Read more
"...Brad is a very likeable, honest, and magnetic man. Julia is a young, impressionable woman...." Read more
"...No whining to him, no complaining. He is happy with her job performance. Hurray for characters who work hard to get ahead...." Read more
"...What was most interesting and revealing was the discussion of love vs sex. This was done with bantering smart, real concepts...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's writing style. They praise the author's detailed and vivid descriptions, which bring life to the characters. The dialog and chemistry between the characters are also appreciated.
"...The relationship between Brad and Julia is drawn out, painfully slow and I loved that. I didn't want this story to end...." Read more
"...I've read by Alessandra Torre and I have to say that it was really well written...." Read more
"...What I loved....the story ... She writes very well and the actual writing gets better as she goes along...." Read more
"...a day and a half, and that is seriously a testament to the quality of the writing, especially since I was on vacation when I did all the..." Read more
Customers enjoy the witty and clever dialogue in the book. They appreciate the banter and the sense that despite their age difference, they are still engaging with each other. The author keeps readers entertained with her smart and sarcastic remarks. Overall, customers find the book relatable and likable.
"...She disobeys, the relationship begins. I like the banter, the sense that despite a 19-year age difference, they communicate as equals, and honestly..." Read more
"...Julia may have been young but wasn't a pushover for me. She was sarcastic, cutting sometimes in her responses to Brad and willing to experience her..." Read more
"...This led to some good banter and I enjoyed the wit sprinkled throughout this story. This quote alone left me smirking long after I had read it:..." Read more
"...over analytical (good quality for a lawyer) and stubborn BUT sarcastic as hell and sharp!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the strong female lead. They find her portrayal of a confident and strong female to be impressive. The book has an engaging buildup with good action. Readers praise the character as brave, steady, and self-aware. It's refreshing to have a strong female lead who can hold her own.
"...Julia is young, impressionable, curious, brave, and impulsive...." Read more
"...She was a strong character who garnered my respect early on with her determination to succeed...." Read more
"...Julia (the intern) comes across as determined, intelligent and strong; just not strong enough to resist De Luca and so lust ensues and we are taken..." Read more
"...I also loved that she was a strong and intelligent heroine...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2014Alessandra Torre is an author who I may or may not be slightly obsessed with. Stalking is a strong word... but I'm not ashamed to admit that I threatened to hide in her bushes and lick her windows until she gave me more of what I wanted.... her words. Brace... the rooftop shouting will now commence!
Alessandra Torre pulled me into her web with Sex Love Repeat. I was absolutely blown away with that book and her writing, and I committed myself to reading everything she ever publishes because she is just THAT good. She never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think she can't get any better, she does!
Which brings us to Blindfolded Innocence... the first book in the Innocence trilogy. Attorney Brad DeLuca is an admitted playboy, uninterested in committing to anyone in an exclusive capacity. Julia Campbell is the freshfaced young intern at the prestigious law firm in which DeLuca is a partner. Julia has been warned to keep her distance from the womanizer, but it doesn't take long before Julia finds herself caught in Brad's web of lust. You think you know where this is going... You don't.
This book has EVERYTHING a reader like myself wants in a book, the perfect amount of angst and heat, something I crave in any good story. But Ms Torre took this book to a whole new level, with a captivating plot, engaging characters and sexual tension for days. If I could hand pick everything I'd want in a story, I'd just direct you to this book... which is what I'm doing... right now.
First things first... Brad. Is. Hot. I mean... honestly. This guy is perfection in a suit. That is, if you can excuse the whole "I'll put my man parts in anything that moves" thing. He's the unattainable, successful, gorgeous specimen you want to tame, but know you never will. Julia is the straightlaced, goal oriented, stubborn young woman who finds herself fixed in DeLuca's crosshairs, but refuses to be swayed by his charm. It's a perfect combination, the perfect fusion of characteristics that makes for an intense, emotional ride where the possibilities are endless.
The relationship between Brad and Julia is drawn out, painfully slow and I loved that. I didn't want this story to end. I loved the build, and the tension, and the angst and drama. I love when characters emotionally destroy each other, I went back and forth between loving Brad and hating him. I couldn't decide which direction I wanted Julia to run in. I love not knowing where this could go.
The entire time I was reading, I kept saying to myself that I couldn't remember the last time a book had me feeling this... it's been forever since a story line and it's characters pulled me in in such a way, making me feel such intensity to this degree!! I can not wait to get my hands on Masked Innocence. This story has completely pulled me in and I'm finding it impossible to think of anything else.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2014Wealthy playboys and Alessandra Torre: these are a few of my favorite things! Perhaps it’s because it’s a lovely fantasy. Wouldn’t we all want to meet a handsome, rich, sophisticated business man who plays hard and carries a big stick? Um, YES! Pair that with the sultry sex scenes Torre is known for and you’ve got a recipe for sinful success.
Julia Campbell is a bright and virtuous college student about to begin an internship at a very prestigious law firm. She is newly single, having just ended an engagement, but is not exactly looking to mingle. Julia believes in true love and isn’t looking to have meaningless flings. She thinks sex is for love despite admitting that the two men she has slept with may not have been real loves after all. She thinks she has it all figured out but she doesn’t. Brad De Luca is a partner at the firm where Julia interns. He is the exact opposite of what Julia is looking for so of course she gets caught in his web! Can Julia make it out unscathed or will she end up exactly where she was meant to be?
Let’s talk about Brad “Come to Mama” De Luca. He’s older and wiser about everything, mostly sex. He’s built quite the reputation as a party guy who goes from one woman to the next, including his clients. In the beginning, as Julia slowly gets a feel for Brad, we see him as a man-whore who takes very little seriously. As the story progressed, we saw there was way more to this guy and I loved it. While you may think he’s not interested in commitment, that’s not really the case. He just needs a certain type of woman and has given up on ever being able to find her. By the end of the book, I saw him as a big teddy bear. A big, delicious, sexy, kinky teddy bear! Swoon city, ladies!
Like Brad, Julia is a character that is more than she appears. Julia, for lack of a better word, is a bit of a tease. She was always taught sex was for love and somewhere along the way she began equating sex with power. When in a relationship, she uses sex to further a bond but also as a way to control the guy. When she’s not, she uses it to gain an upper hand but then bails before doing the deed. While she has had sex, she’s not as experienced as she thinks. When she meets Brad, she claims to have it all figured out but he quickly shows her how little she knows. I saw her as a totally normal character but, then again, I felt like I was her at one point in my life. Her behavior was irritating at first, but I chalked that all up to naivete. She’s not trying to be malicious, she’s just doing what she knows how despite it never bringing her what she wants. She has an epiphany about her behavior and that was quite fascinating.
The story line is not an original one. I concede that. I’ve read tons of rich guy meets young girl stories and some are great and some are crap. I would say this one is better than most I have read but not my favorite Torre novel. Still, this was her first book and having read Black Lies a few months ago, I am so impressed with how far Torre has come in such a short time. No, this novel boasts no great twists and turns and epic cliffhangers, but it was a fun and sexy story nonetheless. At the conclusion, I wasn’t dying to buy the next novel in the series but I was engaged in the plot from beginning to end. What sucked me in the most was the dialogue between the characters. Young Julia had many questions about Brad and his mischievous lifestyle and the conversations that stemmed from those questions were refreshingly real and entertaining. I felt like it was the kind of conversation I would have had with him if Brad were real. Sadly, he is not. Sigh!
My grade: B+
An enjoyable take on the rich guy-young girl story. It had a sexy alpha male, a sassy heroine and plenty of umph in those bedroom scenes that weaved in well but didn’t overpower the book. You can’t go wrong with a Torre novel and this is a good place to start if you haven’t sampled her novels already.
Top reviews from other countries
- S. WilsonReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars I brilliant read, funny and sexy.
I really loved the relationship between Brad and Julia, the author has really made this couple work. It doesn't matter the age difference and the experience difference, you actually read in this book that two sole mates have met, they really, really work and the book is a fun read. I will certainly be reading more from this author. Brad is gorgeous, sexy and a really beautiful person and Julia is brave, sassy and more than matches Brad in personality, they just merge brilliantly and are perfect together. This is one of those kinky reads where both parties are in it for real and there's no BDSM aspect, which to be totally honest with you, I am bored with reading about now. I really don't think there are that many women who are masochists/submissive out there, and most of the writers just don't seem to get the fine balance between sexual BDSM and abuse. I digress - this book is one to read if you fancy a bit of kink with your love.
- readerReviewed in Germany on September 13, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Romance and Suspense
I devoured the first book in one day. It has good pacing, world building, secondary characters, and creative storyline.
The story does not focus on sex, but describes their work in the office, interaction with friends, the slow devellopment of the romance, and then there is alot of suspense whether they will get caught.
I also loved that the characters had well-drawn personalities. The leads were both strong and a little arrogant--not at all cheesey, and also the second characters, her friends and the secretaries in the office, had diverse chararacters.
Julia is not awkward and insecure, but she held her own and never played the shrinking violet. She had very little experience, but by no means was she intimidated by the very alpha Brad. The dialogue between the characters was particularly engaging; a lot of the conversation was witty and clever without feeling forced.
If you read book one expecting a sex feast you're going to be disappointed. It takes a while. Wait for it.
This is not the typical bad boy meets good girl who turns him good story, more bad boy leads good girl into temptation.
- AngelinaTReviewed in Canada on July 22, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE!
This book has been on my "to-read" list for a while and if I had known it was going to be this great I would have read it long ago. I have read the negative comments about the cover but it doesn't bother me at all. The story was awesome! I loved it and I can't believe we have to wait so long for the continuation. It is going to be torture. I found the plot original and loved all the characters. I thought it was well written. I loved Brad from the start and then I hated him a little and then I loved him again! I found his dinner conversation in Vegas so intriguing. There are still a lot of unanswered questions. The ending wasn't something I saw coming but to say it was super hot is putting it very mildly!
- NicShef❤️ReadingReviewed in Australia on October 6, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic start to an erotic series
Another great series by Alessandre Torres that defies convention and displays a chemistry that is unique and mesmerising to read. Both characters aren't relatable but together they are believable. And their appetite to devour each other was intense. Loved it.
- JamieReviewed in Canada on April 14, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars great read
Loved this book, it gave it a great story line with some flare with drama and romance. I actually liked it better then fifty shades