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The Apartment Novels #1
The Apartment
Lily has spent a lifetime putting everyone else’s needs before her own.
Ethan is struggling to find a place in the home he left behind.
When the two meet by chance in an empty apartment, everything changes. Drawn together by an inexplicable desire, Lily and Ethan discover a passion neither knew existed. And so, they make a pact: Nothing from their outside lives will enter the apartment—not even their names.
But what will happen when the apartment’s walls inevitably come down?
*This book is intended for mature audiences*
Ethan is struggling to find a place in the home he left behind.
When the two meet by chance in an empty apartment, everything changes. Drawn together by an inexplicable desire, Lily and Ethan discover a passion neither knew existed. And so, they make a pact: Nothing from their outside lives will enter the apartment—not even their names.
But what will happen when the apartment’s walls inevitably come down?
*This book is intended for mature audiences*
359 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2014
About the author
Amanda Black
11 books74 followersAmanda Black was born and raised in the Midwest, where she still lives with her husband and spoiled-rotten dogs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art before deciding that she actually needed to pay some bills, which is when she took a position as an ophthalmic technician.
For the past few years she’s been a closet romance writer in her spare time and would love nothing more than to make it a full-time career. When she’s not writing her next steamy love scene, her interests include reading, sketching, and annihilating her friends and family in movie trivia.
For the past few years she’s been a closet romance writer in her spare time and would love nothing more than to make it a full-time career. When she’s not writing her next steamy love scene, her interests include reading, sketching, and annihilating her friends and family in movie trivia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 6, 2014
4 - "You came back." Stars!
I started The Apartment not really knowing what to expect, as with all new authors I think there is always potential for it to go either way. So I started reading with absolutely no expectations and to say I was impressed would be a bit of an understatement.
”Thank you for trusting me.”
Amanda Black can certainly put a story together, people meeting anonymously somewhere for sex isn’t a new concept, but Amanda has managed to interweave the lives of Ethan & Lily together, as well as through their individual stories in such a way that you spend a large part of the second half of the book holding your breath in anticipation of the moment when it will all blow up in their faces. I was hooked from about the 20% mark.
”The only time people are truly honest with themselves is when it’s anonymous.”
The sexy-times are well written and imaginative, and the characters likeable. I was initially worried that I wouldn’t like Lily as she comes over as a bit of a ‘dogs-body’ in the first part of the book, but things soon change once she gains confidence in herself and from her time spent with Ethan.
She’s a fuck. An amazing delicious fuck… but just sex all the same.
The dual POV really works in this book, I think the story wouldn’t have had as much impact if we didn’t get to see inside Ethan’s head as well, I found him to be the more emotional character out of the pair, and I fell in love with him as the book progressed.
This series and Amanda Black as an author in general, has me a little excited. Although The Apartment ends on a cliffy, I am pleased to see that its sequel The Blank Canvas is due in November 14, so I don’t have to wait too long to see which direction Ethan and Lily’s story takes.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I started The Apartment not really knowing what to expect, as with all new authors I think there is always potential for it to go either way. So I started reading with absolutely no expectations and to say I was impressed would be a bit of an understatement.
”Thank you for trusting me.”
Amanda Black can certainly put a story together, people meeting anonymously somewhere for sex isn’t a new concept, but Amanda has managed to interweave the lives of Ethan & Lily together, as well as through their individual stories in such a way that you spend a large part of the second half of the book holding your breath in anticipation of the moment when it will all blow up in their faces. I was hooked from about the 20% mark.
”The only time people are truly honest with themselves is when it’s anonymous.”
The sexy-times are well written and imaginative, and the characters likeable. I was initially worried that I wouldn’t like Lily as she comes over as a bit of a ‘dogs-body’ in the first part of the book, but things soon change once she gains confidence in herself and from her time spent with Ethan.
She’s a fuck. An amazing delicious fuck… but just sex all the same.
The dual POV really works in this book, I think the story wouldn’t have had as much impact if we didn’t get to see inside Ethan’s head as well, I found him to be the more emotional character out of the pair, and I fell in love with him as the book progressed.
This series and Amanda Black as an author in general, has me a little excited. Although The Apartment ends on a cliffy, I am pleased to see that its sequel The Blank Canvas is due in November 14, so I don’t have to wait too long to see which direction Ethan and Lily’s story takes.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
October 26, 2014
Ever seen the movie Last Tango in Paris?
Yep, this book has that vibe. Take out Brando and throw in a hot tortured young artist that paints (oh, and f**ks) while listening to Prodigy, and you got yourself a sexy little story.
Heroine was a bit annoying, and there were a few WTF moments in the story, but all in all I liked it, and I'll sure be reading the next instalment.
Yep, this book has that vibe. Take out Brando and throw in a hot tortured young artist that paints (oh, and f**ks) while listening to Prodigy, and you got yourself a sexy little story.
Heroine was a bit annoying, and there were a few WTF moments in the story, but all in all I liked it, and I'll sure be reading the next instalment.
April 1, 2018
I had high hopes for this. I love the idea of two strangers meeting and being so drawn to each other and the intense chemistry they have, that they are willing to meet again and again and keep everything completely secret from the rest of the world. I love the idea of a little bubble the two main characters create for just themselves in an empty apartment.
In reality this just fell flat.
From page one this should have been written in first person. The third person POV felt awkward and unnecessary, given we were mostly in Lily’s head.
The characters also could have been fleshed out much better. I was so confused with Lily’s relationship with George. He didn’t seem to care about her at all and why was she a grown woman, making a nurses salary, still living at home?
The author also glossed over the fact that Scott’s dad is an alcoholic (and recovering meth addict) and Scott seemed to go out drinking all of the time with his buddies and Lily doesn’t even mention once that she is concerned about this? The whole dynamic between the three of them was strange.
This is just the growing list of things I disliked about Lily. She did not seem like a nice person. She was a pushover with George, , didn’t care at all about Scott, and she was SO unprofessional. There was just no way she was a nurse. First, she told her receptionist to ‘kiss her ass’. Then when speaking with her patient Maggie, who was heading to the hospital to deliver a stillborn baby, Maggie offloads that she hates seeing ungrateful mothers pop out 5 kids when she keeps losing hers. Lily replies and feeds the fire and says:
”I know what you mean, you wouldn’t believe how much of that I see at the office. There are some girls who deserve frequent flier miles for the maternity wards. Every time they come back in, all I can think is, Jesus, again?”
Wow WTF?! What a horrible thing for a nurse to say about her patients! Or for anyone to say.
Overall the biggest issue I had with the entire novel is
The one positive aspect of this novel is the author can write good steamy scenes and Lily and Ethan together made sense. They just worked well together. I wish the rest of the novel was fleshed out better and Lily wasn’t so detestable.
This ended on a huge cliffhanger and I have the next the book waiting at the library so I will probably read on but I am not expecting much.
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In reality this just fell flat.
From page one this should have been written in first person. The third person POV felt awkward and unnecessary, given we were mostly in Lily’s head.
The characters also could have been fleshed out much better. I was so confused with Lily’s relationship with George. He didn’t seem to care about her at all and why was she a grown woman, making a nurses salary, still living at home?
The author also glossed over the fact that Scott’s dad is an alcoholic (and recovering meth addict) and Scott seemed to go out drinking all of the time with his buddies and Lily doesn’t even mention once that she is concerned about this? The whole dynamic between the three of them was strange.
This is just the growing list of things I disliked about Lily. She did not seem like a nice person. She was a pushover with George, , didn’t care at all about Scott, and she was SO unprofessional. There was just no way she was a nurse. First, she told her receptionist to ‘kiss her ass’. Then when speaking with her patient Maggie, who was heading to the hospital to deliver a stillborn baby, Maggie offloads that she hates seeing ungrateful mothers pop out 5 kids when she keeps losing hers. Lily replies and feeds the fire and says:
”I know what you mean, you wouldn’t believe how much of that I see at the office. There are some girls who deserve frequent flier miles for the maternity wards. Every time they come back in, all I can think is, Jesus, again?”
Wow WTF?! What a horrible thing for a nurse to say about her patients! Or for anyone to say.
Overall the biggest issue I had with the entire novel is
The one positive aspect of this novel is the author can write good steamy scenes and Lily and Ethan together made sense. They just worked well together. I wish the rest of the novel was fleshed out better and Lily wasn’t so detestable.
This ended on a huge cliffhanger and I have the next the book waiting at the library so I will probably read on but I am not expecting much.
|Featherbrained Books Blog | Twitter |
October 12, 2014
Update - 10/12 - Full Review Posted:
How do I even define my excitement????
I have the ARC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***********************
Full Review:
Well there was just no way I wasn't going to devour this story as soon as I got my hands on it. One of my all time favorites, as well as a favorite author of mine.
Amanda Black's debut was just perfect!! Personally, I expected nothing less. This was an author I have been following since 2009 with her FF Blood and Lust. The originality of her FF stories just wowed me. The story lines, the writing, development of her characters, the flow, and characterizations. I was immediately hooked and a complete and forever fangirl of her's.
The announcement of the publication of The Apartment set me off in to a stalking tailspin. I needed this story. I needed to know what was done to a story I utterly loved. Thankfully, Amanda Black does not scare easily and I was put on the list to receive the ARC.
The story line of The Apartment is simplistic in that it is simply the story of two people coming together in spite of their self induced obstacles. Simple yet packed to the brim with emotion, angst, hurt, betrayal, yearning, passion, discovery, and love.
Ethan is a brilliant and successful artist. Lost in the spiraling emotional whirlwind of self doubt, hurt, pain, and betrayal. Self estranged from his family, he has come home to heal and find himself once again.
Lily is the typical "always tries to do the right thing" type of woman. Self sacrificing to the extent of putting her own dreams and heart aside so as not to hurt someone.
At first I wasn't sure I would be able to connect with her, usually Lily's type of character is a doormat, and I am not a fan of the doormat. But as I read on, I realized that wasn't the case. Lily is kind and nurturing. The problem is with the people who love her, taking advantage of that nature. Lily does allow it to extent because this is her family and no one wants to hurt their family. But underneath the kindness was a woman full of life and passion trying to somehow break free.
Ethan initially seemed to be your typical self serving, self rocking agenda kind of guy. Betrayed by the woman he thought he loved and trusted. The same woman who kept him from his family for 10 years, left him with barely the ability to breath. Ethan as it turns out is a trusting man who wants nothing more than to be loved and loved in return. His walls and rough exterior are there to protect him from the pain.
Ethan and Lily's meeting is by chance. They both end up looking at an apartment for rent, each with their own personal reasons. The meeting was hot and lustful. Yep, they had sex after knowing each other a minute but it was written so realistically, with so much passion that you believed it was possible.
That encounter sparked such an intensity and desire in both of them that they decide to keep meeting. The only catch, their meetings would remain anonymous. They wouldn't even tell each other their names. That was Ethan's idea. An idea fraught with the belief of keeping the reality out and just their lack of inhibitions and passion they would share in their own little created world.
With every encounter, yes there is a ton of sex in the story, something that normally does not appeal to me. But Amanda Black's writing just draws you in with each and every meeting because you learn so much about Ethan and Lily. There characters build with every encounter, they start to open up and learn about each other.
I found that to be a very intriguing concept. Normally steamy sex scenes are just that, scenes. Sometimes filler, sometimes a segue. In this case, it was the actual character development. I loved it.
Regardless of the anonymity and mystery, you got a clear picture of who these two are as well as their hopes, dreams, disappointments, and fears.
The story line was interwoven with so much happening in their realities, their paths constantly crossing that the feeling of trepidation was building.
You just knew something was going to happen to their little self created utopia.
And it did!!!
The story ends in a cliffhanger. Yes, I normally hate that too, BUT if the sneak peek at the first chapter of the sequel, "The Blank Canvas", is a hint of what's waiting for readers upon its release, the wait will be so worth it!!
Congratulations Amanda Black on a wonderful debut! Even though I have been your fangirl/stalker for years, The Apartment was beautifully written and I am thrilled for your success and know there will more amazing stories to come!
Stop by Books and Fandom for more reviews.
How do I even define my excitement????
I have the ARC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***********************
Full Review:
Well there was just no way I wasn't going to devour this story as soon as I got my hands on it. One of my all time favorites, as well as a favorite author of mine.
Amanda Black's debut was just perfect!! Personally, I expected nothing less. This was an author I have been following since 2009 with her FF Blood and Lust. The originality of her FF stories just wowed me. The story lines, the writing, development of her characters, the flow, and characterizations. I was immediately hooked and a complete and forever fangirl of her's.
The announcement of the publication of The Apartment set me off in to a stalking tailspin. I needed this story. I needed to know what was done to a story I utterly loved. Thankfully, Amanda Black does not scare easily and I was put on the list to receive the ARC.
The story line of The Apartment is simplistic in that it is simply the story of two people coming together in spite of their self induced obstacles. Simple yet packed to the brim with emotion, angst, hurt, betrayal, yearning, passion, discovery, and love.
Ethan is a brilliant and successful artist. Lost in the spiraling emotional whirlwind of self doubt, hurt, pain, and betrayal. Self estranged from his family, he has come home to heal and find himself once again.
Lily is the typical "always tries to do the right thing" type of woman. Self sacrificing to the extent of putting her own dreams and heart aside so as not to hurt someone.
At first I wasn't sure I would be able to connect with her, usually Lily's type of character is a doormat, and I am not a fan of the doormat. But as I read on, I realized that wasn't the case. Lily is kind and nurturing. The problem is with the people who love her, taking advantage of that nature. Lily does allow it to extent because this is her family and no one wants to hurt their family. But underneath the kindness was a woman full of life and passion trying to somehow break free.
Ethan initially seemed to be your typical self serving, self rocking agenda kind of guy. Betrayed by the woman he thought he loved and trusted. The same woman who kept him from his family for 10 years, left him with barely the ability to breath. Ethan as it turns out is a trusting man who wants nothing more than to be loved and loved in return. His walls and rough exterior are there to protect him from the pain.
Ethan and Lily's meeting is by chance. They both end up looking at an apartment for rent, each with their own personal reasons. The meeting was hot and lustful. Yep, they had sex after knowing each other a minute but it was written so realistically, with so much passion that you believed it was possible.
That encounter sparked such an intensity and desire in both of them that they decide to keep meeting. The only catch, their meetings would remain anonymous. They wouldn't even tell each other their names. That was Ethan's idea. An idea fraught with the belief of keeping the reality out and just their lack of inhibitions and passion they would share in their own little created world.
With every encounter, yes there is a ton of sex in the story, something that normally does not appeal to me. But Amanda Black's writing just draws you in with each and every meeting because you learn so much about Ethan and Lily. There characters build with every encounter, they start to open up and learn about each other.
I found that to be a very intriguing concept. Normally steamy sex scenes are just that, scenes. Sometimes filler, sometimes a segue. In this case, it was the actual character development. I loved it.
Regardless of the anonymity and mystery, you got a clear picture of who these two are as well as their hopes, dreams, disappointments, and fears.
The story line was interwoven with so much happening in their realities, their paths constantly crossing that the feeling of trepidation was building.
You just knew something was going to happen to their little self created utopia.
And it did!!!
The story ends in a cliffhanger. Yes, I normally hate that too, BUT if the sneak peek at the first chapter of the sequel, "The Blank Canvas", is a hint of what's waiting for readers upon its release, the wait will be so worth it!!
Congratulations Amanda Black on a wonderful debut! Even though I have been your fangirl/stalker for years, The Apartment was beautifully written and I am thrilled for your success and know there will more amazing stories to come!
Stop by Books and Fandom for more reviews.
September 18, 2014
I read this in its original form on fanfiction.net and was pleased to hear that the author was able to get it published. Because I have read both versions, I will review in two parts: first, on it's own and second, as it compares to the original fan fiction work.
The Apartment is a unique story of nurse Lily who forms sexual relationship with a complete stranger whom she meets while looking at a vacant apartment. While Lily is initially disgusted with herself, as she is already engaged to another man, she quickly finds herself attached to the pleasure and happiness she gets from her Stranger. Ethan Foster is an artist in pain. He has gone through a recent separation from toxic relationship. He returns to his hometown looking to reconnect with his family that he has not seen in many years, but finds it difficult to believe that they even want him as an active member of their family after he avoided them for so long. Ethan meets his beautiful angel goddess while looking for studio space. The two strangers agree to keep their identities secret, despite the intimacy and their growing feelings for each other.
If you enjoy angst and erotic romance, then this is definitely a book for you. There is a lot of I like her/him more than she/he likes me, which can start to wear on your patience. However, I was able to feel compassion for both characters as you learn more about their histories. As it is the first in a series of two books, it is definitely a book that I would rather have read when the second part is already available, since it ends on such a frustrating note. Overall, definitely entertaining, especially for the target audience.
************
Now, for those of you who have read/do read fanfiction, particularly of the Twilight variety....
This book was originally a piece of Twilight fanfiction titled Last Tango in Forks. I found the story as a recommended work while reading another twific. I was immediately hooked from the first chapter and devoured the rest quickly, despite my usual aversion to angst. And boy, does this story every have angst! However, one of my favorite things about this work was the relationship between Bella (Lily) and Rosalie (Maggie). Not many twifics have a great relationship between the two characters because that's how the original two characters interacted. I also love any kind of Edward (Ethan) portrayal that is creative, whether it be art, as in this piece, or music or tattooing, etc.
The changes from fanfic to novel were pretty apparent and most of them are to be expected, such as changes in names and the location. However, one change that I still don't quite understand was the history of Edward/Ethan. In the fanfic, Edward was married to a clearly hateful/spiteful/unstable woman. He leaves her because he is fed up with the lifestyle she has created for them, but in the process, she commits suicide. He has to deal with the nightmares of seeing her body in a dingy motel room and also the grief and heartache of a funeral for a woman whom he didn't love without hurting his or her family in the process. In the novel, this was changed a simple break up with a girlfriend, although their history of jetsetting, drug use, and extramarital relationships remains the same. I felt like the novel could have used more of that original plot to give more substance.
The Apartment is a unique story of nurse Lily who forms sexual relationship with a complete stranger whom she meets while looking at a vacant apartment. While Lily is initially disgusted with herself, as she is already engaged to another man, she quickly finds herself attached to the pleasure and happiness she gets from her Stranger. Ethan Foster is an artist in pain. He has gone through a recent separation from toxic relationship. He returns to his hometown looking to reconnect with his family that he has not seen in many years, but finds it difficult to believe that they even want him as an active member of their family after he avoided them for so long. Ethan meets his beautiful angel goddess while looking for studio space. The two strangers agree to keep their identities secret, despite the intimacy and their growing feelings for each other.
If you enjoy angst and erotic romance, then this is definitely a book for you. There is a lot of I like her/him more than she/he likes me, which can start to wear on your patience. However, I was able to feel compassion for both characters as you learn more about their histories. As it is the first in a series of two books, it is definitely a book that I would rather have read when the second part is already available, since it ends on such a frustrating note. Overall, definitely entertaining, especially for the target audience.
************
Now, for those of you who have read/do read fanfiction, particularly of the Twilight variety....
This book was originally a piece of Twilight fanfiction titled Last Tango in Forks. I found the story as a recommended work while reading another twific. I was immediately hooked from the first chapter and devoured the rest quickly, despite my usual aversion to angst. And boy, does this story every have angst! However, one of my favorite things about this work was the relationship between Bella (Lily) and Rosalie (Maggie). Not many twifics have a great relationship between the two characters because that's how the original two characters interacted. I also love any kind of Edward (Ethan) portrayal that is creative, whether it be art, as in this piece, or music or tattooing, etc.
The changes from fanfic to novel were pretty apparent and most of them are to be expected, such as changes in names and the location. However, one change that I still don't quite understand was the history of Edward/Ethan. In the fanfic, Edward was married to a clearly hateful/spiteful/unstable woman. He leaves her because he is fed up with the lifestyle she has created for them, but in the process, she commits suicide. He has to deal with the nightmares of seeing her body in a dingy motel room and also the grief and heartache of a funeral for a woman whom he didn't love without hurting his or her family in the process. In the novel, this was changed a simple break up with a girlfriend, although their history of jetsetting, drug use, and extramarital relationships remains the same. I felt like the novel could have used more of that original plot to give more substance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 1, 2014*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
DNF@20%
I was really looking forward to read a good, strong, original erotic story and the blurb made me giddy with excitement. Really happy to be able to read an advanced copy!
But…it didn’t work for me. At all. And that makes me sad because this is the second ARC I have to DNF in a short time which I hate. But reviewing books is about being honest and not about being liked by authors or second parties unfortunately…
There were two things that made me DNF this book: first of all, you are thrown into the story immediately in the first chapter and lots of character names are being thrown at you. I couldn’t figure out who was who and it took me quite some time to know where the main character Lily was and what she did as a profession. Just…confusion all over.
The second thing which closed the deal for me: Lily had sex with a guy in an appartment she was checking out to rent. A guy, in the dark, who talked almost nothing, he was just emotional and said I want to fuck you. Ehm…sorry. Dealbreaker for me. I hate insta-love/sex and in this case stupid acting as please…who would say yes to someone saying that? A guy you don’t know, in the dark?? Also, the whole sex scene did nothing to me.
So even though I was curious about that guy, I couldn’t read anymore. So many great books in line, so little time so I like to spend my precious reading time with books that make me feel or think.
If this kind of insta-sex is no dealbreaker for you, please ignore my review and read the book!
(Also published at www.booksanddutchtea.wordpress.com)
DNF@20%
I was really looking forward to read a good, strong, original erotic story and the blurb made me giddy with excitement. Really happy to be able to read an advanced copy!
But…it didn’t work for me. At all. And that makes me sad because this is the second ARC I have to DNF in a short time which I hate. But reviewing books is about being honest and not about being liked by authors or second parties unfortunately…
There were two things that made me DNF this book: first of all, you are thrown into the story immediately in the first chapter and lots of character names are being thrown at you. I couldn’t figure out who was who and it took me quite some time to know where the main character Lily was and what she did as a profession. Just…confusion all over.
The second thing which closed the deal for me: Lily had sex with a guy in an appartment she was checking out to rent. A guy, in the dark, who talked almost nothing, he was just emotional and said I want to fuck you. Ehm…sorry. Dealbreaker for me. I hate insta-love/sex and in this case stupid acting as please…who would say yes to someone saying that? A guy you don’t know, in the dark?? Also, the whole sex scene did nothing to me.
So even though I was curious about that guy, I couldn’t read anymore. So many great books in line, so little time so I like to spend my precious reading time with books that make me feel or think.
If this kind of insta-sex is no dealbreaker for you, please ignore my review and read the book!
(Also published at www.booksanddutchtea.wordpress.com)
September 7, 2014
First, can I just say HOT, HOT, HOT!!!
As several others here have noted, this story originally started as fanfiction, and was hugely popular. I remember reading it a long time ago, but haven't revisited the story in quite a while. I was lucky enough to be sent this ARC from the publisher, and I have been busy devouring this story all weekend. Mowing, grocery shopping- forget it. I've been too caught up in this new version.
Lily lives in a small town, living a ho-hum life with a needy father and an even more needy boyfriend. Ethan is a sexy, mysterious stranger that has just arrived. When these two run into each other while looking at an apartment, panties melt away and hearts (theirs and mine!) start pounding!
After the windows stop steaming, these two make an interesting agreement- no names! As Ethan smolderingly puts it- "Putting a name on things only gives it limitations and expectations. I just want your body.. and your soul." And so it truly begins...
I don't want to give away the whole story for you, so let's just say this book is definitely worth the read. And I love that the storyline itself is so well written. Ms. Black does an amazing job in bringing both main and supporting characters to life, with details that make the story flow smoothly. I'm all for red-hot sex, and this story certainly has it! But I also want a story that's well scripted throughout, and The Apartment makes it an enjoyable read.
Five stars, and I can't wait for the 2nd book!!
As several others here have noted, this story originally started as fanfiction, and was hugely popular. I remember reading it a long time ago, but haven't revisited the story in quite a while. I was lucky enough to be sent this ARC from the publisher, and I have been busy devouring this story all weekend. Mowing, grocery shopping- forget it. I've been too caught up in this new version.
Lily lives in a small town, living a ho-hum life with a needy father and an even more needy boyfriend. Ethan is a sexy, mysterious stranger that has just arrived. When these two run into each other while looking at an apartment, panties melt away and hearts (theirs and mine!) start pounding!
After the windows stop steaming, these two make an interesting agreement- no names! As Ethan smolderingly puts it- "Putting a name on things only gives it limitations and expectations. I just want your body.. and your soul." And so it truly begins...
I don't want to give away the whole story for you, so let's just say this book is definitely worth the read. And I love that the storyline itself is so well written. Ms. Black does an amazing job in bringing both main and supporting characters to life, with details that make the story flow smoothly. I'm all for red-hot sex, and this story certainly has it! But I also want a story that's well scripted throughout, and The Apartment makes it an enjoyable read.
Five stars, and I can't wait for the 2nd book!!
September 24, 2014
HOT! I don't condone cheating, but this is fiction and I LOVED it! It hits you hard with the emotion of losing a baby; steamy, sweaty, heart-racing love scenes; and other fun! I have read the FanFiction version this started as and I loved it! It's a favorite re-read of mine and was downloaded a long time ago. I cannot wait for the sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2014
You can read it for free as Last Tango in Forks by AwesomeSauce76 twilight fanfiction. Copy is available everywhere in the internet.
October 25, 2014
While I found the story to be incredibly hot and sexy, I was a little disappointed to see that the characters were not better developed. While we spent tons of time with Ethan and Lily and in their heads, I never really got a sense of who they really are. They just come across as flat.
If you are searching for a quick, erotic read, then give this one a try, just don't try to look for something that goes much deeper.
I think the author is talented, but found herself limited by this former fanfic. I look forward to seeing something original from her.
If you are searching for a quick, erotic read, then give this one a try, just don't try to look for something that goes much deeper.
I think the author is talented, but found herself limited by this former fanfic. I look forward to seeing something original from her.
March 18, 2015
3.5 stars
The last line in the first chapter made me laugh so hard I had to sit the book down. It wasn't supposed to be funny but I found it extremely funny. I was really intrigued by this story line and couldn't stop talking about the book while at work. I had no idea it wasn't a standalone so the cliffhanger ending kind of pissed me off but I'll definitely read book 2.
*received a review copy through Netgalley.
The last line in the first chapter made me laugh so hard I had to sit the book down. It wasn't supposed to be funny but I found it extremely funny. I was really intrigued by this story line and couldn't stop talking about the book while at work. I had no idea it wasn't a standalone so the cliffhanger ending kind of pissed me off but I'll definitely read book 2.
*received a review copy through Netgalley.
October 7, 2014
I love this book in its serialized previously published online version and this newly published first part certainly doesn't disappoint! Lily and Ethan have a torrid, whirlwind of an anonymous affair that thoroughly entranced this reader. Knowing the basic story didn't diminish one bit the pleasure of reading about this couples ups and downs throughout their passionate couplings. I eagerly await the 2nd part due next month.
October 9, 2021
Nope nope nope...
One of the characters is 17 weeks in pregnancy and the fetus is found to be dead. The ob literally told her that inducing birth is better on her body than d&c and I'm livid. I tried to continue but I can't get over it. They live in IL and there are no laws against this there.
I know that this is a minor portion of the story but what a ghastly example to share. Poor woman is getting traumatized by a lengthy L&D after multiple miscarriages. They put her on a morphine drip and that alone is worse than any short term anesthesia. JFC I give up!!!
One of the characters is 17 weeks in pregnancy and the fetus is found to be dead. The ob literally told her that inducing birth is better on her body than d&c and I'm livid. I tried to continue but I can't get over it. They live in IL and there are no laws against this there.
I know that this is a minor portion of the story but what a ghastly example to share. Poor woman is getting traumatized by a lengthy L&D after multiple miscarriages. They put her on a morphine drip and that alone is worse than any short term anesthesia. JFC I give up!!!
Read
November 3, 2014Read this review and others @
The Book Wranglers
Published: Full Fathom Five
Genre: Erotica
Heat: Scorching
Rating: ****4 out of 5 stars
Provided by: NetGalley
Read at your own discretion. This sizzling page turner will have you whimpering and gripping the pages until the very end.
Lily Blake
is a hard worker, loving and devoted daughter, and loyal friend and girlfriend. She's warm and kindhearted and always putting everyone else's needs before her own. For years now she's put her own life on hold, to a certain extend, to care for those around her. She didn't even realize how lonely and lost she was until fate stepped in a introduced her to a man that would change her way of thinking, change her heart, and inevitably change her life.
Although Ethan Foster
grew up in a loving well-to-do family he's been searching for a place to fit in and call home. After a decade of being stuck in a bad relationship and feeling used and left rawer for the wear, he' s finally given into the need to return home. He expects his road to recovery and healing won't happen overnight, and may include embarrassing his family, but what he doesn't expect is to find kindness, warmth, and understanding in the arms of a stranger. He doesn't expect to finally find what he's needed for years and has always been out of his grasp.
When Lily finds Ethan in the empty apartment that she was interested in renting out she couldn't have been more caught off guard or more drawn to him. For some inexplicable reason the magnetic drawl between she and Ethan was like nothing she'd ever experienced. One random night of free of judgement, full of comfort and understanding, lust, need, and passion, turns into a once in a lifetime agreement–an affair with absolutely no strings, not even their names.
The fiery affair that takes off between Ethan and Lily is anything but normal. In fact, the connection that both, Ethan and Lily leaves them questioning what's been missing in their lives for so long. What starts as a hot and heavy purely physical affair quickly becomes something neither ever expected.
Lily can't help but to fall for the stranger that seems to know her better than anyone else. For the first time in her life someone is showing that they care, are concerned, and can connect with her on a level that she's never had. Although, the mixed signals that he's giving off leave her confused and questioning if maybe her hopeful heart actually has it wrong; maybe Ethan isn't the one who will change her life.
Despite Ethan's best efforts at keeping his beautiful girl at arms length she's somehow found a way under his skin. Not one to feel jealousy, he quickly finds that he doesn't want to share her with anyone, not even her fiancé. His sexual appetite may have hit an all new high, but the emotions rolling in behind the connection to his beautiful girl have him questioning if maybe he's gotten it wrong. Maybe she's more than just a fling to help heal his broken soul.
As the walls come down between Lily and Ethan, and their lives are exposed, they have to both make decisions. Will Lily step up and finally starting living her life for herself? Will Ethan finally admit that he's capable of love and is worthy to be loved by his family and his beautiful girl?
The Best Thing:
HOT! HOT! HOT! This book is sizzling from beginning until end. There is definitely a lot of lovemaking taking place in this book, but it works well because you get to see two people falling in love and taking advantage of their addiction to one another.
I really like the overall personalities of Ethan and Lily. The author reels you in with their stories of woe, and then hooks you by creating a love between these two to blooms before your eyes.
The Worst Thing:
First, I thought that Lily's boyfriend Scott was the male version of an airhead. While he may have had her best interest at heart, he seemed totally oblivious to the lack of attention and affection that he showed Lily.
, I found myself irritated that Lily and Ethan never really went anywhere outside of the apartment, that their love affair turned 'falling in love' was truly built on a strictly physical relationship up until the very end.
Lastly, I have a serious love-hate feeling towards the heartbreaking cliffhanger at the end. I'm literally driving myself crazy waiting for book 2!
The Book Wranglers
Published: Full Fathom Five
Genre: Erotica
Heat: Scorching
Rating: ****4 out of 5 stars
Provided by: NetGalley
Read at your own discretion. This sizzling page turner will have you whimpering and gripping the pages until the very end.
Lily Blake
is a hard worker, loving and devoted daughter, and loyal friend and girlfriend. She's warm and kindhearted and always putting everyone else's needs before her own. For years now she's put her own life on hold, to a certain extend, to care for those around her. She didn't even realize how lonely and lost she was until fate stepped in a introduced her to a man that would change her way of thinking, change her heart, and inevitably change her life.
Although Ethan Foster
grew up in a loving well-to-do family he's been searching for a place to fit in and call home. After a decade of being stuck in a bad relationship and feeling used and left rawer for the wear, he' s finally given into the need to return home. He expects his road to recovery and healing won't happen overnight, and may include embarrassing his family, but what he doesn't expect is to find kindness, warmth, and understanding in the arms of a stranger. He doesn't expect to finally find what he's needed for years and has always been out of his grasp.
When Lily finds Ethan in the empty apartment that she was interested in renting out she couldn't have been more caught off guard or more drawn to him. For some inexplicable reason the magnetic drawl between she and Ethan was like nothing she'd ever experienced. One random night of free of judgement, full of comfort and understanding, lust, need, and passion, turns into a once in a lifetime agreement–an affair with absolutely no strings, not even their names.
The fiery affair that takes off between Ethan and Lily is anything but normal. In fact, the connection that both, Ethan and Lily leaves them questioning what's been missing in their lives for so long. What starts as a hot and heavy purely physical affair quickly becomes something neither ever expected.
Lily can't help but to fall for the stranger that seems to know her better than anyone else. For the first time in her life someone is showing that they care, are concerned, and can connect with her on a level that she's never had. Although, the mixed signals that he's giving off leave her confused and questioning if maybe her hopeful heart actually has it wrong; maybe Ethan isn't the one who will change her life.
Despite Ethan's best efforts at keeping his beautiful girl at arms length she's somehow found a way under his skin. Not one to feel jealousy, he quickly finds that he doesn't want to share her with anyone, not even her fiancé. His sexual appetite may have hit an all new high, but the emotions rolling in behind the connection to his beautiful girl have him questioning if maybe he's gotten it wrong. Maybe she's more than just a fling to help heal his broken soul.
As the walls come down between Lily and Ethan, and their lives are exposed, they have to both make decisions. Will Lily step up and finally starting living her life for herself? Will Ethan finally admit that he's capable of love and is worthy to be loved by his family and his beautiful girl?
The Best Thing:
HOT! HOT! HOT! This book is sizzling from beginning until end. There is definitely a lot of lovemaking taking place in this book, but it works well because you get to see two people falling in love and taking advantage of their addiction to one another.
I really like the overall personalities of Ethan and Lily. The author reels you in with their stories of woe, and then hooks you by creating a love between these two to blooms before your eyes.
The Worst Thing:
First, I thought that Lily's boyfriend Scott was the male version of an airhead. While he may have had her best interest at heart, he seemed totally oblivious to the lack of attention and affection that he showed Lily.
, I found myself irritated that Lily and Ethan never really went anywhere outside of the apartment, that their love affair turned 'falling in love' was truly built on a strictly physical relationship up until the very end.
Lastly, I have a serious love-hate feeling towards the heartbreaking cliffhanger at the end. I'm literally driving myself crazy waiting for book 2!
September 28, 2014
Note: This ARC was provided by Full Fathom Five via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"The Apartment" is the first book in "The Apartment Novels" series by first-time author Amanda Black. From what I've gathered, the book started out as "Twilight"-inspired fan fiction and, based on past experience with books that have followed the same path, some don't translate as well when re-worked as a totally new novel while others shine on their own merit that Edward, Bella, and all things "Twilight" never even cross your mind. The Apartment undoubtedly falls in the latter category. ^.^
"APARTMENT FOR RENT"
Two strangers. An apartment for rent. Both in the same place at the same time. He's broken and she's a problem solver. He asks for one thing and she gives it to him. Then, he leaves an open invitation for her to return. The outside world isn't welcome in the apartment and they never exchange names or any other information about themselves. However, they can be honest about whatever needs and wants they have, whatever they're thinking or feeling, without fear of recrimination.
"We're going to meet here and it's going to be real--no pretenses.
We're going to say what we want and do as we like."
Lily Blake has always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Her caring nature and need to nurture are part of what make her an excellent nurse but they're also why others take advantage of her. She empathizes with those in pain, so when she enters the empty apartment for rent and finds a hauntingly beautiful man in tears, she gets over her shock and apprehension quickly and offers him her help.
Ethan Foster has been used and betrayed by a woman who turned him against his own family. Ten years later, he returns home but is still feeling as if he no longer has a place in the family that accepts him with open arms and without judgment. When he decides to check out an apartment for rent, hoping to use it as his painting studio, he meets a woman with whom he feels an immediate connection.
I loved the story of two people who have never met but decide to set aside all their inhibitions and bare themselves to each other. They don't know each other's names but they're more open with one another than they are with the people they regularly encounter, in terms of saying and doing whatever it is they want. The minute they enter the apartment and close the door, the rest of the world and all their worries disappear and it's just the two of them--his "beautiful" and her "stranger".
The fact that there's an actual connection between Lily and Ethan via his family makes their situation all the more interesting. As a reader, you're anticipating when and how the anonymity finally disappears and how they'll react when they find out pertinent information about each other. As they spend more time together, the natural curiosity to learn more is there but it becomes a choice on whether they want the reality of their outside lives intruding on what they share together inside what has become their apartment.
A word of warning: this book ends in a cliffhanger. Yes, I was a tad frustrated BUT if the sneak peek at the first chapter of the sequel, "The Blank Canvas", is a hint of what's waiting for readers upon its release, the wait, no matter how agonizing, will be so worth it...at least I hope it will be! ^.^ So, I'm going to go ahead and highly recommend "The Apartment" and give it the five-plus stars it so deserves. This is one of my favorite reads for the year and I hope you'll love it as much as I do. ♥
"The Apartment" is the first book in "The Apartment Novels" series by first-time author Amanda Black. From what I've gathered, the book started out as "Twilight"-inspired fan fiction and, based on past experience with books that have followed the same path, some don't translate as well when re-worked as a totally new novel while others shine on their own merit that Edward, Bella, and all things "Twilight" never even cross your mind. The Apartment undoubtedly falls in the latter category. ^.^
"APARTMENT FOR RENT"
Two strangers. An apartment for rent. Both in the same place at the same time. He's broken and she's a problem solver. He asks for one thing and she gives it to him. Then, he leaves an open invitation for her to return. The outside world isn't welcome in the apartment and they never exchange names or any other information about themselves. However, they can be honest about whatever needs and wants they have, whatever they're thinking or feeling, without fear of recrimination.
"We're going to meet here and it's going to be real--no pretenses.
We're going to say what we want and do as we like."
Lily Blake has always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Her caring nature and need to nurture are part of what make her an excellent nurse but they're also why others take advantage of her. She empathizes with those in pain, so when she enters the empty apartment for rent and finds a hauntingly beautiful man in tears, she gets over her shock and apprehension quickly and offers him her help.
Ethan Foster has been used and betrayed by a woman who turned him against his own family. Ten years later, he returns home but is still feeling as if he no longer has a place in the family that accepts him with open arms and without judgment. When he decides to check out an apartment for rent, hoping to use it as his painting studio, he meets a woman with whom he feels an immediate connection.
I loved the story of two people who have never met but decide to set aside all their inhibitions and bare themselves to each other. They don't know each other's names but they're more open with one another than they are with the people they regularly encounter, in terms of saying and doing whatever it is they want. The minute they enter the apartment and close the door, the rest of the world and all their worries disappear and it's just the two of them--his "beautiful" and her "stranger".
The fact that there's an actual connection between Lily and Ethan via his family makes their situation all the more interesting. As a reader, you're anticipating when and how the anonymity finally disappears and how they'll react when they find out pertinent information about each other. As they spend more time together, the natural curiosity to learn more is there but it becomes a choice on whether they want the reality of their outside lives intruding on what they share together inside what has become their apartment.
A word of warning: this book ends in a cliffhanger. Yes, I was a tad frustrated BUT if the sneak peek at the first chapter of the sequel, "The Blank Canvas", is a hint of what's waiting for readers upon its release, the wait, no matter how agonizing, will be so worth it...at least I hope it will be! ^.^ So, I'm going to go ahead and highly recommend "The Apartment" and give it the five-plus stars it so deserves. This is one of my favorite reads for the year and I hope you'll love it as much as I do. ♥
September 19, 2014
*Received a free copy of the book from the publisher to review*
Amanda Black's debut novel is a captivating romance that will leave you waiting eagerly for the next installment in her 3-part series. The story takes place in the midwest and focuses on a twenty-something girl named Lily who is constantly working hard for others (whether it be her patients at the OBGYN practice where she is a nurse, her disabled single father, or her borderline deadbeat boyfriend) but not doing much for herself. In fact, the only time she does do anything for herself is when she hits the gym after work everyday.
The story picks up when Lily impulsively decides to check out an apartment for rent in town above a dance studio. Instead of finding an empty apartment, however, she stumbles across a handsome man, and things take an interesting turn from there.
I have to admit, when I first started to read the book, I wasn't totally sucked in, mainly because I found Lily's life to be quite boring - but, honestly, that's part of the point. Once she meets this handsome man (and I won't give too many details to avoid spoilers) things really start to pick up, both in Lily's life and in the writing. This is a heavily erotic romance - you won't have to wait very long before coming across a steamy sex scene, and they occur fairly frequently after that. Black is not just good at writing sex scenes, however, and she does a great job with character development. What I think really makes this novel stand out is the mystery surrounding the story. As the reader, you know certain things, but the characters don't. And, at the end, you're left in complete suspense.
Minus 1 star just because some of the dialogue between the two sometimes seemed a bit too unbelievable and over-dramatized, but this book is definitely worth a read, and anyone who loves a good romance will relish this one. Looking forward to the second book in the series!
Amanda Black's debut novel is a captivating romance that will leave you waiting eagerly for the next installment in her 3-part series. The story takes place in the midwest and focuses on a twenty-something girl named Lily who is constantly working hard for others (whether it be her patients at the OBGYN practice where she is a nurse, her disabled single father, or her borderline deadbeat boyfriend) but not doing much for herself. In fact, the only time she does do anything for herself is when she hits the gym after work everyday.
The story picks up when Lily impulsively decides to check out an apartment for rent in town above a dance studio. Instead of finding an empty apartment, however, she stumbles across a handsome man, and things take an interesting turn from there.
I have to admit, when I first started to read the book, I wasn't totally sucked in, mainly because I found Lily's life to be quite boring - but, honestly, that's part of the point. Once she meets this handsome man (and I won't give too many details to avoid spoilers) things really start to pick up, both in Lily's life and in the writing. This is a heavily erotic romance - you won't have to wait very long before coming across a steamy sex scene, and they occur fairly frequently after that. Black is not just good at writing sex scenes, however, and she does a great job with character development. What I think really makes this novel stand out is the mystery surrounding the story. As the reader, you know certain things, but the characters don't. And, at the end, you're left in complete suspense.
Minus 1 star just because some of the dialogue between the two sometimes seemed a bit too unbelievable and over-dramatized, but this book is definitely worth a read, and anyone who loves a good romance will relish this one. Looking forward to the second book in the series!
October 22, 2014
***received ARC in exchange for review***
I loved the fanfic version of this story, and was anxious to see how it Amanda would adapt the story for publication. I was not disappointed...it was still as gut-wrenching and butterfly-inducing as her first version.
The story might have benefited from some additional descriptions early in the story, to show us more about Lily and Ethan. I know many readers commented that they couldn't believe they just had that immediate chemistry. As the story continues, the reader understands more about how Ethan looks so damn sexy, and that Lily has such a low opinion of herself. It starts to make sense that she behaved the way she did in the early chapters.
I loved the emotional rollercoaster that Amanda takes us on. One minute your heart is beating faster and faster, the next it's breaking into pieces. It is the kind of story that keeps you turning pages well into the wee hours of the night, because you root for them characters to make it work! Their hidden identities added more tension to the situation...I loved the scene when they finally figured out who they each were. I'll never look at a pinball machine the same way again.
The changes from the original versions worked well for me (regarding his first wife especially). That was a part of the story that I was happy to see changed into this version. I will be looking forward to the sequel!
I loved the fanfic version of this story, and was anxious to see how it Amanda would adapt the story for publication. I was not disappointed...it was still as gut-wrenching and butterfly-inducing as her first version.
The story might have benefited from some additional descriptions early in the story, to show us more about Lily and Ethan. I know many readers commented that they couldn't believe they just had that immediate chemistry. As the story continues, the reader understands more about how Ethan looks so damn sexy, and that Lily has such a low opinion of herself. It starts to make sense that she behaved the way she did in the early chapters.
I loved the emotional rollercoaster that Amanda takes us on. One minute your heart is beating faster and faster, the next it's breaking into pieces. It is the kind of story that keeps you turning pages well into the wee hours of the night, because you root for them characters to make it work! Their hidden identities added more tension to the situation...I loved the scene when they finally figured out who they each were. I'll never look at a pinball machine the same way again.
The changes from the original versions worked well for me (regarding his first wife especially). That was a part of the story that I was happy to see changed into this version. I will be looking forward to the sequel!
January 25, 2021
The Apartment by Amanda Black
Lily has spent a lifetime putting everyone else’s needs before her own.
Ethan is struggling to find a place in the home he left behind.
When the two meet by chance in an empty apartment, everything changes. Drawn together by an inexplicable desire Lily and Ethan make a pact, nothing from their outside lives will enter the apartment. But what will happen when the apartment’s walls inevitably come down?
Firstly, reading the blurb I was excited to read this book, a book about two people who are so drawn together with chemistry and fate that they don’t want anything else to ruin in. I was intrigued to see how it would all play out.
It took me twelve days to read this book. For me that is quite a long time, but this book just couldn’t hold my attention, I was easily distracted and it just didn’t hook me in, it was very disappointing after reading the blurb. I enjoyed the way the book started and meeting the characters, getting the background, but I felt that I was more connected to the side characters than the main ones. I found the storyline too cheesy for me and almost too predictable, there was nothing to shock me or to keep my coming back for more.
I was disappointed that when I finally get to the end, that the book is a cliff hanger and to find out what happens that I will have to read the next book and I am sad to say that while I have started that book, I cannot finish it.
Lily has spent a lifetime putting everyone else’s needs before her own.
Ethan is struggling to find a place in the home he left behind.
When the two meet by chance in an empty apartment, everything changes. Drawn together by an inexplicable desire Lily and Ethan make a pact, nothing from their outside lives will enter the apartment. But what will happen when the apartment’s walls inevitably come down?
Firstly, reading the blurb I was excited to read this book, a book about two people who are so drawn together with chemistry and fate that they don’t want anything else to ruin in. I was intrigued to see how it would all play out.
It took me twelve days to read this book. For me that is quite a long time, but this book just couldn’t hold my attention, I was easily distracted and it just didn’t hook me in, it was very disappointing after reading the blurb. I enjoyed the way the book started and meeting the characters, getting the background, but I felt that I was more connected to the side characters than the main ones. I found the storyline too cheesy for me and almost too predictable, there was nothing to shock me or to keep my coming back for more.
I was disappointed that when I finally get to the end, that the book is a cliff hanger and to find out what happens that I will have to read the next book and I am sad to say that while I have started that book, I cannot finish it.
September 30, 2014
The Apartment is a sizzling erotic romance filled with heartbreak and healing. Please note this book is for adult readers.
Ethan is a tortured artist who has come home to spend time with his family after breaking up with his girlfriend/business partner who took him for every dime he's worth. Back at home and surrounded by family, Ethan rents a small studio apartment in hopes of finding his creative muse once again.
On a whim, Lily decides to check out the studio apartment that's available for rent just above her favorite gym. She has no idea it's already occupied, and what she finds inside the apartment completely rocks her world.
After a passionate one night stand, Ethan gives Lily a key to his place and tells her that the real world doesn't exist inside the walls of his apartment. He doesn't even want to know her name. Lily, who's just going through the motions of her ho-hum life, can't resist the stranger, and the two of them very quickly become addicted to each other.
The Apartment has everything I love about erotica--a solid story, believable characters, and explosive chemistry. This is Book #1 in the series. I can't wait until the sequel comes out in November.
Amanda Black’s debut novel is sure to melt your e-reader! Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan is a tortured artist who has come home to spend time with his family after breaking up with his girlfriend/business partner who took him for every dime he's worth. Back at home and surrounded by family, Ethan rents a small studio apartment in hopes of finding his creative muse once again.
On a whim, Lily decides to check out the studio apartment that's available for rent just above her favorite gym. She has no idea it's already occupied, and what she finds inside the apartment completely rocks her world.
After a passionate one night stand, Ethan gives Lily a key to his place and tells her that the real world doesn't exist inside the walls of his apartment. He doesn't even want to know her name. Lily, who's just going through the motions of her ho-hum life, can't resist the stranger, and the two of them very quickly become addicted to each other.
The Apartment has everything I love about erotica--a solid story, believable characters, and explosive chemistry. This is Book #1 in the series. I can't wait until the sequel comes out in November.
Amanda Black’s debut novel is sure to melt your e-reader! Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2015
Not quite PWP but pretty close. I read this Twilight/ Last Tango in Paris mash up as fanfiction when it was first published online and it worked well in that format. I am not sure it works so well as a novel. When it was serialised and each week there was another variation on a sex scene it was a distracting interlude. All in one go it becomes boring and repetitive as all the heated glances, heavy breathing and throwing back of heads - individually or in unison starts to sound silly.
Unlike some pulled to publish fanfiction it shows it's origins too much. The familial relationships were all the same with changed names and the Maggie/Rose desperate-to-be-a-mother and Emma/Alice hyperactive shopping pixie amongst others were all too familiar. In typical Twilight style we have our New Moon moment (he leaves her for her own good)setting us up for the next book...
Having said all that I have moved on to the next book because it is an easy read and doesn't tax my brian
Unlike some pulled to publish fanfiction it shows it's origins too much. The familial relationships were all the same with changed names and the Maggie/Rose desperate-to-be-a-mother and Emma/Alice hyperactive shopping pixie amongst others were all too familiar. In typical Twilight style we have our New Moon moment (he leaves her for her own good)setting us up for the next book...
Having said all that I have moved on to the next book because it is an easy read and doesn't tax my brian
September 23, 2014
Lily thought she was happy with her life, back in her old hometown to help her father after an accident, working, going to the gym and snuggling with her cats. Who´d ask for more? Then a chance encounter with a stranger turns her whole world upside down.
Ethan is back for a family celebration, not really wanting to, still feeling bad after his breakup, when a gorgeous woman reacts to his demands in a way he didn´t dare believe. What he never thought would go outside of the apartment grows and suddenly he wants everything and more. But can she give it to him?
Smutty fluff, feelings and angst in an awesome combo.
A warning, though, it ends in a cliffhanger, so you´ll want the next book asap, and there´s cheating involved. But it´s all worth it =) IMHO.
ARC is provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Ethan is back for a family celebration, not really wanting to, still feeling bad after his breakup, when a gorgeous woman reacts to his demands in a way he didn´t dare believe. What he never thought would go outside of the apartment grows and suddenly he wants everything and more. But can she give it to him?
Smutty fluff, feelings and angst in an awesome combo.
A warning, though, it ends in a cliffhanger, so you´ll want the next book asap, and there´s cheating involved. But it´s all worth it =) IMHO.
ARC is provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
October 19, 2014
The overall story - or what little of it there was - wasn't bad at all. I think it had a lot of potential, and I could have really enjoyed it.
HOWEVER, I found some of the sex scenes, especially at the beginning, to be a bit stalkerishly creepy. I get that it's an erotic fantasy, but I just wasn't too crazy about Ethan's character.
Otherwise, it was okay. The end was devastatingly heart-stopping. I may read book 2 just to find out what happens next, but if Ethan is going to be stupid, I'm not sure I'll get very far.
HOWEVER, I found some of the sex scenes, especially at the beginning, to be a bit stalkerishly creepy. I get that it's an erotic fantasy, but I just wasn't too crazy about Ethan's character.
Otherwise, it was okay. The end was devastatingly heart-stopping. I may read book 2 just to find out what happens next, but if Ethan is going to be stupid, I'm not sure I'll get very far.
October 11, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This story had so many points that made me love it, but then it had things that really bothered me. I loved the secrecy and the way Ethan's family and Lily were connected. I loved Lily and Ethan's chemistry and their relationship. Things that bothered me include the fact that it took a while for Black to mention that Scott was Lily's boyfriend…she throws the word "fiancé" out there and the reader (myself) was shocked. And that ending did absolutely nothing but piss me off. I don't know if I have any interest in reading the next one.
This story had so many points that made me love it, but then it had things that really bothered me. I loved the secrecy and the way Ethan's family and Lily were connected. I loved Lily and Ethan's chemistry and their relationship. Things that bothered me include the fact that it took a while for Black to mention that Scott was Lily's boyfriend…she throws the word "fiancé" out there and the reader (myself) was shocked. And that ending did absolutely nothing but piss me off. I don't know if I have any interest in reading the next one.
July 10, 2015
Very adult. Seriously erotic book, I think at least half of the book was them going at it. It wasn't a bad read if anything I read every chance I could, but it lacked something. I hope book two makes up for what ever this one lacked.
November 2, 2014
I loved this story as a FanFiction and would gladly read it over and over again. The only reason for the 3 stars is the constant use of 'for the first time in her life', 'the best in his whole life', 'ever again in his/her life' ... you get the point. Really, though, the story itself makes up for it.
November 19, 2014
Oh yeah, definitely based on Last Tango in Paris! Another published book that used to be a Twilight fanfic and I actually liked it! It's just funny cause yeah, Ethan's family is totally based on the Cullens! Hahaha! Lily only had his dad, and Scott would be Jacob. LOL. That cliffhanger though! Why, Ethan, WHYYYYYY???? And when does The Blank Canvas come out?!?!?
June 11, 2015
ARGH! I was really looking forward to reading this. But unfortunately my excitement for reading the book was the only positive for me.
December 18, 2014
I absolutely loved this story, thanks to a well-written, interesting plot with great characters. 'Simply put: Ethan was fuckhot.'
Their chemistry was off-the-charts sizzling, I loved the concept of the anonymity of their meetings at the apartment. "The only time people are truly honest about themselves is when it's anonymous."
Their chemistry was off-the-charts sizzling, I loved the concept of the anonymity of their meetings at the apartment. "The only time people are truly honest about themselves is when it's anonymous."
January 12, 2015
I would give this book 4 3/4 stars, great read with lots of sizzling sex. I think the author did a great job giving the history and making this story feel real. I wish I could be as carefree as they were when they were together just there to have great sex and orgasms and then leave until next time.
July 5, 2015
5 STARR
well well, i was surprised read this book, it was amazing for me..although it was hot as hell..i loved lily and ethan, they hot for each other and im glad that ethan found his way back from lily...they both need each other but they had to solve their own porblem first...but for me..i loved how ethen;s family really support him.. especially big brother eric and amanda..great story
well well, i was surprised read this book, it was amazing for me..although it was hot as hell..i loved lily and ethan, they hot for each other and im glad that ethan found his way back from lily...they both need each other but they had to solve their own porblem first...but for me..i loved how ethen;s family really support him.. especially big brother eric and amanda..great story
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