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The Blackstone Affair #2
All In
The second part in The Blackstone Affair series!
Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man who’ll go all in.
Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He’s broken Brynne’s trust and she’s left him. He’s unwilling to live without her and isn’t giving up—he’s dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together. With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he’ll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He’ll go to any lengths to protect her. He’ll go all in.
Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.
Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man who’ll go all in.
Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He’s broken Brynne’s trust and she’s left him. He’s unwilling to live without her and isn’t giving up—he’s dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together. With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he’ll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He’ll go to any lengths to protect her. He’ll go all in.
Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2012
About the author
Raine Miller
75 books9,472 followersRaine Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it's a safe bet she'll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine's stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. A former teacher, she's now writing sexy romance stories full time. She has a handsome prince of a husband, two brilliant sons, and two bouncy Italian Greyhounds to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books. You can contact her at raine_miller@ymail.com or visit www.RaineMiller.com to sign up for updates and her newsletter with links to upcoming books. Join us on Facebook at the Raine Miller Romance Readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/raine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,135 reviews
November 9, 2012
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone
At last, one of the most hotly anticipated sequels of the year is finally here and it’s another sexy read, probably about twice as long as Naked and, interestingly, told entirely from Ethan’s POV.
We pick up exactly where we left them at the end of Naked with Brynne running from Ethan and Ethan losing his head in rage and grief and regret. He’s a broken man at the beginning of this one, a wretched creature without Brynne. His exile from her has forced him into utter desolation.
He does, of course, manage to win her back and most of the novel is dedicated to the progression of their relationship told from his very possessive and protective POV. It’s very intriguing to get inside the head of an alpha-male like this, to see what makes him tick and what motivates him. Ethan is a man obsessed, his every waking minute and some of his dreams are consumed by Brynne and his fears for her safety and he can’t imagine life without her now. She is his Aphrodite and he her Eros. Ethan and his American Beauty.
I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too.”
We get to learn the secret that has tortured Brynne for so long and it’s a real shocker. I could only feel profound sadness for what she’s had to endure. Ethan’s past is also revealed and the poor man has really suffered but he still isn’t at the point where he can share all of that with Brynne.
It’s a very erotic tale as their passion burns white hot and they light up the pages of this novel with their frequent lovemaking scenes. Ethan maybe filthy between the sheets but he’s also a real gentleman with Brynne and I had a real thing for the way he kept kissing her hand. Le sigh!
I did feel, after their reconciliation, that their story began to lack direction and I didn’t fully see the threat to Brynne or where Raine Miller intends to take the story next. There’s no cliffhanger at the end of this one but certain elements of the story are left unresolved and things unsaid.
I had to have a giggle at the dig Ethan makes against the Fifty Shades books. Sure, they’re not mentioned by name but it’s obvious what Brynne and Gabrielle are cooing over.
I mean, who reads this crap? Who has time? Why even read about sex in a book when you can have it instead? I don’t get that. And billionaires in their twenties? I mentally shook my head and pretended to care. I’m such a bastard.
So, this book is mostly just an erotic romance, the rest of the plot doesn’t really move much further in this one. I developed a real fondness for Muriel, the toothy newspaper hag who, when she spoke, kind of reminded of an extra from My Fair Lady with her exaggerated cockney! There’s obviously going to be a connection between Ivan and Gabrielle – perhaps they will get their own story eventually. As a Brit myself, I felt that this had a better British feel to it compared to Naked. Ethan uses all the right slang and it didn't feel at all Americanised which is how I felt when I read Naked.
4 stars contemporary romance
The Lovely Ethan
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
October 10, 2013
Review posted on Talk Supe
Before I begin my review, I have to tell you I may be a bit biased when it comes to this book. You see, when I read the first book of this series, Naked, I had envisioned the hero, Ethan Blackstone, to be David Gandy. As some of you may know, I am a bit obsessed with that beautiful man. Okay, maybe not a little – more like a LOT obsessed. So when I read the teaser for ALL IN and realized that it would be told through Ethan Blackstone’s POV (a.k.a David Gandy’s POV) I was a little more than excited to read this book. Basically, any book that can keep David Gandy running through my mind is a must read. I could barely contain myself waiting for the book to finally show up on release day and nearly had a conniption as I was reading it.
Naked was a great start but it was fairly short (about 100+ pages) and it had my mouth drooling enough to make me crave for more. In Naked, Brynne and Ethan meet and embark in a passionate affair that neither one had ever experienced. The attraction between the two was instantaneous and once they took their relationship to a physical level, each was equally addicted to the other. Their relationship was fiery hot and it seemed like it would be ending on that note, but then Raine Miller sort of left the reader in a cliffhanger.
ALL IN picks up right where Naked left off but this time around we are getting the continuation of the story from Ethan’s point of view. Brynne has just found out a secret that he’s kept from her and is utterly devastated. She walks out of his life and tells him to never contact her, again. Brynne had consumed so much of Ethan��s thoughts lately that the thought of not seeing or touching her nearly drives him crazy. He’s in the midst of hatching up a plan to make her take him back when he hears of news about Brynne’s safety. Compelled to keep her safe and out of danger, Ethan barrels his way back into Brynne’s life and leaves her very little room to push him away. Ethan was protective of Brynne from the very beginning but now that Brynne may be in clear and present danger, he's even more protective and possessive over her.
ALL IN is twice as long as Naked so you get more of a story in this installment. Being inside Ethan head was really interesting and something that I enjoyed. Often times, we only see stories from the females point of view so it's always refreshing to see it from the guys. In Naked, Ethan mainly showed his possessive, bossy and dominate side. We still see all of that in All In but we also get a glimpse at his fears, vulnerability, and dark secrets that he's kept for so many years.
As much as I enjoyed Ethan's sexy and playful side, I really fell even more madly in love with him because he was just a regular dude. You'd think someone as cool as Ethan wouldn't care about his friends or family liking his woman, but he cares. A lot. I also liked that fact that he could be left baffled about a woman's period as much as any regular Joe on the street. I've read other reviewers say that it seemed like Ethan was a totally different person than what we had originally seen in Naked. My answer to that would be it's because it's what Brynne had portrayed for us. Of course she's going to harp on him being this domineering Alpha male. I liked the fact that Raine Miller gave us Ethan's perspective because too often we're only shown the "cool" side of a man and don't see the whole spectrum. I'm sorry but every man, no matter what age, will always be a little freaked out about his woman being on the rag and ready to bite his head off. Even if he's an ex-Special Forces and top notch security specialist.
Ethan is still sexy as hell and knows how to please his woman. Raine Miller sure knows how to write some very hot scenes that'll left me fanning myself even when it was probably 50 degrees inside my house. Ethan displayed the depths of his emotions and his need to claim and possess Brynne was intense and scary but at the same time extremely hot. He and Brynne are working through their problems but the amount of effort he's willing to put in is really impeccable. They're relationship will always have ups and downs especially with all the baggage they carry but they are definitely making progress and their bond continues to go deeper with each passing day.
Overall, All In was very good read that I enjoyed thoroughly and I cannot wait for the final installment to be released later this year. Raine has mentioned that it will mostly likely be released on Dec. 31, so it's starting to look like I will be spending New Years Eve cuddle up on the couch reading the final installment of this addictive series.
------------------------------
November 11, 2012
4.5 SMEXY STARS!!!
Ethan soaking in his tub…
Oooo… I really loved this one and I especially loved being inside that sexy head of Ethan Blackstone. The first book in the Blackstone Affair series, Naked, was good but All In was..… HOT DAMN THIS SHIT IS SO GOOD .
We got to see the many different facets of Ethan Blackstone, from his confident, cocky, vulnerable and jealous side. I loved hearing everything that went on inside that head of his and discover just how head over heels in love this man was for his beautiful American girl. There is just so much more to Ethan than being a bossy and domineering security specialist.
Excellent job Ms. Miller!! You definitely have me craving for more of this series and I cannot wait for the next book.
*Full Review to Come
One of my favorite Ethan Blackstone quotes:
"I love that fucking wall."
------------------------------
YES! CAN.NOT.WAIT.FOR.THIS.
Ethan Blackstone is my new boyfriend!!
"With Ethan everything was fast, intense…combustive."
Before I begin my review, I have to tell you I may be a bit biased when it comes to this book. You see, when I read the first book of this series, Naked, I had envisioned the hero, Ethan Blackstone, to be David Gandy. As some of you may know, I am a bit obsessed with that beautiful man. Okay, maybe not a little – more like a LOT obsessed. So when I read the teaser for ALL IN and realized that it would be told through Ethan Blackstone’s POV (a.k.a David Gandy’s POV) I was a little more than excited to read this book. Basically, any book that can keep David Gandy running through my mind is a must read. I could barely contain myself waiting for the book to finally show up on release day and nearly had a conniption as I was reading it.
Naked was a great start but it was fairly short (about 100+ pages) and it had my mouth drooling enough to make me crave for more. In Naked, Brynne and Ethan meet and embark in a passionate affair that neither one had ever experienced. The attraction between the two was instantaneous and once they took their relationship to a physical level, each was equally addicted to the other. Their relationship was fiery hot and it seemed like it would be ending on that note, but then Raine Miller sort of left the reader in a cliffhanger.
"I had broken her trust. I'd wagered to high and lost."
ALL IN picks up right where Naked left off but this time around we are getting the continuation of the story from Ethan’s point of view. Brynne has just found out a secret that he’s kept from her and is utterly devastated. She walks out of his life and tells him to never contact her, again. Brynne had consumed so much of Ethan��s thoughts lately that the thought of not seeing or touching her nearly drives him crazy. He’s in the midst of hatching up a plan to make her take him back when he hears of news about Brynne’s safety. Compelled to keep her safe and out of danger, Ethan barrels his way back into Brynne’s life and leaves her very little room to push him away. Ethan was protective of Brynne from the very beginning but now that Brynne may be in clear and present danger, he's even more protective and possessive over her.
ALL IN is twice as long as Naked so you get more of a story in this installment. Being inside Ethan head was really interesting and something that I enjoyed. Often times, we only see stories from the females point of view so it's always refreshing to see it from the guys. In Naked, Ethan mainly showed his possessive, bossy and dominate side. We still see all of that in All In but we also get a glimpse at his fears, vulnerability, and dark secrets that he's kept for so many years.
"Can I say wicked hormones changing my girl into Medusa and scaring the hell out of me?"
"Women…..frightening creatures."
As much as I enjoyed Ethan's sexy and playful side, I really fell even more madly in love with him because he was just a regular dude. You'd think someone as cool as Ethan wouldn't care about his friends or family liking his woman, but he cares. A lot. I also liked that fact that he could be left baffled about a woman's period as much as any regular Joe on the street. I've read other reviewers say that it seemed like Ethan was a totally different person than what we had originally seen in Naked. My answer to that would be it's because it's what Brynne had portrayed for us. Of course she's going to harp on him being this domineering Alpha male. I liked the fact that Raine Miller gave us Ethan's perspective because too often we're only shown the "cool" side of a man and don't see the whole spectrum. I'm sorry but every man, no matter what age, will always be a little freaked out about his woman being on the rag and ready to bite his head off. Even if he's an ex-Special Forces and top notch security specialist.
"I wanted to make love to her....slowly. I could just picture her gorgeous body stretched out naked for me to pleasure in every way I could manage it. All mine. For me alone. Brynne made me feel everything "
Ethan is still sexy as hell and knows how to please his woman. Raine Miller sure knows how to write some very hot scenes that'll left me fanning myself even when it was probably 50 degrees inside my house. Ethan displayed the depths of his emotions and his need to claim and possess Brynne was intense and scary but at the same time extremely hot. He and Brynne are working through their problems but the amount of effort he's willing to put in is really impeccable. They're relationship will always have ups and downs especially with all the baggage they carry but they are definitely making progress and their bond continues to go deeper with each passing day.
Overall, All In was very good read that I enjoyed thoroughly and I cannot wait for the final installment to be released later this year. Raine has mentioned that it will mostly likely be released on Dec. 31, so it's starting to look like I will be spending New Years Eve cuddle up on the couch reading the final installment of this addictive series.
------------------------------
November 11, 2012
4.5 SMEXY STARS!!!
Ethan soaking in his tub…
Oooo… I really loved this one and I especially loved being inside that sexy head of Ethan Blackstone. The first book in the Blackstone Affair series, Naked, was good but All In was..… HOT DAMN THIS SHIT IS SO GOOD .
We got to see the many different facets of Ethan Blackstone, from his confident, cocky, vulnerable and jealous side. I loved hearing everything that went on inside that head of his and discover just how head over heels in love this man was for his beautiful American girl. There is just so much more to Ethan than being a bossy and domineering security specialist.
Excellent job Ms. Miller!! You definitely have me craving for more of this series and I cannot wait for the next book.
*Full Review to Come
One of my favorite Ethan Blackstone quotes:
"I love that fucking wall."
------------------------------
YES! CAN.NOT.WAIT.FOR.THIS.
Ethan Blackstone is my new boyfriend!!
November 12, 2012
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
4 Stars! I was ALL IN...hook, line and sinker! Great second installment, but the ending had me scratching my head!
A pretty good second installment in this series, but not quite as riveting as the first book. Through the first few chapters the reader definitely feels the anguish and desperation that consumes Ethan over the mess he’s in with Brynne. He gives himself a good bashing and is very self-deprecating, not that I felt he needed to be. I loved being in Ethan’s head, he’s quite the character and one of the most possessive jealous heroes I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. His endless mind rambling and slip of the tongue, had me laughing out loud and made him even more appealing, which I didn’t think was possible. No Ethan Blackstone you are NOT a moron, I think you’re pretty damn special!!
What really tugged at my heart was how he set his pride aside and sought his father out for advice and little parental comfort. What ensued was an unbelievably sweet and emotional scene, which humanized Ethan and showed us his softer side…different from the horn-dog that we’ve grown to love.
"Lucky us, we can be fucked up together."
While the first book was raw and passionate, this one had a little more of a romantic element. Ethan and Brynne’s relationship becomes clearly defined, and the two of them heat up the sheets…make-up sex that lasted throughout the book…Raine Miller knows her way around passion and sensuality…six ways to Sunday and back! I never felt like it was too much though, and at times the writing was graphic, but when necessary the author leaves us to our imagination, she doesn’t over burden us with description.
I found I liked Brynne even more than I did in the first book, when she accepts partial blame for the bad that came between her and Ethan. She’s a pretty tough cookie when she needs to be, and what's that big, bad Ethan Blackstone’s, a ring in your nose??
We are introduced to a whole host of very interesting secondary characters, that give the book a more personal and family feel. I think love might be in the air for some of them, and if it’s not already, I would love to see Jonathan Blackstone with a certain Aunt Marie! Hint, hint! I also enjoyed the witty banter between Ethan and his cousin, Ivan. Boys will be boys!
Whether it is a sweet, passionate, humorous, or heartbreaking scene, Raine Miller skillfully masters all of them with exceptional writing. Even during the scenes that just depicted daily life, I was glued to the book. However, I wanted a little more meat to the story in the way of the suspense and danger that’s been hinted at towards Brynne, and the ending left me…suspended…like something was missing. I didn’t get that final bite, as if someone took the last morsel of food off my plate…THAT feeling! I’m not even going to go into the epilogue…hence me scratching my head…that’s all I’m going to say and these are the reasons for the 4 star rating.
Still and all, worth the wait, I’m hooked on this series, this author writing, and I’m hoping that whatever was missing here, we’ll find it in the next book. I have no doubt that Raine Miller will deliver.
My stressed out Ethan is having trouble kicking the habit! Poor baby…I would love to keep his mouth occupied with other things! *snicker snort*
Ethan’s song My Girl by the Temptations...we know she's yours!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZh7nR...
November 18, 2012
Book review 11/9/12: Awesome book 2... Highly entertaining throughout most of it. My only complaint is that it seemed to drag at times, where as book one kept my interest throughout the whole thing & had me begging for more at the end. Not that I wanted another cliffhanger because hell no I absolutely did not. lol. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the book, slight dragging & all. Who wouldn't love Ethan & all of his yummy glory? He is probably one of my favorite male characters & I just loved that this book was written from his PoV. We really got a glimpse into his heart & mind & what a fantastic heart & mind it is! BTW - Anyone who hasn't read this book yet, will be glad to know that there is no horrible, I'm-going-to-ruin-your-life-until-the-next-book-comes-out cliffhanger at the end. lol That was very refreshing & relieving. **sighs** Needless to say, I didn't do too well with the one in book 1, but I'm all better now. Definitely a series I would recommend & one I will continue to read.
Pre-book release comments:
Ok... We're at the end of September... The book is supposed to be released next month... I have now stopped hyperventilating. I think I can wait until then, although it will be painfully! Man what a cliffhanger in the last book! Miller really outdid herself!
10/7/12... If Miller's website is still correct, the book will hopefully be released at the end of this month... I read this book weeks ago & I am still extremely excited about this book. Usually, I'm over it by now. I think I have to read Naked again, just to get my fix............ lol.
10/21/12... I just checked Miller's website again & there is still not a release date, so there is a chance that it will not come out this month either. However, she has said that this one will be a bit longer, so can I really be mad at her for giving us a longer book 2 & it will be from Ethan's POV? Hell no! I hope it won't be too much longer, though... The anticipation is killing me & everyone else, so it seems from everyone else's posts as well. I'm just glad I'm not alone in this & there are others who fill my pain... lol.
Pre-book release comments:
Ok... We're at the end of September... The book is supposed to be released next month... I have now stopped hyperventilating. I think I can wait until then, although it will be painfully! Man what a cliffhanger in the last book! Miller really outdid herself!
10/7/12... If Miller's website is still correct, the book will hopefully be released at the end of this month... I read this book weeks ago & I am still extremely excited about this book. Usually, I'm over it by now. I think I have to read Naked again, just to get my fix............ lol.
10/21/12... I just checked Miller's website again & there is still not a release date, so there is a chance that it will not come out this month either. However, she has said that this one will be a bit longer, so can I really be mad at her for giving us a longer book 2 & it will be from Ethan's POV? Hell no! I hope it won't be too much longer, though... The anticipation is killing me & everyone else, so it seems from everyone else's posts as well. I'm just glad I'm not alone in this & there are others who fill my pain... lol.
March 20, 2018
★★★★★! All in, book 2 of 4. The suspenseful continuation of Ethan Blackstone’s all-consuming romance saga with his American girl while trying to protect her & uncover secrets in a deadly high-stakes political game!
“It’s all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too.”
“All in?” She brought her palm to my cheek and held it there, her questioning look so genuine…
…“A poker term. Means to bet everything you have on the cards you’re holding. You’re what I’m holding.”
The spectacular Blackstone Affair series follows world-renowned security expert and owner of Blackstone International Ltd., Ethan Blackstone in his whirlwind romance with American born University of London student Brynne Bennett. When Brynne’s past comes back to haunt her, Ethan sets out to protect and solve the mystery of a treacherous and deadly high stake political game involving the Vice Presidency for the United States. No one is safe, and neither is the heart of sworn playboy Ethan. One look at Brynne and he is determined to have her at any cost!
SOMERSET HISTORICALS
Book 1: The Passion of Darius
Darius & Marianne (year 1837)
Book 2: The Undoing of a Libertine
Jeremy & Georgina (year 1837)
THE BLACKSTONE AFFAIR - Ethan & Brynne
Book 1: Naked
Book 2: All In
Book 3: Eyes Wide Open
Book 4: Rare and Precious Things
Book 5: The Blessings of Ethan Blackstone
All In (book 2) opens upright after chocking cliffhanger ending of book 1. Both Ethan and Brynne have taken a nose-dive and while they both try to find their way through the storm the plot thickens yet again. This is Ethan’s story – watch as he comes back with a vengeance set on making everything right.
All In is told entirely from Ethan Blackstone’s POV. And what a privilege and joy it is to get a glimpse into the enigma that is Ethan.
Women had always come easy for the extraordinary Ethan. Brief affairs conducted at his f~ck-pad adjacent to his office is how the elusive playboy whored his way through life. That is until Brynne. Seeing that photograph of Brynne, his American girl, put Ethan’s life in a tail-spin.
“I couldn’t remember ever being driven by my c~ck in the way I was driven with her. Maybe when I was just starting out, but nothing with this level of intensity had ever consumed me like it did now. F~cking Brynne was right up there with food, and shelter these days.”
Brynne was his game-changer! Bet all – All in. He will never be the same.
“…rendering me utterly captive and raging to claim her body with the dominating sex I couldn’t seem to control when we were together. My ultimate reward and my greatest fear all rolled into one.”
Six words to describe Ethan: Unforgettable, dominant, enigmatic, smart, captivating and driven.
Brynne Bennett is finding her footing and coming to terms with her feelings for Ethan while learning how to exist next to the intense, dominant, assured, yet possessive Ethan.
“I felt like Ethan wanted to consume me at times. He overwhelmed me from the first and was definitely a demanding lover, but one thing was certain, I wanted everything he’d ever given me.”
What she has yet to see is that though she may have no control in the threats and danger she is facing, she is the one with all the control when it comes to Ethan and their relationship. Rarely have I seen such a whopped man.
Five words to describe Brynne: Tenuous, determined, fragile, enchanting and compelling.
Though book 2 does not have a huge cliff-hanger ending it leads right to book 3, Eyes Wide Open. Addictive and suspenseful plot!. Spellbinding storytelling! Unforgettable Ethan! A must-read series! Thanks again Ms. Miller!
“When I reached for my girl and showed her how much I did indeed need her, and told her with words too, I knew then that the best gamble of my life had not been the cards I’d played, but that one night on a London street, when a beautiful American girl tried to walk out in the dark, and I played the most important hand I’d ever been dealt, and went… all in.”
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
*********************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Hero: Ethan James Blackstone/32 years/Security expert-owner of Blackstone Intl Ltd-former Special Forces/$$$$/black hair/blue eyes/6’3”
Heroine: Brynne Bennett/24 years/Art Conservancy graduate student at the University of London-nude model/brown hair/hazel eyes
May 9, 2013
Ok. I loved this book. And I love Ethan Blackstone. A lot.
This is a spoiler-free review.
ALL IN starts off exactly the moment after book #1, Naked, ends and continues the story from Ethan’s point of view.
As a quick recap/intro, Ethan is the head of a high end security firm hired to protect Brynne, an American student studying in London. When they meet, they have an undeniable connection and so begins their story…
“She was different from the beginning. Special. My beautiful American girl…. it became so much more for me than just a job.”
All In is a sexy, fast-paced story of two flawed but functional characters… If you’re looking for a book with a possessive, protective and swoon-worthy Alpha hero, this series will deliver.
Raine Miller just nailed Ethan’s voice. Unlike book #1, this entire book is told from Ethan’s perspective and I just couldn’t get enough of it! I guess I felt that after reading Naked I had a pretty good handle on what was going on inside Brynne’s mind, but getting inside Ethan’s head really helped round out the story. Everything about it just made me either laugh or swoon – his jealousies, how crazy in love with her he was, his protective instincts (and the reason behind them)… all of it was just so addictive and we really got to see all sides of his character! haha, not to mention the hilarious part about him dealing with a PMSing girlfriend:
“Then I drove over to get my snake-haired, sharp-tongued, unpredictable, and very perplexing girlfriend, like the besotted sap that I very much was.
Women… frightening creatures.”
One thing I love about Ethan is that he has no problem admitting that he fucked up. It takes a real man to do that and I appreciated the raw honesty it gave the story where when mistakes were made, the characters would admit to them and then try to move on functionally. And I loved that Brynne was understanding about it all too. She certainly had good reason to be upset at times but she came around in a timely fashion that made me feel sympathetic and understanding towards her. I also felt like all the mistakes that were made in this book were certainly forgivable ones. No stupidity here! It was refreshing and welcome to not have to deal with any frustrating character traits.
“I was drawn to you from the first moment I saw your portrait. I had to know you. And then to be with you. To have you look at me and really see me. I know now that I fell in love. I fell in love with a beautiful American girl. You, Brynne.
… And even if you hate me for what I did, I’ll still love you. If you won’t see me, I’ll still love you. I’ll still love you because you are mine. Mine, Brynne. In my heart you are, and nobody can take that away from me. Not even you.”
That being said, neither Ethan nor Brynne were “perfect” characters. They certainly had their ups and downs and they were both flawed, but in a way that made you want to know more about them and sympathize with what they were going through.
In this book, we learn more about both Ethan and Brynne’s rather painful back stories and get to understand what haunts their dreams.
“You have your dark place and I have mine. I understand.”
It was really wonderful to read about a couple who supported each other through their problems and both genuinely wanted to just make things work.
“If you come with me you’re signing on for all of me, Brynne. I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too.”
I seriously can’t get enough of Ethan’s POV. He was just so adorably Alpha. I read just smiling to myself at seeing him be all growly and protective of her. Totally endearing!
I’m not sure why but before I started, I kind of thought this was a BDSM series. Not a clue what gave me that idea but for record, it’s not. That said, it’s still hot, steamy and erotic. Possessive Alpha male hero, remember?
This was one of those books where the pages flew by. It’s longer than the first one, but at about 250 pages it’s still a quick, fast-paced read.
The story kind of just ends, but thankfully, there was no relationship cliffhanger. There are still bad guys out there who need to be caught and a whole mess of things to sort out, but at least we are left off with them strong as a couple. **whew**
I can’t wait for book #3. I’ll be devouring it the moment it gets released on May 14, 2013.
4.5 stars
And... since David Gandy was the inspiration for Ethan Blackstone.... here are a whole bunch of casting images (and gif above) :)
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November 11, 2012
I was super duper excited when this got released. Ethan is my literary hero after reading Naked and I couldn’t wait to read more about him & Brynne in All In.
I was slightly disappointed with the second novel. Even though the book was longer, it feels like not a lot happened in terms of the story line.
I still loved the book and Ethan’s POV. We get to a see a completely different side of him. He really truly cares for Brynne and says the sweetest things to her. He made my friggen heart melt! I don’t think anybody can write a better ‘sorry’ letter.
“I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time but I do know how I feel about you. And even if you hate me for what I did, I’ll still love you. If you won’t see me, I’ll still love you. I still love you because you are mine. Mine, Brynne. In my heart you are, and nobody can take that away from me. Not even you.”
Like Brynne, he is also haunted by his past, but he struggles to open to up to her. He is extremely jealous and I enjoyed all his possessive thoughts that never got voiced. I missed his very dominant nature of Naked though.
Hmm, it also does not help that Raine has picked David Gandy as her muse for Ethan ;) Holy hotness monster!! He is unadulterated sexy! I kept seeing him in my head while reading Ethan's voice.
There are still a lot of questions after book 2 and I can’t wait to see what awaits them in book 3.
Disclaimer:
If you are trying to stop smoking, don’t read this book! Ethan is seriously addicted to his Djarums and this book may just turn you into a smoker - even if don’t smoke!
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I was slightly disappointed with the second novel. Even though the book was longer, it feels like not a lot happened in terms of the story line.
I still loved the book and Ethan’s POV. We get to a see a completely different side of him. He really truly cares for Brynne and says the sweetest things to her. He made my friggen heart melt! I don’t think anybody can write a better ‘sorry’ letter.
“I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time but I do know how I feel about you. And even if you hate me for what I did, I’ll still love you. If you won’t see me, I’ll still love you. I still love you because you are mine. Mine, Brynne. In my heart you are, and nobody can take that away from me. Not even you.”
Like Brynne, he is also haunted by his past, but he struggles to open to up to her. He is extremely jealous and I enjoyed all his possessive thoughts that never got voiced. I missed his very dominant nature of Naked though.
Hmm, it also does not help that Raine has picked David Gandy as her muse for Ethan ;) Holy hotness monster!! He is unadulterated sexy! I kept seeing him in my head while reading Ethan's voice.
There are still a lot of questions after book 2 and I can’t wait to see what awaits them in book 3.
Disclaimer:
If you are trying to stop smoking, don’t read this book! Ethan is seriously addicted to his Djarums and this book may just turn you into a smoker - even if don’t smoke!
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November 12, 2012
I loved book one but this one read as if someone else wrote it. Ethan is portrayed in such a juvenile fashion, I was hard pressed to remember that man is in his 30's. All the hard, rough, charismatic edginess that I loved in Ethan in book one is replaced by a simpering, hormonal teenager. Paired with a weak story line, annoyingly crude dialogue, and it's one dimensional presentation, I am floored by how different this book is written.
November 13, 2012
3.5 SEXY ETHAN STARS
I was really excited to read the highly anticipated sequel to Raine Millers first book Naked. So on release day I immediately put down what I was reading to pick it up. There were a couple things that I didn't like and I want to get them out of the way so I can GUSH about the things I did LOVE. All In was good but left me thinking and feeling a little differently than the first book. In the first book "Naked" you were left on the edge of your seat screaming at your kindle "NO, NO, NO, it can't be over!!!" but with All In I lacked those feelings!!!! I felt like Ethan lost a lot of the alpha male qualities that I loved so much about him in the first book and I also felt like the story lacked any action or suspense. I really didn't feel like I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen, which in the first book I definitely was. Those are a couple of the things I didn't love BUT there were also plenty of things that I did love. I loved the way Ethan took care of Brynne. I liked hearing how deep his feelings ran for her and how much he craved and needed her in his life. I loved the chemistry which is never lacking and I absolutely ADORED Ethan's dirty mouth. I think Ethan showed a softer side in this book which was admirable and I also enjoyed the fact that he was jealous and possessive over Brynne.
All In picks up right where we left off with Ethan at the elevator chasing after Brynne who has just found out that Ethan lied to her about something that was a pivotal moment in Brynne's life. Ethan struggles to comes to grips with the idea that Brynne has left him and decides that there is NO WAY he is going to give up on her.
"Never is a very long time. I might be able to give her a day or two, but never was irrefutably out of the question." ~~ Ethan
With this revelation Ethan decides to write Brynne a letter letting her know why he made the choice to lie by omission. Once receiving the letter Brynne decides to call Ethan because she's scared and missing him. With that phone call Ethan rushes out to meet Brynne and things are completely different between them. Ethan is hundred percent in love with Brynne and let's Brynne know that he is NEVER going to let her go and that in this relationship he is All In and there is no chance of her running away from him.
"I am. With you, Brynne, I am, and I have been from the very start."
And I meant every word. I know what I wanted. I understood it crystal clear and there was no turning back with her now. All in is forever, baby...
Ethan and Brynne are both struggling with demons from their past which were sort of addressed. Ethan's demons come a bit more to the forefront of the book and we see Ethan struggle to open up to Brynne and let her into his deepest and darkest side.
Ethan has a serious addiction to Brynne (and Djarum's). He feels the need to claim her and mark her and possess her ALL OF THE TIME. The sex in this book is extremely hot and Ethan's dirty mouth is incredible. I love their sexual connection which I felt went to so much deeper than just hot f*cking. They were completely sexually compatible and in love with each other, which made me melt.
"I wanted to make love to her....slowly. I could just picture her gorgeous body stretched out naked for me to pleasure in every way I could manage it. All mine. For me alone. Brynne made me feel everything -" ~~ Ethan
This book leaves you with some answers but also a WHOLE lot more questions which is good because there will be a book 3 in the series. I'm excited to continue to read about Ethan and Brynne and find out what awaits them in the future. I have a feeling that something BIG is going to happen because the ending in All In left me with a funny inkling that things are about to turn interesting. Overall I thought it was a good addition to the series but I had hoped for a little more.
Favorite quote in the book ~~
"...the best gamble of my life had not been the cards I'd been played, but that one night on a London street, when a beautiful American girl tried to walk in the dark, and I played the most important hand I'd ever dealt, and went...all in." ~~ Ethan
Ethan <3
Ethan and Brynne <3
I was really excited to read the highly anticipated sequel to Raine Millers first book Naked. So on release day I immediately put down what I was reading to pick it up. There were a couple things that I didn't like and I want to get them out of the way so I can GUSH about the things I did LOVE. All In was good but left me thinking and feeling a little differently than the first book. In the first book "Naked" you were left on the edge of your seat screaming at your kindle "NO, NO, NO, it can't be over!!!" but with All In I lacked those feelings!!!! I felt like Ethan lost a lot of the alpha male qualities that I loved so much about him in the first book and I also felt like the story lacked any action or suspense. I really didn't feel like I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen, which in the first book I definitely was. Those are a couple of the things I didn't love BUT there were also plenty of things that I did love. I loved the way Ethan took care of Brynne. I liked hearing how deep his feelings ran for her and how much he craved and needed her in his life. I loved the chemistry which is never lacking and I absolutely ADORED Ethan's dirty mouth. I think Ethan showed a softer side in this book which was admirable and I also enjoyed the fact that he was jealous and possessive over Brynne.
All In picks up right where we left off with Ethan at the elevator chasing after Brynne who has just found out that Ethan lied to her about something that was a pivotal moment in Brynne's life. Ethan struggles to comes to grips with the idea that Brynne has left him and decides that there is NO WAY he is going to give up on her.
"Never is a very long time. I might be able to give her a day or two, but never was irrefutably out of the question." ~~ Ethan
With this revelation Ethan decides to write Brynne a letter letting her know why he made the choice to lie by omission. Once receiving the letter Brynne decides to call Ethan because she's scared and missing him. With that phone call Ethan rushes out to meet Brynne and things are completely different between them. Ethan is hundred percent in love with Brynne and let's Brynne know that he is NEVER going to let her go and that in this relationship he is All In and there is no chance of her running away from him.
"I am. With you, Brynne, I am, and I have been from the very start."
And I meant every word. I know what I wanted. I understood it crystal clear and there was no turning back with her now. All in is forever, baby...
Ethan and Brynne are both struggling with demons from their past which were sort of addressed. Ethan's demons come a bit more to the forefront of the book and we see Ethan struggle to open up to Brynne and let her into his deepest and darkest side.
Ethan has a serious addiction to Brynne (and Djarum's). He feels the need to claim her and mark her and possess her ALL OF THE TIME. The sex in this book is extremely hot and Ethan's dirty mouth is incredible. I love their sexual connection which I felt went to so much deeper than just hot f*cking. They were completely sexually compatible and in love with each other, which made me melt.
"I wanted to make love to her....slowly. I could just picture her gorgeous body stretched out naked for me to pleasure in every way I could manage it. All mine. For me alone. Brynne made me feel everything -" ~~ Ethan
This book leaves you with some answers but also a WHOLE lot more questions which is good because there will be a book 3 in the series. I'm excited to continue to read about Ethan and Brynne and find out what awaits them in the future. I have a feeling that something BIG is going to happen because the ending in All In left me with a funny inkling that things are about to turn interesting. Overall I thought it was a good addition to the series but I had hoped for a little more.
Favorite quote in the book ~~
"...the best gamble of my life had not been the cards I'd been played, but that one night on a London street, when a beautiful American girl tried to walk in the dark, and I played the most important hand I'd ever dealt, and went...all in." ~~ Ethan
Ethan <3
Ethan and Brynne <3
November 12, 2012
Ok so this part of the book cracked me up.. Literally Lolling!
hit it off by talking books- something trending about a very young billionaire and his obsession with an even younger woman... and sex... Lots of erotic sex scenes in this book, like apparently every page.
Neil and I looked sympathetically at each other and had absolutely nothing to add ti the conversation. I mean who reads this crap? Who has time? Why even read about sex in a book when you can have it instead? I don't get that. And billionaires in their twenties? I mentally shook my head and pretended to care.. I'm such a bastard. - Ethan's inner thought
I was so excited about this book.. Couldn't wait for it! It was worth it.
The Story...
Thankfully it picks up right where it left us. At the elevator.
Ethan knows that he lied to Brynne but is not going to give up.
Never was a long time. I might be able to give her a day or two, but never was was irrefutably out of the question.
He has to be with her more than he needs to breathe, and he has to know she's safe.
The threat to Brynne still lurks and the Olympics are gaining on Ethan's company.
This second installment covers their relationship turning into exactly that. A relationship. There is still a lot of sex but also feelings, talking etc like normal people.
Sharing their secrets with each other.
Thoughts
This started off with a bang! I was loving it, but then I was kind of wondering where exactly the story was going at times. I know that Brynne's Father is worried for her safety, but I never really felt any threats? Towards the end of the book yeah but not really during it.
LOVED LOVED LOVED that It was written just in Ethan's POV!
I loved when Brynne and Ethan were sharing their secrets. It was beautiful. The love they have for each other.. *sigh*
The sex scenes?
FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC! Raine sure knows how to write them!
We had a great introduction to some secondary characters which I think will make a bigger appearance in the third installment.
Again Raine has managed to fit everything in at a great speed for a Novella.
The ending I felt was just...I'm honestly not sure how I felt about it.
But I have $5 that says
I wasn't as riveted as I was with the first, but in saying that I can't wait for the third to come out!
May 6, 2019
ALL IN!
“You said you were all in.”
“I am. With you, Brynne, I am, and I have been from the very start.”
Ethan Blackstone behaves like a lovesick puppy after Brynne left him at the end of previous book. He writes her a letter describing how he feels. And it works! Brynne will talk to him again.
“I knew I had found my angel at last and I would hold onto her with everything I had.”
We have Ethan's POV in this book. I have to be honest that sometimes I couldn't believe that an Alpha male would think and talk like that. Maybe he was a bit too sappy and overemotional.
But he was also very protective and strong. So in the end, it was okay.
“You said you were all in.”
“I am. With you, Brynne, I am, and I have been from the very start.”
Ethan Blackstone behaves like a lovesick puppy after Brynne left him at the end of previous book. He writes her a letter describing how he feels. And it works! Brynne will talk to him again.
“I knew I had found my angel at last and I would hold onto her with everything I had.”
We have Ethan's POV in this book. I have to be honest that sometimes I couldn't believe that an Alpha male would think and talk like that. Maybe he was a bit too sappy and overemotional.
But he was also very protective and strong. So in the end, it was okay.
November 11, 2012
Wow. I finished the book and all I can ask is WTH happened? Ethan turned into a complete wuss and the writing came across as more of a teenage couple instead of adult. I'm totally shocked at how different the voice of the author is in All In compared to Naked. I realize this story is told from Ethan's POV but still the writing felt totally generic, boring, no substance or emotional draw like I felt from the first book. This story totally ruined Ethan's character for me. All the self-assurance and charisma is gone and the repetitive reference of Brynne as "my girl" felt like an obsessive hormonal teenager! So disappointing.
September 6, 2015
After the ending of Naked, things are not going very well for Ethan and Brynne. They both have a lot of baggage not to mention the new threat that is hanging over Brynne's head. They really need to find a way to trust each other.
I loved the emotional drama that the book started off with but again, it was way too short. These two are so passionate that I wanted to feel that. Not just have things swept over. The letter was a nice touch though. And it was interesting getting the whole book from Ethan's POV...still not sure if it was too much though.
So, two things that are bothering me...one, I really don't care about the person(s) stalking Brynne. It's boring and Ethan suppose to be this big, hot shot security guy, well, let's see some security magic! And secondly, the sex...I know this is going to sound horrible but it's gotten old. Even though they are doing different things, it just sounds rehashed and I was feeling a mighty need to skim!
However, I did really like the rest of it. I still love Ethan's vulnerability and he's just too sweet! It was wonderful how he takes care of Brynne and how he took care of business with her mom and dad. I also liked that they are both opening up to each other.
Things get stepped up at the end with lots of drama and Ethan and Brynne taking off for his sister's house. I have a feeling things are going to take an interesting albeit predictable turn in the next book, Eyes Wide Open.
♦ Don't miss the cute story from Simba's POV at the end!
Favorite quote:
♥ "And even if you hate me for what I did, I’ll still love you. If you won’t see me, I’ll still love you. I’ll still love you because you are mine. Mine, Brynne. In my heart you are, and nobody can take that away from me. Not even you.
E "
I loved the emotional drama that the book started off with but again, it was way too short. These two are so passionate that I wanted to feel that. Not just have things swept over. The letter was a nice touch though. And it was interesting getting the whole book from Ethan's POV...still not sure if it was too much though.
So, two things that are bothering me...one, I really don't care about the person(s) stalking Brynne. It's boring and Ethan suppose to be this big, hot shot security guy, well, let's see some security magic! And secondly, the sex...I know this is going to sound horrible but it's gotten old. Even though they are doing different things, it just sounds rehashed and I was feeling a mighty need to skim!
However, I did really like the rest of it. I still love Ethan's vulnerability and he's just too sweet! It was wonderful how he takes care of Brynne and how he took care of business with her mom and dad. I also liked that they are both opening up to each other.
Things get stepped up at the end with lots of drama and Ethan and Brynne taking off for his sister's house. I have a feeling things are going to take an interesting albeit predictable turn in the next book, Eyes Wide Open.
♦ Don't miss the cute story from Simba's POV at the end!
Favorite quote:
♥ "And even if you hate me for what I did, I’ll still love you. If you won’t see me, I’ll still love you. I’ll still love you because you are mine. Mine, Brynne. In my heart you are, and nobody can take that away from me. Not even you.
E "
November 13, 2012
Is it Friday yet?
Yep... Friday has come and gone and I got my Ethan fix. Waiting on Part 3
So I can touch that goatee
And bite that bottom lip
Oh.. and perhaps enjoy a smoke in the tub
May 20, 2013
5 stars for the one and only
**HOT/SEXY Mr.Blackstone**
"I want my cock in you all night long."
This is the continued love story of Ethan and Brynne. It picks right up where "NAKED" ended. "ALL IN" is told in Ethan's POV, and he is just PERFECT and AMAZING. Ethan has some secrets in his past, that have not been revealed and we are just now seeing the whole truth about poor Brynne's past. I love this book series and can't wait to see how this story unfolds in Part 3.... "EYES WIDE OPEN"
"She is real and perfect and mine."
"Nothing but her will ever be enough."
"Your honesty and bluntness is one of the things I love about you, Ethan."
"I'm not going anywhere, Brynne. You're stuck with me and you better get used to it."
"You're not meant to be alone. "You're meant to be with me."
"Choose me, Choose us."
"Eyes on me, baby."
All along it was a fever
A cold sweat hot-headed believer
I threw my hands in the air I said show me something
He said, if you dare come a little closer
Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay
It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take, it's given
Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay
Ohhh the reason I hold on
Ohhh cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but i'm the only one who needed saving
Cause when you never see the lights it's hard to know which one of us is caving
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay, stay
I want you to stay, ohhh
**BR with MD & TJ :)**
**HOT/SEXY Mr.Blackstone**
"I want my cock in you all night long."
This is the continued love story of Ethan and Brynne. It picks right up where "NAKED" ended. "ALL IN" is told in Ethan's POV, and he is just PERFECT and AMAZING. Ethan has some secrets in his past, that have not been revealed and we are just now seeing the whole truth about poor Brynne's past. I love this book series and can't wait to see how this story unfolds in Part 3.... "EYES WIDE OPEN"
"She is real and perfect and mine."
"Nothing but her will ever be enough."
"Your honesty and bluntness is one of the things I love about you, Ethan."
"I'm not going anywhere, Brynne. You're stuck with me and you better get used to it."
"You're not meant to be alone. "You're meant to be with me."
"Choose me, Choose us."
"Eyes on me, baby."
All along it was a fever
A cold sweat hot-headed believer
I threw my hands in the air I said show me something
He said, if you dare come a little closer
Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay
It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take, it's given
Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay
Ohhh the reason I hold on
Ohhh cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but i'm the only one who needed saving
Cause when you never see the lights it's hard to know which one of us is caving
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay, stay
I want you to stay, ohhh
**BR with MD & TJ :)**
April 18, 2017
5 Dirty Talking Stars!!!!!!
All In is the continuation of Brynne and Ethan's love affair ♥ Ethan has broken Brynne's trust; she trusted him with her heart and to always tell her the truth, but he failed and now he has to win her back.
“I wouldn’t ever keep the truth from her again.”
We learn much more about Brynne's shocking past, how she feels about it and how they deal with it as a couple.
♥
♥ ♥ ♥
The story is told from Ethan’s POV which I found utterly delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed his dirty talking mouth and romantic ways. He is delicious in every way and when Brynne and Ethan get together the sparks fly and it is HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!
“With Ethan everything was fast, intense….combustive.”
♥
“Those perfect raspberry tipped nipples begged for more of my tongue. I went back to them, sucking and tweaking the sensitive flesh, loving how she moved beneath my mouth. She flowed in a rhythm with me.”
“I’m going to make you come so hard, and you’re going to think of nothing but me when I do.”
“Making you come under my tongue is the sexiest thing in the world. How you move. How you taste. How you sound when you get there…”
♥
Brynne still needs protecting from a threat that could prove to be extremely dangerous and Ethan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
All In is the continuation of Brynne and Ethan's love affair ♥ Ethan has broken Brynne's trust; she trusted him with her heart and to always tell her the truth, but he failed and now he has to win her back.
“I wouldn’t ever keep the truth from her again.”
We learn much more about Brynne's shocking past, how she feels about it and how they deal with it as a couple.
“Ethan knows what happened to me and there is no way he could possibly love me now.”
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♥
“I know now that I fell in love. I fell in love with a beautiful American girl. You, Brynne.”
♥ ♥ ♥
The story is told from Ethan’s POV which I found utterly delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed his dirty talking mouth and romantic ways. He is delicious in every way and when Brynne and Ethan get together the sparks fly and it is HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!
“With Ethan everything was fast, intense….combustive.”
“I want to take you to bed right now. I want you in my arms and I want….inside you…………”
♥
“Those perfect raspberry tipped nipples begged for more of my tongue. I went back to them, sucking and tweaking the sensitive flesh, loving how she moved beneath my mouth. She flowed in a rhythm with me.”
“I’m going to make you come so hard, and you’re going to think of nothing but me when I do.”
“Making you come under my tongue is the sexiest thing in the world. How you move. How you taste. How you sound when you get there…”
♥
Brynne still needs protecting from a threat that could prove to be extremely dangerous and Ethan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
“I wanted her home with me so badly. In my bed where I could reach for her all throughout the night and know she was there with me. I wasn’t letting her get away again.”
♥ “It’s all in for me. And I want to be all in for you too.” ♥“You’re meant to be with me.”
Ethan has a dark place that we are yet to find out about......
“All in is forever, baby…….”
**BR with the Ladies**
★ I can't wait for the next instalment.....I am hoping for a HEA!
November 15, 2012
Very Disappointing!
After being so excited, mesmerized, and blown away by Naked, I couldn't wait to start the second book of the Blackstone trilogy. What a bummer it turned out to be.
Ethan was just about my perfect hero in Naked. He was confident, successful, caring, considerate, and completely fixated and obsessed with Brynne. I was expecting my love and obsession for this character to intensify with this second installment, and instead I am left feeling like I just had a bucket of cold water dumped over my head! What had me so "hot and bothered" in the first book has left me "cold and disinterested" in the second.
All In is told from Ethan's POV. Usually this change in view point would excite me, and it did....at first. Then all of a sudden, Ethan started coming across whiny, insecure, and immature. His "voice", for lack of a better term, seemed completely contrary to the man I fell so hard for in book 1. There were too many times where I felt that Ethan's thoughts and feeling seemed completely out of character...not only for his character, but for men in general. I could tell that the author was a woman who was trying to write from a man's perspective and that kept pulling me out of the story. If a story is going to be told from a man's POV, I have to believe it's what a man would be thinking,feeling, or saying. That never happened with this book.
Another issue I had was with the plot. There really was none. I'm all for sex, but this book lacked much else, and the bummer is that there were so many potential plot lines that could've been explored.
Bummer. Not sure I will even finish this trilogy, but with all this being said...Naked was brilliant.
After being so excited, mesmerized, and blown away by Naked, I couldn't wait to start the second book of the Blackstone trilogy. What a bummer it turned out to be.
Ethan was just about my perfect hero in Naked. He was confident, successful, caring, considerate, and completely fixated and obsessed with Brynne. I was expecting my love and obsession for this character to intensify with this second installment, and instead I am left feeling like I just had a bucket of cold water dumped over my head! What had me so "hot and bothered" in the first book has left me "cold and disinterested" in the second.
All In is told from Ethan's POV. Usually this change in view point would excite me, and it did....at first. Then all of a sudden, Ethan started coming across whiny, insecure, and immature. His "voice", for lack of a better term, seemed completely contrary to the man I fell so hard for in book 1. There were too many times where I felt that Ethan's thoughts and feeling seemed completely out of character...not only for his character, but for men in general. I could tell that the author was a woman who was trying to write from a man's perspective and that kept pulling me out of the story. If a story is going to be told from a man's POV, I have to believe it's what a man would be thinking,feeling, or saying. That never happened with this book.
Another issue I had was with the plot. There really was none. I'm all for sex, but this book lacked much else, and the bummer is that there were so many potential plot lines that could've been explored.
Bummer. Not sure I will even finish this trilogy, but with all this being said...Naked was brilliant.
May 9, 2013
So I liked it...hence the three stars. It passed the time. But I wasn't bowled over. There was a LOT of obsession on Ethan's end. Every single thought was about Brynne. It was worse than reading a YA book with loads of hard ons. Seriously, the man gets a hard on every time he thinks of Brynne...which is ALL THE TIME!
However, I tend to like the super protective men, and Ethan is definitely that, or at least tries to be. Not Kristen Ashley protective by any means...the man runs a security firm but "lost" Brynne three times during the course of this book! That's a lot of losing! But he sure does pitch a great man fit when she's gone. I just love when a man grovels and chases.
I know I'm getting somewhat stingy with my stars :( I think the big allure about this series was the naked picture obsession, how Ethan fell in lust/love with Brynne just from seeing her picture, and then proceeds to nail down the object of his desire. That's a fantasy inducing plot right there. Brynne girl has it really going on, and she leads our man on a merry little (really little) chase. But now that this intriguing fiasco is over, what's left?
The "new" in this book is that Brynne and Ethan's pasts are revealed in a big way, and each are pretty horrifying in their own right. I had no idea that it would be quite so bad. The empathy factor sure got amped up. And Brynne's past is coming for her...the question is how Ethan will manage to protect and save her, all while convincing her to let the past lie. She needs to heal and move on, and he's helping her just by accepting her.
However, I tend to like the super protective men, and Ethan is definitely that, or at least tries to be. Not Kristen Ashley protective by any means...the man runs a security firm but "lost" Brynne three times during the course of this book! That's a lot of losing! But he sure does pitch a great man fit when she's gone. I just love when a man grovels and chases.
I know I'm getting somewhat stingy with my stars :( I think the big allure about this series was the naked picture obsession, how Ethan fell in lust/love with Brynne just from seeing her picture, and then proceeds to nail down the object of his desire. That's a fantasy inducing plot right there. Brynne girl has it really going on, and she leads our man on a merry little (really little) chase. But now that this intriguing fiasco is over, what's left?
The "new" in this book is that Brynne and Ethan's pasts are revealed in a big way, and each are pretty horrifying in their own right. I had no idea that it would be quite so bad. The empathy factor sure got amped up. And Brynne's past is coming for her...the question is how Ethan will manage to protect and save her, all while convincing her to let the past lie. She needs to heal and move on, and he's helping her just by accepting her.
November 11, 2012
PGJ's (Pavlina & Georgia & JenRider) Weekend BookClub!
"All in" according to Wikipedia
A player faced with a current bet who wishes to call but has insufficient remaining stake, may bet the remainder of his stake and declare himself all in.
"All in" according to (the one and only) Ethan Blackstone
If you come with me you’re signing on for all of me, Brynne. I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too. [...] A poker term. Means to bet everything you have on the cards you’re holding. You’re what I’m holding.
OH MY ETHAN...
My Rating: Another clear night sky for this book!
MILLION STARS!
I won't bother with a blurp, because if you read the first book (and most of you certainly did), y'all know that this book picks up immediately where the other one left us but (a huge BUT) be prepared ladies because we are in the mind of Ethan Blackstone!!!
The entire book is from Ethan's point of view and I found it refreshing and highly entertaining. Not many authors are brave enough to sell us a romance (and a break-up in particular) from a guy's perspective but when you work with Ethan Blackstone you can't lose.
I have demons too.I am terrified of facing them without you.I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time but I do know how I feel about you.And even if you hate me for what I did, I’ll still love you.If you won’t see me,I’ll still love you.I’ll still love you because you are mine.Mine,Brynne.In my heart you are,and nobody can take that away from me.Not even you.
You’re not meant to be alone. You’re meant to be with me.
Ethan is everything I hoped for and the very short 1st book teased us with... Adorable, romantic, funny, witty, sarcastic, dangerous, possesive, obsessive, jealous, FREAKING PERFECT!
In this book we learn the nature and real story of Brynne's abuse.. The word heartbreaking isn't enough to describe the horrific event.
I was stunned and left screaming:
But despite the very serious abuse and the warnings about imminent danger, the threat on Brynne seemed a little vague and I expected a little more action but that's a really small flaw for me when there is so much of Ethan and...
...we have a Best Curse Nomination: “I don’t give a maiden queen’s first fuck what that cocksucker thinks. What is he to you anyway?” I LOVE HIM!!!
I know all of you naughty girls are gonna fill my homepage with pics like this:
I'm gonna make the difference and post another hot-blooded (more on the cold side) male:
HELLO SIMBA!! I demand a Nalla for Simba, NOW!!
The glimpse on Ivan and Gabrielle was great and I'm very intrigued about their story when Ethan and Brynne's ends.
December looks months away!! (more like a month, but I enjoy being overly dramatic) and I really think Brynne has somethig wonderful to share with us. She deserves the spotlight again!
"All in" according to Wikipedia
A player faced with a current bet who wishes to call but has insufficient remaining stake, may bet the remainder of his stake and declare himself all in.
"All in" according to (the one and only) Ethan Blackstone
If you come with me you’re signing on for all of me, Brynne. I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too. [...] A poker term. Means to bet everything you have on the cards you’re holding. You’re what I’m holding.
OH MY ETHAN...
My Rating: Another clear night sky for this book!
MILLION STARS!
I won't bother with a blurp, because if you read the first book (and most of you certainly did), y'all know that this book picks up immediately where the other one left us but (a huge BUT) be prepared ladies because we are in the mind of Ethan Blackstone!!!
The entire book is from Ethan's point of view and I found it refreshing and highly entertaining. Not many authors are brave enough to sell us a romance (and a break-up in particular) from a guy's perspective but when you work with Ethan Blackstone you can't lose.
I have demons too.I am terrified of facing them without you.I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time but I do know how I feel about you.And even if you hate me for what I did, I’ll still love you.If you won’t see me,I’ll still love you.I’ll still love you because you are mine.Mine,Brynne.In my heart you are,and nobody can take that away from me.Not even you.
You’re not meant to be alone. You’re meant to be with me.
Ethan is everything I hoped for and the very short 1st book teased us with... Adorable, romantic, funny, witty, sarcastic, dangerous, possesive, obsessive, jealous, FREAKING PERFECT!
In this book we learn the nature and real story of Brynne's abuse.. The word heartbreaking isn't enough to describe the horrific event.
I was stunned and left screaming:
But despite the very serious abuse and the warnings about imminent danger, the threat on Brynne seemed a little vague and I expected a little more action but that's a really small flaw for me when there is so much of Ethan and...
...we have a Best Curse Nomination: “I don’t give a maiden queen’s first fuck what that cocksucker thinks. What is he to you anyway?” I LOVE HIM!!!
I know all of you naughty girls are gonna fill my homepage with pics like this:
I'm gonna make the difference and post another hot-blooded (more on the cold side) male:
HELLO SIMBA!! I demand a Nalla for Simba, NOW!!
The glimpse on Ivan and Gabrielle was great and I'm very intrigued about their story when Ethan and Brynne's ends.
December looks months away!! (more like a month, but I enjoy being overly dramatic) and I really think Brynne has somethig wonderful to share with us. She deserves the spotlight again!
April 11, 2013
Quote from the book
"Gabrielle and Elaina seemed to hit it off by talking books-something trending about a very young billionaire and his obsession with an even younger woman...and sex. Lots of erotic sex scenes in the book, like apparently on every page.
Neil and I looked sympathetically at each other and had absolutely nothing to add to the conversation. I mean, who reads this crap? Who has time? Why even read about sex in a book when you can have it instead? I don't get that. And billionaires in their twenties?"
Apparently I'm one of the suckers. You're supposed to laugh with these kinds of things esp. when you recognize or had a few ideas with the book-joke in question but this book is so bad this wasn't even funny. FYI. This book has more sex, actually on every page innuendos if not the actual act, than any other I've read in this genre. Bland, cringe worthy and just plain boring sex.
Horrible writing, horrible dialogues and huh- where's the plot?
"Gabrielle and Elaina seemed to hit it off by talking books-something trending about a very young billionaire and his obsession with an even younger woman...and sex. Lots of erotic sex scenes in the book, like apparently on every page.
Neil and I looked sympathetically at each other and had absolutely nothing to add to the conversation. I mean, who reads this crap? Who has time? Why even read about sex in a book when you can have it instead? I don't get that. And billionaires in their twenties?"
Apparently I'm one of the suckers. You're supposed to laugh with these kinds of things esp. when you recognize or had a few ideas with the book-joke in question but this book is so bad this wasn't even funny. FYI. This book has more sex, actually on every page innuendos if not the actual act, than any other I've read in this genre. Bland, cringe worthy and just plain boring sex.
Horrible writing, horrible dialogues and huh- where's the plot?
March 6, 2017
Ethan se ha enamorado de Brynne, pero nunca le contó los motivos por lo que estaba en la galería de arte la noche en que se conocieron. Cuando ella se entera, le abandona.
Los problemas por los que abandonó su casa y su país, persiguen a Brynne a Londres.
Este libro es desde el punto de vista de Ethan y por supuesto que es mi favorito.
Los problemas por los que abandonó su casa y su país, persiguen a Brynne a Londres.
Este libro es desde el punto de vista de Ethan y por supuesto que es mi favorito.
July 12, 2014
*****4 ALL IN or NOTHING STARS*****
"All In" picks up exactly where we left off at the end of "Naked".
Brynne has run out on Ethan after having found out his secret that he was working for her father by protecting her.
Poor Ethan is devastated.
For almost a week he is living in despair and I'm wondering if my sexy and dashing Ethan Blackstone is going to make an appearance in this installment.
He decides to woo Brynne with a letter, and of course, it works!
For most of the book Ethan was like a love sick puppy, and I was wanting him to act like he had some control in the relationship since he seemed to enjoy it when Brynne showed some submissive behavior.
It felt like the relationship was so unbalanced.
Ethan was "ALL IN" and Brynne was wavering on the sidelines.
Brynne's past is revealed and it explains why she has horrific night terrors, and why she can be in serious danger due to the upcoming Presidential election.
Ethan also has a haunting past that has now started to give him nightmares, but also has Brynne starring in them.
The first half of the book scared me a bit.
I didn't like sappy Ethan.
I feared that my dashing Ethan Blackstone was but a distant memory, but things get better in the second half.
Maybe because at that point Brynne is finally telling him that she loves him and it felt as if they were almost on equal footing.
Towards the end there is some suspense and I'm trying to figure out who sent that text!!
I have my suspicions!!
On to "Eyes Wide Open"!!
"All In" picks up exactly where we left off at the end of "Naked".
Brynne has run out on Ethan after having found out his secret that he was working for her father by protecting her.
Poor Ethan is devastated.
For almost a week he is living in despair and I'm wondering if my sexy and dashing Ethan Blackstone is going to make an appearance in this installment.
He decides to woo Brynne with a letter, and of course, it works!
For most of the book Ethan was like a love sick puppy, and I was wanting him to act like he had some control in the relationship since he seemed to enjoy it when Brynne showed some submissive behavior.
It felt like the relationship was so unbalanced.
Ethan was "ALL IN" and Brynne was wavering on the sidelines.
Brynne's past is revealed and it explains why she has horrific night terrors, and why she can be in serious danger due to the upcoming Presidential election.
Ethan also has a haunting past that has now started to give him nightmares, but also has Brynne starring in them.
The first half of the book scared me a bit.
I didn't like sappy Ethan.
I feared that my dashing Ethan Blackstone was but a distant memory, but things get better in the second half.
Maybe because at that point Brynne is finally telling him that she loves him and it felt as if they were almost on equal footing.
Towards the end there is some suspense and I'm trying to figure out who sent that text!!
I have my suspicions!!
On to "Eyes Wide Open"!!
November 9, 2012
”I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too.”
Ethan Blackstone has it BAD for Brynne. His feelings borderline obsession or addiction. He loves her from the get go and those feelings have only intensified with time. His love for Brynne and his desire to keep her safe are put to the test in this sequel.
Brynne finds herself in danger in this sequel:
There is a video somewhere out there documenting a horrific criminal act perpetrated against her from her past. Ethan is a security specialist and has taken on the job of keeping her safe although I’m still fuzzy as to why she is in danger. She was a victim maybe to keep her quiet as if after all these years she would want to publicize this heinous act?
If you are looking for closure in All In you will not find it. There are some answers but mostly more questions. This book ends in a cliffhanger just like its predecessor. I will certainly read the next installment to see what and who is threatening Brynne.
Ethan Blackstone has it BAD for Brynne. His feelings borderline obsession or addiction. He loves her from the get go and those feelings have only intensified with time. His love for Brynne and his desire to keep her safe are put to the test in this sequel.
Brynne finds herself in danger in this sequel:
There is a video somewhere out there documenting a horrific criminal act perpetrated against her from her past. Ethan is a security specialist and has taken on the job of keeping her safe although I’m still fuzzy as to why she is in danger. She was a victim maybe to keep her quiet as if after all these years she would want to publicize this heinous act?
If you are looking for closure in All In you will not find it. There are some answers but mostly more questions. This book ends in a cliffhanger just like its predecessor. I will certainly read the next installment to see what and who is threatening Brynne.
May 20, 2013
5 Fabulous ReRead Stars♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
All In begins where Naked ends. Ethan knows a secret about Brynne and is not forthcoming. She finds out and runs.
Ethan knows what happened to me and these is no way he could possible love me now.
I felt like Ethan wanted to consume me at times. He overwhelmed me from the first and was definitely a demanding lover, but one thing was certain, I wanted everything he'd ever given me. I found that out once I left him.
Ethan is devastated that Brynne has left but he knows what he wants and that is Brynne. He will win her back. Failure is not an option. He writes Brynne a letter putting it all out there.
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Brynne knows that Ethan will keep her safe from the dangers that may await her. But he must earn her trust again, no secrets. So their passionate, hot, steamy, love story continues.
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"If you come with me you're signing on for all of me Brynne. I don't know any other way to be with you. It's all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too."
"All in?"
"A poker term. Means to bet everything you have on the cards you're holding. You're what I'm holding."
All In takes us in to Ethan and Brynne's relationship. It gives us insight to who they are and what their demons are. Ethan is totally consumed by Brynne and I loved his passion. The whole book is narrated from his perspective and its fabulous. It's great to get in his head.
You are so strong...and lovely...and brilliant, Brynne Bennett. My beautiful American girl.
Making Brynne want me was my obsession. Gotta love his honesty.
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Brynne was the girl. My girl.
I didn't want slow with Brynne. I wanted fast and intense and all the time.
Sex with her shattered me down to my deepest levels of complexity.
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Did I mention that there is a lot of shagging in this book! Incredibly hot, steamy shagging!! I think I can say that Brynne is a very lucky girl. But what I do see is that Ethan and Brynne have a deep connection and I am able to feel it through the author's words. I would definitely recommend this book over and over.
There is not much of a cliffy as there was in the first book. We are just left to poner .
I love Ethan and Brynne, well maybe just Ethan a little bit more!
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BR with my lovelies -Barb and Jxxx
All In begins where Naked ends. Ethan knows a secret about Brynne and is not forthcoming. She finds out and runs.
Ethan knows what happened to me and these is no way he could possible love me now.
I felt like Ethan wanted to consume me at times. He overwhelmed me from the first and was definitely a demanding lover, but one thing was certain, I wanted everything he'd ever given me. I found that out once I left him.
Ethan is devastated that Brynne has left but he knows what he wants and that is Brynne. He will win her back. Failure is not an option. He writes Brynne a letter putting it all out there.
[image error]
Brynne knows that Ethan will keep her safe from the dangers that may await her. But he must earn her trust again, no secrets. So their passionate, hot, steamy, love story continues.
[image error]
"If you come with me you're signing on for all of me Brynne. I don't know any other way to be with you. It's all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too."
"All in?"
"A poker term. Means to bet everything you have on the cards you're holding. You're what I'm holding."
All In takes us in to Ethan and Brynne's relationship. It gives us insight to who they are and what their demons are. Ethan is totally consumed by Brynne and I loved his passion. The whole book is narrated from his perspective and its fabulous. It's great to get in his head.
You are so strong...and lovely...and brilliant, Brynne Bennett. My beautiful American girl.
Making Brynne want me was my obsession. Gotta love his honesty.
[image error]
Brynne was the girl. My girl.
I didn't want slow with Brynne. I wanted fast and intense and all the time.
Sex with her shattered me down to my deepest levels of complexity.
[image error]
Did I mention that there is a lot of shagging in this book! Incredibly hot, steamy shagging!! I think I can say that Brynne is a very lucky girl. But what I do see is that Ethan and Brynne have a deep connection and I am able to feel it through the author's words. I would definitely recommend this book over and over.
There is not much of a cliffy as there was in the first book. We are just left to poner .
I love Ethan and Brynne, well maybe just Ethan a little bit more!
[image error]
BR with my lovelies -Barb and Jxxx
July 25, 2017
Kitabın orjinalini taa ilk kitabı bitirdiğimde okumuştum. Seri olarak çok da güzel bir seri değil zaten. Yani güzel derken insanı şaşırtan, etkileyen bir seri değil. Yine karakter olarak baskın bir oğlumuz var; ama işte burada oaly kızın korunmaya ihtiyacı oluşu. Kızın geçmişinin yazıldığı kısımlarda çok üzüldüm. Bir kez daha içinde tecavüz barındırmayan güzel hikayeler okumak istediğimi söylüyorum artık! Kitap hakkında bir yorumum yok açıkçası, yani denk geldiyseniz, boş vaktiniz varsa, yapacak daha iyi bir işiniz yoksa açın okuyun. Kitap adamın gözünden anlatılıyor. Ben olayları erkek gözünden okumayı daha çok seviyorum. O yönden başlanabilir. Bir de adam kızın kendisine "bebeğim" dediği her anı sayıyor, orası çok şeker :D
Kitabın çevirisi çok kaliteliydi. Ama kitabın ismini niye "Senin İçin" yapmışlar onu anlamadım. Ve en önemlisi kitabın sonundaki bölümü çevirmemişler!!! Ya ben en çok orayı beğendiydim! Orjinalinde kitabın sonunda olaylar balık Simba'nın gözünden anlatılıyor. Sevgili balığımız Simba Brynne'in gidişiyle yıkılıyor. Zaten Ethan suyun dışında da yüzebiliyor(!) kendisi sadece akvaryumda kalmak zorunda diye çok üzülüyor zavallım. Öldüm Gülmekten.
3. kitap kapağında gelinlikli bir hanım kız var. Olayların gidişatı belli yani. Zaten 2. kitabı okuyan Türk insanı film ve dizilerimiz sayesinde kusan her kadın hakkında yapılacak tespiti yapacaktır. (Spoiler değil, benim tahminim yani. 3. kitaba başlayacağım şimdi, öğrenirim :D )
Kitabın çevirisi çok kaliteliydi. Ama kitabın ismini niye "Senin İçin" yapmışlar onu anlamadım. Ve en önemlisi kitabın sonundaki bölümü çevirmemişler!!! Ya ben en çok orayı beğendiydim! Orjinalinde kitabın sonunda olaylar balık Simba'nın gözünden anlatılıyor. Sevgili balığımız Simba Brynne'in gidişiyle yıkılıyor. Zaten Ethan suyun dışında da yüzebiliyor(!) kendisi sadece akvaryumda kalmak zorunda diye çok üzülüyor zavallım. Öldüm Gülmekten.
3. kitap kapağında gelinlikli bir hanım kız var. Olayların gidişatı belli yani. Zaten 2. kitabı okuyan Türk insanı film ve dizilerimiz sayesinde kusan her kadın hakkında yapılacak tespiti yapacaktır. (Spoiler değil, benim tahminim yani. 3. kitaba başlayacağım şimdi, öğrenirim :D )
November 19, 2012
Am I the only one that feels a little empty reading these books?? There is something missing, I don't know what it is. The pacing may have something to do with it.
I feel like I am missing some part of my womanliness, because everyone else seems to be gagging for Ethan and I am just, meh.
I am not even sure I liked this book being all from Ethan's point of view. Are we going to get a mix of the two of them in the final?
Also about half way through this book it started to drag. I put it down to have a nap. I never put a sexy book down to have a nap!!
When the ending came, I was not expecting that to be the end.
It's the pacing, it has to be the pacing of the storyline, otherwise this book ticks all the right books for me.
I feel like a debbie downer, but this book was just good, not great for me.
I feel like I am missing some part of my womanliness, because everyone else seems to be gagging for Ethan and I am just, meh.
I am not even sure I liked this book being all from Ethan's point of view. Are we going to get a mix of the two of them in the final?
Also about half way through this book it started to drag. I put it down to have a nap. I never put a sexy book down to have a nap!!
When the ending came, I was not expecting that to be the end.
It's the pacing, it has to be the pacing of the storyline, otherwise this book ticks all the right books for me.
I feel like a debbie downer, but this book was just good, not great for me.
July 6, 2017
Ethan's POV....absolutely perfect! Just the type of hero I love!
December 10, 2012
Quick review:
Cover: Love it
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Smoking
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Love Ethan’s POV
Characters: Well done
Plot: Inside the mind of an alpha male man
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Of course
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Ethan
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Loved this book. I loved to see the inside of the head to find out just how vulnerable he was. Strong and protective and a loveable on the inside. I loved his relationship with his father. And I can’t wait to find out how he interacts with his sister.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Cover: Love it
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Smoking
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Love Ethan’s POV
Characters: Well done
Plot: Inside the mind of an alpha male man
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Of course
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Ethan
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Loved this book. I loved to see the inside of the head to find out just how vulnerable he was. Strong and protective and a loveable on the inside. I loved his relationship with his father. And I can’t wait to find out how he interacts with his sister.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
November 10, 2012
5 stars for Ethan!!! I mean, 5 stars for all in... Love that this book was from Ethan's pov. It picked up right where Naked left off. I enjoyed it more than the first. We got a little more of Ethan's background and learned a little more about Brynne's story. And did I mention that this book was hot?!? Seriously hot! Ethan was super sexy and swoony in this one! Looking forward to book 3 (fingers crossed that its from Ethan's pov!)
May 25, 2013
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Book Blog
When Raine Miller sent me the ARC of All In (The Blackstone Affair #2), I kind of freaked. I mean this week had some of the best releases ever, but I really wanted to read this and get the review up by release day. Yet I felt like I had to re-read Naked (The Blackstone Affair #1) first. I needed to get back in the zone, you know? In this case, because the first book was fairly short, it was kind of easy to do, except for all the times I had to stop (during both books) for this:
I’ll tell you this, I loved Naked just as much, if not more, the second time around. All In begins where Naked ends, but this time it is told in Ethan’s voice. It begins a little differently than the preview in Naked, and you will see why. It was an interesting choice on Raine’s part to write the entire novel from the guy's POV. As much as we always love to read that, I must say, I kind of enjoy Brynne’s voice more, because I connect more to her as a female. I mean it was interesting to get inside a man’s head, because we all know what’s in there:
I kept wondering how much research Raine did on how guys think. Did she have help? Is this really how men think? Is that why my husband does that? Sometimes my questions took me out of the story a bit, but maybe because I didn’t feel as ALL IN it as the first book. BUT, that being said, I still loved the crap out of it and can’t wait for the next book. Ideally to me, it will have BOTH points of view, and that would make for a great, unique series.
When All In begins, Brynne has just left Ethan in his office after finding out they didn’t meet by accident. It is clear Ethan is a mess and totally in love with Brynne. He will do anything to get her back. When they finally talk, Brynne spills the details of what happened to her in the past, which was different than what I expected, and worse in many ways. She thinks Ethan won’t want her anymore if he knows, but this guy is in it for the long haul:
��If you come with me, you’re signing on for all of me, Brynne. I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s All In for me. And I want it to be All In for you too.”
Ethan is surprised at the depth of his feelings. He is over the top jealous, possessive and controlling, but he reigns it in for her sake. Some of the thoughts through his head were funny though:
“I am sure I cut the side of my tongue from gritting my teeth together. The urge to reply back was something I want to do so badly I could taste it next to the tang of blood in my mouth–along the lines of: Sod off, you idiot tosser. She’s taken and her man will cut off your balls if you so much as think about her naked. -Ethan w/the big knife.”
It was clear throughout the story that Ethan needed Brynn’s reassurance that she wouldn’t run away again. She’s done it twice, and he can’t get over the fear that she’ll be gone. Couple that with the fear that someone may be after her, he is swamped with the Olympics, someone may be threatening his cousin, he has a business to run and can’t keep his mind off Brynne, and you have a stressed out guy. But one who is clearly crazy about his girl and will do anything for her.
And really, would you mind that?
Likes:
-The male POV made it a unique and interesting read.
-It was longer than the first book.
-The sex scenes were still hot as hell.
-The Homage to Fifty Shades made me crack up.
-Ethan’s dirty talk (and mind).
Dislikes:
-I would have liked to see a little of Brynne’s POV.
-Though I liked that it was longer, parts in the middle seemed a bit stretched.
-I would like to hear more about Ethan’s past.
-This one seemed a little more reminiscent of other popular series out there especially with the mention of Dom/sub.
-There was a consistency problem with his smokes, one minute he is smoking more than ever, and one minute he cut back because of Brynne. Since -these ciggies were mentioned a lot, I had to bring this up.
-Since Ethan is British, he used words I wasn’t familiar with, and I had to lose my momentum to look them up (plus the word spunk is yuck). But the accent I picture is HOT!
Rating: 4.5 stars, 5 for Heat
This is definitely a second book of three. It gets us solid with the characters, gets over the first main conflict, and moves us to the final installment. I like the way Brynne settled into the relationship and doesn’t seem ready to run. She seems ready to forge a healthy relationship. Though it is clear that Ethan is dominant, as soon as he acknowledged that he was a Dom it made the book feel a little too much like all the others. He can be a controlling alpha without the Dom title.
All in all (see what I did there?) I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read a man’s POV, but I missed Brynne a little. Even though this was still essentially her story through Ethan’s eyes, I missed her. I really loved her character in both books, and I can’t wait for more of this couple!
Look for the final book in the series Eyes Wide Open, hopefully by the end of the year, and The Rothvale Legacy about Ivan next year.
*Book was provided by Raine Miller for a fair review
When Raine Miller sent me the ARC of All In (The Blackstone Affair #2), I kind of freaked. I mean this week had some of the best releases ever, but I really wanted to read this and get the review up by release day. Yet I felt like I had to re-read Naked (The Blackstone Affair #1) first. I needed to get back in the zone, you know? In this case, because the first book was fairly short, it was kind of easy to do, except for all the times I had to stop (during both books) for this:
I’ll tell you this, I loved Naked just as much, if not more, the second time around. All In begins where Naked ends, but this time it is told in Ethan’s voice. It begins a little differently than the preview in Naked, and you will see why. It was an interesting choice on Raine’s part to write the entire novel from the guy's POV. As much as we always love to read that, I must say, I kind of enjoy Brynne’s voice more, because I connect more to her as a female. I mean it was interesting to get inside a man’s head, because we all know what’s in there:
I kept wondering how much research Raine did on how guys think. Did she have help? Is this really how men think? Is that why my husband does that? Sometimes my questions took me out of the story a bit, but maybe because I didn’t feel as ALL IN it as the first book. BUT, that being said, I still loved the crap out of it and can’t wait for the next book. Ideally to me, it will have BOTH points of view, and that would make for a great, unique series.
When All In begins, Brynne has just left Ethan in his office after finding out they didn’t meet by accident. It is clear Ethan is a mess and totally in love with Brynne. He will do anything to get her back. When they finally talk, Brynne spills the details of what happened to her in the past, which was different than what I expected, and worse in many ways. She thinks Ethan won’t want her anymore if he knows, but this guy is in it for the long haul:
��If you come with me, you’re signing on for all of me, Brynne. I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s All In for me. And I want it to be All In for you too.”
Ethan is surprised at the depth of his feelings. He is over the top jealous, possessive and controlling, but he reigns it in for her sake. Some of the thoughts through his head were funny though:
“I am sure I cut the side of my tongue from gritting my teeth together. The urge to reply back was something I want to do so badly I could taste it next to the tang of blood in my mouth–along the lines of: Sod off, you idiot tosser. She’s taken and her man will cut off your balls if you so much as think about her naked. -Ethan w/the big knife.”
It was clear throughout the story that Ethan needed Brynn’s reassurance that she wouldn’t run away again. She’s done it twice, and he can’t get over the fear that she’ll be gone. Couple that with the fear that someone may be after her, he is swamped with the Olympics, someone may be threatening his cousin, he has a business to run and can’t keep his mind off Brynne, and you have a stressed out guy. But one who is clearly crazy about his girl and will do anything for her.
And really, would you mind that?
Likes:
-The male POV made it a unique and interesting read.
-It was longer than the first book.
-The sex scenes were still hot as hell.
-The Homage to Fifty Shades made me crack up.
-Ethan’s dirty talk (and mind).
Dislikes:
-I would have liked to see a little of Brynne’s POV.
-Though I liked that it was longer, parts in the middle seemed a bit stretched.
-I would like to hear more about Ethan’s past.
-This one seemed a little more reminiscent of other popular series out there especially with the mention of Dom/sub.
-There was a consistency problem with his smokes, one minute he is smoking more than ever, and one minute he cut back because of Brynne. Since -these ciggies were mentioned a lot, I had to bring this up.
-Since Ethan is British, he used words I wasn’t familiar with, and I had to lose my momentum to look them up (plus the word spunk is yuck). But the accent I picture is HOT!
Rating: 4.5 stars, 5 for Heat
This is definitely a second book of three. It gets us solid with the characters, gets over the first main conflict, and moves us to the final installment. I like the way Brynne settled into the relationship and doesn’t seem ready to run. She seems ready to forge a healthy relationship. Though it is clear that Ethan is dominant, as soon as he acknowledged that he was a Dom it made the book feel a little too much like all the others. He can be a controlling alpha without the Dom title.
All in all (see what I did there?) I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read a man’s POV, but I missed Brynne a little. Even though this was still essentially her story through Ethan’s eyes, I missed her. I really loved her character in both books, and I can’t wait for more of this couple!
Look for the final book in the series Eyes Wide Open, hopefully by the end of the year, and The Rothvale Legacy about Ivan next year.
*Book was provided by Raine Miller for a fair review
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