His Muse

by Coral F. Black

No one had ever looked at me like that. Especially not the hottest man I’d ever seen. He had the lean, tan muscles of a world class athlete, thick black hair, huge hands marbled by big veins. Before he picked up his camera to shoot, he looked at me with eyes that could have set me on fire.

Nothing else mattered; he was all I wanted.

But when Daniel Baldessari called me “undateable" in order to get a reaction for the perfect fashion shot, I knew I was really in trouble.

And after that first shoot, things started getting even stranger. Who was the “mystery client” that wanted to hire me for an exclusive contract and was sending me gorgeous flowers and boxes of sexy silk clothing and stilettos so that I’d say yes? Why did Daniel Baldessari’s beautiful cousin keep showing up at his house? And what was the dark secret from his past that threatened to tear us apart before I could find out if this maddening man even wanted me?

I knew I had to find out.

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Hi Beautiful Readers:
I love to write (and read) sweet and dirty erotic contemporary romance set in Los Angeles.
Love,
Coral

Reviews

[Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This plotline definitely has promise and, as Coral’s debut novella, it has the pieces of something that can be great. Twyla seems to be a mostly strong and kindhearted heroine. She’s determined to make it in the modeling industry so she can support both herself and her brother. When she heads to her first shoot she meets the photographer, Daniel Balderssari, whose full name was repeated so many times I wanted to dive into the book with a red marker. But I digress.

He’s elusive and aloof and occasionally an asshole, but I suppose he was meant to be an endearing asshole. I’m not sure if there just wasn’t enough development for me because everything happened so fast, or if his behavior really was just so all over the board I couldn’t keep up. Yet, regardless, instalove happens.

There’s clearly something going on with Daniel because while he’s more than willing to touch Twyla, he’s not quite ready for her to touch him…until he’s practically shoved into it. I sort of had a problem with that scene too (I KNOW. I’M SORRY) as Twyla was a virgin…and yettttt, there wasn’t any mention of that while she was being taken hard and fast. How she found Daniel when she walked in on him was also a high on the insane barometer, but I’ll let that one slide, because fiction and all that.

There are plenty of secrets to be revealed and I am curious as to what happens next. With some tightening and polishing, this novella will certainly gain a few points. There’s plenty of promise here to grow and I look forward to finishing out the series to see how this all shakes out. 3 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/1...

[Judy Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, and sexy short read. I was hooked from the beginning and after that ending I'm left wondering what is he hiding.. What is going on? I need more.

Twyla is a model who is heading to her first job in L.A. shes been selected to do this shoot by an unknown client. When she & we meet Daniel Baldessari hes kind of a condescending jerk who calls Twyla undateable to get a reaction from her for the shoot. Which he does. But what do you do when you get home and all you can think about is the arrogant photographer? Or when you start getting lavish flowers and gifts from said unknown client? Make a fool out of yourself of course. Haha. But the closer Twyla gets to Daniel the more she realizes this man is full of mystery and secrets.

Need to know what happens next for Twyla and Daniel.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡]

[Kenya Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good and bad review.

I gave the novel THREE STARS because in the end, I wanted to know what was going to happen between Daniel and Twyla. 

Plus there were some pretty sexy scenes. . .

So here's why I didn't give it 4 or 5 stars.

On one hand, 

I cared about the female character and hoped she'd get some hot action. 

On the other hand, I didn't get why she kept calling her vagina a V. This is a super  tiny thing , but it just annoyed me a bit.

 I kept wanting say, 

"VAGINA!! IT'S YOUR VAGINA!!"

I also found the heroine's attraction to the hero to me super instant. 

But who am I too judge?

Some guys just do it for some women.



Other than that, I'll be back for another ride in book 2!! If you check this novel out, let me know what you think!!!

[Mary Forster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick steamy read but it's worth it. There is a cliffhanger to the book so be warned. The author writes in a unique way that gets you focused & hooked. You have a past & present so you do not miss out on anything. I would say this is a beginning of Daniel & Twyla story.

Twyla moved to LA to finish out her modeling carrier. She needed to support herself along with her brother back home in Ohio. She lives with her roommate who is also a model both trying to make ends meet. Twyla goes to her first job and when Daniel the photographer tells her shes undateable, that is when things start to change. Suddenly a mysteries client wants to hire her and buys her things, Twyla is determined to find out who this mystery client is.

Daniel loves doing photography and he is owner of a company. When he sees Twyla come for the job, something changes in him and he knows that the only way to get her to react is to say something that will make her uncomfortable. Now Daniel finds himself in a difficult situation and not sure what he should do.

This is just the beginning of the story for Daniel & Twyla and you'll want to keep reading to see how things go. A sexy erotic beginning with some steamy scenes.

Great job to the author. I highly recommend.

Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short and steamy read. I mean what’s not to love about the tall, dark, handsome and enigmatic photographer Daniel Baldessari?!

You can completely understand why the sweet and innocent Twyla is captivated by him. I kept hearing “Come into my web said the spider to the fly” in my head. He has her completely ensnared, but at the same time sending out of the mother of all mixed signals.

The smexy scenes are H.A.W.T. and I would advise reader discretion, as in don’t read in a public place. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! There is this one scene in Daniel’s library…..trust me you need to read it #enoughsaid

Twyla experiences more than just a sexual awakening at the hands of Daniel. As his muse, she gains invaluable experience as his model which may give her the confidence to embark on the career she truly desires.

As you can imagine I was left with more questions than answers at the end due to the cliff-hanger ending: What’s the story with Elena? What secret is Daniel hiding? Why is he so emotionally removed at times?

I’m hoping these answers and more will be revealed over the next two instalments. I can’t wait to read more! What a great debut and an author to keep an eye out for in the future.

Note: Copy kindly received from author in exchange for an honest review.

[Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twyla is a struggling model/actress. She is selected for a photo shoot by a unknown client. As it turns out the photographer is not only famous but also strikingly handsome. Daniel Baldessari first appears aloof and condescending. Twyla soon discover Daniel has secrets. He goes as far as hiding his true intentions in order to keep his secrets.

This is the first part of a three part series. The story revolves around Daniel’s secrets. His secrets are the reason he's holding back from Twyla. Twyla is looking for affection but her infatuation may have just lead her astray. It will be interesting to read how the story will evolve.

[Kim Ginsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a model and the photographer she is mesmerized by. Twyla is a model in LA who was booked for a modeling shoot. She becomes mesmerized by her photographer and his effect on her emotions and body. Is he interested in her too, or is she alone in her feelings? Find out in book 1 of this series!

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was different because it started right at current day and filled in the back story as it went along. I thought it was great how Daniel got the shots he wanted, my insulting her.

Reviewing on behalf of Once upon an Alpha

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Stars: 4 STARS

Mystery
Alpha male


It is always when you lose something that you realize its true value

No one had ever looked at me like that. Especially not the hottest man I’d ever seen. He had the tall, tanned body of a world class athlete, black curls, fierce eyes, huge hands marbled by big veins. Before he picked up his camera to shoot, he looked at me like I was the only woman in the world. I was in trouble.
But when Daniel Baldessari called me undateable in order to get a reaction for the perfect fashion shot, I knew I was really in trouble.
And then things started getting even weirder. Who was the “mystery client” that wanted to hire me for an exclusive contract and was sending me gorgeous flowers so that I’d say yes? Why did Daniel Baldessari’s beautiful cousin keep showing up at his house? And what was the dark secret from his past that threatened to tear us apart before I was even sure this maddening man and I were even together? (Amazon Blurb)

Wow. That’s probably the only way I can justly review this novel. I absolutely enjoy novels of this kind; novels where there are challenges, some mystery and lastly a triangle. Those aspects keep me interested. It’s important to understand that the His Muse series has three parts and must be read one after the other and are considered short novels, so yes, it is expected that the introduction can be fast or rushed (at least for some), but once you get used to a new author, which I believe is like trying new shoes, no two author have the same style of writing, it becomes easier to enjoy the storyline and especially the numerous dynamics between the characters. The sexual connections between the characters are hot and the mystery amps up the entertainment factor since there are more than one secret that needs to be revealed. I must specify, however, that it end with a cliffhanger, which is why it’s important to read the entire series one after the other. For a new author, at least for my library, Coral Black will be one to watch and see what she will come up with in the future.
.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated with this book from page 1! You might as well do yourself a favor, before you even start reading this book, and go purchase books II and III! They are all amazing books and when you get to the end of book I, you will want to pick right up with book II and then book III, after that!

This is Twyla's first modeling job in LA. A mysterious client booked her based on her portfolio (which was rare). Daniel Baldessari was her photographer and boy, was Twyla nervous. She had little experience and he was very experienced (in more ways than one). She feels instant sparks and a little sweaty panty issue when she meets him. Miguel is the guy who puts her together for the shoots and tells her at her first shoot to wear thongs and no bra. YIKES!! She's so embarrassed!! And to boot, Daniel ask her is there something undateable about her? WHAT?! What a jerk...but that's what gets him the shot he wants.

Her roommate is April and of course, she wants details about Twyla's first shoot. Since Daniel is a legendary photographer. April is so good about reading Twyla and we get to see that in this book!

Daniel may be a legendary photographer BUT, he has skeleton's in his closet as most people do!! We get to see a bit of these skeleton's in book I and by the ending of this book; book II promises to be just as good!!

I loved the characters in this book! The whole story, even though short, was a jump right into the action and lets get this story rolling book!! I couldn't put it down until I was done and then jumped right into book II!

Reviewed on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
5 Silk Dresses

This is the first book of the His Muse trilogy. Twyla is a young model who recently moved from Ohio to LA. She would like to make it in the fashion industry, but is using modeling as a means to support herself and a younger brother back in Ohio. Chosen to model for a mysterious client, she meets Daniel Baldessari. Daniel is a rude, condescending, very sexy photographer with secrets that we will find out as Twyla does.
Ms Black has an easy flow to her writing. She introduces her characters in a way that makes each one memorable. Sometimes I find that an author will touch on too many different characters at once leaving me thinking I should have taken notes in the beginning to remember who was who. This first book is an introduction to the characters and a sneak peek into the relationship between Daniel and his Muse. Something is going on, and this book leaves us wanting to find out what secrets Daniel has to make him act the way he does.
I can’t wait to find out what is instore for Twyla. Is she just a pawn in some game or is there really something happening between her and Daniel?


ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Deb Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Muse I
The story starts off with Twyla doing a modeling job, Daniel Baldessari is the photographer. From the minute she sees him she wants him but what would a man who looks as delectable as him see in her?....
No-one has looked at her the way he looks at her, though he called her 'undateable' it was in order to get a reaction from her for the shoot.
After that first shoot, the 'mystery' client who supposedly booked her and wants her to sign 'an exclusive contract' starts sending her gifts things get a little strange.
She spends some time with Daniel but his beautiful cousin keeps turning up at his house. There seems to be dark secrets.....will they tear them apart before she even knows if he wants her?
This was a good start to the trilogy, for a debut novella I enjoyed it. Yes there were parts that I thought needed a bit more padding out, yes there were a few (though not many) errors but in all it was a good solid book #1 and even without having been given the other books, I would have gone and bought them 'cause I needed to know the rest of their story!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is a short read there’s not too much I can say without ruining the story for you so I’ll keep my review short and sweet also.

Twyla is trying to make it as a model to support her family and when she finally lands herself a job with a brilliant photographer she couldn’t be happier. The only thing is it’s for a mysterious client. When she arrives and meets the photographer, the Daniel Balderssari, she’s blown away by his good looks. But when he opens his mouth and is nothing but rude to her, her fantasy is ruined.

Running home she knows she shouldn’t think of Daniel, but she can’t forget him. And when her unknown client sends her gifts and sends Daniel after her she knows she hasn’t seen the last of him yet. But who is this mystery client, and what is Daniel really after?

A really intriguing storyline, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

I received a free copy for an honest review

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. I'm giving it 4 stars to start with but can, after reading the next two books, change my mind at any given time.

First let me say, great job, Coral on your debut book! It was a fun, quick, and hot read that left me wanting more! I need to know Daniel's secret. I didn't care for him at first. He came off as an arrogant jerk. I didn't understand Twyla's draw to him until later. Twyla seemed like a strong character even though she allowed her roommate to boss her around at times. I liked the way she stood up to Daniel and didn't shy away from what was on her mind.

I can't wait for the next book. I want to know why Daniel is the way he is. I want Twyla to open up and talk about her family. It's mentioned throughout the book yet she never actually mentions them to her roommate nor to Daniel.

[Annamaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Amazing Stars! Twyla is starting a new job modeling in LA. Daniel is a photographer who is doing the shoot but he is rude and arrogant. Then we throw in the mysterious client who is sending her gifts. Who is the secret admirer and what about Daniel? I am anxious to see what happens next. This is the first book in the series. I loved the characters and I couldn't put the book down.

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful model/actor and a hot photographer who is very mysterious whats not to like. Twyla and Daniel's chemistry is sizzling right from the beginning.

As you turn the pages it becomes more and more intriguing
to try and figure out Daniel and his secrets.

The descriptions in this book are detailed and you feel like you
are at the places being described.

I really enjoyed part one, and am looking forward to the rest of
the journey that Twyla takes on as the Muse.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way to go on the debut book Coral. This book was smoking hot and fast paced.

Daniel is a hot photographer that has distanced himself from the world. He is closed off and very private. Twyla is new to the modeling world. This is her first shoot and she's feeling things she shouldn't.

What happens when they give into temptation? You have to read it and see. You may just want a few extra sets of panties to change into!!

[Shameca Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STAR READ!!

If you are looking for a nice, quick read, this story may be for you. This book was short and right to the point, and I think that's why I rated it a 4 star. I wish there was a little more description or in depth with the characters. It felt like we only scratched the surface with these two and I was left wanting more. I wanted to know more about Daniel and Twyla. I can't wait to see what the second part brings for these two!!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Muse is a short, but fast paced read. Twyla is a budding model, who has a shoot with Daniel Baldessari, a hot but rude photographer. She can't deny that he turns her on though, and is excited when he truly feels the same. I was hooked from the beginning, and couldn't put it down. The SCORCHIN sexy scenes are HOT HOT HOT! Coral F. Black has an easy writing style that is highly addicting, and the cliff hanger ending had me a bit upset. CANNOT WAIT for the next part!

[Christina Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to this series. Warning, there is a cliffhanger. 

Twyla has just moved to LA to be a model. Her first job is to model for Daniel.

Daniel is a hot mystery and Twyla feels a connection to him that she can't resist.

I very much enjoyed this first part of the His Muse series. I can't wait to see what happens.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha.

[Jo Overfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give this book a shout. It's awesome. The author has a great writing style and keeps you locked into her storyline. Daniel the too HOT photographer who takes pictures of Twyla just gets hotter, but more secretive throughout the story. So needless to say I have no choice, I can't stand it.... I have to go now. I have to read the other book. I have to know what happens.

[Shellby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This booking is not as promising as I thought it would be. I could not really get interested. Towards the end that did start to change. I can wait for the next book just to see if my interest will improve.
-NightWolf Book Blog