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Captivated
Secret aspiring comedian Autumn Reynolds is a girl gone...not wild exactly. More like lazy. Since her boyfriend abandoned her in New York City for a bunch of improv groupies she’s had two priorities; sucking the nitrous out of whipped cream cans and making sex comics about her mysterious landlord.
Blake hates people—and sunlight—with good reason. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself lusting after his upstairs tenant, a sunny, Australian people pleaser down on her luck. Turns out his ability to terrify with a single scowl comes with an advantage. Autumn seems to like it. A lot. As evidenced by the prisoner-captive comic Blake was never meant to see.
As they embark on a three-date arrangement the rules are clear; filthy, ground breaking sex, no feelings or commitment required. When chemistry is this strong, though, attachment follows. As Blake and Autumn attempt to negotiate their New York romance, their prior histories and secret dreams come to the foreground. How long can these polar opposites remain Captivated, when all signs point to disaster?
Blake hates people—and sunlight—with good reason. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself lusting after his upstairs tenant, a sunny, Australian people pleaser down on her luck. Turns out his ability to terrify with a single scowl comes with an advantage. Autumn seems to like it. A lot. As evidenced by the prisoner-captive comic Blake was never meant to see.
As they embark on a three-date arrangement the rules are clear; filthy, ground breaking sex, no feelings or commitment required. When chemistry is this strong, though, attachment follows. As Blake and Autumn attempt to negotiate their New York romance, their prior histories and secret dreams come to the foreground. How long can these polar opposites remain Captivated, when all signs point to disaster?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2018
1075 people are currently reading
14571 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
109 books67k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,057 reviews
March 7, 2023
5 Fun-Size Stars ⭐️
Autumn, an Australian expat is alone in New York after being cheated on by her ex-boyfriend. With limited choices, the end of her working visa is looking appealing. Yet during a drunken episode amidst her pity party (a bottle of gin with a straw will do that to you), she accidentally gives her landlord a page out of her sex- comic. An explicit illustration of the two of them in a very compromising position.
Unbelievable. They’d barely exchanged a word since she moved in, yet they’d been mentally screwing each other’s brains out from two floors away.
Blake has been secretly crushing on Autumn from the sidelines. Even without a boyfriend, he never thought that the fun-size blonde would ever be interested in the man giant with a limp but she is.
Autumn reveals to Blake that he has featured in her fantasies. A kinky fantasy of being captured, restrained and taken advantage of; something she has always longed for. When he agrees to fulfil her sexual wish, Autumn agrees to three dates in return. Three dates to get to know one another and to eliminate any fear that may exist between strangers.
This sunny girl was on a date with a borderline hermit who didn’t know the first thing about repairing post-break up pride—he had zero delusions he could salvage her heart—but was utterly compelled to try.
But with Autumns visa expiry date looming, can they both be brave enough to embrace more then the fantasy? Captivated was an amazing joint effort between Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield. With a combo like this, you are guaranteed a standout read. Filled with a storyline that will have you continuously grinning, swooning, and of course fanning yourself, it has to be one of my fave books ever.
Autumn, an Australian expat is alone in New York after being cheated on by her ex-boyfriend. With limited choices, the end of her working visa is looking appealing. Yet during a drunken episode amidst her pity party (a bottle of gin with a straw will do that to you), she accidentally gives her landlord a page out of her sex- comic. An explicit illustration of the two of them in a very compromising position.
Unbelievable. They’d barely exchanged a word since she moved in, yet they’d been mentally screwing each other’s brains out from two floors away.
Blake has been secretly crushing on Autumn from the sidelines. Even without a boyfriend, he never thought that the fun-size blonde would ever be interested in the man giant with a limp but she is.
Autumn reveals to Blake that he has featured in her fantasies. A kinky fantasy of being captured, restrained and taken advantage of; something she has always longed for. When he agrees to fulfil her sexual wish, Autumn agrees to three dates in return. Three dates to get to know one another and to eliminate any fear that may exist between strangers.
This sunny girl was on a date with a borderline hermit who didn’t know the first thing about repairing post-break up pride—he had zero delusions he could salvage her heart—but was utterly compelled to try.
But with Autumns visa expiry date looming, can they both be brave enough to embrace more then the fantasy? Captivated was an amazing joint effort between Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield. With a combo like this, you are guaranteed a standout read. Filled with a storyline that will have you continuously grinning, swooning, and of course fanning yourself, it has to be one of my fave books ever.
May 14, 2018
4 STARS
Sweet mother of all ovaries. I can't even right now. This book...it was FILTHY. SO deliciously filthy. It was also quirky and fun, with a dose of feels. But it was sooooooo filthy. Bailey and Dangerfield are a powerhouse duo that have created an addict in me. I demand more of their dual writing magic. DEMAND IT. Can't live without it. It didn't event take me long to see their individual styles in this book. Eve is the queen of quirky heroines. They're always funny, unconventional, and female's you'd love for your BFF. They're a breath of fresh air. And Tessa Bailey? The woman is the QUEEN of PMBs, and she may have just created her poutiest man bear ever with Blake. GAH!
Autumn Reynolds is a vet, secretly aspiring comedian, and a woman that just found out her boyfriend of 7 years had cheated on her. Numerously. The man that she gave up everything for to come to America with is now gone and she's left all on her lonesome. Harboring injured pigeons in her bathroom and trying to hide it from her broody and grumpy landlord.
Firstly, let me tell you that the Beauty and the Beast tones in this story was fantastic. It was just the right touch of emotion that this dirty story needed. And boy was it dirty. Because sweet little Autumn has a secret fantasy. One where she's captured, bound, and taken by one bearded and mean landlord. And when said landlord finds out that the woman he's secretly been attracted to all this time wants him back? All bets are off.
Oh yeah. Eve and Tessa brought the big guns out for this story. No holds barred. And it was AWESOME.
But this book was so much more than just sweet filthy loving. I loved watching Autumn break Blake out of his grumpy shell. This is a man with some wounds from his past, and years later, he's still nursing them. Autumn was the light to his dark and they were so dynamic together, I simply couldn't get enough of them. I loved Blake break out of his broody shell and I loved watching Autumn come into her own. And the chemistry between them? Incendiary!!!
I'm all for the kinky taboo fantasies, and Captivated definitely had that. But it was also a story with fantastic banter, wonderful secondary characters, and plenty of emotional moments. It put a smile on my face even while it made my ovaries feel like they were about to combust. I hope that this will be the first of many books these two co-author together, because they're a dirty duo of pure awesome.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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What did he have? A cave on the first floor, heaps of books and an aversion to sunlight. No. He had one more thing. The ability to make her his captive.
Sweet mother of all ovaries. I can't even right now. This book...it was FILTHY. SO deliciously filthy. It was also quirky and fun, with a dose of feels. But it was sooooooo filthy. Bailey and Dangerfield are a powerhouse duo that have created an addict in me. I demand more of their dual writing magic. DEMAND IT. Can't live without it. It didn't event take me long to see their individual styles in this book. Eve is the queen of quirky heroines. They're always funny, unconventional, and female's you'd love for your BFF. They're a breath of fresh air. And Tessa Bailey? The woman is the QUEEN of PMBs, and she may have just created her poutiest man bear ever with Blake. GAH!
Autumn Reynolds is a vet, secretly aspiring comedian, and a woman that just found out her boyfriend of 7 years had cheated on her. Numerously. The man that she gave up everything for to come to America with is now gone and she's left all on her lonesome. Harboring injured pigeons in her bathroom and trying to hide it from her broody and grumpy landlord.
Firstly, let me tell you that the Beauty and the Beast tones in this story was fantastic. It was just the right touch of emotion that this dirty story needed. And boy was it dirty. Because sweet little Autumn has a secret fantasy. One where she's captured, bound, and taken by one bearded and mean landlord. And when said landlord finds out that the woman he's secretly been attracted to all this time wants him back? All bets are off.
“You.”
“My fucking name, Blondie.
Who will drop a grand on your dinner and still fuck you like a slut? Say the name.”
“Blake!”
Oh yeah. Eve and Tessa brought the big guns out for this story. No holds barred. And it was AWESOME.
But this book was so much more than just sweet filthy loving. I loved watching Autumn break Blake out of his grumpy shell. This is a man with some wounds from his past, and years later, he's still nursing them. Autumn was the light to his dark and they were so dynamic together, I simply couldn't get enough of them. I loved Blake break out of his broody shell and I loved watching Autumn come into her own. And the chemistry between them? Incendiary!!!
I'm all for the kinky taboo fantasies, and Captivated definitely had that. But it was also a story with fantastic banter, wonderful secondary characters, and plenty of emotional moments. It put a smile on my face even while it made my ovaries feel like they were about to combust. I hope that this will be the first of many books these two co-author together, because they're a dirty duo of pure awesome.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
March 8, 2019
5 STARS!!
Long story, short, Autumn hates NYC. And worst of all, after coming to the US from Australia to support her long-time boyfriend, he cheats on her. Her new reality: she's lonely and miserable; and she may or may not fill her spare time with fantasies about her hulking landlord.
Blake, aka The Landlord, is a surly bastard. He rarely leaves his apartment, but when he does, he couldn't care less if people are intimidated by his size or brusque manner. Keeping people at bay is exactly his intention. Except he has a bit of a 'thing' for the Aussie tenant upstairs - that may or may not border on stalkerish.
Honestly, I'm not sure where to start with this review.
The stellar writing?
Here's some more of my favorite quotes - AHHHH! I hope this writing duo will continue to collaborate!
"You don't want to change the right person, you just want to be where they are."Gah! AMAZING! Is there anything better than well-written smut with substance? Well, how about well-written unique smut with substance that's filled with laugh-out-loud moments? I swear, for me, it doesn't get much better than this!
Long story, short, Autumn hates NYC. And worst of all, after coming to the US from Australia to support her long-time boyfriend, he cheats on her. Her new reality: she's lonely and miserable; and she may or may not fill her spare time with fantasies about her hulking landlord.
Blake, aka The Landlord, is a surly bastard. He rarely leaves his apartment, but when he does, he couldn't care less if people are intimidated by his size or brusque manner. Keeping people at bay is exactly his intention. Except he has a bit of a 'thing' for the Aussie tenant upstairs - that may or may not border on stalkerish.
Honestly, I'm not sure where to start with this review.
The stellar writing?
She rarely paddled in the pools of her childhood memories, and for good reason. They were swampy with affection and confusion and resentment.Or the sweet romance?
"I know there's more to you than just your fantasies, Autumn."Or the SUPER-HOT kink?
"As soon as the stairwell door shuts, you're mine. No one will interrupt us. Nothing will happen that I haven't planned. Start to finish, it's what I want, you got that?"Or with how wonderful these two vulnerable souls were together?
[...]he understood once and for all that this wasn't just Autumn's thing. Yeah, he'd fantasized about being rough with her, but her specific needs had sharpened his own. They were in this together. Deep.I get that the premise of this book won't be for everyone. If you're concerned, check here ===> . But if you're into kink that's explored - both physically and emotionally - in a surprisingly violence-free, yet RAGINGLY hot way, I can't recommend this one enough!
Here's some more of my favorite quotes - AHHHH! I hope this writing duo will continue to collaborate!
Emotions were things he could manage, like a teacup game, moving them around and hiding the prize until his adversaries gave up. But for the first time in his life, he'd lost track of the prize. Maybe because Autumn held it in her hands and didn't realize it.SO FREAKING GOOD!
******
Blake was excited by this as much as she was, and maybe he was afraid of it, too. Afraid of what it said about him as a man. The realization made her feel braver, less alone.
******
God, this lust-affection one-two punch was murder. He wasn't even sure he liked the damn feeling, but he would have ended anyone who tried to take it away.
August 28, 2024
in honor of sabrina carpenter's short n' sweet album (which i'm obsessed with btw) and my current favorite song in it: bed chem, i tried to find a fictional couple that gave me that song's energy and omg this is the one. so here are my updated thoughts on it and a little bit of why it fits them so well.
After being dumped by her loser boyfriend, aspiring comedian Autumn is only in the mood to stay at home and daydream about her broody landlord Blake and how good they could be together, but once he finds out her feelings for him, those thoughts will turn into a reality once they strike a purely-sexual and no-feelings deal. However, it won't be easy for them to not get their feelings involved the more they get to know each other and the deeper their conversations get.
↪ song:
Bed Chem - Sabrina Carpenter (in general, Autumn gives me the same energy Sabrina gives ―that must be why I love her―, and I know she listened to this album and song and immediately showed it to Blake)
(the chorus is very much what goes on in Autumn's head when thinking about Blake, including how fun, horny and a little unhinged the lyrics of the whole song are, just like Autumn's thoughts... and Autumn herself 🤭)
↪ updated thoughts:
There's something about a couple that can be very kinky (regardless of whatever it is they're into) and also super fucking sweet, and Autumn and Blake are very much that.
---
feeling in the mood for a re-read of one of my underrated faves ♡
---
↪ first-read thoughts:
blake and autumn are grumpy/sunshine excellence, they're so precious and funny and sweet and hot (as expected from both of these authors) and i love them so much ♡
"Words weren’t enough for this girl he’d fallen in love with. She would get the world from him."↪ plot:
After being dumped by her loser boyfriend, aspiring comedian Autumn is only in the mood to stay at home and daydream about her broody landlord Blake and how good they could be together, but once he finds out her feelings for him, those thoughts will turn into a reality once they strike a purely-sexual and no-feelings deal. However, it won't be easy for them to not get their feelings involved the more they get to know each other and the deeper their conversations get.
↪ song:
Bed Chem - Sabrina Carpenter (in general, Autumn gives me the same energy Sabrina gives ―that must be why I love her―, and I know she listened to this album and song and immediately showed it to Blake)
(the chorus is very much what goes on in Autumn's head when thinking about Blake, including how fun, horny and a little unhinged the lyrics of the whole song are, just like Autumn's thoughts... and Autumn herself 🤭)
↪ updated thoughts:
There's something about a couple that can be very kinky (regardless of whatever it is they're into) and also super fucking sweet, and Autumn and Blake are very much that.
“When I was a kid, I pretended I was the little princess, like this magical special girl that no one realizes is a princess until the end, but I was wrong, you’re the little princess. You’re the magical person who looks like a hobo, and I helped discover you and reveal you to the rest of the world.”Blake and Autumn are grumpy bf + sunshine gf excellence. Blake has been through some shit and keeps himself hidden with no interest in interacting with anyone until he sees Autumn, who in his words is "an adorable, rambling Aussie girl who looked like the sun followed her everywhere she went" , and can't resist but being hypnotized by her.
Blake chuckled. “I’m glad to hear that. I think.”
“Blake, I can’t do my routine for you. I mean it.”Autumn is the perfect type of sunshine FMC, she's super cute, caring, flirty and funny without acting like a child ―that unfortunately, sometimes happens in books with this type of FMCs―, and looks at Blake like he could bring the moon to her (he would, btw): "She smiled, adoring him" . When they're together their chemistry shines and shows the magnetically endearing vibe they have going on, one you can't help but want more of. It all starts as physical (even though there's a connection they both think is one-sided) but their dates and time spent together let them create this adorable relationship, and I love them very much.
“Yeah you can.”
Autumn held up her hands. “Okay, let’s compromise. How about…and this is just a suggestion, we kill ourselves, instead?”
Autumn retrieved the bag and returned to him, seeming at the least second to remember their considerable height and weight difference. “Um, maybe I should find someone normal sized?”I was kinda getting into a reading slump when I started this book so it took me a little more to get invested in them than during my first read, but once I got into them, I got into them. I liked the Eve Dangerfield book I read before this one, but I know many of us (and yes, I include myself in this) know Tessa Bailey as a very hit-or-miss author, but this one's a hit for me and super underrated. If you're interested, definitely give it a try.
“You're one to talk. I could put you in my pocket.”
---
feeling in the mood for a re-read of one of my underrated faves ♡
---
↪ first-read thoughts:
blake and autumn are grumpy/sunshine excellence, they're so precious and funny and sweet and hot (as expected from both of these authors) and i love them so much ♡
June 12, 2018
<3 4,5-5 stars <3
Omg I loved it so much! I had a smile most of the time and it was super hot!! Autumn and Blake were so perfect for each other! I loved that they were awkward and cute and funny at times!!Their romance was unique and so different.
The plot was really good and I was intrigued from the first pages, but what make me fall in love even more with the story was the characters!I loved them so much, they have a great connection and they were super hot!
Captivated will leave you breathless and hot!If you are looking for a sexy,heartwarming and funny story this is perfect for you!!I need more books from these two together!
Omg I loved it so much! I had a smile most of the time and it was super hot!! Autumn and Blake were so perfect for each other! I loved that they were awkward and cute and funny at times!!Their romance was unique and so different.
The plot was really good and I was intrigued from the first pages, but what make me fall in love even more with the story was the characters!I loved them so much, they have a great connection and they were super hot!
Captivated will leave you breathless and hot!If you are looking for a sexy,heartwarming and funny story this is perfect for you!!I need more books from these two together!
January 5, 2023
No because this book had no right to be this FRICKEN GOOD!! DUAL POV. I shouldn’t be as surprised as I am considering I loved Tessa Bailey’s other books sm. Mix in Eve Dangerfield and it only adds to the flavour.
I loved everything about the characters. The plot was honestly so unique and fresh which is something I ADORED about this book. This gave me the best grumpy-sunshine, filthy hot, developed characters I’ve read so far this year!
AAAHHHH BLAKEEEEEE!!!
Gosh! Blake was such a loveable hunk of a guy. Whenever he would say something cute, I just wanted to squeeze his cheeks and give him the biggest bear hug. I couldn’t get enough of this guy. And OMG. The way he calls her “FUN-SIZE” is so freaking precious, I crumble every damn time.
Autumn made me chuckle quite a few times. Her whole personality was so cute and way too relatable sometimes. She grew lots in this book and I loved how her relationship with Blake really made them feel… cosy together. Intimate. Comfortable.
It throws you in the the deep end from the beginning of the book and I loved that about it. I could see the both of the authors writing styles shine in this book. Loved it.
Fav Quotes:
“Turned out, a man could sleep while smiling, because when he woke up it was still there.”
“She was just going to ask him for a bite of his when Blake stopped to buy her a pretzel with the seemingly infinite bundle of cash he kept in his wallet.”
“And if remembering the name of her lipstick didn’t prove he loved her, nothing would. ”
“You made me want to be in the sun again. You made me want to be the one who…gave you the sun.”
I loved everything about the characters. The plot was honestly so unique and fresh which is something I ADORED about this book. This gave me the best grumpy-sunshine, filthy hot, developed characters I’ve read so far this year!
AAAHHHH BLAKEEEEEE!!!
Gosh! Blake was such a loveable hunk of a guy. Whenever he would say something cute, I just wanted to squeeze his cheeks and give him the biggest bear hug. I couldn’t get enough of this guy. And OMG. The way he calls her “FUN-SIZE” is so freaking precious, I crumble every damn time.
Autumn made me chuckle quite a few times. Her whole personality was so cute and way too relatable sometimes. She grew lots in this book and I loved how her relationship with Blake really made them feel… cosy together. Intimate. Comfortable.
It throws you in the the deep end from the beginning of the book and I loved that about it. I could see the both of the authors writing styles shine in this book. Loved it.
Fav Quotes:
“Turned out, a man could sleep while smiling, because when he woke up it was still there.”
“She was just going to ask him for a bite of his when Blake stopped to buy her a pretzel with the seemingly infinite bundle of cash he kept in his wallet.”
“And if remembering the name of her lipstick didn’t prove he loved her, nothing would. ”
“You made me want to be in the sun again. You made me want to be the one who…gave you the sun.”
April 16, 2020
I'm not tagging this one, I'm not going to summarize it either. I merely want to bask in the absolute pleasure I got from this story, these two wonderfully beautiful multi-faceted characters and a beautiful uniqueness away from the stereotypical romance formula. Blake is truly out of this world - anyone would be so lucky to have him - just proof that sometimes the best thing can be standing right in front of you but if you don't take the time to see it and to look past the outer shell, you'll miss it completely and never know what a special thing you passed by. And Autumn? The epitome of what appears to be a polar opposite to his hermit, grumpy ways but truly these people are so alike deep deep down where it counts.
If you want a real review on the story, read Melanie A.'s - she's the only reason I read this and honestly I couldn't be happier than to have done so and carry these people with me. It lifted me in a time of turbulence and I thank my book buddy for turning my attention it's way. 5 Stars full of Sunshine all the way around!
If you want a real review on the story, read Melanie A.'s - she's the only reason I read this and honestly I couldn't be happier than to have done so and carry these people with me. It lifted me in a time of turbulence and I thank my book buddy for turning my attention it's way. 5 Stars full of Sunshine all the way around!
June 14, 2019
So there is steamy contemporary romance... and then there's Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield level of... filth.
This book is HOT. So hot it'll certainly burn your grabby little hands.
I had to put it on hold at some point yesterday because... I couldn't read through a scene in a public place without physically giving clues about what was within my hands. Blushing, squirming, giving furtives glances around because I was sure everyone KNEW how dirty my book was!
Although I'm pretty sure I can be stealthy enough and read with my erotica with stone cold face, in reality reading this one felt a lot like this :
Camille (The Angry Reader) and I both read it and laughed our asses off. And the reason she didn't pull the book out at work was not because it was smoking hot but because she couldn't stop laughing. Out loud. Repeatedly.
The heroine is deliciously skittles and the irreverence tinting her POV made her my favorite thing in the book. I challenge you to read Autumn's POv and not die of laughter!
The hero is a perfect contrast to her sunny personality : stern, brooding, rough but with a sweet, caring side to him he's scarcely and unintentionally revealing through the simplest gestures and acts, even throughout their roleplay. He was really perceptive and aware of her needs, he was a pleasure to read. A legend!
He was doing this to her, he was giving this to her. What a fucking legend.
Autumn is a 20 something Aussie expat in New york who followed her boyfriend to support him in his endeavors to become a stand-up comedian. Turned out, he was a total cunt and cheated on her.
Autumn's work visa expiring soon, she needs ot figure out if New York still holds reasons for her to stay... or go home.
The reason could well enough be The Landlord with a scowl of gold. An awkward incident led Autumn to give him a very graphic picture of him... starring her darkest taboo fantasies. Who could have known the young bubbly tenant from the third floor had the such inclinations? A deal is made between Blake The Landlord and Autumn to explore their kink together.
I don't want to say too much, but I simply adored the humor throughout the book, and even if sometimes for me, the sex could be little too much (the kink they're both exploring is considered taboo—I personally think it's hot AF— there was the matter of 'role play name calling' that threw me off a little.)
I'm saying this but it's a really minor detail and didn't stop me to devour the book and wish for more.
There's a quote in the book about the heroine being all "dicked out", I guess what I felt was all sexed out! Tessa Bailey + Eve Dangerfield are too powerful a combo for this romance reader!
For the fantastic banter, the perfect match between two opposites, and the intensity of their feelings, I can't recommend this book enough and it's releasing next month!
Her landlord couldn't talk a worth damn but god he could kiss.
————————————
This just landed on my kindle and let me tell you, I'm super excited to read it! It has mischief and steam written all over it!
The Queen of Dirt Talk and the Queen of Sass are joining forces to bring us this opposites attract/neighbors to lovers tale. Tessa Bailey sketched a broody hermit with a mighty scowl and Eve Dangerfield outlined the sassy stand-up comedian with a heart of gold.
Whatever will happen when he'll discover himself starring in her wicked sex comics?
I received an Advance Review Copy
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June 11, 2018DNF
Autumn Reynolds is a down on her luck, just been dumped, veterinarian who’s not satisfied with her body image and hoards injured pigeons in her apartment. Blake Munroe is her bruiting, hulk of a man landlord.
I gotta say, I questioned at times if this story was supposed to be taken seriously. Like, with the right comedic actors it might have been a pretty good parody of a romance. But as a real feel-the-chemistry and swoon romance—not so much. As a romcom—nah. I rolled my eyes more than I cracked a smile.
The characters came off too much as caricatures. Autumn is the rambling, bumbling, put her foot in her mouth heroine who holds a special place in her heart for captivity kink. So much so that she illustrates it. Now the comic might be kinda cool if she owned it, but Autie (whose name I kept seeing as Auntie) isn’t badass. At all. She’s just comes off desperate, needy, and insecure. Her latent desires to become a submissive would make Anastasia Grey proud.
Meanwhile, Blake harbors some angsty secret. It’s made him a recluse. Physically, Blake is described as…well he’s not your ordinary romantic hero. I had a hard time not picturing him as the love child between Disney’s Beast and the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Don't get me wrong, every romance hero doesn't have to be drop-dead gorgeous, but when he's described more animal-like than human, it's not exactly a turn-on.
My issues with connecting to the characters and the story weren’t helped by the 3st person POV. There’s just something about a distant narrator in romance that makes it feel as if it’s being told by a voice-over. I’d much rather have the characters tell me about themselves; otherwise, it feels detached and makes it difficult for me to connect with them.
By 35% it was just too much of a struggle to read on. I was tired of hearing about Autumn’s ex from both characters, annoyed with Autumn’s inability to form coherent sentences, bored with the side characters, and getting disturbing vibes from their “romance.” The lines between liberating role play and you-have-some-issues were getting too blurred for my enjoyment.
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Autumn Reynolds is a down on her luck, just been dumped, veterinarian who’s not satisfied with her body image and hoards injured pigeons in her apartment. Blake Munroe is her bruiting, hulk of a man landlord.
I gotta say, I questioned at times if this story was supposed to be taken seriously. Like, with the right comedic actors it might have been a pretty good parody of a romance. But as a real feel-the-chemistry and swoon romance—not so much. As a romcom—nah. I rolled my eyes more than I cracked a smile.
The characters came off too much as caricatures. Autumn is the rambling, bumbling, put her foot in her mouth heroine who holds a special place in her heart for captivity kink. So much so that she illustrates it. Now the comic might be kinda cool if she owned it, but Autie (whose name I kept seeing as Auntie) isn’t badass. At all. She’s just comes off desperate, needy, and insecure. Her latent desires to become a submissive would make Anastasia Grey proud.
“‘I-I think I want you to stalk me.’”
Meanwhile, Blake harbors some angsty secret. It’s made him a recluse. Physically, Blake is described as…well he’s not your ordinary romantic hero. I had a hard time not picturing him as the love child between Disney’s Beast and the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
“‘…he always looks like someone just punched his mum, but he’s really quite sexy. Kind of broad and hairy and angry-looking.’”
“Not that Blake had any room to judge someone’s appearance—not with the pissed off Yeti aesthetic he had going on…”
Don't get me wrong, every romance hero doesn't have to be drop-dead gorgeous, but when he's described more animal-like than human, it's not exactly a turn-on.
My issues with connecting to the characters and the story weren’t helped by the 3st person POV. There’s just something about a distant narrator in romance that makes it feel as if it’s being told by a voice-over. I’d much rather have the characters tell me about themselves; otherwise, it feels detached and makes it difficult for me to connect with them.
By 35% it was just too much of a struggle to read on. I was tired of hearing about Autumn’s ex from both characters, annoyed with Autumn’s inability to form coherent sentences, bored with the side characters, and getting disturbing vibes from their “romance.” The lines between liberating role play and you-have-some-issues were getting too blurred for my enjoyment.
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
July 4, 2018
4.5 stars
Ever wondered what would happen if two of your favourite go-to authors decided to collaborate? Well, wonder no more. Tessa and Eve are like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, like marshmallows and fire, like salt and vinegar crisps or like cheese and onion crisps, or bacon on everything! Utter delightfulness.
I swear, I think I got sick so I could have a good book streak. It's either healthy and meh books or not breathing, constantly coughing and spectacular books. I hate, nay loathe being sick and yet if I get good books with it, I'm sort of willing to compromise.
Back to this book, Eve Dangerfield and Tessa Bailey are two of my regular go-to authors especially if I'm in the mood for dirty talkers and spicy rumpy pumpy. And these two combined just blew my mind. Not to mention my nether regions.
I unreservedly recommend both authors as I found both of them to have that special something in their words that always draws me in. Tessa Bailey has written some of the best dirty talkers I've ever read and Eve Dangerfield has this rare ability to make beautiful couples out of the most unexpected situations and people. And here, together they made something exceptional.
If you're looking for something that's off the scales hot, grazes the bdsm but doesn't actually venture deep in, then this is the book for you.
To my safety gang,possible triggers :
Ever wondered what would happen if two of your favourite go-to authors decided to collaborate? Well, wonder no more. Tessa and Eve are like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, like marshmallows and fire, like salt and vinegar crisps or like cheese and onion crisps, or bacon on everything! Utter delightfulness.
I swear, I think I got sick so I could have a good book streak. It's either healthy and meh books or not breathing, constantly coughing and spectacular books. I hate, nay loathe being sick and yet if I get good books with it, I'm sort of willing to compromise.
Back to this book, Eve Dangerfield and Tessa Bailey are two of my regular go-to authors especially if I'm in the mood for dirty talkers and spicy rumpy pumpy. And these two combined just blew my mind. Not to mention my nether regions.
I unreservedly recommend both authors as I found both of them to have that special something in their words that always draws me in. Tessa Bailey has written some of the best dirty talkers I've ever read and Eve Dangerfield has this rare ability to make beautiful couples out of the most unexpected situations and people. And here, together they made something exceptional.
If you're looking for something that's off the scales hot, grazes the bdsm but doesn't actually venture deep in, then this is the book for you.
To my safety gang,possible triggers :
June 12, 2021
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was enjoyable. The beauty and the beast gimmick got me interested especially because I like the big, silent, grumpy hero with a big heart! I just felt like it didn’t meet its potential. While I enjoyed the characters, I didn’t feel like I ever felt a connection with them to the point of getting emotional for/with them. It might’ve been the 3rd person narrative (which isn’t my favorite), or it could’ve been the overall writing style because it also felt slow at times. I did enjoy some aspects of this, but sadly it’s just not finding its home on my favorites shelf...just okay for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Autumn and Blake’s story. Autumn just ended a long-term relationship after finding out the man she followed to New York from Australia was cheating in her. She is in a bad place and when her landlord, Blake, comes to talk about her rent check and she accidentally reveals a naughty comic strip that stars the landlord in her dark fantasies. Blake cannot believe that the girl he’s been crushing on is interested in him in that way and negotiates to fulfill some of her fantasies in exchange for 3 dates. Things heat up between them and the more time they spend together the more feeling develop and they fall in love...and get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Autumn and Blake in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It was slow at times, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Blake. I mostly liked him. He was a good beast.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Autumn. I mostly liked her too. I appreciated how she stood up for herself in the end
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. (See trigger spoiler tag below)
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue but not nearly enough and what I would call a HFN ending
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was enjoyable. The beauty and the beast gimmick got me interested especially because I like the big, silent, grumpy hero with a big heart! I just felt like it didn’t meet its potential. While I enjoyed the characters, I didn’t feel like I ever felt a connection with them to the point of getting emotional for/with them. It might’ve been the 3rd person narrative (which isn’t my favorite), or it could’ve been the overall writing style because it also felt slow at times. I did enjoy some aspects of this, but sadly it’s just not finding its home on my favorites shelf...just okay for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Autumn and Blake’s story. Autumn just ended a long-term relationship after finding out the man she followed to New York from Australia was cheating in her. She is in a bad place and when her landlord, Blake, comes to talk about her rent check and she accidentally reveals a naughty comic strip that stars the landlord in her dark fantasies. Blake cannot believe that the girl he’s been crushing on is interested in him in that way and negotiates to fulfill some of her fantasies in exchange for 3 dates. Things heat up between them and the more time they spend together the more feeling develop and they fall in love...and get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Autumn and Blake in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It was slow at times, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Blake. I mostly liked him. He was a good beast.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Autumn. I mostly liked her too. I appreciated how she stood up for herself in the end
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. (See trigger spoiler tag below)
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue but not nearly enough and what I would call a HFN ending
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
June 11, 2018
4 'Beauty and the Beast' Stars!
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw that Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield were writing a book together, I knew. I just knew they would write one sexy love story. And if you have read both or one of these two ladies before, you know you are in for a filthy and oh-so-yummy treat because they know how to get down and dirty, if you know what I mean ;) You all know by now I am HUGE Tessa Bailey fan and actually this is my first time reading something by Eve Dangerfield and now I know it will not be the last one. I am captivated!
So, Captivated is a standalone contemporary romance and it is the story between a sassy Aussie called Autumn Reynolds and her grumpy and mysterious landlord Blake Munroe. Autumn has just broken up with her boyfriend of 7 years, the man has cheated and he definitely did a number on her. Autumn dropped her dreams for him and now she is in a city she does not like much, without friends and working in a job she does not fully love. However, she also has this secret.. A secret fantasy involving being captive of her moody and sexy as hell landlord. Well, imagine when said landlord discovers that fantasy (in a very curious way!), especially when he has been attracted to this Aussie lady for the longest time. Things are about to get steamy!
“Enjoy using your hands now, little blonde girl. You won’t always have them. I’ve got a rope with your name on it.”
Oh man.. OH MAN. Holy mother. This novel pours the heat on every level. This duo of authors surely knows how to burn our Kindles with all that filthiness! I mean, I knew this would be dirty. I love Tessa's writing to pieces and I've read many good things about Eve's too. But these two ladies together? EXPLOSIVE! As you can imagine, Tessa wrote that delicious and dirty hero and Eve wrote the funny and sassy heroine. This book is funny as hell, it's hotter than hell and it will grab your full attention from the very start. And yes, sometimes that kink got a little bit much to me but it was impossible not to melt with all that hotness and chemistry between this couple.
They were both in this together. Deep. Autumn needed to be a prisoner and his desire to give her everything made him crave the role.
It’s mine.
She’s fucking mine.
I also love a good pair of main characters and Autumn and Blake did not disappoint at all. Autumn is the funniest person, she actually wants to be a comedian and she definitely has the talent! She also is a smart and lovely woman who will make it impossible for Blake not to fall in love with her. And yes, let talk about Blake because.. Gah! I love Tessa’s heroes and he is no exception. He is so dirty. He definitely is a big, bearded, protective alpha and I loved him from the very beginning. Who does not love a closed man who peels all his layers when his soul mate appears and turns his world upside down?
“You made me want to be in the sun again. You made me want to be the one who… gave you the sun.”
Therefore, I am rating Captivated with 4 STARS because it surely was a great first novel by this amazing duo of authors. I hope this is the start of many more releases by them because I loved this couple, this story, the emotions and the explosive chemistry between Blake and Autumn. If you are a fan of super hot contemporary romances or of either (or both!) of these ladies, be sure to check this book out!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw that Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield were writing a book together, I knew. I just knew they would write one sexy love story. And if you have read both or one of these two ladies before, you know you are in for a filthy and oh-so-yummy treat because they know how to get down and dirty, if you know what I mean ;) You all know by now I am HUGE Tessa Bailey fan and actually this is my first time reading something by Eve Dangerfield and now I know it will not be the last one. I am captivated!
So, Captivated is a standalone contemporary romance and it is the story between a sassy Aussie called Autumn Reynolds and her grumpy and mysterious landlord Blake Munroe. Autumn has just broken up with her boyfriend of 7 years, the man has cheated and he definitely did a number on her. Autumn dropped her dreams for him and now she is in a city she does not like much, without friends and working in a job she does not fully love. However, she also has this secret.. A secret fantasy involving being captive of her moody and sexy as hell landlord. Well, imagine when said landlord discovers that fantasy (in a very curious way!), especially when he has been attracted to this Aussie lady for the longest time. Things are about to get steamy!
“Enjoy using your hands now, little blonde girl. You won’t always have them. I’ve got a rope with your name on it.”
Oh man.. OH MAN. Holy mother. This novel pours the heat on every level. This duo of authors surely knows how to burn our Kindles with all that filthiness! I mean, I knew this would be dirty. I love Tessa's writing to pieces and I've read many good things about Eve's too. But these two ladies together? EXPLOSIVE! As you can imagine, Tessa wrote that delicious and dirty hero and Eve wrote the funny and sassy heroine. This book is funny as hell, it's hotter than hell and it will grab your full attention from the very start. And yes, sometimes that kink got a little bit much to me but it was impossible not to melt with all that hotness and chemistry between this couple.
They were both in this together. Deep. Autumn needed to be a prisoner and his desire to give her everything made him crave the role.
It’s mine.
She’s fucking mine.
I also love a good pair of main characters and Autumn and Blake did not disappoint at all. Autumn is the funniest person, she actually wants to be a comedian and she definitely has the talent! She also is a smart and lovely woman who will make it impossible for Blake not to fall in love with her. And yes, let talk about Blake because.. Gah! I love Tessa’s heroes and he is no exception. He is so dirty. He definitely is a big, bearded, protective alpha and I loved him from the very beginning. Who does not love a closed man who peels all his layers when his soul mate appears and turns his world upside down?
“You made me want to be in the sun again. You made me want to be the one who… gave you the sun.”
Therefore, I am rating Captivated with 4 STARS because it surely was a great first novel by this amazing duo of authors. I hope this is the start of many more releases by them because I loved this couple, this story, the emotions and the explosive chemistry between Blake and Autumn. If you are a fan of super hot contemporary romances or of either (or both!) of these ladies, be sure to check this book out!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
June 1, 2022
At first I was all up in this book I enjoyed the story the plot the kinks. Then about 60% in idk what happened I just started to dislike Autumn the way she was acting. Let's go back abit.
Autumn has been sorta heartbroken since her ex boyfriend cheated on her she's been not giving AF. Only thing keeping her going are the rescue pigeons and her sexy comic of herself and The landlord Blake she has a certain type of kink 😏 she would wanna try out with him. But it never happen. Until a smalllll mistake happens and Blake had a scene of her sexy comic he isn't grossed out nope he's been pinning after Autumn since she moved in and he would so fulfill her fantasy. So a deal is struck 3 dates to get Autumn comfortable to do this kink which I love his idea he was being safe and wanted her comfortable compare to her wanting to do the kink asap. The dates were so cute and after dates were pretty spicy 🥵
They learned about eachother but Autumn still had some wall up.. things started going down hill when Autumn overreacted to being signed up for a stand up her dream. And a ex near the end casuing drama. I was annoyed by then lol. Also idk why she even acknowledged the ex.. HE CHEATED ON HER who cares if your family finds out.
Om drama (ex bf),no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowburnish
Pinning
Slight push away
Pinning
Degradation
Public sex
Safe sex
Tiny Seperation few days
Cnc
Hea
Autumn has been sorta heartbroken since her ex boyfriend cheated on her she's been not giving AF. Only thing keeping her going are the rescue pigeons and her sexy comic of herself and The landlord Blake she has a certain type of kink 😏 she would wanna try out with him. But it never happen. Until a smalllll mistake happens and Blake had a scene of her sexy comic he isn't grossed out nope he's been pinning after Autumn since she moved in and he would so fulfill her fantasy. So a deal is struck 3 dates to get Autumn comfortable to do this kink which I love his idea he was being safe and wanted her comfortable compare to her wanting to do the kink asap. The dates were so cute and after dates were pretty spicy 🥵
They learned about eachother but Autumn still had some wall up.. things started going down hill when Autumn overreacted to being signed up for a stand up her dream. And a ex near the end casuing drama. I was annoyed by then lol. Also idk why she even acknowledged the ex.. HE CHEATED ON HER who cares if your family finds out.
Om drama (ex bf),no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowburnish
Pinning
Slight push away
Pinning
Degradation
Public sex
Safe sex
Tiny Seperation few days
Cnc
Hea
June 16, 2018
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Captivated by Tessa Bailey & Eve Dangerfield
Publication Date: June 11, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review copy provided by publicity
Summary (from Goodreads):
Secret aspiring comedian Autumn Reynolds is a girl gone...not wild exactly. More like lazy. Since her boyfriend abandoned her in New York City for a bunch of improv groupies she’s had two priorities; sucking the nitrous out of whipped cream cans and making sex comics about her mysterious landlord.
Blake hates people—and sunlight—with good reason. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself lusting after his upstairs tenant, a sunny, Australian people pleaser down on her luck. Turns out his ability to terrify with a single scowl comes with an advantage. Autumn seems to like it. A lot. As evidenced by the prisoner-captive comic Blake was never meant to see.
As they embark on a three-date arrangement the rules are clear; filthy, ground breaking sex, no feelings or commitment required. When chemistry is this strong, though, attachment follows. As Blake and Autumn attempt to negotiate their New York romance, their prior histories and secret dreams come to the foreground. How long can these polar opposites remain Captivated, when all signs point to disaster?
What I Liked:
I love Tessa Bailey's books. I'm part of her fan group and I am always watching eagerly to see what she is writing next. I'd not heard of Eve Dangerfield before, but when I saw that Tessa was writing a book with Eve, I was 100% on board and couldn't wait to read the book. The duo seemed to have a lot of fun writing this book together. As it would turn out, Captivated was a funny, sweet, and very sexy novel. I didn't doubt that I would love it, and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed.
Autumn is having a rough couple of weeks; her boyfriend (who convinced her to move from Australia to New York with him, for his acting career) has been cheating on her with improv groupies, he abandoned her in their apartment in New York, and let's just say that she is unhappy. She has been spending her days at work at the vet, and at home, she's a mess, and constantly fantasizing about The Landlord. He's big and silent and rarely sets foot outside the apartment building. He fits her naughty fantasies perfectly... little does she know that Blake the landlord has been fantasizing about her as well. A trick of fate has them colliding, and it doesn't take long before they decide to do something about the chemistry between them.
I have to say, there are many great things about this book, but quite possibly my favorite is that it is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Beauty being Autumn, and the Beast being Blake. Autumn is sunshine and happiness, humor and sweetness, and she's a vet - she even brings injured pigeons home and nurses them back to health. Everyone loves her and is drawn to her. Including Blake, the big hulking landlord who lives in the building and rarely comes out in the daytime. Or at all. He walks with a limp and says very little. Autumn has always been intrigued by him, and he has always been intrigued by her.
I liked Autumn immediately; she is a sweetheart with a dirty mind and some x-rated fantasies. Her ex-boyfriend was terrible for her self-consciousness (and just terrible in general), so she has some self-esteem issues, and she's embarrassed about the x-rated fantasies. Especially when Blake finds out that she has included him in her fantasies. But to her surprise, he isn't disgusted or freaked out. Rather, he wants in.
Blake is the best "Beast" I've seen in a romance novel. He is big and surly and really does not like people. He has a really sad past that made me want to hug him over and over. He has been hurt - physically, but also emotionally - and he didn't deserve any of the pain. He has always had an eye on Autumn, but knew that his tastes were too dirty for an angel like her. But he was wrong.
These two had great chemistry, especially with them being complete opposites. Autumn is light and sunshine to Blake's storm and darkness. Autumn is a chatterbox of opinions and ideas, whereas Blake is a quiet observer who communicates so much without saying a single word. The pair are perfect for each other on so many levels.
This book was hot! X-rated fantasies indeed. In all fairness, I actually expected more x-rated scenes, but that's okay. The book had plenty of sexy times and good buildup of tension. I like that the authors explored this kind of kink without making it seem non-feminist. You'll have to read the story to see what I mean. Consent was always there, and desire.
On top of this book being very hot, it was also really, really sweet. I was struck by how sweet this book was. It wasn't just sex 24/7. The relationship between Blake and Autumn was a thing to behold. They are so good for each other, and good to each other. I loved watching them fall for each other. Blake with his grumpy, silent self, and Autumn with her energetic, sweet self. Towards the climax of the book, I was less concerned with the sexy times, and more invested in the emotional aspect of the romance. It was so sweet!
The climax was a little angsty but in the best of ways. I love how the conflict was presented and I like how it was handled. Blake and Autumn had some things to work out on their own, and together. There is drama, both individually and between them, but it's not unnecessary drama.
The ending is a very nice HEA! I like the idea of this book being a standalone and I hope that it remains that way. It was a lovely story and I will definitely be rereading it again!
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific comes to mind! Perhaps more x-rated sexy times?
Would I Recommend It:
If you enjoy Tessa Bailey's books, this is one that you won't want to miss. The combination of Tessa and Eve is a good one. I've not read any of Eve's solo books but I can clearly see Tessa's writing, and the other half being Eve's writing. The humor of the story is so great, and the tension, and the romance. These two authors wrote a sexy, sweet, heartwarming retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and it is so worth the read.
Rating:
4.5 stars. I am curious to see if the pair will write more books together! It would be neat if they retold other fairy tales, like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White. (Perhaps not in a problematic way, but hey, they did a great job with this book in making it not problematic, so I'm down for whatever!)
Captivated by Tessa Bailey & Eve Dangerfield
Publication Date: June 11, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review copy provided by publicity
Summary (from Goodreads):
Secret aspiring comedian Autumn Reynolds is a girl gone...not wild exactly. More like lazy. Since her boyfriend abandoned her in New York City for a bunch of improv groupies she’s had two priorities; sucking the nitrous out of whipped cream cans and making sex comics about her mysterious landlord.
Blake hates people—and sunlight—with good reason. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself lusting after his upstairs tenant, a sunny, Australian people pleaser down on her luck. Turns out his ability to terrify with a single scowl comes with an advantage. Autumn seems to like it. A lot. As evidenced by the prisoner-captive comic Blake was never meant to see.
As they embark on a three-date arrangement the rules are clear; filthy, ground breaking sex, no feelings or commitment required. When chemistry is this strong, though, attachment follows. As Blake and Autumn attempt to negotiate their New York romance, their prior histories and secret dreams come to the foreground. How long can these polar opposites remain Captivated, when all signs point to disaster?
What I Liked:
I love Tessa Bailey's books. I'm part of her fan group and I am always watching eagerly to see what she is writing next. I'd not heard of Eve Dangerfield before, but when I saw that Tessa was writing a book with Eve, I was 100% on board and couldn't wait to read the book. The duo seemed to have a lot of fun writing this book together. As it would turn out, Captivated was a funny, sweet, and very sexy novel. I didn't doubt that I would love it, and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed.
Autumn is having a rough couple of weeks; her boyfriend (who convinced her to move from Australia to New York with him, for his acting career) has been cheating on her with improv groupies, he abandoned her in their apartment in New York, and let's just say that she is unhappy. She has been spending her days at work at the vet, and at home, she's a mess, and constantly fantasizing about The Landlord. He's big and silent and rarely sets foot outside the apartment building. He fits her naughty fantasies perfectly... little does she know that Blake the landlord has been fantasizing about her as well. A trick of fate has them colliding, and it doesn't take long before they decide to do something about the chemistry between them.
I have to say, there are many great things about this book, but quite possibly my favorite is that it is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Beauty being Autumn, and the Beast being Blake. Autumn is sunshine and happiness, humor and sweetness, and she's a vet - she even brings injured pigeons home and nurses them back to health. Everyone loves her and is drawn to her. Including Blake, the big hulking landlord who lives in the building and rarely comes out in the daytime. Or at all. He walks with a limp and says very little. Autumn has always been intrigued by him, and he has always been intrigued by her.
I liked Autumn immediately; she is a sweetheart with a dirty mind and some x-rated fantasies. Her ex-boyfriend was terrible for her self-consciousness (and just terrible in general), so she has some self-esteem issues, and she's embarrassed about the x-rated fantasies. Especially when Blake finds out that she has included him in her fantasies. But to her surprise, he isn't disgusted or freaked out. Rather, he wants in.
Blake is the best "Beast" I've seen in a romance novel. He is big and surly and really does not like people. He has a really sad past that made me want to hug him over and over. He has been hurt - physically, but also emotionally - and he didn't deserve any of the pain. He has always had an eye on Autumn, but knew that his tastes were too dirty for an angel like her. But he was wrong.
These two had great chemistry, especially with them being complete opposites. Autumn is light and sunshine to Blake's storm and darkness. Autumn is a chatterbox of opinions and ideas, whereas Blake is a quiet observer who communicates so much without saying a single word. The pair are perfect for each other on so many levels.
This book was hot! X-rated fantasies indeed. In all fairness, I actually expected more x-rated scenes, but that's okay. The book had plenty of sexy times and good buildup of tension. I like that the authors explored this kind of kink without making it seem non-feminist. You'll have to read the story to see what I mean. Consent was always there, and desire.
On top of this book being very hot, it was also really, really sweet. I was struck by how sweet this book was. It wasn't just sex 24/7. The relationship between Blake and Autumn was a thing to behold. They are so good for each other, and good to each other. I loved watching them fall for each other. Blake with his grumpy, silent self, and Autumn with her energetic, sweet self. Towards the climax of the book, I was less concerned with the sexy times, and more invested in the emotional aspect of the romance. It was so sweet!
The climax was a little angsty but in the best of ways. I love how the conflict was presented and I like how it was handled. Blake and Autumn had some things to work out on their own, and together. There is drama, both individually and between them, but it's not unnecessary drama.
The ending is a very nice HEA! I like the idea of this book being a standalone and I hope that it remains that way. It was a lovely story and I will definitely be rereading it again!
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific comes to mind! Perhaps more x-rated sexy times?
Would I Recommend It:
If you enjoy Tessa Bailey's books, this is one that you won't want to miss. The combination of Tessa and Eve is a good one. I've not read any of Eve's solo books but I can clearly see Tessa's writing, and the other half being Eve's writing. The humor of the story is so great, and the tension, and the romance. These two authors wrote a sexy, sweet, heartwarming retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and it is so worth the read.
Rating:
4.5 stars. I am curious to see if the pair will write more books together! It would be neat if they retold other fairy tales, like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White. (Perhaps not in a problematic way, but hey, they did a great job with this book in making it not problematic, so I'm down for whatever!)
April 12, 2024
5☆ Aussi that's nice
Unexpected surprise! 🥳 Fantastic smut, hilariously endearing characters, and meaningful undertones to give it weight. I 🫶 these quirky, kinky lovebirds. The way Blake & Autumn mesh so intuitively when playing with CNC is extremely hot. Bailey & Dangerfield (sounds like a detective agency) hit the forbidden, exciting, taboo notes without messing with actual consent. 👏👏👏
This sunshine renter from DownUnder and her big, grumpy landlord are just two imperfect humans trying to figure shit out and secretly pining for each other. The contrast between Blake’s gruff, protective, gentle-giant introvert and his ruthlessly dominant playtime persona is fun—and foiled so well by Autumn’s feisty, offbeat humor, nurturing tendencies, and sincere kindness. Underlying themes of starting over, facing the hurts of past relationships, and learning self-acceptance, vulnerability, and communication so you can go for what you want. That cover is just *chef's kiss.*🥵 All in all, I'm a happy girl and I want more like this. 💕
Unexpected surprise! 🥳 Fantastic smut, hilariously endearing characters, and meaningful undertones to give it weight. I 🫶 these quirky, kinky lovebirds. The way Blake & Autumn mesh so intuitively when playing with CNC is extremely hot. Bailey & Dangerfield (sounds like a detective agency) hit the forbidden, exciting, taboo notes without messing with actual consent. 👏👏👏
This sunshine renter from DownUnder and her big, grumpy landlord are just two imperfect humans trying to figure shit out and secretly pining for each other. The contrast between Blake’s gruff, protective, gentle-giant introvert and his ruthlessly dominant playtime persona is fun—and foiled so well by Autumn’s feisty, offbeat humor, nurturing tendencies, and sincere kindness. Underlying themes of starting over, facing the hurts of past relationships, and learning self-acceptance, vulnerability, and communication so you can go for what you want. That cover is just *chef's kiss.*🥵 All in all, I'm a happy girl and I want more like this. 💕
June 23, 2021
This book was such a delight! It was the perfect mix of heart-warming, funny and intriguingly hot moments. It was definitely more erotic than any other average romance, but it was a love story with some kinky sex in it, not the other way around.
Blake was a grumpy, big, bearded landlord who is living as a recluse in the NYC apartment building he owns, nursing both physical and emotional wounds. Autumn is an aspiring Australian comedian who works her day job as a veterinarian and now she’s trying to get over her dick of an ex. She’s bright, funny, petite and so refreshingly and adorably quirky.
I loved both, the storyline AND the characters with their quirks and imperfections and I had so much fun reading their banter and inner dialogues. The book flowed so easily, the writing was wonderful, and these two authors together were simply amazing. This is just the type of romance I love and enjoy. Funny, swoon-worthy and filthy HOT.
Blake was a grumpy, big, bearded landlord who is living as a recluse in the NYC apartment building he owns, nursing both physical and emotional wounds. Autumn is an aspiring Australian comedian who works her day job as a veterinarian and now she’s trying to get over her dick of an ex. She’s bright, funny, petite and so refreshingly and adorably quirky.
I loved both, the storyline AND the characters with their quirks and imperfections and I had so much fun reading their banter and inner dialogues. The book flowed so easily, the writing was wonderful, and these two authors together were simply amazing. This is just the type of romance I love and enjoy. Funny, swoon-worthy and filthy HOT.
July 16, 2019
Kinky, but not too kinky...
I don't know Eve Dangerfield at all but from her quirky writing and newsletters, I pictured Autumn is Eve but with different hair colour. I just picture Eve as a little firecracker with a funny and dirty mouth, who wants to save sick animals. I don't know that for certain, but Autumn is little and Eve looks little from her profile pictures. Autumn is funny and Eve is an absolute crack up in her newsletters. Autumn swears and blabbers on about stuff, and if you've read Eve's newsletters, you know where I'm heading with this...in the nicest possible way.
I'm probably completely off the mark and hopelessly wrong but I feel like Eve wrote the humour and Tessa wrote the sexy times. Not that I'm saying Eve's not sexy and Tessa's not funny...in their writing style. I'm sure they're both really funny and really sexy. Geez, I'm just going to pull my foot out of my mouth (not literally as I'm typing not speaking but you get my drift). What I was trying to say far from elegantly, is that I could see Eve's quirkiness in Autumn. And, in true Tessa Bailey fashion, the sexy times left my heart pumping and I was EXTREMELY fidgety.
What made this sexy story amazing for me is that I could look at the role-playing and sexy times without feeling a hint of uncomfortableness. I didn't feel guilty for being turned on by their kinky play time and it didn't ever feel wrong or bordering on abuse. Trust was established before boundaries were crossed. I was impressed with the way the authors convinced me that they were both comfortable and enjoying their play. Sometimes you read books and it almost feels like one person gets off on the play more than the other. I also find some reads are so close to abuse, that it becomes far from sexy for me. It was bleeding obvious both Autumn and Blake enjoyed themselves.
I loved our Aussie heroine and her big and beastly hero. The storyline was interesting, SEXY and very funny. The authors have done a fabulous job of creating original and quirky characters. Both Autumn and Blake have vulnerabilities and they need to establish trust outside their sexy times to strengthen their relationship.
I found myself a wee bit frustrated that their communication took so long to develop. Autumn took too long to share with her family what was really going on in the big city. Blake needed to share with Autumn where he'd come from and what made him turn into the beastly hermit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this SEXY read and think Eve Dangerfield and Tessa Bailey have created SEXY, comedy magic.
I don't know Eve Dangerfield at all but from her quirky writing and newsletters, I pictured Autumn is Eve but with different hair colour. I just picture Eve as a little firecracker with a funny and dirty mouth, who wants to save sick animals. I don't know that for certain, but Autumn is little and Eve looks little from her profile pictures. Autumn is funny and Eve is an absolute crack up in her newsletters. Autumn swears and blabbers on about stuff, and if you've read Eve's newsletters, you know where I'm heading with this...in the nicest possible way.
I'm probably completely off the mark and hopelessly wrong but I feel like Eve wrote the humour and Tessa wrote the sexy times. Not that I'm saying Eve's not sexy and Tessa's not funny...in their writing style. I'm sure they're both really funny and really sexy. Geez, I'm just going to pull my foot out of my mouth (not literally as I'm typing not speaking but you get my drift). What I was trying to say far from elegantly, is that I could see Eve's quirkiness in Autumn. And, in true Tessa Bailey fashion, the sexy times left my heart pumping and I was EXTREMELY fidgety.
What made this sexy story amazing for me is that I could look at the role-playing and sexy times without feeling a hint of uncomfortableness. I didn't feel guilty for being turned on by their kinky play time and it didn't ever feel wrong or bordering on abuse. Trust was established before boundaries were crossed. I was impressed with the way the authors convinced me that they were both comfortable and enjoying their play. Sometimes you read books and it almost feels like one person gets off on the play more than the other. I also find some reads are so close to abuse, that it becomes far from sexy for me. It was bleeding obvious both Autumn and Blake enjoyed themselves.
I loved our Aussie heroine and her big and beastly hero. The storyline was interesting, SEXY and very funny. The authors have done a fabulous job of creating original and quirky characters. Both Autumn and Blake have vulnerabilities and they need to establish trust outside their sexy times to strengthen their relationship.
I found myself a wee bit frustrated that their communication took so long to develop. Autumn took too long to share with her family what was really going on in the big city. Blake needed to share with Autumn where he'd come from and what made him turn into the beastly hermit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this SEXY read and think Eve Dangerfield and Tessa Bailey have created SEXY, comedy magic.
January 26, 2023
This is probably the best CNC book I’ve read since Cara McKenna’s book Willing Victim. This isn’t quite as good as that one, but it’s still good.
The plot is basic, grumpy / sunshine with added kink. Autumn (who is 26) is a quirky Australian vet living in New York, who is rebounding off a bad breakup. Blake (we never get his age, but he seems to be mid 30s) is her grumpy reclusive landlord who doesn’t talk much, is huge and hulking, and has a job restoring old books. It’s very Beauty and the Beast vibes. Through a convoluted sort of coincidence, Blake finds out that Autumn has captive / stalking / degradation kink fantasies starring him. And what do you know, he’s got them about her, too!
It's pretty simple from there. They start connecting and hooking up with this role-play. They both have past baggage that gets in the way. They overcome it.
They’re both well-developed with fleshed out backstories, the side characters are fun, and the writing is good (but warning: it’s in 3rd person POV. That doesn’t bother me, but I know some people don’t fuck with it). The steam is great – for some reason, a lot of other books that do degradation kink are bad (like The Ritual). Finding one that's well written is rare!
This isn’t QUITE as good as Willing Victim by Cara McKenna, because it’s missing that sense of gritty REALNESS that those characters have. It’s not that Blake and Autumn aren’t well done – they are! But there was too much coincidence and some overly quirky/cutesy moments from Autumn that made their set up feel a little too romance novel-y– like, people would only behave this way in a book. Plus, Blake feels a bit too Romance Hero and less real, since he’s secretly rich, in addition to being brawny yet also bookish. Whereas Cara McKenna’s books (and heroes) have this quality of realism that can’t be beat.
Aside from comparing this book to her stuff though, this is a good read on its own. And even if it’s not quite at her level, the fact that it even reminds me of her stuff is a huge compliment to this book. This is my first read from either of these authors, and since it looks like it's their only one on KU, it might be my last...(also it looks like Tessa Bailey mostly does rom-coms, which aren't my jam). But, we'll see, hopefully more of their books will be added to KU.
The plot is basic, grumpy / sunshine with added kink. Autumn (who is 26) is a quirky Australian vet living in New York, who is rebounding off a bad breakup. Blake (we never get his age, but he seems to be mid 30s) is her grumpy reclusive landlord who doesn’t talk much, is huge and hulking, and has a job restoring old books. It’s very Beauty and the Beast vibes. Through a convoluted sort of coincidence, Blake finds out that Autumn has captive / stalking / degradation kink fantasies starring him. And what do you know, he’s got them about her, too!
It's pretty simple from there. They start connecting and hooking up with this role-play. They both have past baggage that gets in the way. They overcome it.
They’re both well-developed with fleshed out backstories, the side characters are fun, and the writing is good (but warning: it’s in 3rd person POV. That doesn’t bother me, but I know some people don’t fuck with it). The steam is great – for some reason, a lot of other books that do degradation kink are bad (like The Ritual). Finding one that's well written is rare!
This isn’t QUITE as good as Willing Victim by Cara McKenna, because it’s missing that sense of gritty REALNESS that those characters have. It’s not that Blake and Autumn aren’t well done – they are! But there was too much coincidence and some overly quirky/cutesy moments from Autumn that made their set up feel a little too romance novel-y– like, people would only behave this way in a book. Plus, Blake feels a bit too Romance Hero and less real, since he’s secretly rich, in addition to being brawny yet also bookish. Whereas Cara McKenna’s books (and heroes) have this quality of realism that can’t be beat.
Aside from comparing this book to her stuff though, this is a good read on its own. And even if it’s not quite at her level, the fact that it even reminds me of her stuff is a huge compliment to this book. This is my first read from either of these authors, and since it looks like it's their only one on KU, it might be my last...(also it looks like Tessa Bailey mostly does rom-coms, which aren't my jam). But, we'll see, hopefully more of their books will be added to KU.
December 24, 2023
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reread 12/23/23
This is possibly my favorite collaboration by two romance authors....I simply adore Eve Dangerfield's writing and I can definitely see her influence in this story...she is the "Queen of kink" as far as I am concerned and has a well earned reputation for writing insanely hot reads and this book was absolutely all that.... a lot of the sexy scenes between Autumn and Blake in this story definitely have her mark all over them (scorching hot).
Tessa Bailey is certainly no slouch as a writer either..constantly on the kindle bestsellers list..I am just not as familiar with her particular style having only read a couple of books by her.
This was such an unforgettable book for me first time around and now was the perfect time for a reread (AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!) after just finishing Eve's latest book "Back into It" a "sublime" reverse age gap romance that I couldn't put down...a total page turner that I devoured but also didn't want to finish as I was loving it so much...Highly recommend reading both of these books.
*********************
4.5 stars.🌟🌟🌟🌟 1st read.
Reread 12/23/23
This is possibly my favorite collaboration by two romance authors....I simply adore Eve Dangerfield's writing and I can definitely see her influence in this story...she is the "Queen of kink" as far as I am concerned and has a well earned reputation for writing insanely hot reads and this book was absolutely all that.... a lot of the sexy scenes between Autumn and Blake in this story definitely have her mark all over them (scorching hot).
Tessa Bailey is certainly no slouch as a writer either..constantly on the kindle bestsellers list..I am just not as familiar with her particular style having only read a couple of books by her.
This was such an unforgettable book for me first time around and now was the perfect time for a reread (AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!) after just finishing Eve's latest book "Back into It" a "sublime" reverse age gap romance that I couldn't put down...a total page turner that I devoured but also didn't want to finish as I was loving it so much...Highly recommend reading both of these books.
*********************
4.5 stars.🌟🌟🌟🌟 1st read.
June 11, 2018
4.5 ‘Underwear Incinerating’ Stars
BOOOMMMM… I’m completely and utterly blown away by this pair: Blake and Autumn were the PERFECT match, and the same can be said by the duo Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield: PERFECT COMBO!!!
Captivated is a sweet, hilarious, emotional and ULTRA SEXY – aka not for the faint of heart or public consumption ;P – love story with such charismatic and complex characters that no doubt will pull you in from the very first scene to the very end, just like they did to me. Totally hooked on Blake and Autumn at first sight! <3
Scary and growly as The Landlord was, he was the perfect man to slot into her dark fantasies. Grizzled like a bear, big and mean.
He’d never been drawn to a woman to the point of suffering, but somehow this tiny girl managed to pack a wallop. One that left him dazed whenever they crossed paths.
I honestly love an odd pairing, so it’s no wonder I fell in adoration with these two. Blake, the broody and giant landlord, with his ‘stay-away’ vibe, was completely captivated by the Australian little sweet and bubbly vet, and aspiring comedian, Autumn, from the very first time he set eyes on her, when he showed her and her asshole of a boyfriend their apartment six months prior.
Now, two weeks after Autumn breaks up after finding out her cheating ex’s escapes with comedian groupies, she’s been letting her depressive state allow herself to fantasize with her big and dark recluse landlord. He has no idea that he’s been starring her dark fantasies, so when chance show him just how reciprocated that attraction that he never though possible is -in one of the most hilarious scenes of the book! – he take that opportunity with both hands (and other appendages, lol) and they start one hell of a scorching HOT ride!
Because for all his and Autumn’s differences—sunny versus dark, chatty versus voluntarily mute—they had something in common now.
OMG, this man!!!! He may be a broody, hermit, and even sometimes mean, but his internal thought regarding Autumn just made me melt and swoon! And their teasing pet naming of beauty and Beast was spot one in more ways than one! Blake practically worshipped this woman, he was so protective and loving, attentive to her every thought and desire it’s no wonder she grew more and more infatuated by this man. I adore a good silent and grumpy hero, specially a PMB (a lot like Tessa Bailey’s Duke, actually) add to it Blake swoon-worthy care and devotion towards her, and he absolutely reveals himself a unquestionable BEST BOOK BOYFRIEND material!
Watching her move among his things, possessions no one touched but him, Blake had the urge to pick things up and rub them on her skin.
He took a mental snapshot of her unimaginable beauty, the vulnerability and strength of her, before dropping to his own knees. Pain? What pain? He could be missing his fucking leg and he would have found a way to kneel in front of her. To join himself with this girl.
They were both in this together. Deep. Autumn needed to be a prisoner and his desire to give her everything made him crave the role.
It’s mine.
She’s fucking mine.
What made him even more perfect for Autumn was that he was also her perfect match in her secret sexual cravings – her abduction fantasies – and oh boy did he fit those fantasies to a T! This book was one of hottest I have ever read, and that is saying A LOT, and the role playing aspect added to a trademark Tessa Bailey’s filthy talker in Blake, this was definitely an ‘cold shower required’, well endowed NC-17!
She would have to take back what she’d thought about Blake being bad at talking. Her insanely monosyllabic date was apparently some kind of filth wizard, taking nothing and spinning it into pure gorgeous filth.
Knowing she’d been angry with him made Blake want to give her orgasms. Loud, scratching, sweaty ones.
Oh yeah. He definitely wanted to give her orgasms. And more apologies. The kind he’d issue inside her, grinding his cock against her G-spot.
“Might have to risk people noticing you’re gone, though, won’t I? Can’t see me getting my fill anytime soon. I’m going to wear my cock out taking you.”
I expected the filthy talking Blake – we are talking about Tessa Bailey, the QUEEN of dirty takers, after all – but the level of panty obliteration this man achieved with his magnetism, words and action was a thing of beauty, and in need of worship itself! Blake is now one of my all time favorite TB Heroes, and a hard one to beat! Sigh…
The connection between their bodies was so fluent, it could have served as a UN interpreter. She’d never felt so utterly wild, yet completely safe.
“I know there’s more to you than just your fantasies, Autumn.”
The chemistry was so palpable that practically jumped of the pages, and Autumn’s sassy but sweet, innocent but absolutely hilarious lines and thoughts, were the perfect contra-balance for the emotionally charged scenes and OTT HOT sexy moments. This was my first time reading Ms. Dangerfield’s work, and I can honestly say it won’t be the last. Autumn was so adorably enrapturing, even though she never realized that herself, she really was the Sunshine and Fun-Sized that Blake to call her. She was just as refreshing as Blake was powerful, and together they really made the perfect couple!
God, this man. This man and his body and his words, it was more than a girl could take.
But words weren’t enough for this girl he’d fallen in love with. She would get the world from him.
There were so many good lines, special and epic scenes, and feels it’s very hard to be able to put in to words just how much these two made me feel. Captivated truly captivated me at first glimpse and made me crave for even more gems from these two ladies. Tessa Bailey with her filthy taking epic alphas and Eve Dangerfield with her sassy, funny and sweet heroines are most definitely a winning combination! Can’t wait to see what more they bring us!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Unbelievable. His intention might have been to heal Autumn, but she’d been the one to heal him.
“You made me want to be in the sun again. You made me want to be the one who…gave you the sun.”
“You’ve tamed a beast, beauty.”
ARC kindly provided by the authors for an honest review
For full Review with Release Blitz, check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
BOOOMMMM… I’m completely and utterly blown away by this pair: Blake and Autumn were the PERFECT match, and the same can be said by the duo Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield: PERFECT COMBO!!!
Captivated is a sweet, hilarious, emotional and ULTRA SEXY – aka not for the faint of heart or public consumption ;P – love story with such charismatic and complex characters that no doubt will pull you in from the very first scene to the very end, just like they did to me. Totally hooked on Blake and Autumn at first sight! <3
Scary and growly as The Landlord was, he was the perfect man to slot into her dark fantasies. Grizzled like a bear, big and mean.
He’d never been drawn to a woman to the point of suffering, but somehow this tiny girl managed to pack a wallop. One that left him dazed whenever they crossed paths.
I honestly love an odd pairing, so it’s no wonder I fell in adoration with these two. Blake, the broody and giant landlord, with his ‘stay-away’ vibe, was completely captivated by the Australian little sweet and bubbly vet, and aspiring comedian, Autumn, from the very first time he set eyes on her, when he showed her and her asshole of a boyfriend their apartment six months prior.
Now, two weeks after Autumn breaks up after finding out her cheating ex’s escapes with comedian groupies, she’s been letting her depressive state allow herself to fantasize with her big and dark recluse landlord. He has no idea that he’s been starring her dark fantasies, so when chance show him just how reciprocated that attraction that he never though possible is -in one of the most hilarious scenes of the book! – he take that opportunity with both hands (and other appendages, lol) and they start one hell of a scorching HOT ride!
Because for all his and Autumn’s differences—sunny versus dark, chatty versus voluntarily mute—they had something in common now.
OMG, this man!!!! He may be a broody, hermit, and even sometimes mean, but his internal thought regarding Autumn just made me melt and swoon! And their teasing pet naming of beauty and Beast was spot one in more ways than one! Blake practically worshipped this woman, he was so protective and loving, attentive to her every thought and desire it’s no wonder she grew more and more infatuated by this man. I adore a good silent and grumpy hero, specially a PMB (a lot like Tessa Bailey’s Duke, actually) add to it Blake swoon-worthy care and devotion towards her, and he absolutely reveals himself a unquestionable BEST BOOK BOYFRIEND material!
Watching her move among his things, possessions no one touched but him, Blake had the urge to pick things up and rub them on her skin.
He took a mental snapshot of her unimaginable beauty, the vulnerability and strength of her, before dropping to his own knees. Pain? What pain? He could be missing his fucking leg and he would have found a way to kneel in front of her. To join himself with this girl.
They were both in this together. Deep. Autumn needed to be a prisoner and his desire to give her everything made him crave the role.
It’s mine.
She’s fucking mine.
What made him even more perfect for Autumn was that he was also her perfect match in her secret sexual cravings – her abduction fantasies – and oh boy did he fit those fantasies to a T! This book was one of hottest I have ever read, and that is saying A LOT, and the role playing aspect added to a trademark Tessa Bailey’s filthy talker in Blake, this was definitely an ‘cold shower required’, well endowed NC-17!
She would have to take back what she’d thought about Blake being bad at talking. Her insanely monosyllabic date was apparently some kind of filth wizard, taking nothing and spinning it into pure gorgeous filth.
Knowing she’d been angry with him made Blake want to give her orgasms. Loud, scratching, sweaty ones.
Oh yeah. He definitely wanted to give her orgasms. And more apologies. The kind he’d issue inside her, grinding his cock against her G-spot.
“Might have to risk people noticing you’re gone, though, won’t I? Can’t see me getting my fill anytime soon. I’m going to wear my cock out taking you.”
I expected the filthy talking Blake – we are talking about Tessa Bailey, the QUEEN of dirty takers, after all – but the level of panty obliteration this man achieved with his magnetism, words and action was a thing of beauty, and in need of worship itself! Blake is now one of my all time favorite TB Heroes, and a hard one to beat! Sigh…
The connection between their bodies was so fluent, it could have served as a UN interpreter. She’d never felt so utterly wild, yet completely safe.
“I know there’s more to you than just your fantasies, Autumn.”
The chemistry was so palpable that practically jumped of the pages, and Autumn’s sassy but sweet, innocent but absolutely hilarious lines and thoughts, were the perfect contra-balance for the emotionally charged scenes and OTT HOT sexy moments. This was my first time reading Ms. Dangerfield’s work, and I can honestly say it won’t be the last. Autumn was so adorably enrapturing, even though she never realized that herself, she really was the Sunshine and Fun-Sized that Blake to call her. She was just as refreshing as Blake was powerful, and together they really made the perfect couple!
God, this man. This man and his body and his words, it was more than a girl could take.
But words weren’t enough for this girl he’d fallen in love with. She would get the world from him.
There were so many good lines, special and epic scenes, and feels it’s very hard to be able to put in to words just how much these two made me feel. Captivated truly captivated me at first glimpse and made me crave for even more gems from these two ladies. Tessa Bailey with her filthy taking epic alphas and Eve Dangerfield with her sassy, funny and sweet heroines are most definitely a winning combination! Can’t wait to see what more they bring us!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Unbelievable. His intention might have been to heal Autumn, but she’d been the one to heal him.
“You made me want to be in the sun again. You made me want to be the one who…gave you the sun.”
“You’ve tamed a beast, beauty.”
ARC kindly provided by the authors for an honest review
For full Review with Release Blitz, check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
March 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
I love a grumpy, growly, bear of a hero and that is exactly what I got in Blake. He’s shut himself off from his past, from the sun, and from life. The first hint of light is when he sees Autumn. Even as he watches her through his peep hole, he doesn’t realize that there will come a time that his watching will be a part of what he shares with her.
This is a bit darker in read due to the kink these two share. However, once their trust begins to grow the darkness begins to lighten up. The conflict for this couple did not come from outside sources but from each of them having to handle their past and how they make decisions in the present because of it.
While I enjoyed the story of Autumn and Blake, there was a lot of introspection that I felt just bogged this story down. Too much of it was on repeat and I found myself skimming quite a bit of it. The steam level here is scorching especially if this touches on a kink you may enjoy reading about (title should give you a clue). And as always Tessa Bailey gives us a dirty talking hero that will have you drooling down your chin.
Overall, this was an okay read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to someone who likes this content.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I love a grumpy, growly, bear of a hero and that is exactly what I got in Blake. He’s shut himself off from his past, from the sun, and from life. The first hint of light is when he sees Autumn. Even as he watches her through his peep hole, he doesn’t realize that there will come a time that his watching will be a part of what he shares with her.
This is a bit darker in read due to the kink these two share. However, once their trust begins to grow the darkness begins to lighten up. The conflict for this couple did not come from outside sources but from each of them having to handle their past and how they make decisions in the present because of it.
While I enjoyed the story of Autumn and Blake, there was a lot of introspection that I felt just bogged this story down. Too much of it was on repeat and I found myself skimming quite a bit of it. The steam level here is scorching especially if this touches on a kink you may enjoy reading about (title should give you a clue). And as always Tessa Bailey gives us a dirty talking hero that will have you drooling down your chin.
Overall, this was an okay read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to someone who likes this content.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
July 11, 2022
Totally forgot that I read this one in January 2022 again and actually wanted to write a review this time.
Because of this book, I fell in love with Eve Dangerfield and went to binge almost all of her books in the shortest amount of time.
Now keep in mind, this book has consensual non-con kink so if that's not your cuppa, turn around. But if it is, you are gonna love this hot Beauty and the Beast retelling.
It's hot, funny, and relatable. Dangerfield wrote the heroine's POV (it's not clearly stated but I'm sure she did) and she made her real, I loved that.
The writing is great, the smut is hot, the characters are real, basically all you need for a good romance.
So this was actually not a review, lol, just some random thoughts. Anyway, go and read this book. Bye.
Because of this book, I fell in love with Eve Dangerfield and went to binge almost all of her books in the shortest amount of time.
Now keep in mind, this book has consensual non-con kink so if that's not your cuppa, turn around. But if it is, you are gonna love this hot Beauty and the Beast retelling.
It's hot, funny, and relatable. Dangerfield wrote the heroine's POV (it's not clearly stated but I'm sure she did) and she made her real, I loved that.
The writing is great, the smut is hot, the characters are real, basically all you need for a good romance.
So this was actually not a review, lol, just some random thoughts. Anyway, go and read this book. Bye.
June 22, 2018
Not sure I’ve read a dirtier or funnier book! Loved it! This writing duo can’t be beat.
I literally laughed my way through this fun, sweet, SEXXXY and warm-hearted story from beginning to end. Autumn is an Australian living in New York City. She followed her former boyfriend there as he tried to chase his dreams of becoming an improv comedian. They break up and she plans to move back home once her work visa expires.
Except that she has some serious fantasies about her big, silent, brooding beast of a landlord. Blake stays cooped up in his apartment and hates people. He is the complete opposite of Autumn: she is funny and outgoing and genuinely likes helping people while he is quiet and can't be bothered having a civil conversation with anyone. In other words, he is a swoony, sexy hero and he wants to do very bad things to Autumn! Oh, and did mention he also restores old books? Yep. The perfect hero.
Blake’s limp, combined with his abnormal size, made navigating the cluttered apartment difficult. He’d watched in stunned silence, though, as Autumn moved gracefully in front of him, toeing items out of his path, silently making things easier for him. Caring for a stranger without thinking, or asking to be acknowledged. It had annoyed the living shit out of him. Where did this girl get off giving him the assistance he didn’t ask for?
In one of the most awkward introductions ever, Autumn accidentally writes a note to Blake on the back of a porno drawing she created featuring herself and...Blake! The drawing illustrates her deepest fantasies and once Blake sees it, he cannot stop thinking about Autumn.
She turned to him, her eyes the size of hubcaps. “I’m having a Beauty and The Beast moment.” “I suppose that makes me the beast.”
“No.” Autumn laid a hand on Blake’s arm and he held his breath. “No, of course not,” she said. “You’re actually… that is to say… I don’t just go drawing myself tied up for any old landlord, you know?”
Turns out they both share the same fantasy but before they begin their role play, Blake asks to take Autumn on three regular dates so they can get to know each other. He does not want to scare her - his size alone is intimidating! - and so begins the sexy times.
He pulled her flush against him and it was unlike anything she’d ever felt before. Ian was taller than her, pretty much everyone was taller than her, but Blake was enormous. Being held by him was like being held in a cage, a gentle, living cage. With another man it might have felt oppressive, but as Blake kissed her deeply, all she felt was warm and safe and turned the fuck on.
Everything in this book is 100% consensual. I loved the premise of this book and I ADORED Autumn! Funny, smart and exuberant, she was a true original. And Blake: damaged, smart and sexy, he is one of the sexiest heroes ever created by Ms. Tessa Bailey! These two authors tougher are pure gold.
As she drank her drink in that same companionable silence, she realized it didn’t matter because what he said paled in contrast to what he did. He’d taken her to a five-star restaurant, asked her about comedy and come to her workplace to apologize for being a cocklord in person. Those things talked. They said he thought she was special, interesting and worthy of his time. Their sex spoke, too. The connection between their bodies was so fluent, it could have served as a UN interpreter.
'Captivated' is a totally kinky but very sweet book that was an absolute pleasure to read! If you aren't familiar with Eve Dangerfield, give her books a try. They are fantastic.
Love isn’t just saying words, Autumn thought. What we feel is real.
I literally laughed my way through this fun, sweet, SEXXXY and warm-hearted story from beginning to end. Autumn is an Australian living in New York City. She followed her former boyfriend there as he tried to chase his dreams of becoming an improv comedian. They break up and she plans to move back home once her work visa expires.
Except that she has some serious fantasies about her big, silent, brooding beast of a landlord. Blake stays cooped up in his apartment and hates people. He is the complete opposite of Autumn: she is funny and outgoing and genuinely likes helping people while he is quiet and can't be bothered having a civil conversation with anyone. In other words, he is a swoony, sexy hero and he wants to do very bad things to Autumn! Oh, and did mention he also restores old books? Yep. The perfect hero.
Blake’s limp, combined with his abnormal size, made navigating the cluttered apartment difficult. He’d watched in stunned silence, though, as Autumn moved gracefully in front of him, toeing items out of his path, silently making things easier for him. Caring for a stranger without thinking, or asking to be acknowledged. It had annoyed the living shit out of him. Where did this girl get off giving him the assistance he didn’t ask for?
In one of the most awkward introductions ever, Autumn accidentally writes a note to Blake on the back of a porno drawing she created featuring herself and...Blake! The drawing illustrates her deepest fantasies and once Blake sees it, he cannot stop thinking about Autumn.
She turned to him, her eyes the size of hubcaps. “I’m having a Beauty and The Beast moment.” “I suppose that makes me the beast.”
“No.” Autumn laid a hand on Blake’s arm and he held his breath. “No, of course not,” she said. “You’re actually… that is to say… I don’t just go drawing myself tied up for any old landlord, you know?”
Turns out they both share the same fantasy but before they begin their role play, Blake asks to take Autumn on three regular dates so they can get to know each other. He does not want to scare her - his size alone is intimidating! - and so begins the sexy times.
He pulled her flush against him and it was unlike anything she’d ever felt before. Ian was taller than her, pretty much everyone was taller than her, but Blake was enormous. Being held by him was like being held in a cage, a gentle, living cage. With another man it might have felt oppressive, but as Blake kissed her deeply, all she felt was warm and safe and turned the fuck on.
Everything in this book is 100% consensual. I loved the premise of this book and I ADORED Autumn! Funny, smart and exuberant, she was a true original. And Blake: damaged, smart and sexy, he is one of the sexiest heroes ever created by Ms. Tessa Bailey! These two authors tougher are pure gold.
As she drank her drink in that same companionable silence, she realized it didn’t matter because what he said paled in contrast to what he did. He’d taken her to a five-star restaurant, asked her about comedy and come to her workplace to apologize for being a cocklord in person. Those things talked. They said he thought she was special, interesting and worthy of his time. Their sex spoke, too. The connection between their bodies was so fluent, it could have served as a UN interpreter.
'Captivated' is a totally kinky but very sweet book that was an absolute pleasure to read! If you aren't familiar with Eve Dangerfield, give her books a try. They are fantastic.
Love isn’t just saying words, Autumn thought. What we feel is real.
June 12, 2018
“Enjoy using your hands now, little blonde girl. You won’t always have them. I’ve got a rope with your name on it.”
Super HOT! Super SEXY! Super ALPHA! I loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF IT! Autumn and Blake were EVERYTHING! The only thing on my mind after I finished absolutely DEVOURING this book was…I WANT MORE!
The wonderful Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield have come together to bring us readers a scorching HOT read that is both steamy and absolutely hysterical! There are so many LAUGH OUT LOUD moments and so many MAKE ME BLUSH moments, there was no way in hell I was ever putting this book down. It became my bible for two nights in a row, and let me tell ya, there wasn’t anything heavenly going on between these two at all! HOT DAMN! Just thinking about a few scenes…it makes me want to experience it all over again!
I don’t believe these two have ever written together, but I hope they read all of these amazing reviews and then they absolutely MUST write together again VERY SOON! I’ve loved Tessa’s writing since she started and Eve Dangerfield is brand new to me, but put these two talented authors together and you get some amazing sexiness in CAPTIVATED!
Autumn will make you do a couple of spit-takes for sure! She’s bold, sassy, and says WHATEVER is on her mind. She is a rambler, but coming from her, it’s hella adorable…and Blake thinks so too! Blake on the other hand, is her exact opposite. His past has turned him into a gruff, growly, and sexy loner who almost never leaves his home. Autumn doesn’t like that all so she is determined to yank Blake out of his self-imposed shell and bring him into the light. Through that almost impossible process their connection and their adoration towards each other grows deeper by the day, until one day, they realize they never want to let go.
Happy reading, my friends! You are going to FALL SO HARD for Blake and Autumn!
Super HOT! Super SEXY! Super ALPHA! I loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF IT! Autumn and Blake were EVERYTHING! The only thing on my mind after I finished absolutely DEVOURING this book was…I WANT MORE!
The wonderful Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield have come together to bring us readers a scorching HOT read that is both steamy and absolutely hysterical! There are so many LAUGH OUT LOUD moments and so many MAKE ME BLUSH moments, there was no way in hell I was ever putting this book down. It became my bible for two nights in a row, and let me tell ya, there wasn’t anything heavenly going on between these two at all! HOT DAMN! Just thinking about a few scenes…it makes me want to experience it all over again!
I don’t believe these two have ever written together, but I hope they read all of these amazing reviews and then they absolutely MUST write together again VERY SOON! I’ve loved Tessa’s writing since she started and Eve Dangerfield is brand new to me, but put these two talented authors together and you get some amazing sexiness in CAPTIVATED!
Autumn will make you do a couple of spit-takes for sure! She’s bold, sassy, and says WHATEVER is on her mind. She is a rambler, but coming from her, it’s hella adorable…and Blake thinks so too! Blake on the other hand, is her exact opposite. His past has turned him into a gruff, growly, and sexy loner who almost never leaves his home. Autumn doesn’t like that all so she is determined to yank Blake out of his self-imposed shell and bring him into the light. Through that almost impossible process their connection and their adoration towards each other grows deeper by the day, until one day, they realize they never want to let go.
Happy reading, my friends! You are going to FALL SO HARD for Blake and Autumn!
December 11, 2020
This book was yet another gem from Eve Dangerfield and Tessa Bailey who shock of all shocks I've not really read before but that is gonna change.
It really is a joy to read a romance book where the h talks like you do. I might be biased but Aussie humour is just really funny and crass.
Blake was the kind of H that you dream about who could quite literally throw you around the room. Big, brooding and a bit mean which tbh is my fave.
It really is a joy to read a romance book where the h talks like you do. I might be biased but Aussie humour is just really funny and crass.
Blake was the kind of H that you dream about who could quite literally throw you around the room. Big, brooding and a bit mean which tbh is my fave.
February 26, 2019
3.5* and spoilers ahead
Autumn moved from Australia to America in support of her boyfriend's desire to pursue his comedic career. While he does his bit she supports them, until she finds a nude on his phone and realized he was cheating on her. They separated and she stayed in the apartment.
Blake is the big grumpy landlord of Autumn's building. He's the owner and also restores books in his spare time. Blake has been more comfortable in the night and rarely ventures out during the day for 10 years. His leg was damaged in a work accident and his fiance cheated on him. He's wanted Autumn the entire time she's been living there. When he goes to get her bank info and realized she accidentally gave him it on the back of an illustration she drew of the 2 of them having kinky sex he gets the in he never thought he'd have. What ensues is a very, very sexy tale as old as time 😁
I loved Blake, he was absolutely determined to make Autumn see just how valuable she really was while giving her her every sexual fantascy. He rarely spoke but when he did it was meaningful.
I liked Autumn as well though there were times I felt she could've been stronger and more decisive.
The sexy times was off the charts hot, from stalking fantasy to name calling to public sex , the chemistry between these 2 almost set my Kindle on fire. I've never been a fan of the name calling during sex in my books but then I've never experienced it the way Blake did it!
Everything was working for me until almost the end. When Blake set it up for Autumn to be able to perform her stand up routine it all went down hill. Yes she had a right to be angry but I felt she overreacted. Then when Blake punched the ex I didn't like that she went to the hospital with him or their little chat in the hospital and definitely not her paying his bill. Nope the little fuckface cheater didn't deserve forgiveness. Then Blake went back to his old hometown and he too is cordial and forgiving to his ex and I got even more angry. That's entirely a me not the book situation as I don't think there's any excuse for cheating so cheaters don't deserve forgiveness and this spoilt what would've been a 5* read for me.
Every time Autumn said cunt I cringed, I'm not sure if it's an Aussie thing but I wasn't a fan. There's a time and place for that word and that definitely wasn't it. I also hate Autie as her nickname ugh but I definitely loved Blake calling her fun sized.
In the end Autumn is able to fulfill her dream of doing stand up comedy, they're living together and all's well that ends well.
I'll always try a Tessa Bailey book (as long as it's safe) and may give Eve Dangerfield a couple more tries but I do admit to not ending the book on the high that I'd expected. Nevertheless it was sexy,(very) interesting and funny so I'll take it as a win!
Autumn moved from Australia to America in support of her boyfriend's desire to pursue his comedic career. While he does his bit she supports them, until she finds a nude on his phone and realized he was cheating on her. They separated and she stayed in the apartment.
Blake is the big grumpy landlord of Autumn's building. He's the owner and also restores books in his spare time. Blake has been more comfortable in the night and rarely ventures out during the day for 10 years. His leg was damaged in a work accident and his fiance cheated on him. He's wanted Autumn the entire time she's been living there. When he goes to get her bank info and realized she accidentally gave him it on the back of an illustration she drew of the 2 of them having kinky sex he gets the in he never thought he'd have. What ensues is a very, very sexy tale as old as time 😁
I loved Blake, he was absolutely determined to make Autumn see just how valuable she really was while giving her her every sexual fantascy. He rarely spoke but when he did it was meaningful.
I liked Autumn as well though there were times I felt she could've been stronger and more decisive.
The sexy times was off the charts hot, from stalking fantasy to name calling to public sex , the chemistry between these 2 almost set my Kindle on fire. I've never been a fan of the name calling during sex in my books but then I've never experienced it the way Blake did it!
Everything was working for me until almost the end. When Blake set it up for Autumn to be able to perform her stand up routine it all went down hill. Yes she had a right to be angry but I felt she overreacted. Then when Blake punched the ex I didn't like that she went to the hospital with him or their little chat in the hospital and definitely not her paying his bill. Nope the little fuckface cheater didn't deserve forgiveness. Then Blake went back to his old hometown and he too is cordial and forgiving to his ex and I got even more angry. That's entirely a me not the book situation as I don't think there's any excuse for cheating so cheaters don't deserve forgiveness and this spoilt what would've been a 5* read for me.
Every time Autumn said cunt I cringed, I'm not sure if it's an Aussie thing but I wasn't a fan. There's a time and place for that word and that definitely wasn't it. I also hate Autie as her nickname ugh but I definitely loved Blake calling her fun sized.
In the end Autumn is able to fulfill her dream of doing stand up comedy, they're living together and all's well that ends well.
I'll always try a Tessa Bailey book (as long as it's safe) and may give Eve Dangerfield a couple more tries but I do admit to not ending the book on the high that I'd expected. Nevertheless it was sexy,(very) interesting and funny so I'll take it as a win!
July 8, 2018
3.5 stars!
June 20, 2020
4 Captivating Stars!
Review Later
Review Later
March 1, 2021
Reread 8/26/20
I loved it just as much the second time around!
******
4.5 gold-leaf stars!
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I loved this book so much. It was funny, it was charming, it was dark, it was dirty, and it was heartbreaking. There were a few moments of "I really shouldn't be enjoying this so much!", but I couldn't put the book down.
I loved it just as much the second time around!
******
4.5 gold-leaf stars!
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I loved this book so much. It was funny, it was charming, it was dark, it was dirty, and it was heartbreaking. There were a few moments of "I really shouldn't be enjoying this so much!", but I couldn't put the book down.
July 11, 2022
A well-written, charming romcom with interesting, sympathetic characters. Definitely not what I was expecting based on the cover/synopsis, but it was a good surprise not a bad surprise. It's also probably the best modern Beauty and the Beast retelling I’ve come across
I didn't love it as much as everyone else seems to—for me, it didn't have that x factor that makes me really love a book—but that's just a personal preference thing. The book executed what it was meant to execute perfectly well.
I didn't love it as much as everyone else seems to—for me, it didn't have that x factor that makes me really love a book—but that's just a personal preference thing. The book executed what it was meant to execute perfectly well.
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