Guilty Pleasure

Bound Hearts #11

by Lora Leigh

Book by Lora Leigh

Genres: Erotica, Romance, Menage, Erotic Romance, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

312 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...

Reviews

[Joëlle · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***

FBI agent Marty has been tailing Khalid for the last 2 years. The man she has wanted since she was only 15 years old. Marty has two fathers, her father and her godfather, both men lovers of her mother. Just like her fathers Khalid is a member of the same club where this has been normal for the last 2 centuries. Khalid has always been the third in previous relationships but has always wanted Marty but didn't want his past to hurt her. Now they can't resist each other anymore. Innocent Marty finally gets a chance to seduce Khalid. Will their relationship work? How about Khalid's past?

This book had much potential but I didn't really feel the chemistry between Marty and Khalid. I love menage books but it felt to me like Shayne wasn't included as much as I thought he would be. Also the ending was to abrupt for me. I would have loved an epilogue because now their story doesn't feel finished. What about Shayne? Will he stay as a third or will he leave and get his own story? How about Khalid's half brother Abram? Did he get hurt in the end? So many unanswered questions... Something I struggled with too is the constant switch between POV's

I loved the idea but unfortunatelly I can only give this one 2,5 stars

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seriously?! That's how the book ends?

Well- I was hoping Khalid was every bit soft, tender/caring, with sweet words, and smart as he was in Chase and Kia's book. I felt like his character slipped back and lost a bit of that. He wasn't as Neanderthal as Chase, thankfully.

I liked the storyline- but I felt like:
1. I couldn't connect to Khalid and Marty.
2. I definitely never felt their love connection.
3. I felt like Shayne was slighted for awhile as their third.
4. The whole Deerfield thing was just strange and should have been worked out better.


My favorite parts:
1. Marty's fathers and how they interacted.
2. The sneak into the club scene
3. Marty's silent partner in crime, Abdul
4. Shayne's humor towards Khalid and his "grievances" toward Marty, as well as Shayne's always stellar advice. Which I bet he doesn't use for himself in his own book- like Khalid didn't after he gave great advice to Chase.

But the ending! Are you kidding me? It could have been way better! How do you go from crazy-bad dude doing his thing, to the book ending minutes after its nipped in the bud? Tsk tsk...

[Auntee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hardly know where to begin with this book--it had so much potential, but I think it was done in due to some shoddy editing. Ever since I read about (the hero) Khalid in the previous book, Only Pleasure, I've been looking forward to his story...but this book was a bit disappointing--I wanted more of a story for Khalid, more of a romance, and I just didn't feel it.

The plot was simple enough, and easy to follow. FBI agent Marty Matthews is ordered by her boss to trail sexy, 35 year old Khalid Mustafa, who is suspected of terrorist activities. Of course this isn't true, because Khalid happens to be working deep undercover for the FBI, and Marty knows this because her godfather happens to be the head honcho at the FBI, and they're keeping this info about Khalid super secret so he's able to infiltrate suspected terrorist groups. Anyway, virginal Marty's been fascinated with Khalid since age 15, and has held out for him for 12 years. Khalid has an interest in Marty too, but doesn't want to drag her (or any woman) into the vendetta that his two Saudi terrorist half brothers have against him. Marty knows all about Khalid's sexual proclivities of being the 'third' in menage relationships, since he's a member of 'The Club', a secret D.C. area club whose members all paticipate in menage relationships (her own parents are part of a threesome that includes her godfather), and that doesn't bother her. But she's tired of waiting around for him, and decides to make her move on him and see if she can win his elusive heart. Will Khalid cave and let Marty have her way with him? Will he be able to protect her when his brothers get wind of her importance to him? Will Khalid get over the guilt about a tragedy he was involved in over 10 years ago and allow himself to freely love Marty?

It's been a while since I've been 'wowed' by a LL book (Wild Card) so I was more than ready to be 'wowed'. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite make it. It had a promising start, sort of lost steam in the middle, and ended way too abruptly (and a bit unbelievably) and with lots of questions unanswered. I didn't quite feel the romance between Khalid and Marty either. LL spent almost no time on their backstory, other than to say that Marty was hung up on Khalid for years and Khalid had noticed and was attracted to Marty. Yeah, their love scenes together (and with Shayne, their 'third') were technically steamy hot (although Khalid seemed to spend an awful lot of time 'watching') and made good use of his limo, but I wasn't really as emotionally invested as I wanted to be--I just felt that I didn't know enough about them. Khalid had a very interesting beginning in life, and I thought LL was going to give more than a glimpse into it, but no dice. She barely touches on what his life was like when he first met his father at the age of 18, and his years before the tragedy (at age 25) that changed his life. There were just lots of questions that I had that LL never answered. And the same with Marty--just not enough backstory on her to make me feel like I knew her, or cared about her. Also, I can't believe that Khalid waited so long to finally reveal to Marty what the 'big secret' was that was wrecking his life. It just didn't make sense to me that he thought Marty wouldn't be understanding, and she definitely needed (and deserved) to know this secret so she could protect herself. And since I'm stating what I didn't like about the book, I might as well add that I'm getting tired of LL's characters always 'sneering' or 'glaring'--why are these people angry all the time?

So why do I keep reading Lora Leigh? Every so often she hits one out of the park (Wild Card, Forbidden Pleasure,Nauti Intentions), so I always have hope. Since I'm invested in this series, I might as well stick with it and hope that her next book (hopefully with CIA agent Shayne) is a winner. Despite having loads of potential, this one was just okay for me. 3 1/2 stars

Warning: This book contains explicit language and sex, including oral and anal; a m/f/m menage relationship, and some violence. Not for the faint of heart.

[Carlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: Marty Mathews had always known about the secret, forbidden pleasures that the women she had grown up with enjoyed. Women whose husbands or lovers were members of the exclusive "Club," where they took a selected "third" into their beds. And there is one man—a dangerous, forbidden man—who is part of this world and who has haunted Marty's dreams for years. But she had been the FBI agent assigned to shadow him, making him completely off limits. . .That is until Khalid is cleared and Marty is released from her assignment. Now, all bets are off. . .

The beautiful, fierce Marty Mathews is the one woman Khalid hungers for like no other and is the one woman he dare not let himself have. His past dogs his every step and danger lurks around every corner. If he wants to keep her safe, he must stay away from her. But the power of their desire is something they cannot deny—and once Marty is his, Khalid will do whatever it takes to keep her in his bed and in his arms.

Marty is one stubborn and mouthy main character, out shined only marginally by her very attractive long-time crush, Khalid. Their years-long lust for one another has been pushed to the side for so long that they're do for an explosive meeting. Too bad Khalid's past has a way of coming back to ruin everything. Guilty Pleasure, Bound Hearts Book 11, re-introduces Khalid to readers. He's everything Marty's two fathers don't want for her, but at the same time know she's going to end up with. There's romance, angst, a secret club, very hot smut, and too many secrets to count! Guilty Pleasure was a quick read for me, I wanted every hot menage scene and to find out what happened between the main characters as they battled against Khalid's dark past. This one is definitely a page turner and has a promising plot filled with FBI agents and fight scenes.

I wanted to love Guilty Pleasure, because each character is so well developed and complex when standing alone, but the chemistry and connection between the characters just fell short for me. I expected the pent up lust and angst-y plot to play out with steam and some intense dialogue, but besides some very good smut scenes, I didn't get attached or feel anything for the characters. As the book continued I felt more confused by the main character's actions and then when the ending came I just felt like it wasn't enough. The story felt unfinished for me and I really wanted to see what happened for all three involved in the menage. Fingers crossed we get something for Shayne!

While Guilty Pleasure didn't wow me, it is still a solid book from Lora Leigh. I really loved the funny dialogue, constant battle between family and relationships, as well as the never ending secrets that seemed to pop up from every page. I continue to enjoy every character that Lora Leigh writes and really hope to see more for Shayne in the future.

[jenjn79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 / 5

I started off really enjoying this book and thought maybe this book would end up being one of my favorites of the series. But it started to fizzle a bit toward the middle and the end. It was still a good read, but I thought it could have been better in a few ways, especially in one area.

Series Note:
This book is the 11th in the Bound Hearts series about men who take pleasure in sharing their lover with another. I would say this book could probably be read on its own. It's not overly dependent on past events.

Summary:
Khalid and Marty have been playing a game of cat and mouse with their feelings for each other for years. Khalid fought his feelings because Marty was too young at first and because his dark past would put Marty in mortal danger if they built a relationship. For Marty, she wanted Khalid desperately. But when she joins the FBI and later is assigned to tail him for two years because her unstable boss thinks he's a traitor, she has to put her feelings aside. That doesn't stop her from wanting him and when the assignment is over, she decides it's time to take what she wants, even though she knows getting involved with Khalid will mean letting a third into their potential relationship. Because Khalid is part of an exclusive Club of men who take pleasure in sharing their lover with another man. Marty knows she should be put off by the idea but her upbringing and the lust she feels at the thought of it make it acceptable.

As soon as Marty starts her campaign to seduce him, Khalid knows he can no longer keep her at bay. He wants her too much. So he chooses his third...Shayne Connor, a CIA operative...for two reasons: one, he knows Shayne desires Marty sexually, and two, Shayne will be able to help protect Marty. Which is important because the moment their relationship grows, Khalid's past returns full force and Marty's life is in danger. Khalid knows he'll have to solve the problem once and for all in order to protect Marty. And he'll have to face his feelings and his guilt over his past if they are to have a future together.

Summary:
I enjoyed the beginning of this book. The chemistry between Marty and Khalid is very strong and you could feel the heat between them. All that sort of forbidden wanting and trying to deny it. Then the scenes where they give in a little and mess around. It made the beginning of the book very hot and interesting. I liked the whole existing dynamic between Khalid and Marty.

And there is definitely some very yummy sex scenes in this book. Leigh has a talent for erotic romance. I read some comments about how Shayne came into the relationship too early in the book as their third, but I didn't have a problem with that. It fit the story, for me. It helped that Marty was completely open to him joining in. Which was something that I liked about this book. The last couple, bringing a third in seemed to be something the women allowed only because their lover wanted it when really they would have preferred not to do it. But in this book, Marty seemed much more open to that kind of thing and wasn't just giving in to Khalid's needs. That aspect just worked better for me in this book.

There was also a bit of a suspense angle to the book regarding Khalid's half-brothers wanting to murder Marty because Khalid was involved with her and appeared to care for her. Khalid and some others have to catch them before Marty is harmed. It was an interesting dynamic and at its most simple I liked that part of the story.

And I also liked that some past characters had cameos, even characters dating back to some of the original Bound Hearts stories. Some other characters got some additional setup for possible future stories and I liked that. I enjoyed Shayne as the third for Marty and Khalid. He was an interesting character and I look forward to more of him. I also loved that Marty tried to sneak into the Club. That was amusing.

What didn't I like about this story? What made it kinda fizzle a little ways through?

There were a couple things. One was the whole thing with the secrets Khalid kept from Marty. I didn't understand why he just didn't tell her. And I thought the importance of certain pieces of information was overblown. There was just something off about all the secret keeping and sneaking around. The dynamic of it didn't feel right, especially as the story progressed. It was something with how the characters handled it, how they reacted, etc...I don't know, but it didn't fit right.

And as usual for a Lora Leigh book, there were some editing issues. They weren't nearly as bad as in "Heat Seeker" but still noticeable. Physical descriptions that change, missing words, wrong verb tense, characters being were they shouldn't be, then arriving when they are already there. Lots of little stuff like that that is just distracting to read. As I was reading this inconsistencies, I couldn't help but wonder if Leigh needed to focus her attention a little better. She's working on at least three series and additional novellas and I felt like her attention was spread a little thin, leading to these little problems in the books. But that's just my opinion. (Plus, she needs better editors).

But my biggest problem with the book and what knocked my enjoyment down some was the ending. It felt really, really abrupt to me. It was like bang bang, bad guy dead, H/H embrace, say I love you, the end. There was no wrap-up, not tying up of loose story threads, no resolution to some issues. It annoyed the hell out of me. Was Abram okay? Did they catch Ayid? What about Abdul? How did he fair? How did the bad guys get in? Were the security people harmed or killed? How did Khalid's father react to all that had happened?

I was just left with too many questions to feel satisfied with the ending, and that's a big no-no in my book. Endings, especially in romance novels, need to feel complete. So that knocked down my rating of this one.

It was a fairly good book overall, though. I liked the characters and the romance, and I like the whole premise of this series. I think this was a good addition to the series and I look forward to more (even if I do still like the earlier EC books better).

WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, oral sex, anal sex, m/f/m threesome (hetero), sex in limos, probably some other stuff, and references to severe violence against women.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to give this 2.5 stars because it seemed like the same-old/same-old ala oreo sandwich. There is a little bit of a terrorist catching thing going on but even then it didn't grab me. They did have an Arabian hero which is a nice change of pace. I don't see that in many books. The ending even was a little ho-hum to me. I think my problem may be I keep comparing these books to the Breed series, and I shouldn't do that. Or maybe I should. Maybe all of her books/series should be as good or as that series. I do like her Elite series. I noted Lora Leigh doing her creative male naming again - there's a character who is supposed to be from a rich family that's been around since the Pilgrim days named Anger. Who names their kid Anger? I should keep track of all the crazy names she comes up with.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab the fire extinguisher and get the ice water ready because things are about to get far too hot to handle.

Marty was raised in an unconventional family, she was fully aware of the “club” and the life style of her mother and her two fathers live. But it was the forbidden Khalid that tempted her heart but perusing a relationship would destroy her career.

Khalid was the perfect second, never taking a woman for his own, he’s kept always kept himself apart to keep those he could care for away from the danger of his past. One incident, one slip up and his true feelings for Marty puts a target on her back. Now claiming Marty as his own will be the only thing that will save her and he isn’t going to ever let her go.

All that careful control is about to come crashing in around them as the explosive chemistry becomes an inferno of passion.

Perfect for readers that like erotic romance with substance, Guilty Pleasure artfully balances steam and story.

I received this ARC copy of Guilty Pleasure from St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication April 5, 2016.

[Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sizzling hot read from Lora Leigh. This story is about Marty Matthews and Khalid el Hamid Mustafa.

She is an FBI agent assigned to follow Khalid and that makes him out of bounds.

Marty is aware of the secret Club and the knowledge that the women that she has grown up with have enjoyed the secrets and forbidden pleasures of the Club where their husbands and lovers select a third. Khalid is a member and his friend Shayne is his selected third. Due to his past, he cannot become involved with Marty but his desire for her is strong and he eventually caves into it.

Readers of Lora Leigh Bound Hearts series will know how hot these books are and how the story goes. If you don't like the idea of a hot menage then this is not your read.

[Fiona Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I thought

OK time to vote.......

Khalid









OR

[Rossy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After waiting for Khalid's book am just a tad disappointed. While the book was still enjoyable and i really liked the characters, i wish certain things had been different.

Why did it take almost to the end of the book for major issues to be resolved? I have no trouble with LL making me wait until the very end for the first "I love yous" if she wants, but to not reveal the secrets that cement trust so far into the book was too much. Had it been just the H & H, i think it would have been alright but when you want your lover to share her body with not just you but a third (which requires trust on the heroines part in my opinion) it doesn't measure to my expectations.

Like i mentioned at the beginning the book was good, just not everything i was hoping. Great as a continuation of the series though because now am very excited as to which male lead who made an appearance in this book will get his book next. I'm hoping for Khalid's brother but i can also take Shayne or Sebastian. I think i already know which heroine Shayne might be paired with, and if am right that book is going to be quite explosive.

[Crazy4more · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Awwww, always the sensual Third (so mysterious & exotically yummy), Khalid never wanted his very own AND held out as long as he can until danger was at his door, forced him to give everything he had. I've been patiently aching for Khalid's story. His story didn't disappoint me. The mysterious past that gave him nightmares, willed determination to destroyed what had created him, built unbending walls no matter how many cared and loved him until Agent Marty. Privileged-spoiled-sinful bastard he was titled and he lived up to every bit of it and then some. All believed it except Marty for she trailed Khalid as an assignment for two years. Instead of appalled, she fantasized and intrigued and protected with everything she had.

This was the most sensual, erotic, loving; strong heroine, hero & third; fast-paced mixed with the camaraderie of The Club made this one of my favorites of this series...but of course...it's Khalid. Nuff said.

[marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of the usual head scratching at inconsistencies that I have just come to expect in Leigh's books. the suspense plot line in this one seemed something more out of her elite ops books. it was kind of left field and seemed to involve every one we ever met that belonged to the club. that was rather odd in itself. we've seen before that the club is extremely connected, but the fact that it seems everyone has or is currently working with so many government agencies on such large endeavors was kind of distracting. this series never really was about that, and not it took a left turn. not entirely a bad one, but still a turn. we lost the couple a little bit in all of the terrorist hunting.

i am also not completely sure why Khalid kept so many secrets from Marty. the focus seemed not to be the fact that they were difficult for him but that he somehow thought it was better for her this way. he went on and on about how she had to be independent and make her own choices and decisions in life but he thought it was ok to withhold such large parts of his life from her in the next breath. it just didn't make sense to me.

the ending of the book came so fast and abruptly. again, not exactly clear how a dozen men could get into his compound, for an extended period of time at that, when he had not only security, government agencies, and an entire team of mercenaries on the grounds. the entire thing was wrapped up in a few pages and that was that. the pay off just wasnt there.

Maybe the waiting and build up for his story just went on too long and i expected too much. he was present in so many books and i think he ended up being a favorite character for so many people. this was just not what i expected for his story.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley

• even though this is #11 in the series, not reading any of the previous books didn't effect the reading of this one
• I liked how the story had different aspects to it (I.e. alphabet agencies, terrorism, sex/menage, romance) and how they were made to work well together
• it was filled with action and passion
• the sex...HOT!!!

[Kathy Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleventh in the Bound Hearts erotic romance series. The couple focus is on Marty Mathews and Prince Khalid el Hamid-Mustafa.

My Take
It's such a luscious sort of phrase, and on the opposite end of the spectrum from man-whore: "...one of the most sexually active men she had ever laid her eyes on." And we finally learn why Khalid has been so busy being only a third.

This story took an unexpected direction with the object of Khalid's desires the federal agent assigned to follow him. Useful too as it enables Khalid to indulge in his more dangerous activities for the FBI director.

Oh, brother, Deerfield has got some issues! Marty can't find anything, and he continues to insist that something has to be there. Simply because he wants there to be? Isn't anyone paying attention in the FBI?

Yup, I have to agree with Ally and Courtney. Marty is her own worst enemy, too content to wait while Khalid is too strong-willed to step up and endanger her.

As much as I enjoyed this story in general, I hate it when an author pulls the don't tell her information that may keep her safe card. Arghh. There are other irritations: that Abram can't get a recorder close enough to prove Ayid and Aman are involved---gimme a break. With all the technology available?? The sheikh being so one-sided about his terrorist sons and yet wanting his other two sons to be loyal to him, Khalid claiming he won't hide his past from Marty and then doing just that, and what is it with men who are so sensitive when they're thirds and suddenly become terrified idiots when they finally make a move!?

I do understand her fathers being so concerned with her safety, even if at least one of them is being an idiot. Even with warning Khalid away from her. That NIMBY-attitude. Admittedly they do know the issues in Khalid's life and they are fathers...

Then the two terrorist half-brothers? WTF is wrong with...well, really, that's a stupid question. Anyone who can justify terrorism is all sorts of wrong.

I'm torn on this story. Yes, it was an interesting read---and primarily because we finally get the scoop on Khalid! But I do hate it when the author falls into those "stupid" tropes (as mentioned above) and has so many supposedly intelligent people acting stupidly...ah well. I'm still giving it a 4 simply because I do adore Khalid.

I think my biggest regret about this story is that it takes Khalid out of play...he does have the most beautiful way with words.

The Story
Vince Deerfield has been pressuring Marty to find anything that could convict Khalid of terrorism, and he is so disappointed when he's forced to cancel the operation.

It does, however, mean that Marty is free to pursue the man she has desired since she was fifteen, and she'll need every bit of her iron will to succeed.

Yet Khalid does have his guilty reasons for staying away from her. And he has his own agenda where his half-brothers are concerned. One he has been pursuing diligently for years.

The Characters
Marty Mathews, an FBI agent, has been assigned to spy on Khalid Mustafa for the past two years. The director of the FBI is also Marty's godfather, Zachary Jennings, and the third in her parents' relationship. U.S. Senator Joe Mathews is Marty's father; Virigina, a lawyer, is her mother. Her sneaky parents have all sorts of sources on how Deerfield treats their little girl.

Prince Khalid el Hamid-Mustafa is the half-Saudi, illegitimate, youngest son of a Saudi sheik, suspected of terrorism. And one of Zach Jennings' deepest undercover agents. Abdul is Khalid's driver and very well aware of Marty's cheekiness. Abram el Hamid-Mustafa, Azir's heir and the eldest, is like enough to Khalid to be his twin brother instead of simply his half-brother. The two are close and were once much closer. Lessa Mustafa was Abram's young wife who was murdered. Khalid's mother, Marilyn Kobrin, a French college student, was bought, raped, and held prisoner in Mustafa's palace. Once she escaped with Khalid, she ended up marrying Pavlos Galbraith, a Greek multibillionaire.

Azir Mustafa, his father, is a religious hardliner with a blind eye about his middle sons: Aman and Ayid. Khalid and Abram's half-brothers, they are deeply involved in terrorism and murder. Their father will lie, cheat, and steal for them, but not for his oldest and youngest sons. And he can't figure out why Khalid wants nothing to do with him...

Alyssa Stanhope has been Marty's friend since childhood; Courtney Sinclair, the wife of Ian Sinclair, who owns the Sinclair Club where men meet to relax, drink, and share their women. Tanya is one of those involuntary friends, someone Marty has known for years; her husband, Mike Collie, is an executive with Tanya's father's engineering firm and much more intelligent. Anger Thornton's family has been a power since colonial days and throws a highly exclusive ball once a year.

Sebastian de Lorents has been Courtney's friend forever, used to work for Interpol, and now he works as a manager of the Club for Ian. Shayne Connor is an undercover CIA agent who frequently works out of the Middle East. He and Sebastian have been friends for years. It seems he has some interest in a relationship similar to what Zach and Joe have with Virginia. Mac McCoy from Forbidden Pleasure , 8, shows up in the nick of time.

Vince Deerfield is the FBI division chief who is Marty's boss. Braque Sawyers has a private security and investigation firm which has offered Marty a job.

The Cover
The cover is split into three discreet horizontal bands: a sheer black at the bottom hints at their naked torsos, the sheer middle band of pink focuses on the author's name, and the top is a photograph from their nude shoulders on up to her nose---Khalid is very involved in kissing her neck.

The title refers to Khalid's feelings of Guilty Pleasure, an indulgence he feels he doesn't deserve.

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a boring book is this, and trust me I's such a great fan of Lora Leigh that this disappointment hurts me more than her. I was waiting for one of her classical stories where sex is present but necessary to the story, in this case instead the sex was necessary to reach the right number of pages, or so I suppose, because it's so repetitive that in the end I even skip pages and this never happened before.

Che libro noioso, e credetemi, come grande fan di Lora Leigh questa affermazione fa piú male a me che a lei. Mi aspettavo una delle sue storie con una trama sufficientemente complessa (stiamo sempre parlando di un libro d'amore) e con il sesso da collante, invece qui il sesso é un riempitivo noioso e ripetitivo che mi ha portato piú volte a saltare le pagine annoiata, e di solito questo non succede, almeno con lei.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND ST.MARTIN'S PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Karyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much of talking..and talking.. and monologues.. and talking..Who talks so much?
And were Khalid's words and monologues stilted and drawn out for a specific reason?

I read these for mindless entertainment, but said entertainment cannot be enjoyed when you have to keep flipping pages on the e-reader to avoid the oncoming headache and get to the storyline.
Sigh!

[Shining-Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me! After reading several negative reviews about it I was expecting the worst. Instead, I liked it very much, maybe it's even my favorite of the series!

Khalid is a character who intrigued me from the beginning, probably for his Middle East blood! ;-) And he won me over completely in his story! Unlike other male characters of the previous volumes, Khalid is not overly dominant or broody. While proving to be possessive of his beloved Marty, he manages to be tolerant, understanding and indulgent. He proves to be an absolutely tender, loving and passionate lover who wants nothing more than bring pleasure and joy to his little flower. In fact, I really liked the nicknames with which he often called Marty. Like almost all the male characters in this series, Khalid also has a very tragic and painful past that marked him deeply. For this reason it is even more touching to see how the love he feels for his lovely Marty makes him a more serene man and at peace with himself gradually.

What about Marty? I think she's one of my favorite heroines in the Bound Hearts series. She is an FBI agent and she is a stubborn, strong and determined woman who will stop at nothing and no one. When she sets her mind on doing something there is nothing that can stop her from reaching her goal. She does anything to uncover the secrets of Khalid and win his heart which she longs since she was a teenager. I really liked the way she always manages to stand her ground not only against Khalid but all those around her.

Their relationship is intense, fiery and full of tenderness. The erotic scenes are extremely hot and exciting in the usual Lora Leigh's style, and they are imbued with so much sweetness and sensuality.

In this volume the "third"of the relationship is Shayne, a CIA undercover agent. Along with Khalid, he works to unearth the sinister plans of Arabic terrorists and protect the life of Marty from the threat posed by Khalid's past. In the relationship between Marty and Khalid, his presence is rather marginal, in fact the ménage scenes are few and introduced after the first half of the book. Nevertheless, Shayne is a character that I liked and I hope I can read his story in the future!

I also enjoyed the suspense element that has enriched the story making it far more compelling and intriguing. The only flaw is that the ending was somewhat hasty thus causing the solution to the threat to Khalid and Marty's life to be too simple and very little credible. But with regard to the romantic part, the ending met my expectations fully.

Always speaking of the ending, I don't know if everyone is aware that in the preview that appears on amazon.com there is an epilogue that isn't included in any ebook or paper edition distributed. In fact, in the version that I read there are only twenty chapters without epilogue. I have read said epilogue on amazon and I do not understand why other versions don't have it since it is the perfect ending that answers all the questions raised in the book such as what happened to Abdul, Abram and Vince Deerfield.

So, in conclusion it was a really compelling and exciting novel that satisfied me wholly! I can't wait to read the next volume and find out what will happen to Abram, Khalid's brother, and who will be the woman to relieve his emotional wounds.

[Willow Brook · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a overall disappointing crop of books from Lora Leigh in 2009, I approached Guilty Pleasure with some trepidation. At the risk of setting the bar too low, I am pleased to report that this book shows much better editing than the fiasco of Heat Seeker and its "Who the HECK is Jules?!?!" scene where a secondary character suddenly sported a different name. I did find some smaller errors, such as a physical feature changing or describing someone was FBI when they were CIA. But nothing on the level of LL's rushed writing and what seemed to be a complete lack of editing last year.

So, no glaring errors. Great. The story was familiar to previous entries in this series with an Alpha hero tortured by his past and to a lesser extent by his "dark" desire for menage. Then we have the heroine in danger, though Marty could take pretty good care of herself as a FBI agent. I liked that Khalid supported her career choices though he didn't like the risks involved.

The plot really doesn't make the most sense. Why would Marty be assigned to spend two entire years investigating Khalid to the apparent exclusion of any other cases? Why would Khalid enter into an affair with Marty after avoiding one for 9 years because he knows this will put her at grave risk from his enemies? Wouldn't it make more sense to finally take care of the enemies then go have fun with Marty? And of course, the ultra secret "club" that for centuries has hidden the secret of men who live a menage lifestyle, always strikes me as next to impossible in this day and age.

But I don't imagine most of us read Lora Leigh for the realism, so you either kinda "go" with the world and plot she offers, or you probably don't enjoy her very much. This story offers us Middle East terrorists who have a special vendetta against Khalid.

I liked the main characters. Khalid and Marty were well suited to each other in their strengths and respect for each other (their intense desire is a given). Shayne, the "Third" in the relationship, was more sketchily drawn. You got a better sense of Marty's interferring fathers than you did of the man who was supposed to be Khalid's and Marty's friend, colleague and periodic partner in bed.

The ending was very well done and ripped by in LL fashion of old. I wish she had an epilogue so you could see Khalid and Marty settling into their life together, and what was Shayne's involvement with them and what about Marty's nasty ex- bos at the FBI? Was he involved in any way with the terrorist plot? Still the immediate crises were resolved and it wasn't a terribly abrupt ending. I just would have liked some additional pages to wrap things up a bit more. Considering the Bound Hearts series is not my favorite, I enjoyed Guilty Pleasure especially the last 10% or so when the action really took off.

So, fingers crossed, maybe 2010 will be a much better year for Lora Leigh and her fans.

[Mspink · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, LL does a wonderful job telling a hot, romantic story. I enjoyed the strength yet acceptably vulnerable sides to both characters. I think Marty could be a bit stubborn and irritatingly obstinate, but she also loved Khalid so passionately and completely that she allowed herself to be immersed in his raw power and dominance in the bedroom. I agree, she needed to be able to spread her wings and be independent, but she also needed to understand this man's absolute need to be in control of her pleasure as well as her protection. It is a natural and undeniable need in these men of "the club". Dominant, sexy men who love their woman with everything inside them. I love that.

Once again, as usual, the sex scenes were scorching hot and the "sharing" element was not really overpowering in this story. It was very much a side 'thing' that almost didn't need to be there, except for the importance it plays in the dynamics of these relationships in this Bound Hearts series. Dont get me wrong, those scenes were fabulous as well! Shayne was adoring and nurturing as a third for Marty. A good combination.

I didn't give it the final 5th star because A) I agree with some of the other reviewers, the last chapter ended so abruptly and there was no epilogue tying many loose ends together.... lots of unanswered questions....the trouble didn't truly seem to be "over" for me since we didn't get to find out how everyone else in the story got through the dramatic climax. And B) I personally missed hearing about the other wives and husbands from previous stories, as LL is usually so good about providing us. It was nice to get a glimpse of Mac from Forbidden Pleasure. That was a surprise. But still, no details what was going on with him. Would have loved to hear about Cam and Chase, since they are apparently heads of security at the Club and this was a story that would have warranted their participation. So perhaps it was a bit rushed. Its not like LL to leave us hanging like that. There must be a reason she steered things this way.... needless to say, alot of us are a bit perplexed and anxious for the next one..... who knows who it will be.

Don't miss this one though. If you are invested in this series, then you must read them all!! We've all loved Khalid along the way. It was nice to see him finally fall in love...

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this book, to finding out the secrets behind the lovely character of Khalid, who's been on the sidelines int he last few books. Unfortunately, the author does not tell this story well. She reveals his secrets to the readers almost immediately, but then has him keep that information from his woman for nearly the whole book. It's like a double let down. Not only is there no mystery left, but then you have to watch Khalid being an asshole most of the book while trying to "protect" Marty. She's a frickin FBI agent, for god's sake! I think she can handle the information! Cue irritated huff.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was extremely erotic and full of extreme emotional turmoil. I enjoyed that addition of Shane into the relationship, but I was a bit disappointed that he didn’t end with more involvement in their lives. Ultimately I would have like to have seen Marty in a relationship similar to her parents. The terrorist plot was definitely just created as a reason for Marty and Khalid to ultimately come together, however it was a well thought out and planned part of the plot thankfully. I am looking forward to hopefully getting a book for both Shane and Khalid’s brother.
for full review see my blog at http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the previous book in this series, I was eager to get to Khalid's story. I have to say this book had some great steamy scenes between Khalid and Marty (Martha) and a few with their third, Shayne. However, I felt like the book ended a bit too abruptly with too many unanswered questions. Not sure if they will be addressed in future books but I found myself wondering if I was missing a chapter. They catch the bad guy and boom the book is over? No idea what happens with Deerfield or Shayne, although I'll bet Shayne ends up leaving the menage relationship in favor of his own woman. All in all this book had lots of potential but then just fizzled at the end.

[Brandy Stroyick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. This was a great book. I couldn't put it down. It does however have some kinky stuff in it. I let a friend read it and she too said the same thing. It's a must read if u like erotic books.

[Heather in FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why, but I think of this whole series, Khalid is my favorite. I think it's because of what happened in the last book with Kia... how he treated her. And for that matter, I guess how he treated Courtney. It was time for him to get his own HEA.

[Alissa808 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like reading erotica as I do, this is a book I highly reccomend. I've read some manage and I must say this one will having you panting for more. I personally will be thinking delicious thoughts of Khalid and all the pleasuring he has to offer.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book but I love all of Lora Leigh books never seem to get enough of them these two are stubborn and try to fight it she doesn't fight it but he does till he doesn't no more when he finally comes around he never wants to let her go

[Samantha]

Just not working for me. I'm struggking to get halfway through it. It's frustrating since I normally love Lora Leigh's stuff. This is going down as DNF.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Piacere colpevole è l’undicesimo libro della serie erotica Bound Hearts di Lora Leigh, serie nella quale i suoi protagonisti maschili sono membri di un club esclusivo, frequentato da gente influente, ricca e insospettabile che ama condividere la propria donna, consenziente, con un altro uomo in un ménage a trois.
Dopo aver letto le prime pagine ho pensato a un caso di omonimia dell’autrice, faticavo a credere che questa storia potesse essere stata scritta da una delle mie autrici preferite. Purtroppo, invece, è proprio opera sua: una completa delusione. Diciamo che lo considero, a questo punto, un passaggio a vuoto.
Khalid aveva le potenzialità per essere uno splendido protagonista maschile e il contrasto della sua personalità dominante e la sua “fisicità” con quella di Marty era perfetto per renderla la sua degna compagna. L’attrazione che provano l’uno per l’altra è così evidente da anni, che tutti ne sono a conoscenza, anche il padre e il padrino di Marty, che a loro volta sono soci del “famoso” club, quindi la ragazza non è per niente all’oscuro di come potrebbe evolvere il suo rapporto con Khalid e la sua abitudine di condividere le sue donne. Tutte le potenzialità, però, sono andate perse a causa della totale mancanza di una buona trama, che potesse reggere la storia tra i due.
Il libro è costellato da una serie infinita di scene sessualmente descritte in modo esplicito e con linguaggio molto colorito, ma questo è tipico del modo di scrivere della Leigh. Dov’è il problema allora? Manca un canovaccio di collegamento che tenga in piedi il tutto.
Le scene tra Khalid e Marty si ripetono fino alla noia, le situazioni sono sempre simili per non dire uguali, e nella prima parte del libro, i dialoghi tra i due ripetono a distanza di poche pagine quasi con le stesse parole, rendendo il tutto prevedibile. A questo punto, quello che dovevano essere momenti carichi di erotismo, si sono trasformati per me nella lettura di una performance di meccanica tra due corpi.
Non ho ritrovato la capacità che amo in questa autrice di coinvolgermi nei suoi racconti, creando personaggi che emozionano con le loro storie e sentimenti.
Gli ingredienti erano tutti lì a portata di mano: il passato straziante di Khalid e i suoi segreti, l’odio che i suoi fratelli provano contro di lui. Marty, che oltre a essere una bellissima donna, è anche un ottimo agente del FBI, e il terzo uomo scelto da Khalid per il loro ménage, Shayne, che è una persona per la quale Marty comunque prova una forte attrazione.
Tutte queste cose sono state utilizzate in modo molto superficiale nel racconto, non posso dire che l’autrice non ci abbia provato, ma il risultato è un po’ infelice a mio parere, e poco convincente.
Il livello di sensualità, come avrete capito, per me è stato in un certo senso annullato da tutto il contesto, ma visti i contenuti del libro, non posso non mettere cinque fiamme e consigliarne la lettura a persone adulte.

[Alex Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

The phrase ”white-hot” felt over used. There was no clear indication of ”how” Deerfield was overstepping or abusive towards Marty in the beginning, and later in the book it was never explained how he learned about Lessa.
It didn't make sense to me that women weren't allowed in the club building yet women are part of the relationships. Also, if ”the third” is an important part of the dynamic then why does Marty never ever moan or say his name when he is the one giving her pleasure? That seemed way wrong to me. Shayne was eating her out, fucking her, yet she’s moaning Khalid’s name? Umm, no. That's wrong. I feel the relationship between Marty and Shayne should have been built more; even if it was just a strong friendship with benefits. Shayne was too quiet. I much preferred the dynamic of Zach, Joe & Virginia, and how they stayed together.

The plan build up for AT’s party was great, but then nothing happened in the plan. Outside of the car accident, no action happened besides the final 10 pages.

[Isabel Luna · Rating 1 out of 5]

No me gustó en absoluto y lo siento xq a lo largo de xq Khalid empezó a ser un personaje recurrente en varios libros anteriores, y me caía de lo más bien. Principalmente me gustaba su desenfado como máscara a una persona con sentimientos y responsabilidades más profundas. Pero aquí el Khalid anterior brilla x su ausencia. Aquí no es el despreocupado tercero de la relación, obviamente se entiende q la cosa aquí va más en serio q en las tramas anteriores, pero se hace evidente q no sabe llevar muy bien el rol de enamorado y no pasa de histérico paranoico. Ok, se entiende q sus hermanos sean una lata y más peligrosos q el ébola, pero podríamos haber tenido una trama mejor, más romántica, teniendo en cuenta q Marthy ya esperó bastante como para q Khalid encuentre sus cojones y se decida a hacer algo respecto a los sentimientos de ambos.
Muy original el detalle del estilo de vida de los padres de Marthy, pero honestamente no lo encuentro muy creíble. Tal vez sea algo q existe en el mundo, pero al menos yo no me he topado nunca con ese estilo de vida alternativo, prejuicios aparte.