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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
The Professional was absolutely intoxicating and strikes the perfect balance of intrigue, chemistry, raw sexuality and supreme storytelling! Natalie and Sevastyn ignite off of the pages in a way that only Kresley Cole can make possible. Each of them exuding strength, confidence, intellect, passion and a fiery attraction for the other. I was drawn to them as individuals, and consumed by them as a couple. Ms. Cole delivered an intense and sensationally hot couple that have enough spark and electricity to light up New York City for days.
Natalie Porter has been looking for her birth parents for over 6 years and, after spending her life savings, is on the brink of giving up. Until Aleksandr Sevastyan walks into her life and changes everything in her world. The feelings that she has for him are extremely powerful and intense, overwhelming her with their strength. However, she continues to fight the attraction that she feels for Sevastyan, and refuses to give in until he reveals more of himself to her. Sevastyan’s want and need for Natalie is all-consuming. He needs her like he needs his next breath, but he continually doubts his worth and feels that he isn’t good enough for her. When tragedy strikes, they are no longer strong enough to resist the fiery attraction between them.
Natalie and Sevastyan’s chemistry, intensity and passion dominate the pages and I loved every interaction, every word, every kiss and every battle contained within their story. Natalie’s quick wit, humor and snark offered a perfect contrast to the dark, brooding and intense demeanor of Sevastyan. Ms. Cole has once again created an extremely decadent and vivid world with characters that will instantly become cemented in your mind, and heart, as favorites.
There just aren’t any words to accurately describe just how erotic, sensual and provocative this book really is. Quite simply, The Professional has the best erotic scenes that I’ve ever read. The only drawback for me was that the ending felt rushed once Sevastyan’s secrets were finally revealed. Sevastyan’s past was absolutely horrific and I wanted more page time for him, and Natalie, to get closure and peace.
Overall, The Professional was extraordinary! The compelling story, combined with an unforgettable and passionate couple, delivered one of Kresley Cole’s best works and certainly my favorite of hers so far! This book is a must read for any fan of the romance genre.
Review copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie Porter has been looking for her birth parents for over 6 years and, after spending her life savings, is on the brink of giving up. Until Aleksandr Sevastyan walks into her life and changes everything in her world. The feelings that she has for him are extremely powerful and intense, overwhelming her with their strength. However, she continues to fight the attraction that she feels for Sevastyan, and refuses to give in until he reveals more of himself to her. Sevastyan’s want and need for Natalie is all-consuming. He needs her like he needs his next breath, but he continually doubts his worth and feels that he isn’t good enough for her. When tragedy strikes, they are no longer strong enough to resist the fiery attraction between them.
Natalie and Sevastyan’s chemistry, intensity and passion dominate the pages and I loved every interaction, every word, every kiss and every battle contained within their story. Natalie’s quick wit, humor and snark offered a perfect contrast to the dark, brooding and intense demeanor of Sevastyan. Ms. Cole has once again created an extremely decadent and vivid world with characters that will instantly become cemented in your mind, and heart, as favorites.
There just aren’t any words to accurately describe just how erotic, sensual and provocative this book really is. Quite simply, The Professional has the best erotic scenes that I’ve ever read. The only drawback for me was that the ending felt rushed once Sevastyan’s secrets were finally revealed. Sevastyan’s past was absolutely horrific and I wanted more page time for him, and Natalie, to get closure and peace.
Overall, The Professional was extraordinary! The compelling story, combined with an unforgettable and passionate couple, delivered one of Kresley Cole’s best works and certainly my favorite of hers so far! This book is a must read for any fan of the romance genre.
Review copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Have been a fan of Kresley's fantasy romance writing for quite some time and reading the more contemporary format was not bad. Her female character Natalie was just a touch too... pure and innocent. Read the other two books which follow the other brothers - just a bit over the top on some parts.
Alexandr drips macho man, he's an enforcer but falls for Natalie 100%. You know how it goes. Not a bad read but know it's beyond what real relationships are.
Alexandr drips macho man, he's an enforcer but falls for Natalie 100%. You know how it goes. Not a bad read but know it's beyond what real relationships are.
Frustrating at times but I enjoyed it!! Surprised it took so long to finish
*ARC from Gallery Books*
Rating: 3.5
I'm fascinated by Russia and, perhaps I'm biased, but I've never met a Russian I haven't liked. Historically, Russia is one of the most interesting countries in the world with a deep culture that we Americans are both scandalized and titillated by, depending on the era. A country we love to love and love to hate, one might say. And of course, every little girl just loves the story of Anastasia.
So when I received Cole's book The Professional, I was already excited by the concept.
Natalie Porter is adopted-- but is driven to find her Russian birth parents. So driven, in fact, she works three jobs while she tries to finish up her PhD in history. She's also a virgin-- though she's had plenty of opportunity to rectify the situation, and she's certainly dabbled in doing that-- but I would in no way call Ms. Porter innocent. She's a woman who goes for what she wants.
Natalie is a firecracker and when Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan appears, she actually makes the first move-- which he promptly rejects, because we all know YOU DO NOT DATE THE BOSS'S DAUGHTER. Sevastyan is actually her bodyguard sent to protect her from her father's enemies-- and THIS is a great set up.
Sevastyan worked for me on a couple of levels-- he's a tough alpha male type with a serious edge of danger (and a definite voyeuristic side). He gets shit done-- and who doesn't like that? He always keeps his promises-- especially if they include carting half naked girls over his shoulder to Russia. I felt that Sevastyan was a deeper character than Natalie. His actions felt realistic and he fit his background. Cole takes this character and pushes the book to the borders of how much is too much in some of their sexcapades-- but it's always exciting.
Natalie, especially in the second half of the book, felt less developed. Her character needed a bit more integration-- she would perk up at mention of the history of the places she lived, but never would actually delve into that history. She was kind, but a bit shallow sometimes-- a trait encouraged by her sexually adventurous friend Jessica, who's only goal in the book seems to be to get Natalie laid-- even if it kills her. I'm not a fan of Jess-- jokes about sex are fine, but every time you see Jess, she's shoving (uninteresting, not hot)sex in your face-- even when she finds out Natalie had just been sprinted off to Russia. JESS, I got two words for you-- TIMING. Anyway, Natalie's shallowness does make it seem, for a while at least, like she's pursuing Sevastyan just for sex-- although it seems like she doesn't even realize there's more than that for a while. (And then she wonders why he's slow to connect with her *rolls eyes*)
For me, the realest scenes with Natalie take place with her birth father. This is where her character really shines through-- and why wouldn't it? She's been waiting her whole life for these moments-- and it shows.
There's a major event about half way through the book that changes the equilibrium entirely. I thought that Natalie and Sevastyan would just loose themselves in each other-- their adventures would grow wilder and they'd have to fight their way out of the situation. Instead, everything between them grew stiff and cold for a while, which I think weakens the second half of the book (especially after the fun of the first half! *INDIGNANT*).In the second half, I also wish she'd integrated her plot and her sexcapades a bit more. That also would have strengthened it. But boy what a first half.
But, most of this book is PURE FUN-- it's teasing and tantalizing. I was completely caught up in the ride. This book is part Anastasia heir returns, part Russian Mob Story, part kinky love story-- and I thought it worked well. It's a fun read-- and if the second half had been a little stronger, I would have put it at a solid 4.
I loved the end-- but I have no idea where she could take this for the next book. Not without backtracking on their progress in their relationship. But hey, if she brings back the fun of the first half, I'll read it in a heartbeat.
Rating: 3.5
I'm fascinated by Russia and, perhaps I'm biased, but I've never met a Russian I haven't liked. Historically, Russia is one of the most interesting countries in the world with a deep culture that we Americans are both scandalized and titillated by, depending on the era. A country we love to love and love to hate, one might say. And of course, every little girl just loves the story of Anastasia.
So when I received Cole's book The Professional, I was already excited by the concept.
Natalie Porter is adopted-- but is driven to find her Russian birth parents. So driven, in fact, she works three jobs while she tries to finish up her PhD in history. She's also a virgin-- though she's had plenty of opportunity to rectify the situation, and she's certainly dabbled in doing that-- but I would in no way call Ms. Porter innocent. She's a woman who goes for what she wants.
Natalie is a firecracker and when Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan appears, she actually makes the first move-- which he promptly rejects, because we all know YOU DO NOT DATE THE BOSS'S DAUGHTER. Sevastyan is actually her bodyguard sent to protect her from her father's enemies-- and THIS is a great set up.
Sevastyan worked for me on a couple of levels-- he's a tough alpha male type with a serious edge of danger (and a definite voyeuristic side). He gets shit done-- and who doesn't like that? He always keeps his promises-- especially if they include carting half naked girls over his shoulder to Russia. I felt that Sevastyan was a deeper character than Natalie. His actions felt realistic and he fit his background. Cole takes this character and pushes the book to the borders of how much is too much in some of their sexcapades-- but it's always exciting.
Natalie, especially in the second half of the book, felt less developed. Her character needed a bit more integration-- she would perk up at mention of the history of the places she lived, but never would actually delve into that history. She was kind, but a bit shallow sometimes-- a trait encouraged by her sexually adventurous friend Jessica, who's only goal in the book seems to be to get Natalie laid-- even if it kills her. I'm not a fan of Jess-- jokes about sex are fine, but every time you see Jess, she's shoving (uninteresting, not hot)sex in your face-- even when she finds out Natalie had just been sprinted off to Russia. JESS, I got two words for you-- TIMING. Anyway, Natalie's shallowness does make it seem, for a while at least, like she's pursuing Sevastyan just for sex-- although it seems like she doesn't even realize there's more than that for a while. (And then she wonders why he's slow to connect with her *rolls eyes*)
For me, the realest scenes with Natalie take place with her birth father. This is where her character really shines through-- and why wouldn't it? She's been waiting her whole life for these moments-- and it shows.
There's a major event about half way through the book that changes the equilibrium entirely. I thought that Natalie and Sevastyan would just loose themselves in each other-- their adventures would grow wilder and they'd have to fight their way out of the situation. Instead, everything between them grew stiff and cold for a while, which I think weakens the second half of the book (especially after the fun of the first half! *INDIGNANT*).In the second half, I also wish she'd integrated her plot and her sexcapades a bit more. That also would have strengthened it. But boy what a first half.
But, most of this book is PURE FUN-- it's teasing and tantalizing. I was completely caught up in the ride. This book is part Anastasia heir returns, part Russian Mob Story, part kinky love story-- and I thought it worked well. It's a fun read-- and if the second half had been a little stronger, I would have put it at a solid 4.
I loved the end-- but I have no idea where she could take this for the next book. Not without backtracking on their progress in their relationship. But hey, if she brings back the fun of the first half, I'll read it in a heartbeat.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mothertrucker this book was great. I don't know how I didn't roll into book two immediately. This isn't for the faint of heart or those looking for blatant consent. If you like alphaholes, this book is for you. If you don't, don't say you weren't warned.
Yes yes yes ! This is why Kresley cole is one of my all time favourite authors
Didn't care enough about the main character, who just came across as silly and immature. She's supposed to be a grad student, and acts like a silly teenager with no sense, whatsoever. I got no patience for that.