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lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
An intriguing opening to the series.
There are a few points I feel I need to make before I get onto the actual review of the book. Firstly this ends in a cliff-hanger and I know there are at least 3 more books in the series. The romance aspect (hopefully) builds later through the series, though there is plenty of action and attraction in this book. However I would describe the content of this particular instalment as erotica, really, really good erotica with a few little mind-fooks dropped in for fun.
The book is written first person and entirely from Lois' point of view. Much as I love dual point of views, there are secrets being kept that necessitate the single on this occasion. 'Lois' (and is that really her name?) is a complex character, and whilst we know her surface motivations there are so many other reasons that drive her actions. Some we can guess at, others will no doubt be revealed at the relevant time. It was harder to get a complete picture of James, and again it is clear he has many secrets behind that rock steady facade.
I can understand why the author chose to end the book where she did, it does make sense to break the story at that point and it is possible to read Sparks as simply an erotic encounter and to take the story no further (though you would be left with questions). However, despite being engrossed by the story a couple of times I did feel as though we weren't making enough progress. The vast majority of the book revolves around sexual scenes, mainly 'training/preparing' Lois to (pretend to) be a sexual slave. However the cleverness of the writing, particularly in the mental power plays and the inner thoughts of Lois, lifts this out of being simply erotic porn and into being a really good story.
On balance I thought this was a great opener and am itching to read the rest of the series. I definitely recommend it.
There are a few points I feel I need to make before I get onto the actual review of the book. Firstly this ends in a cliff-hanger and I know there are at least 3 more books in the series. The romance aspect (hopefully) builds later through the series, though there is plenty of action and attraction in this book. However I would describe the content of this particular instalment as erotica, really, really good erotica with a few little mind-fooks dropped in for fun.
The book is written first person and entirely from Lois' point of view. Much as I love dual point of views, there are secrets being kept that necessitate the single on this occasion. 'Lois' (and is that really her name?) is a complex character, and whilst we know her surface motivations there are so many other reasons that drive her actions. Some we can guess at, others will no doubt be revealed at the relevant time. It was harder to get a complete picture of James, and again it is clear he has many secrets behind that rock steady facade.
I can understand why the author chose to end the book where she did, it does make sense to break the story at that point and it is possible to read Sparks as simply an erotic encounter and to take the story no further (though you would be left with questions). However, despite being engrossed by the story a couple of times I did feel as though we weren't making enough progress. The vast majority of the book revolves around sexual scenes, mainly 'training/preparing' Lois to (pretend to) be a sexual slave. However the cleverness of the writing, particularly in the mental power plays and the inner thoughts of Lois, lifts this out of being simply erotic porn and into being a really good story.
On balance I thought this was a great opener and am itching to read the rest of the series. I definitely recommend it.
eg_m's review
3.0
The premise is fascinating. Special agent/assassin, Lois (not her real name) needs a crash course in being a hardcore BDSM submissive to go after a big-bad. Of course, she gets it bad for her trainer. Lots of o-denial but otherwise nothing harsh except the cliff-hanger. There are also a couple of major plot holes, but Lois is great and I hoping for some of the plot holes to resolve -- on the the next.
*This was a freebie and #2 in the serial was 99c at the time of reading.
*This was a freebie and #2 in the serial was 99c at the time of reading.
jamiesbookaddiction's review
3.0
Overall I thought the book was ok. I did have a couple of issues though. I had a really hard time getting into the book at first because I couldn't figure out what the premise was supposed to be about. Is she undercover? Or is she just wanting to be? Or is she trying to get over whatever is bothering her? Lois's attitude about BDSM was really over the top I felt. She was trying just too hard. She really knew nothing about it at all which just added to the confusion.
Then we have James who we really know nothing about. He acts like he has an attraction to Lois, but does he? Sometimes it just seems like it's lust. The one thing we know is that he really thinks Lois is going to die when she goes to Dumortier because he says it over and over. He won't have sex with her, but we don't know why. However, he seems like he's all for it with her boss, but again, we don't know exactly why.
Book ends on a cliffhanger. Not sure if we will get more answers or not...
Then we have James who we really know nothing about. He acts like he has an attraction to Lois, but does he? Sometimes it just seems like it's lust. The one thing we know is that he really thinks Lois is going to die when she goes to Dumortier because he says it over and over. He won't have sex with her, but we don't know why. However, he seems like he's all for it with her boss, but again, we don't know exactly why.
Book ends on a cliffhanger. Not sure if we will get more answers or not...
bodebeabay's review
3.0
3.5 stars.
I liked most of it. But there are some problems.
There are a few editing errors, but not many and they don't really effect the story or the pace at all.
What did slow the story down is repetitive inner thoughts from Lois. That repetition is what caused the low stars for me.
The other problem is where the story ends. It is a Cliffhanger and apparently this continues throughout all 6 books in this series. I'm not fond of cliffhangers & definitely not one that continues through 6 books. BUT, this series has a unique premise and I am very curious as to how everything plays out.
Secret Agent Spies Trained in BDSM? How can you NOT be Intrigued!
The steamy parts truly are erotic & steamy. I liked both Lois and James' characters.
There is a lot of Lois revealed in this book but just a sprinkling of James.
Even though I think it could have been a much faster paced story with the repetition taken out, I am so CURIOUS as to what will happen next that I will continue the series.
I'm hoping the next one will be faster paced with less repetition.
I liked most of it. But there are some problems.
There are a few editing errors, but not many and they don't really effect the story or the pace at all.
What did slow the story down is repetitive inner thoughts from Lois. That repetition is what caused the low stars for me.
The other problem is where the story ends. It is a Cliffhanger and apparently this continues throughout all 6 books in this series. I'm not fond of cliffhangers & definitely not one that continues through 6 books. BUT, this series has a unique premise and I am very curious as to how everything plays out.
Secret Agent Spies Trained in BDSM? How can you NOT be Intrigued!
The steamy parts truly are erotic & steamy. I liked both Lois and James' characters.
There is a lot of Lois revealed in this book but just a sprinkling of James.
Even though I think it could have been a much faster paced story with the repetition taken out, I am so CURIOUS as to what will happen next that I will continue the series.
I'm hoping the next one will be faster paced with less repetition.
sunflower87's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
kassah14's review
4.0
Wow this book so amazing a bit more risqué then the kind of book I always go for ( I always like ones with a promised a happy ending usually) but this one had me on the edge of the seat and I can’t wait to continue the series. I also love that Lois character is head strong and never backs down she is so headstrong and determined. This was my first book by this author and definitely won’t be my last
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
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