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bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
A short but sexy novella from Alisha Rai. Be warned, this book does have a cliff hanger ending so be sure to have book two in The Fantasy Series close by because you'll want to pick it up immediately. Elizabeth has always led the life of the perfect politician's daughter but she's been hiding a sexy side that she's finally letting out. Luca may have come from the "wrong side of the tracks" but he's worked his way up in the political world. He's always admired the untouchable Elizabeth but he's been hiding some pretty dark, delicious kinks and he doesn't think that Elizabeth could handle that side of his personality. One night at an exclusive sex club changes all of that. This was an extremely sexy read and I can't wait to continue the series!
emreadswhatshewants's review against another edition
5.0
Update nov 2022
A much needed sweet/slightly angsty/steamy novella. I ADORE these characters.
I've read this novella (and it's compnion) multiple times...it is...sheer perfection. One of my absolute favorites by alisha rai. And it ties in with Akira!
A much needed sweet/slightly angsty/steamy novella. I ADORE these characters.
I've read this novella (and it's compnion) multiple times...it is...sheer perfection. One of my absolute favorites by alisha rai. And it ties in with Akira!
elenajohansen's review against another edition
4.0
How on earth did so much backstory and character development fit into a 105-page novella? I've read several of Rai's full-length novels and this seems just as strong as any of those (maybe stronger than a few) in that department.
The smut is properly smutty, but the sex scenes pull double duty as chances to peek into the character's heads and get to know them better (as I firmly believe all romance works should do, because sex without characterization is just wasted page space, from a story perspective.)
Because I'm reading this long after its publication, I didn't have to wait at the cliffhanger to go on with the story, but if I had been stuck there waiting for the second novella, I would have been making grabby hands for it the second it dropped. Luca is a charmer, and Elizabeth is wonderfully complex, given how little time we have to get to know her.
The smut is properly smutty, but the sex scenes pull double duty as chances to peek into the character's heads and get to know them better (as I firmly believe all romance works should do, because sex without characterization is just wasted page space, from a story perspective.)
Because I'm reading this long after its publication, I didn't have to wait at the cliffhanger to go on with the story, but if I had been stuck there waiting for the second novella, I would have been making grabby hands for it the second it dropped. Luca is a charmer, and Elizabeth is wonderfully complex, given how little time we have to get to know her.
northship's review
3.0
i liked both of the main characters and thought that their conflicts were real and believable (a particular talent of rai's) and also liked that they were at least partially resolved by communication, but i felt that the novella ended in an awkward place. maybe i'm just not a fan of serial novellas, but it felt abrupt and unfinished to me.
nyi_ju's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
anabelsbrother's review against another edition
3.0
I can't believe I have to wait until June for the sequel. Also, TESS.
marimaiz's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the main character, I loved the way the sex scenes were written and I loved the way the story discusses how every woman has the right to live their sex lifes as they want to and not be ashamed of it.
crystalisreading's review against another edition
3.0
a short and steamy little story. I think I knew peripherally starting this story that it was to be continued in the next book, but somehow it registered so little that by the end of the book I was surprised (and not awfully pleased) to find out that Elizabeth and Luca's story was to be continued.
As far as heroes and heroines go, these characters WERE rich and powerful, with security details and country club memberships and paparazzi and all, but it felt more realistic and organic than many millionaire/ billionaire/ trillionaire heroes in romance novels. Elizabeth, with her high-profile political family and uptight upbringing (did anyone else keep having disturbing images of the Bush twins while reading this?), was nevertheless a deeply conflicted, sympathetic character. I appreciated that she had taken the reigns of her own life as much as possible, without completely alienating everyone in her life. Luca is also a strong, engaging hero, one who can admit to mistakes and poor judgement in his past, and who is not just willing, but DELIGHTED to accept Elizabeth for what she is (well, what he knows of her so far, anyway). Having read Akira Mori's story previously, it was also interesting seeing her interact with others and how she's affected their lives. This was a fast read for me, and despite their kink for role playing out imbalance/ abuse of power, which isn't my favorite, the story was hot and sweet. And yes, whenever Rai finally releases the follow up to this story, I'll buy and read it--grumbling the whole time about authors who can't just write a single full-length book instead of multiple installations.
As far as heroes and heroines go, these characters WERE rich and powerful, with security details and country club memberships and paparazzi and all, but it felt more realistic and organic than many millionaire/ billionaire/ trillionaire heroes in romance novels. Elizabeth, with her high-profile political family and uptight upbringing (did anyone else keep having disturbing images of the Bush twins while reading this?), was nevertheless a deeply conflicted, sympathetic character. I appreciated that she had taken the reigns of her own life as much as possible, without completely alienating everyone in her life. Luca is also a strong, engaging hero, one who can admit to mistakes and poor judgement in his past, and who is not just willing, but DELIGHTED to accept Elizabeth for what she is (well, what he knows of her so far, anyway). Having read Akira Mori's story previously, it was also interesting seeing her interact with others and how she's affected their lives. This was a fast read for me, and despite their kink for role playing out imbalance/ abuse of power, which isn't my favorite, the story was hot and sweet. And yes, whenever Rai finally releases the follow up to this story, I'll buy and read it--grumbling the whole time about authors who can't just write a single full-length book instead of multiple installations.
kazen's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Note: Be My Fantasy and Stay My Fantasy are halves of a full novel - pick them up as a set or you risk being less than satisfied. This review treats both books as one whole.
This book reminded me why I love Alisha Rai - fully formed characters with realistic emotional journeys, interestingly complicated scenarios, and smoking hot sex.
The good:
- Elizabeth knows what she wants and goes after it. Having a public image to maintain cramps her style, but with the help of a friend she still manages to part-own a pleasure club, complete with a fantasy room built to her specifications.
- Luca is a gentleman. He sticks up for Elizabeth when someone at a party puts her down, and he knows when to back down in an argument. He also knows when to apologize and how to compromise.
- The dynamic between the two is complex but doesn't become muddled. There are reasons they doubt each other at times, but they communicate and work things out.
- If you're into light kink you'll enjoy the scenes of voyeurism (staged performances), Domination and submission, spanking, and roleplay.
- The book is paced well, fits its pages, and reads quick.
The not-so-good:
- This should really be one novel, not two. I get why - this is an earlier, indie release from Rai - but think about it as one book.
Rai's more recent releases have been too angsty for my taste - see the Forbidden Hearts series - so I enjoyed finding this book in her backlist.
Note: Be My Fantasy and Stay My Fantasy are halves of a full novel - pick them up as a set or you risk being less than satisfied. This review treats both books as one whole.
This book reminded me why I love Alisha Rai - fully formed characters with realistic emotional journeys, interestingly complicated scenarios, and smoking hot sex.
The good:
- Elizabeth knows what she wants and goes after it. Having a public image to maintain cramps her style, but with the help of a friend she still manages to part-own a pleasure club, complete with a fantasy room built to her specifications.
- Luca is a gentleman. He sticks up for Elizabeth when someone at a party puts her down, and he knows when to back down in an argument. He also knows when to apologize and how to compromise.
- The dynamic between the two is complex but doesn't become muddled. There are reasons they doubt each other at times, but they communicate and work things out.
- If you're into light kink you'll enjoy the scenes of voyeurism (staged performances), Domination and submission, spanking, and roleplay.
- The book is paced well, fits its pages, and reads quick.
The not-so-good:
- This should really be one novel, not two. I get why - this is an earlier, indie release from Rai - but think about it as one book.
Rai's more recent releases have been too angsty for my taste - see the Forbidden Hearts series - so I enjoyed finding this book in her backlist.
theladyinreds's review against another edition
4.0
Nice novella. Unfortunately, I now want the full book for Elizabeth and Luca and I want it NOW.