A review by em_thebookish_girl
Tease Me Once by Willow Winters, W. Winters

4.0

Tease Me Once is Willow Winters' latest work and book #1 in the Shame On You series. It's set in the Merciless World; this is Declan Cross' story. Prior reading of the Merciless World's books aren't required to read Tease Me Once. There are quite a few books that I have yet to read from this world. Declan Cross is Carter Cross' brother (Carter is the main character from the Merciless series) and he's is the youngest of the Cross brothers. It's a dark steamy read, navigated from Braelynn and Declan's perspectives. My gosh! The first few chapters! Especially, Declan's POV! It was intense and it sure did set out the tone of the book. I mean, shortly after their first encounter Declan did stake his claim; his possessiveness making an early appearance. But then again, Declan and Braelynn go way back; they met when they were young but didn't keep in touch.

Danger, power and control is written all over Declan; he's a mysterious and intimidating man. He's blunt, straight forward and knows what he wants, and he made it very clear that he truly wants her.  Braelynn is aware that she should stay away, but she's utterly curious about him. And the tension between them! Phew... it was so heated, explosive and very spicy! Declan has dark, dirty and sinful fantasies, but so does Braelynn, and she's a temptation for him. If enjoy a read with heroes/morally grey characters with the vibes of 'touch or hurt her I'll k*ll you', then this book is for you! But the ending!!!! I was so consumed into the story that I didn't realize I reached the last few pages. I was lost for words for a few minutes... Ahh.... Need book #2 ASAP!! But the release date is so far away... oh well...

For the past few years, life hasn't been easy for Braelynn. She just got out of a toxic relationship and she's trying get back on her feet. Leaving the past behind her, even though she's scared Braelynn is putting on a brave face and thinking positive thoughts, as she begins her new life. Declan is busy with running his club and the family business. And his club "The Club" is where your deepest darkest fantasies come out to play; a door to the underbelly/criminal world. The Cross brothers have a reputation in the criminal world, they basically run it. Hence, Declan is upholding this reputation so well. He would do anything for his brothers, after all "blood is thicker than water".

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review