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Wicked Burn
A red-hot read from a brand-new voice in erotic romance.
He wanted all of her and did she ever let him have it�
Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor, Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in and finds himself greatly °ù±ð·É²¹°ù»å±ð»åâ€�
Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor when she didn't even know his last name was the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's opening to sensual pleasures she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of the love that's in their hearts?
He wanted all of her and did she ever let him have it�
Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor, Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in and finds himself greatly °ù±ð·É²¹°ù»å±ð»åâ€�
Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor when she didn't even know his last name was the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's opening to sensual pleasures she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of the love that's in their hearts?
343 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2008
131 people are currently reading
6,574 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kery
177Ìýbooks2,699ÌýfollowersBeth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
December 8, 2008
This one was so hard to put down--I tore through it in one day! I've never read anything by Beth Kery before, and just picked this one up on a whim (I was attracted to the cover). Boy, am I glad I did. This was one fantastic read! It was one of those rare books that just grabbed me emotionally. It had some of the steamiest love scenes I think I've read all year, but it also had a story that was unique and powerful, and wonderful character development. The combination of scorching sex scenes and powerful romance was a potent one-two punch! Whew! And the tear-jerker ending...well, I was a little drained when it was all over. (sniff)
Vic Savian's a sexy, famous playwright living in Chicago, although he'd much prefer the wide open spaces of his Montana ranch. Vic hates the big-city life, but has agreed to work in Chicago for the next few years directing his latest play in an historic Chicago theater. He's living in temporary housing in a Chicago highrise during the week, but on the weekend he drives downstate to the farm that he inherited from his late uncle.
One night while lying in bed trying to sleep, he hears raised voices outside his door in the hallway. Going to investigate, he hears his beautiful across-the-hall neighbor, Niall, trying to rebuff her date who's obviously putting the moves on her. He steps in to save the day, and offers her a drink. To his surprise she accepts. After some brief introductions and a few words, lust takes over and they are in each others arms, having some wildly passionate sex like neither has experienced before. Vic can't believe what came over him. Although attracted to his neighbor when he had first seen her weeks ago, he told himself that he would never again get involved with a woman like Niall--a woman so beautiful that she would make him hunger all the time--a woman like that would surely be selfish, demanding everything of him--and then if she couldn't get it, she'd go elsewhere to get it.
Niall, a curator at an art museum, is astonished at how she reacted with Vic. It's as if someone threw a switch and she was magically brought back to life. Being with Vic made her feel alive again for the first time in three years. He's an addiction she's just got to have. And apparently the feeling is mutual. After some false starts and stops, they carry on an extremely passionate affair that shows no sign of burning out. They eventually get around to revealing a little bit about each other, except for a few important things. Niall doesn't know that Vic suffered a devastating break-up with a famous Hollywood actress that did a lot of emotional damage to him and colors his perceptions about relationships. And Vic doesn't know that Niall is harboring one whopper of a secret, a tragic secret that I kept hoping she would reveal before Vic accidentally found out. But of course, Vic finds out, Niall doesn't explain herself, and it totally destroys his trust in her.
Well, to say anymore would reveal too much. The rest of the story has Niall coming to terms with the unending guilt she's felt for the past three years, and her decision to try to win Vic back. Trying to win back Vic's trust is not an easy task, especially when he won't let Niall explain her actions when she is finally ready to talk, and at times I feared Niall wouldn't be able to get past the wall Vic erected around his heart. There were some heart-breaking moments, lots of stubborness on Vic's part that would have crushed a less determined woman, and some pride that Niall had to swallow in order to make a small step towards Vic's forgiveness. And when Vic finally got over his self pity and discovered the total story surrounding what he thought was Niall's betrayal--well it was time for him to eat some humble pie.
This was just an excellent story about two people who had to learn to trust and love again, and not be afraid to let someone in and love them. It had some of the most rough, explicit love scenes that I've read in a while, but they were wildly erotic. Neither character was perfect, each had lots of emotional baggage, but they were basically good people who you could root for. I shed a few tears over this one, especially toward the end when stubborn (and sometimes pig-headed) Vic learned all of Niall's secret, and then laid his heart on the line for her.
If you're looking for a hot, hot, hot story, with characters who are flawed but oh so human, look no further. This was an amazing read for me, and I will definitely be looking for more from this author. Highly recommended 5 stars!
*Warning: not for the faint-of-heart; contains some light BDSM, including spanking and hand restraint; explicit sex including oral and anal sex; use of some sex toys, and explicit language.
Vic Savian's a sexy, famous playwright living in Chicago, although he'd much prefer the wide open spaces of his Montana ranch. Vic hates the big-city life, but has agreed to work in Chicago for the next few years directing his latest play in an historic Chicago theater. He's living in temporary housing in a Chicago highrise during the week, but on the weekend he drives downstate to the farm that he inherited from his late uncle.
One night while lying in bed trying to sleep, he hears raised voices outside his door in the hallway. Going to investigate, he hears his beautiful across-the-hall neighbor, Niall, trying to rebuff her date who's obviously putting the moves on her. He steps in to save the day, and offers her a drink. To his surprise she accepts. After some brief introductions and a few words, lust takes over and they are in each others arms, having some wildly passionate sex like neither has experienced before. Vic can't believe what came over him. Although attracted to his neighbor when he had first seen her weeks ago, he told himself that he would never again get involved with a woman like Niall--a woman so beautiful that she would make him hunger all the time--a woman like that would surely be selfish, demanding everything of him--and then if she couldn't get it, she'd go elsewhere to get it.
Niall, a curator at an art museum, is astonished at how she reacted with Vic. It's as if someone threw a switch and she was magically brought back to life. Being with Vic made her feel alive again for the first time in three years. He's an addiction she's just got to have. And apparently the feeling is mutual. After some false starts and stops, they carry on an extremely passionate affair that shows no sign of burning out. They eventually get around to revealing a little bit about each other, except for a few important things. Niall doesn't know that Vic suffered a devastating break-up with a famous Hollywood actress that did a lot of emotional damage to him and colors his perceptions about relationships. And Vic doesn't know that Niall is harboring one whopper of a secret, a tragic secret that I kept hoping she would reveal before Vic accidentally found out. But of course, Vic finds out, Niall doesn't explain herself, and it totally destroys his trust in her.
Well, to say anymore would reveal too much. The rest of the story has Niall coming to terms with the unending guilt she's felt for the past three years, and her decision to try to win Vic back. Trying to win back Vic's trust is not an easy task, especially when he won't let Niall explain her actions when she is finally ready to talk, and at times I feared Niall wouldn't be able to get past the wall Vic erected around his heart. There were some heart-breaking moments, lots of stubborness on Vic's part that would have crushed a less determined woman, and some pride that Niall had to swallow in order to make a small step towards Vic's forgiveness. And when Vic finally got over his self pity and discovered the total story surrounding what he thought was Niall's betrayal--well it was time for him to eat some humble pie.
This was just an excellent story about two people who had to learn to trust and love again, and not be afraid to let someone in and love them. It had some of the most rough, explicit love scenes that I've read in a while, but they were wildly erotic. Neither character was perfect, each had lots of emotional baggage, but they were basically good people who you could root for. I shed a few tears over this one, especially toward the end when stubborn (and sometimes pig-headed) Vic learned all of Niall's secret, and then laid his heart on the line for her.
If you're looking for a hot, hot, hot story, with characters who are flawed but oh so human, look no further. This was an amazing read for me, and I will definitely be looking for more from this author. Highly recommended 5 stars!
*Warning: not for the faint-of-heart; contains some light BDSM, including spanking and hand restraint; explicit sex including oral and anal sex; use of some sex toys, and explicit language.
May 21, 2009
This book came so highly recommended that I expected to love it. I didn’t, and I was a little disappointed. I wavered between a 3 and 4 star rating, because I didn’t like the characters, but I did like the story quite a bit.
The setting is downtown Chicago, and in the first scene we meet Niall, who is being mauled in her hallway by an overenthusiastic date, and she is saved by her reclusive neighbor, Vic. She proceeds to go back to Vic’s apartment and spend the night. I was disappointed that we learn very little about the characters and their pasts until much later in the book.
Vic was very difficult to like, and I don’t feel he really redeemed himself at the end. He is the ultimate Uber Alpha, and tolerates nothing but his own way. The only feelings that matter are his own. In the bedroom, he is an extreme Dom, and borderline cruel in my eyes. At times I felt bad for the woman who was being forced to endure this, but she’d eventually come around and ‘like it�. Hmm. We learn later that Niall’s ex-husband was abusive to her, so I found it hard to believe that she would be attracted to Vic, especially with his sexual demands.
We learn her 4 year old son was gunned down in front of her, and her husband fell apart mentally, and he had to be put in an institution. She keeps this information away from Vic, during their relationship. She is never sure if it is a relationship or just sex and is afraid to ask him how he feels. She doesn’t want to know the answer. All she knows is that this is the best sex she’s ever had and feels alive again since her son’s death.
The story progresses and you get a sense that Vic does have feelings for Niall, but he’s been burn in the past by another woman (of course), and holds his feelings inside. Plus, he is an Uber—that’s what they do.
I like a good sexy read. However this book had so many sex scenes, and they were so long, I found my self wanting to skip them to get to the story that I was interested in. (What does that say?) Not to mention the ick-factor of an act with a pearl necklace. Near the end, Niall finally tells him she has a son and he was murdered. What is Vic’s response? “Hey baby, I knew you’d be a wonderful mom�. He unbuttons her shirt, ties her to the bed and gets out a bag of sex toys. She finds no problem in this. What the hell? He proceeded to use toys on her and convince her that she needs anal sex. By the way, she is described as very petite. In every sex scene Vic reminds us how large his unit is in comparison to hers. Once it’s even noted that the erection ‘bobs up and touches his rib cage�. What? That sounds comparable to The Cannon, from another book, and just as damn scary. This whole scene made no sense to me because she’d finally just told him about her painful past and her son and this is what he’s got to say. She finally comes to her senses after this and bolts. (But it was the best sex she ever had)
Vic does come around a bit at the end. There is no promise of marriage, but an HEA, nevertheless. The author left a detail hanging that bothered me. Near the end we are introduced to a teen boy that Vic is mentoring. He is in the hospital at the end, and they have a conversation about him saying they need to get him out of his bad home life. He is never mentioned again. Why do we even get to know this boy and kind of like him if he is just going to be dropped? Annoying.
3 1/2 stars
This book is not for the faint of heart! The sex scenes contain oral, anal, toys, crude language, and a pearl necklace.
The setting is downtown Chicago, and in the first scene we meet Niall, who is being mauled in her hallway by an overenthusiastic date, and she is saved by her reclusive neighbor, Vic. She proceeds to go back to Vic’s apartment and spend the night. I was disappointed that we learn very little about the characters and their pasts until much later in the book.
Vic was very difficult to like, and I don’t feel he really redeemed himself at the end. He is the ultimate Uber Alpha, and tolerates nothing but his own way. The only feelings that matter are his own. In the bedroom, he is an extreme Dom, and borderline cruel in my eyes. At times I felt bad for the woman who was being forced to endure this, but she’d eventually come around and ‘like it�. Hmm. We learn later that Niall’s ex-husband was abusive to her, so I found it hard to believe that she would be attracted to Vic, especially with his sexual demands.
We learn her 4 year old son was gunned down in front of her, and her husband fell apart mentally, and he had to be put in an institution. She keeps this information away from Vic, during their relationship. She is never sure if it is a relationship or just sex and is afraid to ask him how he feels. She doesn’t want to know the answer. All she knows is that this is the best sex she’s ever had and feels alive again since her son’s death.
The story progresses and you get a sense that Vic does have feelings for Niall, but he’s been burn in the past by another woman (of course), and holds his feelings inside. Plus, he is an Uber—that’s what they do.
I like a good sexy read. However this book had so many sex scenes, and they were so long, I found my self wanting to skip them to get to the story that I was interested in. (What does that say?) Not to mention the ick-factor of an act with a pearl necklace. Near the end, Niall finally tells him she has a son and he was murdered. What is Vic’s response? “Hey baby, I knew you’d be a wonderful mom�. He unbuttons her shirt, ties her to the bed and gets out a bag of sex toys. She finds no problem in this. What the hell? He proceeded to use toys on her and convince her that she needs anal sex. By the way, she is described as very petite. In every sex scene Vic reminds us how large his unit is in comparison to hers. Once it’s even noted that the erection ‘bobs up and touches his rib cage�. What? That sounds comparable to The Cannon, from another book, and just as damn scary. This whole scene made no sense to me because she’d finally just told him about her painful past and her son and this is what he’s got to say. She finally comes to her senses after this and bolts. (But it was the best sex she ever had)
Vic does come around a bit at the end. There is no promise of marriage, but an HEA, nevertheless. The author left a detail hanging that bothered me. Near the end we are introduced to a teen boy that Vic is mentoring. He is in the hospital at the end, and they have a conversation about him saying they need to get him out of his bad home life. He is never mentioned again. Why do we even get to know this boy and kind of like him if he is just going to be dropped? Annoying.
3 1/2 stars
This book is not for the faint of heart! The sex scenes contain oral, anal, toys, crude language, and a pearl necklace.
December 16, 2008
This book is completely consuming and addictive, incredibly steamy and vivid and real. I was impressed by the quality of the writing - for the genre, it was very good - and the character development. There were moments of laughter, of sadness, of desire and love. It's a heady mix and you get sucked in there with them. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe the passion and headiness of this book.
Niall Chandler is frozen - three years after her little boy is killed, she's still dealing with the mental breakdown of her husband Stephen, who's confined to a institution, her parent's judgement and her own guilt. An unexpected and incredibly steamy encounter with her neighbour Vic Savian thaws her to a new world of desire and heat.
Vic can't get enough of her, but he's been burnt in the past and doesn't want to get too involved. When he sees signs of Niall's inner torment - the nightmares, the sadness in her eyes, the fear - he doesn't ask, and she's too guilt-ridden and afraid of being judged to open up to him. But the past works its way between them and destroys what they have, until they both wake up to the truth of their feelings and are honest with themselves, and each other.
If you're not a fan of graphic sex scenes, this isn't the book for you. If you are, though, then this should be the next book in your hands. It's a quick read mostly because you simply can't put it down. Four hours, I'd give it. Vic is incredibly sexy and has just the right balance of being demanding and tender. Both of them were very believable people, and because the prose wasn't syrupy or trying too hard at any time, it carried the story along nicely.
At first I was a bit worried about incorporating such a raw, horrible thing as a school shooting and the loss of a four-year-old into such a lust-filled story, but it worked. The trauma was very real, and made Niall a sympathetic character - instead of an annoying one, as the heroines of romance books often are. The chemistry between Vic and Niall is so thick you can taste it - again aided by the lack of cheesy prose and dialogue. It's raw, vulnerable, tense and insanely passionate: it's a real keeper.
Niall Chandler is frozen - three years after her little boy is killed, she's still dealing with the mental breakdown of her husband Stephen, who's confined to a institution, her parent's judgement and her own guilt. An unexpected and incredibly steamy encounter with her neighbour Vic Savian thaws her to a new world of desire and heat.
Vic can't get enough of her, but he's been burnt in the past and doesn't want to get too involved. When he sees signs of Niall's inner torment - the nightmares, the sadness in her eyes, the fear - he doesn't ask, and she's too guilt-ridden and afraid of being judged to open up to him. But the past works its way between them and destroys what they have, until they both wake up to the truth of their feelings and are honest with themselves, and each other.
If you're not a fan of graphic sex scenes, this isn't the book for you. If you are, though, then this should be the next book in your hands. It's a quick read mostly because you simply can't put it down. Four hours, I'd give it. Vic is incredibly sexy and has just the right balance of being demanding and tender. Both of them were very believable people, and because the prose wasn't syrupy or trying too hard at any time, it carried the story along nicely.
At first I was a bit worried about incorporating such a raw, horrible thing as a school shooting and the loss of a four-year-old into such a lust-filled story, but it worked. The trauma was very real, and made Niall a sympathetic character - instead of an annoying one, as the heroines of romance books often are. The chemistry between Vic and Niall is so thick you can taste it - again aided by the lack of cheesy prose and dialogue. It's raw, vulnerable, tense and insanely passionate: it's a real keeper.
February 5, 2015
4 stars � Contemporary Romance/Erotica/BDSM
I’m torn between giving 4 or 5 stars for Wicked Burn because although I enjoyed the writing, story, and steamy eroticism for a contemporary romance, I really disliked the characters, so I’m settling with 4 stars.
Vic and Niall waste no time in scorching the sheets, and I liked the whole ‘how do we go from a one night stand to something deeper?� aspect of the story. The sex scenes are smoking hot, but left me feeling cold because I never felt a connection between Vic and Niall and Vic’s bedroom demeanor is callous, selfish, and distant. Actually, Vic is a cold brute in and out of the bedroom, so he really rubbed me the wrong way on all fronts. Niall is a passive doormat who not only tolerates Vic’s cruel behavior but begs for more, even though she separated from an abusive husband...go figure. Both characters had lots of emotional baggage, and I felt like instead of taking the sex-will-fix-us route, Vic and Niall were in need of some honesty and good communication.
I’m a fan of good BDSM erotica and can appreciate D/s relationships with the best of them, but Vic’s cold dominant behavior just plain pissed me off. His whole ‘you’ll take it or else� got old, especially since he never showed a tender or soft side, even when Niall's sad and painful past is revealed.
Overall, Wicked Burn is a really good story with lots of explicit, blistering hot, erotic sex scenes, but I just didn’t quite feel the love. Still, it’s worthy of 4 stars.
I’m torn between giving 4 or 5 stars for Wicked Burn because although I enjoyed the writing, story, and steamy eroticism for a contemporary romance, I really disliked the characters, so I’m settling with 4 stars.
Vic and Niall waste no time in scorching the sheets, and I liked the whole ‘how do we go from a one night stand to something deeper?� aspect of the story. The sex scenes are smoking hot, but left me feeling cold because I never felt a connection between Vic and Niall and Vic’s bedroom demeanor is callous, selfish, and distant. Actually, Vic is a cold brute in and out of the bedroom, so he really rubbed me the wrong way on all fronts. Niall is a passive doormat who not only tolerates Vic’s cruel behavior but begs for more, even though she separated from an abusive husband...go figure. Both characters had lots of emotional baggage, and I felt like instead of taking the sex-will-fix-us route, Vic and Niall were in need of some honesty and good communication.
I’m a fan of good BDSM erotica and can appreciate D/s relationships with the best of them, but Vic’s cold dominant behavior just plain pissed me off. His whole ‘you’ll take it or else� got old, especially since he never showed a tender or soft side, even when Niall's sad and painful past is revealed.
Overall, Wicked Burn is a really good story with lots of explicit, blistering hot, erotic sex scenes, but I just didn’t quite feel the love. Still, it’s worthy of 4 stars.
March 27, 2009
I didn’t like this story but it is worth 4 stars because if you like BDSM, a more often than not selfish hero (that you can also interpret as a dom) and some borderline raunchy sex that skirted the painful, then you’ll probably enjoy the story.
I don’t think I’ve ever read so many high-on-the-ick factor scenes about blow-jobs (!)–but I don’t read that much erotica so to someone who does maybe it’s pretty banal. I didn’t really like the hero because he was mean during sex. He had some nice moments but there weren’t enough of them. Vic heads into sex like a General on a mission –no heart skips a beat here, more like a � you take it baby� with a grunt to go with it for good measure (!). He’s not one of those freakish Neanderthals like you can sometimes find in BDSM books but he’s still way too over the top.
The heroine is well-drawn and obviously likes the role of the sub but she’s just not my kind of heroine. Too passive –but she was happy in her passivity so the author did a good job showing that. The sexual tension between the two at one point was very good --too bad there wasn't more of it.
Something I didn’t like about the writing was that the author kept saying that every time they had sex it was the best time. In the end I didn’t buy all those super-fab moments because it was said pretty much from the get go –it loses its impact after the first 5 times. The hero also had an unusual physical characteristic that the author tried to pass off as sexy –he had one front tooth that overlapped the other. I don’t know but I kept getting this dumb ass looking picture in my head (!)
It's generally well-written with a decent story (which is saying a lot for erotica because sometimes you have to wonder if there’s anything apart from the sex scenes) but the sex turned me off more than once. I was actually looking for more scenes without sex and sort of dreading the drill-sergeant romps. It’s not my kind of book, but that aside it does come together well.
I don’t think I’ve ever read so many high-on-the-ick factor scenes about blow-jobs (!)–but I don’t read that much erotica so to someone who does maybe it’s pretty banal. I didn’t really like the hero because he was mean during sex. He had some nice moments but there weren’t enough of them. Vic heads into sex like a General on a mission –no heart skips a beat here, more like a � you take it baby� with a grunt to go with it for good measure (!). He’s not one of those freakish Neanderthals like you can sometimes find in BDSM books but he’s still way too over the top.
The heroine is well-drawn and obviously likes the role of the sub but she’s just not my kind of heroine. Too passive –but she was happy in her passivity so the author did a good job showing that. The sexual tension between the two at one point was very good --too bad there wasn't more of it.
Something I didn’t like about the writing was that the author kept saying that every time they had sex it was the best time. In the end I didn’t buy all those super-fab moments because it was said pretty much from the get go –it loses its impact after the first 5 times. The hero also had an unusual physical characteristic that the author tried to pass off as sexy –he had one front tooth that overlapped the other. I don’t know but I kept getting this dumb ass looking picture in my head (!)
It's generally well-written with a decent story (which is saying a lot for erotica because sometimes you have to wonder if there’s anything apart from the sex scenes) but the sex turned me off more than once. I was actually looking for more scenes without sex and sort of dreading the drill-sergeant romps. It’s not my kind of book, but that aside it does come together well.
December 10, 2008
I ended up staying up WAY past my bedtime to finish "Wicked Burn" by Beth Kery. It was worth every yawn I suffered through today! I just intended to read a few chapters, but the author sucked me in with her wickedly hot love scenes and emotional story.
Niall has been existing, but not living, for the last several years. The violent death of her child changed her world in almost every way. It's taken all her strength to just get through each day...and the nightmares don't help. When she's saved by her sexy neighbor from an overly amorous date, the sparks fly and the next thing Niall knows they're burning up the sheets. But Niall is keeping some pretty harsh secrets, and as the sex becomes a relationship, she's terrified of what her lover might do when he finds out.
Vic is a successful writer. He doesn't have a problem getting women...temporarily and on his terms. He's noticed his sexy neighbor even though she's not his type, but on her, even her pearls turn him on. And when the attraction explodes into the hottest affair he's ever had, Vic slowly realizes this might be what he'd given up on finding. Of course, the one thing Vic can't stand is a liar or a cheat.
A whole bunch of the hottest monogamous sex you'll read interspersed with a poignant story that may bring a few tears. Sure, the hero and heroine jump into bed, but there's actually a plot advancing reason for it. And at times I was frustrated with the heroine, but I can't begin to imagine the horrors she's faced and the lack of support she received from her family. And there were times I didn't like Vic too much either, but again, 'screw me once, to hell with you...screw me twice, to hell with me!' could pretty much be his motto. I don't want to give too much away, but I think fans of emotional erotica will definitely enjoy this one.
Niall has been existing, but not living, for the last several years. The violent death of her child changed her world in almost every way. It's taken all her strength to just get through each day...and the nightmares don't help. When she's saved by her sexy neighbor from an overly amorous date, the sparks fly and the next thing Niall knows they're burning up the sheets. But Niall is keeping some pretty harsh secrets, and as the sex becomes a relationship, she's terrified of what her lover might do when he finds out.
Vic is a successful writer. He doesn't have a problem getting women...temporarily and on his terms. He's noticed his sexy neighbor even though she's not his type, but on her, even her pearls turn him on. And when the attraction explodes into the hottest affair he's ever had, Vic slowly realizes this might be what he'd given up on finding. Of course, the one thing Vic can't stand is a liar or a cheat.
A whole bunch of the hottest monogamous sex you'll read interspersed with a poignant story that may bring a few tears. Sure, the hero and heroine jump into bed, but there's actually a plot advancing reason for it. And at times I was frustrated with the heroine, but I can't begin to imagine the horrors she's faced and the lack of support she received from her family. And there were times I didn't like Vic too much either, but again, 'screw me once, to hell with you...screw me twice, to hell with me!' could pretty much be his motto. I don't want to give too much away, but I think fans of emotional erotica will definitely enjoy this one.
May 9, 2012
Former review (prior to reading): Been gazing at this book for two years without buying it.
It is outrageously priced and hasn't dropped a dime in two years!
Penguin can suck it.
Review after borrowing a copy and reading: Really good read. Not perfect, but I happily kept turning the pages. Loved ideas and characterization within, but the storyline, including both major and minor elements, were too manufactured for my taste.
I like that Beth Kery is a polished writer and that she writes a smart erotic book. At least she bothered to contrive an emotionally complex storyline, which as a reader of erotic romance I really appreciate. I also like the trope of "one-night stand to helplessly in love". It's a favorite for me and it's done impressively here.
I kinda wanted to use my safe word on and that he was willing to use it here
... and she totally got off on it?
*sigh* Gonna have to call bullsh*t on that. Although, I love that "it" took the story to the revelation that Vic needed to have.
By the way, the pearls scene was phenomenal and probably worth the price of admission (had I paid it).
It is outrageously priced and hasn't dropped a dime in two years!
Penguin can suck it.
Review after borrowing a copy and reading: Really good read. Not perfect, but I happily kept turning the pages. Loved ideas and characterization within, but the storyline, including both major and minor elements, were too manufactured for my taste.
I like that Beth Kery is a polished writer and that she writes a smart erotic book. At least she bothered to contrive an emotionally complex storyline, which as a reader of erotic romance I really appreciate. I also like the trope of "one-night stand to helplessly in love". It's a favorite for me and it's done impressively here.
I kinda wanted to use my safe word on and that he was willing to use it here
... and she totally got off on it?
*sigh* Gonna have to call bullsh*t on that. Although, I love that "it" took the story to the revelation that Vic needed to have.
By the way, the pearls scene was phenomenal and probably worth the price of admission (had I paid it).
February 3, 2009
Wow, this book certainly packs a wallop! I looked at this one in the book store 2, maybe 3, times and opted not to get it because I didn't know a thing about the author, or the book. Then I saw Mahlet's review and went and read some of my other GR Friends' reviews. And just had to go back and get it. Boy, am I glad I did!
Wicked Burn is about woman, Niall, who works at an art museum and who has a very tragic past. A few years earlier, her 4 year old son was the victim of a crazy man's rampage. After his death, her husband went nuts and had to be committed. Since then, her life has been a hollow shell as she tried to deal with everything that happened. Then she meets her neighbor Vic Savian. They saw each other once or twice and both felt a connection, but it wasn't until Vic saved her from her date's over zealous attention that they finally talked...and ended up in bed. That night start's a flaming hot affair that quietly grows into more. But Niall's past still isn't settled and when it rears up again, she loses Vic and has to fight to get him back.
This book is labeled as a contemporary romance on the back cover, but it should really, really be called an erotic romance. It's chock full of sizzling hot, explicit sex. I mean, really, it should come with a spontaneous combustion warning it's so hot! I wasn't quite expecting it, but I certainly didn't mind! Kery definitely knows how to write hot sex scenes.
Saying that, though, it's fair to warn anyone considering this book that there is a somewhat dominance/submission aspect to the bedroom activities. Not to a severe degree. More along the lines that Vic is just a very dominant person in the bedroom and he's a bit rough around the edges sexually, and Niall doesn't mind at all. There are also some non-vanilla sexual acts that some might not like. So keep that in mind.
Those things give the book a very raw, edgy feel, though. Between that and the emotional depth, it makes this a very passionate story. Niall is a character you can really feel for. She's been through so much and Vic brings the zest back into her life. There's a great chemistry between the two that keeps you hooked into the story. And I loved reading how the relationship grew and changed.
I did find the conflict of their relationship a little predictable (what caused them to break up for a while). I knew it was going to happen from very early on. But Kery wrote it well despite.
Overall, this book was very, very engaging. Once I starting, I just did not want to put it down. There's such a sizzle and spark to the story and the characters that you're completely sucked into what's happening and all I wanted to do was keep reading.
So if you don't mind erotic romance and you like a good emotional romance, then you should definitely give this book a try! I'm definitely glad I read it!
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, explicit dirty talk, some dominance/submission, light bondage, spanking, anal sex, a little exhibitionism...plus, there were those pearls... ;)
Wicked Burn is about woman, Niall, who works at an art museum and who has a very tragic past. A few years earlier, her 4 year old son was the victim of a crazy man's rampage. After his death, her husband went nuts and had to be committed. Since then, her life has been a hollow shell as she tried to deal with everything that happened. Then she meets her neighbor Vic Savian. They saw each other once or twice and both felt a connection, but it wasn't until Vic saved her from her date's over zealous attention that they finally talked...and ended up in bed. That night start's a flaming hot affair that quietly grows into more. But Niall's past still isn't settled and when it rears up again, she loses Vic and has to fight to get him back.
This book is labeled as a contemporary romance on the back cover, but it should really, really be called an erotic romance. It's chock full of sizzling hot, explicit sex. I mean, really, it should come with a spontaneous combustion warning it's so hot! I wasn't quite expecting it, but I certainly didn't mind! Kery definitely knows how to write hot sex scenes.
Saying that, though, it's fair to warn anyone considering this book that there is a somewhat dominance/submission aspect to the bedroom activities. Not to a severe degree. More along the lines that Vic is just a very dominant person in the bedroom and he's a bit rough around the edges sexually, and Niall doesn't mind at all. There are also some non-vanilla sexual acts that some might not like. So keep that in mind.
Those things give the book a very raw, edgy feel, though. Between that and the emotional depth, it makes this a very passionate story. Niall is a character you can really feel for. She's been through so much and Vic brings the zest back into her life. There's a great chemistry between the two that keeps you hooked into the story. And I loved reading how the relationship grew and changed.
I did find the conflict of their relationship a little predictable (what caused them to break up for a while). I knew it was going to happen from very early on. But Kery wrote it well despite.
Overall, this book was very, very engaging. Once I starting, I just did not want to put it down. There's such a sizzle and spark to the story and the characters that you're completely sucked into what's happening and all I wanted to do was keep reading.
So if you don't mind erotic romance and you like a good emotional romance, then you should definitely give this book a try! I'm definitely glad I read it!
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, explicit dirty talk, some dominance/submission, light bondage, spanking, anal sex, a little exhibitionism...plus, there were those pearls... ;)
January 30, 2009
He wanted all of her...
Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor. Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in--and finds himself greatly rewarded...
And did she ever let him have it...
Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor--when she didn't even know his last name--is the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic--or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's experiencing sensual pleasures like she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of love that's in their hearts?
Vic is a sparse and brutally honest man. He's a famous playwright and he's taken over as Artistic Director for a Chicago theater when he moves in across the hall from the luscious Niall. He's a man who makes his living by stringing together deep, thought provoking words. Which must exhaust him because he barely strings together two sentences when he's with Niall. But that's okay. Actions speak louder than words and Niall and Vic get right down to the action. This book is definitely hot and heavy, yet it's not squicky or degrading in any way. Though it has a, ahem, BJ scene that is definitely not for the fainthearted. One of the hottest things I've ever read. Whew!! Vic has an outrageously dirty mouth during sex which just endeared him to me. I know. I'm twisted. But that's okay because I've accepted it.
Biggest compliment I can give this book is how real it was. This had an honesty to it that makes it exceedingly rare amongst a sea of erotica floating out there today. I didn't feel for one moment that this was just a fantasy penned by a naughty and imaginative authoress. These seemed like real, flesh and blood people. This is just a credit to the author and her skill at breathing life into her characters. She didn't use ridiculous reasons for Vic and Niall being the way they are today like some authors I could mention. Like, Vic didn't want to have anal sex with Niall because of some deep, dark secret (Yeah, Shayla Black, I'm looking at YOU) and Niall didn't let Vic dominate her in bed sexually because she thought she was unworthy or something equally asinine as that. They did those things because they just liked it. Who'd have thunk it?
Even though this has a tried and true plot ploy--Boy sees girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Then the big misunderstanding and then boy refuses to talk to girl til the big reveal and then all is forgiven--this was still fresh and innovative. For one it uses current day events and makes it relevent and two, this was done well. I can enjoy anything as long as it is done well. Which this was. This was a wonderfully spicy yet emotional read. This was true romantica and I enjoyed it immensely.
Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor. Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in--and finds himself greatly rewarded...
And did she ever let him have it...
Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor--when she didn't even know his last name--is the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic--or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's experiencing sensual pleasures like she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of love that's in their hearts?
Vic is a sparse and brutally honest man. He's a famous playwright and he's taken over as Artistic Director for a Chicago theater when he moves in across the hall from the luscious Niall. He's a man who makes his living by stringing together deep, thought provoking words. Which must exhaust him because he barely strings together two sentences when he's with Niall. But that's okay. Actions speak louder than words and Niall and Vic get right down to the action. This book is definitely hot and heavy, yet it's not squicky or degrading in any way. Though it has a, ahem, BJ scene that is definitely not for the fainthearted. One of the hottest things I've ever read. Whew!! Vic has an outrageously dirty mouth during sex which just endeared him to me. I know. I'm twisted. But that's okay because I've accepted it.
Biggest compliment I can give this book is how real it was. This had an honesty to it that makes it exceedingly rare amongst a sea of erotica floating out there today. I didn't feel for one moment that this was just a fantasy penned by a naughty and imaginative authoress. These seemed like real, flesh and blood people. This is just a credit to the author and her skill at breathing life into her characters. She didn't use ridiculous reasons for Vic and Niall being the way they are today like some authors I could mention. Like, Vic didn't want to have anal sex with Niall because of some deep, dark secret (Yeah, Shayla Black, I'm looking at YOU) and Niall didn't let Vic dominate her in bed sexually because she thought she was unworthy or something equally asinine as that. They did those things because they just liked it. Who'd have thunk it?
Even though this has a tried and true plot ploy--Boy sees girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Then the big misunderstanding and then boy refuses to talk to girl til the big reveal and then all is forgiven--this was still fresh and innovative. For one it uses current day events and makes it relevent and two, this was done well. I can enjoy anything as long as it is done well. Which this was. This was a wonderfully spicy yet emotional read. This was true romantica and I enjoyed it immensely.
May 15, 2018
Wow, this is an amazing find.
I’m so not a smut fan as the heavy-on-sex scripts just lose out on the emotional aspect. And then the sex-scenes get so repetitive, mechanical and meh.
So I’m happy I trusted the reviews and read this really unputdownable book.
And it packs a punch - emotional, intense, gripping and angsty while remaining true to its raunchy soul. So if you cannot take smut, don't read it. May disturb you and you will not appreciate the other bits.
Two lonely and damaged souls forge an Insta-lust-/connect which actually is Insta-love but they realise it almost too late. The intensity, depth and rightness of their bond is the strength of the book. He’s taciturn, brooding and dominant while she’s wide-eyed, trusting and refuses him nothing. Not truly a sub-dom thing but quite close, practically and emotionally. But it’s a love story - first and simple.
The sex has reams and reams dedicated to it - and I could read it (almost) without skimming as the author keeps it fresh and non-repetitive. But it’s the story and the revelations and the relationship dynamics that hooked me.
The h’s backstory is somewhat disturbing and people may judge her as do her parents and as even the H ends up doing. I won’t give details but the author gives no excuses and doesn’t even give her a chance or doubt to become dutiful and conscientious about it. Concerned and compassionate, yes but nothing more. I had a few disturbed moments as I'm so used to hs' being more duty-bound and long suffering (read goody-good). Especially a soft and feminine sweetheart h like her but she holds firm.
The H does his asshat routine on knowing the (half-)truth and dumps her.
The one concern, when we have an oversexed smut H, is celibacy/cheating during separation. We know he does get a BJ or two but apart from that the author keeps it fuzzy. I cannot believe he doesn’t go beyond the oral sex. But then they have broken up from his pov, so he doesn’t owe her any fidelity.
A reaffirming epilogue would have made it perfect. Maybe even lifted it by a star.
But I’m definitely reading more by this author. She knows how to build up the man-woman bond to make it feel absolutely right and true.
I’m so not a smut fan as the heavy-on-sex scripts just lose out on the emotional aspect. And then the sex-scenes get so repetitive, mechanical and meh.
So I’m happy I trusted the reviews and read this really unputdownable book.
And it packs a punch - emotional, intense, gripping and angsty while remaining true to its raunchy soul. So if you cannot take smut, don't read it. May disturb you and you will not appreciate the other bits.
Two lonely and damaged souls forge an Insta-lust-/connect which actually is Insta-love but they realise it almost too late. The intensity, depth and rightness of their bond is the strength of the book. He’s taciturn, brooding and dominant while she’s wide-eyed, trusting and refuses him nothing. Not truly a sub-dom thing but quite close, practically and emotionally. But it’s a love story - first and simple.
The sex has reams and reams dedicated to it - and I could read it (almost) without skimming as the author keeps it fresh and non-repetitive. But it’s the story and the revelations and the relationship dynamics that hooked me.
The h’s backstory is somewhat disturbing and people may judge her as do her parents and as even the H ends up doing. I won’t give details but the author gives no excuses and doesn’t even give her a chance or doubt to become dutiful and conscientious about it. Concerned and compassionate, yes but nothing more. I had a few disturbed moments as I'm so used to hs' being more duty-bound and long suffering (read goody-good). Especially a soft and feminine sweetheart h like her but she holds firm.
The H does his asshat routine on knowing the (half-)truth and dumps her.
The one concern, when we have an oversexed smut H, is celibacy/cheating during separation. We know he does get a BJ or two but apart from that the author keeps it fuzzy. I cannot believe he doesn’t go beyond the oral sex. But then they have broken up from his pov, so he doesn’t owe her any fidelity.
A reaffirming epilogue would have made it perfect. Maybe even lifted it by a star.
But I’m definitely reading more by this author. She knows how to build up the man-woman bond to make it feel absolutely right and true.
September 1, 2015
I read a lot, in pretty much every genre there is. While these days I mostly read YA, I have a big soft spot for romance, as that's what I grew up on. And sometimes, a girl just wants some smut. That's what I was after with WICKED BURN.
The story itself is your typical erotica / romance setup. Niall Chandler is recovering from a painful past, and meets Vic Savian, her gruff, sexy neighbor who begins to heal her with the power of his sex. There isn't much relationship developed outside of the (many) sex scenes, and what is there is your typical romance trope of drama after drama leading to steamy reconciliation after reconciliation, without much actual conversation until the conclusion.
This kind of formula is a bit par for the course in the genre, and I don't mean to say that disparagingly. There are some authors who work within the traditional formulas of the romance world, and do it so spectacularly that they are able to create tension and suspense even while their readers know exactly what's coming next.
Beth Kery, unfortunately, is not one of those authors. At least not with WICKED BURN. However, all that I can forgive. What I can't forgive--and fear I may never be able to forget--was the AWFUL language and imagery used in the love scenes. I think I spent a good 75% of the story with my face scrunched up, fighting back the gag reflex.
For instance:
MOIST TISSUES. Oh god.
LIQUEFIED FLESH.
And the pièce de résistance, "Now that's a juicy little pocket." AND NO, HE WASN'T TALKING ABOUT THE MICROWAVABLE SNACK.
And those are just a few examples of the many, many awkward and repulsive phrases used. By the end of the book (why I decided to push through to the end, I'm not sure) I felt physically exhausted and in need of a palate cleanse.
(Note: I don't usually write reviews as blatantly snarky as this, but I find humor heals all wounds, and I am deeply traumatized.)
The story itself is your typical erotica / romance setup. Niall Chandler is recovering from a painful past, and meets Vic Savian, her gruff, sexy neighbor who begins to heal her with the power of his sex. There isn't much relationship developed outside of the (many) sex scenes, and what is there is your typical romance trope of drama after drama leading to steamy reconciliation after reconciliation, without much actual conversation until the conclusion.
This kind of formula is a bit par for the course in the genre, and I don't mean to say that disparagingly. There are some authors who work within the traditional formulas of the romance world, and do it so spectacularly that they are able to create tension and suspense even while their readers know exactly what's coming next.
Beth Kery, unfortunately, is not one of those authors. At least not with WICKED BURN. However, all that I can forgive. What I can't forgive--and fear I may never be able to forget--was the AWFUL language and imagery used in the love scenes. I think I spent a good 75% of the story with my face scrunched up, fighting back the gag reflex.
For instance:
MOIST TISSUES. Oh god.
LIQUEFIED FLESH.
And the pièce de résistance, "Now that's a juicy little pocket." AND NO, HE WASN'T TALKING ABOUT THE MICROWAVABLE SNACK.
And those are just a few examples of the many, many awkward and repulsive phrases used. By the end of the book (why I decided to push through to the end, I'm not sure) I felt physically exhausted and in need of a palate cleanse.
(Note: I don't usually write reviews as blatantly snarky as this, but I find humor heals all wounds, and I am deeply traumatized.)
January 30, 2009
Highly, HIGHLY recommend. This goes into my top 5 favorite erotica ever. It's not quite good enough to knock out my number one, but it came damn close. The first sex scene hit by page 9 and it's about 20 pages in length! Yes, THAT is the kind of stuff this book is made of :) But that's not all. This book is incredibly emotional as well. You can't help but become so connected to the characters and their stuggles.
The heroine, Niall, a curator at a Chicago art museum, is very damaged with quite a bit of baggage she's hiding from her new lover, the handsome, sexy and elusive playwright Vic Savian. Vic doesn't come with a clean slate to their relationship either. His almost marriage in a very unhealthy past relationship to a "hollywood" type has left him jaded when it comes to women. Vic senses deep pain within Niall, but at least initially, he chooses to ignore it. He doesn't want to get too emotionally entangled with Niall.
The bedroom scenes were sooo hot! Vic is a very dominant and vocal lover. There's some spanking and restraints, but nothing too hardcore. I will NEVER look at pearl necklaces the same way again. Extremely creative and sexy writing ;)
What I probably enjoyed most was the angst. Vic has very strong feelings when it comes to betrayals & lies, and Niall's hiding a very big secret. Their relationship is truly tested...there are some heartbreaking scenes where you will really feel Niall's pain...having to witness Vic...oh, I can't say! You'll just have to see *g* This book was so fantastic, that when my night light went out at 2:30 a.m. due to a power outage caused by a horrible ice storm, I continued to read by candlelight until 5 a.m., only stopping because both of my candles had burned out. Also big kudos to author Beth Kery for all the real descriptions of Chicago streets - as a Chicago lover, I really appreciated it.
The heroine, Niall, a curator at a Chicago art museum, is very damaged with quite a bit of baggage she's hiding from her new lover, the handsome, sexy and elusive playwright Vic Savian. Vic doesn't come with a clean slate to their relationship either. His almost marriage in a very unhealthy past relationship to a "hollywood" type has left him jaded when it comes to women. Vic senses deep pain within Niall, but at least initially, he chooses to ignore it. He doesn't want to get too emotionally entangled with Niall.
The bedroom scenes were sooo hot! Vic is a very dominant and vocal lover. There's some spanking and restraints, but nothing too hardcore. I will NEVER look at pearl necklaces the same way again. Extremely creative and sexy writing ;)
What I probably enjoyed most was the angst. Vic has very strong feelings when it comes to betrayals & lies, and Niall's hiding a very big secret. Their relationship is truly tested...there are some heartbreaking scenes where you will really feel Niall's pain...having to witness Vic...oh, I can't say! You'll just have to see *g* This book was so fantastic, that when my night light went out at 2:30 a.m. due to a power outage caused by a horrible ice storm, I continued to read by candlelight until 5 a.m., only stopping because both of my candles had burned out. Also big kudos to author Beth Kery for all the real descriptions of Chicago streets - as a Chicago lover, I really appreciated it.
November 9, 2018
Have been on a Beth Kery binge and I absolutely loved this book - best one so far, by miles. It really felt like a "romantica" book, in that there was the erotic (sizzling chemistry - put your AC on high!), but the romance / love story completely held it's own and was the integral part.
I loved Vic and Niall and thought they were really cute together; loved Vic the brooding hero who rarely speaks but is a playwright. Also, Kery for the most part maintained that - we're not just told he's a man of few words and then see him talking all the time. The story takes place over a significant amount of time, which is something I always prefer because it makes the relationship and its development feel more authentic (though yes, they do jump into bed together right away). I also appreciated that we see quite a lot of Vic and Niall outside of one of their apartments, around other people, going to various places; shows us that their compatibility is not solely in the physical realm.
I wish Niall had just chained him to a chair and forced him to listen to her explanation in that last part of the book. I got a little annoyed by her passivity. I also felt like some parts of the story could have been a little tighter and I really would have liked there to be further discussion between Niall and Vic about her past and what she went through.
I loved Vic and Niall and thought they were really cute together; loved Vic the brooding hero who rarely speaks but is a playwright. Also, Kery for the most part maintained that - we're not just told he's a man of few words and then see him talking all the time. The story takes place over a significant amount of time, which is something I always prefer because it makes the relationship and its development feel more authentic (though yes, they do jump into bed together right away). I also appreciated that we see quite a lot of Vic and Niall outside of one of their apartments, around other people, going to various places; shows us that their compatibility is not solely in the physical realm.
I wish Niall had just chained him to a chair and forced him to listen to her explanation in that last part of the book. I got a little annoyed by her passivity. I also felt like some parts of the story could have been a little tighter and I really would have liked there to be further discussion between Niall and Vic about her past and what she went through.
April 11, 2021
3.5 stars.
This was erotica so there was a lot of sex, the writing was good if slightly dated (but still good)
The reason for the reduction is stars is the author provided a fairly dark and sad back story for the heroine and the hero just acted like a self righteous asshole when he jumped to conclusions and didn't let her explain her tragic past. So I understand with erotica there will be a lot of sex and that’s fine but I think if there is a tragic backstory the author has a responsibility to introduce the sex scenes at appropriate points not when something sensitive to the story has been revealed.
So when the hero does start to learn about her past from her I think the below quotes sums it up...he does go on to regret this but it reflected badly on the hero and the handling of the plot line which covers the loss of a child through violence.
...What had made him pull sex toys out of the closet at that moment, for Christ’s sake? He’d hardly left her feeling secure with their relationship, after all. You told her the only relationship that existed between you was a sexual one. You told her that what had happened between you before was a brief, nearly forgettable relationship of convenience, he reminded himself bitterly. Not a brilliant move before subjecting her to the type of sex that requires the deepest form of trust. What’s more, why had he done such a thing right after she’d revealed something as intimate as the fact that she’d had a child . . . that she’d lost a child?...
Also I shouldn't complain about this given that it is erotica but I could have done with more breaks between the sex scenes they were lengthy with a flick of POV's for each sex scene which made them seem longer.
Overall I was intrigued.
This was erotica so there was a lot of sex, the writing was good if slightly dated (but still good)
The reason for the reduction is stars is the author provided a fairly dark and sad back story for the heroine and the hero just acted like a self righteous asshole when he jumped to conclusions and didn't let her explain her tragic past. So I understand with erotica there will be a lot of sex and that’s fine but I think if there is a tragic backstory the author has a responsibility to introduce the sex scenes at appropriate points not when something sensitive to the story has been revealed.
So when the hero does start to learn about her past from her I think the below quotes sums it up...he does go on to regret this but it reflected badly on the hero and the handling of the plot line which covers the loss of a child through violence.
...What had made him pull sex toys out of the closet at that moment, for Christ’s sake? He’d hardly left her feeling secure with their relationship, after all. You told her the only relationship that existed between you was a sexual one. You told her that what had happened between you before was a brief, nearly forgettable relationship of convenience, he reminded himself bitterly. Not a brilliant move before subjecting her to the type of sex that requires the deepest form of trust. What’s more, why had he done such a thing right after she’d revealed something as intimate as the fact that she’d had a child . . . that she’d lost a child?...
Also I shouldn't complain about this given that it is erotica but I could have done with more breaks between the sex scenes they were lengthy with a flick of POV's for each sex scene which made them seem longer.
Overall I was intrigued.
August 23, 2012
Buddy read with
After I read the 1st chapter of this book I was sure it would be a mindless erotica with no plot, characters and only some sex thrown around from 3 to 3 pages. I was never so glad to be wrong! It was a very hot book, lots of chemistry between the characters, lots of hot, imaginative sex(you don't want to start me on that. The dude had stamina... did he have it.). The way the author built the characters and interspersed it with the hot stuff it's absolutely brilliant!
The only thing I want to complain about was the seemingly rushed ending. I would love it if the author did a bonus chapter, a small novella, something! to make this better. An epilogue with the characters after some time, to see them in their happily ever after would be perfect.
This is perfectly random, but if the cat were at Vic's ranch and we changed the world "firemen" with "hot play writer" it would fit perfectly :))
After I read the 1st chapter of this book I was sure it would be a mindless erotica with no plot, characters and only some sex thrown around from 3 to 3 pages. I was never so glad to be wrong! It was a very hot book, lots of chemistry between the characters, lots of hot, imaginative sex(you don't want to start me on that. The dude had stamina... did he have it.). The way the author built the characters and interspersed it with the hot stuff it's absolutely brilliant!
The only thing I want to complain about was the seemingly rushed ending. I would love it if the author did a bonus chapter, a small novella, something! to make this better. An epilogue with the characters after some time, to see them in their happily ever after would be perfect.
This is perfectly random, but if the cat were at Vic's ranch and we changed the world "firemen" with "hot play writer" it would fit perfectly :))
Read
February 10, 2016As long as I remember, I DNF this. Clearly I don't remember anything about the story. LOL #SorryNotSorry
October 12, 2010
Impressive writing talent, but I was bothered with the method used to separate the couple.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
During the first half of the book, I was captivated and intrigued. The author has a great voice, excellent portrayal of characters and motivations. Good dialogue. She surprised me at times. I loved the sincerity and honesty of the two characters, no coyness, no games. They followed their feelings. Her characters had depth and vulnerability. I felt like I was there, in this interesting world of people. There were also a lot of erotic, hot, sensual sex scenes. Vic is an extreme-turn-on in the bedroom. I was looking forward to a 4 or 5 star read.
Then I was let down, starting on page 196. The characters were no longer honest. The author used my number one pet peeve: “conflict due to vague communication and inaccurate assumptions.� The problem went both ways. Vic heard something A, but he inaccurately assumed something different B, and he was mad at Niall. Niall could have cleared this up by telling him some (or all) of the details C which would have taken one minute. Instead, she says nothing, letting him believe B. Her reason was that she didn’t want Vic to be mad at her and misjudge her. But, he was already mad, and he already misjudged her because of B. When he later learns the truth C, he is not mad, and he understands. The last 148 pages of the book were about this separation. I was annoyed that Niall never corrected him and let the separation go on for far too long. I boil it down to this. She didn’t tell him the truth because she didn’t want him to misjudge her and end the relationship, but he already misjudged her, and she was the one who ended the relationship. I know this happens in the real world, but it still bothers and frustrates me because it is over used in romance novels. Another separation happens later, again because she assumes something incorrect about Vic.
The author's characters and conversations are modern with a slight edge (which I like) as opposed to the predictably sweet writing associated with so many romance novels of the past. I have some pet peeves listed under In My Own Words on my Amazon profile page. If the author avoided using them, I would be ecstatic! She would be great!
STORY BRIEF:
Vic and Niall are neighbors, living across the hall from each other in a high rise. Niall is a curator at an art museum. Vic is a director and playwright for a local theater. They meet, are immediately attracted to each other and have a wildly passionate love affair. They both are suffering from past hurts, but Niall’s hurt is worse. For three years, she has been mourning the death of her child.
DATA:
Story length: 343 pages. Sexual language: strong/erotic with rear door activity. Number of sex scenes: 11. Total number of sex scene pages: 104. Setting: current day Chicago and a farm in southern Illinois. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Beth Kery books, see my 4 ½ star review of Release posted 2-7-10.
DISCLOSURE:
The author sent this book to me free of charge, requesting a review.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
During the first half of the book, I was captivated and intrigued. The author has a great voice, excellent portrayal of characters and motivations. Good dialogue. She surprised me at times. I loved the sincerity and honesty of the two characters, no coyness, no games. They followed their feelings. Her characters had depth and vulnerability. I felt like I was there, in this interesting world of people. There were also a lot of erotic, hot, sensual sex scenes. Vic is an extreme-turn-on in the bedroom. I was looking forward to a 4 or 5 star read.
Then I was let down, starting on page 196. The characters were no longer honest. The author used my number one pet peeve: “conflict due to vague communication and inaccurate assumptions.� The problem went both ways. Vic heard something A, but he inaccurately assumed something different B, and he was mad at Niall. Niall could have cleared this up by telling him some (or all) of the details C which would have taken one minute. Instead, she says nothing, letting him believe B. Her reason was that she didn’t want Vic to be mad at her and misjudge her. But, he was already mad, and he already misjudged her because of B. When he later learns the truth C, he is not mad, and he understands. The last 148 pages of the book were about this separation. I was annoyed that Niall never corrected him and let the separation go on for far too long. I boil it down to this. She didn’t tell him the truth because she didn’t want him to misjudge her and end the relationship, but he already misjudged her, and she was the one who ended the relationship. I know this happens in the real world, but it still bothers and frustrates me because it is over used in romance novels. Another separation happens later, again because she assumes something incorrect about Vic.
The author's characters and conversations are modern with a slight edge (which I like) as opposed to the predictably sweet writing associated with so many romance novels of the past. I have some pet peeves listed under In My Own Words on my Amazon profile page. If the author avoided using them, I would be ecstatic! She would be great!
STORY BRIEF:
Vic and Niall are neighbors, living across the hall from each other in a high rise. Niall is a curator at an art museum. Vic is a director and playwright for a local theater. They meet, are immediately attracted to each other and have a wildly passionate love affair. They both are suffering from past hurts, but Niall’s hurt is worse. For three years, she has been mourning the death of her child.
DATA:
Story length: 343 pages. Sexual language: strong/erotic with rear door activity. Number of sex scenes: 11. Total number of sex scene pages: 104. Setting: current day Chicago and a farm in southern Illinois. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Beth Kery books, see my 4 ½ star review of Release posted 2-7-10.
DISCLOSURE:
The author sent this book to me free of charge, requesting a review.
October 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this one!!..way more than i was expecting to! What i mean by that is that the first half was really ALL sex...not a whole lot happened out of the bedroom which was a bit of a disappointment. Now i realize it's been shelved by many people as erotica so i was expecting that going in but i do still enjoy a good story with my erotica.
I don't always love it when it's an entire book of just plain old sex because even though i enjoy that in my books, after a while i'll start skimming through the sex scenes to get to the good stuff...being the actual story parts aka good emotional stuff!!
Now as i've mentioned...the first half was pretty much all sex, GOOD and very hot!!...but a bit much. After that though, it completely went in another direction and it almost became a straight contemporary romance with some good steamy sex scenes!!
I LOVED the second half of the book!! The couple's relationship progresses beyond the bedroom and the heroine has a very heartbreaking past that ends up being the catalyst to all the emotional drama that ensues!! So sad!!...but soooo good!! This was a book i'd been interested in reading for some time and i'm glad i finally decided to give it a shot! It was a little bit of a rocky start for me but i pushed through till i got to the meaty part of the story, which ended up proving that not only can Beth Kery write hot sex but she also has some mad writing skills!
I don't always love it when it's an entire book of just plain old sex because even though i enjoy that in my books, after a while i'll start skimming through the sex scenes to get to the good stuff...being the actual story parts aka good emotional stuff!!
Now as i've mentioned...the first half was pretty much all sex, GOOD and very hot!!...but a bit much. After that though, it completely went in another direction and it almost became a straight contemporary romance with some good steamy sex scenes!!
I LOVED the second half of the book!! The couple's relationship progresses beyond the bedroom and the heroine has a very heartbreaking past that ends up being the catalyst to all the emotional drama that ensues!! So sad!!...but soooo good!! This was a book i'd been interested in reading for some time and i'm glad i finally decided to give it a shot! It was a little bit of a rocky start for me but i pushed through till i got to the meaty part of the story, which ended up proving that not only can Beth Kery write hot sex but she also has some mad writing skills!
December 22, 2012
Erotic ~~~ Sexy ~~~ Sizzling ~~~ HOT!
A Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friend recommended this book to me, and I was not disappointed. From the first chapter page turning erotica, “Erotica â€� keeps the entertainment level high.
From the moment Vic and Niall first locked eyes on the elevator you could feel the powerful erotic intensity in them Page by page the story drew me in. The mystery of Niall’s past, the unspoken words of Vic - although feeling his powerful acts of dominant passion. As they fall for each other, I could truly feel their depth of desire and emotions for one another. I was so completely into this story that I felt like I was actually a spectator watching in.
I was totally mesmerized.
Quote:
Vic crumpled the flimsy paper cup and tossed it on top of the bag. She wasn't going to like this, but � "No. I want you too much to take you in stingy little servings. Maybe you'll think that's greedy of me, but I'm not the kind of guy who takes what he wants in half measures." He met her gaze. "That's not who I am, Niall."
This was a deep compelling story... I loved the book and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys erotic romance.
Thanks, Beth Kerry, for an exceptional read.
A Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friend recommended this book to me, and I was not disappointed. From the first chapter page turning erotica, “Erotica â€� keeps the entertainment level high.
From the moment Vic and Niall first locked eyes on the elevator you could feel the powerful erotic intensity in them Page by page the story drew me in. The mystery of Niall’s past, the unspoken words of Vic - although feeling his powerful acts of dominant passion. As they fall for each other, I could truly feel their depth of desire and emotions for one another. I was so completely into this story that I felt like I was actually a spectator watching in.
I was totally mesmerized.
Quote:
Vic crumpled the flimsy paper cup and tossed it on top of the bag. She wasn't going to like this, but � "No. I want you too much to take you in stingy little servings. Maybe you'll think that's greedy of me, but I'm not the kind of guy who takes what he wants in half measures." He met her gaze. "That's not who I am, Niall."
This was a deep compelling story... I loved the book and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys erotic romance.
Thanks, Beth Kerry, for an exceptional read.
September 18, 2020
Well, the sex scenes were hot (a few moments were cringe-worthy).
Vic and Niall are neighbors who have eyed each other, but haven't spoken/meet. They meet and have sex for the first time after Vic steps in and helps get rid of a date that is harassing Niall. Of course the sex is hot and amazing.
Niall has a Tragic Past. Her young son was murdered in front of her while she was dropping him off at school (multiple people were shot and killed). Her husband loses it (literally) and had to be institutionalized. Niall's parents are assholes and guilt Niall as she goes through a divorce. It's been about 3 years since the murder and Steven shows no sign of any improvement.
A major story-line involves Niall not being fully honest in regards to her past and trusting Vic with it. Even then, Vic still got most of the story from one of Niall's friends. (Say what?). And it gets better..... Bottom line: Tragic Past is overcome by Magic Dick.
I read this for Romance-opoly Flirt's Corner moon track.
Vic and Niall are neighbors who have eyed each other, but haven't spoken/meet. They meet and have sex for the first time after Vic steps in and helps get rid of a date that is harassing Niall. Of course the sex is hot and amazing.
Niall has a Tragic Past. Her young son was murdered in front of her while she was dropping him off at school (multiple people were shot and killed). Her husband loses it (literally) and had to be institutionalized. Niall's parents are assholes and guilt Niall as she goes through a divorce. It's been about 3 years since the murder and Steven shows no sign of any improvement.
A major story-line involves Niall not being fully honest in regards to her past and trusting Vic with it. Even then, Vic still got most of the story from one of Niall's friends. (Say what?). And it gets better..... Bottom line: Tragic Past is overcome by Magic Dick.
I read this for Romance-opoly Flirt's Corner moon track.
October 15, 2009
I absolutely loved this book!! The characters were well developed. You felt their pain, joy and physical attraction to each other. I cannot wait for this author to release more of her work. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a hot,erotic romance novel to lose themselves in for a few hours. It is a quick, very enjoyable read!
July 23, 2009
I have mixed feeling about this one. I think that's because i liked the heroine Niall but the hero was complete jackass material.
Vic Savian, is a playwright, who is best described as self involved. He had a bad relationship before, so he has a thing about staying away from beautiful women - which obviously didn't work, or this novel would be 2 pages long. He lusts after Niall, but the sex is crude, at best and the conversation mostly non-existent unless it was dirty talk.
He can see she's got demons and even sees sees her having nightmares, but gentleman that he is, steers clear of that part and is only interested in the sex.
Niall, is a character that i thought was pretty well written. She's suffered a lot with the horrific death of her son, a institutionalised husband, parents who blame her for not caring for said husband, and most others judging her for how things turned out. She finds Vic sexy (never heard of anyone finding a overlapping tooth sexy. I didn't even know that was possible. It being sexy i mean, not the overlapping part. But hey, whatever makes you happy, right?) She apparently likes the crude rough sex (it really wasn't nice) and sees in Vic someone she can share her life with.
Then things go downhill when Niall's mother spills out things Niall has not explained to Vic yet. Niall goes into relationship-guilt-hibernation mode, Vic gets into 'drama queen on his ranch mode' and gets more self involved. Later, Niall is ready to get back to him and goes into 'let me explain things while i stay at your ranch' mode. But he's not ready to listen to explanations and wants nothing from her.
Aah wait. He changed his mind. We're now in 'boinking but no explanations' mode. (Note to self: Stop using the word mode)
Playwright Neanderthal Extraordinaire has a sudden turn around when Niall finally grows some balls and walks out on him, and suddenly his brain cells are buzzing and analysing everything that's been happening since they met, and now he wants to talk. Sheesh.
The ending was quite good actually. Almost 'get the tissues out' good. I don't know how anyone would want to be with this man, but she obviously loved him. The only reason this gets a 3/5 is the plot, because of Niall's back-story and how Kery has depicted what she's gone and goes through. I'll admit the negative tone of the review is because i just don't like Vic and this book isn't as bad as I'm making it sound. The plot is really good actually. Its worth a read just for that.
Vic Savian, is a playwright, who is best described as self involved. He had a bad relationship before, so he has a thing about staying away from beautiful women - which obviously didn't work, or this novel would be 2 pages long. He lusts after Niall, but the sex is crude, at best and the conversation mostly non-existent unless it was dirty talk.
He can see she's got demons and even sees sees her having nightmares, but gentleman that he is, steers clear of that part and is only interested in the sex.
Niall, is a character that i thought was pretty well written. She's suffered a lot with the horrific death of her son, a institutionalised husband, parents who blame her for not caring for said husband, and most others judging her for how things turned out. She finds Vic sexy (never heard of anyone finding a overlapping tooth sexy. I didn't even know that was possible. It being sexy i mean, not the overlapping part. But hey, whatever makes you happy, right?) She apparently likes the crude rough sex (it really wasn't nice) and sees in Vic someone she can share her life with.
Then things go downhill when Niall's mother spills out things Niall has not explained to Vic yet. Niall goes into relationship-guilt-hibernation mode, Vic gets into 'drama queen on his ranch mode' and gets more self involved. Later, Niall is ready to get back to him and goes into 'let me explain things while i stay at your ranch' mode. But he's not ready to listen to explanations and wants nothing from her.
Aah wait. He changed his mind. We're now in 'boinking but no explanations' mode. (Note to self: Stop using the word mode)
Playwright Neanderthal Extraordinaire has a sudden turn around when Niall finally grows some balls and walks out on him, and suddenly his brain cells are buzzing and analysing everything that's been happening since they met, and now he wants to talk. Sheesh.
The ending was quite good actually. Almost 'get the tissues out' good. I don't know how anyone would want to be with this man, but she obviously loved him. The only reason this gets a 3/5 is the plot, because of Niall's back-story and how Kery has depicted what she's gone and goes through. I'll admit the negative tone of the review is because i just don't like Vic and this book isn't as bad as I'm making it sound. The plot is really good actually. Its worth a read just for that.
October 12, 2012
I almost wish i had not read this, I find it very hard to read books where a child dies like this book. I will try to review this book tomorrow when i have had time to think about it but right now i am not it the right frame of mind to review. Apologies.
June 30, 2011
This book was enjoyable.The H/h had some blazing hot scenes and towards the end of the book it was somewhat heartbreaking, but it all worked out.
February 28, 2012
As Reviewed for link:
Wicked Burn is the second title I’ve read from Beth Kery, but I can promise you, it won’t be the last. It’s the story of two people with very painful pasts that come together by chance and explode with kind of passion that could only be proclaimed by destiny.
The story begins with Vic Savian, hugely successful playwright and part-time farmer, who is in Chicago for three nights a week to see to the opening of his new play. While in his apartment late one night, he hears his elusive but beautiful neighbor, Niall Chandler, being accosted by her date, despite her repeated rebuffs. Luckily for Niall, Vic steps in.. Also lucky for her, he does it without a shirt.
From the moment Vic and Niall share a page, the sexual tension blazes. Vic has wanted Niall from the first moment he laid eyes her. She’s not his usual type. Being six-foot-three with a body honed by manual labor, he likes his women tall and lush. But for whatever reason, the petite blonde from across the hall brings his libido ragingly to life.
Niall Chandler is a curator at the Metropolitan Art Institute and lives in the Riverview Towers, across the hall from Vic. Niall hasn’t been with a man in years, but watching Vic move about his apartment with no shirt on, makes her very aware of how her body responds to his. It doesn’t take very long for all of that sexual tension to erupt into full fledged carnality. The sex scenes between Vic and Niall are so steamy and lascivious I thought at times that I might go up in flames!
But Wicked Burn isn’t just about the sex. (Though I couldn’t imagine the book without it). The relationship between Vic and Niall is so raw in everyway, the sex between them is just where the common ground begins. When people ask why I prefer sexually explicit romance, I usually explain that sex is a language all-its-own. It tells me as much, if not more about the relationship between the characters, as the dialogue. There is no better example of said language, than in Wicked Burn.
But that’s not all that can be said about this book. The plot is fully developed. The characters are layered and complex. The story takes twists and turns you don’t expect. If I had to use just a few words to describe Beth Kery’s writing, I would choose ‘iron fist in a velvet glove�. That is to say � the author’s words are very profound, so smooth and beautifully textured, and yet pack such an emotional wallop, at times it takes you by surprise. I found myself going back a few sentences more than once to savor the prose so eloquently put to page.
Both characters have heartbreak and tragedy in their pasts that they, for whatever reason, seem unwilling to share. Even though I loathe couples who have obstacles of their own making because of lack of communication, in this case-I get it.
Imagine for a long period of time, you only existed, not lived, but just went through the motions of everyday life. Then, when you least expected it, something or someone crash landed into your life and reawakened in you, the parts you had long ago relegated to the deep-freeze. Would you be so willing to risk rejection by telling them the truth? It would be so easy to talk yourself into keeping the past in the past for just one more day. To be able to experience all of the sensual, wanton pleasure only that person can make you feel. Maybe it’s not even fear of rejection, but the ability to live without the black cloud of the past hanging over you and your momentary happiness.
Vic and Niall have obstacles to overcome, but it’s very enjoyable to watch unfold. There are so many great things about this book, I can’t list them all. Just know you’ll enjoy all this book has to offer. Definite recommended Read.
What I loved about Wicked Burn:
-The scene with the pearls. Whew! Who knew pearls could be so hot! I love a man who can get creative in bed, or against a door. Wherever.
-Vic is a Dom, not in the traditional, wears leathers and has a St. Andrew’s Cross in his bedroom capacity, but a Dom none-the less.
-The toys.
-There is panty ripping. Anybody else a sucker for panty ripping?
-Niall puts trust in Vic, even though she has every right not to.
-Niall is so sweetly submissive, she tests the limits of Vic’s control. That kind of exchange is always fun to read.
-Phrasing like, “The sounds of her moans and whimpers spiced the boiling brew of his arousal.� Love, love, loved it!
-Vic and Niall have several, I-can’t-wait-another-minute-to-have-you scenes. I inhale those!
-Couldn’t put it down. Stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. Another sign of a great book.
-The scene in the unfinished condo. Hot!
What I didn’t like about Wicked Burn:
-I would have like the ending fleshed out a little more, once all of the truths come out or an epilogue, perhaps. Even without that, it’s a stellar book.
Be sure to follow our blog for an upcoming Beth Kery giveaway and interview!
Wicked Burn is the second title I’ve read from Beth Kery, but I can promise you, it won’t be the last. It’s the story of two people with very painful pasts that come together by chance and explode with kind of passion that could only be proclaimed by destiny.
The story begins with Vic Savian, hugely successful playwright and part-time farmer, who is in Chicago for three nights a week to see to the opening of his new play. While in his apartment late one night, he hears his elusive but beautiful neighbor, Niall Chandler, being accosted by her date, despite her repeated rebuffs. Luckily for Niall, Vic steps in.. Also lucky for her, he does it without a shirt.
From the moment Vic and Niall share a page, the sexual tension blazes. Vic has wanted Niall from the first moment he laid eyes her. She’s not his usual type. Being six-foot-three with a body honed by manual labor, he likes his women tall and lush. But for whatever reason, the petite blonde from across the hall brings his libido ragingly to life.
Niall Chandler is a curator at the Metropolitan Art Institute and lives in the Riverview Towers, across the hall from Vic. Niall hasn’t been with a man in years, but watching Vic move about his apartment with no shirt on, makes her very aware of how her body responds to his. It doesn’t take very long for all of that sexual tension to erupt into full fledged carnality. The sex scenes between Vic and Niall are so steamy and lascivious I thought at times that I might go up in flames!
But Wicked Burn isn’t just about the sex. (Though I couldn’t imagine the book without it). The relationship between Vic and Niall is so raw in everyway, the sex between them is just where the common ground begins. When people ask why I prefer sexually explicit romance, I usually explain that sex is a language all-its-own. It tells me as much, if not more about the relationship between the characters, as the dialogue. There is no better example of said language, than in Wicked Burn.
But that’s not all that can be said about this book. The plot is fully developed. The characters are layered and complex. The story takes twists and turns you don’t expect. If I had to use just a few words to describe Beth Kery’s writing, I would choose ‘iron fist in a velvet glove�. That is to say � the author’s words are very profound, so smooth and beautifully textured, and yet pack such an emotional wallop, at times it takes you by surprise. I found myself going back a few sentences more than once to savor the prose so eloquently put to page.
Both characters have heartbreak and tragedy in their pasts that they, for whatever reason, seem unwilling to share. Even though I loathe couples who have obstacles of their own making because of lack of communication, in this case-I get it.
Imagine for a long period of time, you only existed, not lived, but just went through the motions of everyday life. Then, when you least expected it, something or someone crash landed into your life and reawakened in you, the parts you had long ago relegated to the deep-freeze. Would you be so willing to risk rejection by telling them the truth? It would be so easy to talk yourself into keeping the past in the past for just one more day. To be able to experience all of the sensual, wanton pleasure only that person can make you feel. Maybe it’s not even fear of rejection, but the ability to live without the black cloud of the past hanging over you and your momentary happiness.
Vic and Niall have obstacles to overcome, but it’s very enjoyable to watch unfold. There are so many great things about this book, I can’t list them all. Just know you’ll enjoy all this book has to offer. Definite recommended Read.
What I loved about Wicked Burn:
-The scene with the pearls. Whew! Who knew pearls could be so hot! I love a man who can get creative in bed, or against a door. Wherever.
-Vic is a Dom, not in the traditional, wears leathers and has a St. Andrew’s Cross in his bedroom capacity, but a Dom none-the less.
-The toys.
-There is panty ripping. Anybody else a sucker for panty ripping?
-Niall puts trust in Vic, even though she has every right not to.
-Niall is so sweetly submissive, she tests the limits of Vic’s control. That kind of exchange is always fun to read.
-Phrasing like, “The sounds of her moans and whimpers spiced the boiling brew of his arousal.� Love, love, loved it!
-Vic and Niall have several, I-can’t-wait-another-minute-to-have-you scenes. I inhale those!
-Couldn’t put it down. Stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. Another sign of a great book.
-The scene in the unfinished condo. Hot!
What I didn’t like about Wicked Burn:
-I would have like the ending fleshed out a little more, once all of the truths come out or an epilogue, perhaps. Even without that, it’s a stellar book.
Be sure to follow our blog for an upcoming Beth Kery giveaway and interview!
September 3, 2012
This book was more of a 2.5 for me. I had read some good reviews for this book and I took a chance and picked it up.
The story was very well written and this is one of the best written erotic fiction that I've read so far. So the reason why I rated this so low was that I couldn't connect with the characters or even care if they achieved an HEA. What I really had trouble w/ was Vic. I struggled with his machismo/misogynistic mindset throughout the book. He ran so hot and cold that I really lost respect for Niall for putting up with it. Both of these people were very, very flawed and I think that the author played that up a bit too much. In fact, it's the comparison/parallel of Niall's and Vic's past that makes me dislike Vic soo much. We find out that Vic greatly distrusts women due to his former fiancee, to the point that he has justified his boorish and misogynistic behavior. Compare that to Niall's past and present tragedies and I just can't feel an ounce of pity for him. Niall is struggling and Vic does nothing but exacerbates that. In fact, he comes to such a huge misconception and never allows her to explain. Instead, he uses that as even more justification for treating her so badly. And Niall... she just kept going back for more and never holds him accountable for his horrible behavior. Instead, they sleep together and all is forgiven. I really liked this book in the beginning and boy, did it start hot and heavy from the get go. But as Vic started to "alpha" out and Niall became more and more "enthralled" with him and reached doormat status that I started skimming. I was desperately hoping that Vic would be redeemable and that Niall would grow a backbone, especially as her past is explained. But she ends up bending over backward to "win" him back, to the point, where she justifies and accepts him being with other women! At this point, I was pretty much done. And even when she does "leave" him, it's only for a day! And his great revelation about her past came too little too late and there was barely any apology/groveling from him.
I guess I'm very disappointed. This book had such potential and was very well written. So when I go in with good expectations and it starts out well, it hits me harder when I can't connect or care about the characters. Niall's tragic past/backstory had such great potential, but it was never fully fleshed out and she didn't really experience a lot of growth which I expected considering what happened. And Vic... he needed a swift kick in the ass and Niall should have been the one to do it. But instead, we get the stereotypical 180 degree change troupe (which occurred in less than a day)and he doesn't really change or need to because "he luuuuuvs her". I didn't buy it and if they were a couple in real life, I'd put good odds on the relationship dissolving down the road.
I'm very torn about this author. Like I said before several times, this was a very well written book and the erotic scenes were some of the best I've read. So I might give another book by her one more chance....
The story was very well written and this is one of the best written erotic fiction that I've read so far. So the reason why I rated this so low was that I couldn't connect with the characters or even care if they achieved an HEA. What I really had trouble w/ was Vic. I struggled with his machismo/misogynistic mindset throughout the book. He ran so hot and cold that I really lost respect for Niall for putting up with it. Both of these people were very, very flawed and I think that the author played that up a bit too much. In fact, it's the comparison/parallel of Niall's and Vic's past that makes me dislike Vic soo much. We find out that Vic greatly distrusts women due to his former fiancee, to the point that he has justified his boorish and misogynistic behavior. Compare that to Niall's past and present tragedies and I just can't feel an ounce of pity for him. Niall is struggling and Vic does nothing but exacerbates that. In fact, he comes to such a huge misconception and never allows her to explain. Instead, he uses that as even more justification for treating her so badly. And Niall... she just kept going back for more and never holds him accountable for his horrible behavior. Instead, they sleep together and all is forgiven. I really liked this book in the beginning and boy, did it start hot and heavy from the get go. But as Vic started to "alpha" out and Niall became more and more "enthralled" with him and reached doormat status that I started skimming. I was desperately hoping that Vic would be redeemable and that Niall would grow a backbone, especially as her past is explained. But she ends up bending over backward to "win" him back, to the point, where she justifies and accepts him being with other women! At this point, I was pretty much done. And even when she does "leave" him, it's only for a day! And his great revelation about her past came too little too late and there was barely any apology/groveling from him.
I guess I'm very disappointed. This book had such potential and was very well written. So when I go in with good expectations and it starts out well, it hits me harder when I can't connect or care about the characters. Niall's tragic past/backstory had such great potential, but it was never fully fleshed out and she didn't really experience a lot of growth which I expected considering what happened. And Vic... he needed a swift kick in the ass and Niall should have been the one to do it. But instead, we get the stereotypical 180 degree change troupe (which occurred in less than a day)and he doesn't really change or need to because "he luuuuuvs her". I didn't buy it and if they were a couple in real life, I'd put good odds on the relationship dissolving down the road.
I'm very torn about this author. Like I said before several times, this was a very well written book and the erotic scenes were some of the best I've read. So I might give another book by her one more chance....
June 3, 2012
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at
I have read two Beth Kery books before this and enjoyed them both, a lot. The author sent me a copy of this book for review in pdf format. This made it a little harder for me to get into, because I read on Kindle for iPhone, usually reverse type. This book I had to read on my iPad with a bright screen, and still enlarge each page to read it. So, because of the format, I had a little more trouble getting into it.
I would rate it a 4.25 for story and a definite 5+ for heat!
This may be listed as contemporary romance, but let me tell you, this is Erotic Romance. And let me tell you again, it is EROTIC!!! It pretty much starts off with a very descriptive sex scene with a very hot, dominating guy. At first, I was concerned because I just thought it would be sex with a little romance on the side, but that wasn't the case, there was actually a wonderful story with a very tragic past as well.
Vic and Niall live across the hall from each other. Niall is in the saying goodnight to a date who wouldn't take no for an answer, when Vic steps in and pulls him off her. They end up having super HOT amazing sex. Niall has been barely living after a tragedy occurred 3 years before, but she isn't ready to share her past with Vic. But with him, she feels alive again. Vic is a famous play writer, and Niall is a museum curator.
As the book progressed, Vic and Niall's relationship grows. Miscommunication and other events ensue, separating the couple. By midway through the book, I sat down to read and I was unable to put my iPad down until 2:30 am. I will say, towards the end, I wanted to scream at both Niall and Vic--Niall for not FORCING him to listen, and Vic for not letting her explain.
This book took place over a fairly long period of time (about 8 months?). There was a lot of OMG--THAT WAS HOT! scenes. Vic is a creative, dominant and kinky lover. At first, I felt that Beth Kery was too wordy and descriptive during the erotic scenes, but I think that was because I didn't know the characters yet, because once I got into the book, her super descriptive commentary was welcomed.
There was light bondage, spanking, anal, toys, panty-ripping, against doors, and a scene with pearls that had me jumping my husband's bones. Beth writes her Alpha males well, and I hope more of her books have a Vic-like character in bed.
Update: I told my husband about the pearl scene, and I got a present! A string of pearls :) Gotta love my man <3
I have read two Beth Kery books before this and enjoyed them both, a lot. The author sent me a copy of this book for review in pdf format. This made it a little harder for me to get into, because I read on Kindle for iPhone, usually reverse type. This book I had to read on my iPad with a bright screen, and still enlarge each page to read it. So, because of the format, I had a little more trouble getting into it.
I would rate it a 4.25 for story and a definite 5+ for heat!
This may be listed as contemporary romance, but let me tell you, this is Erotic Romance. And let me tell you again, it is EROTIC!!! It pretty much starts off with a very descriptive sex scene with a very hot, dominating guy. At first, I was concerned because I just thought it would be sex with a little romance on the side, but that wasn't the case, there was actually a wonderful story with a very tragic past as well.
Vic and Niall live across the hall from each other. Niall is in the saying goodnight to a date who wouldn't take no for an answer, when Vic steps in and pulls him off her. They end up having super HOT amazing sex. Niall has been barely living after a tragedy occurred 3 years before, but she isn't ready to share her past with Vic. But with him, she feels alive again. Vic is a famous play writer, and Niall is a museum curator.
As the book progressed, Vic and Niall's relationship grows. Miscommunication and other events ensue, separating the couple. By midway through the book, I sat down to read and I was unable to put my iPad down until 2:30 am. I will say, towards the end, I wanted to scream at both Niall and Vic--Niall for not FORCING him to listen, and Vic for not letting her explain.
This book took place over a fairly long period of time (about 8 months?). There was a lot of OMG--THAT WAS HOT! scenes. Vic is a creative, dominant and kinky lover. At first, I felt that Beth Kery was too wordy and descriptive during the erotic scenes, but I think that was because I didn't know the characters yet, because once I got into the book, her super descriptive commentary was welcomed.
There was light bondage, spanking, anal, toys, panty-ripping, against doors, and a scene with pearls that had me jumping my husband's bones. Beth writes her Alpha males well, and I hope more of her books have a Vic-like character in bed.
Update: I told my husband about the pearl scene, and I got a present! A string of pearls :) Gotta love my man <3
August 14, 2014
A smoking hot sexy read, very descriptive writing. The author amazed me with how many ways she came up with describing the human anatomy, so much so I found it a tad distracting at times, but that is just me.
My only real gripe is how long it took Naill to tell Vic what 'her' story was, but I can't say more without giving away spoilers.
My only real gripe is how long it took Naill to tell Vic what 'her' story was, but I can't say more without giving away spoilers.
July 29, 2013
Better than the average erotica, but still suffers from the same problem as so many others - the sex overwhelms the story. This narrative has some good bones and interesting characters, some of whom go nowhere because there are long detailed sexual encounters in ever chapter, shame. Would've love to learn more about them. Missed opportunity
August 18, 2016
'Wicked Burn' was somewhat of a pressure read for me. Not only have blogger friends sworn it's excellent, but Ms. Kery herself sent me a copy to review. Needless to say I've been pretty nervous with regards to my reaction and it's taken me a while to read the novel. But I've finished it and when consulting my husband and mother, they both recommended that no matter what my reaction or thoughts on the novel may be, that I would be doing a grave injustice to not only my friends but to the author as well if I wasn't completely honest. So in an effort to be honest I have to say that 'Wicked Burn' is not my favorite novel.
Vic Savian, a famous but reclusive playwrite, lives across the hall from the delectable Niall Chandler. The two have locked eyes previously and even shared an elevator alone once and even then, during these mundane moments, the tension between them crackled. Than one night Vic overhears Niall arguing with a disgruntled suitor. It doesn't take him long to recognize danger and Vic makes a rapid decision to peel the bastard away from Niall and after which, even instilling a littler fear in the man as well. In the next second though he offers Niall a drink at his apartment. Lucky for Niall, hot sex was on the menu as well.
I love having characters revealed slowly to me but I thought that in this instance that revealing was too slow. In the midst of the white hot sex, we're given emotion but very little detail as to why, especially on Vic's end. Shortly after their first sexual encounter we're given limited information on Niall's tragic past and I suppose that it was both fortunate and unfortunate that I found her history so interesting because I ended up skimming the sex scenes to a certain extent to get back to the emotional story rather than the sexual.
Niall Chandler's four year old son was murdered before her very eyes. Soon after which her husband deserts her to wallow in his own grief. After suicidal attempts turn to homicide attempts with regards to Niall's life, her husband is admitted to a mental institution. Slowly coming to terms with not only her son's death but with the guilt and her husband's accusations that it should have been her that died, Niall has done her best to put her life back together over the last three and half years. Yet Niall still lives in a semi-catatonic state where her grief frequently manifests itself with debilitating nightmares. But it's Vic's earth shattering love making that awakens her to life again.
Vic has had his share of tragedy as well but his jaded demeanor, in my opinion, made him hold his fiancé's betrayal a bit too close to heart for too long. Jenny, a gorgeous movie star with a complex, broke Vic's heart after cheating on him and choreographing the timing so that Vic would walk in on her mid-orgasm with another man. It's this betrayal that makes Vic refuse to become close enough to a woman where she has the power to once again break his heart. Yet Niall soon inspires complex emotions to arise and like the man that Vic is, he explains away his intense emotions as lustful desire.
Understandably, Niall is afraid of Vic's possible judgement regarding her son's death and she can't bring herself to tell him the truth of her past despite his offering to be there for her. Vic, finally ready and wanting to know who Niall is, nearly begs her to confide in him but of course she's too terrified of his possible negative reaction to do so. When the truth of her marriage becomes known, Vic proves true to Niall's fears and not only judges her but walks away from her as well.
As a reader, I have a serious aversion to the heroine going after the hero in general and even more so when the situation should definitely be the other way around. While I can't fully say that Vic didn't try, he did at one point call Niall, but he made no effort to truly demand an explanation which I think he was fully entitled to. I also can't say that Niall was entirely innocent for she never did return his call and she did also slink away and move from her apartment across the hall without a goodbye. Yet despite all that I believe that Vic should have manned up and went after her. Niall's crumbled and heartbreaking expression at Vic's untimely realization of her marriage, warranted some further digging on Vic's part. It's like he completely forgot her night terrors and her pale and shaky reaction to her parents arriving at her apartment unannounced. Plus she also had previously informed him that she needed to tell him something regarding her past but asks for more time. How could he have forgotten all this?
After six months of separation, Niall conspires with Vic's sister and boards at the farm that Vic owns south of Chicago while on a brief teaching foray at the local high school. Vic of course is still reeling over his discovery of Niall's marriage and is not particularly happy that she's foisted herself upon his life at the farm. Vic was beyond cruel and arrogant with his treatment of Niall and he even does the unforgivable in romance land: getting caught making out with another woman not once but this is now his second offense (the first was earlier with his ex. Jenny and I didn't like his explanation for that one at all).
On the other hand, I wanted Niall to rail at him and download her history on him so hard and fast that his head would spin. I wanted him to crumble under her valid anger and after wallowing in his guilt, he needed to get down on his knees and beg her for mercy. Yet my wishes didn't weren't realized. Instead, when I finally thought that Niall had had enough of Vic's abuse and found the will to walk away, what does she do? She runs back to him again! Vic, of course by this time knowing in detail Niall's tragedy, says he's sorry for his ugly behavior but although Vic internally realizes his love for Niall(and I could be wrong even after a second look through), he never voices it.
'Wicked Burn' wasn't by any means a bad read it just struck a lot of general dislikes for this reader. It's one of those novels that everything could have easily been cleared up with one simple and revealing conversation but where would the fun be in that, right?
This novel is definitely a very erotic read and I was surprised that the sexual content didn't merit a posting somewhere on the cover announcing this. It's categorized simply as Contemporary Romance. Perhaps there's more leniency with regards to what context requires an erotic warning to be printed with the entire romance genre heating up between the sheets these days. Either way I hope readers aren't caught off guard.
Vic Savian, a famous but reclusive playwrite, lives across the hall from the delectable Niall Chandler. The two have locked eyes previously and even shared an elevator alone once and even then, during these mundane moments, the tension between them crackled. Than one night Vic overhears Niall arguing with a disgruntled suitor. It doesn't take him long to recognize danger and Vic makes a rapid decision to peel the bastard away from Niall and after which, even instilling a littler fear in the man as well. In the next second though he offers Niall a drink at his apartment. Lucky for Niall, hot sex was on the menu as well.
I love having characters revealed slowly to me but I thought that in this instance that revealing was too slow. In the midst of the white hot sex, we're given emotion but very little detail as to why, especially on Vic's end. Shortly after their first sexual encounter we're given limited information on Niall's tragic past and I suppose that it was both fortunate and unfortunate that I found her history so interesting because I ended up skimming the sex scenes to a certain extent to get back to the emotional story rather than the sexual.
Niall Chandler's four year old son was murdered before her very eyes. Soon after which her husband deserts her to wallow in his own grief. After suicidal attempts turn to homicide attempts with regards to Niall's life, her husband is admitted to a mental institution. Slowly coming to terms with not only her son's death but with the guilt and her husband's accusations that it should have been her that died, Niall has done her best to put her life back together over the last three and half years. Yet Niall still lives in a semi-catatonic state where her grief frequently manifests itself with debilitating nightmares. But it's Vic's earth shattering love making that awakens her to life again.
Vic has had his share of tragedy as well but his jaded demeanor, in my opinion, made him hold his fiancé's betrayal a bit too close to heart for too long. Jenny, a gorgeous movie star with a complex, broke Vic's heart after cheating on him and choreographing the timing so that Vic would walk in on her mid-orgasm with another man. It's this betrayal that makes Vic refuse to become close enough to a woman where she has the power to once again break his heart. Yet Niall soon inspires complex emotions to arise and like the man that Vic is, he explains away his intense emotions as lustful desire.
Understandably, Niall is afraid of Vic's possible judgement regarding her son's death and she can't bring herself to tell him the truth of her past despite his offering to be there for her. Vic, finally ready and wanting to know who Niall is, nearly begs her to confide in him but of course she's too terrified of his possible negative reaction to do so. When the truth of her marriage becomes known, Vic proves true to Niall's fears and not only judges her but walks away from her as well.
As a reader, I have a serious aversion to the heroine going after the hero in general and even more so when the situation should definitely be the other way around. While I can't fully say that Vic didn't try, he did at one point call Niall, but he made no effort to truly demand an explanation which I think he was fully entitled to. I also can't say that Niall was entirely innocent for she never did return his call and she did also slink away and move from her apartment across the hall without a goodbye. Yet despite all that I believe that Vic should have manned up and went after her. Niall's crumbled and heartbreaking expression at Vic's untimely realization of her marriage, warranted some further digging on Vic's part. It's like he completely forgot her night terrors and her pale and shaky reaction to her parents arriving at her apartment unannounced. Plus she also had previously informed him that she needed to tell him something regarding her past but asks for more time. How could he have forgotten all this?
After six months of separation, Niall conspires with Vic's sister and boards at the farm that Vic owns south of Chicago while on a brief teaching foray at the local high school. Vic of course is still reeling over his discovery of Niall's marriage and is not particularly happy that she's foisted herself upon his life at the farm. Vic was beyond cruel and arrogant with his treatment of Niall and he even does the unforgivable in romance land: getting caught making out with another woman not once but this is now his second offense (the first was earlier with his ex. Jenny and I didn't like his explanation for that one at all).
On the other hand, I wanted Niall to rail at him and download her history on him so hard and fast that his head would spin. I wanted him to crumble under her valid anger and after wallowing in his guilt, he needed to get down on his knees and beg her for mercy. Yet my wishes didn't weren't realized. Instead, when I finally thought that Niall had had enough of Vic's abuse and found the will to walk away, what does she do? She runs back to him again! Vic, of course by this time knowing in detail Niall's tragedy, says he's sorry for his ugly behavior but although Vic internally realizes his love for Niall(and I could be wrong even after a second look through), he never voices it.
'Wicked Burn' wasn't by any means a bad read it just struck a lot of general dislikes for this reader. It's one of those novels that everything could have easily been cleared up with one simple and revealing conversation but where would the fun be in that, right?
This novel is definitely a very erotic read and I was surprised that the sexual content didn't merit a posting somewhere on the cover announcing this. It's categorized simply as Contemporary Romance. Perhaps there's more leniency with regards to what context requires an erotic warning to be printed with the entire romance genre heating up between the sheets these days. Either way I hope readers aren't caught off guard.
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