Naked: The Blackstone Affair, Book 1 (1)

"That picture changed everything. I was not the same after I saw it and I couldn't go back to the man I'd been before seeing it either. Not after we met that night on the street. My whole world altered because of a photograph. A photograph of my beautiful American girl." The Blackstone Affair series follows world-renowned security expert and owner of Blackstone International Ltd., Ethan Blackstone in his whirlwind romance with American born University of London student Brynne Bennett. Their story is nothing short of spectacular! Follow them through ups and downs across the globe as Brynne's past comes back to haunt her and Ethan sets out to protect and solve the mystery of who is out to hurt her. It's a treacherous and deadly high stake political game involving the Vice Presidency for the United States. No one is safe, and neither is the heart of sworn playboy Ethan. One look at Brynne and he is determined to have her at all cost. Books should be read in order: Naked (Book 1) All In (book 2) Eyes Wide Open (book 3) Untitled (book 4) - Stand-alone epilogue to be released late 2013 Naked (book 1) follows Ethan and Brynne during their initial meeting and the blossoming romance that follows. The story opens up with an email sent by Brynne's dad to his long-time poker buddy Ethan asking him to help protect his daughter studying in London. Little facts are given initially, but will instead slowly unfold throughout series as Ethan sets out not only to guard Brynne but to win her heart and own her. He will stop at nothing. "No," I said slowly, trying to put the brakes on my escalating heart beat, "I did not give you my number last night." Why was he calling? "I may have borrowed your phone by accident while you were dozing... and called my cell with it..." Hero: Ethan James Blackstone/32 years/Security expert-owner of Blackstone Intl Ltd-former Special Forces/$$$$/black hair/blue eyes/6'3" Heroine: Brynne Bennett/24 years/Art Conservancy graduate student at the University of London-nude model/brown hair/hazel eyes Brynne Bennett's traumatic past is what brings them together and it will unfold throughout the series. Based on everything that has happened she could so easily have fallen into the "damsel in distress" category, but she doesn't. I feel she does evoke nurturing emotions without being week. She is working very hard to come to terms with her past and though emotional and irrational at times, she is mostly very pragmatic about her issues. She doesn't realize that their first meeting was well orchestrated by Ethan. She is immediately smitten with him and once she's had sex with Ethan she is hooked. But even though Brynne falls easily for Ethan's intense seduction she is the one putting the brakes on their relationship. Ethan has to work hard, probably harder than ever before at wooing her. Five words to describe Brynne: Tenuous, determined, fragile, enchanting and compelling. Ethan Blackstone is one of my all-time favorite heroes. He is the uber-sexy, beyond handsome and elusive man-whoring playboy. Having put all his focus into building his empire has afforded him wealth, fame and women at his feet. But that was all before he saw the photo of his American girl. Now he has his sight on her. And just like in poker, winning is the only option. He is relentless: "He didn't ask. Ethan took." Six words to describe Ethan Blackstone: Unforgettable, dominant, enigmatic, smart, captivating and driven. Ethan, like Brynne, has a dark past that will unfold over the span of the series. Naked is nothing short of a magnificent and all-consuming roller-coaster of romance, sex, secrets, suspense and intrigue only to come to a mind-blowing, chocking cliffhanger ending. But no worries, just open up book 2, All in, for the continuation of their story. Addictive and suspenseful plot! Spellbinding storytelling. Unforgettable Ethan! A must-read series! Thanks Ms. Miller! "I don't want you to go yet. I like having you here with me. You soothe me, baby. He rested his head on top of mine. You are my ray of light in a fog of ignorance and frustration." *** Hero rating: 5+ stars Heroine rating: 5 stars Sex scenes rating: 5+ stars Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars Storyline concept rating: 5 stars Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars Story ending rating: N/A Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars ************************************************ Overall rating: 5 stars Would I recommend this series: Yes. Would I re-read this series: Yes. Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

This book was jointly reviewed for totallybookedblog.com Gitte: I loved this novella. And yes it is a novella first 1 of 3. It is what it is....and does exactly what it says on the tin so can't be judged on that. It is fast paced, sexy and a clever piece of writing. The Prologue is IMPORTANT... Jenny: Sometimes I love novella's. That is, as long as they have enough depth, however sometimes they are just a fast read with not much happening. Well this one was definitely the former. Considering this was only 115 pages- the story for me, seemed to have enough depth and I found there was enough character development for the story to work well. To be honest, I've read 300 page books with less depth and character development. Yes it was fast paced, but the story never left me behind. I really loved it. And yes! The prologue IS important! Gitte: The characters are totally lovable especially the "Oh.My.Gawd you are HOT" Mr. Ethan Blackstone; you are not only lovable...you are completely shaggable!!! Jenny: Geez Ethan............wow! Ethan.......can you tell I'm speechless here GG? He is just DIVINE! And the authors inspiration for Ethan? Hold us back it's David Gandy!! Gitte: It had a great storyline, well from what we were told so far, and the steam factor - off the charts! Jenny: I agree. I loved the storyline. I was reading it on a flight and it certainly made that go quicker. I was totally engrossed in this story. The steam factor - well, it was steaming alright! What a hot read it was. Raine Miller can certainly write sex scenes that's for sure! Gitte: So...I live just outside London, I was part of the run up to the Olympics...it made me feel part of this story. It became real and I was part of it...I mean I even saw Ethan at the opening Ceremony. Oh sorry...hang on... I mean the gorgeous amazing man that is David Gandy. Yeah true story for those of you who missed it! Okay I have to apologize here; I am obsessed with this man if you didn't know this already. Right I am drifting off the subject here.... Jenny: Oh obsess away.....I'm right there with you girlfriend! We do share a mutual love of all things Gandy don't we? Whoops...I lost track there for a minute as well. Yes, I loved how the Olympics build up was brought into it because it gave you a point of recognition and made you feel part of the story and I always love it when that happens. Gitte: So we have Brynne; our heroine. An American student, studying in London, who does some tasteful nude modelling in her spare time in order to make a bit of extra money. She has a past, which from the hints looks to be quite serious, affecting her emotionally, behaviourally and her way of life. I NEED to know what this is all about. Brynne is adorably sweet and I liked her, but she seems quite traumatized as I said by something/someone. Jenny: I really loved Brynne. I don't know how to explain it, but there was something about her that drew me in even before we learn that there is something troubling from her past. I found her relatable and really nice is all I can think of -I really did like her character. She is living the good life and pretty much coasting along, studying art and doing part time nude modelling when Ethan comes "out of the blue" and rocks her world. Can she give herself over to Ethan? Gitte: And then we have *sigh* Ethan Blackstone, English ex-special forces who now works for an elite security company. True alpha male dominant and who or what Ethan wants; Ethan gets. Ethan too seems to have something in the past that has affected him, making him the man he is today. So I cannot wait for the next book `All In' to get his POV. Jenny: Ethan. Meh he wasn't much cop! Kidding!!!! ! This guy had it all. He was so alpha, so in tune with who he is and just says it how he sees or it....or does he? The chemistry and the sex between Brynne and Ethan absolutely sizzles and you really do feel the connection between them. I cannot wait to hear Ethan's POV in the next book either! Thank goodness we don't have to wait long because I couldn't stand it! "I want to be with you so badly right now. I want to take you home with me, and put you in my bed and have hours and hours with your body wrapped in mine to do with as I wish. I want to have you there in the morning so when we wake up I can make you come, saying my name" (Oh okay Ethan, if you insist ) Gitte: So, I am not going to say why or how, because that would spoil a lot....but he meets Brynne at the Gallery where her naked portrait is exhibited and this is where their journey begins. Ethan takes one look at her picture and knows he has to have her... In Naked we have 2 Flawed Characters, Mystery, Ethan, Sex, London, Suspense & yeah Ethan....what more could you ask for? Naked, despite being a novella, had a feel of 50 Shades and Bared to You I thought. Oh and this novella has a HUGE cliff hanger and we all know how I feel about those and I don't swear....much! That is all.... "The sex never ended with this man. And I was on board the sexy train right with him, flashing my frequent traveler pass." (where do we buy a ticket?) Jenny: It didn't have a Fifty feel for me though - maybe because Ethan is more subtle if you like but it did have a Bared to You feel about it. As you said GG, it may be a novella but it had plenty of story to keep me interested. The cliffhanger...argghhh it did drive me nuts but at least we don't have long to wait. The Ethan POV chapter at the end had me chomping at the bit for the next book! Can't wait.

Vivement la suite !

Loved this book . Also read #2 All in. Can not wait for #3 Eyes Wide Open. Great book if you want a good story plus a strong man.

Absolutely fabulous!!! Love the Blackstone trilogy so so much! It's addictive, emotional, hot, sexy, sad, funny...Ethan and Brynne are meant to be! You won't be able to forget these books!

I loved reading this book...couldn't put it down and was very eager to start book 2! I loved the characters, the intensity at times and the story line. A must read...you won't be disappointed!

WOW! That was unexpected, what a great start to a new series. Fans of Sylvia Day's Crossfire series will love this! We meet Brynne, the American Girl over in England studying as an art restorer, but in her free time she does nude photographic modelling for her good friend Benny. It also helps pay the rent on her flat in Southwark. When Benny hosts a show, its no surprise that her partially nude canvas sells like a delicious hot cake, into the hands of a successful businessman in the city, called Ethan Blackstone. As he stakes his claim on her canvas, he can't help but acknowledge the woman across the room, the beautiful girl that casts an uncanny resemblance to the one in his acquired artwork, as he sets out to push that claim, a little further. Enthralled by this girl, he wants to get to know her, and its only a matter of time before he makes her, his. Brynne is taken with his forward demeanour and his no bull attitude. Ethan is a taker, what he sees is what he gets, the ever ruthless businessman and pursuing his desires for Brynne is no exception, but yet, shes running scared. He intimidates her and makes her weak with desire in the same breath, her confusion and fears stem from a past occurrence that has seen her in therapy for the last six years. For she has scars, and she isn't ready to open them just yet. When Ethan makes his desires known, with the promise that he can be trusted - after all, he does provide security for the elite, his company a world leader in its field. Especially with the approaching 2012 Olympics on contract, Brynne starts to relax and take advantage of all the gifted talents he has to offer. Just as things start to look spritely, Brynne's past starts to rear its head, and maybe Ethan hasn't been totally honest with the woman he is falling in love with after all.... * This book is sweltering hot, with a heroine that is likeable and an alpha male that got me well and truly hot under the collar. I would have given this book five stars, if it wasn't for the fact its another 'teaser' series. With that I mean, its literally one novel being broken down into itsy bitsy pieces. Many erotica authors are taking this angle lately, and its bugging the hell out of me. Write a book, release the book and let the reader enjoy it in its entirety, because quite frankly, this book is awesome, and if I had the whole thing in my kindle, I probably would have read it all in one go until stupid AM, and gave it a mindblowing 5 stars. Nevertheless, regardless of my little rant, I am definitely rolling with the rest of this series, because I absolutely loved it! 4 stars.