Book Review May 20th
Eyes Wide Open
by: Raine Miller
★★★★ 4 StarsReview
*ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The Blackstone Affair did not disappoint but it did not blow my mind like I wanted either. It was ridiculously predictable. At times it was hotter than ever and we finally we get to see the demons that plague Ethan and the culmination of Brynne's past, though honestly, three books later and her “stalker” was sort of a letdown. Through all three books there’s an air of danger. First with the mystery of what happened to here, then Ethan catching the threats meant for Brynne. In this book the threat didn’t come out until the end and then it was immediate and didn’t seem worthy of three books. Beside the fact how predictable and obvious it was.
One of the best things about the series
is the continuity between all the books. There are no time jumps or skips so if
you finish one and pick up the next book you are good to go. No disconnect
here. And add to that the dual POV’s in this book and I was in heaven. (On a
side note, I wish there was some sort of marker to indicate when there was a
POV shift. At times I would be a few pages in before I realized it was no
longer Brynne’s mind and I’d have to go back and start over.)
“Did
I ever mention how sexy you Brits sound when you say banana?”
“You
just did…I’ll give you my banana if you want.” – Ethan and Brynne
Ethan continues to take his Alpha
male-ness to the max and boy is it hott. If possible he seems even more
domineering and controlling in this book - and for some unknown reason it just
works for Ethan. He does not come across as a pompous ass, just normal, well,
as normal as a delicious British security expert can be. His military
experience left him scarred, as it does many others. But most don’t endure
torture the way he did. He has a hard time admitting his fears and nightmares
to Brynne, but together they learn to fight anything thrown their way, past,
present or future.
It was really interesting this time
around to get a more inside look into Ethan's life. Sure we met his father but
the relationship with his sister, her husband and their children was
remarkable. At times you can even feel the same shivers as Brynne does when
watching him because he is so sincere with his affections. And the kids were
great, especially Zara and her ill-timed comments. Just proves how much kids
really do say the darndest things. I’ll admit I was happy Brynne's 'illness'
was not dragged out as it was very obvious to reader’s and watching Ethan panic
a bit was extremely riveting and entertaining. Brynne’s family on the other
hand. All kinds of crazy in this book. First off her mother is like Queen Bitch
and I can’t understand how she can or why she bothers to talk to her. And her
father, such a sweet guy, what happens is completely unfair and made me mad because
it seemed like something thrown in to add more drama.
“If anything ever happened
to her, I’d be finished. This was my truth.”-Ethan
I wonder if all trilogies or books
with three or more in the series work with the same concept. Book one=introductions
and sizzling romance that the female runs away from in the end. Book two=hero
trying to draw back female into his graces and typically there is a proposal at
the end of some sort. Book three=not much left than to get
pregnant and either the hero is thrilled or quite the opposite.
This whole predictability is rather annoying. It makes the plot and book seem
too organized and pre-planned. But holy crap the whole bump dot com references
were amazing. I’m officially a fan and so saddened that that site does not
exist. If it does someone clue me in. All I could find was thebump.com and that
did not offer up veggies and fruits. The way Ethan was all over this site and
knew things before Brynne was more than just an “aww” moment. It’s so obvious
how much he cares for Brynne, he’s willing to do literally anything and face
any demon to the ends of the world. This showcased his soft, gooey center but
he was still a bad-ass nonetheless, especially when he goes all caveman and
wants to Tarzan-pound his chest with glee.
As for the future of the series, I
was worried when I saw a book #4 was on the horizon. Bad enough we had to wait
so long for the release of this book #3 I was not looking forward to another
long wait just to see Brynne and Ethan find their HEA. But have no fear, the
fourth book will work as a stand-alone and takes place after the HEA occurs in
this novel. You can breathe easy and just know that there is more Ethan
Blackstone to come in the future. Yet at the same time, this book ended on a
good note and I think dragging it on further is a waste. So for me, I’ll stick
with 1-3 and leave other readers’ the honor of book #4.
Check out this upcoming book on Goodreads. 
I'll admit whoever first named David Gandy as Ethan Blackstone was spot on. Every-time I think of Ethan now, this is who I see.
As always, HAPPY READING and be sure to read, enjoy and savor Mr. Blackstone, I mean Eyes Wide Open, it was a great, can't put down or go to sleep READ.
AUTHOR PROFILE:
Raine
Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara
Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it's a safe bet she'll never
stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine's stories are edgy enough
to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero
never goes out of fashion. A part-time teacher and writer of sexy romance
stories every other chance she gets pretty much fills her days. She has a
handsome prince of a husband, and two brilliant sons to pull her back into the
real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to
write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine
loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website:
www.RaineMiller.com
GIVEAWAY:
5
signed paperback copies of Naked plus swags (5 winners)
LOve the The Blackstone Affairs Series, Ethan is all man and knows how to please his woman.
ReplyDeleteEWO is my favorite in the series, and I enjoyed meeting Ethan's family. His niece Zara is a fun filled child. Hope to learn more in the next book about his nightmares and Brynne's ability to pull him out if them.
In love with the Blackstone Affair :)
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