Helpful Score: 12
To be honest, I only bought this book at the thrift shop because I knew a lot of PBS folks had it on their wish-lists, so for $.40 I could get another credit and make someone happy.
SURPRISE! This book is actually pretty good--and that's coming from someone who DESPISED "50 Shades." I think all the people comparing the two books should have their literacy checked. Yes, they have grey covers and drop a lot of "dirty" words, oh, and the heroes are both gorgeous young rich guys with a mysterious past (so is every hero of every hot novel.) But if you're looking for another 21-year-old ambivalent virgin (Anastasia from 50 shades,) you won't find her in this book.
Eva, the heroine, is 24, worldly, damaged-yet-surviving, and altogether a much more believable and sympathetic character than Ana. She knows what she wants and what she won't tolerate, and doesn't spend the whole book playing should I/shouldn't I?
Gideon Cross is much MUCH less of an asshole than Christan Grey, in fact, while he's strong-willed enough to be sexy, at times he's almost adorable, and at times so is Eva.
Supporting character (the mandatory "roomate") Cary is nicely complicated and wonderfully supportive-- the gay boyfriend every girl wishes was there for her. It will be really interesting to see how his character develops in the next book.
If you don't mind the genre (lots and lots of explicit sex and plenty of 'dirty words',) this book is definitely worth the read.
SURPRISE! This book is actually pretty good--and that's coming from someone who DESPISED "50 Shades." I think all the people comparing the two books should have their literacy checked. Yes, they have grey covers and drop a lot of "dirty" words, oh, and the heroes are both gorgeous young rich guys with a mysterious past (so is every hero of every hot novel.) But if you're looking for another 21-year-old ambivalent virgin (Anastasia from 50 shades,) you won't find her in this book.
Eva, the heroine, is 24, worldly, damaged-yet-surviving, and altogether a much more believable and sympathetic character than Ana. She knows what she wants and what she won't tolerate, and doesn't spend the whole book playing should I/shouldn't I?
Gideon Cross is much MUCH less of an asshole than Christan Grey, in fact, while he's strong-willed enough to be sexy, at times he's almost adorable, and at times so is Eva.
Supporting character (the mandatory "roomate") Cary is nicely complicated and wonderfully supportive-- the gay boyfriend every girl wishes was there for her. It will be really interesting to see how his character develops in the next book.
If you don't mind the genre (lots and lots of explicit sex and plenty of 'dirty words',) this book is definitely worth the read.
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book I had to force myself to put it down so that I could make the enjoyment last longer.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved everything about this book! I see it compared to the Fifty Shades trilogy a LOT. Its hard not to compare the two. I love them both, but the one thing I will say is the writing of this one is a hundred times better. LOL
I hear its supposed to be a trilogy too, so the one sucky thing was that now we have to wait until October for the next installment. :(
Gideon is Oh So Sexy, and I adored Eva. They are both haunted by their own demons and trying hard to make their relationship work. I cant wait to see whats in store for them next!
I hear its supposed to be a trilogy too, so the one sucky thing was that now we have to wait until October for the next installment. :(
Gideon is Oh So Sexy, and I adored Eva. They are both haunted by their own demons and trying hard to make their relationship work. I cant wait to see whats in store for them next!
Helpful Score: 2
Hooked from the start. This is my first Sylvia Day story, and I really enjoyed her writing style. The dynamic between Gideon and Eva is electric and passionate, like riding a tornado. It sweeps you up and spins you around and I loved every word of it. They both have baggage, lots and lots of baggage, but an attraction that is too intense to ignore or walk away from. Right from the start Eva was all Gideon could see or think about. But his need to control everything keeps him from completely letting Eva in until she runs. No one has ever run from him before, he has always gotten what he wanted. But Eva is not like any woman he has ever known, he wants to give in to her and and never let her go all at the same time. Eva is out on her own for the first time, with a new job in a new city. She is ready to live her life on her own terms, by her own rules. But when she lands on her butt in the lobby of the Crossfire building, her world turns upside down. Eva and Gideon take us on an erotic, emotional ride during the beginning of their relationship, and I can't wait to read the next one...
**Some readers will see similarities between Gideon and Christian (Fifty Shades series). And I was reminded of Ana and Christian a few times thru the story. But only in the aspect that Gideon is a young billionaire with control issues and has a couple of exes with the inability to let go bordering on obsession. But give this story a "clean mind" try, I think you will really enjoy it.
ARC kindle copy provided by netgalley.com
http://texasreader-stacy.blogspot.com
www.goodreads.com/whatstacy
**Some readers will see similarities between Gideon and Christian (Fifty Shades series). And I was reminded of Ana and Christian a few times thru the story. But only in the aspect that Gideon is a young billionaire with control issues and has a couple of exes with the inability to let go bordering on obsession. But give this story a "clean mind" try, I think you will really enjoy it.
ARC kindle copy provided by netgalley.com
http://texasreader-stacy.blogspot.com
www.goodreads.com/whatstacy
Helpful Score: 1
Alright, I admit it - I caved. I usually don't follow the crowd and read what is popular. I don't know Bones from Barrons from Curran. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not totally in the dark - LOL! It's just that there is sooo much to read and only so many hours in a day. So, yes, I caved after reading all of the press about FSOG and decided to give BARED TO YOU a shot. Really? Seriously? What was all the fuss about.
Eva and Gideon belong to the very exclusive - filthy rich, beautiful people club. There is a catch though; both of them are psychotic having suffered traumatic abuse during their childhood. Eva has (and still is) getting professional help but Gideon, nope, he has a long way to go. Eva's abuse is spelled out, but it is never clear what Gideon is struggling with. Throw into the mix Eva's bisexual, self-destructive (and gorgeous no matter what he wears) roommate, Cary; her looney, but just as gorgeous Mother; and all the other beautiful people in their circle, and you have a prime-time Manhattan drama in the making.
Gideon has commitment problems; then he has issues with possessiveness and jealousy. Eva wants a relationship, but has she self-esteem issues. She'll get jealous or upset and instead of trying to talk it out with Gideon, she runs. And Gideon, well he doesn't talk about problems very well either, he uses sex. There was quite a bit of make-up sex - hot 'n heavy taking place in the shower, the limo, the home library, the office.
The turning point for me was when Eva laid this gem on Gideon:
He pressed a kiss to the crown of my head. "I can't stand the thought that you're waiting for this to end. That's what you're doing, isn't it? That's what you sound like."
"I'm sorry."
"We just have to make you feel secure." He ran his fingers through my hair. "How do we do that?"
I hesitated a moment, then went for it. "Would you go to couples therapy with me?"
The stroking of his fingers paused. He stood silently for a moment, breathing deeply.
"Just think about it," I suggested. "Maybe look into it, see what it's about."
"Am I doing this wrong? You and me? Am I f*cking it up that much?"
I pulled back to look at him. "No Gideon. You're perfect. Perfect for me, anyway. I'm crazy about you. I think you're-"
Excuse me - I think you're perfect but you need therapy!?! After two weeks (or less) of "dating", whose asks that? But it didn't change the caliber of the story for me. It was still misunderstandings, jealousies, SOS - different day, hot sex and a HFN to be continued in the next installment, DEEPER IN YOU.
One more thing, if you please. When I turned the last page of this book, I found a Readers Guide with Discussion Questions. Ah hell, I should have known better. Any book that ends with essay questions instead of an epilogue is not for me.
Eva and Gideon belong to the very exclusive - filthy rich, beautiful people club. There is a catch though; both of them are psychotic having suffered traumatic abuse during their childhood. Eva has (and still is) getting professional help but Gideon, nope, he has a long way to go. Eva's abuse is spelled out, but it is never clear what Gideon is struggling with. Throw into the mix Eva's bisexual, self-destructive (and gorgeous no matter what he wears) roommate, Cary; her looney, but just as gorgeous Mother; and all the other beautiful people in their circle, and you have a prime-time Manhattan drama in the making.
Gideon has commitment problems; then he has issues with possessiveness and jealousy. Eva wants a relationship, but has she self-esteem issues. She'll get jealous or upset and instead of trying to talk it out with Gideon, she runs. And Gideon, well he doesn't talk about problems very well either, he uses sex. There was quite a bit of make-up sex - hot 'n heavy taking place in the shower, the limo, the home library, the office.
The turning point for me was when Eva laid this gem on Gideon:
He pressed a kiss to the crown of my head. "I can't stand the thought that you're waiting for this to end. That's what you're doing, isn't it? That's what you sound like."
"I'm sorry."
"We just have to make you feel secure." He ran his fingers through my hair. "How do we do that?"
I hesitated a moment, then went for it. "Would you go to couples therapy with me?"
The stroking of his fingers paused. He stood silently for a moment, breathing deeply.
"Just think about it," I suggested. "Maybe look into it, see what it's about."
"Am I doing this wrong? You and me? Am I f*cking it up that much?"
I pulled back to look at him. "No Gideon. You're perfect. Perfect for me, anyway. I'm crazy about you. I think you're-"
Excuse me - I think you're perfect but you need therapy!?! After two weeks (or less) of "dating", whose asks that? But it didn't change the caliber of the story for me. It was still misunderstandings, jealousies, SOS - different day, hot sex and a HFN to be continued in the next installment, DEEPER IN YOU.
One more thing, if you please. When I turned the last page of this book, I found a Readers Guide with Discussion Questions. Ah hell, I should have known better. Any book that ends with essay questions instead of an epilogue is not for me.
Helpful Score: 1
Like another review I have read about this book, I'm not quite sure how I feel about the book. It definitely is not a stand-lone read, if that is what you are looking for you will be disappointed as there is no closure. There is definitely some angst in this book, which normally I don't find much interest in, however there was not so much of it that I stopped reading it as I have done with other books. I have put the other two crossfire series on my wish list, but unlike other series I've read I'm not anxiously anticipating reading these others in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I have now read all three and this is the best of the group. The main characters are not exactly regular folks so I guess an extremely extreme relationship works for them but it the story was just okay for me. Both characters have issues but clearly Gideon has not dealt with his at all, so two seriously screwed up people are trying to make work a seriously screwed up relationship.
Helpful Score: 1
Not my cup of tea. I couldn't stand the vulgarity. I wasn't impressed at all.
Helpful Score: 1
I picked this up because it has been compared to Fifty Shades, which I loved! I was having Christian Grey withdrawals! LOL! I read this book pretty quickly and it really held my attention. Eva has a lot more fight in her than passive Ana which I respected because she reacted more like I would have. Gideon is really emotional in a romantic way that made my heartache at times. I will say that there was a lot of unnecessary dirty talk but overall it was pretty hot! Though it was similar to Fifty, it had many differences too, no real "kinky f***ery". I recommend this book! I can't wait for the sequel!
Helpful Score: 1
hmmm....still have no idea what to think of this book a full day later. Was it hot, YES. Was Gideon goregous, YES. Did we learn allot about the characters....I don't think so. That's where I am having a hard time rating this book. We know something happened in Gideon's background to cause him to be so closed off and dominant. We get a glimpse of what it is. However we don't find out for sure and we don't find out by whom.
I don't know there was just something missing in the book that I can't put my finger on. I think for me I would have liked to have read more interaction between the 2 characters besides just the sex. I would have like to read more conversations between the 2 so I could get a feel as to what connects them besides the sexual connection and what appears to be possibly shared past experiences. However I do look forward to reading book 2, yes. I think in book 2 is when we might finally see Gideon open up and that's when we will really be able to connect with him and see what he is like. What drives the man to be what he is like today.
I for one really liked Cary and hope that he works through his issues and gets Trey back..Cary is definitely troubled.
So 3 stars it is for now. I might pick it back up and re-read it to see perhaps I missed something and perhaps I will rate it higher then. For me I want to read more about Gideon's past and the connection between him and Eva. I want to read an emotional connection besides their physical one. Although don't diminish the sexual one either...it is definitely hot
I don't know there was just something missing in the book that I can't put my finger on. I think for me I would have liked to have read more interaction between the 2 characters besides just the sex. I would have like to read more conversations between the 2 so I could get a feel as to what connects them besides the sexual connection and what appears to be possibly shared past experiences. However I do look forward to reading book 2, yes. I think in book 2 is when we might finally see Gideon open up and that's when we will really be able to connect with him and see what he is like. What drives the man to be what he is like today.
I for one really liked Cary and hope that he works through his issues and gets Trey back..Cary is definitely troubled.
So 3 stars it is for now. I might pick it back up and re-read it to see perhaps I missed something and perhaps I will rate it higher then. For me I want to read more about Gideon's past and the connection between him and Eva. I want to read an emotional connection besides their physical one. Although don't diminish the sexual one either...it is definitely hot
I liked this book a lot, but it felt very formulaic and I'm honestly very tired of the books that make it seem like anyone involved in BDSM is somehow "damaged" or an abuse-survivor. I also didn't love that on paper both characters seem "perfect" - gorgeous, rich, smart, great jobs...it's just not real life and made it hard for me to get involved with the characters. But if I set that aside and allow myself to suspend my disbelief, the book is very good if you like that sort of thing. Fairly well written, flowed well, quick read. I did enjoy it.
Ah, an actually worthy erotica title to recommend! While it is not perfect, BARED TO YOU blows Fifty Shades of Grey completely out of the water with its put-together writing and incredible protagonist.
Seriously, Im not exaggerating when I say that Eva Tramell is incredible. Why was the passive, plain, who, me? female protagonist ever in vogue? I say that Evas independent, forward, and dont-cross-this-line-with-me personality should be the model for future romantic protagonists! The thing that drove me craziest in FSoG was how Ana let Christian walk all over her: Oh, youre a man, youre rich, youre handsome, youre experiencedyou obviously know me better than I know myself. Hehe! Gag. No, Eva knows what she wants. Shes not afraid to voice her desires, and shell put her foot down if Gideon does or says anything that gets her riled up. That she does all of this while being a survivor of childhood trauma makes her even more impressive and sympathetic. And she gets jealous and insecure, like everyone else. Wow! Eva should be every mansand even every womansdream. She sure has become mine.
On the other hand, rather disturbingly, Gideon Cross is kind of less appealing than Christian Gray. Christian at least is a man, albeit one with a mysterious and troubled past. Gideon, on the other hand, is like a man-child with too much money and time on his hand. Ooh, pretty shiny woman, me want, me want more than anything in my life, gimme! Sexyuh, yeah, no. I appreciated that Eva was the stronger person in their relationship, instead of letting the troubled Gideon walk all over her (a la Ana Steele). Gideon grew on me by the endhis utter determination to get help for himself in order to make Eva happy and keep her safe definitely threw points in his favorand besides, without his oftentimes outrageous behavior, there wouldnt be a story, would there?
The beginningup to Eva and Gideon getting togetherfelt a little forced in terms of the writing, but the sexytimes are hot hot hot, and Sylvia Day has created major and minor characters that youll find yourself getting attached to before you even realize it. You should read this if you like erotica but felt FSoG was lacking in good writing technique and a compelling character relationship. Because BARED TO YOU delivers on exactly those fronts.
Seriously, Im not exaggerating when I say that Eva Tramell is incredible. Why was the passive, plain, who, me? female protagonist ever in vogue? I say that Evas independent, forward, and dont-cross-this-line-with-me personality should be the model for future romantic protagonists! The thing that drove me craziest in FSoG was how Ana let Christian walk all over her: Oh, youre a man, youre rich, youre handsome, youre experiencedyou obviously know me better than I know myself. Hehe! Gag. No, Eva knows what she wants. Shes not afraid to voice her desires, and shell put her foot down if Gideon does or says anything that gets her riled up. That she does all of this while being a survivor of childhood trauma makes her even more impressive and sympathetic. And she gets jealous and insecure, like everyone else. Wow! Eva should be every mansand even every womansdream. She sure has become mine.
On the other hand, rather disturbingly, Gideon Cross is kind of less appealing than Christian Gray. Christian at least is a man, albeit one with a mysterious and troubled past. Gideon, on the other hand, is like a man-child with too much money and time on his hand. Ooh, pretty shiny woman, me want, me want more than anything in my life, gimme! Sexyuh, yeah, no. I appreciated that Eva was the stronger person in their relationship, instead of letting the troubled Gideon walk all over her (a la Ana Steele). Gideon grew on me by the endhis utter determination to get help for himself in order to make Eva happy and keep her safe definitely threw points in his favorand besides, without his oftentimes outrageous behavior, there wouldnt be a story, would there?
The beginningup to Eva and Gideon getting togetherfelt a little forced in terms of the writing, but the sexytimes are hot hot hot, and Sylvia Day has created major and minor characters that youll find yourself getting attached to before you even realize it. You should read this if you like erotica but felt FSoG was lacking in good writing technique and a compelling character relationship. Because BARED TO YOU delivers on exactly those fronts.
Thought it was a good read. Will for sure read sequel.
Sylvia Day needs some lessons fro E.L. James. The words are there, the situation is there but I don't feel a thing. Really disappointed as Day's books seem to be very popular.
Couldn't put the book down from start to end. Definetly a page-turner! Though the book was very hot at times, I found myself emersed in the plot. Their love affair is very delicate and I'm hoping it doesn't have a tragic end. Definetly rooting for their love to defy all odds. They deserve happiness in their lives after all their suffering.
I am a die hard Christian Grey fan. Some of you aren't and I respect that. I loved FSOG and was having withdrawals from the books. I read Bared to you and Gideon Cross was very similar to Christian. Their intials are even similar if you figure that out. I suggest this book highly and can not wait until the other books comes out.
Very good Author. I enjoyed the book
This book was as good if not better than FSoG. the only thing I can say that I did not like about it is that you have to wait until October to read any more of it. When I read Fifty Shades , it impressed me that I could go from one book to another immediately. The little time that I do have to read is important to me and it irritates me that this book is being rationed out. As much as I liked Bared to You, I seriously doubt that I will read the other books, simply because I don't like to invest several months on my time waiting on "the rest of the story". If they had allowed readers all the story at the same time , it would have been definitly better than Fifty Shades.
Interesting read. Very similar to Fifty Shades of Gray, but with harsher sexual language.
I really enjoyed this story. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting as far as the sex scenes went, but that was okay with me. I'm not really into some of the hardcore bdsm that is out there. I really enjoy any story that has really heartfelt romance in it, and this one did. It made me remember how hard a relationship can be in the beginning when you have to stick things through and really try, when that's not your first instinct. I really liked Eva and understood her. I can't wait to read Deeper Into You.
this book is ok, the harsh language is ok, the sex is kind of tiring after a while, I thought much more....senior citizen that I am
I liked FSOG NO wait I loved 50 shades of grey
I liked FSOG NO wait I loved 50 shades of grey
Very good book. Started very quickly but characters developed as the book went on. Gideon is amazing, dark, & I can't wait to read what happens next.
I read this book because I was told it was along the lines of Fifty Shades of Gray. But if you are looking for a book about a DOM this isn't the book for you. This is a book with characters that have serious issues as they try to make their crazy relationship work. The sex scense are great but they are still pretty vanilla. I really enjoyed this book. I also really enjoyed Fifty Shades. I can appreciate the differences in the authors and the stories they are writting. I like romance it doesn't have to be a specific gene. My only complaint is having to wait on the sequel. With Fifty Shades, all 3 books came out at the same time. We have to wait to find out how these two characters will continue to deal with their issues. This book (SPOILER) ends on a happy note but no where close to a happily ever after. I'm looking forward to reading their continued story.
Absolutely love this whole series. Bared to You is #1 in the series and this is a reread for me. If you enjoyed Fifty Shades, you are sure to like this one too. We get to watch, while Gideon and Eva's relationship develops through out the whole series. I have just heard that the series has been optioned for film AGAIN. I just hope that this time it actually makes it to either the TV or Movie screen! 5 stars and it's a keeper for me!
I love this book from the beginning to the end and I honestly think this book, the writing and the hero and heroine are was superior to fifty shades of grey which I could barely get through. I did not want this book to end and now I cannot wait for bk2.
Bared to You is the first book in the Crossfire series by Sylvia Day. Well-written, interesting characters and plot. Series kept me reading and waiting impatiently for the next book. This is probably considered erotica, and the sex scenes are HOT...and a plus, well-written. Some authors don't know how to write a good sex scene, and Day has it down pat. But if graphic sex is not for you, then you'll want to pass on this series. Apart from that, the characters keep you wondering what's going to happen next, with plenty of intrigue.
great book
This book is so much better than 50 Shades of Gray, And should not be compared, its well written and much more believable. I love Eva and her roommate Cary and they make this book believable. Im sorry you have to be a little F-Up to deal with another F-Up person.
Great read. Will keep you captivated
I love this series and I love this author.
Loved the book and the characters. A perfect amount of intrigue and spice to keep you page turning. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
IT's good...not quite as good as 50.... but you have my attention
Do...Not...Waste...Your...Time...For realsies!!! This is just a poorly written version of FSOG...And it's lame...And the foulness of the language is WAY over the top...I'm no prude by any stretch of the imagination but when the F word is in every other sentence in a book I feel like the author is struggling to shock you...Nope, not shocked...BORED!!! Sorry Ms. Day...Try again...This is NOT worth the price I paid for it...As a matter of fact I took it back halfway through the book...It is ABYSMAL!!!
Not for me. Liked FSOG much better.
