Helpful Score: 3
I found Wicked Burn to a tough novel to grade. On the positive side, I found myself genuinely enjoying the characters. There was a romance here, not just the sex. The sex itself was frank, hot and plentiful. I thought the writing showed quite a bit of talent, with a plot that was engaging on it's own, even without the sex.
Hence one of my problems...I know this was written as an erotic romance, but I actually found myself wanting less sex and more story. The characters were interesting enough that I felt disappointed that there was less character exposition. Some of the best of the writing was during a big separation between the hero and heroine, and that felt like a lost opportunity for Ms. Kerry to me. I was also quite disappointed with the heroines lack of a backbone in a few scenes. I realize that she was submissive sexually, but too often it seemed to me that she allowed misunderstandings to linger far too long because she avoided the conflict outside of the bedroom.
It is a tribute to the writing that I want to read more of this author. What felt like missteps to me in this story were overshadowed by the enjoyment overall.
Hence one of my problems...I know this was written as an erotic romance, but I actually found myself wanting less sex and more story. The characters were interesting enough that I felt disappointed that there was less character exposition. Some of the best of the writing was during a big separation between the hero and heroine, and that felt like a lost opportunity for Ms. Kerry to me. I was also quite disappointed with the heroines lack of a backbone in a few scenes. I realize that she was submissive sexually, but too often it seemed to me that she allowed misunderstandings to linger far too long because she avoided the conflict outside of the bedroom.
It is a tribute to the writing that I want to read more of this author. What felt like missteps to me in this story were overshadowed by the enjoyment overall.
Helpful Score: 3
Book starts out a little too fast - sort of an unbelievable experience kind of start - but the story quickly catches up with the fast pace of the beginning and it turns out to be a really REALLY good book. First book I read by Beth Kery and will be reading more!
Helpful Score: 2
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Burning
Niall Chandler on her way home from a charity dinner finds herself in the unwanted clutches of her date. Standing out in the hallway in front of the door to her apartment, fighting off her overzealous date, her hunky next-door neighbor Vic comes to her rescue. After not so subtly telling Niall's date to get lost, he asks Niall if she would like to go back to his place for a drink. Niall, unable to resist Vic's sex appeal accepts for not only just a drink, but for one of the most erotic sexual encounters she has ever had in her life.
Beth Kery is a new author to me. I usually am leery when trying a new author because I never know how their writing is going to appeal to me, especial authors who write erotic romance. I was pleasantly surprised by Wicked Burn and found I enjoyed it quite a lot. I would compare Beth Kery's writing to Shannon McKenna or Lisa Marie Rice in terms of the sexuality, characters and pacing.
I really enjoyed Vic's character. There were many different layers to his personality. In public, or I should say, outside the bedroom, he is a man of few words. He doesn't like crowds and prefers to sit on the sidelines and observe rather than be in the spotlight. In the bedroom he is demanding and possessive and completely in charge. I love how when he is with Niall, he gives her his complete and utter attention.
Niall wasn't quite as well depicted at Vic. I could empathise with her character but there were times when she annoyed me. The way she handles her problems and how they affected Vic really bothered me. Instead of facing Vic, she runs from him and doesn't give him any explanation. As a reader this frustrated me. But that was really my only complaint. Other than that, I thought it was a solid, sexy story.
Sensuality: Burning
Niall Chandler on her way home from a charity dinner finds herself in the unwanted clutches of her date. Standing out in the hallway in front of the door to her apartment, fighting off her overzealous date, her hunky next-door neighbor Vic comes to her rescue. After not so subtly telling Niall's date to get lost, he asks Niall if she would like to go back to his place for a drink. Niall, unable to resist Vic's sex appeal accepts for not only just a drink, but for one of the most erotic sexual encounters she has ever had in her life.
Beth Kery is a new author to me. I usually am leery when trying a new author because I never know how their writing is going to appeal to me, especial authors who write erotic romance. I was pleasantly surprised by Wicked Burn and found I enjoyed it quite a lot. I would compare Beth Kery's writing to Shannon McKenna or Lisa Marie Rice in terms of the sexuality, characters and pacing.
I really enjoyed Vic's character. There were many different layers to his personality. In public, or I should say, outside the bedroom, he is a man of few words. He doesn't like crowds and prefers to sit on the sidelines and observe rather than be in the spotlight. In the bedroom he is demanding and possessive and completely in charge. I love how when he is with Niall, he gives her his complete and utter attention.
Niall wasn't quite as well depicted at Vic. I could empathise with her character but there were times when she annoyed me. The way she handles her problems and how they affected Vic really bothered me. Instead of facing Vic, she runs from him and doesn't give him any explanation. As a reader this frustrated me. But that was really my only complaint. Other than that, I thought it was a solid, sexy story.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was HOT! Great storyline and an awesome Alpha Hero!
Helpful Score: 1
I started losing interest about halfway through this story. I had a hard time connecting with Vic and Niall as a couple. I thought Vic was crude and forceful in the bedroom, and not in a good way. It was just so rough all of the time; I really wondered how Niall could enjoy it. Vic wasn't apologetic about his bedroom behavior. He said he tried to change for a woman before and it didn't work.
Niall had her own issues to deal with, plus she wasn't certain where she really stood with Vic and I think that was part of the communication breakdown between them. She seemed a bit too meek as well.
The pacing regarding Niall's past was too slow and by the time all was revealed, I didn't care anymore. The big misunderstanding annoyed me as well. I'm not a fan of this plot device. If it's not handled well, it drags on and causes huge amounts of frustration for the reader. Usually, all it takes is a simple conversation to resolve the issue(s). But, if it were that easy, there wouldn't be much of a story.
I've read a couple of Kery's work before and liked them, but I don't feel the same for this one. I have a couple of her other books in my TBR pile. I hope they're better.
Niall had her own issues to deal with, plus she wasn't certain where she really stood with Vic and I think that was part of the communication breakdown between them. She seemed a bit too meek as well.
The pacing regarding Niall's past was too slow and by the time all was revealed, I didn't care anymore. The big misunderstanding annoyed me as well. I'm not a fan of this plot device. If it's not handled well, it drags on and causes huge amounts of frustration for the reader. Usually, all it takes is a simple conversation to resolve the issue(s). But, if it were that easy, there wouldn't be much of a story.
I've read a couple of Kery's work before and liked them, but I don't feel the same for this one. I have a couple of her other books in my TBR pile. I hope they're better.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed the actual story depicted in this book and the connection between the two characters. Their sexual encounters were CERTAINLY hot but I thought the marathon sessions were a little too long some of the time. Vic was definitely alpha male and my heart went out to Niall for the pain that she was living with.
It was a little distracting to me that the feminine character had a man's name and I don't think that was necessary. I kept wishing that she would have said, "My name's Niall, but my friends call me _______ "(fill in the blank...LOL) Or at the very least, Vic had given her a nickname that was used throughout the story.
Overall, this was a winner for me, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
It was a little distracting to me that the feminine character had a man's name and I don't think that was necessary. I kept wishing that she would have said, "My name's Niall, but my friends call me _______ "(fill in the blank...LOL) Or at the very least, Vic had given her a nickname that was used throughout the story.
Overall, this was a winner for me, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Warning: You may want to use pot holders while reading Wicked Burn, because it is THE HOTTEST book I've ever read. With pearls, a Restaurant Booth and a belt OH MY. With that said, I think Ms. Kery created a spectacular story, that had characters with depth and great character development. We see the hurt of both Niall and Vic, and then finally their HEA. I had no such problems with the story, that in itself was a 5 for me. However, I didn't like the name Niall and thought Vic was a bit too alpha, which at times, were more annoying than enjoyable. Those were my only complaints, and have added it to my keeper shelf!
Helpful Score: 1
Very good love story, read it in one day. The hero was alpha, alpha, did I say ALPHA, one of the best I have read in awhile. Some very creative sex scenes, my only criticism was they were too many- which I can't believe I am saying since I like the sexy erotic books ( I actually started skimming them towards the end to get to dialogue). I loved the jealousy situations in the book, made my heart race for the heroine. This is my first book by this author, but I already bought Daring Time to read next from her.
Although this book has very erotic scenes I find it hard to believe that a woman would sleep with a man who she has met the first day. Granted she's seen him before (he's her neighbor) but still. Ok once I got over that, the book was pretty good. The story line was different and I liked it. Niall goes for what she wants and is not one to say no, she actually likes it. Although Vic was annoying at times for being such a hard ass it was still a good book. I read it in 2 days. I would probably read more from this author.
This was my first experience with this author, which turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable read of erotic writing. Niall and Vic's relationship ran scorching hot. Definitely, Vic was an intense, 'take charge in the bedroom' type of guy who didn't hold anything back making the sex raw and frequent; so much so that much of the story is sexual. However, their romance was well developed, believable, and emotional. I was a little thrown with their separation about midway through, but it proved to turn their relationship into another direction. Great read; I'll certainly be looking for others by Ms. Kery. 4 stars.
WOW, is all I have to say, this book shold carry an NC-17 rating if books were rated like movies. Hot, amazing, brutally honest sexuality written in a great story line, with characters that I fell in love with. I can't wait to see more from this author!
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.....spoiler removed
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.....spoiler removed
I really enjoyed this book. Beth Kery is a really great Erotica author. Her books are a must read.
