Where did you get the book: E-ARC from Publisher
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Release date: Out now
Part 1 in new 8 part serial.The next serial sensation from Beth Kery, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Because You Are Mine.
New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery’s blistering new novel of a man and woman bound by the scandalous secrets of the past–and by the sexual hunger that still fuels their uncontrollable desires…
Restaurateur and self-exiled heir Lucien Lenault’s first look at the breathtaking young chef trainee for his trendy Chicago restaurant is a shock. She’s Elise Martin, daughter of a wealthy French fashion designer. She’s also the holder of a secret that could explode his carefully laid plans.
Notorious for her flagrant exhibitionism, and for flouting the respectable façade of her aristocratic background, the coquine’s wild streak shocked most people. Not Lucien. He was tempted by it. It was a deliriously punishable offense as far as Lucien was concerned. But taking on Elise is more than a game. She’s a catastrophe waiting to happen, an inferno that’s burned many a lover. Lucien isn’t most men, however, and he won’t allow her to manipulate him. In order to control the defiant beauty–in order to see her submit–he’s going to have to willingly walk in the flames…More to come. Don’t miss When I’m With You, Part II, available 3/12
*Blurb taken from Goodreads*
Last year I was really intrigued with Beth Kery’s Because You Are Mine serial last–and I’m not a huge fan of serials because I hate waiting for the next installment, especially if there’s a cliffhanger.
I really enjoy Kery’s voice and she sure can write hot and steamy scenes with engaging romances. I planned to pick up and review the first book when it came out in an omnibus edition (which was released on March the 5th). However, when the chance to review the serial spin-off, When We Touch (When I’m With You Part 1) came up, I thought I would take the plunge.
I did wish I had read the prequel novel because I felt I was missing a lot of nuance within the first few pages, especially with the introduction of the hero, Lucien Sauvage, with his friendship with Ian Noble who is the hero in Because You Are Mine. Yet this was a slight niggle because I was soon immersed into the story of Elise and Lucien.
Elise Martin, is trying to kickstart her chef career in an attempt to create a new life in a new country and away from her past and family. She is shocked to encounter Lucien Sauvage who she shared a memorable encounter a few years back. Lucien is not happy with the sudden reappearance of Elise, and is definitely more perturbed with the effect she still has on him. He’s reluctant to hire her, even though he needs a chef for his successful restaurant. Yet this new chance encounter sets up an opportunity which both Elise and Lucien cannot resist, and they embark on a relationship which promises to be sexually charged and emotionally intense.
I have to admit when I finished this installment I was left wanting because it ended on such an intense moment when Elise and Lucien both agree to have a relationship, and where he introduces her to his world which is not something she fully expected. I was left hanging because it was way too short and I was hankering for more. But I did enjoy the opening and the introduction of the romance. It was one where Lucien would dominate and set up the rules. And like the previous title in this series, this book has overtones of BDSM but I liked the little hints of the power play between Lucien and Elise. It promises to be fun, intense and very very sexy with lots of conflict in store which is my cup of tea!
I give When We Touch (When I’m With You Part 1) a B-
You have me intrigued – many reviews of Kerry’s first serial were not the best, but your genuine enjoyment and craving for the next installment has me thinking I should at least try it out. 🙂