Where did you get the book: E-arc from the publisher
Publisher: Intermix
Release date: Out now
Part 2 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…
*Blurb taken from Goodreads*
When You Defy Me is part two of Beth Kery’s serial that is featuring spin-off characters from her previous title, Because You Are Mine, which was recently released as an omnibus edition last week (and watch out for my review of that book later this week!). In this installment, both Elise and Lucien who share a past with each other, still share an attraction that has grown over the years. They have come to an agreement to embark in an affair which promises to engulf them both, especially for Lucien whose self control is being threatened by Elise’s presence back in his life.
While the previous instalment sets up the characters and the premise, in Part 2 we see more hints and clues about Lucien and Elise’s past and family. I especially liked how Lucien was disconcerted by the lack of control when he was thinking about Elise and the affect she had one him, and how this tied in with the BDSM element of the book. This promises to be more of a power play between Elise and Lucien, rather than sexual games, which they can explore each with each other. I also loved the build-up to consummating their relationship which helps to heighten the romantic and sexual tension between them.
However, I think the main strength for this instalment is the hints and clues of their back-story Both are from similar backgrounds and are estranged with their parents and wanting to escape their families’ legacies and reputations. But for Lucien there seems to be hints of more secrets with his connections with Ian Noble, who is the hero in the prequel novel. And I have an idea on why they are connected in some way and it will be interesting to see how this pans out, especially since Lucien is adamant that his past with Elise is to be kept hidden, which adds a level of intrigue to the story. I also liked the scenes with Ian and Francesca and how they faring after their book which was sweet and fun, and I was glad they do feature prominently in this serial because it looks like they will be an important factor in the main plot.
Overall, I was glad of the build-up of the sexual tension between Lucien and Elise, and this instalment really helped to established their characters, especially with a few things that caught me by surprise like Elise’s past which I will be interested in to see how Lucien will react when he finds out. But while I liked Because You Are Mine, I think When I’m With You is shaping up to be much better for me so far.
I give When I’m With You (When You Defy Me Part 2) a B+
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Thank you for having a look at When I’m With You and taking the time to review it. 🙂
Warm Regards,
Beth