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Crimson
Kala Thomas accidentally backed into Justin Conrad’s car, the big shot basketball player for the Crimson Cats. He was tall, very tall and intimidating but he was also the most gorgeous man she ever laid eyes on. When he offered to take her home, she thought he was just being nice, but she was soon to learn that Justin didn’t do nice, he did much more. When she found herself in his arms, she knew she should run. There were good reasons why they shouldn't hook up, but women didn’t say no to Justin Conrad. Was Kala strong enough to not be one of those women or would she submit herself to him and jeopardize everything she had worked for?
- GenresRomance
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 1, 2023
Kala Thomas meets NBA Star Justin Conrad when she accidentally hits his car in a minor fender bender, which I thought could've been handled between them. He's rich! Duh!
She is an emotional wreck for several good reasons and the car accident makes it all worse. He insists upon taking her home and ordering something for them to eat. He leaves his phone number, although she doesn't plan to use it, but he takes the decision out of her hands by stopping by unannounced with breakfast for two.
She goes to the door braless and the hero notices her headlights are on and guess that was a go signal for him because he quickly asks if she wants to . I guess, YOLO! So, she takes the opportunity to sleep with him, though she suspects he has a girlfriend. When she mentions said girlfriend, he tells her, he doesn't do jealous and proceeds to ghost her for two weeks. He's able to get past it and she allows him to continues to give in to his domineering, possessive and entitled ways. They quickly become each others obsession.
When she tells him about the no fraternization between athletes and staff (she's an intern), he scoffs at the rules and tells her he'll get the rules changed. She tells him, time and time again, she doesn't want him to interfere with her job. No doesn't seem to mean anything to him, and because Kala is a marshmallow she allows him to get away with his bad behavior. Justin continually overpowers her senses and reasoning, and her no's often turned into short-term, but reluctant consent, until it's what she wants too because unfortunately, her body betrays her every time. Kala acknowledges her weakness for Justin and Justin is feeling the same way until he feels betrayed by her and a family member. He becomes even more unlikeable, treating her like a possession and bringing other people into the mix—which is a major no-no for me.
When his past catches up with him, Kala is caught in the middle. Rushed ending.
She is an emotional wreck for several good reasons and the car accident makes it all worse. He insists upon taking her home and ordering something for them to eat. He leaves his phone number, although she doesn't plan to use it, but he takes the decision out of her hands by stopping by unannounced with breakfast for two.
She goes to the door braless and the hero notices her headlights are on and guess that was a go signal for him because he quickly asks if she wants to . I guess, YOLO! So, she takes the opportunity to sleep with him, though she suspects he has a girlfriend. When she mentions said girlfriend, he tells her, he doesn't do jealous and proceeds to ghost her for two weeks. He's able to get past it and she allows him to continues to give in to his domineering, possessive and entitled ways. They quickly become each others obsession.
When she tells him about the no fraternization between athletes and staff (she's an intern), he scoffs at the rules and tells her he'll get the rules changed. She tells him, time and time again, she doesn't want him to interfere with her job. No doesn't seem to mean anything to him, and because Kala is a marshmallow she allows him to get away with his bad behavior. Justin continually overpowers her senses and reasoning, and her no's often turned into short-term, but reluctant consent, until it's what she wants too because unfortunately, her body betrays her every time. Kala acknowledges her weakness for Justin and Justin is feeling the same way until he feels betrayed by her and a family member. He becomes even more unlikeable, treating her like a possession and bringing other people into the mix—which is a major no-no for me.
When his past catches up with him, Kala is caught in the middle. Rushed ending.
March 13, 2023
Independent reviewer for Book Sirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This review will be short, and to the point. I'm not sure I liked this book, at all, but I did finish it, so I told myself I would review all books I finish.
The majority of this book is written from Kala's point of view. Justin gets a bit but I think it would have beeen better had he NOT been given a voice, or it was more evenly spaced between the two of them.
A lot happens in this book, a LOT. Far too much happens far too quickly and there is some stuff talked about later on that seems to have been thrown in, cos I did not read about some things that Justin throws at Kala when things get bad. Most of the book revolves around Kala and Justin's physical relationship and that didn't flow too well. Justin is, for want of a better word, a d8ckhead and I did not like him. He claimed to be a dominant (I deliberately left the capital letter off) but he comes across more of a bully.
There is some editing that is needed, or a better beta reader. In one scene, Kala puts her jeans on with no panties, then in the same scene, panties are wet, then they are gone again? I doubled back and checked. In another scene, names are mixed up.
I think the biggest thing for more, was that the book had a lot of ideas in it, almost like the author went "oh, lets add xyz, lets add abc, lets add the whole darn alphabet" in 131 pages, and it just doesn't work. It either needed a whole lot stripped out, or a much MUCH longer book to fully develop all the ideas that are here. And that winds back to the editing/beta reading thing.
And now I feel bad, because this is the first book by this author, and I just pulled their baby apart. So, I'm sorry I couldn't love it.
3 stars, but only because I did finish it.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This review will be short, and to the point. I'm not sure I liked this book, at all, but I did finish it, so I told myself I would review all books I finish.
The majority of this book is written from Kala's point of view. Justin gets a bit but I think it would have beeen better had he NOT been given a voice, or it was more evenly spaced between the two of them.
A lot happens in this book, a LOT. Far too much happens far too quickly and there is some stuff talked about later on that seems to have been thrown in, cos I did not read about some things that Justin throws at Kala when things get bad. Most of the book revolves around Kala and Justin's physical relationship and that didn't flow too well. Justin is, for want of a better word, a d8ckhead and I did not like him. He claimed to be a dominant (I deliberately left the capital letter off) but he comes across more of a bully.
There is some editing that is needed, or a better beta reader. In one scene, Kala puts her jeans on with no panties, then in the same scene, panties are wet, then they are gone again? I doubled back and checked. In another scene, names are mixed up.
I think the biggest thing for more, was that the book had a lot of ideas in it, almost like the author went "oh, lets add xyz, lets add abc, lets add the whole darn alphabet" in 131 pages, and it just doesn't work. It either needed a whole lot stripped out, or a much MUCH longer book to fully develop all the ideas that are here. And that winds back to the editing/beta reading thing.
And now I feel bad, because this is the first book by this author, and I just pulled their baby apart. So, I'm sorry I couldn't love it.
3 stars, but only because I did finish it.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
March 10, 2023
Darn it! I wanted to give this 4 stars - I couldn't swing for 5 because of the bizarre restaurant meal that stretched my incredulity - but I just can't. Sad as it has my favoured dominant alpha male possessive, obsessive leading male character trope,
This began so promisingly. Kala, a young emotionally challenged (and a bit of a limp biscuit if I'm being honest) runs into (literally) Justin a dominant, possessive and enigmatic star NBA player. So begins a runaway mutual obsession.
Justin is totally blinkered when it comes to Kala (it's reciprocated) and can't leave her alone.
There are a number of possible triggers in this story so prepare yourself.
It is dark - Justin has a shady past - and there is a Dom/sub theme here that won't be for everyone, however I was happily devouring it until…. what the hell happened?
The author suddenly pressed the pedal to the metal and HUGE CRITICAL scenes were dashed off and done with in what felt like seconds. A woman was alluded to around 3/4 of the way through then never mentioned again. This was a critical error. Surely the author realised her existence was a game changer for the reader?
We then have a bizarre final scene in a restaurant and then boom the epilogue. What the hell just happened?
This could have been SO good. So so good. Instead I"m left feeling cheated.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This began so promisingly. Kala, a young emotionally challenged (and a bit of a limp biscuit if I'm being honest) runs into (literally) Justin a dominant, possessive and enigmatic star NBA player. So begins a runaway mutual obsession.
Justin is totally blinkered when it comes to Kala (it's reciprocated) and can't leave her alone.
There are a number of possible triggers in this story so prepare yourself.
It is dark - Justin has a shady past - and there is a Dom/sub theme here that won't be for everyone, however I was happily devouring it until…. what the hell happened?
The author suddenly pressed the pedal to the metal and HUGE CRITICAL scenes were dashed off and done with in what felt like seconds. A woman was alluded to around 3/4 of the way through then never mentioned again. This was a critical error. Surely the author realised her existence was a game changer for the reader?
We then have a bizarre final scene in a restaurant and then boom the epilogue. What the hell just happened?
This could have been SO good. So so good. Instead I"m left feeling cheated.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2023
There are some really good moments in this book and overall I enjoyed reading it. I like dark reads and this is definitely dark. The characters are interesting, I liked Kala but had issues with Justin as he seemed too one dimensional to really root for in the book.
The plot is interesting but in places it feels a bit rushed and as if the author has so many good ideas that the pace of the story doesn’t always work. I did wonder whether it needed to be a duet of novels to really flesh out some fascinating ideas.
Overall it was enjoyable and I hope readers give it a try. Even though it wasn’t the perfect read for me I am sure there is a dark romance lover out there who would disagree with me, which is what makes reading so much fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot is interesting but in places it feels a bit rushed and as if the author has so many good ideas that the pace of the story doesn’t always work. I did wonder whether it needed to be a duet of novels to really flesh out some fascinating ideas.
Overall it was enjoyable and I hope readers give it a try. Even though it wasn’t the perfect read for me I am sure there is a dark romance lover out there who would disagree with me, which is what makes reading so much fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2023
This book was very dark with a super controlling main character. Justin was super sweet, but very controlling from the start, and while Kala seemed to enjoy that from him that was not always the case. There was a lot of darkness in this book. While there were several steamy scenes full of spice in this book I felt that a lot of this was overshadowed by the darkness and darker themes that would definitely not sit right with some readers. I mostly enjoyed it, but this book is not for the faint of heart!!! The HEA seemed a bit rushed in the end and kind of left a bad taste in my mouth the way it was just done so quick with not nearly enough detail.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book started really strong, i really got hooked, the plot line and story was good.
I feel like it could’ve gone into more depth at the end of his background as Dom, and for then to go maybe more slowly and detail in the beginning of their relationship as dom and sub. I felt like the end was a little bit rushed. Like it was really good plot and spicy. Just felt like it time jump quite a little bit without getting into much detail of what happened with them or what has going on like to fast paced for my taste. But that is just my taste the author’s writing was really nice and beautiful. I just wished maybe their story was longer hence why it felt too paced and rushed.
The book started really strong, i really got hooked, the plot line and story was good.
I feel like it could’ve gone into more depth at the end of his background as Dom, and for then to go maybe more slowly and detail in the beginning of their relationship as dom and sub. I felt like the end was a little bit rushed. Like it was really good plot and spicy. Just felt like it time jump quite a little bit without getting into much detail of what happened with them or what has going on like to fast paced for my taste. But that is just my taste the author’s writing was really nice and beautiful. I just wished maybe their story was longer hence why it felt too paced and rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
Accidental or chance meeting…
For Kala, life is a bit rough right now and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better when she gets into a car accident with a tall, domineering basketball player.
Justin is used to getting his way and that doesn’t stop where Kala is concerned. Seeing things are on the rocks, he steps in and soon he’s staking a claim.
This was a steamy story with an alpha, jealous and possessive anti-hero type. It was interesting and kept my interest to the end. I just wish the ending was a bit longer. Overalls, a good steamy romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For Kala, life is a bit rough right now and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better when she gets into a car accident with a tall, domineering basketball player.
Justin is used to getting his way and that doesn’t stop where Kala is concerned. Seeing things are on the rocks, he steps in and soon he’s staking a claim.
This was a steamy story with an alpha, jealous and possessive anti-hero type. It was interesting and kept my interest to the end. I just wish the ending was a bit longer. Overalls, a good steamy romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
Kala is having a tough life with family issues, her family dog dying, interviewing for a intern she's pretty sure she won't get and a accident that leads her to the hot basketball player, Justin. So when they decide to start a relationship but have to hide it, it causes so many problems. At one point you will want her to leave him and then you will be pulling for them.
You'll have to prepare yourself for some rough moments in this book and a lot of steamy things.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You'll have to prepare yourself for some rough moments in this book and a lot of steamy things.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2023
This story covers the relationship between Justin and Kala. Justin is an alpha male through and through. Very dominant and controlling but also very sweet. They happen to meet when she backs into his car. There is an instant attraction between them but when they start a relationship they have to hid it. There was some darkness in the story with plenty of spicy scenes. It was a fast story but a captivating one. This is the first book I've read by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
Maura Archer is a fairly new author to me, but I enjoyed this book, it's an intense and a bit dark story. The main characters Kala and Justin were great, only I had trouble in the beginning with Justin and the way he behaved I sometimes wanted to hit him haha and Kala I also had some trouble she didn't really have much spirit. I really enjoyed this book and will read more by this author.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
March 14, 2023
This was Justin & Kala’s book. Kala Thomas accidentally backed into Justin Conrad’s car, the big shot basketball player for the Crimson Cats. He was tall, very tall and intimidating but he was also the most gorgeous man she ever laid eyes on. When he offered to take her home, she thought he was just being nice, but she was soon to learn that Justin didn’t do nice. It was an interesting read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 8, 2023
Kala accidentally backs into star basketball player Justin’s car, and there is an instant connection between them. Justin is dominating and possessive, while Kala is battling with family problems. This story concentrates more on the physical aspects of their relationship. This is a good story which is fast paced, with angst, emotions, family, friendships, chemistry, and is a spicy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2023
This was a really good read. The story was interesting and steamy. I did wonder if Justin was a little crazy sometimes and didn't like the way he treated Kala a lot, but enjoyed the HEA and would really like to read more stories from this author from now on.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
This is my first Maura Archer novel, and I wasn't disappointed. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great characters, and a well written. Would recommend. Will read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews