Book Review: The Girlfriend by Abigail Barnette

thegirlfriend 3.5 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

Unemployed, blacklisted, and pregnant, Sophie Scaife’s life is totally upside down. Her relationship with publishing magnate Neil Elwood is on the rocks. Her best friend’s career is igniting. And Sophie is afraid she’ll make one of the toughest decisions of her life alone… When a devastating diagnosis forces Neil to return to London, Sophie throws caution to the wind to follow her heart across the Atlantic. Keeping a scorching D/s affair as red-hot in sickness as it was in health is a challenge, even for two lovers as inventive as Sophie and Neil. But Sophie is more than willing to try anything her Sir commands, and their fantasies of control become a welcome refuge from the daily stress of illness. While Neil’s wealth and privilege make adjusting to her new situation easier, Sophie finds herself rebuilding her life around an uncertain future. And while both of them face the changes between them head-on, they’re all too aware that their happiness may be fleeting-and Sophie could lose Neil forever.

MY REVIEW:

Just when Sophie thought being unemployed and blacklisted was enough, she now has learned of her unplanned pregnancy and Neil’s life threatening illness. Could things look any worse? Having to make a decision on the pregnancy rather quickly Sophie tells Neil and together they make a decision. Not willing to lose the man that she has lost her career for, Sophie makes the decision to leave her life or what’s left of it behind,  and head to London to be with the man who has stolen her heart in his time of need.

Still looking to explore their D/s relationship further, Sophie gathers some rather interesting experiences despite Neil’s illness. The two of them work hard on each other, however Sophie still finds the world that Neil lives in rather intimidating, not to mention despite the hurdles they have to overcome for their relationship, she now has to come face to face with his past which includes one bitchy ex.

This book was a fun read. Some of the D/s experiences that Sophie encountered were rather steamy, but there were also some revelations about Neil that was a little shocking to me. I will admit that there are some parts in this part of their journey that might have you on the verge of tears, especially since it includes a journey through illness and pregnancy. But it’s a very believable plot.

Now the bitchy ex is one most women can relate to and at some point I really wanted to smack her and put her in her place. I think that happens when you really get into a book. But Sophie was pretty respectful despite the woman antagonizing her, but you already know that there is only so much a woman can bare, and when Sophie let’s lose it’s very satisfying.

The relationship between Sophie and Neil though still fresh and despite all the challenges seem to be stronger. Sophie begins to understand her position in Neil’s life, but is it really a position that she wants to embrace including what it could mean for the future? Neil is going through an illness that puts a strain on him physically as well as his relationship with Sophie but it’s bearable with her there, however he struggles to remain in control of a situation that he has no control over; his illness and his relationship.

Now though I know how this novel ends, there has got to be more to the story (hint). It wasn’t so much of a cliffhanger as it was an opening to expand the story and I sure hope the author does. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.

 

Book Review: The Boss by Abigail Barnette

the boss 4 Stars

 SYNOPSIS:

Sophie Scaife almost ran away once, trading her ticket to college for a ticket to Tokyo. But a delayed flight and a hot one-night stand with a stranger changed her mind, putting her firmly on track to a coveted position at a New York fashion magazine.

When the irresistible stranger from that one incredible night turns out to be her new boss – billionaire and publishing magnate Neil Elwood – Sophie can’t resist the chance to rekindle the spark between them… and the opportunity to explore her submissive side with the most Dominant man she’s ever known.

Neil is the only man who has ever understood Sophie’s need to submit in the bedroom, and the only man who has ever satisfied those desires. When their scorching, no-strings-attached sexual relationship becomes something more, Sophie must choose between her career and heart… or risk losing them both.

MY REVIEW:

Who said you can’t mix work and pleasure…..

Sophie finds herself in quite the situation when what should have been a regular day at work turns out to be one of the worst she has ever had. Neil Elwood reenter Sophie’s life at the most unexpected time and can we say under the worst of circumstances.

Years ago due to a delay in their flights,  Sophie and Neil met at an airport. It was at this time that Sophie was faced with the decision of running from her problems or facing them head on, Sophie chose to run. With a chance meeting at the airport, Sophie and Neil hit it off well and when I  say well, I mean it led to an unforgettable one night stand for both of them. But it was also that night that her decision was altered by an unforeseen change in events. Now years later Sophie is standing face to face with the man who is a re-occurrence in her dreams and fantasy and truthfully the person that she compares every male to sexually. With opportunity knocking at the door how can Sophie pass up the one chance she might have to make her dreams a reality even if they cost her another dream?

Sophie is this young vibrant lady who has a job that she both loves and hates, but it’s the journey that has gotten her there that she holds onto the most. Neil changed her life in one night and now here she is in front of him again with no idea what the future holds for her career or her love life.

Not willing to let him forget her or that one night, Sophie takes a few matters in her own hands, but what she willingly got herself into was probably more than she could handle.

Neil is a billionaire and publishing magnate and was pleasantly surprised when he met Sophie in the airport years ago, and now here she is in the flesh once more. With his life going through changes, a new company to run and strained relationships, how can he make it all work? Sophie submitted to him that night can he get her to do it again? Oh the Dominant in him was certain of it, but at what cost?

Now this was an exciting book. I found myself loving the plot as Sophie has the chance to capitalize on a fantasy, but at what cost to her career? Though the no-strings attached sexual relationship sounded like a really good idea at the time, how did she even think it was going to be just that when Neil is a man she hasn’t been able to get out of her head in years. Some of the events in the book made me laugh and some I had to re-read as I was totally thrown with the development. Nope I’m not giving a spoiler!!! lol But you will definitely enjoy the journey the two take and the decisions the both have to face both good and bad.

What was even more interesting was the relationship between Neil and his daughter and the most embarrassing introduction Sophie has ever received in her life……you’ll enjoy this part. Oh let’s not forget the huge age difference between the two which causes a few more problems. Now grab the book and start reading.