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nordicturtle's review
1.0
I thought this book was going to be about their relationship after he admitted his kink, but it was more about a murder investigation and keeping her safe.
maggiemaggio's review
4.0
I'll admit that I was highly skeptical of this one going in. Not because of the first book, I loved the first book. And not because of Brad and Julia, I love both of them. But because of the story. Julia's boss, Brad's partner, gets murdered and then Brad and Julia are suspects and the mob has something to do with it? Can we saw dramatic?
But, and this is a big but, somehow it all works! Seriously, I don't know how Alessandra Torre did it, but she did and I loved it. Well, maybe given the choice I would still have rather read and Brad and Julia and lots of swinger sex, but since I couldn't have that I'd say this was a pretty good consolation prize.
Luckily there is a swingers party right at the beginning of the book. I liked, after how Blindfolded Innocence ended, how this story got that particular hurdle out of the way right off the bat. No waffling from Julia about whether she really wants that lifestyle, no Brad pressuring her into it, they went, they did it, they move on.
The story pretty much picks up right from where Blindfolded Innocence left off with and that was perfect. Julia and Brad are still figuring out what they want their relationship to be and that's fine. One of my favorite things about this book is how not annoying Julia and Brad both are. Julia's a strong, independent woman who maybe doesn't know completely who she is and what she wants, but she knows enough to make her able to stand up for herself and assert herself when needed. And Brad, controlling as he might be, really does seem like a good guy who respects Julia quite a bit.
Then Broward is murdered. When I first read the description I saw it playing out like Brad, with his shady past, gets accused of Broward's murder or being involved in Broward's murder, and Julia has to stand by his side or decide if she wants to be with him. But that's not how it happened at all. I'm not going to ruin it, but I'll say that Julia is actually the one who's more tied to he murder and it's Brad who has to stand by her.
What happens after Broward's murder is dramatic and probably not something that's ever going to happen to most people. But the way that the story is told and the reactions of the characters to the story just work. I never felt like I had to suspend disbelief, I never felt like the characters were making ridiculous choices, and I really loved watching how it played out.
Bottom Line: I am such a fan of these stories and Alessandra Torre. The characters are strong and likable, the plot lines are believable and well executed, and there's a good balance between sexy times and actual plot. I can't recommend this series enough.
But, and this is a big but, somehow it all works! Seriously, I don't know how Alessandra Torre did it, but she did and I loved it. Well, maybe given the choice I would still have rather read and Brad and Julia and lots of swinger sex, but since I couldn't have that I'd say this was a pretty good consolation prize.
Luckily there is a swingers party right at the beginning of the book. I liked, after how Blindfolded Innocence ended, how this story got that particular hurdle out of the way right off the bat. No waffling from Julia about whether she really wants that lifestyle, no Brad pressuring her into it, they went, they did it, they move on.
The story pretty much picks up right from where Blindfolded Innocence left off with and that was perfect. Julia and Brad are still figuring out what they want their relationship to be and that's fine. One of my favorite things about this book is how not annoying Julia and Brad both are. Julia's a strong, independent woman who maybe doesn't know completely who she is and what she wants, but she knows enough to make her able to stand up for herself and assert herself when needed. And Brad, controlling as he might be, really does seem like a good guy who respects Julia quite a bit.
Then Broward is murdered. When I first read the description I saw it playing out like Brad, with his shady past, gets accused of Broward's murder or being involved in Broward's murder, and Julia has to stand by his side or decide if she wants to be with him. But that's not how it happened at all. I'm not going to ruin it, but I'll say that Julia is actually the one who's more tied to he murder and it's Brad who has to stand by her.
What happens after Broward's murder is dramatic and probably not something that's ever going to happen to most people. But the way that the story is told and the reactions of the characters to the story just work. I never felt like I had to suspend disbelief, I never felt like the characters were making ridiculous choices, and I really loved watching how it played out.
Bottom Line: I am such a fan of these stories and Alessandra Torre. The characters are strong and likable, the plot lines are believable and well executed, and there's a good balance between sexy times and actual plot. I can't recommend this series enough.
eantoinette285's review
4.0
This series took a turn I wasn't expecting! Least predictable trilogy I've read in awhile! The characters are so spunky and are quite refreshing as well! I'll keep this short and sweet so I can move on to book three!
tfail24's review
5.0
WOW!!!
I am so glad that I kept reading this series, because I love Brad and Julia.
Don't get me wrong Julia is young and Brad is a total SLUT as Julia would call him, but somewhere along the way they have started falling for each other. They both make huge discoveries about themselves, leave their pasts in the past, and move forward with their future together.
I can't wait to see how their future turns out.
I am so glad that I kept reading this series, because I love Brad and Julia.
Don't get me wrong Julia is young and Brad is a total SLUT as Julia would call him, but somewhere along the way they have started falling for each other. They both make huge discoveries about themselves, leave their pasts in the past, and move forward with their future together.
I can't wait to see how their future turns out.
sarcrawsh's review
3.0
So, this book did a good job of continuing where the last one left off, but I feel as though the whole mob storyline is clunky and unnecessary. Reading about Brad and Julia navigating the world of swinging and discovering whether or not Brad can be "faithful" is plenty interesting, no death threats needed!
stephsromancebooktalk's review
5.0
Really really good especially with the new twists and turns!! At first I wasn't sure if I liked the sudden plot change/focus but by the end I loved this new path. So good I almost got through it in1 day, if I hadn't had to work and needed sleep, I would have read through the night!!
allenfarm's review
3.0
Book two
Book two shifted a bit away from where book 1 was going. Book one was about innocence and debauchery, and an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas. Book two is them deciding to have a go at a real relationship, but the secrets and familial obligations may make that difficult, or rush the timeline. I like an aggressive and controlling Brad De Luca. And I like that Julia is feisty enough to keep up with him. Despite her age they match well.
Book two shifted a bit away from where book 1 was going. Book one was about innocence and debauchery, and an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas. Book two is them deciding to have a go at a real relationship, but the secrets and familial obligations may make that difficult, or rush the timeline. I like an aggressive and controlling Brad De Luca. And I like that Julia is feisty enough to keep up with him. Despite her age they match well.
seeingnight's review
4.0
GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance, Mature
RECEIVED: Bought
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
REVIEW:
I’ve been hooked to these really great contemporary romances lately and after reading the first in the Innocence series; I was interested to see how far Torre would take these characters. This is definitely not a book for the innocent, it explores boundaries that I myself am not interested in but Torre does something that adds a great twist with a murder mystery.
Masked Innocence follows once again Julia Campbell, the once innocent twenty one year old hopeful law student. Julia continues her internship and her romance with her law firms top divorce lawyer Brad De Luca. But as soon as the romance heats up another notch, Julia’s boss is murdered and she is the next target on the hit list. Luckily Brad has connections, but this could put Julia’s life in even more danger and wondering if it’s love that’s keeping her with Brad or fear.
Julia was all spunk and spark in the first book; her innocence was changed by Brad De Luca’s arrogant and confident nature. Now that their relationship is moving forward, Julia is learning what depth they can take their romance and exploring things that she never thought she’d enjoy. The beginning of the book focuses on a masked party that Brad and Julia get a special invite too, this whole part of the book felt a little off compared to the rest. As much as I enjoy the romance and tension between these two, I felt this part was forced and that Julia’s character was not the character I liked, compared to the first and the rest of this book.
Now for the second half, Julia was back on top with her mind fully focused on a murder in her office. It was interesting seeing how she coped with some surprising revelations and how her romance with Brad starts to deepen faster than she expected.
Brad De Luca is hotter than ever, his secrets are slowly unfolded in this story and he’s going to be tested wth both his family and relationship. Brad’s life is a colorful one, going from woman to woman but now it seems his heart might have finally found his weakness, Julia. He is definitely a tall dark and handsome man, but his mysterious background is the best part of this story. The readers will get some interesting tidbits about his family. But most of all the readers will love his intense romance with Julia; their scenes are off the charts hot.
Overall this was a great second installment. And even with a slow and not so intriguing beginning, it was saved with the murder mystery. The mystery is just the beginning of what I think is going to be bigger, so I’m super curious as to what really happened and if Julia is going to get out of this dangerous pickle she’s in. We also get more Martha, who is a spirited and awesome woman, plus the introduction to a “brother” of Brad’s. I liked the protective side of Brad that came out in this one, his family stepping back in the picture is changing him. In the end I look forward to seeing where Torre takes this couple and hopefully it’s a happy ending.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with very mature sexual content suited for mature readers over the age of 18 and over. Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James and Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren will enjoy This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas.
THEME: Romance, Mature
RECEIVED: Bought
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
REVIEW:
I’ve been hooked to these really great contemporary romances lately and after reading the first in the Innocence series; I was interested to see how far Torre would take these characters. This is definitely not a book for the innocent, it explores boundaries that I myself am not interested in but Torre does something that adds a great twist with a murder mystery.
Masked Innocence follows once again Julia Campbell, the once innocent twenty one year old hopeful law student. Julia continues her internship and her romance with her law firms top divorce lawyer Brad De Luca. But as soon as the romance heats up another notch, Julia’s boss is murdered and she is the next target on the hit list. Luckily Brad has connections, but this could put Julia’s life in even more danger and wondering if it’s love that’s keeping her with Brad or fear.
Julia was all spunk and spark in the first book; her innocence was changed by Brad De Luca’s arrogant and confident nature. Now that their relationship is moving forward, Julia is learning what depth they can take their romance and exploring things that she never thought she’d enjoy. The beginning of the book focuses on a masked party that Brad and Julia get a special invite too, this whole part of the book felt a little off compared to the rest. As much as I enjoy the romance and tension between these two, I felt this part was forced and that Julia’s character was not the character I liked, compared to the first and the rest of this book.
Now for the second half, Julia was back on top with her mind fully focused on a murder in her office. It was interesting seeing how she coped with some surprising revelations and how her romance with Brad starts to deepen faster than she expected.
Brad De Luca is hotter than ever, his secrets are slowly unfolded in this story and he’s going to be tested wth both his family and relationship. Brad’s life is a colorful one, going from woman to woman but now it seems his heart might have finally found his weakness, Julia. He is definitely a tall dark and handsome man, but his mysterious background is the best part of this story. The readers will get some interesting tidbits about his family. But most of all the readers will love his intense romance with Julia; their scenes are off the charts hot.
Overall this was a great second installment. And even with a slow and not so intriguing beginning, it was saved with the murder mystery. The mystery is just the beginning of what I think is going to be bigger, so I’m super curious as to what really happened and if Julia is going to get out of this dangerous pickle she’s in. We also get more Martha, who is a spirited and awesome woman, plus the introduction to a “brother” of Brad’s. I liked the protective side of Brad that came out in this one, his family stepping back in the picture is changing him. In the end I look forward to seeing where Torre takes this couple and hopefully it’s a happy ending.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with very mature sexual content suited for mature readers over the age of 18 and over. Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James and Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren will enjoy This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas.