Customer Reviews

Wicked Burn

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
During the first half of the book, I was captivated and intrigued. The author has a great voice, excellent portrayal of characters and motivations. Good dialogue. She surprised me at times. I loved the sincerity and honesty of the two characters, no coyness, no games. They followed their feelings. Her characters had depth and vulnerability. I felt like I was there, in this interesting world of people. There were also a lot of erotic, hot, sensual sex scenes. Vic is an extreme-turn-on in the bedroom. I was looking forward to a 4 or 5 star read.

Then I was let down, starting on page 196. The characters were no longer honest. The author used my number one pet peeve: "conflict due to vague communication and inaccurate assumptions." The problem went both ways. Vic heard something A, but he inaccurately assumed something different B, and he was mad at Niall. Niall could have cleared this up by telling him some (or all) of the details C which would have taken one minute. Instead, she says nothing, letting him believe B. Her reason was that she didn't want Vic to be mad at her and misjudge her. But, he was already mad, and he already misjudged her because of B. When he later learns the truth C, he is not mad, and he understands. The last 148 pages of the book were about this separation. I was annoyed that Niall never corrected him and let the separation go on for far too long. I boil it down to this. She didn't tell him the truth because she didn't want him to misjudge her and end the relationship, but he already misjudged her, and she was the one who ended the relationship. I know this happens in the real world, but it still bothers and frustrates me because it is over used in romance novels. Another separation happens later, again because she assumes something incorrect about Vic.

The author's characters and conversations are modern with a slight edge (which I like) as opposed to the predictably sweet writing associated with so many romance novels of the past. I have some pet peeves listed under In My Own Words on my Amazon profile page. If the author avoided using them, I would be ecstatic! She would be great!

STORY BRIEF:
Vic and Niall are neighbors, living across the hall from each other in a high rise. Niall is a curator at an art museum. Vic is a director and playwright for a local theater. They meet, are immediately attracted to each other and have a wildly passionate love affair. They both are suffering from past hurts, but Niall's hurt is worse. For three years, she has been mourning the death of her child.

DATA:
Story length: 343 pages. Sexual language: strong/erotic with rear door activity. Number of sex scenes: 11. Total number of sex scene pages: 104. Setting: current day Chicago and a farm in southern Illinois. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.

OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Beth Kery books, see my 4 ½ star review of Release posted 2-7-10.

DISCLOSURE:
The author sent this book to me free of charge, requesting a review.

Vic Savian, a famous but reclusive playwrite, lives across the hall from the delectable Niall Chandler. The two have locked eyes previously and even shared an elevator alone once and even then, during these mundane moments, the tension between them crackled. Than one night Vic overhears Niall arguing with a disgruntled suitor. It doesn't take him long to recognize danger and Vic makes a rapid decision to peel the guy away from Niall and after which, even instilling a littler fear in him as well. In the next second though he offers Niall a drink at his apartment. Lucky for Niall, some hot lovin' was on the menu as well.

I love having characters revealed slowly to me but I thought that in this instance that revealing was too slow. In the midst of the white hot sex, we're given emotion but very little detail as to why, especially on Vic's end. Shortly after their first sexual encounter we're given limited information on Niall's tragic past and I suppose that it was both fortunate and unfortunate that I found her history so interesting because I ended up skimming the sex scenes to a certain extent to get back to the emotional story rather than the sexual.

Niall Chandler's four year old son was murdered before her very eyes. Soon after which her husband deserts her to wallow in his own grief. After suicidal attempts turn to homicide attempts with regards to Niall's life, her husband is admitted to a mental institution. Slowly coming to terms with not only her son's death but with the guilt and her husband's accusations that it should have been her that died, Niall has done her best to put her life back together over the last three and half years. Yet Niall still lives in a semi-catatonic state where her grief frequently manifests itself with debilitating nightmares. But it's Vic's earth shattering love making that awakens her to life again.

Vic has had his share of tragedy as well but his jaded demeanor, in my opinion, made him hold his fiancé's betrayal a bit too close to heart for too long. Jenny, a gorgeous movie star with a complex, broke Vic's heart after cheating on him and choreographing the timing so that Vic would walk in on her with another man. It's this betrayal that makes Vic refuse to become close enough to a woman where she has the power to once again break his heart. Yet Niall soon inspires complex emotions to arise and like the man that Vic is, he explains away his intense emotions as lustful desire.

Understandably, Niall is afraid of Vic's possible judgement regarding her son's death and she can't bring herself to tell him the truth of her past despite his offering to be there for her. Vic, finally ready and wanting to know who Niall is, nearly begs her to confide in him but of course she's too terrified of his possible negative reaction to do so. When the truth of her marriage becomes known, Vic proves true to Niall's fears and not only judges her but walks away from her as well.

As a reader, I have a serious aversion to the heroine going after the hero in general and even more so when the situation should definitely be the other way around. While I can't fully say that Vic didn't try, he did at one point call Niall, but he made no effort to truly demand an explanation which I think he was fully entitled to. I also can't say that Niall was entirely innocent for she never did return his call and she did also slink away and move from her apartment across the hall without a goodbye. Yet despite all that I believe that Vic should have manned up and went after her. Niall's crumbled and heartbreaking expression at Vic's untimely realization of her marriage, warranted some further digging on Vic's part. It's like he completely forgot her night terrors and her pale and shaky reaction to her parents arriving at her apartment unannounced. Plus she also had previously informed him that she needed to tell him something regarding her past but asks for more time. How could he have forgotten all this?

After six months of separation, Niall conspires with Vic's sister and boards at the farm that Vic owns south of Chicago while on a brief teaching foray at the local high school. Vic of course is still reeling over his discovery of Niall's marriage and is not particularly happy that she's foisted herself upon his life at the farm. Vic was beyond cruel and arrogant with his treatment of Niall and he even does the unforgivable in romance land: getting caught making out with another woman not once but this is now his second offense (the first was earlier with his ex. Jenny and I didn't like his explanation for that one at all).

On the other hand, I wanted Niall to rail at him and download her history on him so hard and fast that his head would spin. I wanted him to crumble under her valid anger and after wallowing in his guilt, he needed to get down on his knees and beg her for mercy. Yet my wishes didn't weren't realized. Instead, when I finally thought that Niall had had enough of Vic's abuse and found the will to walk away, what does she do? She runs back to him again! Vic, of course by this time knowing in detail Niall's tragedy, says he's sorry for his ugly behavior but although Vic internally realizes his love for Niall(and I could be wrong even after a second look through), he never voices it.

'Wicked Burn' wasn't by any means a bad read it just struck a lot of general dislikes for this reader. It's one of those novels that everything could have easily been cleared up with one simple and revealing conversation but where would the fun be in that, right?

This novel is definitely a very erotic read and I was surprised that the sexual content didn't merit a posting somewhere on the cover announcing this. It's categorized simply as Contemporary Romance. Perhaps there's more leniency with regards to what context requires an erotic warning to be printed with the entire romance genre heating up between the sheets these days. Either way I hope readers aren't caught off guard.

In closing, my thoughts on 'Wicked Burn' will not by any means prevent me from picking up subsequent author works. I definitely plan on purchasing Ms. Kery's 'Daring Time' when it releases.

When Niall Chandler's sexy neighbor saves her from the unwanted attentions of a date who won't take no for an answer, she is grateful to him. But that's not the reason she accompanies Vic Savian to his apartment after the rescue. No, that has everything to do with how attracted she is to him, a feeling she never expected to experience for any man again.

Getting involved with Niall breaks all of Vic's rules concerning women and relationships, but he can't seem to help himself where she is concerned. Before he knows it, he is in way too deep - and liking it. But will he still feel that way after he learns Niall's secrets?

After reading WICKED BURN by Beth Kery, I have a new favorite author! I knew the moment I first read the plot description that I had to have this book, and so when Wild on Books received a copy for review, I was beyond excited. Having now read the story, I can honestly say it surpassed my expectations.

Ms. Kery has crafted a romance that is sexy, sweet, and very moving. WICKED BURN is the kind of story that brings tears of joy in one chapter and tears of sadness in the next - a definite emotional roller coaster!

The hero and heroine of the story are both damaged people who, because of their past experiences, shy away from love and romance. Neither expects to find love, and neither is looking for it, but when they come together, the bond is undeniable.

Vic is the kind of hero that makes my heart beat faster. He is dominant, driven, sexy, and talented. Not only that, but when the chips are down, this guy shows he loves from the very depths of his soul. Sure, he makes some mistakes along the way, but Vic more than makes up for those mistakes by the end of the book. I know I would have forgiven this man almost anything when he turned the charm on, and so it was no surprise to me when Niall did so.

Niall is just a beautiful character. She is sweet, sensitive, caring, and easily the kind of woman that could break through Vic's hard exterior to find the loving man inside. Watching as she learns to deal with her traumatic past and the ongoing issues stemming from it is inspiring.

With passionate love scenes, poignant romance, and a touching story, WICKED BURN is the kind of book that I will read again and again - it will certainly have a permanent place in my personal library.

**Courtesy of Wild on Books**

Vic was simply, wow!
Reminds me a lot of my husband in so many ways that it made me laugh though there was no real comedy in the story, just great back and forth, great "dialogue" between Vic and Niall, super super hot sex and a story that tugged at your heart.
What I like most that I hadn't been too successful at finding lately was a story not centered around danger or simply crude meaningless sex. There was plenty of the sex throughout and steamy doesn't begin to describe it, but I seriously loved Vic's non-verbal or two word grunts, unless he was angry or out of his mind with lust.
I love that Vic was sexy, intellectual and rugged. With a no BS attitude that you either loved or hated and either way he couldn't care less.
Warning, this book is seriously graphic. If you're sick of reading erotica or romance novels that have steamy sex and no story, or characters that fall flat as the ink on the pages, then click the add to cart button or jot down the name of the book and go find it at your nearest bookstore. While you're at it get one for a friend so you can discuss it.
I have three baby girls two of which are just over one and I work full time, so I have zero time to read. It's Thanksgiving weekend, so I've spent the last week cooking and cleaning. Still, I gave up my sleep last night to finish this book. I finished at four am and then woke my husband!
One of my girls woke at seven am.
Was SOOOO WORTH IT!
Going to check out other books by this author!

Warning: You may want to use pot holders while reading Wicked Burn, because it is THE HOTTEST book I've ever read. With pearls, a Restaurant Booth and a belt OH MY. With that said, I think Ms. Kery created a spectacular story, that had characters with depth and great character development. We see the hurt of both Niall and Vic, and then finally their HEA. I had no such problems with the story, that in itself was a 5 for me. However, I didn't like the name Niall and thought Vic was a bit too alpha, which at times, were more annoying than enjoyable. Those were my only complaints, and have added it to my keeper shelf!

Unlike some reviewers, I actually found the second half of the story more interesting than the first. I really like sex scenes and with a lot of stories I'm usually wishing the author would just "get to the sex" already. hehe However, that being said, the first half of this book seemed to be overloaded with sex. Right from the beginning Niall and Vic were getting it on and the first half of the book was just one sex scene after another in my opinion. I had a very hard time getting interested in the story at all and had very little interest in the characters. Niall and Vic felt very one dimensional to me, especially Vic -- the typical broody as hell, unable to communicate, "you've given me the best sex of my life so now I love you" type hero. Yes, there was a glimmer of depth for Vic when he puts his emotions onto paper for his play but that's about where his emotion ended for me. Niall and Vic's characters could have been much more fleshed out in my opinion rather than just sex, sex, sex, and that's saying a lot coming from me. lol I guess I just need a little more build up and tension rather than just a hot guy and girl with the all too familiar unspoken attraction jumping each other.

Now the second half was a little better and that's probably because they separate most of the time and weren't having sex, because that's pretty much all they did when they were together rather than have any real conversations. The second half also delved a little more deeply into the characters' back stories, particularly Niall's. Even though I liked the second half better and found it more interesting than the first, it still was a rather frustrating, borderline ridiculous, situation. Those plots that revolve around miscommunication are always so frustrating but what Niall could have just spit out in literally all of two seconds would have saved months of misunderstanding. Although I suppose Niall did do a bit of healing and soul-searching during those months. I can't help but wonder what sort of future this pair will have though.

All in all, this wasn't the worst thing I've ever read. The story definitely had its good moments and my heart really went out to Niall for her past. It was a better idea for a plot than a great deal of other stories in this genre but it just wasn't explored enough in my opinion. This was a bit pricey on Kindle ($13) and unfortunately I would not buy it again if I had the choice to make over.

I loved the story and I loved the writing. It was erotic and emotional. I would have given it 5 stars if Vic had not given up on Niall so quickly. How could he not trust her to have a valid reason for not telling him about her past? She gave so much to him, how could he not trust what they shared.

He wanted all of her...

Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor. Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in--and finds himself greatly rewarded...

And did she ever let him have it...

Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor--when she didn't even know his last name--is the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic--or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's experiencing sensual pleasures like she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of love that's in their hearts?

Vic is a sparse and brutally honest man. He's a famous playwright and he's taken over as Artistic Director for a Chicago theater when he moves in across the hall from the luscious Niall. He's a man who makes his living by stringing together deep, thought provoking words. Which must exhaust him because he barely strings together two sentences when he's with Niall. But that's okay. Actions speak louder than words and Niall and Vic get right down to the action. This book is definitely hot and heavy, yet it's not squicky or degrading in any way. Though it has a, ahem, BJ scene that is definitely not for the fainthearted. One of the hottest things I've ever read. Whew!! Vic has an outrageously dirty mouth during sex which just endeared him to me. I know. I'm twisted. But that's okay because I've accepted it.

Biggest compliment I can give this book is how real it was. This had an honesty to it that makes it exceedingly rare amongst a sea of erotica floating out there today. I didn't feel for one moment that this was just a fantasy penned by a naughty yet imaginative authoress. These seemed like real, flesh and blood people. This is just a credit to the author and her skill at breathing life into her characters. She didn't use ridiculous reasons for Vic and Niall being the way they are today like some authors I could mention. Like, Vic didn't want to have anal sex with Niall because of some deep, dark secret (Yeah, Shayla Black, I'm looking at YOU) and Niall didn't let Vic dominate her in bed sexually because she thought she was unworthy or something equally asinine as that. They did those things because they liked it. Who'd have thunk it?

Even though this has a tried and true plot ploy--Boy sees girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Then the big misunderstanding and then boy refuses to talk to girl til the big reveal and then all is forgiven--this was still fresh and innovative. For one it uses current day events and makes it relevent and two, this was done well. I can enjoy anything as long as it is done well. Which this was. This was a wonderfully spicy yet emotional read. This was true romantica and I enjoyed it immensely.

Vic Savian had wanted his neighbor Niall Chandler from first sight, but he never wanted his first encounter with her to be as protector from a coworker who was clearly making advances she didn't welcome. When the night culminates in raw bone melting sex for Vic and Niall, they are both unprepared for the profound effect it would have on them.

As a very successful playwright, Vic Savian defines the terms alpha and dominant, but he also feels very deeply, and has vowed to never put himself in the position to feel betrayal as he has in the past. He craves Niall, and that makes him uneasy, but is unable to stop himself from being with her. He can tell that Niall has her own demons to contend with, not that she will every share her past, but he can see the pain she carries in her soul especially when she wakes from nightmares while still in his arms.

Niall Chandler is a curator at the Chicago Metropolitan Museum of Art, and has existed through her work for the past three years. Suffering from life altering loss, she was content to do so until Vic awakened her body in ways she never believed possible. Niall found herself responding to him on a carnal level that shocked her. She found herself spending more and more time with him wondering if there may actually be a future for them. As the line between her past and present begins to blur, she found herself overwhelmed with the need to tell Vic everything, but before she had the opportunity to, the bottom dropped out from under her world.

What a great compelling story from BK! This tale has as much arousing erotic content as it does emotional heart wrenching moments. It takes a first rate author to balance both, so that the reader is drawn in. Vic is a force to be reckoned with. He knows what he wants, and takes no prisoners to get it. When he decides he wants to be with Niall, there is no stopping him. Niall has been coasting through life since her life changed so drastically, and has had to carry more burden in her life than any one person should ever have to carry alone. When she meets Vic, he brings passion, friendship, and hope back into her life. Highly recommended read!!

Vic and Niall live are neighbors in an apartment building. They haven't been introduced to each other but they have seen one another, and are both feeling a strong physical attraction. When Vic rescues Niall one night from a date that won't take no for an answer, the two of them succumb to their chemistry in what ends up being an explosive sexual experience for the both of them.

Vic is a man who likes to talk dirty and knows exactly what he wants from his lover; he is not shy, or subtle, in his direction. I loved it. Niall on the other hand has been in a protective shell for the past three years, both physically and mentally. Vic easily tears away at the physical shell and she discovers herself to be more sexual than she ever thought possible. The mental barrier is a little harder to break through as she has a tragic past, but both find themselves more involved than they thought they ever would or could be again.

This is my first book by Beth Kery, but it won't be the last. I consumed this torrid tale in one day, unable to set the book down as the lure of the sexual encounters were too strong. The book is graphic and leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. Each breath, touch, orgasm is described and laid out for the reader in explicitly delicious detail. Some of the bed games might not appeal to all readers, but there wasn't one sexcapade that turned me off, I loved every word.

Cherise Everhard, January 2009