Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Images and book information provided by the author through blog tour hosted by Literati Literature Lovers. I am not responsible for the distribution of giveaway prizes.
Recently I read Arouse (Spiral of Bliss #1) by Nina Lane. This is a contemporary romance novel with a lot of sizzling romance and romping around (if ya know what I mean *wink*). The book was released in January of this year and is one sure to please all those that are into a romance with a bit more than just thoughts of hot lovin’.
Synopsis
“One day I’m going to touch you in a thousand different ways and show you how to touch me,” he said.
And he did.
Struggling with a tormented past, undergraduate Olivia Winter once led a practical but isolated life. Then she met Professor Dean West, a brilliant scholar of medieval history who melted Liv’s inhibitions and taught her the meaning of both love and erotic pleasure. But after three years of a blissful, lusty marriage, Liv and Dean now face a crisis that threatens everything they believe about each other…and sex might not be enough to save them.
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My Thoughts
I am not sure what has been going on lately but I have read a number of books about troubled marriages. I think *someone* is trying to tell me something. Regardless, this book deals with a married couple that truly love each other. They make you just want to squee with happiness because of their true love and admiration for each other. That is until it all falls apart. When one mistake by one turns into another mistake by the other, you are left wondering if they will ever be able to come back to each other and truly love again.
I felt such strong emotions with this book. I wouldn’t say it was true angst like so many books nowadays. It was different in a very good way though. You got to feel the emotions of the characters. You went through the motions with them. It wasn’t that all the sudden you were wondering what happened because Nina Lane did such a fantastic job of story development. It all flowed so nicely. There was no rushing or guessing. It was paced beautifully and logically.
One thing that just broke my heart about this story is that they both messed up. They both made mistakes but they both blame only themselves. They have anger over what the other has done but when the blame game starts, they look to themselves. Kelsey is the friend of them both that I think truly made an impact on this couple and I was so happy with her character. She is fun and honest and she puts the couple in their place more than once in the story. I think she is a great addition to Arouse and I hope she makes an appearance in future books.
I loved Dean and Liv. I want so much for them to be okay. While this is book #1, don’t fret. There is a cliffhanger but not one that will make you itchy for book 2 (Allure). You can read this now and feel okay. I want to read #2 because I want to know the continuation of Dean and Liv, not because I don’t know where they are right now. So, don’t let the fact that this is part of a series stop you from getting this book and reading it. It won’t matter on how you feel at the end of this book except maybe to make you want to read more.
Speaking of future books, like I mentioned, I am wanting to read more. Since I fell for this couple and their troubled marriage, I am eager to see them through the next phase of their lives together. The little sneak peak we get at the end of this book has me eager for more!
I give this book a solid 4.5 stars. I loved the story even if it made me cry ugly tears. Again, I am not sure why I am reading all these stories with marriage troubles but this is a beautifully written story and one that gives anyone in a relationship hope… good or bad, you can make it work.
About Nina Lane
Nina Lane is a multi-published author of elegant, romantic and often raunchy erotica. Her recent release AROUSE is the first book in the Spiral of Bliss series, and her novel THE EROTIC DARK is a #1 Amazon erotica bestseller.
Nina used to write novels under the name Natasha Rostova and has published stories in anthologies such as “Best Women’s Erotica” and “Erotic Travel Tales.” Her work has been translated into both German and Japanese. In addition to writing, she’s an avid reader who loves popcorn and has recently joined a workout boot-camp that is kicking her rear end.
Connect with Nina Lane
Website † Facebook † Twitter † Goodreads
The Giveaway
One winner will receive an ebook copy of Arouse by Nina Lane in their choice of either epub or mobi format.
Click the button above to follow along with the tour and find more chances to win!
Simi says
Thanks for the giveaway.
Tess H says
Thanks for sharing your great review! I’ve been hearing amazing things about Arouse and I can’t wait to read it! Congrats Nina on the release and success of Arouse! Wishing you all the best! 🙂 And thanks for the giveaway! Would love to win an ecopy!
Tess xx
tess_halim(at)hotmail(dot)com
Lorie says
I cannot wait to read this! I am so excited. My friends have been raving about Arouse! Thanks for the giveaway.
Cindy says
Absolutely LOVED the story of Dean and Liv, and I’m anxiously looking forward to their continuing journey. These are endearing characters, who will have you pulling for them every step of the way. Assuming you can read through the tears. Few books reduce me to a blubbering mess, but this one did…several times.
Nina Lane says
Stefany, thank you so much for participating in the AROUSE blog tour and for the wonderful review! I’m so pleased Dean and Liv’s story resonated with you and that you want to continue the rest of their journey. Thanks so much for the support – we’re working hard on getting ALLURE up and running! ♥♥♥
SHELLEY S says
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK AND THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! calicolady60@hotmail.com
Cristina Riquelme says
Love the cover, can’t wait to read it!!!! great giveaway!!!
Leslie T. says
This sounds so good, I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing the review and the giveaway!