Veena’s review of Over Exposed (Salon Games, Book 3) by Stephanie Julian
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 01 July 14
In a disappointing weekend full of books that I abandoned after reading a few chapters, this particular one shone like a beacon of bright light. Even though the plot isn’t necessarily fresh, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this story. I haven’t read the earlier books in the series, so while it is clear that the Salon is a BDSM-themed playroom, we do not actually get to participate in any activity there. I would definitely classify this book as a romance with some hot and explicit scenes.
Greg Hicks is a successful Hollywood icon. Unfortunately, he might have bitten off more than he can chew when he decides to get back to his first love of writing and directing his latest movie, while continuing to run his existing production company which seems to be in trouble. To complicate his life further, he’s developed writer’s block and can’t seem to finish his script. Fortunately for him, Sabrina Rodriguez shows up to look after him at the lonely retreat where he’s holed up and immediately gets more than just his creative juices flowing.
This is definitely not their first meeting and it definitely looks like a setup by his friends. He’d first seen Sabrina through the views of his camera lens when she modeled lingerie for a mutual friend. Her beauty and sexuality grabbed his interest, but, due to their age difference, he did not pursue a relationship at that time. Now snowbound together it’s inevitable that his control slips and their chemistry burns the sheets between them.
Sabrina is young and uncertain of her place in his life and truly doesn’t believe their relationship has a future, but yet she is unable to step away from the physical attraction. Greg, though, wants to pursue this relationship, but his life, between his upcoming movie and his business, is out of control. I wish I had his stamina to accomplish all he does on little to no sleep.
It’s one of those stories about mixed signals. Greg and his friends are totally aware of his intentions toward Sabrina. She seems to be the only one in the dark and, honestly, he’s really sending her mixed signals in wanting her available to him when he has the time and yet having no qualms about putting her in second place as he deals with one supposed emergency after another. It definitely doesn’t help matters when his ex-fiancé and the heroine of his new movie is taking up a lot of his time, amongst all the things that have a call on the rest of his time.
I love the camaraderie between Brina and her friends, who are wives to Greg’s friends. I’m also quite intrigued by the musician who’s hiding out at the hotel. There’s quite a story there and I’m looking forward to learning it all, especially after the impassioned visit by his fellow band member. For all his fame, I think Greg is a down-to-earth person with a great family and friends, who all add their bit in making the story come alive and feel real.
I’m definitely going to read the earlier books in the series and looking forward to more.
Grade: B
Summary:
When the cameras are off, the real action begins.
Greg Hicks is a Hollywood power player. For years he’s enjoyed the perks that come with being a top director and producer: the influence, the wealth…the women. But none of his many conquests have ever possessed the incredible sensuality of the young woman he once watched lose all inhibition in front of his camera.
Sabrina Rodriquez’s life is far from a Hollywood dream. Refusing to make the same mistakes as her unlucky-in-love mother, she’s focused on her first real job and avoiding all distractions, especially those of the male variety. Yet a man as compelling as Greg is difficult to ignore. And the desires he awakens are even harder to quench.
While a winter storm rages, a night at Haven Retreat leaves Sabrina’s and Greg’s temperatures rising. As Greg introduces Sabrina to the pleasures of voyeurism and exhibition, she unleashes his most decadent passions—and his creativity. But having Sabrina as a muse isn’t enough. He wants her to take a starring role in his bed…and in his heart.
Other books in this series:
