Judith’s review of Naked (The Blackstone Affair #1) by Raine Miller
Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares despite the demons she carries inside her. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters tormenting her resurface to destroy them both.
I have always liked stories that are built around a metaphor and this is one of those. Both of these characters are hiding huge masses of secrets and yet the portrait that initiates Ethan’s search for Brynne is that of a nude woman. Obviously he is looking for the sexy and enigmatic woman displayed in the portrait. But just as the model herself is fraught with hidden baggage, so Ethan Blackstone is crippled with his own secrets. While he may want to get “naked” with Brynne in his bed, the last thing he wants to do is get “naked” with her as a way of building a relationship on total honesty.
Ms Miller has written a story that is compelling in its multi-layered meanings and in the careful crafting of her characters. Both Brynne and Ethan can obviously remind us of characters in stories already read or possibly even people we have met in the past or are dealing with right now. Perhaps that is the most engaging aspect of this book–it is about people trying to wind their way through the challenges of life while protecting themselves from the hurts of the past. No one wants a repeat of situations that wound to the core. Yet in running from hurt as does Brynne, for example, her fears have a better than even chance of being a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Most of all, however, this book is about the redemptive power of love. It’s not a sure thing and Ethan is taking on a heavy load in trying to bring Brynne out of her own darkness without coming clean himself. Perhaps that is the most powerful message in this book. That kind of effort which is not based on honesty seldom succeeds. Yet Ethan is determined and perhaps his determination is enough to give added power and persuasion to his love for this woman.
This is a beautiful written book. I read lots of books and some of them are wonderful stories poorly written or poorly edited. This book was a delight simply in its craftsmanship and testifies to Ms Miller’s ability to tell a darn good story. This story was released late in 2012 but after reading it the second time I wanted to write a review that would encourage readers who like in-depth character studies mixed in with a really sizzling love story to take time to enjoy this book. It is the first in a trilogy about these characters and thus there is a lot to learn and experience with these characters. That is so much better than a novella that tries to stuff all the good into 20,000 words. Ms Miller doesn’t abuse the length of the story with useless stuff. Every word adds to the panoply that forms in the reader’s imagination and she keeps the various threads of the literary tapestry running true without unnecessary knots. Books like this are a delight and I found it a most satisfying reading experience.
Good writing, troubled but lovable people, and London, England. What’s not to like. I hope you’ll check this one out.
I give it a rating of 4.25 out of 5
You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s Book Place.
This title is available from Atria (Imprint of Simon and Schuster). You can buy it here or here in e-format.
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