Thursday, April 21, 2016

ARC Review: Didn't I Warn You by Amber A. Bardan




My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

I was pleasantly surprised by this dark romantic read from new-to-me author, Amber Bardan. I can tell that she is one of those authors who will be able to get in my head... particularly with the inner monologue of the heroine. Her witty one liners and ridiculous thoughts mirror things running through my own head.  I will say up front that this is not a dark dark read... its more gray than dark in my opinion.  So those who don't like the super dark stuff will be happy... but I think those who *do* like the super dark stuff will not be disappointed because the story is good.


Angelina has graduated from University and is interviewing for a journalist position at a major magazine, Poise. Oddly, she is only twenty years old and that is the one thing that I didn't like about her character.  Can I get an older heroine please? That being said, Angelina was a mature twenty year old, and she didn't get on my nerves at all.  Shocker! I do wonder how she graduated university at such a young age, there was no mention of her skipping grades or being a kid genius or anything like that. On the way to her interview, she bumps into literal sex-on-a-stick at Starbucks and its lust at first sight for both parties. Only Angelina will learn that she has bitten off more than she can chew when it comes to our hero and his dangerous chin dimple.

Haithem is a tall, dark and handsome broody broken alpha male. I could probably just stop right there... but I won't. Oh yes, he is also filthy rich, and more than a little dangerous. Is your mouth watering yet?  It should be. I loved Haithem... he was such a dynamic and standout hero, particularly when viewed through Angelina's eyes. I loved that we got an alternating point of view because I just love getting into the heads of these broody alpha males. Much like Angelina, I was greedy. I wanted all Hiathem's thoughts because his dialogue alone gave me shivers. 
Didn't I warn you, Angel... that it's not a good idea to love me? [...]
Didn't I warn you my love would be bad? [...]
Didn't I tell you, you'd pay for my heart? [...]
He did warn me. He truly did. But I was greedy. I wanted him anyway. I didn't understand how bad he could be.
While the relationship started off with lust at first sight, the chemistry and attraction between Angelina and Haithem maintained a good amount of heat throughout the story. I liked the push and pull of their attraction.  They each wanted the other, and they both knew it was a bad idea. But the pull was so strong, you knew they weren't going to resist for so long. Angelina was a virginal heroine, but I didn't find her to be naive. She owned her body and her sexuality, and that was a nice change of pace from heroines of a similar age/background.

Bardan did a good job at trickling out just enough information at the right time to keep you turning the page. You will be dying to know what happens next or what secret will be revealed... but you won't mind the sexy interludes in between. I can't wait for the conclusion of this story in Didn't You Promise, expected to be released in June 2016.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Carina Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 4 flames.



About the Author

After spending years imagining fictional adventures, Amber Bardan finally found a way to turn daydreaming into a productive habit. She now spends her time in a coffee-fueled adrenaline haze, writing romance with a thriller edge.

She lives with her husband and children in semi-rural Australia, where if she peers outside at the right moment she might just see a kangaroo bounce by.

Amber is an award winning writer, Amazon Bestselling Author, and member of Romance Writers of Australia, Melbourne Romance Writers Guild, and Writers Victoria.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Guest Post by Author

Hero Profile
Name: Haithem

Age: 31
Occupation: Well now, in Haithem’s case that would be a spoiler! Angelina would very much like to know what he really does…
Physical Description: Why don’t we leave the description to Angelina!
“He’s gorgeous—dark hair, darker eyes, olive skin, body and features all chiseled hardness. But that’s not what makes my veins jump under his hand. That’s not what makes my skin slick with sweat.
There’s more to this man than meets the eye.”
Likes (3) Understanding how things work—technically, scientifically, and psychologically. Being in complete control of all said things. Angelina.
Dislikes (3) Losing the upper hand—something he’s only experienced recently with a certain hostage… Television. Yoghurt.
Relationship Status: Relationships are not something he can contemplate.
Typical Friday Night: For Haithem, a Friday night is like any other night. His life is consumed by his purpose.
Drink of Choice: This is not a man who drinks or indulges in anything that would impair his thinking—but if he must he prefers straight spirits.
Favorite Food: He has a sinful sweet tooth, especially when it comes to Turkish Delight.
Favorite Song: If he could listen to anything, it would be the songs he was sung as a child.
Choice of Transportation: The vehicle that gets the job done. He loathes sea travel yet frequently travels in yachts.
Boxers or Briefs:. Commando
Best Memory to Date: Haithem had a loving and happy childhood. Those memories bring him comfort in dark times.
Words to live by: Haithem carries this quote by Aristotle with him in all his travels. “Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”

Giveaway

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