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By: Carlie Sexton
Published: Dec. 28, 2010
Source: Author
Mature Content: 18 & Up
Hosted By: Fi’s Fiery Reads
GR's Summary:On the heels of tragic loss, the stunning and innocent Natalie Mason, meets handsome business mogul Mac Carter. As Natalie attempts to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, circumstances beyond her control draw her and Mac into a situation she wants kept secret. The two are a matched set having both experienced immense loss in their lives. Uncertain of what she should do, she decides to give fate a chance, opening her heart to Mac, who just wants to love her.
But the past, who often times takes no prisoners, rears its ugly head in a double dose. Mac’s ex-girlfriend cannot accept that their love affair is over and takes drastic measures through deception and blackmail to ensure that Mac will be hers.
Natalie, on the other hand, has to face the one responsible for her sister’s death. As her journey begins to bring justice and closure, the past transports to her feet an unexpected surprise—a long lost love desiring to posses her as his once again.
Will Mac and Natalie’s newly blossoming love be able to endure what the past has delivered or will the victors of their hearts be the old flames who are staking their claim?
My Take on this Journey:
Beholden to You, by Carlie Sexton, was a fast paced, slow ride, with a mesmerizing tale, that only Carlie Sexton can diligently weave. The reader is re-introduced to Mac, (Neil's best friend) and Natalie, (Kate and Charlie's best friend.) These characters were introduced first in The Killer Next Door Series. Natalie is still in a great deal of pain after the death of her parents, and the sudden death of her last living relative, her sister, Jessica. Jessica was killed in a car accident while in the car with her boyfriend who was under the influence of drugs. Natalie decides to go on a trip to Las Vegas with her friends, Neil, Kate, Mitch, Charlie, and the one and only, Mac. She liked Mac and when she found out he was going, she decided to take a chance and see if anything would come of it. Mac found out that Natalie was going to Las Vegas, and that was all he had to hear. He was definitely interested in the beautiful and illusive, Natalie.
The story takes on a life of it's own, when after drinking, partying, and being seduced on the dance floor, Mac ravishes her with his tasty lips and completely envelopes Natalie's thoughts, wants, and needs. Natalie has not let anyone in since she was left broken hearted by her boyfriend, Ty, after her parents death. She starts feeling bad, and Mac tells her that he will take her to her hotel. The next scene shows Natalie waking up in bed with a naked, all too beautiful, Mac. When she looks down at her hand, there is a ring on her finger. She flies into a frenzy and wakes Mac for an explanation. Neither can remember the details, and there are flashes with holes everywhere. They decide to wait on getting an annulment, and not tell their friends what they have done.
Mac's parents died tragically in an accident when he was a kid, and Neil's parents took him in as his surrogate family. So, Neil can read Mac like a book. Mac swears him to secrecy and tells him of the marriage. Neil gives him advice on how to woo Natalie and win her over, and keep her as his wife. Mac has some big shoes to fill, as Neil has set the standards high with Kate on how to wine and dine the woman of his dreams. He has his work cut out for him. Between keeping the secret from their friends, fending off their ex's, lies, deceit, blackmail, extortion and secrets, this story is a roller coaster full of excitement at every turn. Natalie has an abundance of conflict over whether or not Mac is sincere, since Ty was not. She also carries a lot of guilt over her sister's death. Mac has his own share of problems with his ex, Cassie, who has turned into a deranged psychopath since he broke off their relationship.
There are so many conflicts, and insurmountable chaos, secrets, lies, suspense, and oh so many elements that keep this story heated! This is a page turner that you must not pass up. Get this on your TBR! The story line was swoony. If you thought Neil was a juicy hunk of man, wait till you get your fill of Mac. He is delectable, a gentleman, and he learned from Neil how to sweep a woman off her feet. He oozes seduction that will make your panties melt. It was great getting our characters from previous segments back in Beholden to You. The storyline was intriguing, and you will get your fill of swoon worthy scenes. I would have liked more details about Roger, as he also made a brief appearance of sorts in this book.
Will our couple get their HEA? Can they get past the trust issues and secrets withheld from one another? Read and find out. You won't be disappointed. Ms. Sexton will keep you turning pages to the very last word. She has written another titillating, angst-filled, tender, sexy, suspenseful novel that will have you rooting for these two beloved characters that have had their share of life's "Hell on Earth." Tighten your seat belts, this is going to be a bumpy ride!
I give Beholden to You, by Carlie Sexton, 5 Heart Breaking, Cold Shower Taking, Hot Love Making, Cat Fighting, Slow Burning, Kindred Spirit Building, Fairy Tale Ending...Stars!!!
Dream Cast:
Excerpt:
I pulled into my garage, knowing the caterers would be showing up soon. When my parents died, I debated selling and moving into another place, but couldn’t bring myself to do it. I needed to keep this part of them, and living in their house was the only way I knew how to do it. Deep in my heart, I believed my mom would love Natalie. That thought had never occurred to me when I was dating Cassie, nor anyone before her. It was good. Life was good. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t blow it.
The caterers showed up with everything on my wish list and set the scene for a romantic evening. We were going to have dinner on the plush area rug in front of the fireplace. It just seemed like the perfect spot for us to relax and be together.
The time was drawing near and I expected Natalie at any moment. The doorbell rang, and as I eagerly approached the door, I was caught off guard with Cassie on the other side of it. What the hell was she doing here?
“Cassie, I wasn’t expecting you,” I said in a slightly gruff tone.
“Well, life is full of unexpected surprises.”
“What are you doing here?” I asked, hoping she would get to the point before Natalie showed up. I needed her gone before then.
“I thought we should talk. I hated how things ended between us. Can I come in?”
“Actually, I have plans for the evening, so we’ll have to talk another time.”
“I see. How about we meet for lunch sometime this week?”
“I’ll have to check with my secretary. I don’t know what I have available,” I said, attempting to dismiss her.
“I already called Alice and she said you have Wednesday open. How about we meet at our place?” she asked with a coy demeanor.
“We don’t have ‘a place’ anymore. We’re broken up,” I said, hoping she would take the hint and bow out gracefully.
She exhaled sharply. “We were together for two years and you can’t give me a lunch date?”
As she asked her question, Natalie pulled up in her car. Fuck. This can’t be happening.
“Of course. Let’s meet at noon on Wednesday,” I said, while Natalie got out of the car. “I’ll see you, then,” I said, motioning with my hand for her to leave. The last thing I wanted was for her and Natalie to cross paths, but it was about to be too late. Cassie turned, took one look at Natalie and then spun around toward me.
“Your plans, I take it?” she said, bitterness dripping from her lips.
Cassie had a sharp tongue and could unravel this night before it even started. Natalie approached and Cassie looked Nat up and down. “Are you next?” Cassie asked.
Natalie’s brow furrowed, confusion spreading over her face. “Excuse me?” she responded.
“You know, the next woman Mac has set his sights on.”
“Cassie, it’s time for you to go,” I said, intervening before this got out of hand.
Cassie began to walk away. “See you on Wednesday,” she called out, before she got into her car.
Book Teasers:
Guest Post:
20 Fun Facts
I was born in Louisiana. Still consider myself a Southern Belle, even though I have lived in California longer.
I never eat lima beans because they remind me of stink bugs.
In high school, my favorite sport in P.E. was archery.
My toes are always painted.
I lived in Hawaii from 5-9 years old. Learned to hula then.
I’m technically challenged and didn’t send my first text until August~2013.
I met my hubby at a church singles group.
When writing the Killer Next Door series, I watched all of the Dexter episodes in about a month!
My favorite color is purple, but I only have 2 purple items in my closet.
I have 2 dogs. One whines and one groans to get my attention.
My hubby is complicated and I modeled Neil after his assertive side and Mac after his perceptive, nurturing side.
My favorite super hero is Wonder Woman.
I’m addicted to mint chocolate chip ice cream.
I became a teacher at 35.
My hair is naturally curly, but I straighten it.
My favorite wine is Moscato.
I never played Scrabble until I was in my 30’s.
In college I drove a Camaro.
I love decorating and my home has an Italian flare to it.
I eat an apple and a pear every day.
About Carlie Sexton:
I live with my handsome husband in Southern California. We enjoy the relaxed lifestyle that California provides. We have two beautiful dogs, but no children.
Books by Carlie Sexton are on Sale Now!
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