Innocence Series
Innocence, #1
by Alessandra Torre
Published:
January 28th, 2014
Publisher:
Harlequin HQN
Source:
Publisher
Goodreads Synopsis:
"I'm not sure what you have been told about me, but I'm not nearly as bad as they make me out to be." His deliciously deep voice carried a little bit of ego.
I'm sure you are exactly as bad as they make you out to be….
Brad De Luca is used to getting whatever and whomever he wants. The premier divorce attorney in town, he's a playboy who's bedded half the city—including his own clients. And when the newest intern at his firm poses a challenge, his seductive prowess goes into overdrive.
Pre-law student Julia Campbell is fresh off a failed engagement and happy with her new independence. Even if she weren't warned away from Brad at every turn, she'd know he was bad news. The last thing she needs is a man who could destroy her job prospects, not to mention her innocence. But before she knows it, the incorrigible charmer has her under his spell. His deviant tastes plunge her deep into a forbidden world of sexual exploration…but her heart may not survive the fall.
Warning: This book contains explicit sex scenes, including a MFM menage.
Ro's Take on this Journey:
Blindfolded Innocence, by Alessandra Torre is the real deal! Julia Campbell is a twenty one year old girl that has only had two boyfriends in her life. One took her V-Card and hightailed in two weeks later, and the other she was with for two years, and she decided he didn't have what she wanted out of life so she broke it off. Julia decides to start fresh and moves and takes an internship at a highly reputable firm: Clarke, De Luca and Broward. There she is lined up to work for Mr. Broward, who is a workaholic and warns her against going anywhere near his collegue, Brad De Luca. Unfortunately, Julia runs into him over and over again, and once her boss is out of town, is talked into a Vegas weekend with the playboy of the bunch. She is wined and dined at the most exclusive clubs, taken to spas, dinner houses, and a hotel suite that any woman would drool over. Brad is a bad boy and is determined to get the innocent Julia into his bed and make her a bad girl.
Brad De Luca is a walking wet dream! He is a high powered divorce attorney, with a 10 month waiting list. The women come in droves for him and then they come back for more. Brad is a predator of the most seductive kind. He devours his women, is unconchonable, intelligent, arrogant, egotistical, quick witted, persistant, intoxicating, seductive, confident, and an a** wipe! Every women wants him and he cannot and does not want to be manogamous with any of them.
Julia thinks she is alluring, worldly, sexy, and can outsmart any man she wants, into needing her, but she has barked up the wrong tree. Brad is way out of her league. He is built like a brick s*** house and exuthes sex!!! He doesn't even have to try, with his suave, Italian, prowess, and his take control attitude. Julia gets hooked immediately, though she keeps trying to tell herself that she can gain control over Brad. Brad knows exactly what he wants and he controls every situation. This man is hot sex on a stick, panty melting status, with a dash of "give-it-to-me-now," cause I can't wait.....
Julia is lured into the swinging lifestyle, and the oozing of erotica is around every corner. The reader will be hooked from the beginning of the story to the end. Brad carries this story in his back pocket ladies. If you want thrills of a lifetime, from a hot and spicy Italian, look no further. Ms. Torre serves him on a silver platter.
I loved the quick pace of the book. I would have liked to see the altering perspectives with every other chapter, but the reader still gets what they desire in this highly skilled, raw, unadulterated, steamy-swingers-cherry-on-the-top story. It is a thrill ride a minute and if you like a man that will fulfill your every fantasy, look no further. This man aims to please his women first and worry about himself later. This book is a slow, deliberate, erotic filled climb into the big leagues, and an assault on the senses. Brad has a no nonsense attitude of, "You get yours, and I get Mine."
I give, Blindfolded Innocence, by Alessandra Torre, 4 Succulent, Hair Raising, Sexually Charged, Sensational Stars!!!
Mikki's Review:
The first installment in the Innocence Series by Alessandra Torre was one scorching read! I stayed up until 4 freakin' AM reading this book!!!! Word of advice ... Don't start this book at 10 pm, you won't get any sleep! This is the kind of book that makes you say: ''One more chapter and then I'll stop. If you want to read something different, you won't be disappointed!
After ending her engagement to her boyfriend of two years, Julia Campbell decides it's time to start fresh. With intern season starting she gets an internship at Clarke, De Luca & Broward. One of the most prestigious law firms in town. When her boss calls her to his office to explain how he works and what he expects of her, he leaves her with a warning: Stay away from the East Wing. Behind those doors works Brad De Luca, a womanizer with a capital "W." Julia agrees to stay far away from the East Wing, but when a misplaced file lands on her desk she decides to return it to where it belongs. The moment she meets Brad De Luca she is mesmerized by him. Julia can't deny the indescribable pull that she feels. As days go by she passes more time with Brad and gets to know the REAL Brad De Luca. The more time she spends with Brad, the more she learns that there is another side to love, sex and relationships.
I really liked this story! This was really different from what I usually read. When I started reading it I did not know what to expect of this story. I have to admit that I have mixed emotions now that I finished reading it. Don't get me wrong, I really liked it! For me when I read a book I need to connect with the main characters. And, in this case I did not connect with one of them. I had a hard time with Julia. It was like she was playing the petal game. But instead of He loves me, He loves me not, it was I'm jealous, I'm not jealous. That got me so nervous!!! I had a hard time really following her ups and downs. It was only towards the end of the book that I started to see her in a different way. I really think that in the second installment I will connect with her more. On the other hand, Mr. Brad De Luca was DANGEROUSLY ADDICTIVE! Oh my God! I loved everything about him. With him it was what you see is what you get! Just the sound of his name sends shivers down my back! He won't back down from his lifestyle for anyone. Whatever Brad De Luca wants, he gets!
One thing is sure ... their chemistry is blazing hot!!!!! My paperback was on FIRE!!! They were passionate, intense and extremely sensual. What I liked about this book is that both of these characters had different opinions when it came to relationships and sex. Brad talked about how he sees and feels about it and he showed Julia his world. This book ends with a ''Fans self'' MFM scene that I never saw coming. Alessandra Torre nailed that sensual scene! What I liked the most about it is that there was a period of reflection for Julia. She had the choice between going on or stopping. I think that when you start something you're not familiar with it's important that you feel comfortable. And, that's exactly what Brad did with Julia. He made her feel comfortable in his world. Fantastic work by Alessandra Torre!
I give, Blindfolded Innocence, by Alessandra Torre 4 sexy, flirtatious, erotically delicious, captivating stars! I'm really anxious to see what's next for this couple.
Innocence, #2
by Alessandra Torre
Published:
February 25th, 2014
Publisher:
Harlequin HQN
Source:
Publisher
Goodreads Synopsis:
The man was sinful. It wasn't just the looks that made him dangerous, it was the cocky confidence that dominated every move, every touch. And the frustrating yet ecstatic fact about the whole package was that he could back it all up…
Julia Campbell never knows what to expect with win-at-all-costs Brad De Luca. And she's starting to like it that way. She gave up safe, conventional relationships when she let the elite divorce attorney seduce her into his world. Now that he's determined to strip her naked of every inhibition, she's in danger of falling too deep and too fast.
But their affair begins to feel even more dangerous when a murder leaves a trail of suspicion that points straight to the mob…and Brad. Trusting a man with a bad reputation and a past full of secrets seems like a mistake. But when she's forced to make a choice, the consequences will take her further than she could ever have imagined.
Ro's Take on this Journey:
Masked Innocence, by Alessandra Torre is another winner in the sequel to, Blindfolded Innocence. The story takes off right where the first installment ended. We get the final scene played that started Blindfolded Innocence out to begin with, a menage a trois. Julia has finally decided to conform to Brad's lifestyle and boy does she fall in love with what it has to offer her. She wants this as much as he does. Pretty soon, the innocent, sweet, nervous girl, is long gone. Enter the confident, sexually charged, "I know what I want and I'm going to get it, girl!"
This book was not about the playboy we all came to love in Blindfolded Innocence, but the new Brad, who ends up wanting and needing to be with this irresistible, witty, sharp, sexy woman that has evolved in so many ways. Julia is ready to pull out all the stops to get her man, and believe me girls when I say, "This man is Hot, Hot, Hot, and worth going over the edge for." The sexy, saultry casanova is still there, but now he is boyfriend material!!!
A lot of secrets come to the forefront in this segment of the series and the reader gets a lot more background and understanding of the characters. There is mystery, suspense, murder, and intrigue that envelopes this story. It keeps the reader riveted to the pages, not wanting to stop till they get every last word that Ms. Torre has created into their minds. Ms. Torre is a wonderful storyteller, with a great imagination, storyline, plot, and irresistible characters.
I grew to care for Julia in this second novel and wanted more for her. You will be fighting for their relationship to withstand all the obstacles that are placed in their paths in, Masked Innocence. There is a great amount of substance in this novel and I was quite pleased with the content. The scenes are still quite steamy, in every which way imaginable, and in quite a few places, but of course they would be with Brad De Luca entwined in every ounce of the sexy, sensual, animal magnitism that he exudes. This novel will keep you reeling from beginning to end. Will these two be able to adhere to their new found promises to one another? Can Brad stay faitful? Will his secrets leave them at odds with each other once Julia finds out about his sordid past? Read it and find out...You won't be disappointed!
I Give Masked Innocence, by Alessandra Torre, 4 Every Girl's Fantasy, Hot, Reckless, Mysterious, Ingenious Stars!!!
Mikki's Review:
When I finished reading Blindfolded Innocence, I had an idea of what to expect with Masked Innocence. Julia was introduced to Brad's sensual world and in my mind I thought that the second book was going to be all about Julia exploring this world. Well, I was wrong! This book was so much more! I was pleasantly surprised by the twist that Alessandra Torre included in the story.
Masked Innocence picks up right where Blindfolded Innocence ended. Julia has experienced her first threesome and is now ready to take her sexual fantasies to the next level with Brad by her side. As time goes by their feelings for each other deepen, but the mystery surrounding a murder will put their relationship to the test. Julia will have to make a decision after she discovers Brad's secret past.
This book was really different from Blindfolded Innocence. It took me a long time to connect with Julia in the first book. I was positive that by the end of the second installment I was going to find the connection that I was looking for. And, I did! Finally!!! Confident and strong. She knows what she wants now and she fights for it! The book was slow-paced at the beginning, but by the 50% mark I was so hooked by the mysterious murder that happened that I even forgot to eat supper! I could not wait to see what happened next! Oh, boy! Mr. De Luca was hiding some secrets from Julia. Secrets that are putting them in a difficult situation. What I really loved about this installment is that we got to know more about Julia and Brad. We get so much more from their background this time around. It really added to the story.
Of course the steamy scenes are once again, CALIENTE!!!! In the kitchen, at the office, on the table, at a party (FMF scene) These two can't get enough of each other! Well, can you blame Julia? Brad De Luca is all kinds of Yummy! This dirty talker sure knows how to please his lady ;) I was a big fan of Brad's in the first book and after reading Masked Innocence I love him even more! Their HEA is just around the corner and I can't wait to see what's next!
I give, Masked Innocence, by Alessandra Torre 4 mysterious, captivating, steamy stars!
Q & A with Alessandra Torre
We sat down to talk with Alessandra Torre about her latest release Masked Innocence, the follow-up to her debut erotica novel Blindfolded Innocence. Alessandra answers everything from her favorite adjectives to describe sex scenes to who she would cast in Hollywood as leading roles for her steamy characters Julia Campbell and Brad De Luca.
Tell us a little bit about your upcoming release, Masked Innocence, the follow-up to your debut novel, Blindfolded Innocence.
Masked Innocence takes Brad and Julia’s courtship and takes it to the next level. [The novel explores] their relationship and sex life, and dives further and deeper while a murder uncovers hidden secrets.
What book is on your next to-buy list?
The Siren by Tiffany Reisz
What’s your go-to snack when you’re writing?
Nutty Bars or navel oranges
What was the first erotica book you ever read?
Fifty Shades of Grey
If you could be with any fictional character for one night, who would it be and why?
Thor. I’d like to see his hammer. J
Where do you do most of your writing? Do you have a certain place that inspires you the most?
I have a big comfy chair that I like to settle into. It’s surrounded by windows and has plenty of room for my two dogs. If I need inspiration I set aside the computer and take the dogs for a walk.
What are the must have essentials in your purse for a night out on the town?
Chapstick, cash, my cellphone and a peppermint.
What is the difference between erotica and romance books? What about erotic fiction vs. porn?
Erotica contains explicit descriptions of sex, while traditional romance novels contain more “fade to black” love scenes. Erotic fiction versus porn – words versus actuality and actions.
What are some of your favorite adjectives to describe sex scenes?
Thick, intense, slick, fevered, hard.
Why did you choose to self-publish?
Control. Flexibility. The ability to change covers, blurbs, and price on my own, and to see and track my own sales.
How did you come up with the characters Julia Campbell and Brad De Luca? Did you draw inspiration from characters in other books or movies?
Julia and Brad are loosely based on me and my husband and the situation surrounding our meeting/courtship. Once I created their roles, the characters sort of took lives of their own and ran wild.
In Masked Innocence how did you maintain a balance between the erotica and the suspense?
The plot wound its own path. There are times in the book when it is focused on erotica and times when it takes a more dramatic turn. There are places when it needed sex, or a lighter note, in order to keep the book from getting too dark.
Why did you start writing erotica?
I didn’t think that there was a market for plot-based stories with explicit sex – but after seeing Fifty Shades Fever it finally felt like the timing was right to dive into that genre.
Are you for or against books being turned into movies?
I am certainly for books being turned into movies. So many individuals don’t read, so movies allow them to experience these great stories in a different way.
Who would you cast as your lead roles for Masked Innocence?
As far as my series, it is very difficult to cast this couple, but I would go with Minka Kelly and Joe Manganiello.
As far as my series, it is very difficult to cast this couple, but I would go with Minka Kelly and Joe Manganiello.
Who is your favorite indie erotica author?
CD Reiss or Pam Godwin.
What is the best and worse advice you have heard authors give writers?
Best advice: Don’t publish a book until it is ready. Prepare it properly with a professional book cover and editing. Worst advice: Get an agent, or wait until you have a traditional publishing deal in order to get your work out there.
What type of feedback do you get from your fans?
Everything. Some readers will love scene XYZ while another reader hates it. Readers write in with praise and criticism. The best thing is that they care enough to write. Any emotion, positive or negative, is better than no emotion.
Why do you write under a pen name and would you recommend it for other erotica authors?
I don’t see any reason to not write under a pen name. A pen name gives a degree of privacy to my everyday life. I would recommend it for other authors, but especially erotica authors.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’m polishing up the final book in the Blindfolded Innocence trilogy. It releases on March 25 and takes Brad and Julia’s relationship to the next stage.
Did you learn anything from writing your books?
I’ve learned a lot in my research, about different sexual fetishes, practices, and motivations. I’ve learned to be a lot more open minded and accepting.
Your first book was a #1 eBook seller. Why do you think Erotica does so well in digital format?
Because of the ability to read erotica privately, without others knowing what smut you hide on your Kindle.
What advice would you give to a writer starting out on the self-publishing path?
Don’t put a book out there until it is ready. Pay an editor and cover designer. Prepare your skin, toughen it up.
What’s your favorite genre within erotica and why?
Erotic suspense. Alpha male.
What’s your biggest writing achievement?
Making the USA Today Bestseller List.
About the Author:
Torre’s captivating story about a young intern’s sexual awakening has won praise and rave reviews from numerous critics, bloggers and book reviewers, including the acclaimed Dr. Laura Berman. In her recent article “35 to Read After 50″ in Everyday Health, Dr. Berman recommended Blindfolded as a must-read for book enthusiasts searching for a new fix after Fifty Shades of Grey. The book has also received high marks from readers on Goodreads and other literary web sites where fans frequently remark they can’t wait for a Blindfolded sequel.
Momentarily stunned by the book’s rapid success, Torre resumed her daily writing routine and published ‘The Girl in 6E’, an erotic thriller that explores the hidden fetishes men covet and the life of a female recluse who battles an overwhelming desire for murder. The Girl in 6E will be released in Summer 2014, as a hardcover novel, through Redhook, an imprint of Hachette.
From her home near the warm waters of the Emerald Coast in Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Happily married to her “best friend” and with one son, she loves watching SEC football games, horseback riding, reading and watching movies.
Oh, I'm starting Blindfold Innocence very soon, and am excited. I hope I enjoy it as much as you ladies did. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh I think I need to grab the first book! No, I'm positive I do. Great reviews and interview.
ReplyDeleteSounds very yummy.
ReplyDelete@Andrea
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! Can't wait to see what you think ;)
@Christy
Thanks Christy!
@Valerie
It's very YUMMY! ;)