Title: The StrangerSeries: Just One Night, Book 1
Author: Kyra Davis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from publisher via NetGalley
Published: January 21, 2013 by Pocket Star
Kasie knows who she’s supposed to be. But one passionate night with a mysterious stranger will teach her who she wants to be.You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it’s the dress, much shorter than she’d ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she's ever done with a man before.
It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she’s thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that’s engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality...and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom.
Why I Read this Book: The cover is striking and eye-catching and the synopsis about a one-night stand with a stranger piqued my interest. Unfortunately, I missed the (important) part about the cheating; the line you should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling is ambiguous as it doesn’t clearly state who is getting married – Kasie or her best friend.
What I Liked: The passion and intensity between Kasie and Robert was off the charts. I like how Robert wasn’t going to let Kasie slip away. He evokes Kasie’s inner sexuality, makes her lose her inhibitions. Had this book been solely about Kasie’s relations with Robert, and only with Robert, I would have enjoyed this story greatly. Sadly, that was not the case.
What I Didn’t Like: I felt mislead by the synopsis with that the cheating element isn’t entirely forthcoming to the reader. It’s possible that Kasie is the bride-to-be but I didn’t think that to be the case. Had I in fact known this, I definitely would not have picked up this book. It’s not something I want in my reading material (unless I’m reading a memoir or auto/biography and it pertains to actual events). I kept on reading in hopes that Kasie would somehow redeem herself and make things right but that never happened.
With all the infidelity going on you’d think Kasie would be wise enough to use protection but she doesn’t. Not once was a condom used nor was it ever mentioned. And not only does Kasie put herself at risk for AIDS, STDs and pregnancy but what’s worse is that she also has unprotected sex with her fiancé, potentially putting him at risk as well.
The supporting cast of characters lacked interest. Dave, Kasie’s fiancé, is as boring as dirt. Suzy, Kasie’s best friend who suggests the one night affair in the first place, is a lousy friend. The only other character, aside from Kasie and Robert, who’s remotely interesting is Kasie’s co-worker, Asha, because she seems to know something is amiss. And speaking of Dave, the fiancé, it felt like Kasie was only with him out of obligation because he got her her job.
And lastly, I was disappointed to find out that this is a serial romance. This book ends at a pivotal moment. I am not a fan of serial romances because I don’t like waiting in urgency for the next installment. I also think it’s a ploy to make more money for what could essentially be one book but instead is chopped up into pieces.
Overall Impression: If you don’t mind cheating in your romance, or a major cliffhanger ending, The Stranger might be one for you to try. Otherwise, if you’re like me, you’re better off avoiding this one.
Brianna’s Rating:
Thanks for the great and honest review! i was also intrigued about this book, but the blurb did put me off with the cheating element. i would have read it with the same hopes that you have voiced. However, after seeing what you didn't like, I have to agree with you. If her fiance was in fact so boring that she felt the need to escape in an affair, she should have grown a backbone and ended her engagement. And her friend is indeed shitty and a bad influence. I'll pass. Thank you for helping me save $$$.
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for the cheating element, I would have enjoyed this book :/
DeleteI didn't mind the cheating. I like messy stories! In this one particular, Kasie has her faults and cheating is one of them. Robert brings out her passions that she's been suppressing for years while Dave is a good guy she's not completely herself with him. I liked the book and waiting on book 2.
ReplyDelete