“Are you real?” He whispered, brushing up my face with the back of his fingers in a cherishing caress. “Because I’ll want you forever.”
Sexy, alluring and seductive!
Eyes Wide Open is an addictive tale of love, passion and mystery that will sweep you away.
This is a spoiler-free review.
This book starts off right where All In left off so we get to see an immediate continuation of Ethan and Brynne’s story as they work on strengthening and building their relationship in the midst of all the craziness brought on by the bad guy who is still at large.
We get to learn more about Ethan’s back story (which I’ve been wondering about since the first book) — specifically what happened to him in the war, where his scars came from and what was causing his nightmares. It was wonderful to finally see him open up to Brynne about it. There was never any doubt in my mind that he loved her with all of his heart and soul but finally being able to take the step to talk to her about his past was huge for him. Gotta love a tortured hero!
The first book was told from Brynne’s POV and the second was told from Ethan’s, but now in Eyes Wide Open, we see a mix of the two. The POVs alternate back and forth, not only from chapter to chapter but also often within each scene. So be warned to look out for it. If you know to expect it, it’s not confusing at all, just keep an eye out for the switches. Personally I thought it helped give a complete picture of what was happening right as it was happening instead of having to wait for the scene to be over before getting to see the other side of the story.
And I’ve said this before in my previous review but it’s worth mentioning again that Raine Miller just nails the Alpha male POV. Both POVs were well-written but every scene from Ethan’s side was just pure gold to me. She has a way of writing it where you feel 100% connected to his thoughts and makes you just completely accept the world through his eyes.
I love that in this book we got to see playful Ethan! It was just absolutely fucking adorable. Seriously, there were these moments with his little niece that just melted my heart into a puddle of goo, especially since up until this point, we’d seen either a more passionate or more serious side of him so this was such a wonderful side to his character to see!
Ethan is just that delicious blend of everything that makes your heart race. He’s both sweet and passionate, tenderly loving and fiercely protective.
“My kinky, foul-mouthed romantic gentleman lover.”
But then…. the curve ball. That unexpected twist that changed everything for them. It brought out some of Brynne’s worst fears and allowed even more of Ethan’s protective side to shine though and ultimately served to bring them even closer together than ever before.
“Are you ready?”
I nodded and whispered, “Yes.”
“And nothing changes us.”
“Nothing changes that we love each other.”
Can I really just say how much I freaking LOVE couples made up of people with messed up pasts but who are working their hardest to create a loving, functional relationship? I’d go so far as to say that it’s my favorite kind of story and this one really delivered! Yes, they both had moments of irrational out bursts and such but who doesn’t? I loved watching them work through their issues and I never doubted that they’d get through everything because it was always clear that, at the end of the day, the most important thing to both of them was each other and the value they both placed on their relationship could be seen in all of their actions.
“He brought me out from the dark and into the light. Ethan had given me back my life.”
That being said, it isn’t all serious. There are some really sweet, light-hearted moments that break up the intensity and bring a smile to your face.
“Holy shit… I might just die from so much sex.”
She shrugged… “Yeah, but it’d be a fun way to go, wouldn’t it?”
The stakes are raised in Eyes Wide Open, there are many sides to the story, new developments, more suspense, heightened passion and a thrilling ride.
The story has a concluded ending that will leave you in a good place. But there will be one more book coming out later in the year so we haven’t seen the last of Ethan and Brynne!
Overall, I loved the book and would highly recommend the series!
4.5 stars
Casting
*** SERIES READING ORDER ***
Book #1 — Naked
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback |My Review
Book #2 — All In
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback | My Review
Book #3 — Eyes Wide Open
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback | My Review
Book #4 — Rare and Precious Things
Preorder for Kindle | Preorder in Paperback
Release date: February 28, 2014.
Spin-off Standalone Novel — Cherry Girl
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback
This is an optional read in the series about a different couple.
Aly P says
Great review Aestas! I can’t wait to read the book myself.
SHELLEY S says
THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW BOOK!
Marcela Pereira says
Yay! I thought about reading this series and this giveaway comes just in the right time! Thanks!
Michelle Lovell says
YAY! Can’t wait to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
Mimi B
miminbennett(at)hotmail(dot)com
Crystal Barr says
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Molly Pina says
Have read the first two books in the series and it is one of my favorites. I have this thing for the protector/damsel in distress storyline. I also LOVE your casting choice for Ethan. That is dead on!!! Not feeling it as much with the Raine casting but maybe it is because I have been drooling over Ethan in my head and have a perfect picture of what he should look like! I can’t wait to read Eyes Wide Open. I am going to start it today. I am so glad that I have found your website. My “to read” list is getting longer by the minute.
Cristina Riquelme says
Great review Aestas! I love the Blackstone Affair.