Bared To You by Sylvia Day

I was curious to read this book since I read the Fifty Shades trilogy and I heard or read somewhere that Gideon Cross is the new Christian Grey.  But I like this one than Fifty Shades (my apologies to Christian Grey fans and those of the trilogy).

I admit I have the hots for Gideon Cross, who wouldn't?!  He's rich, smart and powerful, sexy and confident.  I was thrilled when Gideon and Eva first me.  Wow!

He wasn't just beautiful; he was... enthralling.  He was the kind of guy that made a woman want to rip his shirt open and watch the buttons scatter along with her inhibitions.

I felt exactly the same way when I was reading their first encounter!

I thought he was just like Christian Grey and my fascination over him will wane as I continue to read the book.  However, that was not the case.  As I read the novel, Gideon (and Sylvia Day for that matter) was able to hold my interest in his character.  He may be controlling but he is willing to make adjustments and compromises for Eva and I find that really endearing.  A lot of times he admitted that he screwed up and was willing to do anything to win Eva back.  I really admire that about him, it takes a lot for someone as powerful as he is to admit that he made a mistake.  I also find it charming that he self-professed that he doesn't have a romantic bone in his body and yet he would send Eva flowers with a note saying, "I'm thinking about you," or would call and say "I just want to hear your voice."

I also like Eva.  I like that even if her stepfather is filthy rich, she wants to make her career on her own and not through the connections of her stepfather.  I think she's smart, driven and goal-oriented.  What I don't like about her is her tendency to bail when things go wrong.  I know she has issues but I don't understand why can't she just hear Gideon out sometimes instead of assuming the worst and walking out?!

I share Eva's sentiments when she said, "What I want is to be seen as having more to offer than an inflatable sex doll."  Men have to keep in mind that women like sex too but that is not the only thing that we have to offer.  There is more to us than just sex and as Eva pointed out, "Casual sex doesn't have to include wine and roses, but for God's sake, whatever else it is, sex should be personal.  Friendly even.  With mutual respect at the very least."  It doesn't mean that when a girl wants to spend time with a guy in and out of bed she wants to be in a relationship with him.  Guys have to remember that for girls, there has to be more than carnal connection, "I need a personal connection with the men I sleep with.  It doesn't have to be intense or deep, but sex needs to be more than an emotionless transaction for me."

When I talked to my boss that I was planning to read this novel, she said that Ms. Day's characters are weird.  Actually, it is more accurate to say that the characters in this novel are messed up.  They all have issues!  Even the gay best friend is screwed up!  At least, Eva's issue revealed in this book.  I have yet to know what is wrong with Gideon.  I am intrigued how their story will continue but I'm not that excited to read the next book immediately.

Bad boys can be fun, if you don't get too close - Cary

Rating: 4 of 5 STARS