Readers looking for a little afternoon delight will find this a decadent and satisfying diversion full of scorching encounters with just a bit of angst. Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of Breaking Him by Sherilee Gray, along with my impressions of it, and discover more about it by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this erotically-charged western romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $30 Amazon GC too!
Folks in town call him a monster—say he’s dangerous. But I know him simply as Elijah Hays, the quiet, gentle giant who works with the horses on my ranch. I can feel him watching me, that steady intense gaze making me crave things I don’t quite understand, burn in a way that frightens me. He’s always kept his distance…until that night.I remember him coming to my rescue, me following him into the barn, giving him his first taste of a woman, and his inexperienced yet barely reined touch turning me to ash.
Now all I can think about is exposing the dark desire I see deep inside him—having him turn those dark desires on me. That low, gritty voice rasping orders in my ear. Those huge, rough hands holding me down when a storm blows in.
I want his surrender. His control. I want to break him…and have him break me…
EXCERPT:
His bulging biceps danced as he plowed his fists into the worn leather. I moved in close and reached out, touching his back. He jerked away from me like I’d struck him. “Eli, please stop."
He finally quit whaling on the sandbag and dropped his hands, but he didn’t turn to face me. The muscles in his wide back twitched, expanding with every panted breath.
I closed the space between us, moving in behind him, and reached up, resting my hands on his shoulder blades, breathing in his scent—clean sweat and leather. He stilled, like he often did, like I now knew he’d been doing since he was a little boy. Did he wish I couldn’t see him, that I’d go away? The idea was a pitchfork through the chest.
Biting my lip, I slid my hands up to his shoulders and leaned in, kissing the center of his bare back, his skin fevered and slick. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I’m so sorry."
I didn’t know exactly what I was apologizing for. That I’d been talking about him, that he’d heard what Cassie said, or that the whole town knew what he’d suffered and hadn’t lifted a finger to help him. They were small insignificant words, but they were all I had right then, all I could force past my dry, tight throat.
A tremor traveled through him, but he stayed where he was, broad back to me. He was in pain, and I hated that I’d been a part of the cause. It tore me up, and all I could think about was easing his hurt.
I moved to his side, my breasts grazing his bulging biceps as I came around to his front. His jaw was tight, eyes closed, locking me out, keeping me at a distance. I hated it, loathed it. Leaning in, I kissed his chest. His body went tight, every muscle hardening. I continued to whisper my apologies between kisses, tasting the salty, clean sweat on his chest, his ribs, his ridged abs as I dropped to my knees.
Fingers trembling, I reached for the front of his jeans. He jolted but kept his eyes closed when I undid the button and slid down the zipper, when I slid my hand inside and took his quickly hardening cock in my hand, pumping the length of him several times. His nostrils flared, but he kept his jaw clamped shut.
Releasing him, I worked the denim at his hips lower. I wanted to make this better, but I had no idea how to do that. My gut told me this was what he needed from me. I just hoped I was right.
The metallic scent of blood reached my nose, and I noticed his raw, bleeding knuckles. Taking one of his hands, I pressed my lips to his damaged skin, kissing it tenderly, and that’s when his eyes opened and he stared down at me. My own stung at what I saw. There was no anger, not even a little bit. No, there was only shame. He was ashamed of his past, and I could see he hated that I knew.
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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
When it comes to the kinds of romances I read, the majority of them put you through the wringer and are full of angst. Every now and again though I enjoy a simple read, one that's steamy and straightforward with a HEA reached with very few obstacles. Breaking Him is just such a read with its increasingly erotic interludes, memorable characters, and entertaining storyline that invites you along to see the healing power of love and acceptance on an emotionally bruised man. It's an erotic read that gets steamier with each turn of the page and reaches its immensely satisfying conclusion at just the right heartwarming moment.
Abi's having a rough time keeping her ranch afloat since the death of her father. If it weren't for Elijah and his talent for breaking horses there'd be no chance to keep her ranch. Though she loves living in a small town she's tired of the judgments, the doubts that she's able to keep running her ranch successfully. Another thing she hates about her small town are the whispers concerning Elijah, whispers of him being a danger to her. The only thing in danger where he's concerned is her heart. At first it's his body she lusts after but soon it's the constant care and concern he showers on her. It's been so long since she's felt cared for and his quiet yet sweet nature soon has her reciprocating as she senses the demons he struggles with too. Abi's a kindhearted woman who lets her heart guide her when it comes to Eli. Though her friends try to shame her for her love, her actions to prove her belief in him had me applauding by the end of the story.
Elijah has always been looked down upon in his small town for his large size, quiet demeanor, and the fact that he killed his father to save his mother. The town is leery of him and is holding its collective breath waiting for him to unleash his strength once again. He's found a safe haven though working on Abi's farm, finding a place where his quietness is accepted, and his strength is seen as an asset. As the days progress he finds himself drawn to the petite Abi and determined to keep her safe as she's the lone bright spot in a childhood of darkness and a lifetime of judgments. He's always held himself back out of fear of hurting others because of his size, as he didn't want to be like his father, but being with Abi means unleashing his quietly commanding nature. Together they scorch up the pages in increasingly erotic interludes. As their feelings become more intense Eli might be forced into making the ultimate sacrifice to keep her safe, unless she make a sacrifice first.
This was an enjoyable story full of erotic encounters that will satisfy every fan of erotically-charged romances. Abi's an immensely likable heroine who stands by the man who cares for her wholeheartedly. She doesn't let others decide her fate and proves her love for Eli in a heartwarming Grand Gesture that wraps up this story with a big bow. For me, it's Eli who steals the show and who I wish we learned more about. I wish we could've seen things from his perspective as his quiet yet watchful ways endeared him to me. He's the quintessential book boyfriend for his unerring support of Abi, his willingness to sacrifice all for her, and his talent for dirty talk and desire to learn all sorts of deliciously naughty acts off the internet that have her a very willing participant. From start to finish this was a book that charmed me while making me blush and I recommend it to those looking for a little love in the afternoon.
My rating for this is a B+
*I got this book from NetGalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Sherilee Gray writes sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance. Stories full of heat and high emotion, following stubborn characters as they fight against the odds… and their happily ever after. She’s a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful NZ with her husband and their two children. When not writing or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.
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