Bared To You
Author: Sylvia Day
Genre: Adult/Erotic Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Date Published: 12 June 2012
Source: Own Copy/Bought
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness…
He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily…
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires.The bonds of his love transformed me, even as i prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...
How I happened to read this still goes back to the Fifty Shades of Grey hoopla. Apparently, these two books were compared and as I was visiting the nearby bookstore, these books were always found to be sitting side by side. Whatever you may read in this review, I am now already apologizing. I cannot help but compare these two series in my head and it bugs me each night. I will try my very best.
Reading Bared to you was like going back to reading Fifty Shades of Grey again. Both books have the same exquisite familiarity of erotic romances and steamy feeling but reading Bared To You was a much lighter read because it was on the edge, most likely happening, of BDSM. I'm not much of a fan of BDSM but I survived reading Fifty Shades of Grey and I will most likely survive reading this series.
I loved reading this book, actually. The writing style Day used was straight and very descriptive and real before my eyes. It wasn't vague at all but there are instances that I do not understand why she needed the time to write a part that was purely not necessary in the scene, or a scene not necessary at all. And mind you, I was just satisfied enough that book has a plot of its own. With that thing in mind, I was satisfied enough to finish reading, unlike before while reading James's book. It might've got into my nerves but I've surely learned to like the characters.
Knowing Gideon Cross was like meeting Christian Grey in a different body. Seriously. Both men are wealthy, irresistible, intense, controlling, and very interesting. And they both have issues. Just that I still don't know what hides behind the nightmare of a Gideon Cross. They're both broken and seeks relief in sex, apparently. Why do these fictional men always seek relief through sex? Always. It gives me the headache to think, seriously. Can somebody explain this to me? Just to have a major relief and/or satisfaction. ((:
Then there's Eva Tramell. Ah, this is where it gets different and interesting. You know, people, I'm just actually glad that Eva is not a virgin. She's far from being the innocent girl and shy Ana was. She's very forward, has demons of her own, and is an animal in the heat of sex. She's also a very jealous and insecure woman. One can finally tell where the Day's book goes different from James's novel. It is here. Though, I can say, both heroine are stubborn as hell. They also like to run away. I admired her courage, of letting go of her past and moving on from her sudden twist of fate while she, herself, was too young. I couldn't tell how sorry I was.
This couple, I have issues with them, though. I actually don't hate, but more of dislike, how they always end up with make-up sex. Seriously, what kind of stamina do this people have? It has always been sex everyday, I lost count. I know that sex is the entire purpose of erotic romances but what do you solve out of sex? There isn't any reassurance that a you get to solve anything out of sex. You just lose it there. You forget [your problems] while in the heat of it but you don't get to solve any out of it. It's a temporary bliss that let's you forget. A minute or two, you'll remember you still have it and will still struggle how to fix things. My god, people! It's a low blow. And wait I am not entirely done with this issue, well, my issue.
I also don't think that Gideon and Eva's relationship is a healthy relationship. A relationship established with wants and needs? I don't think it's a healthy one. I know you're going to/might say “Well duh, they love each other. I don't think you're paying too much attention with what you read. They can't live/survive/stand without each other.” I just don't think it's possible, the healthy part, I mean. They hardly know each other. I don't even know of they knew each other's birthdays. *facepalm*
Moving on. I really hated talking about that part. Let me express what I liked. I mentioned some above but say, the gay couples. I am not a bisexual myself but I loved reading gay people in books. Partly, because I support their rights as an individual and I don't see anything wrong with two people showcasing their love for their same kind. One example is Mark and Steven's relationship. It is one of those fresh treats this book can offer. I liked how strong and real their relationship is. It gives a refreshing feeling after all the fiasco of Gideon and Eva. And let's not forget Cary. I love his enthusiasm. But he hardly fell flat on the last part. I cannot help but feel pity after him losing Trey. That was just sad. I liked the guy [Trey]. I want to see more of them (all mentioned in this paragraph) and how they improved in the following books.
Overall, Day has written a heartfelt and strong book that showcases deep affection and demons that gets in way with a life so wonderful it hurts. She's entirely figured out that life is not made easy and problems don't always get the right answers immediately.
Labels: Book Review, Sylvia Day
