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Reckless #1

Pushing the Limits

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Rafe knows he wants Nicole from the moment he lays eyes on her… but will Nicole ever agree to give up her freedom – and for such a dangerously unpredictable man?

The first installment in a series starring Rafe, a striking playboy heir with a secret, and Nicole – the beautiful and headstrong niece of CC Gibbs’ famous hero Dominic Knight from her bestselling Knight trilogy.

Book 1 in Rafe & Nicole's story.
UK edition.

Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

55 people are currently reading
2307 people want to read

About the author

C.C. Gibbs

39 books889 followers
NYTimes Bestselling Author from the Midwest.

She is using different Publishers for North American and international distribution, hence different covers and titles.

Nicole & Rafe in the Reckless Series:
BOOK 1
Now available
Pushing the Limits (International)/ Power and Possession (North America)

BOOK 2
Now Available
Breaking the Limits (International) / Seduction and Surrender (North America)

BOOK 3
COMING SOON
The Wedding, Etc...
International Release 12/12/2020

Dominic and Kate in the Knight Trilogy / All or Nothing Trilogy
Books must be read in order:
BOOK 1
Knight’s Mistress (International) / All He Wants (North America)
BOOK 2
Knight’s Game (International) / All He Needs (North America)
BOOK 3
Knight Takes Queen (International) / All He Desires (North America)

All or Nothing Trilogy
Thanks to Suebee★bring me an alpha!★ for this beautiful new video about Dominic & Kate!

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5 stars
266 (29%)
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243 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.3k followers
August 15, 2017
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★★★★★! Reckless series, book 1 of 2. A whirlwind fuckfest & power war as heir playboy & student get more than they bargained for in & out of the bedroom!

The Reckless duet is using different Publishers for the US and the UK, hence the different covers and titles. Books must be read in order:
Book 1:
Power and Possession (US) / Pushing the Limits (UK)
Book 2:
Seduction and Surrender (US) / Untitled (UK)


The Reckless duet, book 1 opens up to university student Nicole Parrish (Dominic Knight’s niece, featured in the All or Nothing trilogy) spending her summer traipsing Europe’s exclusive hot spots with her best friend Fiona. Just having graduated from Stanford and not quite ready to continue with grad school she has decided to live and party recklessly for the summer.

Playboy, heir and sole owner of Contini Pharmaceuticals, Rafail Contini, Rafe is throwing another VIP party onboard is ultra-luxurious yacht. While cooped up in his suite with a diplomat’s wife he’s interrupted by a dark-haired beauty, Nicole, in search of a restroom. Having had his fair share of women and kink, including the darker side of sex since the age of fifteen, his interest is peeked so he asks Nicole to stay. Introductions are made and drinks are poured.

Rafe and Nicole are instantly attracted to each other and both feel the tug of lust. On a whim they decide to embark on 2 weeks of no-questions-asked sex. With their single-minded agenda they set out to get rid of the diplomat’s wife, occupy her friend, make arrangements to handle parents, women vying and more as they try to leave his yacht.

The story goes onto follow them on their flirtation, fuck fest and beyond as enemies close in on Rafe’s empire and Nicole’s uncle Dominic is nearby with his entourage. Add to that Nicole’s temper and Rafe’s propensity to want what he wants when he wants it; A power war with both players fighting their attraction ill-equipped to handle feelings and compromise…

There you have it! Either a train wreck of epic proportions or… a love story that transcends time and reason and inspire sonnets… Time will tell!

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Rafail Contini, Rafe with his masterpiece of an inked dick (yup tattooed!) falls into the category of playBOY alpha. As story digs deeper into his childhood there are issues that clearly colored his life and personality. Used to having his way with women and everything else in life; his looks, money and name afford him that, he finds Nicole a refreshing challenge. She will make him work for it!

Ten words to describe Rafe: Jaded, impulsive, enigmatic, private, detached, kinky, determined, possessives, broken and complex.

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Nicole Parrish has had a coddled upbringing and thus used to getting her way. She’s prickly and blaze, boys falling at her feet, but she met Rafe once at Stanford and he didn’t give her the time of day. That both irked and intrigued her.

Ten words to describe Nicole: Spoiled, prickly, immature, kind, bossy, smart, focused, hot-headed, secretive and jaded.

The Reckless duet, book 1 is truly a whirlwind romance as the too-beautiful-for-their-own-good Rafe and Nicole come to terms with their fierce attraction and lust. Though dealing with Nicole’s temper and feisty-ness goes to illustrate the lengths Rafe will go to appease her when in all his life he never bent for anyone, right in the beginning, before sex, I felt she was being too difficult at times.

Reckless series, book 1 ends with Rafe and Nicole in a good place, no cliffhanger, but with the understanding that there is more to their story in book 2 in the Reckless duet.

***At the end of book 1 there is a teaser from book 2. Please note the book 2 teaser does have a bit of a cliffy so you might want that stop with book 1’s ending!

Effortless storytelling! Butterflies-in-your belly plot! Larger-than-life playBOY alpha, Rafe and a heroine to keep him on his toes and the ability to get him on his knees…

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A, ARC
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


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TEASER: Chapter 1:



Thanks to everyone who participated in our worldwide Buddy-read on CCGibbsFANS:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)


ARC provided to me by Forever (Hachette), via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,005 reviews789 followers
January 30, 2015
I have been looking forward to reading this story for months, ever since Sue posted teasers in the CC Gibbs fan group. I have been dying for more and finally getting to meet Rafe didn’t disappoint in the least.

The story begins with Nicole, Dominic’s niece. Her and her girlfriend are spending the summer in Europe. The first thing you notice about Nicole is she is spoiled. She comes from a pretty average family, but she is her uncle’s pick and he has always spoiled her. Nicole is also a strong, confident and intelligent woman, so while her behavior was frustrating at times I still enjoyed that fact that she wasn’t a meek, insecure heroine. While vacationing in Europe, living it up, she is invited to a yacht party. During the party she is lucky enough to meet Rafe.

Now Rafe, is young, wealthy, and a playboy. He is used to getting what he wants and he doesn’t make apologies for his life style. Rate is also highly intelligent and successful, but with his lifestyle it’s easy to forget there is more to him than meets the eye. When Nicole stumbles into his suite on accident, Rafe decides he isn’t letting her go so easily. Being the wealthy playboy he is, he makes plans and arranges things so they can spend a few weeks together.



This isn’t a story of love at first sight. No it is more lust at first sight, and what happens when you have two people who are used to getting what they want. Combustion, yes these two light the world on fire. They obviously have tons of sexual chemistry, but they are also very combative and their relationship isn’t easy. I think that is what frustrated me the most, mainly because Nicole refused to quit arguing with him and making things difficult.

That brings me to my side note. I have always had male friends, growing up I was a bit of tomboy and we all know I am pretty vulgar and cuss like a sailor so naturally I have always gotten along with the guys. So I have this guy friend who was a complete man whore. Well, he finally settled down a few years ago and his wife, who I am also friends with, is so difficult when it comes to him. If he brags about himself, which he likes to do (he is very obnoxious) she totally shuts him down. I love their dynamic. She treats him like an normal guy, nothing more and he loves that fact that she doesn't put up with is crap. I guess the long story short, which we are way past that point, is that if it were easy he would have treated her like all the rest.



Nicole is Rafe’s game changer. She doesn’t elevate him, but treats him like an equal and she refuses take orders from him. This couple has so far to go in terms of being stable and finding their way, but it is off to a great start. CC Gibbs is a fantastic story teller and I love how her characters move and grow throughout her books. I am so anxious to see how things pick up in the next book.

Power and Possession is told in the third person so we are able to get a full picture of how everyone fits together and the stories developing in the background. From what I can tell Nicole and Rafe's journey will have lots of trials, and I can't wait to see how things unfold.



ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




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Profile Image for Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️.
820 reviews845 followers
February 2, 2015
4 "Instant" Stars

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Insta-lust, Ista-connection, Insta-electricity.......Rafe Contini and Nicole Parrish have it. Rafe is wealthy, handsome, sexy, has some demons, and uses women like he uses paper towels. He isn't interested in any relationships. He is rarely with a women more than 24hrs. Nicole is beautiful, sexy, strong, confident and likes things her way. She is on vacation with her girlfriend in Monte Carlo. She's 22 and wants to have fun. She isn't interested in finding her Mr. Right, just finding her Mr. Fun for the Moment. So these two meet by accident on Rafe's yacht and instantly feel a connection. But both of these two like to be in charge. There banter back and forth is tit for tat and Rafe is highly intrigued by a woman who doesn't just follow his orders. He wants her to spend the rest of her vacation with him and Nicole says yes.

Their connection escalates very fast. I understand lust but in their 24hrs, it just seemed to be almost unreal. They have incredible sexual chemistry and their feistiness to be in charge is entertaining. Nicole knows what she likes and is hell bent on NOT taking orders but Rafe has other ideas.

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These two spend an intense 24 hrs in each other's arm. Rafe has work issues but keeps Nicole with him. They both can feel this connection they have to one another, it's scary and very unsettling but they decided to just go with it. Nicole is sassy and in your face and doesn't have issues telling Rafe what she wants and how.

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This entire book takes place in a matter of days. Rafe is a man who has many enemies who want to take him down. He has to deal with them but he must also keep Nicole safe. We get some background as to why he has enemies and why he also likes to have control in the bedroom. Nicole does not know about her underlying danger but she trust Rafe completely. In this short amount of time, she can't imagine leaving Rafe. Their Insta-Lust is quickly becoming Insta-Love.

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Nicole happens to be the niece of the very famous, very reformed playboy turned faithful husband and father, Dominic Knight. (If you do not know about Dominic Knight, he can be found in CC Gibb's series- All or Nothing) Nicole has always had a special place in his heart. He would never let any harm come to her. But when he is informed about Nicole's whereabouts, he intervenes. Rafe Contini is not a man for his niece but what happens when Nicole tells him that Rafe is the man for her? (I loved that Dominic, Kate and the kids made a cameo in the story.)

I look forward to the next book to see if their insta-lust is really insta-love. Book one ends on a good note but there is a peek to book 2 and boy did that peek end with a cliffy. Read at your own risk!! I know that many secrets will come forward, I just hope that everyone is able to survive them.

ARC provided to me by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review











Profile Image for Eliza.
661 reviews846 followers
September 4, 2015


Title: Power & Possession/ Pushing The Limits
Series: Reckless, #1
Author: C.C. Gibbs
Release date: 3rd February, 2015
Rating: 4 "I'm feeling the magic" Stars
Cliffhanger: n/a
HEA:



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I've been looking forward to meeting Rafe ever since the glimpse we had in the Epilogue of Knight Takes Queen. Considering the situation he and Nicole had found themselves in, I was interested to see how C.C. Gibbs could transform a character that seemed villainous into anything other than that.

Rafe and Nicole's introduction is definitely an interesting one, she stumbles across him during one of his infamous parties aboard his mega yacht. The hospitable host he is, he invites her to stay for a drink; not shy in coming forwards Nicole accepts. The attraction is instant, the lust palpable and as you do; they embark on an agreed two week affair.

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The build up to their first encounter was great, I enjoyed the teasing relationship they had. In many respects they are both out of their comfort zones but when push comes to shove, they aren't willing to walk away. The best way for me to describe them would be fiery. It doesn't take much to ignite a heated conversation, embrace or tryst.

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There isn't anything typical about these two. Rafe is synonymous with power, wealth, success and instant gratification. He has all things readily available to him and the means to acquire them. Nicole is accustomed to wealth, her uncle is none other than Dominic Knight. She is neither enamoured or intimated by Rafe's power, something that takes him some getting used to.

He’d spent a good many years chasing new sensations and no one had ever provoked this sort of reaction in him. No one but this beautiful, smiling woman.

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My only complaint would be I found Nicole too defensive and unnecessarily argumentative. Cause for her behaviour is hinted to and it seems she may have a history of biting off more than she can chew.

"Nicole likes to take chances. Sometimes they backfire—nothing big ever, but well… occasionally things have gotten dicey.”

To be honest, that's the girl I'm looking forward to getting to know, although it's a position she wouldn't like to find herself in; I'd like to see her more vulnerable. With outside influences causing disruption to their lust-filled bubble, it might be a situation she finds herself in sooner rather than later.

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Profile Image for Jasmine.
269 reviews690 followers
August 6, 2016
3 STARS! ★★★



"He'd spent a good many years chasing new sensations and no one had ever provoked this sort of reaction in him. No one but this beautiful, smiling woman"

It's been far too long since I indulged in a erotica read where it involves sexy billionaire guy cum manwhore who goes out on his way to get the woman he set his eyes on. Usually with this trope coming into play, I had to switch off my analytical brain and turn on my smutty one when it comes to rating these books. Simply because I read these out of guilty pleasure and with Power & Possession, CC Gibbs definitely brought out the sexy and sizzling steamy scenes in this highly sensual read.

The book opens up to Nicole Parrish, the niece to the infamous Dominic Knight from the All or Nothing series. In this spinoff series, Nicole will be the centrepiece of the read as it kicks off with how she spent her summer vacation with her BFF at a mega party on a rich yacht owned by none other than Rafe Contini. Rich, famous and used to getting his ways of things done, there is no denying him when Nicole stumbles into him and instant sparks flew between them.

With only weeks of vacation left for Nicole, she agreed to have a no strings attached hookup with Rafe. Evidently, this book surely screams instalust since their first encounter and while I'm usually peeved at these things, I still managed to enjoy their snarky banters being thrown back and forth.

However that being said, it also turned out to be a little too much for me when I found Nicole to be almost too argumentative for her self being. As a reader, I wanted to enjoy the smexy times and indulge in the read but Nicole's constant need to retort back at Rafe in every single moment proved to be a major cockroadblock for me.



Once the couple started to warm up to each other, the banters toned down a little and the heat turned back up, so I was finally back on board with them and it was enlightening to read a little on Rafe's backstory.

Overall, Power and Possession provides just enough of groundwork for the series to allow Rafe & Nicole's relationship to evolve along the way and it'll be interesting to see where it will take us readers in the future. If you're a fan of CC Gibbs previous works and in a mood for some sexy, steamy read mixed with little angst, this book would work for you.

ARC kindly provided by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,280 followers
December 4, 2019
4 Determined Sexual Beings Meeting Their Match! Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
It is always fun when a character like Dominic Knight has a soft spot and gives into it. This uber Alpha male became a puddle or the secret cohort in crime when it came to his niece Nicole. Since her birth, she has had him wrapped around her finger... so it was no surprise for her graduation from Stanford, he provided his yacht, crew and all the other necessities for the summer.


This allowed Nicole to bring her bestie to Europe and have a no holds barred vacation. These two decided to experience it all; taste it all and yes, if wishing to... hook up with whoever strikes their fancy. At one of the many lavish parties, they both are on Rafe Contini yacht, drinking and mingling.

Rafe is known for many things; his playboy image, the tabloids and stories and the tattooed artwork so carefully done in such unique places. He is not so well known as being the giver of charity contributions and the medical supplies from the company he runs and for the demons and secrets, he holds close away from others.

What happens next is the beginning dance of two headstrong individuals... two who are extremely intelligent. Two who are spoiled in a way which may cause one to cringe... because when characters such as these have always gotten their way, what happens when both will not compromise...fireworks.

For Rafe it is confusion about why the heart wants what the heart wants. For Nicole, it is making sure not to just role over her needs because a man says so.

These two have one thing they agree on...their language. It is sexual. The conversations are with lips, looks, touches and thrusts...Only nourishment or sleep will cause a halt.

This is a C. C. Gibbs book. We enjoy the way she crafts, presents and teases us. She has set this first book in the series up with visits with past characters we love and has introduced others which have us guessing. These two, in the end, are set in a place where they may rest for a moment... but do not be surprised if in the second book, the fireworks ignite again.

After all, we are talking about Nicole and Rafe.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
3,068 reviews1,526 followers
September 1, 2015
4 Billionaire Play boy stars

Power and Possession is a standalone, but it is also part of the Reckless series. You will be satisfied when you are done, but you can continue to read the series if you choose (Seduction and Surrender, book 2, is scheduled to be release). This is a spin-off from the All or Nothing series.

This is my first C.C. Gibbs book. My friend loved this book, so I HAD to read it. Here are some Power and Possession elements that stood out to me.

Rich handsome player Hero? CHECK

Sassy, independent-ish Heroine? CHECK

Insta-Lust? Check

Kinky fun? CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK

Rafe is handsome, rich and arrogant. He plays very hard and loves women. Nicole is rich, strong and loves men. When she runs into Rafe, she is instantly drawn to him.

When Rafe and Nicole first meet, I was kind of taken aback. She walked in on him when he was about to do the deed with another girl. Rafe gets so distracted by Nicole, he dismisses the girl he was about to you know boom with in order to get to know Nicole. Isn’t that an interesting meeting? You got to love a player Hero.

I thought Nicole would be disgusted, but she can’t help but take the opportunity to get to know Rafe. She met him years ago (when she was younger) and has had a crush on him ever since. Power to her! Nicole’s personality is very strong. She isn’t the typical Heroine I am use to reading in these billionaire books. I found her bantering with Rafe A LOT. She can be a bit pushy and fights a bit with Rafe. Let’s just say she knows what she wants and she isn’t afraid to voice it.

In fact, I would say it was Nicole trying to pursue Rafe. Yes, very different. This is no hearts and flowers kind of book. It’s raw, kinky and pure lust. Rafe and Nicole both want one thing: to have dirty times with each other. Since Nicole is on vacation, she puts a time stamp of one month for their fling.

As they spend more time with each other, Rafe pushes Nicole to try new things. And come on, this is the stuff we love right?

I love my rich billionaire books. Power and Possession kind of reminds me of Beth Kery books and I love her. It’s a no fuss and no muss kind of read that hits all the right spots when you are in that mood.

An ARC was provided



Power and Possession (Reckless, #1) by C.C. Gibbs Power and Possession AMAZON
Profile Image for Pam.
1,093 reviews1,068 followers
February 21, 2017
4 Obsession’s a bitch stars



Rafe & Nicole are a match made in the sheets, their hunger and lust overtake their basic needs; when they want each other more than air... Two weeks, a month at most, nothing but carte blanche sex.
“Come on, take the leap. It could be an incredible rush.”

Nicole is not his ordinary playmate, and when she set's herself apart from all the rest, it makes him wonder if he could ever let her go. Rafe is so far gone, his desire to have her whimper under him is all that drives him; a chance to tame the wild cat who turned his world up side down.
“You want raw, sweaty, rock-your-world sex. You want to be pushed and pushed and pushed some more until you’re dripping wet and desperate, until you’ll do anything to be taken over the fucking orgasmic edge. Because under all that sass and audacity of yours you don’t really want a man who takes orders, do you?”

Nicole isn't a stranger to money and power, and knowing Rafe is of the same breed as her Uncle, the spark of hope leads her way. Both are so far out of their comfort zone, they let instinct guide their every touch and desire. But when duty threatens his desire and control, he does everything in his power to not let her go....
Call it Zen, call it magic, call it bewitchment or the perfect alignment of the planets. It was pleasure, pure and simple.

Power and Possession is a highly erotic tale, that will take you on a ride through lust and desire. The power and respect they have for each other make it more than just a book about sex, it was a fantasy coming to life, a chance to just live... There is no mistake of who Rafe was before meeting Nicole, and one could be very well turned off just from the start, but if you give their story a chance, you'll fall for the man who was brought to his knees by the right woman. There was a underlying plot that will carry through to the next book, but this book was all about their beginning and the undenying truth of what they mean to each other. Highly recommended for my erotic loving friends!

Copy kindly provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing), via NetGalley, for an honest review.

***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book I received and may differ from published edition.
Profile Image for ~Stéphanie~.
623 reviews360 followers
January 26, 2015
I wanted to know more about Rafe Contini ever since I got a little glimpse in her " All or Nothing" series.

And no it's not his tattooed cock that got my attention

description

Rafe Contini is a billionaire, he is a guy who sit not well with taking orders, he likes things to go his way and he is an incorrigible playboy.
So when Nicole Parrish enters a room in his yacht and when his only thoughts is to keep her with him, he is a little unsettled.

"He'd spent a good many years chasing new sensations and no one had ever provoked this sort of reaction in him. No one but this beautiful, smiling woman"

"I'm freaking out. Because this situation falls into the category of unnecessary complications and, as a rule, I generally avoid attachments"

Because here we are not talking about insta-love (not yet) but more insta-lust. At first, it was a little weird for me because it took only one look for them to be all over themselves.

description

The 30-40ish first percentage of the book were all about that sudden attraction.
It was also a battle of nerves. Nicole is a spoil child, always been and she is not there to please Rafe. She is also immediately attracted to him but that doesn't mean she has to accept everything.

I sometimes find it difficult to keep up with Nicole. During half of the book, she is always there to argue with everything. She never seems content and it was like she never try to enjoy what she had with Rafe. And even if I know that's why he was probably interested and why he wanted to keep her with him, it was getting on my nerves.

"The fucking's guaranteed, babe"
"I'm not your babe" "I'm not anyone's babe"
"You are right now" "For as long as I say you are. And the way I'm feeling, it's gonna last a while"
"Well, if that's the case, wiseass, I'm going to need that apology"


Once our lovebirds began to become accustomed to each other so to speak, their relation really started. And even if everything is happening in a short period, everything is dealt quite plausible.
We all know how it is in books where there's a billionaire bachelor once he sees the girl he wants.Even his closest friends seems to be taken aback.

Rafe is a busy man but he decide to make room for Nicole and to spent a few weeks with her but a thread might change their plans.

This story is only the beginning and I can tell you I can't wait to see what's going to happen for both of them.
I can already see, Nicole is willing to make some effort for him. She is less selfish by the end of the book and their harmony keep growing.
Rafe is an interesting character. He hasn't had an easy childhood or event teenage life and we got some insight of what he feels inside. I have to admit, at first I thought Rafe would have been a dark side but not a tall, he is more a guy who never had the possibility to love.

I've never been with a woman for more than a few hours, so this feels like the happiest day of my life

description

Here are the different info you need ;)

US title and release date: Power and Possession - 02/03/2015
UK title and release date: Pushing the Limits - 05/07/2015

Pre-order: US: http://www.amazon.com/Power-Possessio....
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pushing-Limit...
FR: http://www.amazon.fr/Power-Possession...

If you want to read two teasers come and check here https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
description

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Thank you Sue ♥
Profile Image for Kathleen.
691 reviews89 followers
February 4, 2015
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 3 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.5 Stars
Ending ~ To be continued
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars

Whew We, Power and Possession book 1 in C.C. Gibbs new Reckless series was seriously one SCORCHING HOT READ!

I have read MANY of Susan Johnson’s historical romances and have been a fan of hers for a very long time. This was my first read of hers under her pen name, C.C. Gibbs and I have to say that she has NOT lost any of her talent writing as a contemporary romance author.

The sexual tension between Rafe and Nicole BLASTS off of the pages right from the moment they meet. I fell hard for Rafe right from the start. He is an extremely sexy character, knows his ways around giving a woman pleasure. Of course he is a man that no woman can tame but the moment he sets his eyes on Nicole, he simply has to have her. His sexiness does not end there; he has quite a lovely tattoo and it’s tattooed on his quite large and very active cock. I have to say I spent some time envisioning just what said tattoo looked like.

Nicole got on my nerves a bit, hence the 3 star rating. She seemed to act too much like a spoiled pampered child to me. Near the end, her ways started to turn a bit so I’m sure I’ll like her much better in the next book.

These two really knew how to push each other’s buttons and did it so often that it drove me a little crazy at times. I was beginning to wonder if they were going to final stop and get on with having sex. This scenario repeated a few times but OH MY, when they got down to it, I swear I was just as turned on as they were. There was one scene in particular that got my juices overflowing, all’s I’ll say about this scene is I’ll never think of rope in the same way again.

I felt the story line got going really good once someone stepped in and separated them. This is when Nicole started changing and I loved how this all played out.

I am totally invested in this story and the characters so I definitely plan to continue on with book 2,Seduction and Surrender. I read the sneak peak and now I’m craving to continue on with Rafe and Nicole’s sizzling romance.

Special note: This is a continuing story however it does not end in a cliffhanger.

An ARC was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
1,716 reviews160 followers
September 17, 2016
3.5 could've done without the incessant bickering stars.

This was essentially the same plot as the Knight's Mistress trilogy with a few changes (same author) so if you liked that then you'll like this.

Nicole is Dominic Knight's niece, Rafe is a billionaire, young, hot, obsessed with security and cyber crime as well as being a man whore with a side of kink.

It took me a while to get into this mainly because of their incessant bickering that really slowed down the pace of the story. Half the time I couldn't figure out what they were arguing about, or it was so trivial I didn't think it was worth getting het up about. It was probably there to show that they're both dominant personalities and used to calling the shots, but the bickering got old quickly.

Fortunately towards the second part of the story then the plot paced up and we even got quite a bit of time with Dominic and Kate and their kids so that really dragged me in. And the location porn and shopping porn was a delight with him being a billionaire and all.

Their story isn't finished but it's left in a good place and it's not a cliffhanger. Not bad if you don't mind the waffle.
Profile Image for My Little Nook.
520 reviews108 followers
March 14, 2015
3.75 Stars



I'm a bit disappointed. I love C.C Gibbs and I was expecting this book's publication for a while, but there were some things that didn't click well...it was difficult to finish this book...many times I thought to dnf it.

First the heroine Nicole Parish (22 years old graduate from Stanford, black hair, blue eyes, niece of Dominic Knight of Knight Trilogy) is the most irritating heroine ever!! I couldn't stand her for more than 90% of the book. So spoiled, so frustrating, so bitchy...Gosh!! I like sassy heroine but she brought my patience to the limit!!

Rafail Contini (25 years old, amber eyes, long black hair, the hire of a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland, is into hard sex life style and has a tattooed penis) is a great hero...but failed to take control of Nicole and permitted her to act like a brat the whole book...and that was disappointing.

The sex scenes: Too much talking...too much discussions, to much stops every time they did sex...The only hot sex scene was the one at Rafe's club when De Barre made him lose it and their sex didn't become the next long discussion of who will command who.

I loved reading about Dominic and Kate and their kids. But Nicole should stop acting like a teen fearing her parents or uncle...she's 22 for God's sake ... she's adult enough to date guys and be independent.

The story is interesting, so I hope C.C solves these things in the next book.
Profile Image for Anna.
231 reviews129 followers
February 6, 2015
im a bit scared giving this book such a rating especially since i loved our BR but it draged a bit for me and i guess i should read more just romance-erotica because here i wanted more things to hapen plotwise on the positive side the sex scienes are very hot hero and heroin have fab chemistry and Rafe is defenetly swoonwerthy how can he be not with his charm dirty talk and big tatooed cock ill defenetly read book two and im curius abought Dominics story i also want to read her HR because her style is great for it and i even had a HR feel while reading this book Sue dont kill me i loved our BR and Rafe is defenetly swoony
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elle aka Leftie aka Shoebelle.
705 reviews124 followers
July 25, 2015
*Complimentary copy received from publisher via Netgalley*

4.5 ★

If you have read the All or Nothing series, you would have briefly met Nicole, Dominic's niece. This is now her story. And Rafe's... oh Rafe...

Now I’m not one to post images on my review as I’m not that creative. But this, this, I have to include.



Just remember this image, that’s all imma’ say… Oh Rafe, Rafe…

Moving on… Excited is definitely the word as soon as I heard that Nicole and Rafe’s story was coming out. Nicole is Dominic’s niece after all. Hey, I get excited over anything associated with Dominic, ok?

So we had Nicole crashing Rafe’s party and accidentally walking in on him which basically waylaid his plan at the time, and so began their song-and-dance. The attraction is immediate, whether they understood it or not; and the arrangement meant to be temporary, or so they want to believe. All this set within the lavish playground of Europe’s rich and famous. I swear I can almost hear Robin Leach’s voice in my head as they traipse from one country to another. Hah!

Of course, it’s not just all about these 2 young ‘uns humping their brains out and exploring the inexplicable attraction between them, as there are other big things happening in Rafe’s world that could endanger them all. And you see it starting to slowly play out.

Nicole is as self-possessed as a 22-yr old can be. There is this confidence about her that only her upbringing can provide. I don’t take that against her but I have to say that her defiance sometimes tired me out a bit. I almost reached a point where I started thinking that maybe she really is only a novelty for Rafe. During those times, Rafe was starting to act like twice his age for me therefore widening the gap b/w these 2 even more… BUT, yes, I get it, she is the right match for Rafe, I can see that.

Now Rafe… In Nicole’s words, he’s a Dominic in the making. In my world, that alone should say it all. He walks the walk and talks the talk of a billionaire alpha H. He has an interesting past that I’m hoping CC will explore more. His present is just as interesting as it makes room for Nicole. And I’m quite looking forward how Nicole will influence his future.

One definite highlight for me of course is the appearance of Dominic. I just love the meeting of these 2 alpha dogs!!! And I love how CC has woven Rafe’s background to tie in with some of Dominic’s story. Now it’s starting to look like a family saga in my head. It wasn’t really such a big deal (or is it?) but I loved how it caught me off guard.

And since this is a first in a series, don’t expect HEA just yet…

I tell ya, CC’s billionaire alpha H’s are like crack. There was Dominic. And now Rafe too!! *swoon* I really don’t care if she has a formula to them. As long as I can keep reading variations of them, I’m a happy camper, definitely!

*Check out the giveaways here* (as of 05 Feb, 2015)
Profile Image for Kathleen.
691 reviews89 followers
February 4, 2015
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 3 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.5 Stars
Ending ~ To be continued
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars

Whew We, Power and Possession book 1 in C.C. Gibbs new Reckless series was seriously one SCORCHING HOT READ!

I have read MANY of Susan Johnson’s historical romances and have been a fan of hers for a very long time. This was my first read of hers under her pen name, C.C. Gibbs and I have to say that she has NOT lost any of her talent writing as a contemporary romance author.

The sexual tension between Rafe and Nicole BLASTS off of the pages right from the moment they meet. I fell hard for Rafe right from the start. He is an extremely sexy character, knows his ways around giving a woman pleasure. Of course he is a man that no woman can tame but the moment he sets his eyes on Nicole, he simply has to have her. His sexiness does not end there; he has quite a lovely tattoo and it’s tattooed on his quite large and very active cock. I have to say I spent some time envisioning just what said tattoo looked like.

Nicole got on my nerves a bit, hence the 3 star rating. She seemed to act too much like a spoiled pampered child to me. Near the end, her ways started to turn a bit so I’m sure I’ll like her much better in the next book.

These two really knew how to push each other’s buttons and did it so often that it drove me a little crazy at times. I was beginning to wonder if they were going to final stop and get on with having sex. This scenario repeated a few times but OH MY, when they got down to it, I swear I was just as turned on as they were. There was one scene in particular that got my juices overflowing, all’s I’ll say about this scene is I’ll never think of rope in the same way again.

I felt the story line got going really good once someone stepped in and separated them. This is when Nicole started changing and I loved how this all played out.

I am totally invested in this story and the characters so I definitely plan to continue on with book 2,Seduction and Surrender. I read the sneak peak and now I’m craving to continue on with Rafe and Nicole’s sizzling romance.

Special note: This is a continuing story however it does not end in a cliffhanger.

An ARC was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anna.
290 reviews74 followers
April 18, 2015
DNF at 36%

Big yawn and an even bigger dose of grossed out. What a pair. Arogant rich asshole with a prospect of being a walking STD donor and a mouthy, overly horny little busybody. It could be funny if it wasn't simply stupid.
Profile Image for Samantha.
571 reviews44 followers
February 17, 2016
Dom and Kate are in this enough to be cute but Rafe and Nicole are something quite interesting.
Profile Image for Simona Misevska.
607 reviews
Read
February 24, 2015
DNF

I tried really tried but after 20% i wanted to throw my Kindle from frustration.It just this author is not for me,the writing is mess, one page i must read twice or three times to know what happens and on top of that is 3POV and Nicole is such annoying heroine
Profile Image for Doris.
838 reviews32 followers
March 27, 2015
Another good one from CC Gibbs. The story itself started a bit slow and was worried it wouldn't progress but leave it to her to make it a good read. While the story is based around Rafe and Nicole's, it does have a bit of Dominic and Kate..good read.
Profile Image for Megan Czap.
87 reviews
June 20, 2024
I don't think this was the book for me.
The totally book took place within a 48 window. The only things I really learned about the characters were that they were rich, privileged, demanding, and liked to boink. Both the characters irked the hell out of me and the only thing I walked away with is a real curiosity of how many men have their 🍆 tattooed.
Profile Image for Jena .
2,313 reviews2 followers
avoid
July 18, 2023
Self note
They met 2 years before, but the H didn’t remember her.
On their 2nd meeting, he was making out with a gorgeous married woman, that she walked into to see.
The h seemed desperate to be with the H, more than he was with her.

Desperate females aren’t my jam. Avoiding.
Profile Image for Amanda.
10 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2015
I received this book through goodreads giveaways. Since I chose to enter for it I obviously expected to enjoy it, however I hadn't read anything romance in a few years and I was curious to revisit the genre and see if I enjoyed it as much as I had in my days as a romance novel junkie. I found I simply didn't want to put it down. Now on to the actual review.

The author uses a rich vocabulary to paint beautiful mental pictures of decadent surroundings with just enough detail. The main characters are described in a similar yet more sexy way, with enough detail for a clear picture of the characters and just enough left to the imagination to allow you to picture them through the lens of your own fantasy. Much like a photo in which the background is just a little out of focus, the supporting characters are given less detail. Not so little as to be annoying in most cases, however.

I found it easy to connect with Rafe and most of the time Nicole as well, largely due to the excellent insight into what was going on inside the characters' heads. Even when I didn't agree with their choices I had no problem understanding why they made them, except Nicole on occasion. Perhaps it is simply the fact that she's 22. Regardless, you definitely witness character growth, and the dynamics between them as they navigate uncharted territory are interesting. Which is a very good thing, because the plot takes a backseat to the relationship and the Erotica is in the driver's seat.

The chemistry between Nicole and Rafe is electric, fueling a lot of steamy scenes. Even though there is a lot of sex in this book it doesn't get repetitive because there is novelty, discovery, and life infused into it. The sexuality in this book is also described with language relevant to real people in the modern world without (in my opinion) crossing the line, which I appreciated because I have read a ton of romance novels and sometimes the heavily metaphorical language used to describe sex scenes can be over the top flowery and downright comical, distracting from the tone of the book. I'm not opposed to metaphorical, particularly where the chosen metaphors make sense for the setting and/or time period of the book, but they would have made no sense here and thus I appreciate the forthright approach in this book.

Also worth noting, these are two very dominant and independent individuals which makes this massive power struggle a recurring theme. It made total sense as a part of the quest for balance involved in navigating the dynamics of getting involved with someone new, but I did find it annoying after a while simply because it didn't always make sense in the context of where it occurred and in some cases there was no apparent reason for it. I am a "why?" person, and thus bristled a bit at decisions made with no apparent logic or motivation, which read to me like creating conflict just for conflict's sake. To be fair, I also bristle at such situations in real life. Fortunately there weren't a ton of these moments, actually only one really still stands out after the fact as a wtf moment. There were plenty of questionable decisions but most of the time I knew the motivations behind why they were made and overall they didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.

Overall, I found this book quite enjoyable and will definitely read the next one. This book felt real, like it could actually happen, and had the ups and downs of a real relationship dynamic. I'm also interested in reading her previous trilogy and will likely make that a mission before I read the next book as they are about Nicole's uncle. I recommend this book for people who enjoy erotica, romance, strong male and female characters, the lives of the wealthy and powerful, power struggles, the archetype of the reforming rake, and/or realistic characters and relationship dynamics.

Profile Image for Tee Loves Books.
951 reviews
November 6, 2015
Nicole Parrish is enjoying a rather lavish vacation with her bestie when BAM she encounters none other than Rafe Contini, the filthy rich playboy who happened to own the yacht that they’re kicking back on. The two share what can only be described as an instantaneous mind-snap, both becoming completely entranced by the other to the point of distraction. Rafe, never one to let a great opportunity pass him by, grabs up the chance to have Nicole all to himself even if it’s against his usual behavior. He just didn’t know what he was getting into with the woman who was not about to let a man take charge.

I will say, the instant uncontrollable lust these two shared was a bit hard to swallow for me, but it’s also hard to deny that they had great chemistry. Rafe was the ultimate alpha sex god, but Nicole handed it right back so there was a lot of passion even from the start. I loved that she was so strong-willed and stood her ground, but their banter was so equally matched and borderline knee-jerk that it got frustrating at times. I wanted Nicole to just take a breath and stop reacting time Rafe showed his dom-like tendencies! But it was amusing to see how they played off each other and both seemed to be completely baffled being with someone so much like themselves.

Once we got past the little control squabbles, Nicole and Rafe were crazy hot together and even started to connect beyond their intense need to have physical contact. Rafe’s life is a thrilling one, and as a result he has people that want to see him suffer. As he’s dealing with this newfound desire to actually care for and be with one woman, he struggles to keep her safe from his world. And it didn’t help that her powerful, rich, and very-much-like-Rafe uncle Dominic didn’t approve of Nicole being with this man that he probably saw too much of himself in. And yeah, I haven’t read C.C. Gibbs’ All or Nothing series yet, but after meeting Dominic in this series, I’ve added it to my list so I can see more of him!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story, especially the second half because we were past all of the initial power struggles and able to just enjoy the thrills and heart-racing romance between Nicole and Rafe. In a genre where the alpha male rich playboy meets naïve waif is so overdone, it was nice to see a female lead who could stand on her own against someone so domineering as Rafe. I look forward to seeing what’s in store for them next, especially after a sneak peek at book two that leaves us hanging!





Quotes:

“If I believed in the idea that a mysterious stranger could enter my life and change it in a split second I’d say it was when you walked in the door.” His mouth twitched slightly in amusement. “Since I don’t, I’m going with instant lust.” ~Loc 128

--“this thing we’ve got going on—you and me—us…karma—whatever the fuck it is, I’d like to take it slow and easy if you don’t mind.”
“You mean stamp the date and time on our psyches, tattoo it on our hearts, send word balloons out into the ether?”
His sudden smile was dazzling. “I’m obviously more sober than you, but yeah—something like that.” ~Loc 211

“So to change the subject, what’s first on the agenda? Although I warn you, my G-spot requires a whole lot of loving.”
He grinned. “G-spot? What’s that?”
“I’m leaving.” She playfully pulled away.
He pulled her back. “No worries, pussycat. I’ll make sure your precious little G-spot is petted all night long.” ~Loc 988
Profile Image for Tokies.
354 reviews27 followers
Want to read
June 17, 2014
pre-book thoughts

God I have such mixed feelings about this author. she writes a three part series with such freakin potential. then it kinda went plotline sideways. and i found it fell too far out of believability for the genre/ too close to a modern day historical in a way instead of digging into the cool part. i know it's weird that i say the cool part such as forensic accounting. the "world" settings. everything it dip into cultures which isnt really seen that much in these types of books. so much good in the book. i have a jumble of thought about this book.. such mixed feelings. so i find myself putting this on my buy list for amazon even with misgivings. (plus i hate drug books although there have been exceptions but even the hint of that is a turn off for me)

over all i look forward to this book. i encourage people to buy and try it out because that first book in her last series was out of this world.

update:
Profile Image for Queen Bee.
134 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2015
FOUR Stars- I received an ARC for an honest review of Power and Possession (Reckless #1) by C.C. Gibbs
A fun story about two people who are detached and emotionally unavailable, not because of something from their past but rather because they enjoy sex and with different people. Nicole is on holiday living the life and spending her uncle's money and Rafe owns a pharmaceutical company and has more money than one could imagine. Rafe also enjoys being the one in charge and has lots of experience. These two unlikely individuals are immediately attracted to each other and within minutes of meeting have decided not only do they need to be together but will spend several weeks together. Nicole keeps Rafe on his toes by not cowering or giving in to him and Rafe attempts to teach her new things to bring additional pleasure. This book was delicious!
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,233 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2016
This was not a good book and it was quite painful to finish. I hoped it would get better but it did not. I absolutely with 100%passion disliked Nicole. I could have punched her in the mouth and Rate was a too weak for me with all the apologizing for being who is was. Omg...I was so excited to see that C.C.Gibbs had another book, she missed the mark the on this one. All that bickering was so stupid and immature if she was going for hot was a big NOT. I rarely dislike book this much and finish, I guess I was looking for frustration and punishment. It truly was a struggle to finish... So much sadness :( I may read the second book, but I won't be in a hurry!
Profile Image for Texas.
524 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2015
Rafe and Nicole
wonderful read. I want the 2nd book now please!!
was good to see Dominic and Kate, Max, Leo..and 2 toddlers!!
Playboy, Rafe, and college student, Nicole meet on his yacht and
a summer romance starts, well for 30 days..Rafe has his work cut out for him to tame the free spirited Nicole.
Best of all is that "Blue" painting tattoo!!
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