Mixing the past and present could have dangerous consequences…
I’ve always been a man of second chances, forgiving Arianna proved that. Sometimes, a second opportunity was all someone needed to do things right. I knew that better than anyone. Now that I had my girl back and business was prospering, things were finally falling into place. Little did I know, my newfound happiness wouldn’t last very long.
When a man responsible for my near demise resurfaces, my life is shaken up once again. What seemed like an innocent, harmless favor quickly turned out to be a malicious scheme that put my business, relationship, and freedom at risk.
With time running out, I race around the city piecing together the complicated puzzle I was a part of, only to come face to face with the men responsible. In this erotic suspense, will my past repeat itself in order to settle a score or am I doomed to take the fall for something I didn’t do?
Victoria Bright is from a small town in North Carolina and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina. You can usually find her hoarding bottles of Cool Blue Gatorade, playing The Sims when not writing, or obsessing over Camaros.
Received a copy of book from author in exchange for an honest review; original review can be found at: mignon mykel : reviews.
First, let me start by saying:
I enjoyed Zane's voice more than I did Arianna's.
Maybe because I didn't care for her deception and living essentially two different lives... But reading the continuation of their story in his voice was definitely a good idea.
When we left off, Zane found out about Arianna's 'lies' by way of work -- he was catering her engagement party (dun duh dunnn). Anywho. After all was said and done, Arianna chose to estrange herself from her family (rather, her father cut her off and now her mother ignores her) and pretty much start over on her own.
But hey, she got her name on the best sellers list, which was what she wanted, right?
I couldn't help but feel that she was a bit of a spoiled brat at the beginning of DANGEROUS CONCOCTIONS (and a little dense at the end....). Kudos to Zane for trying to be level headed and not give in to her (even though his body wanted to do exactly that). He tries to get answers from her, but she doesn't do the best job of it. They, of course, manage to get through this hurdle, but trust becomes a major obstacle for them.
This book brings more of a thrilling, suspenseful aspect to it, and Victoria did a superb job in that extra field -- but it was Arianna and Zane's re-growing relationship that took the cake for me.
What an incredible rollercoaster ride! This book is dark, sexy, scary, and edge-of-your-seat in so many places, I simply couldn't put it down! (It also made me want really delicious food, so... grab your snacks if you're going to read about his recipes, cause... GRR!)
I thought I knew what was going to happen and I was pretty sure I wanted to choke a few people and then cry about others, but... when the end came, I was blindsided and even more angry. This is definitely erotic (lots of sexy times), but I feel its much more of a thriller than anything. I wasn't sure who was doing what, but I was suspicious of everyone by the end. If we went my body-count (the one I was adding in my head), so many characters wouldn't have survived this book, but... Ms. Bright tied it all up neatly and made me love it as a whole. Just an amazing book! Definite 5 stars.
I jumped into this book without realising there was a book one. If you followed w my reviews you'll see that on the odd occasion I do this I love it so much that I add previous books to my wish list. This book is no different. Any excuse to read more of Zane.
This is Zanes story. Arianna broke his heart. Although Arianna tries so hard to prove her love to Zane can he trust her again?
I loved Zane. He's totally hot and can cook. Arianna rubbed me up the wrong way.
I thought this was a great read. A story of suspense with some really hot erotic scenes. The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Loved it.
"Dangerous Concotions" by Victoria Bright. Wow! This is one heck of a ride and I enjoyed every minute of it! There's suspense, sex, turn the page angst! Zane is a hotty - pretty much perfect for me - yes, he might be a bit dark for some but he can cook!! :) At times, Arianna really annoyed me but not so much to take away from the story. Ms. Bright really rocked it with this one! There was some unexpected happenings which I love! Too often, a romance is very predictable. I haven't read Book One in this series but plan to do so very soon! Definitely check this one out!
Dangerous Concoctions is the sequel to The Daring Assignment. Zane and Arianna are working on repairing their relationship after her lies nearly ruined his life. Just when things start heating up between them again, a blast from Zane's past comes back to haunt him. Zane is asked to be an actor for his former friend, Jericho's, film project, but everything takes a deadly turn when he starts questioning the production. Before long, Zane has to choose what matters most and it won't be easy.
I can't comment on the spelling or grammar since I received an unedited advanced reader copy directly from the author. The story did flow perfectly however. The pacing didn't feel rushed or slow and all the characters had their time to shine in a well that was satisfying.
I would recommend Dangerous Concoctions to anyone that loved The Daring Assignment as well as anyone who enjoys a bit of suspense and mystery with their erotica. There are several graphic sex scenes in this novel (and series), thus it is not suitable for minors.
Overall, I truly loved this second book. I've kind of fallen in love with these characters and I just want to see them grow. The world and events within it sound believable, as do the personalities of each character. There was just the right touch of drama in all the proper places. I could go on and on about this book, but the truth is that it's good and I can't wait for the next.
I really enjoyed this book. Zane was Josh Hartnett in my mind, dunno why just was but his voice I heard and his face I saw as I read this book. Just putting that in here first so you can see the face I was seeing. Zane has a successful catering company, but hes running from his past. Arianna, a successful author, his beautiful girlfriend. What happens if your past catches up with you and tries to take you over..... well read the book and you find out. This book is fast pace, with slow hot hot interludes that make you gulp. Did I say I really liked this book! The characters are well rounded, you get the sense of them. Zane is dark brooding and cooks (hot I know). Arianna is a little perfect for me and wanted to chair slap her for having done the dirty on Zane in the past but I could look past that when she stood up for her man. I loved Zane's sister, Kelsey and the fact she want to kick ten shades out of Arianna for hurting Zane in the past. A book about Kelsey and Damien would be cool. I liked the way the author wrote. Its an easy style to read and she worked the suspense well and it wasn't over the top. There are twist and turns and "well I didn't expect that moments". Great book from a new author to me. I will keep a look out for more work from Victoria Bright.
Dangerous Concoctions by Victoria Bright is part 2 of the Curvy Assignments story and I enjoyed it as much as the first. The first book was written from Arianna's perspective and this book was written from Zane's perspective. I enjoyed both perspectives and really liked finding out what was going through each of their brains. I could predict a lot of what was going to happen in this story and found myself wanting to scream at Zane to go with his gut. Now, if he had we wouldn't have had nearly as much of a story, so that obviously couldn't happen. The suspense was there and the story was well written. There are only 2 things that could have made this story better: 1) if it hadn't been part 2, but in the same story as the first, and 2) if we'd had both character's perspectives in both books. Either way, I still really enjoyed this book and give it 4.5 stars. Note: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Sometimes, you need to take on dangerous concoctions to know what you’ve been missing in your life.
Arianna and Zane are back, and they’re bolder, feistier and more audacious than ever. At first, Zane was having second thoughts taking Arianna back to his life, after all the lies she told him. But he couldn’t control what he felt for her. She was everything that made him complete, so he took the plunge and together they built their future together.
Until someone from Zane’s past brought back memories of his angst-ridden childhood. The past that almost got him killed.
This is the second book in the Curvy Assignment series. I enjoyed the first book, The Daring Assignment and it was definitely a keeper. With Dangerous Concoctions, there are more action, more drama, more steamy, more edge-of-the seat gripping your head scenes. The involvement of something Italian was a surprise! Victoria Bright really got me hooked!
When I started reading this book, I didn't know what to expect because the ending of book one. I was shocked with how much action there was in this book. I loved every bit of it, and devoured it whole. Zane is dreamy, and every woman should aim for a man like him. Victoria Bright pulled everything in this book together beautifully. The ending both shocked and surprised me, I didn't see it coming. It was thrilling and had me wondering where the author was leading us.
I gave this book five stars because the writing and editing is impeccable, and the story line was wondrous. I will be waiting eagerly for the next installment.
The author did an absolutely amazing job in this story. Don't we all have the "past", that could come back and bite you. This story has some definite twists to it. As I do not want to give any spoiler away, be prepared for emotion upheaval. Nothing is as it seems, until near the end. Great read, flows from scene to scene. No cliffhanger.
So many dramatic events took place in this second installment that kept the pages turning for me. Arianna and Zane battled outside threats and found their way back to each other. Can’t believe the twist in the end involving her father! The third book looks to be great. Can’t wait to read it!
I was pulled right into this story. This series is the first I've read by this author and I was not disappointed. I will have to go and read more stories. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak. Great read
Such a phenomenal sequel to The Daring Assignment after the whole ordeal of Zane seeing Arianna at her book signing. Full of love, sex, romance, action and major drama. This was perfection!
Zane is still sexy and bold as ever, but this time I got to see the vulnerable side of him that I absolutely loved. He is a lot more aware of his relationship with Arianna this go round which I appreciated -- last time he was literally blinded by love. He is very sweet and knows how to pay attention to detail when caring for Ari. The relationship he has with his parents and sisters is amazing. He even got more business and decided to open up a second place. He was phenomenal!
Arianna has definitely grown from the first book. She is still on hinges with her parents disowning her, but she is bolder, speaks more openly and is actually enjoying her life. I love her! She is just awesome.
Jericho was a freaking douchebag. I mean, holding a grudge because Zane lived...wtf kind of mess is that? He was just delusional. I knew something was up with him based on how nice he was, but then how crazy everything got when he entered Zane's life. I feel bad for how he ended up, but I honestly laughed. I will say he was a great villain.
Kelsey, one of Zane's older sisters, is so funny. She was completely rude throughout the book but given all that she went through with her husband and what she had to deal with when Zane called her I sort of felt for her. I did thing she needed to get laid because her emotions were just too haywire for me. Zane's parents and other sisters were absolutely cool characters. Loved them.
Mr. Donatelli is just disgusting. I had some love for him after he disowned Arianna in the first book, but he seriously went to damn far in this book. I wanted to shoot him my damn self. I cannot believe all that he did to try and rid Arianna of Zane. He is a horrible man, worse father and downright stupid as all hell. He made me frustrated.
So great that I'm definitely thinking about reading the third book, Carnal Recovery which is all about the crazy Gia.
Dangerous Concoctions is definitely one of a kind and totally unexpected!
(Or probably because I didn’t read the synopsis and jump straight to reading it!)
Let me introduce Zane, (and I quote) the ‘Poster Child of Second Chances’. I have rarely, or almost never, read about any characters who is first of all, a chef and second of all, able to forgive an ex.
Of course, it’s not just the part where he is able to forgive his ex, but for many things, he doesn’t hold grudges and always gives people a second chance. Out of so many things I love about Zane, this is definitely one of them!
For the longest time, I couldn’t understand why Kelsey hated Arianna so much. Okay, well, I do. Arianna lied about everything to her brother, Zane. It’s only until the point where the happenings between Arianna and Zane was revealed through Kelsey’s conversation with her brother, then I understood why.
Despite Kelsey’s hatred, I honestly think she’s a really cool and feisty character! I’m definitely looking forward to reading any novels about her and it would be even more entertaining if she could have some sort of revenge!
When I read about Arianna, I actually love how strong she is! Desperate times drove her to desperate measures and although the sting of the betrayal hurts for Zane, she still loves him. Just because of her love, she had to withstand so many instances of having her hear broken.
When all was well, hell broke loose and okay, so was my feels!
I guess the saying, “some people never change”, is true in this case. Jericho is an ass and a betrayal till the end of time.
Well-developed characters, amazing writing and story, plot twists out of nowhere to add onto the suspense…what more could you ask for?!
Highly recommended for all readers!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
This is book 2 in the series, however, it could be read as a standalone book. With that being said, I would read book 1 first because A. It is amazing and B. I have OCD and like to go in order. You could jump into this book and be perfectly fine if that is what you wanted to do....I'm not saying your wrong if you do....
Author Victoria Bright is one of those authors that once you read one of her books you wonder how you ever missed out on them! You will be kicking yourself for not finding her sooner. She writes romance but she adds in some mystery, drama and action (not just in the bedroom). Her books are considered to be erotic but not in the sense that most erotic books are. Her book focuses on her characters and their sex scenes are secondary to the plot. She has her characters enjoy time out of the bedroom and actually takes the time to develop her characters so that the reader can relate to them.
This book is told more from Zane's point of view and we get to see the emotions that he is going through as well as the upset that Arianna has left him with. He isn't sure who he is anymore and most importantly he isn't sure how to move on and if that moving on includes Arianna or not. The author draws the reader in from the very first page and she never lets go of them. The reader will be on the edge of their seat wondering what is going to happen next while at the same time rooting for both Zane and Arianna to find their way.
This book does contain some sex and some is graphic so don't feel like the erotic book has no hot, steamy sex scenes...it does, but it also has a plot that keeps the readers attention as well. Add this and the first one to your TBR list - you don't want to miss out on this amazing author or any of her books!! I am already looking forward to my next book by her!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Dangerous Concoctions (The Curvy Assignment #2) is the follow up from The Daring Assignment (The Curvy Assignment #1) By the talented Victoria Bright so in order to understand the story fully I would high recommend that you read book one first. Dangerous Concoctions picks up a few weeks after book one with Arianna and Zane trying to repair their relationship after the fall out in book one. What I loved most about this book is that Zane had a hard time trusting Arianna even though he had forgiven her he couldn't forget what she did which adds to realism in the story I am I'm sure a lot of authors would of had their reunion all lovey dovey and just continued on with the story I'm glad this book wasn't like that. Dangerous Concoctions is more serious than The Daring Assignment but I think it needed to be because of the trust issues but I did laugh out loud in places too. The only small issues I have with the book and it is only small is that Zane was asked to be an actor in a movie and the book never refers to him learning his lines or any previous acting experience. The development and growth of the characters were displayed throughout the book and I think I fell in love with Zane more in book 2 than in book 1, this is because Dangerous Concoctions is completely in Zane's point of view and I'm amazed at how Ms Bright can get into the mind of a male and make it so real, which I am sure isn't easy to do at all. Overall I loved this book its a story of love, sex, revenge and forgiveness that will not let you put it down until the last sentence is read and I tried to put it down but couldn't! I am hoping that this series will continue as its definitely one of my favourites.
I did not realize there was a first book to this series when I started reading. I'd loved to have known more about Arianna's deception. With that said though I think I got enough about the past to enjoy the book because I did. The first book is The Dangerous Assignment if you want to read it first.
This book is told from Zane's point of view which I always love a good males point of view. Arianna apparently ripped his heart out in the first book and handed it to him on a silver platter and he had no idea it was coming at all. He was catering her engagement party where the other man in her life asked her to marry him right in front of the entire party including Zane. She apparently tells the other guy no and her father immediately disowns her and she has to start life over again. But, she got her name on the bestseller list as she's an Author and that was her dream but I felt it came at Zane's expense. While the book is listed as erotic I felt more like I was reading a thriller, though it's got it's erotic moments in it. I could not put it down and loved every single second of it.
Can Zane forgive Arianna? Can his catering business become a huge success? Will a trouble maker that left Zane for dead in his wild past cause trouble for Zane again? What follows USA thrilling edge of your seat can't put it down read. I loved Zane. He's is a man every woman should aspire to have in her life. The story kept my attention and honestly I did not want it to end. Hold on to you hate and enjoy this wild ride and the heart failure of an ending Im anxious to read the next book as I have to know the rest of the story.
I was give a copy of this book for review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Zane and Arianna's story continues in this 2nd book in the Curvy Assignments series. This book can be read as a standalone, however, to make the most sense for reader enjoyment, I recommend reading it in order.
This story is about Arianna and Zane getting to know one another, for real this time. Zane still loves her, and despite his family warning him away from the love of his life, he cannot stay away from her. They are both hurting and turn to one another to try again.
Arianna is living what seems like a simple life of writing her books and loving Zane. If she can talk him into trusting her enough to get a second chance, that is. He is the only man she has even loved. Because of her earlier deception, she has lost everything - including him. Will he give it another try?
Zane has a lot going on right now. Forgiving Arianna is just the tip of the iceberg crashing into his life. He has an old frienemy returning and stirring up trouble and pain from the past. He has his father in the hospital with heart trouble, so his family is visiting as well. He has his business booming and taking on larger contracts for work.
Together, things seem to be flowing well. As long as they can see each other often, and feel close - things go as planned. What they do not know is that tragedy can strike at any time and love is not the only thing needed to fix it.
This is such an amazing book! It makes a great installment to the series. These characters are charming, warm, compelling, and interesting enough to make you never want to put the book down!
***This ARC copy was given for review purposes only.
ok, so book 2 in The Curvy Assignment series by Victoria Bright Dangerous Concoctions was a continuation of book 1, The Daring Assignment. The Daring Assignment was told in pov of the heroine of the story, Arianna, which was so awful I gave up at 51% and only gave the second book a chance because other reviewers said that book 2 was better than the first one. They were right, to a point. Ba Book 2, Dangerous Concoctions was Arianna and Zane's story continuation with Zane giving the pov, which was so much better, but still a horrible book. I absolutely hated Arianna in the first and even more so in the second one. what I wouldn't give to have the 3rd book be about how zane dumps her whishy washy ass and hooks up with Gia. Gia wasn't in the 2nd book at all, only in book 1. She's a sex therapist and BFF with Arianna. I think she would have been a much better match for Zane not to mention a better person all around. The plot was so unbelievable to me to such extent I actually started laughing at what I'm sure was intended to be dark and intense scenes. I breezed through many chapters just so I could get through it. This book was honestly one of the worst books I've ever read, however, I am giving 2 stars for effort. There were aspects I liked and writing fiction is hard as hell. I'm not sure yet if I'll read the 3rd book in the series, Carnal Recovery. I might feel generous enough to give a few chapters a shot to see if Gia is a better character and hope that she is not a squirter too. yuck. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I got this book from net gallery for an honest review.
This book was written from Zane's perspective which was refreshing as the last one was written in Arrianna's perspective.
Zane was a victim of deceit and unfortunately, it was the woman he loved that caused him so much pain. After, some space and separation, he can't move on because he's in love with Arri and therefore, decides to takes things one day at s time.
The chemistry between these two is sizzling hot and intense and their love scenes were sexy and explosive.
Zane is a man of second chances but can he trust a man from his past? His past catches up to him leaving a bitter taste in his mouth and causing chaos in his life.
Zane's family is quite normal and lively in contrast, to Arri's. His family members are over protective, support and proud of their son as opposed to, Arri who despite jumping through hoops couldnt please her parents.
I really enjoyed this book it was sexy, hot with some suspense thrown in. I was shocked with the ending and how things unfolded but it was exciting. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Zane and Arianna make a feisty, fiery couple. Their relationship is HOT, but not without issues.
The deception that occurred was heartbreaking to Zane, but his love of Arianna has him unable to shut her out of his life. He loves hard and despite everything, is drawn to her like no other.
He finds himself fighting a lot of different forces - his family, his past, and the never-dissipating memory of the deception.
This book will take you through a journey that has you wondering what's happening next. It's very compelling.
Once again we meet up with Arianna and Zane... as they work on their relationship...and man from Zane's past surfaces... Zane, being a man of second chances, gives this man one and ends up in the middle of something he didn't expect. This is a good thriller along with some steamy love scenes. It has a who dunnit ending...with the culprit being some one you would't expect. If you read The Daring Assignment... this is a must read.
I typically love the man's POV. This book started out okay but as it went on, I just felt it really dragged on with Zane repeating the same thoughts over and over and over. It was a good book, I just felt it was repetitive at times. I felt so bad for Zane throughout this book. That guy just can't catch a break! This was a good conclusion to The Daring Assignment. *I received a copy of this book to review from NetGalley.