New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery’s red-hot new novel of a man and woman inextricably bound by the scandalous secrets of the past—and by the sexual transgressions that still fuel their uncontrollable desire…
When I’m With You, Part I When We Touch
Restaurateur and self-exiled heir Lucien Lenault’s first look at the breathtaking young chef trainee for his trendy Chicago restaurant is a shock. She’s Elise Martin, daughter of a wealthy French fashion designer. She’s also the holder of a secret that could explode his carefully laid plans.
Notorious for her flagrant exhibitionism, and for flouting the respectable façade of her aristocratic background, the coquin’s wild streak shocked most people. Not Lucien. He was tempted by it. It was a deliriously punishable offense as far as Lucien was concerned. But taking on Elise is more than a game. She’s a catastrophe waiting to happen, an inferno that’s burned many a lover. Lucien isn’t most men, however, and he won’t allow her to manipulate him. In order to control the defiant beauty—in order to see her submit—he’s going to have to willingly walk in the flames…
Includes a bonus excerpt of Beth Kery’s Because You Are Mine
More to come. Don't miss When I’m With You, Part II, available 3/12
Beth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.
I'm not a fan of this new serialized format. What is the point other than to charge me a lot of money for 2 chapters of a book? Ms. Kery does know how to write a great story and I really enjoyed Ian and Francesca's story, but at $2.oo a pop for less than 50 pages...not sure I can do it a 2nd time. I've already got the 2nd installment pre-ordered but that may be as far as I go.
The series seem very interesting and I am looking forward to the next book. I think this is going to be my second favorite short book series but i am going to be apprehensive first.
This is a very short read (49 pages). Of course the book ends right in the middle of a scene. I dislike books like this. If I'm invested in reading your story, don't force me to buy several volumes.
There’s an aura of sexy that surrounds the serials Beth Kery creates. This time we have one of Ian and Francesca’s friends (from Because You Are Mine). Lucien Lenault is a rich and powerful man in Chicago, with a secret past in France. He owns a successful restaurant, and at his restaurant is presented with a sight he wasn’t expected. His chef is there trying to seduce a woman, who ends up being none other than the girl their families had expected he’d marry.
Elise is in Chicago to fulfill her dreams of becoming a chef, and ends up working for Lucien, and also having a closer relationship to him than she was expecting.
I love the fact that they have a past and can’t wait to unravel their story, past and present. Elise is a very spirited character while Lucien is more rigid and controlled. Can’t wait for those to clash and break each other down.
I hate serial novels, but I was pulled in by the pretty picture and because it was Beth Kery. The first chapter quickly establishes Lucien and Elise, and their past. Elise was a wild, party girl that didn't know what she wanted from life. Lucien was the controlled and cool, older man. They were attracted to each other but a misunderstanding tore them apart. Elise wants to be a chef in Lucien's restaurant, but Lucien doesn't like the idea because he is still attracted to Elise. They push each others buttons and I enjoyed the sparks. Lucien keeps saying Elise needs boundaries and control, but it's too soon for me to agree. I haven't seen Elise act recklessly or dangerously. But at the mention of control and discipline, Elise is turned on. Too early to tell how the story will go but I like the first 2 chapters.
When I’m with You is a light BDSM read with a cooking theme.
Summary
Elise is a rich girl, but she can’t tap into her trust fund until she turns twenty-five. She finished cooking school and wants to mentor with a chef. Lucien is rich, owns an exclusive restaurant and has corrupted father. Lucien is a man who knows what he wants and what kind of women he wants in bed. Elise aligns herself with the head chef at Lucien’s restaurant. Elise and Lucien have a past since both grew up rich and in the same circle.
Overall
I like Beth Kery books. They are very light, steamy and have touch of BDSM. I liked how Elise and Lucien have a history and it gave the read an extra layer of chemistry. Elise is a very head strong girl. She’s grown up rich, is pretty and isn’t immune to men giving her attention, yet she never flaunts herself. I liked her story, poor rich girl trying to make it on her own.
Lucian is the typical rich Hero with a chip on his shoulder. Lucian has a past and he’s working on something. Elise is intrigued with Lucian’s past and has had a crush on Lucian since childhood. Lucian finds Elise very sexy and although he doesn’t want to forge a relationship with her, he’s more than willing to work out something that will benefit the both of them.
The story is light, in the sense it’s a steamy book, meaning the man focus is the steam. There is some light bondage and spanking, but nothing ever goes deeper or darker. Lucian is very closed off, so this adds some tension between the two. I did like getting some back story on Lucian and you slowly uncover his past.
When I’m with You is was an easy read and enjoyable.
Just when I said I woukd never do this to myself again. I find myself back in the trap that Beth Kery has set for me.
Another weekly, two chapters at a time, 8 part series, that once I complete will be over my personal book limit price....dun dun duuuun. I know. I need to be commited to rehab for my excessive addiction to mommy porn.
So I have to admit that the story kinda started out slow, because of that dreadful need to setup a back story for the characters. When I was thinking that it was time to put this one on my DNF list things started to come to life for me. Man drama!
Lucien who has relocated from Paris for some unknown suspicious reason is the proud Chicago
resturant owner of Fusion; he has found his top chef in an uncompromising position with a woman from his past. Did I forget to mention they were drinking his private stock of Cognac Dudognon Héritage from his office.
So immediately you know an altercation is about to go down.
Moving on....the woman from his past who happens to be Elise Martin, she came to Chicago to complete her culinary studies. Apparently, she and Lucien knows each other from their families, but all Lucien can think of his how can he get rid of her.
In case you're wondering that's not going to happen. If it did we there wouldn't be a story. Right!
So somehow Ms. Kery was so gracious to include Ian Noble and his beloved Francesca, not really sure of their position at this time. Only time how this will play out.
I hate these serial series books, but I can't put them down. I learned my lesson with BK last serial series and this time I waited until all 8 books were out to get them. This one starts of good, piquing my interest. Lets see how books 2-8 go. Looking forward to them.
Mmmmm vediamo come andrà avanti ... Sono contenta di sapere altro di Francesca e Ian anche se la storia non è la loro...comunque voglio scoprire qualcosa di più sullo chef vediamo come la storia evolverà
I am hooked! Can't wait to read more about Lucien and find out what is going on with Ian...and love that Ian and Francesca are also featured a lot in this story so far.
i thought am done her with the series and finished but here is lucien ...that didnt attracted me much untill i found that Ian & Francesca will have a part and #3 is out named " because we belong" Beth You Are The Devil.
★first, this series stars after a year of both Ian and Franscesca are together ★second, well..to get you reading Lucien Lenault is plotting something against Ian and he even changed his name .that is reason Lucien is in Chicago not paris at The Fusion rest. it may have something with money or Lucien's dad (may be a revenge). that will make you keep on reading ... meanwhile Lucien falls in for the girl he knew from Paris, both their families are rich (so bloody rich). the two desire each other deeply, but their relationship is going to be transactional or you know the 4 capital letters. ★third, here are some of the good quotes in this installment i copied alot, but the clipboard only saved a few
● Elise’s rebellion came from her eyes.
● Her lungs couldn’t expand as he held her stare
● If the devil did exist, he’d definitely take on Lucien’s form in order to sow as much sin in the world as possible.
● He caught her arm in an iron grip as she stormed past him toward the doors. She jerked at her arm, but her reaction was just for show. Lucien’s restraint triggered a completely different response than Mario’s had.
● it was a sign of Ian’s devotion to her that he freely gave her his most prized asset: his time.
still...Beth made Ian the cutest even if Lucien is the star of this #2 series WHEN I AM WITH YOU
● Ian couldn’t help it that he was very attractive to the opposite sex. Ian’s greeting and gaze were politely interested, nothing more, but Elise’s inspection of him didn’t have to be so openly curious, did it?
and Ian still gives us a glimpse of his love toward Franscesca ● She is light itself. And I’m not.
● “I just feel that if Francesca and I marry, no matter how happy we are, a dark cloud hovers on the horizon. My decision to bind her to me could change things, open up”—Ian paused as if trying to find the words—“un sac de nœuds.” Lucien smiled sadly at the French phrase—a sack of knots.
● You must trust in yourself. You must trust in Francesca.” Ian’s glance was like a blue-skied storm. “In Francesca, I have complete trust.” In myself, I have precious little. Now you’ve run into it. And I’m not turning away this time,” he said.
i love when Beth tells the reader how death can change you but although does not.. Elise said this ● Ever since her friend Michael had been found dead, she’d vowed to change. But what did she really know about taking control of her life, of making it worthwhile? Precious little.
● I didn’t send you away because I didn’t want you, Elise. I sent you away because you’re dangerous.” “To your person?” she laughed. “To my peace of mind. You’re like a thorn in a man’s flesh,”
● I have told you that I want you. But I won’t have you running amok in my life if you plan to live in Chicago. One, I don’t need the drama. Two, I couldn’t abide witnessing it
● If your spoiled, oversexed mother was too weak to teach you to control yourself, and your father was too self-involved to bother, then someone has to do it. When you strutted into this restaurant today like you owned the place, you made that someone me.
● Her held breath burned in her lungs and blistered her throat as she did what he said.
● “We are alike, you and I. Both alone. Both misfits. I struggled to escape the golden cage, too, ma chère. I’m trying to help you, if you’ll only listen.”
● Such a beautiful, wild thing, such a pure, strong flame,” he murmured, his gaze traveling over her face as he caressed the line of her jaw. “But you will burn yourself to ashes if left unchecked. You’ve been grasping for an outer limit to your world for years now, something to contain you. Now you’ve run into it.
● Now you’ve run into it. And I’m not turning away this time,” he said
● “But why? Why are you doing this?” burst out of her throat, her voice going high in panic. “Because I care,” he said. Her eyes sprang wide when he pressed his hand to her buttocks. Then it was gone, and she knew he was drawing his hand back in preparation to strike. Her sex clenched tight in anxious excitement. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t, Elise. And you wouldn’t be letting me if you didn’t know that.”..
A really sexy, steamy, and erotic book. Again as with the first book with all the sex toys and the manner they are used to full fill a couples complete satisfaction. I mean this woman had at least 5 or more orgasms and she still is ready to please her man SOME MORE. I wish I was Elise but with all her stamina and strength plus more. The male character, Lucien is one really gorgeous man with a sexy french accent. He is also a bit of a Superman in bed. All I needed was for the Superman and Superwoman costumes to come off before preceding with all the love making.
Still a really good plot and worth the time. Do not wish to give it away it is a doozie.
I see that this book was at one time broken into novellas. I am glad I am reading this now and not then. I would have been suffering waiting for the next book to be released. I have all three books here with me now and ready to read and get to the end of the story.
Lucien is troubled by the "sins of his father" and moves to Chicago to run a restaurant for his friend. One night he walks into his restaurant after closing to hear people talking and ends up firing his head chef and coming face to face with someone from his past.
Elise is in Chicago with the determination to create a new life for herself away from her old life. She and Lucien have a past and she is hoping that he will give her a chance. Her hope diminishes a little when Lucien fires his head chef, who is supposed to be training her.
Their paths collide in this short 2 chapter story introduction to Beth Kery's when I am with you series.
It was a great introduction to the 2 main characters and a brief glimpse into the plot of the story.
Time to move onto Part II.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Usually the claim of 'worst book ever' is awarded to a novel for a few weeks or even months before I come upon one I dislike again so quickly. I was willing to try this one because, well, I like to try new things. I like to try new books because it is so much fun to give them to patrons who are looking for something new and I might find a new favourite. I hate that feeling of an empty bedside table more than I hate the feeling of trying something new. So. This one was not worth finishing. I got through better than 200 pages but still didn't care what happened to either of these people and actually didn't find that there was that much sexual tension between them at all. Everything you look for in a fun romance was missing. On to the next!
These installments are quick reads at approx. 60 pages and they leave me craving more! I think it's kind of fun to get a new installment every week - it's like a present delivered to my kindle tuesday morning for the next 7 weeks! Lucien has a lot of back story that I can't wait to find out about. Elise well Lucien seems to have an imagine of her that doesn't seem to fit her now but Lucien has yet to find out what exactly Elise has gone through to get to where she's at- It's going to be interesting when he finds out how she is no longer is the wealthy spoiled brat she once was. No hot sex but one Hot spanking!
So far, I've read books 1 - 5 in this series. I generally don't like reading books in parts or installments like this, but I've read Beth Kery before, and enjoyed her work. I feel like this book is written well enough, but the fault lies with me here, (or maybe it doesn't) because there are so many books based on the same premise (dom/sub). I would have liked to see something that made this book stand out from the rest. In that regard, so far, the series is a little disappointing. I may change my mind at the last installment, who knows!
Not much to say right yet. It has been okay so far. Just 2 chapters down so not really a lot. I like that Ian has been included (scandal??) in this already.
When I found out this book was about Lucien and Elise I wondered whatever happened to Zoe from "Because You are Mine". I was pleased to find out what happened with her - not a lot of explanation but enough that I knew what happened to her.
Still can't give a full review because only a few things have happened so far. Although, I think he's too much like Ian or so it seems.
Excelente trama, de las mejores que he leido hasta ahora. Y sinceramente Lucien y Elise me han parecido muchisimo más interesantes que Ian y Francesca. La historia esta bien desarrollada y Lucien a pesar de su pasado no tiene ese trauma taaaaan marcado como otros personajes del genero. Lo adore, quiero leer la continuación de esta historia. Sé que no dejaran de sorprenderme.
I feel like I am missing something with this book?! Was there another story before t? although it does say book one.
I chose to read it as I knew it was a short extract and I only had an hour of reading time. It was ok but to be honest I am not sure I will be rushing to read the next chapter. It seemed to start right in the middle of the story.
This is just the 1st book in the series ( 8 parts) and I really enjoyed it. But, it is the second book behind "Because you are mine" which should be read 1st. I loved both of them. Great characters! Hope there is a 3rd - it left a couple a story lines open.
I am hoping the story line gets better. So far a bunch of mysterious questions and Lucien's weird idea about sex and his control problems. I was surprised that Elise consented or submitted to him. Hopefully the next installment is better.
Well well...I think I need a cold shower right now!!!So hot! I like Lucien, even if he is controlling like his friend Ian..but I like Elise even better...there's fire between those two and I can wait for more!!!