3.5 Stars-Predictable, but Good

Sarah Robinson gives her readers a story straight out of TMZ. It's Hollywood drama of the best kind and since I'm a gossip whore (think Star and US magazine, along with TMZ) this book sounded like it would be right up my alley.

While I'm not a fan of the insta-love, the disclaimer from both Ben and Rose helped with that. They are Hollywood heavy hitters that know reputation is everything. He's trying to disprove his and she's trying not to get one. Good luck to the both of them.

The book moves pretty quickly, so much so, I didn't feel a real connection with the characters and didn't think they had much chemistry. Even though they "felt" it every other page. There was a lot of professing feelings, not out loud of course, but then quickly reeling them in. It was a S or get off the pot situation in my mind. I wasn't sure about the timeline with the relationship either, as it went from two weeks at location 744, then two days at location 928. Either way, it was a fast one.

The book is well written and has a bit of a twist, again slightly predictable, interesting to see how Sarah Robinson was going to handle the situation.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

Nudes was an empowering and raw story about a woman in the Hollywood industry that showcases the dark side and toxicity of the industry, but also the hope and strength that can come from it. This was such a passionate, real, messy, relatable, emotional, sensual, incredibly sexy read about trust, women's sexuality and empowerment. Sarah Robinson writes incredibly well and it shows in the depth and arc of these characters and the message it sends across.

Wow completely unpredictable and yet exciting. By the name of this book and the blurb you are expecting something completely than what the author delivers. It's so far more than pictures being leaked and images being ruined. It's about people not standing up for a victim. It's really a good now in the times we live in now with all the negative things people do or say. Aria Rose is such a sweet female lead too. She's so like able and down to earth that when she and Ben meet, you hope for the best. I wasn't expecting to get a lesson from them or to feel so connected to both these characters. My heart along with theirs and I was devastated along with them. It's such a strong novel that touches on body shaming and all of the dumb unnecessary drama that comes out of people's mouths. Completely worth reading over and over!

NUDES is the first book I've read by Sarah Robinson, but it certainly won't be the only one.

I'll be honest, I was a bit thrown off by the premise of this book at first. I had seen a teaser by the author that made it sound like it was going to glorify sexual harassment. Then I saw a review on GR from someone who hadn't even read it that made me think what I had deciphered from the teaser was true. That being said, it didn't stop me from giving the book a chance. AND the book is NOTHING like what I thought it would be, or what the person who hasn't read it thinks.

NUDES follows the life of a new actress named Aria Rose and Ben Lawson, the CEO of the production company where she just filmed her first movie. With an agreement to be free agents for one weekend together, they both end up with much more than they bargained for.

NUDES is told in third person, past tense. This is very different to me, but it didn't bother me. This POV still allows for the story to be about both characters, with a few thoughts of theirs thrown in to really encompass how they're feeling.

Overall, I enjoyed the storyline. I'm glad to see that it wasn't what I thought it would be and that I felt connected to the characters and their relationship. I loved the bond between Aria and her mother, as well as her connection to other side characters. I think Steele and Travis were my favorites.

I'm excited to read the next installment in this series, BARE, which will be about Aria's younger sister. I'm hoping that characters from NUDES will make an appearance.

***edited to add, I forgot one of the most important things. Sarah uses her voice as an author to advocate for victims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and shaming not only in Hollywood, but society as a whole. This was probably one of my favorite moments of the entire story.

This is the kind of story that will make you think, not only because you experience all the emotions through the characters, but because it so happen to be a hot topic.
The love story is the insta lust/love..so be warned. I know not everyone is a fan of the insta, but I don't mind..plus it's what happens all around that was more interesting to me.
Ben and Aria, movie producer and actress..both still dealing with the disasters o past relationships..yet they meet and are unable to stay away.
What should have been private and fun, turns out very public and shameful..
so how will they cope with it? and btw that's when you see what the characters are made of.
Rumors and scandal, lies and betrayal..will they find their way through in a world that can be so cruel?!
A great story. I am glad I took a chance and read it!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Ben Lawson is on his way to a great comeback. A bitter divorce and tabloid stories just about destroyed his career. He is the CEO of a movie production company and is determined to make amazing movies and get the failing movie company back on it's feet. After the disaster with his ex-wife he has vowed to never let a woman distract him again. But, once he meets the leading lady on the set of the next blockbuster movie everything changes. Aria Rose is the woman who could break Ben. He wants nothing more than to protect her, help her, even love her. But instead he ends up destroying her.

Aria Rose new better than to get involved with anyone in the movie business. She knew better than to trust someone like Ben, a Hollywood heartthrob with a reputation. He is after all her boss who became her ruin. Ben promised her the world. He even promised her his heart. Now he has destroyed everything. Her heart, career and them.

I really loved this book. Aria and Ben are both such relatable characters. They meet on a movie set. She is the actress in her first big screen movie and his is the new CEO of the company making the film. Aria has been burnt by the Hollywood types before and she has no desire to ever put herself in that position again. Ben has been through a nasty divorce. His ex decided it was cool to sell her stories and been secrets to the tabloids. She destroyed his reputation and his career all in one fail swoop. He has sworn off actresses. Until he sees Aria Rose and everything changes. I loved how Aria was at heart a girl who fought for her career and earned it on her own and that was what was most important to her. She was a extremely private person too and didn't deal much with the tabloid reports until she made her newest movie. I love how they swore to have a free weekend and that was it but couldn't get each other out of their system.

This is a story of soulmates. I firmly believe in soulmates so this book was a lot of fun for me to read. Sarah Robinson has written a book that is full of angst and drama. Nudes is one you do not want to miss.

4 stars! Nudes (stand-alone). Forbidden affair between movie executive & his most recent star is rocked by sex scandal!

Nudes (stand-alone) features the story behind a scandal. Movie executive Ben Lawson has just taken over the running of a movie studio. Aria Reynolds aka Aria Rose is the star in his latest production.

Against their better judgement, they embark on a hot and steamy secret affair, until nude photos are leaked. Now they must deal with the aftermath. It’s a long road back to truth and forgiveness in an industry fueled by rumors and scandal.

BEN LAWSON: 30 years/Movie Studio CEO/$$$$/Brown hair/Lt blue eyes.
Seven words to describe Ben Lawson: Charming, reflective, honorable, easy-going and seductive.

ARIA REYNOLDS aka Aria Rose: 25 years/Actress/Blond hair/Blue-gray eyes.
Five words to describe Aria Reynolds aka Aria Rose: Naïve, independent, trusting, ambitious and honest.

Nudes, told from dual POVs starts of as forbidden affair that is quickly derailed by lies and betrayal. I was rooting for them both; from media darlings to tabloid frenzy and all the way to the perfect Hollywood ending.

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

I was provided a NetGalley copy for review purposes.

Loved the romance and the message in this story. Great job Sarah Robinson! I can't wait for more from the series.

This is the story of Ben Lawson and Aria Rose, I thought it was well written and the story was good. It had a good message I was just hoping for more.

OMG, this book is beautiful, heartfelt, raw, and soooooo needed!!! Go into this blind, let the story hit you as it unfolds. I am not even sure how I am going to get through the video review but I will do my best. Just know that I cannot put into word how much I LOVE THIS BOOK!!

Provided as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.

I judged a book by its cover. Shame on me. I truly thought Nudes was going to be about a nude magazine. The cover caught my attention and I never read the synopsis. It is beautiful and slightly risqué so it tempted me. I went into the book with certain expectations that were proved wrong.

Nudes spoke to me on so many levels the greatest being what the story was REALLY about - a woman viewed as a piece of meat, fodder for tabloids and her grace at overcoming the wrongs that were done to her. Aria's story is not what I expected - it was so much MORE.

I loved the relationship between her and Ben. Yes, they were hot together. More then that though, they respect one another. I find that more engaging then a sexy story.

Sarah Robinson wrote a feminist book, one that shows women are not objects to just be seen and used as society sees fit. An amazing read from a talented author.

Hi, sweeties! This week has been full with american readings, and I can’t be more proud of myself for that! This is the only thing I can actually be proud of, because other things aren’t going very well for me and it broke my heart yesterday to know that I can’t get my degree even if I have done almost all my exams, actually… The only thing between me and the end of university career is that exam. Nevertheless, I found time to read this amazing book. Happy reading!




PREMISE
When I first saw this book on Netgalley, I knew it would be a perfect reading for me. I wasn’t disappointed, I like at lot it, actually, I gave it four stars minus. But why did I put the final rating a little down? You will discover it scrolling this post until you reach the review.


SYNOPSIS (FROM GOODREADS)
Contemporary romance author Sarah Robinson brings readers a new standalone novel set in the glamorous hills of Hollywood and tackling challenging themes like the intersection of sexuality and female empowerment.

Ben Lawson is making a comeback...
After a few tabloid headlines, they think they know me. They don't know a damn thing. As CEO of a movie production company, I'll show them who I really am when we hit it big at the box office. My ex thought her smear tactics would ruin me, but I'm unbreakable. Rising from the debris, I swore I'd never let a woman distract me like that again. But then, my leading actress walked on the set and changed everything.

Seductive, sexy, and unapologetic, Aria Rose could break me. I wanted to help her, protect her...love her. Instead, I destroyed her.

Aria Rose is baring it all....
I knew better. I knew not to trust another Hollywood heartthrob with a reputation like his. He was my boss and became my ruin. I should have stayed far away from him. Ben Lawson promised me the world. He even promised me his heart.

But he destroyed everything--my heart, my career, us.

Disclaimer: This novel is for 18+ years old as it contains graphic sexual content.


REVIEW
“Nudes” is a hot stand alone novel about a forbidden romance between a CEO of a Movie Production and an actress. Set in Hollywood, it describes the tumultuous relationship between Aria Rose and Ben Lawson, but not only them. Let’s start from the beginning: Aria Rose, whose real surname is Reynolds, is a rising star in the Hollywood stardom: she has new contracts for upcoming roles and she’s trying to get over her relationship with the producer of her movie, Scarlett’s Letter, Russell Rains. Aria isn’t an easy type, she doesn’t like to be the girl the guys only sleep with, and she learnt that hard in her past relationship with Russ; she wants to focus on her career and her acting roles putting everything that has to do with love or sex in a (metaphorical) box away from her. Meanwhile, we get know Ben Lawson, the new CEO: Ben is true hottie who has just divorced from his ex-wife, an actress interested only in his contacts with producers and nothing at all. One remarkable trait of her personality is the fact that she lies to impress strangers and she is the one who would sleep with producers or co-stars if that helps her career. Marion is this and much more. Marion is the dangerous type of actress that put Ben’s career in a difficult position and she is the main cause of Ben’s distrust about other actresses. Ben’s heart decides for him when he sees for the first time Aria Rose. Ben is captivated by Aria’s gentle manners and kindness. Aria feel drawn to him, although she tries to not pass the edge between actress and CEO. But their good intentions will fade almost instantly when they will decide to pass the weekend together “free-agents”. Sex couldn’t be more exciting for both.

“She didn’t want him to let go. He was fire. She wanted to leap into his flames.”


(Aria Rose)
When their weekend is over, they desperately try to go back to their normal lives, but it seems impossible to do, because they can’t stop thinking to each other. Russell is still trying to get into Aria’s pants, but she keeps pushing him away. Months and months pass, and one morning she finds photos of her naked online in all websites and personal sites, Facebook and Twitter. Aria receives terrible insults, body shaming and slut shaming from people all other the interne that judge her without even knowing her. Aria blames Ben for that, but she will receive a surprise almost at the end of the book and I won’t say a thing because I’m on the edge, I’m on the spoiler line so I stop here. Read the book and you will discover what will happen.

The story between Aria and Ben is a mix of passion, love and tenderness. Their story isn’t just about sex, their story, although it’s clearly complicated by their roles in the acting studio, is a true romance that will make your heart beating fast. Ben will fight for Aria and Aria will fight to remain the strong and sweet person she is, she will do whatever is in her power to not be influenced by media trolls.

“When he looked at her, it was limitless and anything she’s ever wanted was suddenly within reach. She hadn’t even known such a feeling was possible actually, or that she’d ever felt so limited before.


That’s the thing about building walls around one’s heart – it’s easy to forget they’re there until someone begins chipping away at them.”

(Aria Rose)
The book, written with the alternate POV of Aria and Ben, will allow the reader to get in touch the character’s emotions, feelings and thoughts. As I said on Goodreads, I found the book a little repetitive, especially when Aria talked about her father’s health condition and then she said the same thing futher, only using different words. That’s the reason why I gave her 4- stars.

I say goodbye to ya all and I advise this book to all of you who loves book about stars and starlettes:

“She’d earned every moment of her career, and if she was going down, she was going down fighting.”
(Aria Rose)



xoxo,
Giada

Nudes was a great 5 star read.

Ben is ready to move on from his horrible marriage and ex-wife. He is now the CEO of a movie production company and has plans to make a name for himself and stay away from women. That is until he see’s Aria Rose. There is something about her that draws him in.

Aria is an actress and is recovering from a bad break up, with the director of the movie she just wrapped up. She has told herself to stay away from men that could ruin her career. When she meets Ben she can’t resist him.

When he looked at her, it was limitless and anything she’d ever wanted was suddenly within reach.

With Aria, he felt whole. He felt invincible.

These two have quite the steamy connection and decide to have one weekend together and agree to move forward after. When they go their separate ways they discover that feelings don’t go just go away and when fate steps in they end up on the same plane to New York. There are secrets and twists that add a great element to the story. I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. I have to say that I really enjoyed the movie premiere scene, I was sobbing trying to read through my tears. If you're looking for a great romance with a few bumps in the road and a HEA than 1-click and get started today.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

Scandalous, devilishly dirty insta-romance story!
The story is told in alternating POV's and the characters of Ben and Aria are well developed with great chemistry between them so that they were fun to read about.
Aside from a sexy afternoon read, this story had a hidden message that gave the story more depth. There is a serious message about the behind scenes that articulates the uglier, seedier side of the Hollywood entertainment industry.
Kudos to the author for daring to go there and giving us the good the bad and the ugly about Hollywood!

This was a very powerful book. Let me clarify the overall statement I think the author was trying to send was powerful. That people use the image of someone in this case photos through the internet, and at first glance or first response everyone attacks the female actress, not the person who put their private pictures on the internet. The actress is surrounded by her family for support and later issues a statement that is very powerful and really should be read for everyone. She is letting people know that her being attacked by females and males because she is to skinny, or certain body parts are not what people think they should be is wrong. Is it right for us to bash others for the way we look because someone in some magazine says we should look a certain way? Why are women attacking other women when they get enough judgments from males? All questions that make a statement and you as the reader begin to think that this is more than just a romance book. The person who put the pictures on the internet is arrested and the actress is able to move on. There are some very strong points in this book and the characters will not let you down. A very good book.

Just like everybody else, I was waiting for this book to release for quite some time. And knowing already Robinson’s amazing writing mind, it only made me more excited to read it.

NUDES is the first novel in her new series EXPOSED whose field of interest is the “almighty” Hollywood. In the first part, Sarah introduces us to a very unique couple whose love is tested when a Hollywood-y exposure is out to destroy the one of them.

"A perfect stranger. A moment of truth. An absolute mistake."

Ben & Aria. A producer and a rising actress. Two individuals whose paths cross when Ben becomes the head of the studio that is producing the movie Aria plays the lead female. The attraction between them is instant and impossible to miss. You just can’t take your eyes off them. They go from co-workers to friends to lovers – a bit too fats for my taste -, which works as the strong foundation their relationship will need and gives them the tools to deal with the “scandal” that lies ahead.

Although, this time, it’s not all about the love story. The layer that it hides beneath is the real gem of this book. And that layer has written the letters “Double Standard” on it. Robinson, with putting Aria through the chaos the publishing of her nude photos cause, hits bull’s eye and makes a loud statement about the still existence of it. With her own amazing way, she shows all the “checks” and “rules” a working woman – especially one who is a public figure – has to go through and follow so she can be acceptable and respected. She shows that even if we want to say that we live in the 21st century where the things keeps evoluating, we still hold onto an old thinking which instists to diminise the women.

"Her presence was powerful… she was powerful. "

Once again, this magnificent top-fave-of-mine author not only creates a love story that sweeps you away and makes you fly, but also sculptures characters who touch every teeny tiny corner of your heart and blow you away with their realness, depth and substance. Both are passionate, determined and two of the best fighters I have ever seen. They take their life in their hands, run for it and they don’t stop until they pass first the finish line. And I have to admit that I developped a magor crush on Aria after the way she dealt with the chaos. She mastered it to perfection, leaving no questions about who is the boss of her life. Especially the letter – those who have read it know what I’m talking about – she wrote towards the end was the perfect icing this cake needed. And then came the cherry on top; the Epilogue! The overwhelming giddiness I felt after reading that can’t be described. I wouldn’t have asked for a better finale.

"She was a shining star, and he’d happily spend the rest of his life helping her burn brighter and brighter. "

I’ve been a Robinson junkine for quite some time and undoubtedly she is one of the best authors I have ever read. One of the best of the best, actually. I couldn’t feel more elated and grateful that I discovered her because she deserves every praise she gets and then some more. Her stories, one after another, have made me a “slave” of the worlds she creates and every time I come across a new one, I go totally blind since I know very well the beauty she delivers every time. For those who haven’t read her yet, you should probably do ASAP. You will fall madly in love with everything every one of her stories is. BARE can’t get here soon enough and I can’t wait to see what else this woman has up her sleeve. And what a sleeve really!

5 starts for this book ... great writing and the charters were wonderful ... I read every thing I can get my hands on with her thank you for letting me iead this

Nudes is a standalone romance that deals with the power of social media. A few comments or photos on the internet can have a life and power that is hard to fight.

"My photos are all over the internet. Photographers know what hotel I'm at. This isn't my life...this isn't who I am. I'm a private person."

Ben is running a movie studio and knows he needs to steer clear of actresses and the drama that accompanies them. But then he meets Aria, an up and coming actress waiting for her break. Their chemistry is immediate and off the charts.

"Everyone has...um, skeletons in their closet. This is Hollywood. You haven't made it until you've got a sex tape."
Aria chuckled a little at that. "Please, God, let there not be a tape."

This story is Hot, Hot, Hot! I loved the forbidden element of a secret love affair!
4 Stars!

Phenomenal! This was a beautiful love story! I loved the characters and the chemistry was very good between Aria and Ben. The writing was superb! Wonderful message! I highly recommend this book!

I liked this one, didn't love it. It is a subject matter that should be touched on more in todays' society. I thought it was handled well. And the love story between Ben and Aria was an added bonus!