Cover Image: Watch Me

Watch Me

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Watch Me by Stacey Kennedy is the First book in the Phoenix Series. This is the story of Zoey Parker and Rhys Harrington. Rhys is a owner of the exclusive sex club called Phoenix. When there are special cases such as a innocence women that is looking to enter his business world he overseas how she is handled. This leads him to meet Zoey who is entering into his club to get her self back, seek to get revenge and then to go back to her normal life. Zoey was taken advantage of and is working to get herself back. Rhys is immediately intrigued and attracted to Zoey. This leads him to break his own rule of not mixing business with pleasure. I am such a fan of this author writing. Ms. Kennedy always give you a steamy read for sure but also some good story-lines that keep you wanting to turn the page. I will be reading more of her books in the future.

Was this review helpful?

As a fan of BDSM and kink, I was excited when I got the chance to read Watch Me by Stacey Kennedy. It certainly didn't let me down!
Note: I am grateful to Kennedy for putting the CW's in the front of her book. More authors need to do this.
To be completely honest, I was hesitant about how into this story I would be. The premise felt contrived when I started in but I was so glad to see I was wrong. I've read stories where an alpha male helps the sweet, battered and broken virgin overcome her hang ups and trauma and by the second sex scene she is miraculously cured by his amazing penis. Kennedy, thankfully, doesn't do this at all.
Watch Me is a sexy romance that goes deeper – helping not only Zoey overcome her pain but also Rhys. I was very impressed at how well Kennedy wrote about the aftermath of traumatic experiences. Zoey’s fear was very real on the page – something I related to and could practically check off a list the number of issues so many of us who have had past sexual trauma deal with. It felt very real without making the pain she felt a fetish. At no point was Zoey’s past made into a kink or something to get off on. Instead all the sex is focused on consent, healing, and pleasure.
If someone wants to write a healing romance that includes a character recovering from past sexual abuse, I’d hold Watch Me up as the goal.
As for the billionaire love interest tropes – they were all on point. Fans of this subgenre of steamy romance will definitely enjoy this story – including a few twists I haven’t see in other work of the same flavor.
The only thing that left me cool was the timeline. It is acknowledged that Zoey and Rhys move fast, so it’s not expected for readers to ignore it. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the realism I experienced in the characters flowed into that part of the story as well. But this was a tiny matter that didn’t ruin it for me.
I am now a fan of the Phoenix series. The next book, Keep Me, focuses on my 2 favorite characters from Watch Me – Elise, a PI, and Archer, Phoenix’s security guy. I love hackers and PIs so they’re right up my alley plus the playful banter, enemies-to-lovers fun between them is sure to make for a fun follow up!

Was this review helpful?

Amazing Stacey! Laughed at some of their friends antics... But the story really got me...this one one book you don't want to put down!

Was this review helpful?

I was delighted when I unexpectedly got a NetGalley ARC of this book. It's my first story by Stacey but it won't be my last. Wow what a hot story. Be warned it is about a woman who was drugged and assaulted at a frat party then bullied on social media by her assailants. This is her story of healing and victory over that event. What a strong story full of fabulous characters. Zoey is surrounded by supportive roommates and Rhys' has a friend circle that is his family. I now have to read each of their stories.

Zoey wants to feel like she's in control of her life and fear. She's been tormented and her whole life has been changed by her attack. Thanks to the skillset of her roommates, Hazel is a reporter and Elise is a PI, Zoey will be the virgin star of Phoenix's next sex show. Phoenix is a voyeur sex club owned by Rhys Harrington in NYC. She's set this up to get revenge on the two men who assaulted her in college that are now members of the club. Rhys always participates in the sensitive shows at his club to protect those who are vulnerable. He is my perfect hero - a guardian protector. who has issues of his own He quickly ascertains there is more going on with the show and digs to find the story with the help of his friends. He is drawn to Zoey and is determined to help her heal. Their chemistry is off the charts.

Rhys stepped down as the CEO of his family's wealthy finance company and turned it over to his cousin William. Rhys opened a cigar club with a secret sex club below. Since he lost his fiance in college he seeks to help people live out their fantasies and have a full life without regrets. He has created a family of friends around him that all share his voyeur desires, Archer, his head of security and former Navy SEAL, Kieran, a firefighter and Hunt a homicide detective. He recognizes Zoey's pain and fear immediately and his protective instincts kick in. And so begins their journey.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I expected to enjoy this, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. Watch Me is the first in Stacey Kennedy's Phoenix series, and I CANNOT wait for the rest.

Watch Me was such an interesting spin on a sex club book. Mind you, I haven't read all that many books involving sex clubs, but I still thought this was unique. I have a feeling the next books will follow in the same vein. Please and thank you.

Rhys and Zoey fit so well together, as did their friends. I absolutely love when an author creates such an engaging cast of characters.

Anyways, Rhys and Zoey had connection and chemistry and sizzling sexy times, and I was there for it. The story itself moved at a quick pace, and I found myself speeding through the pages.

Two things I did wish for was a little less insta-love feel and an epilogue a little further into the future, but hopefully we'll get a bigger wrap-up when the series ends.

If only I could have Archer and Elise's story now. I'm ready.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

Was this review helpful?

This is the first of likely 4 books.

Pros - I liked both characters very much. Both are gentle and likable. They have a lot of chemistry and I was cheering for them. For me the book was about finding strength and choices. I liked how she grew through the book. Even though she thought she was strong by letting the H take her virginity, she was still holding back from truly taking control.

Cons - The description is confusing and I thought it would be a long drawn out plan. What the 2 did to her was horrible but I didn't fully understand how losing her virginity in that way was "revenge." Maybe more about herself and taking back control and less hurting or punishing them for what they did? The club isn't the more common BDSM sex club in books and more voyeurism. I was wee bit uncomfortable with her having sex in front of his friends the way they did. It's never awkward but the thought of her own friends and them all having sex in the same room is going to be weird for me if it goes that direction. There's really no angst. All of the men are alpha, but... more kind and gentle for most of the book.

So loved all of the characters, but the sex club was a bit unusual.

Was this review helpful?

It's been a long time since I read an erotica book.

Zoey has a secret. The only way to get get rid of it is to get an invitation to the exclusive club. She never expects for a club owner to notice her. But notice he did.

Rhys may like kinky stuff but he's also kind and caring and he immediately takes a liking to Zoey. When he discovers her secret he will do anything to protect her and be there for her.

I love how he didn't tell her what to do but was supportive enough that she got stronger and healed for her to do the right thing.

My first read by this author and I admit it got me really curious about the next book - Archer and Elise's book. From what I've seen, it will be hot ;)
4 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of Watch Me. This is a hot erotic romance with a great storyline. The romance was quick, I wanted more!

Was this review helpful?

This is not your typical BDSM romance. Yes there's a sex club and scenes with hot guys. But the story and characters are much more complex. Rhys and Zoey have their heartache and baggage. But together they seem to fill each others cracks and I loved that dynamic. Saying anymore about the story would be a major spoiler alert. But I will say it has a lot to do with finding the right kind of people to make up your own family because you know they will stand behind you and weather every storm without batting an eyelash.

Advanced Review Copy provided for voluntary review consideration.

Was this review helpful?

Watch me is an erotic tale of female empowerment and the healing power of love. Neither Rhys nor Zoey expected what was to happen but they each brought something to the table. This book explores the eroticism of voyeurism and exhibitionism while learning to own ones sexuality. The characters were wonderful and I’m looking forward to learning more about them.

Was this review helpful?

Two damaged people, an unforgettable erotic encounter in a public venue sets the stage for this wonderful love story. 
Zoey Parker's plans came crumbling down around her when she became a target for a sexual predator at a frat party in college. The only thing she was left with was her virginity and she's going to use that to thumb her finger at the perpetrators. While it happened as planned, the unexpected derailed her future. 
Rhys Harrington is the elite in a sea of elite in New York City. Having given up his successful family business he now runs an erotic club which caters to the desires of wealthy people like him promising both privacy and discretion.  He's been happily raking in his money and indulging in his hedonistic life style until one night an innocent but courageous virgin breaks through his walls. All he wants to do is to help Zoey take back all that she's lost. In the process he finds himself losing his own heart.
Rhys is unapologetic about his own desires and tastes and Zoey has gotten through his walls. This story has strong sexual elements that include orgies and all kinds of public sexual acts beautifully narrated.  There are strong emotional notes since it's not just physical between Rhys and Zoey and he's breaking all the rules he once put in place.
The supporting cast between her friends and his friends is terrific and I look forward to what's next to come in this world since the sparks are already simmering. A great start to a new series.

Was this review helpful?

As always Stacey have written an amazing story that you just want to keep reading till the end. A beautiful plot with depth in her characters, setting up the new world around which these new series of book will evolve. The messages passed through this novel are great, too, underlying the importance of speaking up, defending yourself, and not losing faith on people. And all this enriched with erotic scenes to wake up your senses. I look forward to read the next one.

Was this review helpful?

Oh wow, Watch me, is so very steamy, erotic and yet at the same time sad and sweet. Your emotions are all over the place with it. Not only is it steamy, the plot and characters are so good too. It had me hooked from the beginning. I absolutely can not wait for Archer and Elise’s story next.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a decent read but unfortunately for me it was just ok?! I guess the best way to describe it, for me was, to much to quickly?! It was Insta everything! They were in love immediately, she got over her fears, to an extent, right away! That kind of thing I guess. I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will enjoy this one, it just wasn't m my top favorite reads! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

Was this review helpful?

This is book 1 in the Phoenix series but honestly I kinda felt like there was a book before it that I had missed. In this book we meet Zoey and Rhys. Zoey has come to the Phoenix club with an agenda. She is planning to act out her wildest fantasy in front of the elite to prove that they didn't break her and that they were wrong about her. And then she was supposed to never see any of them again. What she didn't realize was that the man who would participate in the show with her would be Rhys, one of the owners of the exclusive club. Or that he would notice and want to know why she did what she did. Or that he would offer to help her not only get justice but to move on with her life.

I honestly loved most of this book. Rhys may come across as this withdrawn man but at his core, he truly isn't. He just has been through something that no one wishes on someone else. And hasn't truly moved on from it himself. Zoey went through something no woman ever wants to have to deal with, and while she is slowly moving past it-she also has given it enough weight that it completely changed her path. I loved these two together. They have a chemistry that you is off the charts but they also truly care about each other. They are perfect for each other. I even loved the side characters and was left wanting stories for them as well!! My only drawback? I wanted a bigger comeuppance for the "villain". He deserved more than what actually was written about. I also wanted to know if he was part of what happened to his partner. I get why it was written as it was, I just wanted more of punishment for him I guess. Other than that, I loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Watch me
By: Stacey Kennedy

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

So good, But oh so different!


Started with a bang and if you think you know the direction it’ll go you couldn’t be more wrong. I definitely was. Two people broken and fighting for control in life. Two people with huge hearts and amazing friends. (I see more books coming) this book definitely moved fast and packs an emotional punch. The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. She writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Zoey Parker has a three-step plan for revenge. First, gain entrance to the ultra-exclusive, upscale sex club, Phoenix. Second, act out her wildest fantasy in front of powerful old rivals, proving that they didn't break her. Third, disappear and never return. The only kink in her plan? Rhys Harrington, the owner of Phoenix and the one man she needs to stay away from...

Rhys' high-end clients pay extravagant amounts to watch his stars indulge their desires. Rhys' only rule? Watch, don't touch. But one look at Zoey and Rhys decides to participate in the show himself. And when an undeniable passion ignites between them, Rhys knows he wants more. Except Zoey is determined to run... and he is determined to find out why.

When Rhys discovers Zoey's secret, he shocks her by offering his protection... and a no-strings-attached relationship. But Zoey knows there will be more on the line than just her pleasure. Because Rhys' sizzling touch doesn't only capture her body, it also commands her heart

Was this review helpful?

I have to say, this book had some epic twists and turns that kept you on your toes and I honestly devoured it! Between the concept of the story and how things played out, my heart was in my throat at times because of how heartbreaking some of it was. The fluidity and the character build was on point as well. Zoey was so broken but I loved how empowered she was as this story went along. With Rhys by her side, they seemed that nothing could stop them. I swooned over Rhys as well with how he fell for Zoey. She came up on his blind side and blew him away! Overall, this is a great story and I am dying to get my hands on more! The whole concept behind Phoenix is beyond brilliant!

Was this review helpful?

O.M.G! Just when I think I can’t be anymore captivated by this author, along comes WATCH ME. Ms Kennedy is another author I first read during my exclusive paranormal days, and then ventured into her contemporary books. I was very new to the BDSM genre but was quickly engrossed in Ms Kennedy’s portrayal of these possessive and Alpha males who craved control and dominance but loved and cherished their women wholeheartedly. So naturally it was a no brainer for me to read EVERYTHING this author wrote.

This brings us to Watch Me, which is the first book in the brand-new Phoenix series which is destined to be another griping and addictive series. As the owner of the swank cigar club that houses the Phoenix in its basement, Rhys Harrington is better known for his family’s status and his standing in the ritzy New York Financial Community. Having suffered a tragic loss many years earlier, Rhys has many rules that he lives by, and the primary is “do not get personally involved”. But when a young woman captures his attention and refuses to let go, Rhys is forced to re-evaluate his mandate and his closely held rules are about to take a hit.

This story really packs a punch! Sensitive topics are addressed, and the emotional and physical ramifications of abuse of power are front and centre. Ms Kennedy articulates these matters with care and empathy, while conveying an important message about self-preservation and accountability. The storyline flowed perfectly, and the characters were real and engaging, and while this was a slightly dark and edgy story, there were also some fun moments and the bond of close friends to lighten the mood.

If you are as addicted to Ms Kennedy’s work just like me, then this is definitely a book you don’t want to miss. My only problem now is trying to wait patiently for Elise and Archer’s story; yeah, not going to happen!

Was this review helpful?

Rhys Harrington
Zoey Parker
Oh boy! Oh Boy! Do you ever get so engrossed in a book that anytime you have to attend to real life you are slightly pissy about it? This was me with Watch Me. From the Prologue on I was engrossed and could not put the book down! This is book one in a new series and it starts off with a bang.
Main Character Zoey Parker has spent the last year not really living her life but trying to find a way to prove to those who wronged her that they didn't totally destroy her. How does one get justice when the very core of who you are is shaken. And how much justice is enough to be able to move forward in your life. Zoey went to The Phoenix to dole out her own brand of justice. The victim of assault Zoe needs to make those who violated her realize that she knows what they did and didn’t do. She needs to let the perpetrators know that while she has been stunted, they did not take everything from her. In those simple actions Zoey has gained so much more.

Enter Rhys Harrington. He is a man who must always be in control. To many things in his life have been outside his control so going forward he will be the one calling the shots! Rhys Harrington owner of a cigar club in Manhattan and face of his families wealthy business has a secret hidden behind the walls of his business namely one club called Phoenix where those who wish can live out their deepest fantasies without fear of being judged.

Zoey gets so much more than what she came for when she stepped into Phoenix, Rhys breaks all his own rules when he meets Zoey. I loved their journey to their HEA. This emotionally charged truly genuine romance is one for the ages. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down. Kennedy writes stories that are unique and engaging. Zoey could be my friend or niece. Her conversations, her fears are all so real. The banter of this story is funny and absorbing. The relationships in this story are so real. Zoey’s roommates and Rhys’ friends add some much-needed lightness to the story. I can’t not wait for the next offering in the series! This was a 5/5 star read for me. It might be the sexiest book of 2020!

Was this review helpful?

I haven't read a Stacey Kennedy romance novel in a while, but it seems not much has changed. They're still hot, intense and sweet.

Both main leads have baggage and have been through different painful events, and both decided to take the bull by its horns and overcome said painful events.

Zoey meets Rhys at his high end sex club, where all fantasies come true. Of course, it's membership only, invitation only, mostly for the rich and important people. But Zoey gets the opportunity of taking her life back, even if she needs to do something she's never done before - especially not in a room-full of strangers.

Rhys is, of course, intrigued by Zoey and he pursues her, proposing they have a no-strings-attached relationship.

It's fast-paced, intense and sweet, as well. I also loved the side characters - both Rhys' and Zoey's friends, can't wait to read the books about them!

I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy via Netgalley. My rating is 4 stars.

Was this review helpful?