Captive of a Commoner
Book One of the Captive of a Commoner Trilogy
by C. J. Pastore
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Oct 01 2016 | Archive Date Apr 30 2017
Description
Alicia Cesare has a lot to celebrate. A recent Parsons School of Design graduate and recipient of a fashion design award, she embarks to Europe on a quest for independence and recognition. Instead she finds trouble and mayhem and must accept the help of ex Marine and real estate magnate Chase Reardon, the only man she ever desired. Problem is he barely knew she existed. That is about to change. Like a lit match to a firework, rash innocence ignites fierce overprotectiveness and a sizzling romance develops. But Chase is a haunted man. Scarred by an abusive past and stalked by the vengeful head of the Russian drug cartel, he struggles to follow his heart while safeguarding those he loves. When Alicia is unwittingly thrust into his web of relentless violence, Chase is determined-at any cost- to protect her from his past. But as each new sexual awakening binds her closer to him, Alicia is convinced she must help the love of her life defeat the ghosts of his past. It will prove to be an unyielding test of courage and stamina.
A Note From the Publisher
About the Author
C. J. Pastore lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children. When not pounding the keyboard and writing, she enjoys teaching, jogging, and reading. Elena Ferrante’s, My Brilliant Friend series and Henry and June by Anais Nin are just a few of many favorites. C.J. Pastore appreciates the raw writing of authors who have the courage to bare it all on the written page.
The enjoyment of travel is a necessity for C.J. Immersing herself in other cultures, laughing, eating, and drinking with the local populace are favorite pastimes. Intrigued by the cornerstones of love, C.J. often records people’s answers to its essence and the hurdles that must be overcome to ensure that second chances spell success. She holds true to Anne Frank’s belief that “people are really good at heart,” and deems that whether walking in your own neighborhood or traversing the globe, the kindness and well-meaning wishes of others can be absorbed and reflected.
As a former writer of curriculum and teacher mentor, C.J Pastore has published in TESOL Journal and Social Studies and the Young Learner. Articles on the global rights of children and letters on literacy have been published in The Citizen.
Captive of a Commoner, Book I in the Commoner series, is her first foray into the world of romance writing.
Advance Praise
"[A] well crafted story...it was an enjoyable read"-Barbara, NetGalley reviewer
"Amazing description and smoothly flowing prose make it a page turner..." B. Mac, Amazon reviewer"The erotic scenes sizzled and the mystery made me flip the pages. I will read this author again." Kay Silk, NetGalley reviewer
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780997948011 |
| PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
Average rating from 22 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 360340
Captive of a Commoner was a debut novel that played a big part in beautiful and scenic Europe. Alicia, a budding fashion designer was being rescued by Chase, her brother's best friend, after being put under arrest of possession of drugs in Nice, Monaco. What a way of getting thrown out of beautiful Monaco. From there on, she spent three weeks in beautiful Italy with a sexy and experienced Millionaire.
Chase was clearly a take charge kind of person. He was a self-made millionaire, a bit controlling and dominant in and outside of the bedroom. Being older, and wiser definitely worked for Chase. Whereas Alicia, was the more immature of those two. Being 21 years young showed in parts, she grew up well off and had a tendency to get herself into trouble. Their attraction was palpable. Both Chase and Alicia were a very sexually driven couple and very much compatible in the bedroom. Maybe not so much in other areas of life. There weren't any other interests they had in common, except being highly attracted to each other
There was also something stirring underneath all of it. Chase was in parts dodgy and evasive.
The writing was outstanding for a debut novel. Sometimes it was a little stilted and a bit too descriptive, but otherwise the storyline moved smoothly. There were definitely a few parts that dragged. The book had almost 400 pages. Even some established writers have a hard time staying on track and not using too many fillers. I wished the characters were a bit more fleshed out. There was certainly lots of background given on both, but it felt in parts as if it was just the surface, and nothing real deep underneath. Still, what a great accomplishment from the author.
Reviewer 375177
A nice book to read... Tons of steamy hot scenes, quite detailed too, so if this genre is up your alley, you'll enjoy the book. The relationships between the characters were well written, and the connection between the main characters could be felt.
patty B, Reviewer
It's a must read book. Loved it. I would definitely recommend this book.
Reviewer 375165
“Green sparks confronting blue stormy seas. Fire and water. Opposites in so many ways but the same where it really counts. Love. Empathy. Concern. And knowing that we’re home in each other’s arms. I feel it. He feels it.”
A girl with a huge and long term crush on her brothers’ friend. A guy who has a dark past that haunts him to his future. Luxury, money is not a problem. A friendship bond made by blood. Sex in places you never thought possible. If these things don’t get your attention then I don’t know what will. It’s like 50 Shades of Grey but only better, much, much better.
I love this book and since this is the first installment to a trilogy I can honestly say that I will be looking forward to reading the rest of the series. This book has its ups and downs but I really enjoy most of its attributes and especially the story.
Chase and Alicia have this bond where they understand each other so much and would easily be on the same page (sometimes). Also Chase’s corny jokes and sex comments always make me laugh. I’m pretty sure I’ve never laughed so hard reading an erotic book before nor any book for that matter.
“You and I may have grown up in the same town, but we came from different worlds.”
Alicia has accepted Chase’s past but it seems like Chase doesn’t believe that she’ll be able to understand and cope with his problems. To save a dear friend Chase had put someone in jail and when that person got out he was seeking for revenge. And what better way to have revenge than hurting the people he cares the most. Family, friends, girlfriend, spare no one just to get back at Chase Reardon.
“Problem is, even in fairytales there’s evil.”
Part of knowing someone is after her boyfriend, Alicia thought she would never have an easy life with him. But no fairytale is complete without the villain right?
I’ve been on the edge of my seat while I was reading this book because I always get worried and wonder whether there’s going to be a trap or something bad might happen. The story isn’t predictable for me I have been surprised countless of times. I think this book felt very long but it wasn’t bad at all. I can’t wait to read the second book.
I highly recommend this book to my friends. I’ve even started telling them about my feels and excitement for this book. It’s gut wrenching, exciting, painful and humorous.
Kay S, Reviewer
On the whole, this is a good book, especially for a debut novel. The erotic scenes sizzled and the mystery made me flip the pages. I will read this author again.
Click link to read the full review
Librarian 305804
I enjoyed this book. Captive of a Commoner is well written and has plenty of romance, twist and turns and just enough intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat to the last page.
Ratula R, Reviewer
I was immediately intrigued by this novel that took place in beautiful and glamorous Monaco in Europe. They had chemistry and spades and the story was fantastic.
While I believed in Chase, a driven and dominant millionaire and Alicia's, a budding fashion designer, connection, I felt that there was something missing. There was alot of fiery combustible chemistry but not alot of emotional depth. While, this was a great story, I did find some things lacking. All in all, though, this was a great debut novel!
I would like to thank NetGalley and New Rose Press for a copy of this novel for a fair review.
Jessie J, Educator
This was a fun, sexy read. Pastore is a good writer. Perfect for summer and escaping the real world with a twist of romance.
Very interesting read
I read the book when it first released and just never reviewed it.
It was a good book, I loved the European travel, and the characters had great chemistry.
I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.