Going into Vanilla on Top, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but I came out of it surprised and really happy I had read such an awesome book. While there are some BDSM elements to this story, I wouldn’t say that either character were into the scene nor was it about causing either one of them pain. It was about a two people learning who they truly are in a world where they were slotted into their careers.
The story is told in first person, but we get both sides of the story from Heather and Tony. At first this put me off, but as the story went along, I forgot it was in first person.
Heather hasn’t had a date in a long while. She really isn’t desperate, but tired of men overlooking her. At a speed dating event, she kind of falls into taking charge when Tony’s phone won’t stop going off. He is kind of brushing her off and she finally tells him to turn it off. Getting a thrill out of the power she wields, she takes him outside for a spicy interlude. But she walks away, taking with her the confidence she did something that wasn’t normal for her. Tony is intrigued but has no way of contacting her.
When they finally meet again, Heather invites him for another experience that left me panting for more. But the two meet across a board table when Tony’s company wants to takeover Heather’s company. Now the two are on opposites sides, but can’t fight the relationship they see growing between them.
Through the course of their short relationship, the two learn more about themselves and the careers they lead. Their pasts have shaped them and now they are questioning if that shape still fits. While involved with each other, they both are making adjustments in the careers that neither can talk to each other about.
What I loved about this book was that while Heather was being this dominant woman in the bedroom, Tony truly saw her as a sensual woman. While he loved her taking control, he also wanted her to know he liked her for her and not what she controlled. He saw her insecurity, but also saw that she really had a beautiful personality he didn’t want to change. Heather had to learn that while Tony was a playboy making millions, he also had a heart and a desire outside of his job. She had to learn to accept that Tony was more than his money and career and that he truly supported her.
I would recommend this as a feel good, uplifting acceptance of people no matter what society has pushed them to be. Two lovers who learn a lot about themselves, their bodies and where they want their future to head off into. There is a lot of steam to go with revelations. A total delight to read!
C.J. Ellisson writes erotica and urban fantasy. Her vampire series, The V V Inn, mixes a heavy dose of erotic elements with suspense, action, a little bit of mystery and some light humor. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze.
To learn more about C.J.’s books (where you can read half of the novels for free), please visit her website at www.cjellisson.com
http://www.facebook.com/c.j.ellissonfanpage
His eyes glide over me, a slight spark of what I hope is interest in their depths. A flare of awareness ignites in my chest. The man’s charming grin remains in place. A good sign so far. Right as he opens his kissable mouth to speak, his phone rings. His relaxed expression turns into a grimace as he digs in his pocket to retrieve the offending device.
“Sorry,” he mumbles my way before answering. He turns slightly in his seat, angling himself away. “Yes?” He barks into the phone. “No, I won’t be back in tonight. The instructions are in the email I sent.”
At least I had the decency to turn off my phone before I came in. Hell, unless you’re a doctor on call, I doubt there’s anything that important requiring your phone to stay on for two hours. He looks into the distance and I feel a twinge of annoyance.
“No,” his tone grinds out, authoritative and powerful. “You need to listen to me, Brian. The directions are in the email. You follow them precisely and the deal will close. Call me again and I’m going to be really pissed.”
He clicks his phone shut and closes his eyes. Tension spills off him and I hesitate to break the silence. What could be so important that he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders? He takes a deep breath and opens them again, staring straight into my eyes.
“I’m sorry, that was rude of me.” He angles toward me. I nod my reassurance that it’s okay, but inside I can’t help but think I’ve lost even more of my precious allotted time with this desirable stranger. He really is way out of my league.
“You know what I want more than anything?” he says with a touch of longing. “I want someone else to take control for a while. I’m really sick of being the guy in charge all the time.”
I smile, not particularly sure I can relate, but willing to appear understanding. His phone rings again and sharp anger stabs my gut.
“Turn it off,” I say, with a challenge in my tone. I sit up straighter and stare into the depths of his caramel eyes. “You want someone to tell you what to do?” He nods, his calculating gaze on me as the phone continues to ring. “Turn off that damn phone,” I bite out, pretending I’m issuing a command. “Now.”
Shock registers across his expression, but he hides it quickly. I raise an eyebrow and feel the sparks fly across the table between us. He returns my stare and smiles, the first real one I’ve seen on him since he came into the restaurant. It’s kind of lopsided and lazy, curling my toes at the devilment it promises. The phone rings a third time and I break our standoff and glance away, tilting my chin an inch higher, showing my displeasure in his lack of action. He fumbles for the phone on the table between us and shuts it off.
Really great review. Vanilla On Top caught my attention recently. It sounded like a hot read with a twist that I haven’t read about before with the woman taking control. It seems they are always letting go of control to get their needs met.. Vanilla On Top already made my tbr…but now it certainly got bumped to the top! Thanks for the great giveaway..good luck and happy reading!!!!
andieleah78@gmail.com
I’ve been seeing this book around a lot ~ it has gotten lots of great feedback. The excerpts are begging me to move it up my TBR…
Heather ~ Books Books and More Books
This book was so good. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did! Going out to get more CJ Ellisson books!
I have read this book, it is an awesome scorcher! Love the story of Heather and Tony!!
Read it, loved it, want some more of it!
Great book, very hot. So hot I had to hide the book till I settled down. I love it, it takes you out of your comfort zone. Can’t wait for the next one. C. J. is a very talent writer. I see her heading for the big time. You should pick up a copy for your own, trust me you will love it.
Hey everyone! C.J. Ellisson will stop by later to visit. Have a question for her? Post it here as a comment!
C.J.,
I have a question…will this be turned into a series? If so, will the best friends get a book or two?
Shari
Thanks for the review! LOVE the book!
i will have to add this book to my TBR list
Vanilla On Top sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it to see more of Tony and Heather. Put it at the top of my wishlist.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Vanilla on Top is a great way to spend those cloudy, cold winter days. It will absolutely warm you up. It’s great watching the growth of the two main characters in this story. I loved every minute of it, and I know I’ll be reading it again and sharing it with friends for a long time.
To me Vanilla on Top was a book I could not put down. I was completely drawn in to Heather and Tony’s world. the story had enough heat, romance, and everydaynes (if that is even a word), so it is relatiable to the audience, Loved, love it and can’t wait for the next one in seires.
Vanilla on top was hot and steamy, but Heather and Tony had real depth to them. I loved the book couldnt put it down until i finished it. Cant wait for C.J’s next installment.
This book is a must read! It will keep you on the edge of your seat and it will keep you wanting more! Keep up the great work CJ!
Vanilla on Top sounds like a hot read. Adding to my TBR pile. Thanks for the great post and excerpt.
Excellent review for a truly super book. The growth of the relationship between Heather and Tony was a huge part of my enjoyment but also watching the growth in each of the characters’ lives made it even more enjoyable. C.j.’s gift as an author, in my opinion, is the ability to write sex episodes which are hot without overshadowing her ability to write great characters and a wonderful story. I’ve read all her books and can’t wait for more.
It does sound really good. I like the idea that the plot seems to be character driven too.
I have been wanting to read this one since the first excerpt I read on CJ’s blog while she was writing it. Great review, I do love BDSM stories, but generally read those where the man is the Dominant one. 🙂
Great review!! I loved this book and I can’t wait for more from this series!!
hey there, I loved this book..the story and characters fit well and I can’t wait for the next book. Thanks for a great read!
Oh …don’t enter me in this giveaway..I already have the book 🙂
OMG……I have got to finish reading this book after that excerpt. Thank you for the review, too!
JessieL62 at comcast dot net
Great review! I love the excerpt, HELLO, sit up and take charge!
I look forward to reading this book 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway.
kitcat76(at)hotmail.com
Great Review Loved the book and anyone who likes to read erotica this is a fabulous book to add to your collection. I have read everything C.J. has wrote and their all pretty hot. (VV INN)
I really love this book and have been telling everyone to read it. I have several people put it on their books to read list. Thanks for sharing!!
Sounds like a really good read!!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
VANILLA ON TOP – great title – does sound like a fabulous read.
The review was very helpful thank you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Great review! I must read this!
Such a great relationship. I really liked that they were exploring different elements but weren’t really part of the bdsm scene like you mentioned.
So glad you enjoyed it too!
Anna
That was a great review. I love Tony 😉 A must read for all your readers