Oh man, where do I start with this book. Bared To You by Sylvia Day was such a roller coaster of a ride for me! There was pain, passion, trust issues, and just overall possessiveness from both sides. Eva and Gideon are both tortured people. They're both messed up in a dysfunctional relationship that almost seems like it wouldn't be able to work out. How can their relationship take any step further... when they both have secrets that will eventually tear them apart?
Honestly, when I first picked up this book up, I didn't have much expectations for it. I thought that it was just like any other erotica novel that I would read to pass the time with. But sadly, I was mistaken. It literally blew my mind and after finishing it, I wasn't able to stop thinking about it! This book was just so sad and bittersweet for me-- so much that I can't help but really like it. Plus, the steam factor was a bonus as well! From the very beginning when Eva met Gideon, you could literally feel the sexual tension between those two. It was attraction at first sight and sparks were flying everywhere! I do have to admit that I wanted to slap Gideon a few times because of his proposal to Eva in the beginning. Glad that she stood up for herself and declined his offer, hah!
As for their relationship as a whole, did I already mentioned that it was pretty messed up? You have to understand that these two have had some pretty horrible events that happened in their past. It was pretty sad, to be honest. I didn't like how Eva would always run away whenever she would find out certain things about Gideon. They literally have an on/off type of relationship-- in which, I don't think, is healthy at all! Eva is very insecure about herself, which makes the entire thing even worse. I guess that's why this book lost a star for me. It's because of Eva's wariness and Gideon's lack of awareness that made me want to bang my head against a wall several times. There were just so many misunderstandings!!! Thankfully, the ending ended up with a hopeful note that made me can't wait to read the sequel, Deeper in You.
Overall, Bared to You is an intense novel full of hardships, heartbreak, overcoming obstacles, trust, and most of all... trying to find love in a relationship that may seem hopeless. I truly and wholeheartedly was amazed by this book. Even though Gideon came off as a creeper at times because he was sort of "stalking" Eva (just like how her mom was ). I liked how Eva wasn't afraid to ask him to stop and stand up for what she believed in. Girl, I'm glad that you have a backbone! Don't let that man control you. Anyway, great book and I definitely can't wait to read more from this series!
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Edited 6/15/12: I would also point out that I have never read Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, so I wouldn't know all of the similarities that this book has with it. All I know is that even though Bared to You may seem like Fifty Shades of Grey and the premise is somewhat alike, it's actually quite different. There are significant differences in the book and honestly? I feel like it's more heartfelt compared to what I have skimmed when I looked through FSoG. Choppy sentence structures and metaphors that don't make any sense aren't my thing.
Rating: ★★★★☆
