| Title | : | Revealed (Vice, Virtue Video, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 259 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2012 |
Lola knows about and accepts James and his debauchery; it's never been a secret between the two friends. However, a hometown visit prompts James to face his evolving feelings for her, especially after his conservative family discovers his true profession and she comes to his rescue. Not wanting to seduce the innocent Lola, he returns to California, where he sets his sights on becoming a superstar in the industry.
While Lola is visiting James from college, they dance around their attraction to each other. After Lola admits she's never had an orgasm, James offers to be her hands-on teacher. A lifetime of friendship with a manwhore tells Lola that she should not get attached to James as a lover, as tempting as his offer may be. Can she please her body while still protecting her heart?
From the author of some of the highest rated erotic romance on Smashwords comes this first look into a world of love, friendship...and porn.
Revealed (Vice, Virtue Video, #1) Reviews
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"I've been her friend since I was nine and she was six, so I've watched her grow from a scrawny little girl into a full-fledged hottie......She's really special to me-pretty much the only girl in town I haven't slept with-and I don't want some asshole to break her heart."
Friends to Lovers.....James and Lola
Exposed is book 2 of 4 in this series and my my how James and Lola have grown up since the first book. The dialogue is still a little immature but even with that being said...I'm still really enjoying these two characters. This book supposedly takes place 4 years after the first book, so Lola is a senior in high school and James "Mr. Pimp Daddy" is a up and coming porn star out in California.
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So, I read this series when it was all shiny and new, self-published by the author. Then I heard she had sold the book to Omnific Publishing and I was even more excited because it mean more James and Lola. I also found out this book would close of the gap between books one and two.
*insert my eye twitch*
Now, I love James. I do. Honestly, I think he was just seriously emotionally stunted for 80% of the series and just always thought he would have Lola all safe and sound tucked up next to him and she would never go off and be her own person. Well, he pushed enough to make that possible. I think that is the great part about the series. James made realistic mistakes and Lola had very real responses and that was to shut down all feeling for him and try to pretend she didn't care. They story takes you on a roller coaster that pretty much makes you want to poke your eyeballs out a few times because you are frustrated with James 99.9% of the time before the light bulb clicks on and he's like wait a minute LOLA!
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
In this installment we see James and Lola growing up. James a porn star and Lola is his bestie and what the best way to describe this tension?
In short, James and Lola are totally in love but both of them are to blame for denying it. I think James more than Lola, because Lola is willing. But James is too wrapped up in being a pornstar and being THE porn star and getting laid to block out the fact he's in love with Lola that she shuts it off because she can't cope with all the feels. (I can't either honey, I can't either!)
Now, the new added scenes.
I didn't need them.
I'm honestly not saying them to be mean, because I LOVED Lola's new scenes. But James's new scenes made me cry and get really angry. I skipped them when I realized they would include Tara Morgan and that other porn chick. See, we were glossed over all this in book two. It was mentioned but now show. I had to see it and I wasn't prepared and I skipped through it on my nook really fast and pretended it didn't happen. Because I caught glimpses of his inner dialogue while he was doing it, and I started to cry. Yeah, yeah, yeah its fiction, shut up I'm invested. I had to instantly read book three of the original versions I had to make myself feel better because that brings everything together.
See, Tara causes a problem in book four so there is a seething hate I have for this woman. Book four as the most FEELS and yeah. So, on the plus side, I still heart James and Lola. On the down side my FEELS are a shattered pool of broken promises until the rest of the series is released and I can feel better about the whole thing. Because for people that HAVEN'T read this series, that will, will have no clue what I know.
The story is daring, edgy, and makes your feels vomit all over the room. I highly recommend this series if you didn't read it when it was originally self published.
*I received a copy of this via Omnific Publishing in exchange for an honest review* -
It seriously only took me a few minutes to fall in love with James. Now really, James is the ultimate book boyfriend, in that I mean a bit too good to be true! We are talkin’ 6’5 hot, sexy, porn star who is amazingly attentive, a fabulous cook and cares about nothing more than Lola’s happiness and dotes on her every move. Oh, and did I forget to mention INCREDIBLY WELL endowed?? I know, I told ya right, total fantasy!! Except, he is not Lola’s boyfriend, he is her best friend…..For now… more about that in a minute. I have to share how I see them in my head, and James is even described as closely resembling my actual fantasy man, Jason Momoa!! This will give you a mental pic to work with…yeah, you’re welcome!
I read these books when they were a series of small novellas. This book is a combination of the first three original novellas with quite a few additional scenes.
James and Lola have been best friends since they were children but NEVER more than friends. Though James is crazy protective and Lola measures every guy up to James. James has worked his way sexually through the female population and now finds himself in the porn industry as the newest up and coming star. Don’t get me wrong, James could not be a sweeter guy, he is kind, sensitive and never cruel, he simply loves women!! All the while Lola has remained a virgin and could never quite understand why she couldn’t find a man she loved as much as James!! Now they are both starting to discover that they are developing more that friendly feelings for the other but are too afraid to act on them, aside from a little fooling around.
Although when the messing around goes a little far and gets a little intense they have to decide if the attraction is worth the possible fall of the great friendship they have. So we end this first installment with both James and Lola deciding that just friends is how they need to stay and Lola heading back to school and James continuing to rise in the porn industry. If you were lucky enough to have read these books when they were out as novellas, then you know how this ends for them, provided the lovely Ms. Giovanni doesn’t throw us a curveball :) - However, if you haven’t read them, please stay tuned for the next installment in the life of James and Lola. I promise you won’t be disappointed, I love these characters and their journey is a wonderful ride!! -
Wow! What a great surprise this was. Got it based on a friend's recommendation and was so happy I did. It was hot, angsty and just what I needed! Even though James drove me crazy at times and could be completely clueless, I really enjoyed this one. All his crazy experiences and his relationship with Lola were great! Can't wait to continue the series!
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I'm so in love with these characters and this story. So far this is must read for me. I have two books left from this author so saving full review, but I believe this will end up my favorites shelf. ;)
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This series has grabbed me. Fantastic! Thanks Dr. Shelly..
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Ok, I just finished Revealed and I'm still at a loss about how I exactly feel about it. The story was extremely complex and actually left me feeling emotionally barraged at the end.
Lola and James's story was sweet and sexy. I'd probably classify it as a new adult erotic romance. But not a traditional one. Lola and James have been best friends since they were younger. The story opens with Lola being on the brink of her high school gradation and James returns from California to his childhood home to visit her and his family. James absolutely adores Lola. He places her on a pedestal and warns her away from would-be courters and them from her. James recognizes that his best friend is no longer a little girl. She is all woman with a gorgeous body to prove it. And, his feelings for her gradually begin to change. His body wants her but his head respects the boundaries of their friendship. Lola and James spend every waking moment with one another and they talk about Lola's preparation for college and her impending graduation and they talk about James's rather interesting "job" as a porn star. James is a big porn star in California but his family has no idea he has an alter ego. Even in his youth, James was a ladies man so he definitely kicked that up a thousand notches as an adult.
I say the story is complex because it chronicles James and Lola's relationship that began as friendship but sweetly burgeons into more. They are attracted to one another but their strong friendship keeps them from crossing into the point of no return. Well...sort of. Sorry, you'll have to read the book to discover the details for yourself :).
James had a duality that was often times at complete odds with one another. He was completely sweet and respectful of Lola but was an absolute manwhore in his life away from her. He. Was. Nasty. Yes, he was always respectful to the women he starred with but they were all definitely disposable.
Toward the end of the story there is an even greater change in the friends relationship. Sweet in many respects but very sad in others. The story just left me feeling a but raw because it took me from a sexy high to a depressing low as Lola walked away from James to return to her life as a college student. Although the story ending on an even note, things felt very much in the air between the couple. It didn't end in a happily ever after but it wasn't a cliffhanger either. I wanted more. I wanted different. I hope the next book in the series puts the friends closer together. I'm such a greedy reader. *LOL* -
In Vice, Virtue, & Video: Revealed the author, Bianca Giovanni, gives you a storyline with sweet and salty, raw and cherished, and filth and virginal. And I love it. The emotions in this story are so breathtaking.
James and Lola, have this wonderful relationship that stands against all odds. They are fated to be together, but I am not sure if this togetherness is about a loving relationship (dating, marriage and 2.5 kids, lol!?), or if it is a love and a mutual respect for one another.
It is powerful to see a strong female lead (Lola) and how mature and realist she is at such a young age. She is a child from a one parent home and even though her dad is an ass in this book, it does not bash the idea of him as a person, it only reflects how a relationship could be strain with a father who was never there and is some how obligated, in his mind, to be a part of her life.
The porn side is hot. James is a beautiful beast. He is magnificent at making women feel satiated and gorgeous at the same time with his Frenching, Fingering, Cunninglingus, and Coitus. He is every girls dream in the bedroom and to you’re your friends jealous. James is also every fathers fear at Thanksgiving dinner,
Daughter: “Hi daddy, this is James. He is my boyfriend and I love him.”
Father: “Honey, he looks so familiar. Is he famous or something? He looks so familiar.”
Me: Oh my!
This book has romance, drama with a stellar climax, and an ending that completes the beginning.
I see the there are so many roads this author has made available for this story and I am beyond excited for part two of this story.
Happy reading! -
This is book 3 in James and Lola's on going story.....it's not a love affair YET and they are still growing up. Beginning to test that line between friendship and lovers.....oh la la.......I like that part....*winks* In this book the lovely Lola is in college and our fabulous bad boy James is in California doing his thing.....that's right....he's slinging it in the porn business.
This was a short story so I'm going to make this a short review. Basically this is what happens.......
Lola goes to California....
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James and Lola! These two have to the be the cutest people on the face of the planet (they exist out there somewhere or I'm just giving up). If you are just discovering this story I would recommend reading First Dance as it is a cute little story that starts before this one, and the one that got me hooked. Exposed and Diving In are rolled into this book (with more details). I still love all of them and will re-read them...however if anyone who has read Man of the Year already knows...the wait for more is killing me!!!!
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Finally............wait! What?!?! Nooooo!!! Okay if you have read the first two and have read this one then I think you will know what I am talking about. Something does happen between these two but not in the way I was hoping. Don't worry they are still best friends and on good terms but it is taking them forever to realize that they belong together. I am so in love with this couple I am going insane. I want them together but I don't want the series to end. Such a double edged sword.
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I first read this series back in early 2012 when it was first released as small novellas but now it has been re-released with new scenes i had to read the newer version.I liked Lola's new scenes but
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When I was first told about the stories premise I just had to read it...my best friend is a porn star?!? What an interesting dynamic, one that I have never read about. So, I was intrigued! Lola and James are best friends since childhood and their relationship is a sweet one. Such unconditional love for one another! They are There for each other during the good times and defend and protect when necessary. I love the easy relationship they have with one another, so effortless! "She's my little treasure and I don't want anyone else to discover her"...
James is sex on a stick! Women look at him and just want him, sex is something that he is good at! After graduation, James decides to move out to LA to pursue a career in modeling and acting. One thing leads to another and eventually he finds himself doing porn and soon becomes a rising star. Not many people know of James' job except for Lo and a few of his close friends. And he'd like to keep it that way. Until a trip home unravels that secret and now James just been kicked out of his home and as far as they're concerned "their youngest son is dead".
Lo is a compassionate, caring, loyal and beautiful Young woman who loves James with all of her heart and "when James isn't around everything feels off…" Lo is getting ready for high school graduation and to go to college in New York. Lola has a wonderful relationship with her mother but doesn't have the greatest relationship with her father. He puts self-doubt in her head and makes her feel she isn't good enough, Smart enough or even pretty enough to attend NYU in the fall.
Lola and James plan a trip for her to come out to California during Labor Day weekend. This is when the course of their relationship begins to change. Feelings of more than just friendship is beginning to emerge. Should they act on these urges and if they do what will it ruin their friendship? Will it change the way they feel about each other? Is James cut out to be boyfriend material and is he capable of being in love with somebody and give them everything they need
I am really looking forward to the next book of the series to come out and to find out what happens in the next phase of their relationship. -
How could a not love an update of James and Lola’s story. They have been best friends since he moved next door to her when he was 9 and she was 6. They comfort each other when their respective fathers are being tools. He took it as his job to protect her from the evils on manly ways…Oh I forgot that he is the evil for most of the women in their town? They are each other’s everything. She helps him with homework, he makes sure she never gets a date. They talk about everything…including all of James sexual exploits, even about his new career of being a porn star!
James and Lola’s story is so funny and cute. They both like each other beyond the BFF point, they both want each other just as much as the other, but neither wants to mess up their relationship. But somehow they tip toe over the physical line of being BFF’s.. The extra scenes were great. Some made me a little mad i.e. Tara, and James being clueless to Lola’s feelings towards him. But there’s nothing wrong with a little worthwhile angst. As Lola and James story continues I will definitely be there for the ride. Great job Ms. Bianca! -
Loving the James and Lola journey!
I first began with the free book “First Dance” and thought okay, high school was a long time ago for me, but let see where it takes me. I always had best friends who were guys, so I related to that big time, and yes, there were times when that “best buddy” of mine looked dreamy, but I kept it moving….so to speak.
I then moved on to ‘Revealed’ and thought James’ new profession was perfect for him! Thank you Bianca Giovanni for giving us a valid reason for why your leading man is so damn hot in bed…. he’s a professional for God’s sake! (So many other leading men are described as being “gifted” in bed, but I always think it ‘s subjective. Not the case here!) The friendship between James and Lola is evolving before our very eyes in this series and I love the natural way it’s coming of age.
High marks for character development, witty and believable dialog and having a leading lady who is smart, yet sexually a bit innocent and a leading man, who I can’t stop thinking about! I’m in this James and Lola journey for the long haul, so keep the books coming! -
A 4.5. I enjoyed the story line and the authors writing, she keeps you interested from the beginning....James and Lola's relationship is honest and true. I love how they grew up together and are the best of friends, they have this really strong emotional connection that they are unsure of. You can tell they both are in love with each other but don't know how to act about it with out the chance of ruining their friendship. The only one thing (negative if that) I found myself doing was skimming through some of James' scenes only because it felt repetitive after a couple times(because of who he is I don't know if it could have been done a different way or not, on the fence) I am excited to see where they end up can't wait for the next book to come out :)
***I did receive this book in a promotion from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. -
The third installment in the Vice and Virtue series sees Lola heading to California to visit our lovable Porn Star-- James. He is all a bit dense and clueless the more we get to know him but I see the appeal and very real love he has for Lola. This story kicks it up a notch and shows James giving Lola her first orgasm-- oh yes it's hot, romantic, sizzling-- and still we are left with these two just not getting it :-) it is great tension building and we are totally left swooning over these two even if the reality is kind of absurd :-)
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I really really really loved this book. Oh my god I have a major James crush. Could he be any better of a friend to Lola and her to him. I loved their friendship and the back and forth between them...how they could give each other shit, yet care for each other through their shit. Everyone needs an unconditional friend like that. Major James hangover....I think I love him lol
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Follow up to First Dance. More in depth look at the friendship between Lola and James. They take a turn after he has some family issues. This was great and I'm starting the next one just as soon as I stop typing this review. Ok, gotta go! :D:D
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More of James and Lola! This one got a bit steamier and definitely sucked me in! I can't wait to read the full length book next!
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I WANT TO READ THIS SO BADLY IT'S KILLLLLLING ME.
I really hope it doesn't disappoint :) -
****3.5 stars****
Review for books 1 and 2)
Holy hell, what a ride! I can honestly say this series is unlike anything I’ve read, and that comes with a lot of positives but also some negatives. Taking a sex-driven alpha porn star, giving him a huge soft side for his best friend, and then making their love story work is no easy task, and I have to give Bianca Giovanni props for what she’s done here.
The history that James and Lola shared was probably my favorite part of this story, because I loved that they’d shared so much over the years. It was very much like a brother-sister relationship seeing as how he was always screwing anything female and then turning around to protect Lola’s purity. Hypocritical, yes, but sweet nonetheless. Then they went and grew up, and the awkward between phase left Lola spreading her wings and James getting paid for exactly what he was good at. James had all the traits of a gifted porn star; trust me, we’re in his head a lot and he thinks exactly how you’d expect a man whose life revolves around being great at sex to think. But then he’s got this other side of him, and it’s not the profound depth you’d get from some male characters, but it’s big for HIM, this man who runs on autopilot, and it makes him real.
When I read Revealed, which I give 3.5 stars and will refer to as “Stage 1” of James and Lola becoming ‘Jola’, I was not sold on this guy. He was very much about making himself feel good and making a name for himself at that point. Lola, while always his precious angel, was not yet really a factor in his decisions and actions, and James was in denial about his feelings for her. While they were sweet together, there was no romance, and I couldn’t see how James was every going to win me over. Then Captured happened, and yeah, I’m definitely feeling the draw to this guy. He still frustrated the hell out of me when he acted out on his base urges early on, because HELLO I want a romance not just sex. But ooooooooooh wow was the sex hot, I mean I almost felt guilty loving how incredible James was at making women other than Lola writhe and moan….almost! I think that’s the brilliance in it though, because if Lola and James had been deeply invested emotionally all along, I would have hated him for going back to what he was doing. So, as much as I wanted more of an emotional punch from them together, I think it would have ruined the whole relationship by making James into a cheating manwhore, instead of just a guy doing his job, enjoying the aftermath, and living in denial about his feelings for his soulmate.
While there may not be a whole lot of depth yet into the emotional well that is Jola (and while there IS a lot of growing up to do), we do see James in several situations that have his heart in tattered shreds, and they were painful. I love him for this side, the part of him that can be so brutally crushed, and it makes him a much better man for his Lola. Though I wasn’t always in his corner and there was a lot more sex than love at times, I’m sold on this series and I look forward to seeing what’s next for James and Lola. They’ve made it through the first huge hurdles, and I’m pulling for them to get whatever version of walking off into the sunset Bianca Giovanni feels fits them best!
Quotes:
“Yeah, I think I’m about ten thousand years away from that. I mean, if this was the scale of sexual evolution, I’m the fish that just grew legs, meanwhile James has opposable thumbs and he’s constructing the microchip.” ~ Revealed, Loc 3855
This is definitely a moment. Something’s happening right now. The way she’s looking at me and the way it makes me feel, all fluttery and warm…shit’s taking place that goes way over my head, and I can’t pinpoint what it is, but it’s here. I feel it. ~ Revealed, Loc 4473
I see the hint of a smirk on his face—Shit! He knows!—as he brushes my hair back off my shoulder and moves into my space, delicately touching his lips to my neck. He kisses up and down my neck, and my skin feels hypersensitive, like there are little electrical shocks emanating from every place his lips make contact with me. ~ Captured, p. 56
I run my hands up and down her back, her sides, her shoulders, her neck, caressing her like the fuckin’ delicate treasure that she is. She caresses me too, running her little fingers up and down my biceps, over my back and sides and putting her palm on my chest over my heart. Seriously, who else has ever done something like this with her? Who else has loved her as much as I do? Nobody. ~ Captured, p. 99 -
Warning:
lots of steamy stuff and dirty dialogues, a male character who is a porn star and a dangerous friendship that's about to turn sinfully hot.
First reviewed on Literaria
http://sede-literaria.blogspot.com
James is a nice guy. Yes, he's a porn star and is happy about it. However, he's good-natured and he's never mean with or about women. Everybody is aware of his magnet-like qualities that attract women by the thousands, but he always treats them with respect. He likes and appreciates them.
I liked that James is confident, but never arrogant. He knows his charms, though he's not boastful about them. What's more, family and friends also have an important role besides his encounters with women. The scenes with his friends are playful and full of funny male bickering, while his relationship with his mother is sweet and loving.
Regarding James and Lola together, they've been friends since little kids. Nothing is as sacred as their friendship which is absolutely platonic and unbreakable. They trust each other. They comfort each other. Sex with innocent Lola is out of the question for James, even though he's plainly aware of her beauty. There is a lot of stress on that hands-off policy in James' thoughts. He's also very protective of her and can't imagine another man, a stupid, awkward young man touching his Lola that way.
I was just hoping for that forbidden moment when they unwittingly broke the invisible vow of chastity between them. Their friendship is so beautiful, I relished every sweet moment of it, but was also naughtily craving for that slip into uncharted territory. All that "won't touch her" philosophy would be all the worthier to break through for it.
When the truth about James' job explodes, it's a rollercoaster of pain and emotional intensity. I was so sorry for him because he's so nice and kind. He doesn't deserve to be punished.
So the bond between Lola and James gets tested in so many ways that it starts to get really hot, but they emerge stronger and closer than ever. The sexiness starts boiling up which results in steamy banter and even hotter, breathtaking intimacy. I loved their funny, sensual, abrupt playfulness.
Though there are still some lingering doubts about the possibility of them together as Lola is still young and James is a porn star. Lola is about to start college, all her decisions will affect her future and that includes how to proceed with her growing attraction to her best friend. On the other hand, James has to face his demons about how he copes with emotional distress by using sex as a consolation mechanism. That made me feel for him. I understand that sometimes people use certain behaviours to counter their grief, but it's only masking the effects and it never really cures the problem.
It's an emotional journey that I'm enjoying about this story as much as the friendship turned hot connection. Even though the physical attraction is so strong, I really liked that they're trying to focus on what they love about each other and how well they connect on every level.
The sex is absolutely graphic. It is fitting to the story but what I thoroughly enjoyed was the flirtation and cuddling. It was blissfully perfect, honey sweet, and I wanted Lola and James to fall in love. Sadly, it's not an easy feat for them. After all, they are best friends. The question is, with all that sizzling passion knocking on the door, for how long will they be just that? -
May I mention the cover... I think it's damn beautiful, it's so Lola.
Well this was definitely porn. James, only 20 and a porn star already. Why baby why? I loved him so much. Best friends with Lola since she was 6 and he was 9, oh my God what a relationship they had, it was to die for. That type always gets me but I think this may have been the most intense female/male best friend closeness I've ever experienced and I've read many. I also can say without a doubt James pissed me off so much that I wanted him out of the picture, nothing ever to develop between him and Lola except their friendship. In my history of GR it's never happened that I've been against the hero. His lifestyle was disgusting and how he was so into it just made me want puke. I hated him during those moments. How Lola could deal with her best friend doing that and laughing it off... It just angered me. It didn't work for me. Reason being, the intensity of their relationship as friends. I couldn't accept it.
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This fast-paced tale isn't a love story. It's an "I-know-this-will-end-poorly-if-we-give-in" story.
20 y/o James "Langdon" Laird is a porn actor. He's beautiful, big, and buff, and thoroughly loves sex with women--many women. Any women. This began in junior high, and never stopped--even as a teen he happily served the cougar-wives who employed his dad's landscaping company. Why not, right? Everybody got a happy ending. In his movies the gals adore him for his attention and respect.
17 y/o Lola Caraway is bright and shiny and fresh. She has loved James like a brother ever since they met as kids. She knows about his sex films, but it doesn't matter to her--that's just a job. She's rather asexual, asctually, despite having a pubertal Swan-Transformation. Case in point: she's going to Prom as a beard to her semi-closeted gay friend.
James has returned to their small Midwestern town to visit Lola and attend her high school graduation. Between them the relationship has always been platonic--but this visit James sees the new Lola. And he's interested. Not enough to approach her sexually, though, so don't call the cops.
Lola and James spend a fantastic night after she ditches out of her prom--romantic dinner on a lovely vista--and cuddling throughout the night. When he returns the next morning his parents are enraged. They were alerted to his porn career via some friends and his father kicks him out. Having no where to go, he collapses on Lola's doorstep, shaken by their anger and abandonment. Lola's mother takes James in--temporarily. He stays two night. Two night in Lola's arms, though nothing happens. Well, not nothing. Lola's open heart and soft embrace soothes James' broken spirit. He wants to be physical with her--but he also doesn't. He knows he's not a relationship guy. Not the guy a Forever Girl like Lola deserves. He heads back to Cali to pursue his career with alacrity.
Meanwhile, Lola's confused about her new attraction to James. She has the summer to stew on it, but has promised to visit him over Labor Day, and does.
This time, the chemistry between them is fierce and yet playful. Lola meets some of his co-stars and friends in the industry. Some catty-gals who enjoy their James-playtoy, and some genuinely nice gay boys who helped James learn the business. Lola and James experiment a bit sexually--though doing the deed? Well...
It's an interesting friendship. I struggled a bit with the age disparity, the old sanctimonious gal in me got riled initially. But the compassionate way James treats Lola--and her stalwart resistance to any shenanigans--put me at ease. The book is written in clear language--no "too deep" conversation. These are still kids/new adults, after all. So, they razz each other. Playful flirting is carefully balanced by mutual respect and admiration. I felt comfortable with the story and its ending. See, usually I'm all "Where's the beef?" when it comes to my erotic romance; not so here. I'm looking forward to Book 2 and wondering how this relationship will change, yet again. Lola's going back to college--and the admiring boys she'll surely encounter. James is going back to starring in his on- and off-camera sex scenes. Will they be able to connect again? -
“My best friend is a porn star.” Huh – what an opening. This was enough for me wanting to read REVEALED (Vice, Virtue & Video #1) by Bianca Giovanni. And – oh! – I loved it! Loved James! Really, I mean – let’s face it: You would never believe that a rising star in the porn industry could be so sweet and caring to his best friend like he is to Lola! She really doesn't have the slightest idea how lucky she is having such an amazingly sweet best friend.
Lola and James have been best friends since they were little kids. Their love for each other is unconditional and true – in a friendship kind of way.
As Lola’s high school graduation is close, James returns home to his family from Los Angeles – to see his little Lola graduate. James adores her – he literally waits on her hand and foot. He does his best to protect her from all evils, including all men that might be interested in her. Nobody is good enough.
But soon James begins to realize that Lola is not the little girl anymore, she is all grown up – to a beautiful young woman. Spending every waking moment together – especially after James’ family declares him as dead when finding out what he does for a living –, feelings far from friendship begin to emerge. Appreciating their precious friendship, James does everything to reject and deny what his body wants. Are they about to ruin a long-lasting true friendship if they give in to their attraction to one another? How can a porn star be an appropriate boyfriend to a girl this pure and innocent anyway?
Om my, I fell for these two! So adorable! So sweet! Such an amazing and strong friendship. How much they value it, not wanting to cross the path and maybe risking it. They are as close as friends can be, knowing even the filthiest details of one another. How carefree and self-evident they talk about everything, even about James’ extraordinary job as porn star… Lola not judging him for it! There are so many facets that left me in awe!
As for James. I loved the side he showed Lola – and I truly believe that this is his real personality. I’m still not that sure if I even liked his business side, the – well – manwhore. Yes, he is still respectful to women and he was a ladies man even before getting into the business, but still… it was kind of like he had two personalities.
Given James’ different personalities, I would say this book is part New Adult Romance, part Erotica (definitely without the romance). It is definitely not your average love story.
The ending left me a bit hanging. It is not a cliffhanger, but it is no happily ever after either. It is bittersweet and I wanted more. Too bad I had to read another book in between – I really had some minor problems concentrating on it, my mind kept drifting back to James and Lola.
So make sure you have CAPTURED close by when you start reading this book! :)
4 solid stars for a wonderfully written story about a stunning and strong relationship of two very unique characters who will warm your heart. -
This falls around a 3.5 for me.
Full review on allromancereviews.com
MICHELLE'S REVIEW
Let me start this review by saying this is a great book and an interesting story.
If I am being totally honest- as hard as I tried to not compare this to other books- I did find myself comparing it to two books by two of my favorite authors. One book focuses on the male porn star aspect and the second book focused on the friends become lovers aspect so it was hard not to compare them. It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book on it's own though.
In fairness to the author, I will keep my review to this book and this book alone.
This book was realistic in a lot of ways. For one thing- the characters acted and spoke their age. At first this was difficult for me because 18 and 20 year olds aren't often very mature and their dialogue followed that- almost too well. But in the end, it really worked because the characters were believable.
Another thing that I really liked was the emotion behind some of the scenes, especially between James and his mom. I was definitely emotional after that whole episode.
I really liked Lola and James as characters. I did have some trouble imagining two best friends that were that attracted to each other and who had fooled around even if just a little still trying to defend being "just friends" but that again goes back to the realism of their characters. At their age it would be believable that they would have problems admitting their feelings or even putting a label on it. And even more believable is that Lola would have a better grasp of what was happening than James.
I kind of liked that Lola spends a lot of time talking herself out of her feelings with James. You know we've all done that at some point.
Sometimes James was such a 20 year old porn star that it was maddening. Also he might be a sex addict. But it was a lot of fun hearing about his porn sex-capades. That was definitely some hot writing there!
And the sexual tension and chemistry between Lola and James....
HOT!
Now, the way the story ends, it's unclear where James and Lola really stand so it will be interesting to see where they end up. I know that their entire story has been told already on Smashwords but I am going to wait for the release of the official books to find out what happens. I know...I'm a glutton for punishment! -
This falls around a 3.5 for me.
Full review on allromancereviews.com
MICHELLE'S REVIEW
Let me start this review by saying this is a great book and an interesting story.
If I am being totally honest- as hard as I tried to not compare this to other books- I did find myself comparing it to two books by two of my favorite authors. One book focuses on the male porn star aspect and the second book focused on the friends become lovers aspect so it was hard not to compare them. It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book on it's own though.
In fairness to the author, I will keep my review to this book and this book alone.
This book was realistic in a lot of ways. For one thing- the characters acted and spoke their age. At first this was difficult for me because 18 and 20 year olds aren't often very mature and their dialogue followed that- almost too well. But in the end, it really worked because the characters were believable.
Another thing that I really liked was the emotion behind some of the scenes, especially between James and his mom. I was definitely emotional after that whole episode.
I really liked Lola and James as characters. I did have some trouble imagining two best friends that were that attracted to each other and who had fooled around even if just a little still trying to defend being "just friends" but that again goes back to the realism of their characters. At their age it would be believable that they would have problems admitting their feelings or even putting a label on it. And even more believable is that Lola would have a better grasp of what was happening than James.
I kind of liked that Lola spends a lot of time talking herself out of her feelings with James. You know we've all done that at some point.
Sometimes James was such a 20 year old porn star that it was maddening. Also he might be a sex addict. But it was a lot of fun hearing about his porn sex-capades. That was definitely some hot writing there!
And the sexual tension and chemistry between Lola and James....
HOT!
Now, the way the story ends, it's unclear where James and Lola really stand so it will be interesting to see where they end up. I know that their entire story has been told already on Smashwords but I am going to wait for the release of the official books to find out what happens. I know...I'm a glutton for punishment! -
Vice, Virtue & Video- Revealed
Bianca Giovanni
This story was gifted to me for an honest review by We Love Kink.
Lola was six and James was nine when they first met. They were best friends right from the start. Hanging out with mostly each other. She was his confidante and he looked out for her, steering all the boys away with the evil eye. Sure he became quite the gigalo in high school and slept with all the girls and even some of the women but Lola was the only one that he ever let into his heart.
After high school he moves away to pursue a career in acting and by chance falls into a career doing what he does best. Making love with women. This time he is getting paid for it as he becomes a well known name in the pornography business.
As he comes home one weekend he help his best friend celebrate graduating for high school his parents find out what he has been doing and after a large fight, they kick him out of the house and disown him. He is devastated and Lola is his only comfort. They spend the night in each other's arms awakening desires but not acting on them.
This makes them look at each other in a different light. Should they risk what they have or stay best friends forever? Best friends wins out. The love that they have for one another is special. It is very deep and they need each other to continue to fill that spot for one another. He is her anchor and she is his lifeline. He talks about her constantly to all his friends.
I thought this book was very sweet. It was refreshing to read a story about honest emotions. The sexual tension was off the charts and I could not decide whether I wanted them to act on it or not. If I was confused I can only imagine how Lola and James must feel. I absolutely loved his career as a porn star. They scenes made me laugh they were so well done. The secondary characters, especially the porn stars were well done. I felt I was right there with them. The characters of his parents felt so real I was hating them too.
I am anxious to read the second story in this series. I don't know how it could get any better, but I am willing to find out. I would rate this story a 5/5 -
4 stars
What an amazing story of best friends that grows into beautiful sexy young adults that must learn to fight the attraction for each other or lose the friendship they have built over the years.
Lola Caraway an A+ student who graduates high school, moving on to college where is able to meet new people and guys without her best friend running interference. She thinks she will enjoy meeting some new guys that aren’t afraid to look at her because of James and maybe find a boyfriend. She is a sexy curvy young lady that has come into her body and drives the guys crazy. Especially being that she is unaware how beautiful she is. On top of that she is still so very innocent.
James Laird, sexy, 6’5 sex on a stick male, has slept his way through most of the girls in his high school and some of the moms in town also. He takes off to LA looking to start his career as a movie star. He becomes just that but not in the movies that you want to brag to your parents about. James becomes a major Porn Star with a future to become a Super Star in the industry.
Lola and James continue to talk daily. They need each other like they need their next breath. Lola makes a trip out to LA to visit James. She meets some of James’ friends in the industry and becomes a bit jealous of a couple of his co workers.
As they become closer than friends in a moment, they must decide if cross further over that line is worth their friendship or should they fight the attraction that they have for each other.
I enjoyed this book. I thought the friendship between Lola and James was great. The story is easy to follow and love the language that is used when James and Lola are talking. The description of James makes me wish I had a male best friend that was a Porn Star and able to show me things that I only imagined. Can not wait to dive into the continued adventure of Lola and James. And see if they will succumb to lust and love that they have for each other.
