Review: A Gentleman in the Street

A Gentleman in the Street

by Alisha Rai

Blurb:

 Shameless. That’s what she was.

Billionaire businesswoman Akira Mori can get anything and anyone her heart desires. Anyone, that is, except for a certain aloof author who has been dominating her dreams for over a decade. Accustomed to Jacob Campbell’s stern disapproval, Akira has turned provocation into an art, using every trick in her arsenal to keep the man from guessing the depth of her filthy fantasies.

Shameless. That’s what she made him.

Since the moment the sexy, sultry socialite sidled up to him years ago, there hasn’t been a time when Jacob didn’t crave Akira. But as guardian to his younger siblings, responsibility has controlled his life. Confining his darkest desires to secret, stolen moments maintains his carefully disciplined world…but a cold bed is the price he pays.

A single touch is all it takes for their simmering need to explode. As secrets and fears are stripped away one by one, shame becomes a thing of the past. They find themselves becoming addicted to each other, in bed and out—a frightening prospect for a man just learning to live…and a woman who thinks she doesn’t know how to love.

Themes: erotica, ménage, bondage

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:
A Gentleman in the Street indeed… that was one of the hottest stories I have read in a long, long time.  Not entirely surprising though, to be honest, as Alisha Rai is one of the hottest erotic writers I’ve had the pleasure to read. Whether she’s writing about sexy twin brothers capturing the heart of one reluctant woman or two individuals that have hidden their desire for one another for years, Rai manages to keep the heart of the love story, while still thrilling and exciting the readers with passion, excitement, and naughtiness.  I was thrilled to have the chance to read Akira and Jacob’s story and am looking forward to possible reading more about this family as Jacob also has two sexy younger brothers.  Any fans of the genre will find their tastes catered to with all the sensuality, a ménage or two and even some light bondage, but the core of the story remains with Akira and Jacob giving in to their desires and finding a way to find love through all the sexual escapades.

Jacob and Akira were both unique characters, each of them resisting their desires for one another for over a decade for very different reasons, but when the vulnerability of a death in the family leave Akira open, Jacob succumbs in a big way.  I love the way Jacob always puts those he loves above himself, even Akira, and always finds a way to get what he wants as well.  It was interesting to see him come out of his shell and embrace the sexuality he has been suppressing as he played daddy to his siblings. And of course seeing him fully accept Akira and her unconventional lifestyle, showed them both that he was the perfect match for her passions.  Akira was an enigma, wrapped up in a mystery, hidden behind a conundrum but I loved her nonetheless. She has had to erect so many barriers against the world and those that sought to tear her down that she just can’t pull them down to let Jacob in, but his determination to get under, over, or around them anyway he can finally sinks in and she finds a way to overcome her insecurities so she can have the man that has held her heart for years.

In the end, I LOVED this story and will probably reread it on dark nights when I need a little lift, replacing a pervious Rai novel as my go to (maybe :)).  Rai’s characters are always beautifully flawed and, when they come together, find ways to complement each other perfectly and battle those vulnerabilities together. Akira is a woman that has always had to hide behind a façade to keep others from bringing her down or dragging her down to their level.  But Jacob has begun to see through that façade and see the sweet and caring woman that has been hurt so many times, and she really has no defense against a determined and loving Jacob.  Jacob was one of those nice guys that has a hidden core of naughtiness and alpha strength; they soothe you into complacency then…BAM… they drag you into an irresistible heated passion and leave you ruined for any other man.  I have never read a Rai story I didn’t love and Gentleman in the Street is no exception, rising quickly to a favorite erotic romance that I will read repeatedly.  Another work of art Alisha… where could you possibly be taking us next? 

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.