Dirty Deal

This was my first encounter with Crystal Kaswell’s and Virgina Rose’s work. I requested a code for review copy of this audiobook because I really like the fake relationship/maariage of convenience trope. However there were some things that didn’t work for me in this book. I enjoyed Virginia Rose as a narrator. The way she conveyed Kat’s emotions was very good. Her performance was excellent but I did discover that I really prefer dual or duet narration over single narration. Because in this book I missed the POV of Blake as in his emotions and motivation for his actions straight from the character. This caused his character to remain kinda flat for me.

Also in the story I missed some build-up and sexual tension that comes with the fake relationship trope. The characters were immediately into each other and the BDSM-light part of the relationship comes in a bit too quick for my taste as I hadn’t bougt into the attraction between the characters.

This being said I did enjoy the story and narration enough to listen to more of Kaswell’s work and Virginia Rose’s narration.

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1 person found this helpful

Blake & Kat ❤️

I love Kat & Blake, and their different personalities. I have read this book a few times now. But listening to it makes the story even more real. I hope to start listening to more books by Crystal very soon.

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I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would

It was sizzling, and perfectly narrated, but I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would.

It was way too long. It could have definitely be much shorter, especially since there are a lot of repetitions–seriously, there’s just so many times I can read about private parts clenching. The story progresses way too slowly.

It seems denial isn’t only a river in Egypt. Blake keeps repeating he can’t love Kat, and yet, everything he does shows that he actually has strong feelings for her. And though Kat sees the signs, she prefers to believe his words. It’s a well used plot device, but again, it should take her less time to confront him and extort his admission. Or for him to realize his true feelings. Of course, as the story develops only through Kat’s point of view, we never get Blake’s inner turmoil, though it is clearly visible through his actions.

As a short erotica with a little plot, it would have been perfect. As it is, the steamy scenes are lost between repetitive conversations and plot devices that sometimes make little sense–the fact that Kat is a virgin is quickly brushed under the carpet. At least, the narration was on point and quite enjoyable.

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Do fairytales come true?

Once again, Crystal Kaswell pulls me in and steals my heart. Her stories are always heartfelt and entertaining but have depth, and relevant issues being dealt with. Blake Sterling literally runs into Kat, and ends up offering her a job she just can't refuse. With bills to pay and an education starting for her sister, the offer is just too good to pass up. This modern day Cinderella story delves deeper than the prince finding his princess though. Most people think just because there is money, there is happiness and peace. We find out just how damaged and dysfunctional life really is for the Sterlings and how the average, everyday Kat has the magic to heal him. It's steamy from the beginning, and their chemistry off the charts. Parts will make you smile, cry, and frustrate you, but the journey through is so worth it! I love Blake and Kat and the deal is well worth the price.

Virginia Rose is a consummate storyteller. I love her narration and every time I listen to her, she is absolutely amazing. She brings in the perfect amount of emotion and angst, nails the steamy scenes and just makes us feel. I love her!

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Fantastic story!

Crystal Kaswell does it again. Dirty Deal is a well-written, well-plotted, and incredibly engaging contemporary romance. After the first few sentences, I was hooked and captivated to the end. Kaswell's characters are well-developed, bold, and wholly authentic with a compelling back story, making them relatable. The storyline was fantastic, Kat and Blake's journey had it's ups, downs, and even frustrating moments and loads of steam. Kat had to deal with the trauma of losing her parents, then the responsibility of raising her sister Liz and added financial obligations. Amidst her struggles, Kat meets Blake, a successful, hot, and arrogant alpha with a lucrative proposition. He offers her a million-dollar, mortgage payments, and a scholarship for Liz in exchange to be his wife for six months. The catch is, not to fall in love. I loved how everything played out and thoroughly enjoyed Cat and Blake's journey.

Virginia Rose did an outstanding job with the narration. She captured the characters' personalities, emotions, and their connection, bringing them to life. Overall, Dirty Deal was a highly entertaining and enjoyable listen, one I'll strongly recommend.

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2 people found this helpful

Great storyline

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable and have good pure personalities. Virginia gives a fantastic performance. The book is well written.

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Dragged on to long

I didn't enjoy this book, but listened to the end, though I skipped through most of it, just seemed to go on and on and on and all the same thing. I felt it Needed a bit more of a gripping story line to it.

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