Bared to You (Crossfire, Book 1) by Sylvia Day (2012-07-19) Paperback – 1 Jan. 1800

Having only recently read 50 Shades of Grey and fallen madly in love with Ana and Christian's love story I was keen for something more. This is ideal. The author credits EL James at the back of the book for opening up this genre so I think it's ok to compare this to 50 shades for this review.In terms of writing this is much better- the repetition in the writing is much less (cleft licking seems to be the only one I noticed but then what else can you use for that area of a woman that isn't vulgar or too scientific?!) In terms of the storyline it's still a classic 'sexual tension which turns to undying love' like FSoG but has got lots of room to develop- we still don't know entirely why Gideon's a little bit messed up although we discover a fair amount about Eva within the first book. There is also a hint of who could play out to be the main baddy and I hope this person is used to full effect.Eva to me seems to be a survivor personality- she's been through a lot in her past, has made it through to the other side but still bears the scars and wavering self esteem issues. This helps to make her appealing to the famale audience especially when it's obvious she's meant to be a buxom stunning blonde- don't you just hate them?! Gideon is dark, smouldering and enigmatic. He's obviously been abused in his past and his hauting also comes at night. He's fiercely protective and possessive of Eva much like Christian is of Ana, but he doesn't jump in Charlie Tango when she doesn't return his calls!I like that there are a few more 'friends' in this book albeit most are gay/bisexual. Eva genuinely seems to be someone who enjoys spending time with her mates when Ana didn't always seem that way. I would like to see Eva have a stronger female friend in future books but Cary does do a good job. Although in this book Gideon is also worth mega bucks it doesn't seem as extravagent as it does in Fifty plus Eva has grown up with money so it helps to put them on a more even keel. I guess that's the one thing I really like about this book- it feels to me that Eva and Gideo are more balanced in terms of power and you don't get the impression that she's as blindly besotted with him in the same way Ana is with Christian.The sex is defnitely more vanilla with no mention so far of bondage, riding crops or blindfolds but hey, this is only the first book! The sex scenes are well written and personally far more believable and enjoyable than 50. I wouldn't mind it branching out to a little kinkyshaggery but if it stays at its current level I think I'd be happy.My one disappointment though... the second and third book are not yet available to buy through Amazon and I'll have to wait til Oct and Dec (looking at initial release dates on website) to finish the story. I guess you'll just have to twist my arm and make me re-read it before the release so I'm reminded of the storyline!

My first Sylvia Day book...and I am in a state of "How did I not know about this author till now??!!"This book is AMAZING I can't stop thinking about it. Every time I had to put it down for one reason or another I was thinking about it. I finished it this morning and I am still thinking about it!! Seriously WOW!!!!!I have had NO sleep since I started it... well barely ...I did nod off for an hour last night and was so annoyed with myself I mean who needs sleep right?! So I have to tell you to read this book...it was an emotional journey, it was completely addictive and it was amazingly HOT!! Seriously "knicker cam'ing hot" top of the cam-o-meter HOT!!! My girls will know what I am saying here!!! LOL.....Gideon and Eva are two very damaged people who find in each other what they need to absolve and free themselves...but that does not come easy!! Like Eva asked:"Can two dysfunctional people have a functional relationship?"I loved Eva, she was strong, knew what she wanted and went for it, she is a survivor! She is probably one of my favorite book heroines, her story touched my heart and her survival was inspiring!And...Gideon...I have barely any words for how much I LOVE him! Gideon is "damaged", he is haunted, he is amazing, he is controlling, HOT, sex on legs...yeah I could go on and on...I am speculating like crazy trying to figure out by what and who he was scarred by and even though I have a sneaky feeling I CANNOT wait for book 2..I need it like right now!!Oh and I don't want to forget Cary...beautiful damaged soul...I need to know what happens next for him!The relationship between Gideon and Eva is so intense, absolutely beautiful, two tortured souls trying to make it right. The passion between them...bloody hell...it had me hooked from the start.I know this is going to be in my top reads of 2012!!Oh and fingers crossed we don't have to wait too long for book 2!!!!