Didn't I Warn You (Bad For You, #1)

by Amber Bardan

Book one of a darkly sensuous duology, Didn't I Warn You combines all-consuming sexual and romantic obsession with white-collar espionage and international intrigue.

Not everything dangerous is bad.

From the moment Angelina laid eyes on him, she fell into a fantasy. Mysterious, foreign, gorgeous, Haithem offered her what she needed most-a chance to feel again.

But Haithem is much more than he appears to be. He lives in a world of danger where everything comes at a price.

For Angelina, that price is her future.

He's made sure the life she's left behind is in tatters. Made her family believe she's dead. Still, he talks about protecting her, about keeping her safe, but she can't distinguish his truth from his lies. She can't separate her pleasure from his betrayal.

Haithem warned her. He told her he'd make her heart race, her body come alive, and her most primal needs rush to the surface. His for the taking.

He didn't say she'd come to love the devil who's destroying her, even as he keeps her prisoner.

• ISBN10: 0373003811
• ISBN13: 9780373003815
• Publish Date: 24 May 2016 (first published 22 March 2016)
• Publish Status: Cancelled
• Imprint: Carina Press
• Edition: Original ed.
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Eve1972]

This is book one in a two books series with the sequel coming out in June.

I wouldn't say it was really a "dark" read. I have certainly read kidnapping books that were WAY more dark and disturbing than this one. That said, I enjoyed this one a lot. Both the hero and heroine were likable characters. A good portion of the book is spent with both of them keeping secrets and Haithem is acting under a misconception about Angelina. Things get cleared up in the end, but there's a bigger story at play here and will the couples HFN end in a HEA? Well I guess like me, you'll just have to wait until June to see...

[Lynn]

Written with a dual point of view, Didn't I Warn You certainly surprised me!

Angelina, a college graduate is trying to secure a job with a trendy magazine so she can move out of her parents' house. After the death of her twin brother, they are overprotective and suffocate her. When she sees the dark, dangerous and exotic looking male in a coffee shop, she's instantly drawn to him and disappointed when he doesn't approach her. When their paths cross again, she's invited to his yacht to spend some time with him. Should she seize the opportunity and begin to live and experience what she craves or play safe and head home?

Haithem is tall, dark, handsome and mysterious. Constantly looking over his shoulder, he's protecting a secret and aware that someone, somewhere could try and steal it at any time. When a beautiful young woman catches his eye in a coffee shop he's instantly attracted to her. So after two more chance meeting seems more than a coincidence, he concludes she could be there to spy on him. Sensing, she's also attracted to him, he entices her to his yacht to ascertain who she works for…

Their attraction to each other is instantaneous, but Angelina and Haithem's relationship is a slow burn seduction as Haithem teases Angelina by offering to give her whatever she wants. Whilst trying to extract information on who she is. He gives her everything she wants except what she craves the most.

"I always deliver on promises."

Impressively, the writing is intriguing and suspenseful as the author seductively weaves a lustful storyline as the protagonists share their darkest thoughts. She keeps us anticipating Angelina and Haithem's coupling. It's potent and captivating. The sexy times are hot, but not erotic and the ending is satisfying in a 'Happy For Now' way.

When I began reading Didn't I Warn You, I was unaware more books are in the pipeline. Now that I've finished this novel, I undoubtedly want to continue Haithem and Anglina's journey.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley***