Bared to You

Sylvia Day

May 2012 · A Crossfire Novel Book 1 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day comes the first novel in the Crossfire series—a provocative masterstroke of abandon and obsession that redefined the meaning of desire, and became a global phenomenon.

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness...
 
He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...
 
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds...and desires.
 
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn’t tear us apart...

Ratings and reviews

BARED TO YOU is the premiere novel and new release for Sylvia Day’s Crossfire Series. Sylvia introduces Gideon Cross a billionaire with multi-corporations and financial investments, and Eva Tramell, a 24 year old woman with a new job and a new outlook on life. Eva Tramell was hoping to make an impression on her first day at Cross Industries, but landing hard on her butt in the foyer wasn’t how she had hoped to impress. And worse, the beautiful sexy, dark and dangerous man who rescued her pride was none other than Gideon Cross, owner and financier. Eva’s position to a junior ad exec was just what she was hoping for to allow her to break free of her mother and step-father’s need to control. But Eva was hiding a painful past, one that her mother was unable to forget and her step-father had paid to hide. Gideon Cross is a man of power and wealth. Along with the money came responsibilities to him employees, his corporations and to the many charities he had chosen to support and back, including one specifically for abused and battered children. But the sight of that beautiful blonde woman landing on the floor was something he would not forget. She stirred something inside, he had long forgotten. Along with his power and money, came the people, especially the women who wanted to know Gideon Cross, but Gideon was one to hold back secrets. And like Eva, Gideon too, hid a horrible past that would haunt him night after night. There is a sexual tension growing between Eva and Gideon that was palpable by the many employees at Cross Industries. Although Eva was quick to turn aside all of Gideon’s advances, the couple is heading into a relationship built on sexual attraction and need. On the night of the dinner for the Battered Children’s charity, Eva could no longer resist the desire and need growing between she and Gideon. But Gideon’s quick exit and disappearance from the function left Eva feeling cold and used. She did not want to be his latest conquest. But not all was what it seems. Gideon’s need for Eva grows to an obsession. He is unable to describe his desire and need, but only that he is growing jealous of her friendships with others including Mark and her roommate Cary. Cary is a bisexual man and a model, with a dark history of drugs and abuse. Gideon and Eva’s relationship is filled with sexual encounters and daily affirmations. And the lover’s are fragile. There is a hunger for each other that is not easily quenched, but trust is hard to gain. Both have been hurt, literally, and their trust in one another is slow to develop. Gideon admits his need to control, but when he suggests that Eva willingly submit to his demands, she must admit something about her past that could end their relationship. Surprised by his reaction, Eva was hoping Gideon was able to confide his secrets to her. But the nightly terrors that ride Gideon in his sleep only grow until their relationship is threatened. There is a family history of pain and suicide, depression and neglect, and Eva is only now discovering that the man she has fallen in love (with); the billionaire corporate CEO; the man desired by every woman; the man who looks more put together than anyone she has ever see is so fragile and in so much pain. Eva’s past is hard for Gideon, and perhaps that is one reason he is unwilling to talk about his own. But when Eva is finally introduced to a woman who was once a significant part of Gideon’s life, she is unable to control the hurt, anger and jealousy that engulf. Eva feels betrayed with the knowledge that Gideon is keeping secret much of his past. And it will take a much longer time to learn to forgive and forget, when everyone is ignoring the giant elephant standing in the room. Bared to You is an erotic story that centers on the relationship between two dysfunctional people, who are both trying to swim in a sea of pain and sorrow. Eva’s past is revealed but Gideon’s history is one that we have yet to learn.

Day weaves a sinfully seductive storyline that leaves you sizzling. I couldn’t even fathom putting it down once I’d started. I really enjoy Day’s writing style. I found it easy to follow and that it fit well with the story at hand. Her eye popping and earth shattering descriptions build this world to a crescendo. Everything is so completely messed up and absolutely perfect. This story is so raw & real that the outside world disappeared while I was reading it. Day creates some very interesting and approachable characters. I appreciate the way that she develops their baggage; highlighting it without allowing it to take over. The contrast between the way they see themselves and the way that they see each other is breathtaking. The dialogue between the characters is quite natural. It adds to the realism of the story. I appreciated the detail that went into this development. I haven’t enjoyed getting to know characters this well in a very long while. I would highly suggest booking yourselves a date night with Gideon Cross. He goes just as well with a cup of coffee as with a glass of wine. This is a must read for everyone who likes something hot.

As I just finished reading the 50 Shades trilogy, I was looking for something similar but with a better literature/ That was just it! The dialogues are fluids, the vocabulary is rich and varied, the erotic scenes are very well described and not awkwardly unrealistic as some in 50's were. Don't take me wrong, I loved the 50's story (we all need a fairy tale even a BDSM one), but this one is no nonsense. I believe the characters personalities and way of thinking every single page. I really enjoyed Cary's character and the fact that he was not THE cliche gay friend. He has more colors to his persona, which I thought was smart. I just hope that the sequel will give more explanation as to who are the other females of the story (where they come from, why they are the way they are with Gideon etc...), and of course a deeper investigation in Gideon's past. I seriously can't wait until October...Torture!!! PS: I'd love for some of the sexual explicit to be a bit less trashy, especially coming from a woman, it's unfeminine according to me.

About the author

Sylvia Day is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of over 20 award-winning novels sold in more than 42 countries. She is a #1 bestselling author in 28 countries, with over 18 million copies sold. Her Crossfire series has been optioned for television and is currently in development. Visit Sylvia at SylviaDay.com, Facebook.com/AuthorSylviaDay, and on Twitter @SylDay.