I’m going to start out by saying this was definitely a “read at your own risk book”. VIP had a few things going on that I was hesitant on reading. However with that being said Robinson made it work. The story starts out filling in the background on the lives of the two main characters Sebastian and Ysabelle. I loved knowing that their paths would eventually cross but not being able to see the exact direction the author was going. I had so many conflicting emotions, and I have to say that at times it was not easy to read. VIP includes infidelity and not one, but two love triangles involving the same man. Sebastian Vanwell- Childhood best friend of Julia and Olivia, who grows up to become a happily married man as well as father. Sebastian had a fairly carefree and loved childhood with happy memories. He marries his “lifelong love”, the safe bet (Julia)- and lives a wonderful life until he stumbles upon Ysabelle who reminds him of the “one true love” (Olivia) he was unable to have. I’m a generational whore.” I confessed with a smile. -YsaYsabelle Telle- grows up with the life you would expect and assume an escort would. Seemingly accepting of her fate and who she has become, Ysabelle becomes a high paid escort to Madame (the owner of the elite service that caters to the wealthiest men and women in the world)and so embarks Sebastian and Ysabelle in a torrid yet explosive love affair- that sends emotions running high and hearts scattered in the wind. “The truth always finds its way of being revealed, that’s the beauty of lies they never stay hidden”“He was never mine and I was never his; we lived in a delusional state of mind where we both thought it could work.”I stopped short of giving this book 5 stars only because it was lengthy and at times felt the author was including filler that could have been left out. The editing could have used a little more work- I came across several typos and words misplaced. Overall it was sexy, emotional and not a typical romance story but one about the reality of love, and how sometimes our lives can take such an unexpected turn- we barely recognize ourselves. I was extremely intrigued by the Madame and can not wait to start her story. Wow! M. Robison you sure know how to write a tantalizing story. The way the words consume my thoughts and draw me into the story. This story is going to be fresh in my mind. It's definitely memorable. I love stories that make you think and draw out several emotions in you. I kept an open mind. I knew the right decision would eventually be made. I was pleased with the outcome. The full circle outcome was the perfect closure.I relish the stories that focus on the damaged people and those that are corrupted. The character build up is quite extensive and very detailed. Although I was impatient I loved how you held out all the control of the story in the beginning. The build up for what was to come was worth the detailed character development. Once the two stories came together I was enchanted.I love that phrase,"I don't want you to put a label on it". Society puts labels on everything by judging and calling these sexual experiences taboo.Our pasts mold us into the people we are today and along the way we are faced with choices that will affect our lives for good and bad, but ultimately we never truly understand what effect those choices will have on our future until they are put to the test. It always seems that something tragic in our life is what puts it all into perspective. We go through life making choices not realizing until tragedy strikes that those choices led to this moment. Ysabelle is quite good at seduction. She has men begging to claim and taste her. Men become possessive of her and yet she can easily walk away. She has the power to bring men to their knees. There passion is intense and the connection addicting. I find myself consumed by there connection. I lose focus on the reality of the sin committed because this kind of emotional and physical love is unreal.It maybe an affair but Sebastian always was stuck in an affair even during his childhood. He has cheated himself of what he truly desired for fear of always hurting Julia.Men are fickle creatures wanting variety and being emotionally unattached only driven by a physical need. Men are selfish and take what they want. Yet women still want them and men are powerless against them. It's a give and take. The key is finding the right fit to your every wants and needs. Only then will you find completion.
What do You think about VIP (2013)?
The plot and characters were all fantastic, loved everything about this book!
—Tina
