My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brianna Hale is another new-to-me author whose universe I loved. In The Protégé she explores the taboo feelings of Lazlo, conductor of the Royal London Symphony Orchestra, and Isabeau, who has been his protégé since she was 8 years old.
The blurb and the cover, drew me in but the justesse of the tone, the characterization, and the finesse of the feelings were utterly enticing.
The tone is dark and intriguing, passionate and wistful. The what-ifs and guilt, although ever-present, were perfectly balanced; both of the hero and heroine were consumed by their conflicted emotions.
The story is told from both point of views, with flaskbacks revealing their encounter, the way they came to live together and how their relationship and feelings little by little grew into something else, ...something more, ...something so undeniably right.
The taboo equally intrigued and scared me but it never cross the line, thanks to the author's tasteful writing. The intensity and anticipation between Isabeau and Lazlo is seizing, exploring his dominant, strict and stern personality and her submissive, eager to please and perfectionist persona. They beautifully complete each other; I absolutely loved the indulgence Lazlo shows and their mutual respect.
The erotism of this story is one I haven't encountered in a while. The author played with the musical universe, the senses; the sensuality of the sight, sound and touch gave an incredible reality that enhanced the experience. Enjoy, ladies!
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
View all my reviews
He’s always protected me since I was eight years old, the neglected girl he took off the street and raised as his own. Laszlo can feel what music needs instinctively. He can tell what I need.
Yes, maestro.
Yes, sir.
Yes, daddy.