With one month and 17 days into the new year, I'm excited to share that I've completed my first book. I embarked on the journey of "Bared to You" by Sylvia Day on February 15. By February 16, I had turned its final page. The sense of accomplishment was truly gratifying, motivating me to seamlessly transition into my next literary pursuit.
My goal for the year is to read 12 books, averaging one book per month. Admittedly, I find myself slightly behind schedule, but I'm undeterred. The experience of immersing myself in "Bared to You" fueled my enthusiasm to start my next book.
Bared to You
Now, let's delve into my thoughts on "Bared to You."
Spoiler alert: I found it to be a captivating read. From the outset, I was drawn into the intricacies of the storyline and the depth of its characters. Sylvia Day captures the complexities of love, desire, and personal growth, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
At this point in the blog post, if you haven't read "Bared to You" yet, it might be a good time to pause, grab a copy, and dive into the story yourself. Trust me, you won't regret it! Once you've experienced the book firsthand, come back and join me as I delve deeper into my review.
Preliminary Thoughts
Now, let's talk about Sylvia Day's exploration of different themes in "Bared to You." Without giving away too much, I must commend Day for her ability to intertwine believable aspects of the human experience with elements that transport you to a fantasy world. In my mind, I found myself grappling with the romantic entanglements depicted in the book. The steamy and passionate scenes were undeniably alluring. I couldn't help but question whether I would desire such intensity in real life. Nevertheless, it's precisely these fantasies that make reading so exhilarating.
What truly impressed me was the emotional depth that Day brought to the story. The way she gradually pulls you into the narrative without revealing too much all at once is truly masterful. It's like peeling back layers of an onion. Each revelation drawing you further into the complex web of emotions and relationships.
Now, let's dive deep into the review and explore the intricacies of "Bared to You."
Bared to You Characters
Eva
Let's start with the main character, Eva. She's 24 years old and one of the most striking aspects about her is her youthfulness. Despite her tender age, Eva's upbringing is a tale of contrasts. Her father serves as a law enforcement officer, grounding her in the world of law and order. Her mother's status as a socialite exposes her to a world of luxury and privilege. However, behind this facade of wealth lies a darker truth.
Eva's Sexual Abuse Trauma
Ava's affluence is not merely a product of her family background; rather, it stems from a traumatic event that occurred in her childhood. She endured sexual abuse at the hands of her stepbrother, an experience that left deep scars on her psyche. The subsequent legal settlement she received only serves as a stark reminder of the pain she endured.
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Ava's troubled past is not unique to her alone. She finds herself entangled in a romance with a mysterious man whose own past remains shrouded in secrecy. Despite the enigmatic nature of their relationship, Ava's own experiences of trauma enable her to navigate the complexities of love and desire with a level of resilience and understanding.
Disclosing the Assault
One noticeable aspect of Eva's character is not disclosing the challenges she had when she was younger than her father. Despite the bond that they have, she still keeps that turmoil between the small circle of her abuser, her ex-stepfather, and her current stepfather. It seems as if she is either protecting her father, from the truth or protect him from his actions if he ever wants to avenge his daughter. While I don't want to expose her to more emotional turmoil, I do feel that openness and resolution would be nice to see a father-daughter dynamic unfold. Seeing the father's emotions in this difficult discussion would add a powerful element to the book series.
Additionally, the fact that the romance that she has with Gideon cross spans a short period, but she is willing to share that traumatic experience with him shows that she might be able to open up to her father given some time .
Throughout the narrative, Eva's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her ability to confront her past and forge meaningful connections despite the odds is a testament to her strength and resilience. As we delve deeper into the story, it becomes clear that Eva's story is not just about romance; it's a tale of healing, redemption, and the enduring power of love.
Gideon Cross
Gideon Cross, much like his counterpart Eva, carries significant emotional baggage, setting the stage for an intriguing storyline beyond the first book. Sylvia Day tantalizingly hints at the depths of Gideon's trauma, suggesting a possible history of childhood sexual abuse akin to Eva's own experiences. It's hinted that this abuse occurred in his childhood home, shared by his mother, stepfather, and siblings. I do find it, intriguing that day is not necessary. Mention who his abuser is or exactly what went on but continuously hints at the fact that there was some kind of abuse that happened, and it happened in his childhood home and for this moment he is closed off from his entire family, in a way that gets us to think, but not confident enough for us to identify who his abuser was. Notably, there is some conflict between him and his stepbrother that we would have to go further into hopefully in days future books.
Gideon's Relationships
Throughout the narrative, it becomes evident that Gideon struggles with interpersonal relationships, and lacks healthy social connections. Before the revelation in the final chapters, it's implied that Eva is the first person he's encountered romantically, beyond mere physicality. The shock of discovering his engagement, devoid of genuine emotion, adds to his enigmatic persona, wherein he guards his past and present closely.
Gideon's possessiveness contrasts with his confusion over Eva's similar tendencies, particularly when interacting with individuals from his past. He dislikes when Eva speaks to individuals of the opposite sex, but he expects Eva to understand when he speaks to individuals whom he has engaged in sexual interactions with.
Despite his complexities, he demonstrates a willingness to evolve for Eva, prioritizing their relationship above all else. His journey unveils a lack of prior meaningful connections, with Eva serving as his catalyst for change.
Connection to Grey's Anatomy
This transformation echoes themes found in works like "50 Shades of Grey," drawing parallels between Gideon and Christian Grey, both grappling with trauma and finding solace through their respective partners. Notably, Gideon's family acknowledges Eva's positive influence, evident in his uncharacteristic attendance at an event he was expected to shun, solely because of her presence. This moment underscores Eva's transformative effect on Gideon's life, challenging preconceptions about him held by those closest to him.
It's notable how quickly Gideon and Eva's relationship progresses, unfolding in less than a year. Despite the short time frame, Gideon becomes more drawn to Eva. He confides in her and lets her break down his walls. She becomes the one person who truly comprehends him, surpassing others in her understanding of his innermost thoughts and emotions.
Gideon's realization that before Eva, his life centered on work and fitness emphasizes her transformative impact. Her presence leads him to prioritize social and emotional connections, moving away from his solitary lifestyle. This underscores Eva's profound influence, reshaping his priorities and worldview quickly.
Cary
This character will be the last I delve into deeply for now. Given the forthcoming books and the lack of substance in preliminary introductions for other characters, I'll refrain from further elaboration.
Cary, Eva's roommate and confidant, is a complex character with a troubled past and a bisexual orientation. His orientation is crucial to mention because his character is presented as a promiscuous character. Day alludes to the fact that this is a result of his trauma. Initially depicted as a charismatic and attractive figure whose previous relationships have left lasting scars, Cary's character undergoes significant development throughout the book.
Despite professing genuine interest in a specific individual, Cary's actions unveil a pattern of promiscuity that conflicts with his stated emotions. This contradiction prompts a reassessment of his character, casting doubt on his sincerity and emotional maturity.
Deteriorating Likability
While Cary supports Eva during her struggles with Gideon, their friendship's balance raises questions. Cary's availability decreases as Eva spends more time with Gideon. His behavior worsens, with Eva frequently checking on him due to his escalating promiscuity. Cary's actions reveal his disregard for consequences, leaving doubts about his loyalty and reliability.
Throughout the book, Eva consistently supports Cary and praises his loyalty and unwavering support over the years. Throughout the book, Eva praises Cary's loyalty, but recurring behaviors cast doubt on their friendship's sustainability.
I still hold onto hope for Cary's character. In the final chapter attends moment between Carrie and Eva suggests that his character might be influenced by his past trauma humanizing his character. It's plausible that Eva has experienced similar patterns with him before, adding a humanizing element to his character and offering potential for redemption.
Themes
now let's dive into six themes, that I believe are crucial to understand when reading the book. These are the themes of...
Trauma and Healing - The characters in the novel, particularly the protagonists Eva and Gideon, grapple with past traumas that continue to affect their lives and relationships. Their journey involves confronting these traumas and working towards healing and self-discovery.
Power, Money, and Control - Gideon Cross, a powerful and enigmatic figure, exerts control over various aspects of his life, including his relationships. The dynamics of power and control play a significant role in the characters' interactions and contribute to the tension and conflicts within the story.
Trust and Vernability - Building and maintaining trust is a central theme in the novel, as Eva and Gideon navigate their tumultuous relationship. Both characters struggle with vulnerability and opening up to each other, highlighting the challenges of forming deep emotional connections. Especially with added Trauma
Self-identity and Acceptance - Eva and Gideon embark on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with their identities and pasts. Their relationship catalyzes personal growth and acceptance, as they confront their insecurities and strive to embrace their true selves.
Obsession and Compulsion - The intense and sometimes obsessive nature of Eva and Gideon's relationship raises questions about the boundaries between love and obsession. Their passionate connection borders on addictive, blurring the lines between healthy attachment and unhealthy fixation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Bared to You" by Sylvia Day is a riveting and emotionally charged novel that left me utterly captivated from start to finish. I love the character development, the intense relationships the compelling storyline that kept me engaged, turning pages and unable to put it down. Additionally, I love that I didn't find a one character that was "perfect".
Sylvia de navigated themes of trauma, desire and personal growth, weaving it within a narrative, and still giving us racy romance. This book had layers, and it kept me engaged and invested in the characters journey..
Overall, you are an outstanding read that surpassed all of my expectations. I wholeheartedly, give it a five out of five rating, and cannot wait to dive into the next book in the series.
Based on this book I will be reading another Sylvia book/series and will be finishing the Crossfire Series.
Rating for this book: 5/5
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