Initial reaction: I read this all in the span of a day. I'm still trying to put together my thoughts and the rating's tentative, but it's very likely this is going to end up being 4.5 stars (provided that I think about how it ended and whether or not it dragging its feet a little in the end is enough to make me knock off a half star. That and giving some thought to whether or not I was bothered by the emotional turns in some of the conflicts. I need a night to sleep on it.)I think one thing I'll say off the bat is that I don't think this story is without its share of bumps in the road, but it took me on quite a ride and I loved the relationship between Dan and Elle - there were some very powerful moments in this book, ones that really struck me at my core. Sure the sensual scenes were there and well written, but the story and the way Hart crafts the characters here were with such an intimate focus that I I didn't expect it to have as much of an impact on me as it did. I'm hoping I can articulate it better once I gather my reflections. Still, there's no denying that this novel had an impact on me and ranks as one of my favorite reads from Hart's work.Full review:How do I even begin to write a review on this book? I've been at a loss for words since finishing and reflecting upon it, a few tears in the aftermath. Had to step away and give myself a moment. This is as much of a steamy read as it is a journey of discovery, healing, and coming to terms, primarily through the eyes of its protagonist Elle. Now I'm going to address something right off the bat before going too far in this review, and I'll try to do so without spoiling the experience of the book for anyone. From almost the get go, I realized Elle had a damaged mindset/soul, particularly within her respective relationships and life in general. It's introduced in stages throughout the story until it builds up to the climax where it's revealed in full. However, I think Hart provides enough foreshadowing and story pieces to connect the dots as you're going along Elle's narrative. I realize that it can be difficult to feel for a character that has the kind of emotional filter that Elle has, and that in that damaged mentality, many of her loved ones get caught and burned in the crossfire because of how she pushes them away in some considerations. That taken into consideration, I really did sympathize with her. Even if I didn't like the decisions or reactions she had at times - I understood where she was mentally, emotionally, physically. That allowed me to follow her narrative without many qualms at all. I think Hart's writing allowed this to come through much more than other contemporary pieces (who shall remain nameless) that attempt to depict characters who are of a damaged sort, but presented with shallow constructions.Elle, at least on the surface, seems to have a happy and successful life - working a prominent position, having a shoulder to lean on with her good humored, sweet brother (who's dealing with issues of his own in thinking about having a baby with his partner). Elle's not into committed relationships and she establishes that from the get go - but she meets Dan, rather handsome and charming even in his introduction, at a candy store. From there it leads to thoughts of him and seemingly interesting public places where the two have intimate encounters.Their sexual chemistry is intense, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with Dan's character in both his construction, emotional resonance and appeal. He's so in tune to what Elle feels and from the get go, you can tell he wants to pursue a relationship with her. He doesn't press her farther than she's willing to go (though he's assertive), actually listens and responds to her, and the only point at which he presses her beyond her boundaries is when he's trying to get down to the issue of what's keeping them from becoming more than just two individuals having sex. Elle says she doesn't want the commitment, but the reality is more that she's torn between the pain of her past and the promise of the present in her relationship with Dan.I was also impressed with the secondary characters that were a part of the side stories in this work, they engaged me just as much as the main storyline. I had my suspicions as to where some of those threads would go (some of them had positive resolutions, others of them were much more melancholy), but they hit me hard in terms of how Hart addresses and develops them, with Elle remaining as the observer and participant in those threads. They were very well developed and paced throughout the story.I think when the story came to its climax it slowed a bit of momentum getting to the conclusion, but I saw what it was ultimately leading up to, and I still felt content with the way things resolved themselves by the end of the work. "Dirty", on the whole, is a wonderfully written story with a lot of emotional punch and steamy scenes that engaged me, but the aftermath of all the events and emotionally resonant characters left me thinking long after I finished the work. Those are the kind of stories that I love and I can say that this is indeed one of my favorite works from Hart to date.Overall score: 4.5/5
This book was so amazing. After reading the synopsis of this book, I already thought I knew what was going to happen. How this book was going to pan out... Boy was I wrong! This storyline had me enthralled from the very first page, to the very end. Ms Hart was very slowly, but cleverly slotting in little hints to Elle's past, things that left me constantly trying to fiugure out what the hell had happened to Elle?Why was her oldest brother dead? Why is her mother so cruel to her, for no apparent reason? Why will her youngest brother never come home or speak to their mother? These are just some of the questions floating around in my head. I really love books like this, books that keep me guessing. You can never tell what's going to happen next or where Hart will take you. It's great.Elle: Now, I will admit that for probably the first 40% Elle annoyed the hell out of me. I knew that something bad had happened to her in the past to make her this way, so I tried to cut her a little slack. But my patience isn't great at the best of times. I hated the way she pushed Dan away, when every time he tried to get close to her, she pretended that she didn't need him, didn't want him. She kicked him down when he was vulnerable and putting himself out there, for her. She made him feel like shit to make herself feel better, which is really shitty of her no matter her insecurities.Dan: Dan was such an wonderful hero. When we first meet him, you get the impression that he sleeps around a lot. The way he flirts with her leaves no doubt in your mind that Dan has seduced people before and he's damn good at it too...'He reached into the pocket of his shirt and pulled out a business card. He put it on the table between us, and then pushed it in front of me. "The next time I watch you come," he said, "I want to be inside you." Then he got up from the table and left me there, alone.' While Dan is incredible sexy and sensual, he could also be so caring. Some of the things he said were so sweet, he always makes sure she knows exactly what he's thinking. I loved that about him.'I want to see you again..." "Why, Dan?" "Because I didn't get to see your face this time... Because you have the sexiest laugh I've ever heard in my life, and I don't think I could stand knowing I'd never hear it again." Why is kindness so much harder to believe than cruelty?' There were some really great side-line stories in this book and I loved all of the extra characters. Okay, well maybe not all of them. Elle's mother was a real piece of work. As the book progresses we see the disgusting things she allowed to happen in her home, the way she adored such a monster. Elle begged her mother for help when she was being abused and she chose to just ignore it. I think Elle might've even been able to forgive her if she didn't still refuse to help her, to talk to her about it. Instead, this is what she gets..."Mom," I whispered. "Please. I need to talk to you about it. About what happened. I can't not talk about it anymore. It's making me sick inside." "You're sick inside, alright," she countered poking at me with her cigarette. "You need to get over it! He's dead! He's gone!" I could not believe the way she blamed Elle for everything. The way she spoke to her made me feel sick. It was so awful.Marcy: I think Marcy was exactly what Elle needed, a best friend. Someone that wants to be her friend, no matter what. Who wants to be there for her whenever she needs to talk. Also, being pretty fucking hilarious always helps too. I won't say any more, in fear of giving too much away. But I urge people to give this book a chance. But I'll be fair and give you all a Warning:This book doesn't have a big, happy, fluffy, light-hearted ending. So don't read this if that's what you're expecting. Reading this book means reading about a topic that people are afraid to speak out about. Very bad things that sadly could happen to anyone, even in their own home, where they are supposed to be kept safe. This book is about learning of the damage abuse can do to a wonderful person and how it affects them for the rest of their lives. I was so happy that Elle met Dan, that she doesn't have to fight alone anymore,"I cried out, his name like candy on my lips. Sweet and fragrant, licorice and whiskey. His name. Dan. Who had listened when I wanted to speak. Who had cared about why I didn't smile."
Do You like book Dirty (2007)?
As always Megan Hart's erotic novels go far beyond being a steamy read. I love how her characters are so layered and how she can write the hottest sex scenes ever. Its sex, not love making. Elle is a dirty girl. She sleeps with men, never wanting a relationship. Sometimes not even giving her real name. One night when she goes out with her co-worker and her boyfriend she runs into Dan. A guy she met at a candy shop. The things they did on the dance floor could have melted chocolate. Dan is described as someone that wears printed ties. Has a fit body and can touch Elle just right. Elle tells him she's not into the dating thing, so don't ask her out. Don't fall for me. She says. I won't. He says. Their subsequent encounters range from Elle coming over in nothing but a trench coat and panties. To sex in a public bathroom. All the while Dan is trying to figure Elle out. He knows she's a bit more complex than, she just doesn't date. Elle's family is broken and the family secret made me cry when she finally told Dan the whole story (though it may not be so bad. I have been emotional/stressed lately, lol).Since Tempted I have enjoyed Hart's books, characters and writing. But this one really had it all for me. Elle was broken without being weakened by it. She was a little cold hearted, but she was dealing with a hard issue. I am looking forward to more Megan Hart books!
—Miss
I wasn't prepared for how emotionally deep this book was. Elle is a beautiful, very intelligent VP for an accounting firm. Elle knows she is beautiful so to offset unwanted advances from men, she dresses very conservatively. The mystery of her past relationships is revealed slowly as the story progresses. This story is told in first person from Elle's point of view and it needed to be because Elle has a lot of issues. She has erected a tough exterior shell to help protect her fragile interior. Ella wants sex on her terms cause she has an issue with feeling dirty. Though she is has no problem with having sex with strangers, she has a major problem with emotional attachments.She meets Dan at the candy store and things begin to change. There is an instant attraction between Dan and Elle that neither of them can deny or explain. Dan often says to Elle, "What are you, Elle? Are you a ghost? Are you an angel or a demon? Because you can't be real." The problem lies in that the pain that Elle struggles with is all too real. Dan proves time and time again that he has the patience to deal with a woman that won't allow him to kiss her on the lips. Neither pair of lips, if you get my meaning. Dan stole my heart as Elle continued to break it.I usually don't like my smut mixed with deep emotionally distressing subjects. I don't wanna be sexually stimulated and crying five minutes later. That being said, I loved this story of growth and acceptance because that's what this book was truly about. Yes, there was a lot of hot sex, but that was just the outer crust. The interior however, was full of betrayal, pain, and yearning. A woman yearning to be normal, hoping to feel clean, and learning to be able to love. Follow my reviews at www.readinghaven.me
—Sammy Loves Books
Title: DIRTYAuthor: Megan HartReview Rating: 4/5 StarsReviewed by: I ♥ Bookie NookieReview:Wow! I was not prepared for DIRTY... It was heavy! I was expecting something "Dirty", but that's not all I got. I am always interested in the meaning behind the title of a book and I really look forward to that moment of clarity, because in a good book, there is always a definitive moment the reader can say: Ah-ha, this is where the title came from... There is, of course, a very good reason for the title, but I'm not going to ruin it for you--you'll just have to read it!Why is it okay for men to be promiscuous? Why r they considered studs and women whores? When Elle attends a sex toy party at a friend's house, they play a daring game of 20 questions--all explicit about sexual situations and experiences. Elle does as she usually does and lies about pretty much everything. For instance, she has had sex with 78 men (like she would tell that truth to a room full of strangers). Don't tell me you wouldn't judge the girl at a sex party who admits to sleeping with that many men--YIKES! Women are conditioned to lie about such things in our society because they are in fear of being ostracized--becoming an outcast and judged for their actions. What a slut! No one typically stops to ask why is she acting out like this...what is she trying to make herself feel better about?Elle is so consumed with self loathing she isn't even living her life. Even when the saintly Dan comes along (love him, he deserves a medal) and slowly sweeps her off her feet, she tries every way possible to push him away. I felt like Dan was taming a wild animal...slowly coaxing Ella into life one painfully slow step at a time. Obviously there is a reason she feels she doesn't deserve to be happy and I couldn't put the darn book down until I found out WHY?? This book is about sexual prowess, sexual exploration and acceptance.When I finished reading DIRTY, I wasn't sure how to categorize it...after some deliberation, I realized I need a shelf for dark and sexy books that lack the "fluffy" tone that frequently accompanies erotic novels. Are there scenes in DIRTY that light your pants on fire? Most definitely! DIRTY is so much more than an erotic read, it is more like a great drama with some great sex and a lot of emotion...an erotic drama. Get it! Read it!✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews___________________________________________________If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!Menage ReadersErotic EnchantsBookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
—I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com)
