Voyeur, nounA person who gains pleasure from watching others naked.He lives across the street from me. My window looks straight into his bedroom.At first, I try to look away. But after I see him f*cking, I’m addicted.The way he does it is primal.Animalistic.He gives in to his instincts.He’s a ripped, tall, strong and dominant monster… And I want him.I can’t look away.He’s going to give me … want him.
I can’t look away.
He’s going to give me something worth watching.
But I don’t know if I can leave it at that.
I think soon, I’m going to want the tattooed, dark, muscular stranger all for myself…
USA Today bestselling author Isabella Starling presents a new dark contemporary standalone romance.
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A wondeful story!!! And from the start of the book you know the main characters are meant to be together. Even if at first is just pure carnal and sensual desire between them afterwards they help each other to break free of the things that kept them from being truely happy. I guarantee you will not be able to put down this book once you start reading it!
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m going to start by saying… WOW! This book is amazing! Not only is the heat between these two truly page burning but the emotional connection is intense. It’s unusual for the male in a romance to be so utterly flawed and broken but it’s almost refreshing. And yeah… I shuddered to use refreshing but I honestly can’t come up with a better word for it. Miles is a man who is so broken and yet still tries to break free of his fears. Bebe is mourning the loss of a person who meant the world to her and if something or someone doesn’t stop her, she’ll follow in Pony’s path. Can two utterly broken people save each other? Read this book and find out!
Party-girl Bebe Hall just wants to have fun until one night she sees her neighbor pinning a woman against the window and having rough sex with her. And Bebe wants to be that woman. When the neighbor notices her watching, he seems to make the show even better for them all. So Bebe starts leaving her curtains open hoping the neighbor might be watching her, which he is.
Miles O’Reilly. is a photographer and an agoraphobic. If he even thinks about leaving his apartment, a panic attack will bring him to his knees. Seeing Bebe through her windows does something to him. He wants her but he knows his problems will make her run away from him. He uses the other women for his photographic images but even that isn’t interesting to him, he just wants Bebe.
Can they help each other before they destroy themselves? Will Bebe finally end up like her friend Posy? Will a panic attack be the end for Miles?
I found this story at the beginning a little slow at times but it picked up. The pain the both Bebe and Miles were going through was heartbreaking. It is a dark and complex story and very different from any I have read. I really enjoy it and I love that cover, so hot.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**
Every book deserves a happy ever ending. With realistic events that happens in the real world. Unpredictable not know what’s going to happen next or how the characters is going to react about something. So sad and tragic to find out what kind of a past someone can carry. This book is a pager-turner. So twisted and scary to see how the mind works. The author did an amazing job written a descriptive plot with a few repeat words but does alright. The chemistry between the male and female was not rush. It started slow as the heat turns up one button at time. What I like is how one person being broken finds the courage to help another person that same way. I dislike what they went through but at end. They saw the light as they reach end of the tunnel. Miles is a photographer. Bebe is wild and free. Both of them broken with a damage past. Watching each other through a window. Hoping they can break away from whats holding them to be together. Will they break that cycle? or will they let fear consumed them to be stuck inside that bubble? and never learn to love on another as life passed by. It deserves more than five stars. I recommend it. You would love it. I read this book to leave a review.
“He was an animal. And I was completely and utterly addicted.”
Peep Show was my first book by Isabella Starling and I had no idea what I got myself into.
This book kept my mind and emotions busy on so many different levels that I’m not sure how to express them all with my review.
“A broken soul in the body of a monster. Of a god.”
This book turned from something I didn’t expect to something I didn’t expect even less.
Peep Show started out like some sick and playful porn. Sorry if I’m so direct but that’s what it was for me. And I was wondering if I’m as sick as Bebe and Miles while I found myself finding most of the scenes pretty hot. Sick is a heavy word, I know and who am I to judge what’s sick or not? It’s just something very unusual and out of the norm for myself. But for my normal boring self, it’s kind of sick. However it can be totally normal and exciting for others.
“Because the monster never ends up with the princess.”
But this book turned slowly into something really serious dealing with some really heavy topics. Things in our past define us, if we like it or not. In one way or another. It’s how we decide to respond to the past what’s life changing. Bebe and Miles decided – consciously or unconsciously – to go down a very self-destructive path. They are cruel and twisted, dangerous and dark. And like fate loves to strike, they found each other just at the right time.
The path they decided to walk together was pretty unconventional but this stands practically for their life and love and how the whole story folds out before us in this book.
“She was igniting me. She was the fucking spark, she was the one lighting me up.”
Isabella has a great way with words and showing us the minds of her characters. Broken, different, sick, troubled. She lets us feel and understand what makes those people tick and you as a reader have no other chance than to feel sympathy.
“She was incredible, amazing. She was the missing piece I needed to feel whole again. She was the missing part of my fucked-up equation.”
The story of Bebe and Miles is something really special and deep if you let yourself into the story. If you open up to the unconventional, allowing yourself to see behind the facade and feel the heaviness of the topics Isabella addresses.
“Because she was a part of me. And I was a part of her. Together, we mad a whole.”
“Nothing more beautiful than us.”
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is the first book I’ve read by Isabella and I’m completely blown away. I was drawn to the book after reading something the author wrote where she shared the painstaking process of creating these two very flawed characters, Mile and Bebe. Both characters are suffering from losses and are self destructing in very different ways. Miles has severe anxiety and panic disorders that make him rarely able to leave his apartment. Luckily, he makes a living as a photographer and his unique brand allows him to work from home. Bebe is beautiful disaster. A party girl with a trust fund who goes out every night numbing herself with booze, pills and random sex. She will do whatever she can not to feel anything real. Until one night Bebe meets her neighbor Miles in a very unconventional way. Their unconventional meeting turns into a meaningful connection very fast which changes them both. It’s as though they can see/feel the others deep seeded pain and grief. Their chemistry is electric and can not be ignored. Both are determined to help each other get through their problems so they can try to be together. Because apart they are so broken but together they may finally have the chance to be whole. This is a very, very hot and steamy book. It’s emotionally charged, beautiful and hopeful. An absolute must read!!!
Wow this book is very informative and intense. This book will have you hooked from the first page tell the very end. This book will have your emotional on a ride. This book is a must read book.. Isabella writing styles will have you in a world wind. And loving every page tell the very end.
WOW! Isabella Starling has created an evocative, heart-wrenching, emotion-packed story that’s absolutely stunning!
Bebe Hall is an “it” girl. Trust fund baby, party girl, not a care in the world. Or at least that’s the way it seems. But it’s not real. She carries darkness deep in her soul. If she stays on the carousel on which she’s jumped, keeps herself distracted, there’s only one outcome. When she allows herself to think about it, which is far too often, she’s pushes herself harder to hide behind her mask. She’s well aware she’s on a downward spiral, but she can’t help herself. Is there any way to stop this? Does she even want to? Then Miles Reilly appears, and she may never be the same. One fateful night she sees her neighbor pushed up against his window across from her apartment, half naked, having sex with another woman. Rather than being repulsed, she’s intrigued, fascinated. She can’t stop watching. There’s something about Miles, the sheer raw, animalistic presence he generates, that pulls her in and won’t let go. It’s harmless, an anonymous peep show, right? But then Miles sees her watching. It’s no longer a faceless, harmless peep show. And Miles is just as captivated by Bebe as she is with him. But Miles is deeply scarred, maybe even more so than Bebe. They might live across from each other but they might as well be on different planets. What do you do when you’re obsessed, to the exclusion of all else, with someone who’s unreachable? Both know the impossibility of the odds. Agoraphobia, terror of the past, seemingly irreparable scars…these two have so much yet so little in common. They each live in their own prison. Is there a way to break free? Can either face the truth, find a way out? The odds seem insurmountable. If they can’t find a way to break the cycle of self-destruction, can they escape the inevitable? Will they have to settle for the peep show? Or can they escape the mutually assured destruction that will raze both their worlds to the ground?
Isabella Starling’s a fairly new author for me. This book grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let go. Miles and Bebe are both damaged and broken in their own ways, and Ms. Starling captures them in exacting detail. I literally had to stop reading and walk away from the book several times while reading it. That’s not to say it triggered me in any way. It just resonated so deeply that it was overwhelming at times. On the surface, both Bebe and Miles present a facade that things are perfect. It seems like they have absolutely nothing in common. But even one scratch to their surfaces and that perfect exterior cracks to reveal things you never suspect. As odd as it might seem, I related far more closely with Miles that I did with Bebe. That’s not to say I didn’t feel Bebe’s pain and the reason behind it. But Miles hit far to close to home for me. At times, Bebe’s desperate need to keep going, ignore her pain, use any method to keep that pain at bay is absolutely terrifying. Miles has his own coping methods that are just as nightmarish as Bebe’s. The fact that these two can connect on any level is unbelievable. But their worlds don’t just intersect. They collide with a force that’s unstoppable. I stand in awe of Ms. Starling’s capability as an author. She’s brilliant! And after reading final notes included at the end of the book, I was even more impressed with Ms. Starling. This book and its characters have left a lasting impression on me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget them or their story. I can’t give this book anything less than five stars. Congratulations, Ms. Starling. This book is extraordinary!
One final note. Please be an informed reader! This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and some dark, dubious consensual sexual scenes. If you don’t enjoy this genre, this book may not be the one for you. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and Amazon. Use these resources. DON’T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON’T ENJOY THE BOOK. It’s not fair to the author. She works extremely hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you’ll object to the book’s subject matter before you buy it, you’re doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading
This is probably the most layered story that I have ever read. There is so much depth and pure raw emotion, that I was completely consumed by this story from the very beginning. I was completely drawn in by the cover and the synopsis, from the very beginning, and I wanted to read this story more than any other story I’ve ever anticipated. I was not disappointed at all. Miles and Bebe have a story that needed to be told, and they told it beautifully. This story is full of angst, and love, and realness. This book shows readers that even when something seems so broken and worthless, that it can get better and it can be repaired. This story is truly unforgettable. I will continue to rave about how much I love this story for quite a while, because it’s absolutely flawless. DEFINITELY READ THIS STORY!!
Bebe comes home and looks out her window and sees a man having a good time with a woman against the window and he looking at Bebe the whole time. This starts a unique relationship between Bebe and Miles who are two very broken people. Can they be together or will they run? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: Peep Show
GENRE: Dark romance
AUTHOR: Isabella Starling
TROPE: contemporary romance, dark romance, voyeurism
TYPE: Standalone
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: 5.0 Stars
Bebe is a rich socialite party girl who lives alone in a wealthier neighborhood. One night after parting, she comes home to see her hot neighbor across the street enjoying a private moment with another female in a very public way. Miles is a millionaire photographer who has severe case of agoraphobia. The only time Miles interacts with people is when he invites stunning females into his apartment for photoshoots. Other than that, Miles never leaves his apartment. When Miles see’s Bebe for the first time, he’s immediately attracted to her and his obsession begins. Will the couple ever meet face to face and extend their newfound obsession beyond simply watching?
The cover of the novel is absolutely stunning. The black and white photograph with the neon pink lettering is what drew me in. The overall premise of the novel was intriguing. This dark romance between two neighbors who know nothing of one another apart from what they see while watching from across the street. This is not a tame romance novel in any way. The book has a good deal of smut right from the first chapter. However, if you’re thinking that this is simply an erotic novel and nothing else then you’re in for a big surprise. The romance between Bebe and Miles is extremely dark and often troubling at times. The pair are severely damaged from things that they’ve endured in their pasts. The trauma that Miles went through and the way that he lives with his fears and anxieties can be difficult to read at times. I absolutely loved this book. Dark romance is not something that can easily scare me off. I love that the story was so emotional. It was a pleasant surprise.
If you’re a fan of dark romance and love a book with a good deal of smut, then you’ll enjoy this book. This is not a slow burn in any way shape or form. Also, keep in mind that this book does have some trigger warnings.
I hated it at first, but am glad I stuck with it!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration:
Romance:
Heat/Steam:
Story/Plot:
World building:
Character development:
The heroine: Bebe Hall – she is a party girl of the first order, the “it” girl on the clubbing scene. She goes out to dance, get drunk and pick up guys on the regular. She is beautiful but insecure. She uses booze, drugs, and men to forget and block out the horrible thoughts in her head.
The Hero(es): Miles Reilly – He is agoraphobic and has OCD. He has a fear of germs that is so bad he bathes with bleach in the water. He is a famous photographer and an alpha dominant. He likes to ruin girls and then take their picture, and he has no problem getting volunteers.
The Story: Bebe and Miles see each other through their respective windows while each of them are in a compromising position and both keep watching night after night. They quickly end up talking on the phone and both want more, but Miles doesn’t ever leave his apartment and doesn’t want Bebe to know about his issues.
I picked this book because I like very dark books with dominant men and taboo situations. Though I almost threw it in my DNF pile early on. Both main characters were with other people multiple times before they meet in person and watched each other through their windows.
I don’t know if I am getting to be a bit of a prude in my advancing age or maybe I am becoming a germaphobe. I just don’t like it much when the main characters sleep around a lot. Also I didn’t like Miles at first because he was the kind of dominant that calls the woman crass names and demeans them. I know a lot of people like that but I am not a fan.
Though it wasn’t long before I really started to like both characters. Miles was so damaged and knew that his phobia’s were ruling his life and that the things he does would probably put him in the nut house if anyone knew the extent.
Bebe is just at damaged but in a different way. One of her two best friends died over six months ago of a drug overdose and she is doing everything she can to forget. She is spinning out of control and she knows it but can’t stop. These two damaged people come together and it is over the top dark and steamy.
I really enjoyed both narrators. Z.A. Martin had the perfect voice for Miles, it was deep and not too refined, he even had a hint of a lisp, though not bad enough to detract from his allure. He might be a wealthy photographer but he sounded natural when cursing or talking about sex. Some male narrators sound to stiff and stilted when they are reading that kind of thing. Lauren Sweet has a great voice for a female protagonist, not too young sounding and not too old, with enough intelligence to fit the character.
Whew.
I needed something hot, dirty, and taboo.
Peep Show fulfilled my needs. I enjoy reading stories featuring imperfect heroes and heroines. Miles and Bebe were both broken and found their way to each other. It was hard getting to the HEA, but I was so happy they did.
An intense, dark and beautiful read. Love miles and Bebe connection. Very emotional book. My only draw back was the cover. Beautiful cover but it displays the opposite of Miles’s character. Some parts he’s strong and with alpha tendencies but other times he appears to be weak. Both have past deep issues they are overcoming and the journey is very intense. All in all a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed this advance reader copy of this book.
This is a story about two people who find one another one is Miles whom is deeply scarred, and have issues and Bebe is a girl that sees the guy which is Miles ,and he was across from her apartment in another place, and Miles and woman pushed up against his window having sex with a woman, Bebe she see them and was captivated by Miles. Miles see Bebe watching is captivated by her. This is just the beginning with these two people. This is a story of two people that comes together in a crazy way but in this story it works for them. This is a great entertaining story, with a touch of heartbreak, and healing also romantic love. I love this story .I had to have this in my collection this is a re reading book for real. I enjoy every moment.
It only took me a second to understand that after that first touch – I belonged to this monster of a man completely, and there would be absolutely no going back.
Peep Show has been on my tbr list for months now. Cut to me chilling on the couch waiting for my son and his best friend to fall asleep during their latest sleepover (I can’t go to sleep knowing there are two awake 7 year olds in the house. I’m paranoid and I think of all the shit they could into while I’m sleeping ok?) Anyways…..so whilst I’m sitting on the couch I scrolled through my current Kindle Unlimited check outs and I finally decided to pick this up. The cover, the blurb, the reviews…it just was all super appealing. And I’m so glad I did. I almost read this in one sitting y’all.
“Good little girl. Sweet little girl. My favorite girl.”
This book is HAWT right from the very beginning and it pretty much keeps that hot level the entire time. There is a certain scene that turned me off just a little. I can’t really pinpoint why but it just left me feeling…icky. I think the author purposefully wrote that scene to make me feel gross and angry so congrats! Job well done.
He’d just fucked me into a mess without ever laying a finger on me. He was an animal. And I was completely and utterly addicted.
Besides the sexiness, it is also clear from the beginning that both Bebe and Miles are dealing with heavy shit. Miles is suffering from mental illnesses, agoraphobia, and trauma from his childhood. Bebe is spiraling in her grief over the loss of one of her best friends. I loved the dynamic of two broken people finding each other, learning about pasts, and loving each other through it all. My one and only complaint is that Miles’ long time therapist was weird. I understand coming to his house to do a checkup because you’re worried but she was kind of putting “fuck me vibes” out and I HATED that.
I think this was my first Isabella Starling book and I highly enjoyed it. It hooked me right from the start and I’ll totally be picking up more of her books in the future.
Read this if you enjoy:
-dark topics
-neighbor romance
-voyeurism
-ROUGH sex
-dirty talk
Overall rating 4 stars (maybe 4.5)
Steaminess rating 4 stars
CW: this book deals with drug use, grief, overdosing, mental illness, childhood abuse/trauma.
***warning: dark themes/story***
That being said, I’m not scared of difficult stories with twisted and complex topics, and I was very happy when I started the book. The author didn’t go the easy way and dove into the broken minds of two very different characters and I really liked how she did it. Suffering myself from panic attack, I could relate even better with Miles and how he felt.
Maybe both characters got better a bit fast, but it’s a love story after all so it didn’t bother me much. 😉
If you want something very sexual, twisted but with hope in the end, Peep show is for you.
This is Isabella Starling at her finest! Yes, we have her characteristic dirty, kinky, dark ADULT themes, Isabella shines when she combines her cold-shower-inducing hot adult scenes with deep, flawed, and nuanced characters with such intense emotional connection and such riveting complexities. THAT is what I love about Isabell- and Peep Show nails the emotional underpinning that gives those steamy times extra resonance.
Through alternating POV, we start to unfurl the nuances and complexities of our leads, Bebe and Miles. Both are scarred by traumatic experiences and tragedy, both struggling to cope with the darkness and impact of their lived experiences. On the surface Bebe is a rich, carefree popular girl, but this is all a facade to mask her pain, darkness, and internal spiraling. Neighbor Miles awakens something intriguing during an accidentally “peep show”- he’s raw, intense, real. She’s drawn in, and he’s obsessed with his out of his league neighbor- and man, Isabell writes OBSESSION like no one else- she makes it bittersweet and engaging and complex. Through their obsession, their own self discovery, perhaps they can free each other and themselves from the cycle of hurt and pain and destructive coping they’ve been trapped in- or perhaps they’ll just spiral together. Their connection is unexpected, intense, dark, and delicious. The chemistry is palpable, explosive, and kinetic. Isabella paints a carefully constructed story with nuanced, complex, and so incredibly interesting characters- the connection feels authentic and life altering all at once.
In case you need to read it: As always, read reviews and the author’s notes- this is dark, this is graphic, there is some dubious consent stuff, and it might not be for everyone.
Love love love this book. A beautiful story about two broken people and how they find comfort in each other
This was not the book I expected when I chose to read it. Tortured characters, drugs, anonymous sex, overdose, mental illness… you get the idea. Much more meat to this story than just two people watching each other have sex through the window. If you like tortured souls who have an HEA, read this book.