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Dirty Beginning

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Dirty Beginning is coming December 11th! It will be free for the first couple of days:)

It's a prequel teaser novella and the beginning of a new series. Each book in the series is going to be a full-length standalone romance that is, of course, dirty and dark. And focuses on a different couple from this world. 

The first full-length book in the series is...Dirty Obsession and will be coming in January. 

I can’t go after him.

Not because I’m only in Italy for one month and there is no way anything but a fling can happen between us.

I can’t kiss him.

Not because his lips aren’t kissable. I writhe and ache imagining what his lips would feel like to be pressed up against my lips as our tongues tangle together in a passionate kiss.

I can’t think about him.

Not because I should be studying for my exams. I could pass those whether or not I’m thinking about ripping his shirt off and running my fingers across every hard inch of him.

I sure as hell can’t sleep with him.

Not because I don’t want to.

Not because he wouldn’t be the most life-altering sex I’ve ever had.

Not because he’s out of my league.

Not because he doesn’t want me.

I can’t have him because he’s dangerous. And I’m obsessed.

Published December 11, 2017

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About the author

Ella Miles

82 books965 followers
Ella Miles writes sexy romance with strong females that could kick your butt if you piss them off, which they often do to the men that fall for them. She's currently living her own fairy tale near the Rocky Mountains with her high school sweetheart husband. Her heart is also taken by her goofy two year old black lab that is scared of everything, including her own shadow. Ella is the author of the Aligned series. Get a free book by visiting her website: EllaMiles.com

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5 stars
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76 (22%)
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28 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,105 reviews293 followers
December 1, 2018
This was the beginning of a new series to me and this was also my first time reading this author. Nina is on a tour of a historical mansion owned by Arlo Carin with other grad students. Nina has a history of becoming obsessive/compulsive when it comes to men. Her therapist tells her to stop looking at him and imagining a sexual future. Arlo is hot sexy and rich he also tells her to stay away from him but she doesn't listen. This was a good read the book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lauren - SERIESous Books.
1,705 reviews64 followers
December 7, 2017
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

This is a very dark book but I knew that going in. If you don't enjoy dark and twisted stories, this is not for you. I also liked that it's not pure erotica either. There is an actual story to be teased out and this novella is setting up the foundation.

I liked that both of these characters are flawed but I didn't particularly love them either. I think once we get to the full novel and some character development can happen that'll change because I'm definitely intrigued by both of them.

I'm really curious to see how the dramatic plot will unfold in the full novel. We just get a hint at the end and it captured my attention immediately! It looks like it will be a very entertaining series and I can't wait to see what is in store.

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: TBP
Actual Rating: 3/5
Profile Image for Fantasy Land Romance Reader.
2,824 reviews70 followers
December 22, 2017
What did i just read?

Okay, so I know this is a prequel so it won't give too much away, but damn. It kind of reminded me of Acquisition by Celia Aaron.

This is the start of a new series by Ella Miles. And although I have never read her, this prequel caught my eye so I had to grab it. Nina is a crazy chick. She is an obsessed woman that when she gets a man in her mind she CAN NOT get rid of him. She has to have sex with, try to have a relationship with, SOMETHING. While reading her part I was thinking what the hell am I reading? I like my women strong- not obsessed with men! But while reading things turned and turned fast.

Arlo, at first comes across as someone who is trying to "save" Nina. He tells her to stay away from him. He makes her life hell when she doesn't listen, and yet she still comes around. The things he does to her should make her run screaming but yet she wants more. I can not wait to see what happens next.

Of course, I have no idea where the novel is going to go, but if this beginning is any clue. It's going to be dark. I'm excited. Can't wait for January!
Profile Image for PointedlyBlunt.
389 reviews32 followers
December 11, 2017
Nina is an Art History graduate student spending a month abroad in Italy for her program. Whilst touring a historic mansion one day, she becomes obsessed with its owner, Arlo Carini. Convinced he wants her too, she relentlessly pursues him, refusing to give up until she gets what she wants.

This is a prequel to what I imagine will be Nina’s true ‘dark romance’ experience, so it’s not very ‘dark’, but it still managed to churn my stomach. The writing is spotless and the plot is unique, but for personal reasons, I couldn’t connect with this book.

Nina has a serious problem, and thanks to that problem, she’s not as strong or smart as I'd like, but I appreciate that she doesn’t fit the trope of poor, little innocent girl. Her problem? She gets obsessed with men to the point where if she doesn't sleep with them, she stops functioning normally. Too bad she wants Arlo, because he’s one of the hardest to like heroes I’ve come across. He's beyond cruel to her and he apparently has his reasons for treating her in such a way, but I still don't know what they are.

This is my issue with the story: In romance, I don’t like the H/h actively having sex with OM/OW and using sex to make someone jealous or to prove a point is a trigger of mine. So, After the end of the book, I vaguely understand why he did it, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to like him after that.

After all of Arlo’s attempts to scare Nina away, I finally got his ambiguous insight that he actually cares for Nina, but I wasn’t convinced. Not just because of how he treated her, but because she doesn’t have many likable characteristics, either.

Maybe if the story didn’t end when it did and more reasons were given for me to like the characters I’d rate this higher, because even in the darker stories I need something or someone to connect with and care about, and I didn’t find that in this story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shay.
301 reviews30 followers
December 25, 2017
What just happened? This was an interesting and disturbing prequel and I'm kinda really curious to see where this story leads.

Nina is absolutely crazy. She has this weird obsession thing where she has to have a guy that catches her fancy no matter what the cost or consequences that follow. We are talking about her going full on stalker here. She has to have them. Once they are on her mind she won't stop until she's claimed them. Arlo is her new target. A cold, dark gentleman who insists on her staying away-- which of course makes her craving all the worse. Will Arlo give in to Nina's flaunting desires? How far will she push herself to attain him?

While this isn't my normal read, I will occasionally indulge in something different. I liked the plot just fine. You were presented with a very clear picture of events with fun little twists that were unexpected. I wasn't a fan of Nina or Arlo. Nina's obsessiveness just bugged me a bit. Arlo I thought was cruel and unappealing personally but I do understand the draw.

I received an ARC and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Sharon Bradshaw.
108 reviews
December 21, 2017
I received the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost Thank You Ella, I know you were a bit under the weather but you got this done on time for us<3
Arlo had me confused,frustrated and hot! But the OMG! WOW! That you are able to provide in every book you write was there! I like a man who isn’t afraid of taking control/dominate in sex.But over stepping in public is not going anywhere,Just as Nina showed him.Im starting my New Year off with the next Novel to follow this pre-quil) I love the fact this is the first prequel so to say I have ever read before the Novel and I love it!!! Thanks Ella your Brilliant
Profile Image for Emma.
2,866 reviews34 followers
December 8, 2017
What exciting book I can't wait till Jan 2018 to finish reading about Nina and Arlo. It's clear that Nina has an unhealthy obsession with Arlo but she can't control herself. She is like an addict and loves the challenge. Arlo has a time with keeping her away from him and his family. This book is different. It is not a sweet romance nor is it BDSM but it is dark suspense thriller. An excellent beginning to what I hope will be an exciting end.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Beth.
500 reviews21 followers
December 19, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

On a class trip, Nina is obsessed, and that is just one of her traits. She is so focused on the man giving the tour that she missteps and lands in the pool. He jumps in to help her. This is now forming a bond for Nina. Only he is not wanting her advances. This makes her hotter and more and more eager to get him to like and take the advances. Only this will be a bad thing later on.

He is part of a family with very dark secrets. When Arlo is giving the tour, he is fully aware of Nina and her obsession fueled ways. He warns her repeatedly to run away and to stay away, but he knows that she will not stop until she feels she has won..so the game begins.

Arlo has repeatedly not given into the advances and the very crazy ways Nina tries to give him, she is not going to stop. He tries very hard to keep her far away from him. She wants to be in his debt, so that he will take the advances and run with them. One night with going out, after she was pretty much warned not to, Arlo is trying to save her before she dives into a world that will not bode well for her, but Nina is having none of that. She is drugged and when she wakes up there is a lot that she doesn't remember right away.

She also doesn't get exactly what she wants, she gets to awesome sex with Arlo, but that one time for her is not enough. Then Arlo explains to her in a bit of detail why she shouldn't have tried so hard to put herself into debt with him, it is once again a family affair, and a family with many dark sinister secrets. Nina for the first time is scared...but she didn't listen, and now she is on the run. Arlo knows he has to save her before the family can get to her, but he isn't sure quite how yet.

This is a prequel to the upcoming series, and a dark awesome series it sounds that it will be too.
456 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2017
Dirty Beginnings

I voluntarily read an arc of this book for a fair and honest review. So right off the bat I’m thoroughly confused but this faithful arc reader continues. Dirty Beginnings is a Prequel to Dirty Obsession and the author tells me to expect a cliffhanger. Soooo, knowing that, I enter the story, which seems is right in the middle. Our heroine is touring Arlo Carini’s historic mansion with the rest of her grad student class. Her inner dialogue tells us who she is and what she’s capable of. Apparently, she’s obsessive/compulsive when it comes to men. Her time in therapy tells her to stop looking at him and imagining a sexual future. Only the reader and the heroine are aware of what’s happening right now, as she innocently tours this man’s mansion. Although, like a drug sniffing dog at an airport, we sense Arlo is hyper aware of her. Sex and power is her aphrodisiac and Arlo emits both. She mentions three months of sobriety, so if I were to guess...she should probably attend Love drunk anonymous meetings. The book is kind of enthralling. It’s either a definite “oh yeah, I’m in all the way” or..”this book’s not for me, I hate to have to think to read.” Plus Arlo is fascinating. I don’t like to compare authors or books but if you enjoyed The Fixed Trilogy, you will love this..it’s Fixed on steroids. Bring on Dark Obsession!
Profile Image for R.J. Rome.
Author 5 books54 followers
October 24, 2018
Great Prequel to the series!

*May contain spoilers... This is a must read (also included in Book 1 Dirty Obsession).  Art History student Nina Young, along with best Friend Eden travel to Italy for a four week class.  Nina a twenty something with extreme obsessive behavior towards men, fixates her attention onto Arlo Carini after a tour of his ostentatious mansion.  The Carini's are a mysterious family who are well known for their wealth and power throughout the town.  

After several attempts to get Arlo's attention and despite their obvious attraction to each other, Arlo warns Nina to stay away, that she should not let herself fall into his dangerous world or become indebted to him or his family. 

Not heeding Arlo's warnings, Nina crashes his dinner party which leads to Arlo locking her up in the bathroom and then again in the dungeon.  His attempts at trying to scare her away for good are futile and Nina is not anymore deterred than when she started out to conquer Arlo Carini.  Her new plan is revenge.

After a very tense presentation by none other than Arlo Carini, Nina and Eden head out for a night of dancing and drinking, and falling into the clutches of dangerous men.  In a dangerous game of roulette Nina makes her next move tempting fate in hopes Arlo will save her.   

He does.... and the rest of the story continues in Dirty Obsession....
Profile Image for Dita.
856 reviews13 followers
December 18, 2017
This book is just a prequel teaser and what an amazing way to start a series, the story is so intense, I can't put it down from the first chapter.
It's dark and hot and twisted and full of mystery and I can't wait to read the next book.
This book keep me on my toes and got me squirming on my seat.
A student with issues and a hot dangerous powerful man, oh yeah this one has interesting plot.

As for characters, I have mix feeling for Arlo and Nina, nothing is perfect or normal about these two, they're both so messed up, so f*cked up, and I love the instensity of their exchange, it felt so wrong but got me so turn on.
I need the next book to really understand these two.

If you love dark romance full of hotness and mystery, this one is a must

*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book
Profile Image for Gladys Mills.
1,963 reviews9 followers
December 31, 2019
Dirty Beginning. This book starts off the quest of a family driven by lust, power, and control. But most of all they are captivated by control. Enrico, the father, controls Italy through selling weapons and controlling the people; using and abusing women. He teaches his sons to do the same. It becomes a deadly game and once you get caught, you may never get out of it with your life. This series is a graphic tale of sinister acts conducted by men and women who feel they are above the law and can control anyone. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
1,707 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2017
Wow! This is a great beginning to a new series! It is a short prequel that ends in a cliffhanger, but it kept me engaged the entire time. I had to keep reading to see what Nina was going to do next, and then I had to keep reading some more to see how Arlo was going to respond to her and what he was going to do. Both seem to be obsessed with playing mind games with the other. There was a twist at the end that I did not see coming. I'm looking forward to reading book one and seeing where the twists will take us next.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Rachel.
401 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2018
Nina has gone on a study abroad program with her best friend. While touring on of the local mansions she finds herself the next guy that she’s going to obsess over (literally. Evidently Nina can’t just like a guy she’s beyond obsessive). He seems to be everywhere she is.

Instead of listening to her friend, she pushes the situation (of course, where could the book go if she listened??). While out at a club with some random guys she runs into Arlo, and does everything she can to make him want her...

Because of her obsessive tendencies she pushes things too far...and ends up with something she never could have imagined.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,538 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2018
This is a prequel for the next chapter and it is well written to catch the reader's attention. Nina is not quite the lead I'm used to reading, she is pathetic, obsessive/compulsive and spoiled. Arlo is no angel either. He kept warning Nina not to follow him or come after him many times, but she would not listen.It was just enough to read this novella to get you right into the next book in the series. There are clever hints by the author to the reader but not enough to figure out what is going to happen next. Brilliant so far ...

I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
7,678 reviews47 followers
December 10, 2017
The work is amazing I just can't figure out if I liked it or not. I'm still in a daze and not completely sure what I just read. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Heed this warning: the book contains scenes and subject matter that may be difficult to read. This is a very dark romance with some themes that aren't "nice" at all. There were some scenes at the end that were very uncomfortable to read and they've influenced my reaction to the whole book. I’m not totally certain if I can read the rest of the series now.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,157 reviews74 followers
October 6, 2018
The is the prequel of the Dirty series where we’re introduced to Nina and Eden, two best friends who have gone to Italy for a thirty day art history course. While taking a tour of the Carini mansion, as a "field trip" given by Arlo Carini, Nina finds herself obsessing over him. This is an intriguing story that left enough loose ends to make you want to find out what was going on and why. It definitely had me quickly turning pages and tilting my head as I read through following the characters. I'm not ready to let this one go just yet.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,157 reviews74 followers
May 3, 2019
The is the prequel of the Dirty series where we’re introduced to Nina and Eden, two best friends who have gone to Italy for a thirty day art history course. While taking a tour of the Carini mansion, as a "field trip" given by Arlo Carini, Nina finds herself obsessing over him. This is an intriguing story that left enough loose ends to make you want to find out what was going on and why. It definitely had me quickly turning pages and tilting my head as I read through following the characters. I'm not ready to let this one go just yet.
995 reviews
December 8, 2017
Dirty Beginning (ARC) by Ella Miles: ***** Just.... wow.
I didn’t rate this book 5 stars because I liked it - because my feelings are a bit twisted on that. I rated it 5 stars because it was very well written and I couldn’t put it down. And while the ending is a cliff hanger, it’s ingenious. I’m not sure I want to see where this story goes, but I will read it because I have to know... Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this story.
Profile Image for Kelly Vidito.
274 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I absolutely loved this prequel! It was an entertaining quick and easy read that hooked me from the beginning. It was so good. Arlo warned Nina numerous times she doesn't want to indebted him and his family. He tried to tell her they are not good people. Wow what a cliffhanger. I can't wait until Dirty Obsession is released, to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Gladys.
12.1k reviews138 followers
December 11, 2017
Dirty Beginning by Ella Miles is a good prequel novella to the upcoming Dirty Obsession. This has complex characters and a dark storyline. Offers a plot that leans toward romantic suspense. I enjoy this type of book but I must say I am not sure about the character of Nina. Maybe She will grow on me in the next book. I shall have to wait and see. I'm voluntarily reviewing this book after reading an ARC copy.
2,089 reviews17 followers
December 13, 2017
A dark twisted prequel into the story of Nina and Arlo. It was a bit confusing and I really didn’t like Nina that much, and I thought she probably got what she deserved after her history and men but we don’t know her full story and why she’s like that as I’m sure there is more to her. Arlo was a mystery and I wasn’t sure what to expect but the cliffhanger has me intrigued to see how this story goes and ends and what the twisted game is.
Profile Image for Janice.
880 reviews
January 14, 2018
A Review of Dirty Beginning by Ella Miles

Nina and Arlo - 4.5 Stars

It seems that Nina has a problem with getting obsessed with men and it has cost her dearly in the past. She has spent time in therapy and had been doing good for the last couple of months until she goes on a study abroad trip to Italy and meets Arlo Carini. This was just an introduction to the characters, with a small taste of what is to come.

**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Purchased Copy**
11 reviews
January 19, 2018
This was a different type of read for me, I kept saying....don't do it...don't do it...don't do it. I have to say though I really enjoyed reading the book, I read it 2 times and in the middle of it for a third time. The cliffhanger part had me going insane but that's what makes it more interesting to see what will happen with Nina and Arlo. This is beginning to be an amazing series so looking forward to book 1.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.*
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews27 followers
April 24, 2018
A very well written short prequel novella with a cliffhanger. The storyline and plot is nice. The dark and dirty romance is steamy and still passionate. The characters are well described and they develop well. The story has dark scenes and they are well described but not all romance readers are into that. I am. But that said then this is not only steamy scenes it has also romance and feelings. You can feel the heart in the story.
Looking forward to reading Dirty Obsession.
Profile Image for Melissa Ledet.
2,079 reviews13 followers
December 5, 2017
This is the prequel to Dirty Obsession and ends with a cliffhanger.

"I can't have Arlo Carini because he's dangerous. And I'm obsessed." Those words will get you hooked and hold you tight while reading this prequel. Love the characters and can't wait to see what unfolds in Dirty Obsession.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Pamela Lunder.
1,545 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2017
I voluntary reviewed this ARC. This book is pretty dark so far. Nina seems very obsessive when it comes to men. She finds one she wants then becomes so obsessed with them. Arlo wants Nina but he wants to protect her more then he wants her for himself. But Nina just keeps pushing. I am looking forward to the full length novel about Nina and Arlo.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,381 reviews204 followers
December 19, 2017
Um, what the fuck did I just read?!?!?

Dirty Beginning is a prequel to Dirty Obsession and I can't wait to read it! It details the beginning of Nina and Arlo's twisted story. Nina is a silly, stupid little rich girl who's studying in Italy for a month. She apparently has a history of becoming obsessed with men, which has lead to her being in therapy for years now. But, when she sees Arlo, who oozes sex and power, she can't help herself, and starts fantasizing about getting his attention and worming her way into his bed.

This all sounds good, sexy, but the way she goes about capturing his attention is a bit pathetic, (she's pathetic), and she allows herself to be treated like crap by Arlo, even as she revels in his attention. And then came the crazy ending, which of course, is leading to their full story. Now I'm dying to find out just how Arlo and Nina will go about getting themselves out of the insane situation she's forced them into.

Ella Miles is on the top of her game with this little peek into Arlo and Nina's world, so excited for more!

I received an ARC for an honest review.
285 reviews
December 12, 2017
Great start to this series!! This is a little different where the heroine is the one chasing the hero. She knows what she wants and she won't stop until she gets it. Problems is, she has no idea what he is about and there's a huge cliffhanger at the end. What is Arlo up to? There's something scheming between Arlo and his sister.
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