Review Redux + Review ~ Undeniable & UnBeautifully ~ Madeline Sheehan #ShelfLove

Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan
Undeniable Series #1
Release Date: October 7, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, MC Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Warning: This is not a "typical love story." This is an all-consuming, soul-crushing, tear-your-heart-into-piece story. It's intense, gritty and raw, dark and disturbing, and it doesn't happen overnight. This is an epic love story that knows no boundaries and has no time limits. It grows and develops - with hurt, sacrifice, and heartache - over the span of a lifetime.

Eva Fox is the princess of the Silver Demons Motorcycle Club. Growing up with bikers in the club lifestyle is all that she knows. When she's a young girl, Eva meets the reason for her existence. Deuce West is the sexy, biker bad-ass of the Hell's Horsemen Motorcycle Club. Like Eva, he was born and raised in the club - but that's where the similarities end. Their first meeting is innocent, but as Eva matures into a woman, their chance reunions evolve into a fit of lust and love. Fate continues to bring them together time and time again, but their twisted journey is filled with pain, betrayal, and bloodshed that could tear them apart. Eva sees in Deuce what he cannot see in himself - a man worthy of love - and Eva spends her lifetime proving to him that her undeniable love is the one thing he can't live without.

This is Eva and Deuce's story.

It wasn't easy.
Nothing worth doing ever is.
And love is worth everything.

I first read Undeniable back in late 2012. (If you want to see what my first reviews looked like you can find that review here but don't go in with high expectations. =) It was my first MC book and it made quite an impression. When I decided to re-read it prior to continuing the series, I wondered a few things. 1) Why, if I found the story for unforgettable - and I totally did - did I not continue the series and/or read more from Sheehan? And 2) Would it have the same impact on me how that I have a few MC books under my belt as well as having seen some episodes of SoA?

After my re-read, my answers are: 1) Who the heck knows?!? and 2) A resounding YESSSS!!!

UnBeautifully by Madeline Sheehan
Undeniable Series #2
Release Date: May 13, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, MC Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Warning: This is not a story about fate or destiny. This is a story about pain, sorrow, and suffering. This is an impulsive whirlwind romance between two lovers that are not meant to be together. Theirs is not a world with sunshine and roses. Instead, their love blossoms in a secret world of crime, violence, and death. Their story is about what can be born from nightmares.

Danielle "Danny" West is the daughter of Deuce West, President of the Hell's Horsemen Motorcycle Club. A sweet and beautiful girl, she loses her way, searching for things that are always out of her reach. Erik "Ripper" Jacobs is the Sergeant of Arms in the Hell's Horsemen. Once a man who always had a smile on his face, his life takes a turn for the worst when a tragedy befalls him, leaving him scarred and broken. During a midsummer night, Danny and Ripper's paths cross, forever changing their lives. Hastily, their lust turns to love until another tragedy forces them apart. On a journey that is marred in ugliness and chaos, Danny and Ripper must discover if their unforeseen connection can find the beauty in their world.

This is Danny and Ripper's story.

Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Especially the ugly.
Because without ugly, there would be no beauty.

I immediately dove into UnBeautifully after having finished Undeniable for the second time. I loved being completely immersed in this world, continuing the stories of these character I'm captivated by.

UnBeautifully is the story of Deuce's daughter, Danny, and his Sergeant at Arms, Ripper. Their story develops over a number of years and it's not always pretty. Ripper used to be a player of sorts, until he was used as a pawn in the game played by a rival MC trying to exact revenge against Eva and Deuce. Ripper was left terribly scarred, both outside and inside. He was left with a self-image issue, to say the least, and he doesn't feel worthy of anyone, least of all Danny. Danny has issues of her own being raised by Deuce and her mom, who ends up having little presence in Danny's and her brother's lives. Deuce isn't going to win Dad of the Year, which I found ironic since he preaches respect for women and seemed to show little to his own daughter. Anyway, the romance that blossoms between these two broken souls was beautiful, even when it wasn't, because they so deserved love despite not believing in it.

I liked that Sheehan also continued Eva and Deuce's story - its affect on Ripper and Danny included - as well as other character's we'd met previously. It was fascinating seeing all these added details and gave Danny and Ripper's story that much more depth. Danny and Ripper not only have to deal with self-doubt but also Ripper's position, murder, and mayhem. It was an action-packed and emotionally charged read that kept me reading til well past my bedtime. And I'm eager to continue.

Cover Reveal & #Giveaway ~ Debauched ~ Jennifer Dawson

I'm a big fan of Jennifer Dawson's Undone series, so I'm thrilled to share the cover for book #3, Debauched. What do y'all think?

Debauched by Jennifer Dawson

Release Date: April 26, 2016

Goodreads

Synopsis
One night in a moment of sheer madness I confessed my secrets to him. All my life I’ve been pretending. Pretending to be the woman I thought I should be instead of the woman I really am. I’ve been faking it and I am good. No one has ever guessed. Except him. He just looked at me and knew.  

Chad Fellows is not the man I want, but he’s fast becoming the man I need.  

One night in a moment of sheer madness I held her in my arms and let her cry. I did the right thing, letting her walk away, no matter how much she calls to the part of me that wants to rescue her. We are nothing alike, and she’s a mess of complications in a life I’m trying to keep simple. But then I touched her and made her tremble and now I can’t turn away.   

Ruby Stiles is not the woman I want, but she’s fast becoming the woman I need.

Previous Books in the Undone Series

Crave

Undone #1

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Sinful

Undone #2

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Coming Soon

Unraveled

Undone #2.5

Release Date: January 19, 2016

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Entry-

Form

Jennifer Dawson is the author of the popular Something New series; spicy, small town romance released with Kensington, and pens the dark and edgy contemporary romance series Undone.   Jennifer grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day, she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they are married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog. These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever-watchful eye on her ever-growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband. Jennifer loves connecting with her readers and invites you to check out her website, Facebook page, and join Dawson’s Darlings, her private Facebook Fan group. Sign up for her monthly Newsletter for exclusive insider peeks, new release information and more.

#TravelingtoTerminus Review ~ With Visions of Red Book 3 ~ Trisha Wolfe

With Visions of Red Book 3 by Trisha Wolfe
Broken Bonds #2
Release Date: October 10, 2015
Genre: Adult, Thriller, Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Who is the UNSUB?

For Agent Sadie Bonds, finding the answer to that question means the difference between life and death for someone close to her. The UNSUB's latest abduction reaches right into the heart of the ACPD, forcing every member of the department to search within their ranks for the sadistic perpetrator.

Suspicion not only clouds the task force; it slithers into Sadie and Colton's bond, challenging their love. Discovering the truth means facing their past together. Sadie's connection to Colton has quieted her inner demons--but is she strong enough to confront the real monster?

All players take their places as the stage is set for the final scene. With the UNSUB manipulating the game, even Sadie and Colton fall victim, spiraling deep into the darkness that threatens not only their lives, but their trust. As Sadie navigates a torturous maze, Colton will do whatever it takes to protect her.

The truth will set you free. Only for Sadie, her truth will test the very fabric of her reality. She must silence the threat, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves.

Holy Smokes! This was a riveting and stunning conclusion to With Visions of Red. Ms. Wolfe kept me guessing until the very end and I can honestly say I'd have never guessed that ending was coming.

This installment picks up the story where we left off - Sadie and her team are in a race against the clock to save one of their own. And the UNSUB's identity is still a mystery.

Ms. Wolfe did such an incredible job of throwing out clues but keeping me off track. The suspense was intense and I truly enjoyed the psychological elements. It was a chilling thing to get inside a serial killer's head - and not a little scary being inside Sadie's at times.

The BDSM element was essentially non-existent, only referenced in this final installment. Sadie and Colton's romance taking a backseat to the profiling and investigation.

I must say I'm very impressed with Ms. Wolfe's writing skills. She took on some weighty subjects in this series and she did so in a very satisfying manner.

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ With Visions of Red Book Three ~ Trisha Wolfe

Happy Release Day, Trisha Wolfe!

With Visions of Red Book Three releases TODAY!

Be looking for my review of this one. I've been waiting and I can't wait to see how things wrap up!

With Visions of Red: Broken Bonds Book Three

Broken Bonds #3

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller

 Release Date: October 12, 2015

Blurb

Who is the UNSUB?

For Agent Sadie Bonds, finding the answer to that question means the difference between life and death for someone close to her. The UNSUB’s latest abduction reaches right into the heart of the ACPD, forcing every member of the department to search within their ranks for the sadistic perpetrator.

Suspicion not only clouds the task force; it slithers into Sadie and Colton’s bond, challenging their love. Discovering the truth means facing their past together. Sadie’s connection to Colton has quieted her inner demons—but is she strong enough to confront the real monster?

All players take their places as the stage is set for the final scene. With the UNSUB manipulating the game, even Sadie and Colton fall victim, spiraling deep into the darkness that threatens not only their lives, but their trust. As Sadie navigates a tortuous maze, Colton will do whatever is takes to protect her—even if that means revealing his secret. 

The truth will set you free. Only for Sadie, her truth will test the very fabric of her reality. She must silence the threat, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

Giveaway

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Early Review ~ Girl Wife Prisoner ~ Hanna Peach

Girl Wife Prisoner by Hanna Peach
A Good Wife #1
Release Date: Sept 19, 2015
Genre: Adult, Dark Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 3 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Available now for preorder at the special price of 99 cents

Synopsis
How far would you go to set yourself free?

Drake Blackwell is successful, controlling, and hiding a violent family past. He just made his latest investment: Noriko.

Imported from Japan and wed to a stranger, Noriko struggles to stick to the rules of a Good Wife. Drake can't seem to love her, not the way she wants to be loved. She dreams of freedom beyond the gates of Blackwell Manor.

She meets Keir, a passionate young gardener who shares her desire to break free. He gets under her skin and ignites a fire in her she can't ignore. In the midst of her quiet desperation she thinks she has found happiness. And a glimpse of hope.

But this affair can't last...can it?

Although part of a series, this is a standalone novel with no cliffhanger.

WARNING: For ages 18+. There are scenes in this novel that infer or allude to physical violence.

After reading and enjoying Ms. Peach's Bound series, I jumped at her offer to review Girl Wife Prisoner. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping to. While I found the premise intriguing, I felt the execution of it could have been stronger.

Noriko is a young Japanese girl newly arrived in the U.S. She finds herself moving into a grand home complete with a staff and luxuries she couldn't have imagined. But there is a price for all these amenities. See, Noriko is a purchased bride. Her husband, Drake, is older. He's rich...insanely rich. He's also surrounded by rumors and suspicions concerning the death of his parents. And then there is Keir, the young gardener. He is smitten with Noriko until he realizes who she is. Once they become better acquainted though, he comes to understand she's not who he thought she was.

Like I said, the premise really captured my attention. And Ms. Peach created compelling characters. But I'd have preferred more backstory and character development. I didn't feel very connected to any of the characters. Noriko was a rather feisty and outspoken young woman. While I admire that in a heroine, it wasn't what I'd expect from a timid, young Japanese girl. She also vacillated between behaving maturely and very childishly. This was probably realistic considering she wasn't even eighteen but it had me curious as to who the real Noriko was. Drake, who would be considered the villain, wasn't developed enough for me to revile him. I didn't like him - he's distant, aloof, and doesn't always treat Noriko very well, but I never feared him. Yes, he did purchase a young bride. Yes, he wouldn't allow Noriko outside the walls of his compound. Yes, he showed hints he could be violent. But he was also tender with Noriko at times. Keir, who was my favorite character, was young and idealistic. He would have made a better match for Noriko under different circumstances. He does care for her and wants to protect her, even at the risk of dire consequences for himself. There is a spark between them that is obvious. But Noriko is tied to Drake.

I did enjoy the mystery surrounding Drake and how it played out between the characters. The knowledge of what had happened and the suspicions aimed at Drake did have me worrying for Noriko and Keir at times. I also liked the motivations behind Noriko's circumstances. It made her 'sale' feel not so despicable - at least on her part. I had several moments of heartbreak for Noriko, too. It seemed a pity she had to endure all she did. And then Ms. Peach threw a curve ball where I wondered just how many layers this girl had.

Overall, there were elements I liked and elements that could have been better. The story was good but better character development would have made it gripping.

Hanna is the bestselling author of the Bound romantic suspense series and the Dark Angel fantasy series. Although she writes in more than one genre she can’t write a book without weaving together a complicated plot and filling it with twists. She writes what she believes: good people can do bad things, ordinary people can do great things, and choose love above everything.

Eternally restless, Hanna has lived in Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Scotland, England, Croatia and Ireland – everything she owns fits into one suitcase. She’s planning her next move with her gorgeous (and understanding) partner right now. 

If not writing, she can be found wandering a dusty market in Marrakesh or trekking a mountain in Peru, often using her travels as settings in her novels.

To WIN a copy of her next release subscribe to her newsletter: 

www.hannapeach.com/subscribe.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Meet Me in the Dark ~ JA Huss

Y'all know I love JA Huss! If you've read her books, you've met Merc. I've been waiting a long time for Merc's story. It's almost here! Check out his cover. What do y'all think? I really, really like the background of the font and the image of Merc...he has an air of mystery.

Meet Me In The Dark (A Dark Suspense)

Release Date: April 15, 2015

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Goodreads

Synopsis
Eight years ago, Merric Case--AKA Merc, freelance assassin--was sent to rescue a sixteen year old girl from a Wyoming-based militia group on Christmas Eve. A new life, new friends, and a whole lot of new money came out of that job. But a choice had to be made that night, and the girl he should've saved was left behind.

Sydney Channing was collateral damage in more ways than one when the rescue she expected turned into an eight-year nightmare filled with lies, sexual servitude, and mind manipulation. Cases' last threat gave her hope that one day he'd be back--even if it was just to kill her.

And now Merc is back. But he's not here to save Sydney. His job is to pick through her damaged psyche and find the truth using whatever means necessary. Sex, drugs, lies, and love. Those are his weapons of choice. And when Merric Case takes aim--he never misses the target.

Meet Me In The Dark is a full-length dark suspense novel due to be published on April 15, 2015.

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JA Huss is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who make you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her kick-ass romance blog, New Adult Addiction (www.newadultaddiction.com).

If you're interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

**#COYER Review ~ Seven Sons ~ LIli St. Germain**

Seven Sons
Gypsy Brothers #1
Release Date: January 3, 2014
Genre: Adult, Dark, Contemporary Romance
Source: Amazon *Freebie*
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
My father was most certainly NOT an innnocent man. As the leader of the Gypsy Brothers MC, he was guilty of many things. But he died for a crime that he didn't commit, framed by an enemy within who then stole his club and everything he had ever worked to protect.

Including my innocence.

When Dornan Ross framed my father, he set into motion a series of events that could never be undone. My father was murdered by Dornan Ross and his sons when I was fifteen years old.

Before my father died, Dornan Ross and his seven sons stole my innocence, branded my skin and in doing so, ensured that their lives would be prematurely cut short. That they would suffer.

I've just turned twenty-one, and I'm out for blood. I'm out for revenge.

But I didn't expect to fall for Jase, the youngest brother in the club.

I didn't expect that he would turn my world upside down, yank my heart out of my chest and ride away into the sunset with it.

Now, I'm faced with an impossible choice - Jase, or avenging my father's death?

***

I just wanted to make a note that I one-clicked Seven Sons on January 12, 2014!! Almost a year later, I finally read it. And now I'm kicking myself for not having one-clicked the entire series when they were *all* 99 cents!!

Holy wow!! Why, oh why did I wait so long to read this? Seven Sons was a thrilling yet shocking look at what the need for revenge can drive someone to do. I was riveted. I finished it in one sitting, tightly gripping my kindle as I flew through the pages. Seven Sons is dark - rather appalling, actually. It's gruesome, gritty...and fantastic!

Six years ago, Juliette Portland lost what mattered most in the world to her - she died that day. She's been reborn - as Samantha Peyton - and she's set about exacting her revenge. And she'll have it.

Sammi is amazing in her calculated precision. She has planned her revenge in exquisite detail. There are glimpses of the broken, vulnerable girl buried within her and that glimpse is what keeps her human.

St. Germain did a brilliant job of conveying Sammi's past and her desire for vengeance. The flashbacks detail every thing she suffered and the emotional toll it all took. I can't imagine experiencing it myself but I feel Sammi's pain and need to dole out punishment. Dornan and the sons I've met, with the exception of Jase, all seem soulless and deserving of Sammi's wrath. I am eager to see what will happen with Jase though.

I'm wringing my hands over what will come next. Thank goodness the entire series is already available.

**OctobeRec Fest Late Review ~ Consequences ~ Aleatha Romig**

I one-clicked Consequences after reading Braine @Talk Supe's review awhile back. (seriously, I one-clicked this on March 6, 2013!) Braine talked about what a "mind fluck" this book was. So I was intrigued. I started reading Consequences right before heading to Cincinnati for the Queen City Indie Con, because Aleatha Romig was attending. I got to meet her and she's sooo cool! I had to laugh when I was at her table as she had button swag for us and she picked up one that said "I Love Tony". When I told her I was reading Consequences, she said, "Oh, then you don't love Tony right now" and handed me a "I Hate Tony" button instead. 

Braine, I can't thank you enough for turning me on to this series. I can't wait for the next "mind fluck"!

***

Consequences 
Consequences #1
Release Date:

Genre: Dark, Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: I purchased a ecopy on Amazon
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis

Every action has consequences.

Waking in an unfamiliar bedroom in a luxurious mansion, Claire Nichols is terrified to discover that a chance encounter led her into the cruel hands of her abductor, Anthony Rawlings. Claire has no understanding of why she's there, but it's been made abundantly clear - she is now his acquisition and every action has consequences.

Learn the rules to survive.

Facing incomprehensible circumstances, Claire must learn to survive her new reality - every aspect of her livelihood depends upon the tall, dark-eyed tycoon who is a true master of deception. Driven by unknown demons, he has no tolerance for imperfection, in any aspect of his life, including his recent acquisition. Anthony may appear to the world as a handsome, benevolent businessman, but in reality Claire knows firsthand that he's a menacing, controlling captor with very strict rules: do as you're told, public failure is not an option, and appearances are of the utmost importance.

Captivate the captor.

To fit together the pieces of the puzzle, Claire must follow his rules. Will her plan work, or will Anthony become enthralled by Claire's beauty, resilience, and determination, changing the game forever? If that happens, will either of them survive the consequences?

Nobody ever did or ever will escape the consequences of his choices. - Alfred A. Montapert

I think y'all know I appreciate twists in stories. Honestly, the twistier the better. Consequences - well, I don't think I've ever read more of a "mind fluck" than this. I've never finished a book with a WTF?? feeling like I had when I finished Consequences. And I loved it. I never knew what was coming. Oh, I knew something was coming, but I didn't know what. I was on edge for so much of the book just waiting for the other shoe to fall. And when it did, it was completely unexpected.

I like villains - those characters you love to hate. I have a new appreciation for villains like Anthony Rawlings. I despised him, the I warmed to him little by little. It never reached love or admiration - but when that shoe finally dropped, I felt duped. The I did admire him - for his evil ways. Tony is sooo good at being bad. I never could figure him out even though we got snippets from his POV. I didn't...couldn't understand his motivations. Although I now know, I still don't understand.

Claire - I did admire her resilience. At times, I felt she'd lost some of the inner strength she'd possessed. I couldn't comprehend how she didn't see how Tony was changing her. But truly, she was resilient in her coping. She managed the best she could - while being taking in by Tony's softer side. I feel under his spell, too. I wanted to believe. I smiled at the return of her backbone and dignity though.

The quotes at the chapter beginnings were masterfully used as clues. This was an incredible psychological thriller...dark and oh, so twisty. I did think it was clunky at times. Perhaps I didn't need all that information. Once I finished, I realized it was all necessary. It was needed to set up that WTF moment. Ms. Romig has now placed herself on my favorite authors list.

**Teaser Tuesday ~ #42**

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Consequences (Consequences #1) by Aleatha Romig

Dark, Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis
Every action has consequences.

Waking in an unfamiliar bedroom in a luxurious mansion, Claire Nichols is terrified to discover that a chance encounter led her into the cruel hands of her abductor, Anthony Rawlings. Claire has no understanding of why she's there, but it's been made abundantly clear - she is now his acquisition and every action has consequences.

Learn the rules to survive.

Facing incomprehensible circumstances, Claire must learn to survive her new reality - every aspect of her livelihood depends upon the tall, dark-eyed tycoon who is a true master of deception. Driven by unknown demons, he has no tolerance for imperfection, in any aspect of his life, including his recent acquisition. Anthony may appear to the world as a handsome, benevolent businessman, but in reality Claire knows firsthand that he's a menacing, controlling captor with very strict rules: do as you're told, public failure is not an option, and appearances are of the utmost importance.

Captivate the captor.

To fit together the pieces of the puzzle, Claire must follow his rules. Will her plan work, or will Anthony become enthralled by Claire's beauty, resilience, and determination, changing the game forever? If that happens, will either of them survive the consequences?

Nobody ever did or ever will escape the consequences of his choices. - Alfred A. Montapert

***Teaser***

She couldn't give him gifts in black velvet boxes. She could only give herself.

**OctobeRec Fest Review #2 ~ With You ~ Nashoda Rose**

I one-clicked With You after reading a tempting review from Naomi @Nomi's Paranormal Palace. Thanks, Naomi!! I can't wait to get started on Torn from You. :)

***

With You
Tear Asunder #0.5
Release Date: December 20, 2013
Genre: Dark, Contemporary Romance
Source: *Freebie* puchased on Amazon
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
Sculpt is an illegal fighter.

He's also the lead singer of a local rock band.

No one knows his real name.

And from the moment I met him, he made me forget mine.

In order to convince Sculpt to give me self-defense lessons, I had to follow his one rule - no complaining or he'd walk. I didn't think it would be a problem. I could handle a few bruises. What I hadn't anticipated was landing on my back with Scult on top of me and my entire body burning up for him.

I tried to ignore it.

I failed of course, And having a hot, tattooed badass on top of me week after week, acting completely immune to what he was doing to my body - it was frustrating as hell, so I broke his rule - I complained.

Then he kissed me.

Author's Note: This novella is Sculpt and Emily's beginning and how they met. It is an extra and not required to be read before Torn from You. Their story and what happens to them is the novel Torn from You.

*Warning* Huge cliff-hanger. Like huge! But With You and Torn from You are released on the same day.

With You is the prequel to Torn from You and is a compelling introduction to the characters of Emily and Sculpt. I'm hooked and am eager to begin the rest of their story.

Emily lost any chance of building self-confidence when her father died when she was 10. Her mom was too self-absorbed and reminding Emily constantly of how she'd ruined her life. She spent most of her teen years with her best friend and her best friend's brother, whose unique circumstances bonded them. A frightening experience sends Emily looking for Sculpt, a fighter, hoping he'll teach her some self-defense moves.

Sculpt is a fighter as well as the lead singer for the band, Tear Asunder. We don't know much else about him other than his past is scary, he doesn't talk about it, and he's over the moon for Emily.

We are witness to these two getting to know one another and falling for each other. And it's heartwarming really, and I enjoyed it. Both Emily and Sculpt have walls put up to keep people from getting in. But, while Emily does some growing, we still don't know that much about Sculpt aside from his feelings for Emily and he doesn't have much character growth. 

Then the night of Emily's first time to see Sculpt's band...BAM!! I'm chomping at the bit to know what happens next!