New Release Review ~ Come from Away ~ Genevieve Graham #2018NewRelease

Come from Away by Genevieve Graham
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker's three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about "wolf packs" of German U-Boats lurking in the deep waters along the shores of East Jeddore, a stone's throw from Grace's window. As the harsh realities of war come closer to home, Grace buries herself in her work at the store.

Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be, but someone else entirely - someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand.

After reading Sophia's review of Tides of Honour (@Delighted Reader), I determined that Genevieve Graham was an author I needed to read. There were several reasons for this: 1) Her story seemed well written and she crafted fully-realized characters, and 2) The setting is Canada (Nova Scotia, specifically) and Ms. Graham tells stories set during Canadian history that I'm unfamiliar with and curious about as well as writing about the Acadian people whom I'm also unfamiliar with and curious about. So when Ms. Graham contacted me asking if I'd be interested in Come from Away, I was giddy! And I was also not disappointed.

Come from Away is set in Nova Scotia with WWII as the backdrop. It revolves around the Baker family, their life in the small fishing town of East Jeddore, and how the war affects them. It delves into perceptions, feelings, and emotions experienced when loved ones are far away fighting and everything you read or hear about the enemy paints them *all* as monsters.

Grace has stayed home to tend to her family and her hometown via working at the general store. She struggles with this decision, uncertain if she's doing her part for the war effort. She'd really like for things to return to normal - where one of her biggest concerns would be her brothers teasing her over her impending spinsterhood. When the town holds a dance, Grace meets a young man who makes her heart race and as she later gets to know him, he challenges her preconceived notions and perceptions - makes her consider her own prejudices and those of he neighbors.

Rudi arrives in East Jeddore on a mission and stays by way of a twist of fate. He grew up very differently than Grace. He was raised to feel a nationalistic pride unlike most. But the things he's seen and experienced at home and during the war make him question what he was taught. Rudi is forced to make difficult decisions and must learn to deal with the perceptions about himself and his countrymen. He must figure out a way to prove that in his heart, he's a good man.

The ways in which Ms. Graham dealt with the ugliness of war and he feelings he war evoked - the pride of country and the hatred towards the enemy on both sides - was masterful. Especially in that she used those who'd seen war, those currently fighting, to impart logic and reason upon a subject that seemingly has none. Watching as Grace fought against her prejudices to embrace her feelings for Rudi, how she and her family had to deal with a community who would persecute their own over the biases created by war was gut-wrenching and heartwarming. Ms. Graham illustrated the triumph of humanity over war in this story. It's a beautiful, timely, and brilliantly rendered story. And one that made me a fan of Ms. Graham's storytelling abilities. I'll be reading more for certain.

My TBR List *May* ~ Polling is Open! #MyTBRL

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

In 2018, I'm once again working at catching up on series and y'all get to decide which series I'm going to catch up on each month! :D

I use random.org to pick books from my list so some books may appear more than once.


Your Choices Are:


Losing Hope
Hopeless #2

Synopsis
In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover's #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts.


In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder's past remained a mystery.

Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him...

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder's head during all those hopeless moments--and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.



The Girl in the Sea
Let Me Go #3

Synopsis
A Gripping Psychological Romantic Suspense Novel

Book 3 of the Let Me Go Series:
Olivia has a new job; one that unknowingly lands her right smack dab in the middle of a dark, depraved world of prostitution and sex-trafficking.
And to make matters worse, she's finally found someone. She thinks he's everything she wants, but he's strictly an online friend. While he tries to remain hidden behind his avatar, she's at last ready to put her rocky past behind her, if she can convince him to step out from behind the curatin.
But when she invites her anonymous friend to her sister's wedding on the beautiful, beachy, sub-tropical have of Bald Head Island, he says no; he's not ready to reveal his true identity. Instead, along with an unexpected squall that blows in, Grayson--the mysterious brother of the groom--arrives.
Olivia is rightfully wary of Grayson. He's a dangerous, real, flesh and blood man, after all. So, when her own heart beats out a warning tempo, she takes heed. Danger finds her anyway, as the beach is slammed with murderous hurrican winds, and the two are thrust together.
All is not as it seems, and she must dig deep if she is to unmask the mystery of the man, and save herself, by forcing him to confront his own inner storms and secrets, while he battles his two biggest demons: revenge and redemption.
Fiction: Romantic Suspense, Psychological Suspense, Family Saga 
Trigger Warnings: abduction, vague references to prostitution and sex trafficking, violence to women




Sinner
Wolves of Mercy Falls #4

Synopsis
found.
Cole St. Clair has come to California for one reason: to get Isabal Culpeper back. She fled from his damaged, drained life, and damaged and drained it even more. He doesn't just want her. He needs her.

lost.
Isabel is trying to build herself a life in Los Angeles. It's not really working. She can play the game as well as all the other fakes...but what's the point? What is there to win?

sinner.
Cole and Isabel share a past that never seemed to have a future. They have the power to save each other and the power to tear each other apart. The only thing for certain is that they cannot let go.


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Blogger Chick Chat & Review ~ Dear Bridget, I Want You ~ Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Dear Bridget, I Want You by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Release Date: September 18, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Gifted on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Dear Bridget,
I'm writing this letter because it's highly doubtful I'll ever garner the courage to say this to your face.
So, here goes.
We're totally wrong for each other. You're the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I'm just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.
But here's the thing...for some bloody reason, I can't stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways.
I want you.
The only reason I'm even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don't believe it's one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we're joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke.
So, what's the purpose of this note? I guess it's a reminder that we're adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it's to let you know that I'm leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you'd like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime.
No questions asked.
Think about it.
Or don't.
Whatever you choose.
It's doubtful I'll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.
--Simon

***BLOGGER CHICK CHAT***

My blogger wife, Lexxie @(un)Conventional Bookviews, gave me Dear Bridget, I Want You for Christmas so it was imperative that we buddy read it. Here's what we had to say once we finished:

Me: I'm so happy we decided to buddy-read this one, wifey. I really enjoyed it. I felt Keeland and Ward did well in fleshing out the characters, creating a compelling story, and combining humor with some seriousness as well.

Lex: I loved that we were able to buddy-read this, to - FINALLY, right? They did flesh out the characters, and the humor had me laughing really hard - but I loved that there was something deeper going on as well.

Me: I was giggle-snorting over Bridget and Simon's initial encounter. But while there were other instances of humor, I liked that the story wasn't all fun and games. It made watching their romance blossoming more endearing. What did you think of the story overall?

Lex: OMG! She had a fish-hook in her butt-cheek. You can't even make that up, right? And how she asked Simon for a real doctor or a woman LOL And the fact that it wasn't all fun and games made it that much more realistic to me. Plus, as you said, their romance was very cute.

I've had a fish-hook stuck in my finger...I can't imagine it being stuck in my butt! And I would be mortified to have a hunky young doctor be the one to treat me! bwahahahaha

Me: I liked the letters. Sometimes it is easier to say what you feel in writing rather than verbally. And they each had quite a few sexy thoughts for the other but I think they both felt like they might be rebuffed for myriad reasons but they took a chance on putting their thoughts and feelings out there anyway. Did you like how the letters were done?

Lex: Yes. Writing things down can feel both intimate and give you more courage. Because you don't have to watch the other person's face while you're writing a letter. And you might not even get any feedback at all. I think I loved Bridget's first letter the most. Since she didn't really plan on actually giving it to Simon. Ever. But I'm glad he got it. Because that's just too cute.

Me: I liked the fact that Bridget and Simon shared a tragedy in common because they were able to really understand the feelings they each had because of those tragedies at a certain level. I also appreciated how Keeland/Ward had Bridget and Simon work through those experiences. I did NOT see that one curveball coming at me though. How do you feel about Bridget and Simon having a tragedy in common and did you see the curveball coming or were you smacked in the face with it as well?

Lex: Oh, the twists of their tragedies, and especially Bridget's tragedy just cut my heart in two! I seriously felt like I had been stabbed at one point. Because *shakes head* that was just tough to read. And to see how they hadn't really made peace with what they had been through, but finally found a way to do so was beautiful. I was totally smacked in the face with the curveball. Even if I expected *something* to be up with that - because that lawyer was just fishy. And I was SO angry at Bridget's <<friend<< and <<colleague<<. Like, why would she interfere like that?

Me: How did you feel about how the authors handled Brendan? I felt like he could have been a bit more of a presence but overall I liked how they wrote him. I especially loved seeing Simon with him. And I suppose that was important since it illustrated Simon's emotional growth.

Lex: I thought Brendan was awesome. And he was present enough - especially thinking about how Bridget wanted to shield him. And seeing Simon actually stepping up and being great with Brendan was heartwarming.

I didn't think about it like that but you're right...Bridget was very protective of him. That makes sense. So yeah, he was present enough. :)

Me: Overall, I felt like this was a heartwarming, fun, sexy, and sweet read. I hope you felt the same way.

Lex: I totally felt the same, wifey! It was a great story :D

This writing duo continues to knock it out of the park for me. Dear Bridget, I Want You combined humor, romance, and some real-life angst to create a compelling, relatable, and engaging story.

Highlights:

• Bridget & Simon
  From their initial encounter, where Simon was tasked with removing a fishhook from Bridget's bum to the final scene in the epilogue, I fell for both of them as well as enjoying their journey to their HEA. The ways in which Keeland and Ward fleshed out these characters, giving them backstories with a commonality to how they dealt with working together and their being at different stages in their lives, I flipped through the pages eager to see what happened next.
• Romance
  The way the fell was genuine and sweet. And I liked how Keeland and Ward incorporated Brendan even if I felt he could have played a bit larger role in the story. (Edit: After my chat with Lexxie, I decided that his role was just right.) Bridget and Simon fought their attraction HARD. In the end though, it was unavoidable. The pull was too strong no matter the obstacles. And I liked how Keeland and Ward had things fall into place.
• Plot
  How Keeland and Ward brought Simon and Bridget together felt organic. Even the twists they threw in felt realistic even though the legality might have been questionable. The emotions evoked and the outcomes as well as the few hurdles they had to overcome all led to a satisfying ending. I was thrilled to have read this one!

Review ~ Shameless ~ Lisa Renee Jones #ShelfLove

Shameless by Lisa Renee Jones
White Lies Duet #2
Release Date: July 11, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Nick "Tiger" Rogers, sought out Faith Winter with revenge as his agenda. He made her his obsession. He seduced her. He made her want him. He made her trust him. And then he trusted her. He wanted her. He loved her.
But now, the lies will be exposed, the truth revealed.
Hearts will be broken. Lives shattered.
Nick. Faith.
The truth. The passion.
The SHAMELESS obsession.

This final installment in the White Lies Duet was exciting, suspenseful, and steamy...things LRJ excels at! =) The reveal wasn't quite what I was expecting but I still enjoyed Faith and Nick's story.

Shameless picks up where Provocative left off with Nick trying to unravel the connection between his father and Faith's mother, Faith trying to hang on to the winery while also focusing on her painting, and both Nick and Faith trying to earn and give the trust needed to build a lasting relationship. Add to that the possible danger posed by whomever is trying to push Faith out of the winery and you can see where suspense and excitement abound!

My favorite part was watching as the romance blossomed between Nick and Faith though. They each fell pretty quickly and certainly weren't planning on it. But they each had some baggage to attend to in order to reach the place they were headed. Nick had the hardest time since he was asking Faith for trust and honesty while keeping a secret from her. Granted it was necessary but he knew once he revealed it, it might cause irrevocable damage. Faith didn't want to give up control and that, of course, caused many sparks since Nick is an alpha male. I was grateful for the dual POV because it allowed me to be privy to the thoughts of both Faith and Nick and getting Nick's thoughts was often illuminating. And, of course, there's the steam factor. LRJ writes some fabulous steam but also balances it with a meaty story. 

My second favorite thing was the art. LRJ wonderfully conveyed the detail, color, etc., of the art - both Faith's and Chris's. That I got to spend some time with Chris and Sara (from the Inside Out series) was also a bonus. 

The reveal was the only thing that didn't make me squee. I was expecting more I guess and it all was revealed rather quickly and it fizzled a little. Overall though, I was wholly satisfied with Shameless. And I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate more LRJ into my reading diet. :)

My TBR List Review *April* ~ Finding It ~ Cora Carmack #MyTBRL #2018HW

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 



Finding It by Cora Carmack
Losing It #3
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased Paperback at a local signing
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018HW, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sometimes you have to lost yourself to find where you truly belong...

Most girls would kill to spend months traveling around Europe after college graduation with no responsibility, no parents, and no-limit credit cards. Kelsey Summers is no exception. She's having the time of her life...or that's what she keeps telling herself.

It's a lonely business trying to find out who you are, especially when you're afraid you won't like what you discover. No amount of drinking or dancing can chase away Kelsey's loneliness, but maybe Jackson Hunt can. After a few chance meetings, he convinces her to take a journey of adventure instead of alcohol. With each new city and experience, Kelsey's mind becomes a little clearer and her heart a little less hers. Jackson helps her unravel her own dreams and desires. But the more she learns about herself, the more Kelsey realizes how little she knows about Jackson.

It's been a little while since I read Faking It and a long while since I read Losing It and I know that I adored those stories and characters but here's the thing: Finding It resonated so deeply and I fell so hard for both Kelsey and Jackson that their story is my favorite.

It might be the place I'm in with life - or rather the place(s) where my kids are - and honestly it probably is that reason - but CCarmack nailed so completely what it feels like to wonder at what your purpose is and to stumble about in an attempt to figure it out. That's always been my favorite element of New Adult as a genre and CCarmack conveys it so well. Now that I have children experiencing the same things, getting ready to embark on a similar journey, and/or navigate these same waters, Kelsey and Jackson and their situations just spoke to me.

Kelsey looks like she's having one last hurrah before starting her life post-graduation. She's traveling Europe, partying, and living life. But Kelsey is actually trying to keep memories and emotions at bay by living in the moment and drowning things in alcohol...oh and by spending daddy's money. At first, I had trouble sympathizing with her poor, little rich girl persona. It didn't take long to see that it was all an act and Kelsey is quite an actress. At times it seemed as though she didn't really know herself. Underneath that party girl facade was a damaged young woman who'd been dealing with quite a lot for quite a long time but also a young woman who was capable and passionate and worthy of love.

Jackson started out as a snarky, handsome enigma. I could tell he was damaged as well and that he had a painful story but it was a story he wasn't ready to share. He was a compassionate young man who seemed to see right through Kelsey's mask to the heart of her. Even better, he saw ll the parts of her worthy of his attention, care, and love.

What I enjoyed most was how Jackson took it upon himself to help Kelsey find what she was really looking for by giving her what she thought she was looking for. And in the course of helping Kelsey, he learned a few things himself as well as finding exactly what he was looking for.

Finding It was captivating, powerful, and emotionally charged as well as funny, sweet, and sexy. Thank goodness I have more CCarmack on my shelf!

Review ~ Badd Motherf*cker ~ Jasinda Wilder #ShelfLove

Badd Motherf*cker by Jasinda Wilder
Badd Brothers #1
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, right? That's what they say, at least. I went into that day hoping I'd get the happiest day of my life. What I got? The worst. I mean, you really can't get any worse of a day without someone actually dying.

So...I may have gotten just a little drunk, and maybe just a tad impetuous.

And landed myself in a dive bar somewhere in Alaska, alone, still in my wedding dress, half-wasted and heart-broken.

***
Eight brothers, one bar.

Sounds like the beginning to a bad joke, yeah?

I kinda think so.

Wanna hear another joke? A girl walks into a bar, soaking wet and wearing a wedding dress.

I knew I shouldn't have touched her. She was hammered, for one thing, and heartbroken for another. I've chased enough tail to know better. That kinda thing only leads to clinginess, and a clingy female is the last thing on this earth I need.

I got a bar needs running, and only me to run it - at least until my seven wayward brothers decide to show their asses up...

The this chick walks in, fine as hell, wearing a soaked wedding dress that leaves little enough to the imagination - and I've got a hell of an imagination.

I knew I shouldn't have touched her. Not so much as a finger, not even innocently.

But I did.

Oh how I enjoyed Badd Motherf*cker! This served as my introduction to Wilder's fiction despite my having quite the collection of her books. I'm sorry I waited so long and I intend to read more sooner than later!

So the crux of the series is that there are these 8 brothers from Ketchikan, Alaska, and they grew up living above a bar owned and run by their father. Badd Motherf*cker is Sebastian's story - the eldest Badd brother - and the one who stayed behind to run the bar. He's the kind of guy who screws women once and never repeats, never commits. But things change when Dru Connolly walks into his bar wearing a drenched wedding dress.

Dru found out at the last possible moment that the man she was marrying was not "the one" for her. She ends up in Ketchikan at Badd's Bar & Grill - the exact place she's meant to be.

I loved Dru and Sebastian together. They played well off each others' strengths and weaknesses. Sebastian definitely needs a woman who can kick his ass as well as set a broken nose - and I mean both those literally. Was the story perfect? No but it was absolutely entertaining. There was a definite case of insta-lust that developed into more rather quickly. Add to that Sebastian's brothers returning - in all their various shapes and personalities - and all the mayhem that created. It made for a lot of fun, several punches thrown, and my laughing out loud. Badd Motherf*cker was the perfect blend of fun, serious, and steam...lots of steam! It was just what I needed. AND I have 7 more stories to enjoy. 

Travel by the Book ~ Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances/Ocean Beach

Welcome to Travel by the Book. I know for most of us, reading is an escape. One of the things I love about reading it getting to travel. And I'm sure I'm not the only reader who has wished to take a trip inspired by a place I read about in a book. I've been fortunate in that my Hubs is kind enough to indulge me and take me to said places. This is where I share those vacations that were inspired by a book.

***UPDATE***

So, I know you haven't seen a Travel by the Book post in quite a long while. This is mostly because I wasn't thinking ahead when I started doing these posts and after ONE year, I'd run out of places I'd traveled to because of a book! LOL But I got to thinking about how to resurrect this feature and I decided to continue sharing these posts - quarterly? - and switch it up a tiny bit when necessary. 

I hope you'll enjoy these posts!

***The Book***

You may have recently read my review of Michelle Mankin's Oceanside. I've been reading Ms. Mankin since 2012 and there's a lot to love about her stories. Her characters are always well drawn, the romance is always compelling and swoon-worthy, her stories always deal with a relevant social issue, and she does an incredible job at conveying the look and feel of her setting. From the gritty streets of Seattle (yes, they do exist) to the honky-tonk feel of Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth to the eccentric town of Ocean Beach, she's continually made me feel as though I've been there. So when I got the opportunity to travel to Ocean Beach to tour the locations and establishments that inspired Ms. Mankin's Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series there was no way I was going to pass it up! 

This series revolves around a group of guys who grew up in Ocean Beach, love surfing, and also happened to be the band known as The Dirt Dogs. I loved the Ms. Mankin gave each of the couples a unique backstory, compelling stories with tragedies and triumphs, and romances I believed in. This group of characters is so well developed and feel so genuine - and part of the genuineness is due to Ms. Mankin making their environment so realistic.

***The Travel***

My friend, Denise, who frequently travels to book event locales with me, was my traveling companion for this trip. We stayed at the Ocean Beach Motel and y'all, the beach was right across the street! We got to see the beach, surfers and surf shops, restaurants, buildings, and houses that served as inspiration as well as the murals that are all over the town on the sides of buildings and in alley-ways. Here are a few photos:

This is the bar that inspired The Deck Bar featured in all the books.

This is the house that served as inspiration for Ramon's house in Riptide.

There were tons of surfers out on this day. The Ocean Beach pier is in the background.

I took lots of pictures of the various murals around town but decided to feature this one because of the surfers. =)

This is the sub-pump structure where Fanny and her sister Hollie were living in Oceanside.

The building you see here is the building where Ash makes his home as well as the Dirt Dogs' recording company, Outside.

A gorgeous sunset from the pier. Just WOW!

Because I adore this series and because I love y'all, I'm giving one lucky reader an ebook set of the trilogy on Kindle. (the trilogy is currently only available on Kindle. Sorry!) To enter, leave a comment letting me know if you've ever traveled to somewhere because you read about it and if so, where.

Oooh! And as a PSA, Oceanside, Ms. Mankin's latest release is currently only 99 pennies on Kindle! You're welcome!! *smooches*

Audio Review ~ Under Her Skin ~ Adriana Anders #AudioChallenge

Under Her Skin by Adriana Anders
Blank Canvas #1
Narrated by: Wendy Tremont King
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 3.5-4 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge
Goodreads

Synopsis
Ivan thought the world was through giving him second chances. Who'd want a rough ex-con with a savior complex and a bad habit of bringing home helpless strays? Everyone in Blackwood, Virginia, knew he wasn't good enough for the fine things in life; they knew he was too damaged to save. He just needed to keep his head down, work himself to the bone, and pretend he was content with the lot he was given. Until she came into his life. Until she changed everything. Until he realized he would do anything, fight anyone, tear the world apart if it meant saving her. Contains mature themes.

Under Her Skin was a moving story with many stories woven in. It had a nice cast of characters with the MCs, Uma and Ivan, being the center. The narration was okay but I'm not certain I wouldn't have enjoyed the story more having read it rather than listened.

The story revolves around Uma, who is on the run from an abusive ex, and Ivan, who can't seem to escape the perceptions his looks give people. The way Anders explored the perceptions and prejudices people have toward others - Uma and Ivan specifically - how Uma and Ivan perceive themselves and how they build trust between each other and are able to eventually look past their outward appearances was brilliant. The way she filled in their backstories allowing us to see the events that shaped who they are as well as meeting some of those who helped in that shaping - both good and bad - gave Uma and Ivan depth and complexity. The way in which they meet and seeing how they are in daily life - the kindness and compassion they show others despite how they've been treated and the things they've endured - only added to that depth and complexity. Anders also have us a strong supporting cast - particularly Ms. Lloyd. She provided some comic relief with her stubbornness and her crabbiness. 

So the story was strong. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and too tidy. There was quite a buildup to the "showdown" and it culminated in much less of an explosion than I'd been anticipating.

As for the narration, Tremont King did fine with the voices although her range for male voices was a little lacking. What bothered me was her delivery which was so very slow. It mt made the pacing slow and that made it more challenging to stay engaged. I have the next 2 in the series and I'm thinking I might listen at a faster speed to see if that makes a difference.