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Review: Ricochet by Krista & Becca Ritchie

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Ricochet by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Ricochet by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Series: Addicted #1.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 1st 2013
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

As a sex addict, Lily Calloway must do the impossible. Stay celibate for 90 days.

Cravings and fantasies become her new routine, but while Loren Hale recovers from his alcohol addiction, Lily wonders if he’ll realize what a monster she really is. After all, her sexual compulsions begin to rule her life the longer she stays faithful to him.

Progress. That’s what Lily’s striving for. But by trying to become closer to her family—people who aren’t aware of her addiction—she creates larger obstacles. When she spends time with her youngest sister, she learns more about her than she ever imagined and senses an unsettling connection between Daisy and Ryke Meadows.

With Lily and Lo’s dysfunctional relationship teetering and unbalanced, they will need to find a way to reconnect from miles apart. But the inability to “touch” proves to be one of the hardest tests on their road to recovery. Some love brushes the surface. Some love is deeper than skin.

Lily and Lo have three months to discover just how deep their love really goes.

I was debating whether I should review this book or not, since I zipped through this in order to read Addicted for Now, but what the hell, I loved this book, so I want to gush! It was so much fun to read, and there’s so much going on in this book. It’s actually a full-length sized novel, even though it’s book 1.5, but I was totally fine with that! Because I whole-heartedly adore this series! It’s become my new favorite series. I really can’t believe I didn’t start it the second Addicted to You came out. Actually, no–I’d rather the entire series already be out for me to read… because it’s killing me to wait for Connor and Rose’s story (Kiss the Sky), Ryke and Daisy’s (Hothouse Flower), and the rest of Lily and Lo’s. So if you haven’t read this series, please, please do. It’s incredibly well written, the characters are imperfectly perfect, and you’ll fall in love with every single one of them, like I did (with Connor and Ryke especially).

And I don’t think… I don’t think many people can really understand what it’s like to be so invested in someone–to share every single moment and then to have them ripped from you. We have an unhealthy, co-dependent relationship.
I know this.
And I’m trying to change, to grow beyond him, but why does that have to be a stipulation?
I want to grow with him.
I want to be with him.
I want to love Lo without people telling me that our love is too much.
One day, I hope we’ll get there. Hope, that’s all I have to go on right now. It’s my driving force. It’s literally what keeps me standing.

This quote basically sums up what Lily is going through in Ricochet. After the mess they were in during Addicted to You, Lily and Lo finally found the help Lo needed to fight his alcoholism and he’s off the rehab now, leaving Lily alone to battle her own addiction. Which is, ahem, to sex. And she can’t have sex during the three months Lo is in rehab, not only for Lo and their relationship, but also for herself. She has to fight her addiction just as Lo is fighting his own.

The authors are so freaking gooood at wringing out the emotions, the pain and desperation Lily feels. She’s terrified that she’ll fall to temptation without Lo there to help her, but she’ll fight through it for him, because the only thing she wants more than sex is Lo. And even though Lo doesn’t show up much in the book, we know that he’d give Lily the world if she wanted it. It’s this kind of intensity, this kind of connection, that I love about Lily and Lo and their relationship. They make me love them and feel so much for them, hurt so much for them, and in the end, cheer for them.

“I love you,” he says again, “and no other man will ever say those words and mean them the way I do.”

But I have to admit, a large part of why I loved Ricochet (and this series)? The fantastic secondary characters. We have more of Connor, Rose, Ryke, and a new addition, Daisy, all of whom are Lily and Lo’s closest friends and family. Don’t you just love books where the secondary characters are just as invigorating to read about as the main characters? I love it when authors can make me care and love the them just as much as the main characters. And Krista and Becca Ritchie do an excellent job at that. I fell in love even more with Connor, Rose, Ryke, and Daisy. Each of them have such distinctive personalities, strengths, and faults that I love to read about.

In Ricochet, we get bunches more of Ryke, the flaming asshole, and Daisy, the model and sixteen-year-old. I had to mention Daisy’s age, because in this book, Daisy and Ryke have something going on. They’re not together or sleeping with each other or anythign like that (because that’d be a hello to jail-time for Ryke), but they have something forming, and oh my god, I can’t wait for Daisy to turn eighteen! *evil, giddy laugh* Daisy and Ryke’s story is seriously going to rock my socks off. But anyway, the three of them plus Daisy’s friends have gone on a yacht to Mexico for Daisy’s birthday, and this was seriously the funniest part of the book. Lily is already a hilarious narrator, but with Ryke, the abrasive, rude, no-words-held-back guy, on vacation with her? Best thing ever. But I loved that even with the hysterics, Ryke truly does have a positive influence on Lily, and supports her throughout her abstinence.

“One,” I say in a small voice. “I will not look at porn.”
“I thought this was supposed to be a proclamation.” Ryke rocks on the balls of his feet. He leans forward and says, “I can’t even hear you.”
“Say it like you mean it,” Rose agrees with a supportive nod.
“Scream it,” Connor adds.
“I will not look at porn!” …
“Two. I will not masturbate!” …
“Three. I will not be compulsive about sex!” …
“And four,” I pause as I look at these final words. They mean the absolute most to me. “I will not cheat on Loren Hale!”

And so month by month, Lily tries her hardest to not have sex. She has the unwavering support of Rose, Connor, and Ryke, and she’s even started seeing a therapist. We also get to see various flashbacks of when Lily and Lo were younger, and they are so freaking adorable together. But with these flashbacks, we also see vaguely how Lily became addicted to sex. There are uphills and downhills for Lily and Lo in the past and the present, but at least now they’re choosing to fight their addictions and fight for each other.

No guy touched me. I didn’t touch them. Sex was the last thing on my mind tonight.
Each day feels like an obstacle.
And a victory.

Ricochet is more of a companion book to the series, but I’d still highly recommend reading it. There are things in Ricochet that are mentioned in Addicted for Now (book 2), and the storylines for Rose and Connor, and Daisy and Ryke build up more in this book. Ricochet takes place during those three months Lily and Lo are apart because of rehab, and we get to see how Lily copes without her lifeline. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with Ricochet.

This book – and series – is the bomb. Seriously.

5 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: Addicted series

Addicted to You by Krista & Becca Ritchie Ricochet by Krista & Becca Ritchie Addicted for Now by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Kiss the Sky by Krista & Becca Ritchie Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie Thrive by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Addicted After All by Krista & Becca Ritchie Fuel the Fire by Krista & Becca Ritchie Long Way Down by Krista & Becca Ritchie Some Kind of Perfect by Krista & Becca Ritchie

#1 ~ Addicted to You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Ricochet: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Addicted for Now: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.1 (Calloway Sisters #1) ~ Kiss the Sky: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.2 (Calloway Sisters #2) ~ Hothouse Flower: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Thrive: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Addicted After All: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.1 (Calloway Sisters #3) ~ Fuel the Fire: My Review •˜ Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.2 (Calloway Sisters #4) ~ Long Way Down: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 (Calloway Sisters #4.5) ~ Some Kind of Perfect: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

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Return to Poughkeepsie blog tour

I’m SO happy to be a part of the Return to Poughkeepsie blog tour! I adored Poughkeepsie, and I’m so glad that Beckett is finally getting his own story. Today I’m reviewing Return to Poughkeepsie, and don’t forget to enter the giveaways below!

Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Series: Poughkeepsie #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: December 30th 2013
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Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

Purchase:
Amazon • B&N

review

Beckett!!! I love this man to death. Seriously. He is rude, abrasive, crude, crass, naughty, and a bad, bad man. BUT he has a heart of freaking gold that holds so much love for the people most important to him: his brothers, their wives and children, and most especially Eve. Eve, the love of Beckett’s life, who is a total babe and badass, who he had to leave so she could find a better life with a better man. Oh, Beckett just makes me swoon–and laugh!

We never got to know what happened to Beckett–where he went, what he did–at the end of Poughkeepsie. But now… we finally get his story! He’s left Eve and his brothers to protect them, because he’s a wanted man. Well, he’s always been a wanted man, but this time, he has to leave for good.

From book 1:

“Know this: I love you so fucking much,” Beckett said. “No other person has been to me what you are. No one else ever will be.” He leaned down and gave her the sweetest, gentlest kiss.

And has Beckett’s love for Eve changed? Not for a single second. This man may have blood on his hands, but he loves with his whole heart. And he knows he has to become a better man in order to come back into the lives of the ones he loves. So for the next 5 years, he becomes a normal man. No more killing, no more illegal dealings. Just him and his new dog, Gandhi (who is just adorable!) and his liquor store.

“Yeah, but, you see, I pictured, like, I don’t know, doing something huge. Saving the world.” Beckett shrugged.
Blake shook his head. “Sometimes you can save someone’s whole world just by smiling at them. Kindness is one of those things that has immense value to the person experiencing it.”

Beckett’s not comfortable being a good man, but he’ll do it for those he loves, because he’s just that kind of man. He’ll do literally anything to keep Eve, Blake, Cole, Livia, and Kyle safe. And if you thought there was some crazy intense action in Poughkeepsie? Wait till you get to Return to Poughkeepsie. Beckett might try to be a good man, but his past life finds a way to catch up with him. Between him and Eve, there wasn’t a dull moment in Return to Poughkeepsie, and I loved it!

Beckett and Eve are hot hot hot together, and I just adore them, but I also loved how we get more of Blake and Livia, and Cole and Kyle! The couples are married, and Blake and Livia even have two adorable children. Getting a glimpse–actually, it’s more than a glimpse, so yay!–into their married lives was so satisfying to read. But it’s not all a happily ever after. Kyle and Cole are having problems with conceiving. No matter how hard they try, Kyle just can’t get pregnant, and it’s heartbreaking to read. But this part of life is real, and I was impressed with how Debra Anastasia conveyed this in the book.

We get introduced to more characters, both good and bad. Like Ryan!! I totally adored him, and the antics of his vindictive ex-girlfriend. There’s a new baddie in town who’s trying to take over Poughkeepsie, but Eve so isn’t going to allow someone to take over her town. I love Eve. I think she’s the bomb. She’s an incredibly skilled killer, but she uses those skills for good to protect those she loves… just like Beckett. And even though 5 years have passed since she’s seen Beckett, she still loves him. The two of them are absolutely perfect for each other. They match each other, challenge each other, and love each other so hard. It was wonderful seeing these two together again, because they deserve to have a happily ever after together, even if they aren’t ‘good’ people.

The only problem I had was with the blurb. I kept waiting and waiting for Livia to be kidnapped, but it never even happens until midway through the book! I did love the book, but I was a little miffed. Still, Beckett stole my heart all over again!

“I love you, Eve. You’re the only heart I have.”

Eeep! The Poughkeepsie series is an absolute must-read! You’ll fall in love with all of the brothers, and the story, romance, and action will keep you riveted.

4.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Saving Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

#1 ~ Poughkeepsie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Return to Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Saving Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2014)

about the author

Debra AnastasiaDebra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with…ahem… digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when–along with the animals and humans in her house–the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and–fingers full of peanut butter–she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

She’s eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.

Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

Goodreads • Twitter • Facebook • Website

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ebook set of Poughkeepsie and Return to Poughkeepsie

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Review: Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

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Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Series: Poughkeepsie #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 22nd 2011
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she’s surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

I don’t even know where to begin with the book. Poughkeepsie was beautiful. Enchanting. And so very, very heartwarming. I loved every single part of this book! From the story to the characters to the writing, everything was flawless. And that last line of the blurb–”racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once”–perfectly describes Poughkeepsie. This book will make you laugh and giggle, and then sigh and swoon. But there’s also so much action going on too! Poughkeepsie kept me on the edge of my seat, and there was never a dull moment while reading.

Most of the book is mainly about Livia and Blake and their enchanting love story. Livia is just a normal, kind woman who manages to smile every day for this one homeless man in the train station she goes to. And that homeless man is Blake. He’s only 25, but the reasons for why he’s homeless is tragic and so heartbreaking. Blake will make you melt. Even though he has such a painful past, he still manages to have a heart of gold. He is the perfect gentleman, and says the sweetest things. He counts all of Livia’s smiles! *Siiigh*

As he and Livia become closer, as they fall more in love, they have to face problems dealing with Blake’s homelessness and his one other problem that I don’t want to say because it’s a spoiler! I adored reading Blake and Livia’s love story. It’s so raw and emotional and full of love; these two are perfect for each other.

“Me? I want you to be sure,” he said.
“You,” Livia whispered.
“Me.” His eyes were full of intent.
“Always you.” Livia gave him her biggest, heartfelt smile.
“Five hundred.” Blake touched her face as if she might be a mirage and smiled back only when she didn’t disappear.

We also get introduced  to Blake’s brothers Beckett and Cole. They aren’t truly brothers, but they’re brothers in all the ways that count except for blood. They’ve all got matching tattoos to symbolize their brotherhood. A music clef for Blake, who is a piano genius; a cross for Cole, who is a priest’s assistant; and a sword for Beckett, who walked into the bad side of town at the tender age of 18 so he could find a way to rule and protect his brothers. These three have such a powerful, unwavering bond, and I loved the relationship dynamics between them all. With Beckett, he’s rude and crass and so freaking hilarious, but he loves his brothers so, so much. He’d kill for them–actually, he has–and protecting them is his number one priority. Cole and Blake are quieter people, but they are no less loving.

And Blake’s not the only lucky one who gets to fall in love. Livia and Blake are center stage, but Cole and Beckett take the spotlight sometimes too. We get to see all the brothers fall in love, and fight for their loved ones. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories. This book is so unique, and I couldn’t put it down for a second. Poughkeepsie is an absolutely fabulous read, one I highly recommend!

5 hearts!

5-hearts

lacey

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Saving Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

#1 ~ Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Return to Poughkeepsie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Saving Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2014)

ARC Review: Torn from You by Nashoda Rose

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by

Torn from You by Nashoda Rose
Series: Tear Asunder #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 20th 2013
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Love is like an avalanche. It hits hard, fast and without mercy.

At least it did for me when Sculpt, the lead singer of the rock band Tear Asunder knocked me off my feet. Literally, because he’s also a fighter, illegally of course, and he taught me how to fight. He also taught me how to love and I fell hard for him. I mean the guy could do sweet, when he wasn’t doing bossy, and I like sweet.

Then it all shattered.

Kidnapped.
Starved.
Beaten.
I was alone and fighting to survive.
When I heard Sculpt’s voice, I thought he was there to save me.

I was wrong.

Torn from You begins immediately after the cliffhanger at the end of With You. I highly, highly recommend reading With You before starting Torn from You, because in the prequel, we get a much stronger sense of the love between Emily and Sculpt. It’s not absolutely necessary, but the relationship between the main characters makes a lot more sense. Plus, we get to fall in love with Sculpt along with Emily! He’s a totally hot, domineering alpha-male. 😉

Emily has been brutally kidnapped, and is held captive in a dark place. She doesn’t know where she is, she doesn’t know who’s taken her, and all she wants is Sculpt, or as she calls him by his real name, Logan, the love of her life. She wishes that he’d find her and save her from wherever she is, because she’s absolutely terrified.

I don’t normally read dark romances, but there’s a certain allure and fascination that comes with reading something, well, bad. I have read books that involve slavery, and in Torn from You, there is sex trafficking. Emily has been thrust into this dark, horrifying, and truly evil world. It turns out she’s been taken to Mexico, and… by none other than Logan, the man she thought who loved her. Like, holy shit, right? I mean, from the blurb, you can kind of tell that Logan did take Emily, but it’s still so unbelievable. Logan was so loving and sweet to Emily in With You, and everything is torn apart once Emily knows Logan was the reason why she was kidnapped. She’s betrayed, her heart is beyond shattered, but ultimately, this girl is angry.

In this world of sex slaves, and evil, disgusting men, Emily has to learn to survive. She’s can’t risk the ire of Raul, the man in charge, or else she’ll be taken away from Logan and sold to someone else. Because right now, Logan owns her, and he’s the only thing preventing her from being sold to some unknown man. And yet even as Emily is hating Logan, she can’t help her reactions to him. She loved him, is attracted to him, and she hates that she feels this way every time he’s in the room with her. There’s a very thin line between what’s right and wrong, even though it should clearly be black and white. I suppose it’s the allure of this kind of story, but whatever it is, it hooked me in. I couldn’t stop reading, even though the book went to dark, unimaginable places. Logan is cold and ruthless, and it’s as if the man Emily loved never exists, but then, there are moments where the Logan she knew pops up. So who is the real Logan? He protects her from the truly horrific things, but he’s the one who brought her there in the first place.

“I will always do everything I can to protect you from others hurting you. I don’t want you to be scared of me. I would do anything for you. You know that, right?”

Thank god the book isn’t entirely in Mexico, because I don’t think I’d be able to handle too much of the dark side of the story. It’s fascinating, yes, but it can get a little hard to stomach. In the first part, maybe the first third, of the book, Emily is in the hands of Raul, and the rest of the story deals with the aftermath. It’s been 2 years since Emily escaped from Mexico. She hasn’t seen Logan since, and she’s been healing, but it’s a very slow process, and she’s still a little broken. Her love for horses has been her coping mechanism, but then everything changes the second Logan walks back into her life.

“Sculpt, you have to let me go.”
“Never ask me to do that.”

My heart was torn up! Do you see these quotes? They’re all from Logan, and he wants Emily back. He has never stopped loving Emily, and here their love story begins all over again. She can’t forget the past, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her love him again. And oh my god, everything is crazy and intense. Everything changes when Logan comes back. The truth comes out, and Logan… oh gosh, this man is truly the best. I don’t want to give anything away, but it was because of the majority of Torn from You where Emily is free that made me love the book!

“We were torn apart, because Eme–I’d never have stayed away from you any other way.”

Eeep! The entire time Emily tries to push Logan away, he never gives up. He’s incredibly sweet and loving, and yet he’s still an undeniably sexy, dominant man. Nashoda Rose messes with your head so much in Torn from You. Is Logan truly good or bad? Can Emily ever forgive him, and maybe even love him again? Oh my gosh, I had the best time reading this! Highly, highly recommend this book for those who want to venture into this genre. It’s not too intense in the dark parts, but it’s still enough to make your heart race. And the romance–sooo good!

“You, Emily. You’re worth fighting for. I fought all my life, but never for anything worthwhile. Now… Now I’m fighting for my heart. Bullshit ends here and now.”

4.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Tear Asunder series

 
  

#0.5 ~ With You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1 ~ Torn from You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Overwhelmed by You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Shattered by You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Kept from You: Goodreads (Dec. 5, 2016)

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ARC Review: With You by Nashoda Rose

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by

With You by Nashoda Rose
Series: Tear Asunder #0.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 20th 2013
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

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 Sculpt 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.

Oh my, hot hot hottie alert! Sculpt is one delicious hunk of man, and my latest indulgence. He’s an underground fighter, he’s a total alpha-male, he’s in a freaking band, and he’s one bad, bad boy. He’s the total package, and I loved him in With You!

“I kiss you Emily… there’s no going back. No other guy kisses you, touches you, or gets to taste what’s mine. I don’t share.”

With You is a novella and prequel to the Tear Asunder series, and tells the story of how Emily and Sculpt meet. Emily needs someone to teach her how to protect and defend herself, since she was attacked by a man recently, and Sculpt, while not the ideal man, is perfect for the job. But when Emily asks Sculpt to teach her how, he’s rude and a complete jerk, in that usual, domineering, alpha-male way. But Emily is a tough girl, and she won’t back down from Sculpt. Sculpt finally relents and agrees to help Emily, starting them down a path towards a fierce, passionate love.

There so much tension between the two! Emily is not unaffected by Sculpt’s good looks, but she doesn’t do anything because even though she’s confident enough to fight for what she wants, she doesn’t have confidence in herself. But Sculpt makes her see herself differently. As the two become closer, they start to fall for each other. And these two are just the sweetest together. Sculpt may be controlling and a bit possessive, but it’s so obvious how much he treasures Emily.

“Emily. You’re a fuckn’ trophy. My trophy.”

And yet Sculpt is still shrouded in mystery. Emily doesn’t truly know who he is, but the scene where he tells her his real name… *dreamy sigh* It always gets to me when the guy wants the girl he loves to call him by his real name, the name no one else knows or gets to call him. But while it seems that Emily and Sculpt are on their way to a happily ever after, everything changes one night.

With You ends with a cliffhanger, but luckily, Torn from You is out too! I adored this novella–and highly recommend reading it before starting Torn from You. In With You, we get to see the love blooming between Sculpt and Emily, which is really important to read before going into book 1 of the Tear Asunder series.

4.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Tear Asunder series

 
  

#0.5 ~ With You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1 ~ Torn from You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Overwhelmed by You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Shattered by You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Kept from You: Goodreads (Dec. 5, 2016)

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