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Bar Harbor #1
Pulled Beneath
What happens when you uncover years of secrets and find out everything you thought to be true was a lie?
Drew Stevens finds her world turned upside down when her parents are brutally murdered. Soon after, she learns she inherited a property in Bar Harbor, Maine, from recently deceased grandparents that she believed had died when she was a baby.
Drew travels north to settle her grandparents’ estate, but finds more questions than answers as the truth starts unraveling. What she didn’t expect to find was Saint, whose reputation is as tumultuous as his past. But the very thing that brings them together is the same thing that keeps them emotionally caged.
With Saint's scars so deep and Drew's so fresh, can the pair heal from their painful wounds or will they be pulled beneath the darkness of their pasts?
Drew Stevens finds her world turned upside down when her parents are brutally murdered. Soon after, she learns she inherited a property in Bar Harbor, Maine, from recently deceased grandparents that she believed had died when she was a baby.
Drew travels north to settle her grandparents’ estate, but finds more questions than answers as the truth starts unraveling. What she didn’t expect to find was Saint, whose reputation is as tumultuous as his past. But the very thing that brings them together is the same thing that keeps them emotionally caged.
With Saint's scars so deep and Drew's so fresh, can the pair heal from their painful wounds or will they be pulled beneath the darkness of their pasts?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2014
220 people are currently reading
1517 people want to read
About the author
Marni Mann
62 books7,114 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their Yellow Lab. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.
Visit her at:
WEBSITE: www.MarniSMann.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MarniMannAuthor
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/marnimann/
NEWSLETTER: http://marnismann.com/e-mail-signup/
Visit her at:
WEBSITE: www.MarniSMann.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MarniMannAuthor
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/marnimann/
NEWSLETTER: http://marnismann.com/e-mail-signup/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
May 31, 2015
Marni Mann has quickly become one of my one-click addictions. Pulled Beneath is a dark and somewhat despairing tale that is shrouded in mystery and the promise of something more.
This book is about loss...loss of family, loss of love, loss of life as it was once know. It is about having your whole foundation ripped away and the struggle to stay afloat in a life full of unanswered questions. For Drew Stevens, the brutal murder of her parents leaves her not only heartbroken but also on a journey thousands of miles from her Florida upbringing to the Maine landscape.
She is unprepared for the secrets of her family's past that continue to wreck her. She is also unprepared for the longing and the connection to a sexy lone townie who seems to "get" her. Saint is not what he seems. Town bad boy or perhaps just another mystery invading Drew's life?
Connected by the water...Drew and Saint find freedom and peace in the open waters of the sea. Their nightly swims act as foreplay for the sexual tension they create. But can a woman with fresh wounds and a man with deep scars reach out and heal enough? Perhaps the lies, mystery, and loss is too much. Will they get pulled too far beneath???
Great, fast read with twists and moments of "oh boy." The sexual tension is great and the intimacy is more deep than scorching. I enjoyed the fall of Drew and Saint. I love a good misunderstood character and I especially love a protective man. While Drew wasn't my fave female, her bff Gia hands down deserves a book!!!!
This book is about loss...loss of family, loss of love, loss of life as it was once know. It is about having your whole foundation ripped away and the struggle to stay afloat in a life full of unanswered questions. For Drew Stevens, the brutal murder of her parents leaves her not only heartbroken but also on a journey thousands of miles from her Florida upbringing to the Maine landscape.
She is unprepared for the secrets of her family's past that continue to wreck her. She is also unprepared for the longing and the connection to a sexy lone townie who seems to "get" her. Saint is not what he seems. Town bad boy or perhaps just another mystery invading Drew's life?
Connected by the water...Drew and Saint find freedom and peace in the open waters of the sea. Their nightly swims act as foreplay for the sexual tension they create. But can a woman with fresh wounds and a man with deep scars reach out and heal enough? Perhaps the lies, mystery, and loss is too much. Will they get pulled too far beneath???
Great, fast read with twists and moments of "oh boy." The sexual tension is great and the intimacy is more deep than scorching. I enjoyed the fall of Drew and Saint. I love a good misunderstood character and I especially love a protective man. While Drew wasn't my fave female, her bff Gia hands down deserves a book!!!!
April 16, 2014
5++ Bar Harbor Stars
**Pulled Beneath generously provided by the author in exchange for honest review**
Marni Mann’s stories are unstoppable forces. Pulled Beneath is no exception. The development of alluring characters and the exploration of new feelings in a descriptively serene setting woven together with an undeniably captivating plot creates a new adult story that will hook you from the very first words. There is a beauty inherently ominous about Ms. Mann’s stories; her writing laced with haunting mystery and vulnerability. Caged, trapped, drowning - these words are reflective of the lives of the two main characters and Drew’s story itself. It’s about freedom from those feelings, the life altering journey it takes to purge the turmoil causing them, and ultimately accepting these feelings as an added layer to your soul. The promise of Ms. Mann’s storytelling is her ability to constantly remind us of the light at the end of a dark tunnel. Her stories resonate so much with her readers because there is never a false hope of immediate resolution to the angst that plagues the two main characters as well as the secondary characters in Pulled Beneath. It’s a hope that the light will shine more often than not. Ms. Mann manages to show us the light via a heart breaking journey, true to real life; a testament to the strength and honesty in not only her characters but in her writing.
The road less travelled is often the path to redemption, this being the case of these very unique characters. Drew is a strong heroine; stronger than she even realizes. She’s vulnerable in a lot of ways and I find certain strength in her vulnerability that allows for healing and acceptance. She’s searching for something unknown; that act alone is an admirable one. Drew handles her trip to Maine (the unknown) as a means to an end. But, the plot progressed so eloquently the reader’s awareness is muted and we don’t know if the trip really is an ending or a new beginning. Drew meets an intriguing cast of characters in Maine the most alluring of whom is Saint. Saint in a word is enigmatic; just as captivating as the plot. He’s the promise of freedom. He’s someone the reader craves just as much as Drew craves him. He helps her breathe in such an instinctual way as if he was created just to balance her angst, shocking them both as a kindred spirit. Saint comes with angst of his own though adding to his mystique. The relationship cultivated between Drew and Saint, from the moment she senses him, is completely visceral. We understand the depth of this reaction thanks to the descriptive writing because Drew and Saint actually spend limited time together at first. They don’t mince words; they don’t even need words to ease the tension they each carry. It just happens. The secondary characters are really great too. There’s a level of intimacy revealed adding mystery to each one of them that we’re left needing to know their stories as well.
In the interest of preserving the plot I hope this hasn’t been too vague. My thoughts and feelings could never do a great story such as this justice but I hope I’ve managed to intrigue you. This is an exceptional new adult story that will pull at your heartstrings. There is so much more to this story than the relationship between Drew and Saint. Drew’s self-discovery is a journey all by itself. It’s the journey that’s most important. Pulled Beneath is the promise and the fear of the unknown; a perfect balance between freedom and angst. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Bravo, Marni Mann.
March 13, 2014
4.5 Omission, Reveal, Breakthrough Stars * * * * ½
Every day we make decisions… will I go to the store, will I go and hang with my friends or will I tell the truth about an event….
Some choices are very easy…. If you’re hungry… you have to eat… so shopping for food is a no brainer… but telling the truth about certain things can cause hours and hours of concern, stress and lead you right back to the same question…. Do I tell the truth about this event…?
And that question can lead to a lie which will change the course of your life, the lives of those around you and those who haven’t even been born yet. Because when you make the decision to withhold you are lying by omission…. It may not be as blatant or in your face… but the power and feel is just as strong when discovered.
Pulled Beneath by Marni Mann uses this as the basis of her book and it is as compelling as any I have read. We have a young woman, Drew, in Sarasota, Florida on the verge of finding a strong hold in her photographic career. Her vision and sense of light has been with her since childhood….. she sees the moments, the streams of the sunlight as if filters through everyday objects and captures their beauty… how they can caress the leaves or blades of grass. It is an ability which is like breathing to her.
She has recently broken up with a man who lied to her every day for years…. He lied with his smiles …. He lied with his excuses of “forgetting things” and he lied when he shared his body with others. As a means of escaping her pain from this… she seeks comfort in the connection with an old boyfriend, now hook up. There is no real feelings… just the coming together of bodies and it is the release and hiding place for now.
It is her going to this friend and not joining her parents for a meeting… a step forward in their landscape business which will haunt her…. By not being there… she is saved from the home invasion robbery and killing of her parents. She discovers this by driving up to her home; it is surrounded by the tell tale crime scene yellow tape and the only living family member she now has is Bella, the family dog.
Drew does have a support system in her best friend Gianna and her family. They take her in… deal with all of the arrangements and give her sanctuary of sorts…. but a number of things have happened and have changed everything about Drew and how she functions. She no longer can touch a camera…. something which was an extension of her limbs… she insisted on seeing the crime scene photos instead of going to the morgue…. An action which has stamped the visions of her mother and father in her brain with pools of blood and lifeless gazes…. She hears in her mind screams and voices… crashing objects and struggles fought… the noise of these sounds and the visions never leave her…so she cannot pick up her usual comfort, her camera.
She has only one place the noise turns to silence… water. Drew swam through high school, competed but was not college level… but with this tragic event and the never-ending noise in her head…. she returns to the water and pool, doing lap after lap where the noise goes away and if she swims long enough she receives a little relief… a moment or two of nothing… no noise, pain or loss.
But it is short lived…. For life has another shock for her. It seems her mother, who was so close and loving with her, lied. Drew grew up thinking her grandparents had died when she was too little to ever know them. Her mother would tell her amazing tales of Maine where she had grown up. Stories of the air and how clean and fresh it was… of the seasons and her life there… and how her mother had met her father…. All these stories were the roots of Drew’s life… Yet this too was about to be taken from her. As the grandparents were not dead… until recently…and Drew was now left with the family home in Maine to settle. Drew, in shock, must decide what to do…. With the help of her friend… she decides to go with Bella to Maine… settle the house, put it up for sale and get out of Dodge…. That is the plan.
After driving to Bar Harbor, Maine from Florida she finally pulls up to the house. She has talked with the attorney who settled the estate of her grandmother. Unfortunately, he bought the practice from the original attorney who had been a long time friend…. So he has no real interaction with her deceased grandparents… only the bare minimum…. Yet it was enough to drop another bombshell…. Her mother had a sister… and she is alive and lives in England. The attorney promises to get in touch with her sister, gives her the names of the necessary realtor and contractor and now Drew is seeking release of some kind as she takes in all of this.
The house sits on land which leads to the ocean… the water calls to her and there she knows she will find her quiet.
It is there, standing on the rocks looking at the water when a voice asks her if she is lost. This voice turns out to be Saint, a man built like a dream with tattoos peeking out of a sleeve; tall, commanding and just plain beautiful in the rugged way a real guy is… no a tennis playing fella like she is use to… no, he is handsome in the way flannels look good and natural on the body. She answers, no the house is hers…. Left to her but she will be selling it. Saint’s warmth and friendly manner evaporates on the spot; turns and leaves. Not knowing what to make of it, Drew starts to go about her business… as the days go by she is still lost and the water and Bella are her only comfort.
This is a tale of learning… understanding… forgiving… and acceptance of who we are; who we think we are and who we can actually become. The lessons are complex and multi-layered. We see what damage can be done by lying… lying by omission can be just as damaging because the person has implied something which is still not true…
Yet… as wrong as it can be… there is an understanding which sometimes must be considered… was this lie overall for the good of all involved… and when should it have been revealed…
These are serious questions to consider, as everyday whether we want to or not, we are confronted with the choice of doing just that…of revealing things to those we care about… they may be as simple as that outfit really doesn’t look that great on them to telling a dear friend… they need to re think their use of alcohol.
For me, the skill of this tale shows in the ease of the reading. While contemplating and trying to figure out all of the nuances which would lead me to more answers, I was fully engaged in the beauty of Bar Harbor. I was taken to a place I had no knowledge of… learned about lobster fishing and all the intricacies of the business. I was not bored. I wanted to be in this little town tasting all of the lobster rolls and Whoopee pies… every morsel. I wanted to smell the fresh sea air and have it skate across my arms like it did on Drew’s. The feeling of the seasons and the arctic temperatures of the water were as real to me as the transformation of Drew and the people she interacted with.
Drew and Saint end up interacting and when Saint touched his lips to Drew’s I wanted them to be mine. Saint was as fully formed as Drew. His life was shared with us and it is equally heartbreaking. The bond of pain is what these two start with… there is more to them than that… and learning and discovering it all is masterfully presented.
All of the characters were not cardboard cut outs... there to fill up space. All of them had some type of meaning and feelings spread across the pages... put there with real purpose.
I am someone who can have trouble with New Adult books… usually for me….too much angst… too much miscommunication. I become frustrated with these things. This was not the case with this book. This was a smart, caring read and I am so glad TeriLyn asked me to check it out. I found a new author for me and maybe for you, as well.
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Every day we make decisions… will I go to the store, will I go and hang with my friends or will I tell the truth about an event….
Some choices are very easy…. If you’re hungry… you have to eat… so shopping for food is a no brainer… but telling the truth about certain things can cause hours and hours of concern, stress and lead you right back to the same question…. Do I tell the truth about this event…?
And that question can lead to a lie which will change the course of your life, the lives of those around you and those who haven’t even been born yet. Because when you make the decision to withhold you are lying by omission…. It may not be as blatant or in your face… but the power and feel is just as strong when discovered.
Pulled Beneath by Marni Mann uses this as the basis of her book and it is as compelling as any I have read. We have a young woman, Drew, in Sarasota, Florida on the verge of finding a strong hold in her photographic career. Her vision and sense of light has been with her since childhood….. she sees the moments, the streams of the sunlight as if filters through everyday objects and captures their beauty… how they can caress the leaves or blades of grass. It is an ability which is like breathing to her.
She has recently broken up with a man who lied to her every day for years…. He lied with his smiles …. He lied with his excuses of “forgetting things” and he lied when he shared his body with others. As a means of escaping her pain from this… she seeks comfort in the connection with an old boyfriend, now hook up. There is no real feelings… just the coming together of bodies and it is the release and hiding place for now.
It is her going to this friend and not joining her parents for a meeting… a step forward in their landscape business which will haunt her…. By not being there… she is saved from the home invasion robbery and killing of her parents. She discovers this by driving up to her home; it is surrounded by the tell tale crime scene yellow tape and the only living family member she now has is Bella, the family dog.
Drew does have a support system in her best friend Gianna and her family. They take her in… deal with all of the arrangements and give her sanctuary of sorts…. but a number of things have happened and have changed everything about Drew and how she functions. She no longer can touch a camera…. something which was an extension of her limbs… she insisted on seeing the crime scene photos instead of going to the morgue…. An action which has stamped the visions of her mother and father in her brain with pools of blood and lifeless gazes…. She hears in her mind screams and voices… crashing objects and struggles fought… the noise of these sounds and the visions never leave her…so she cannot pick up her usual comfort, her camera.
She has only one place the noise turns to silence… water. Drew swam through high school, competed but was not college level… but with this tragic event and the never-ending noise in her head…. she returns to the water and pool, doing lap after lap where the noise goes away and if she swims long enough she receives a little relief… a moment or two of nothing… no noise, pain or loss.
But it is short lived…. For life has another shock for her. It seems her mother, who was so close and loving with her, lied. Drew grew up thinking her grandparents had died when she was too little to ever know them. Her mother would tell her amazing tales of Maine where she had grown up. Stories of the air and how clean and fresh it was… of the seasons and her life there… and how her mother had met her father…. All these stories were the roots of Drew’s life… Yet this too was about to be taken from her. As the grandparents were not dead… until recently…and Drew was now left with the family home in Maine to settle. Drew, in shock, must decide what to do…. With the help of her friend… she decides to go with Bella to Maine… settle the house, put it up for sale and get out of Dodge…. That is the plan.
After driving to Bar Harbor, Maine from Florida she finally pulls up to the house. She has talked with the attorney who settled the estate of her grandmother. Unfortunately, he bought the practice from the original attorney who had been a long time friend…. So he has no real interaction with her deceased grandparents… only the bare minimum…. Yet it was enough to drop another bombshell…. Her mother had a sister… and she is alive and lives in England. The attorney promises to get in touch with her sister, gives her the names of the necessary realtor and contractor and now Drew is seeking release of some kind as she takes in all of this.
The house sits on land which leads to the ocean… the water calls to her and there she knows she will find her quiet.
It is there, standing on the rocks looking at the water when a voice asks her if she is lost. This voice turns out to be Saint, a man built like a dream with tattoos peeking out of a sleeve; tall, commanding and just plain beautiful in the rugged way a real guy is… no a tennis playing fella like she is use to… no, he is handsome in the way flannels look good and natural on the body. She answers, no the house is hers…. Left to her but she will be selling it. Saint’s warmth and friendly manner evaporates on the spot; turns and leaves. Not knowing what to make of it, Drew starts to go about her business… as the days go by she is still lost and the water and Bella are her only comfort.
This is a tale of learning… understanding… forgiving… and acceptance of who we are; who we think we are and who we can actually become. The lessons are complex and multi-layered. We see what damage can be done by lying… lying by omission can be just as damaging because the person has implied something which is still not true…
Yet… as wrong as it can be… there is an understanding which sometimes must be considered… was this lie overall for the good of all involved… and when should it have been revealed…
These are serious questions to consider, as everyday whether we want to or not, we are confronted with the choice of doing just that…of revealing things to those we care about… they may be as simple as that outfit really doesn’t look that great on them to telling a dear friend… they need to re think their use of alcohol.
For me, the skill of this tale shows in the ease of the reading. While contemplating and trying to figure out all of the nuances which would lead me to more answers, I was fully engaged in the beauty of Bar Harbor. I was taken to a place I had no knowledge of… learned about lobster fishing and all the intricacies of the business. I was not bored. I wanted to be in this little town tasting all of the lobster rolls and Whoopee pies… every morsel. I wanted to smell the fresh sea air and have it skate across my arms like it did on Drew’s. The feeling of the seasons and the arctic temperatures of the water were as real to me as the transformation of Drew and the people she interacted with.
Drew and Saint end up interacting and when Saint touched his lips to Drew’s I wanted them to be mine. Saint was as fully formed as Drew. His life was shared with us and it is equally heartbreaking. The bond of pain is what these two start with… there is more to them than that… and learning and discovering it all is masterfully presented.
All of the characters were not cardboard cut outs... there to fill up space. All of them had some type of meaning and feelings spread across the pages... put there with real purpose.
I am someone who can have trouble with New Adult books… usually for me….too much angst… too much miscommunication. I become frustrated with these things. This was not the case with this book. This was a smart, caring read and I am so glad TeriLyn asked me to check it out. I found a new author for me and maybe for you, as well.
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 7, 2014
Just when I thought she hit her peak, she proves me wrong!!
Pulled Beneath
was another thrilling book by Marni Mann!
The good: Interesting story line, enthralling characters, and decent pacing! A definite page turner for the most part!
The bad: ONCE IN A WHILE, well more like the beginning, it lagged a little but not too much. Other than that, nothing really to embellish on. Good job!
So over all, Pulled Beneath took a route much different from what I read from Marni. It was filled with so much secrets, lies, angst, and revelations! I wasn’t expecting to feel such a mixed array of emotions but Ms. Mann exudes the perfect mixture of drama, chemistry, and enthrallment of two lost souls coming together while facing on new and old scars and lots of twists and turns along the way!
I will definitely be tuning in for book two of this series! The ending in here just gutted me! I already want more!
*I was given an ARC of this book via the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!*
The good: Interesting story line, enthralling characters, and decent pacing! A definite page turner for the most part!
The bad: ONCE IN A WHILE, well more like the beginning, it lagged a little but not too much. Other than that, nothing really to embellish on. Good job!
So over all, Pulled Beneath took a route much different from what I read from Marni. It was filled with so much secrets, lies, angst, and revelations! I wasn’t expecting to feel such a mixed array of emotions but Ms. Mann exudes the perfect mixture of drama, chemistry, and enthrallment of two lost souls coming together while facing on new and old scars and lots of twists and turns along the way!
I will definitely be tuning in for book two of this series! The ending in here just gutted me! I already want more!
*I was given an ARC of this book via the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!*
March 12, 2014
A copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review.
This was my 1st read by this author and it will definitely not be my last. She is an excellent storyteller! The story starts off very quickly, it got my attention right away. Once I started I didn't want to stop. The pictures she paints of the main & sub characters are excellent, she was able to bring them alive through the pages.
This story is about Drew, a young woman who's world as she knows it gets ripped apart & how she handles everything. It has a lot of twist & turns I did not see coming. My heart did ache quite a few times throughout the whole story. Excellent chemistry with both main characters, you see it build as your turn the pages.
So in short I would recommend this read to anyone who wants a really good story. I'm really looking forward to the next part of her series.
This was my 1st read by this author and it will definitely not be my last. She is an excellent storyteller! The story starts off very quickly, it got my attention right away. Once I started I didn't want to stop. The pictures she paints of the main & sub characters are excellent, she was able to bring them alive through the pages.
This story is about Drew, a young woman who's world as she knows it gets ripped apart & how she handles everything. It has a lot of twist & turns I did not see coming. My heart did ache quite a few times throughout the whole story. Excellent chemistry with both main characters, you see it build as your turn the pages.
So in short I would recommend this read to anyone who wants a really good story. I'm really looking forward to the next part of her series.
March 7, 2014
I received a copy of this story for an honest review for Amber's Reading Room. Pictures used as part of this review are used for fun and do not belong to me.
If you lost everyone you loved, would you have the courage to start over? If everything you knew turned out to be a lie, would you be strong enough to forgive? Those are the questions facing heroine Drew Stevens in author Marni Mann’s new novel Pulled Beneath. Emotional and gutsy, Pulled Beneath tugged on my heartstrings while keeping me hooked with a suspenseful plot line and a touching romance. This was a real page turner and I recommend it without reservation.
Drew Stevens was just starting to test the waters of post-college life when tragedy struck in the shape of a tweaked out druggie. A botched robbery resulting in the violent death of both her parents sends Drew into a downward spiral of alcohol and isolation. A secondary blow comes with the discovery that the grandparents she never knew have also passed, leaving her their waterfront estate in Bar Harbor, Maine. With the encouragement of her best friend Gianna and the faithful companionship of her yellow lab Bella, Drew heads to Maine looking for a brief escape and a few seconds of peace.
“I didn’t need any more awkward expressions staring back at me, more pans of food that I would never eat, more apologies for something that wasn’t their fault. I just wanted a longer pause… and none of them could give me that.”
As Drew struggles to understand the family her mother kept hidden, she finds herself drawn to a dark young man nicknamed Saint. Despite warnings from several locals to keep her distance from the supposedly notorious womanizer, the pain Saint radiates speaks of a loss Drew knows all too well.
“Someone who hasn’t experienced what we have, they don’t understand that kind of pain, or the things we do to defuse it.”
If you’re looking for hard-core sex and characters repeatedly hitting the sheets, Pulled Beneath is not for you. At its core, Pulled Beneath is a story about two young people finding the strength to restart their lives after surviving crushing losses. Author Mann manages to balance Drew and Saint’s heartbreak with a lot of romantic potential and hopes for a brighter future. Pulled Beneath has just a few brief scenes of physical intimacy and I actually found it refreshing. Mann made sure that when those scenes happened, they truly meant something to her characters and to the readers.
“Something passed between us, more than just an understanding… more than just the heat of our hands on each other. It was possibility. A chance to see what would happen without the heavy expectations that came with a promise.”
Pulled Beneath is the first book in Mann’s new Bar Harbor Series. I’m hooked so I will 100% be back to check out book two.
Don’t miss out on this one; Pulled Beneath is worth picking up.
Happy reading.
If you lost everyone you loved, would you have the courage to start over? If everything you knew turned out to be a lie, would you be strong enough to forgive? Those are the questions facing heroine Drew Stevens in author Marni Mann’s new novel Pulled Beneath. Emotional and gutsy, Pulled Beneath tugged on my heartstrings while keeping me hooked with a suspenseful plot line and a touching romance. This was a real page turner and I recommend it without reservation.
Drew Stevens was just starting to test the waters of post-college life when tragedy struck in the shape of a tweaked out druggie. A botched robbery resulting in the violent death of both her parents sends Drew into a downward spiral of alcohol and isolation. A secondary blow comes with the discovery that the grandparents she never knew have also passed, leaving her their waterfront estate in Bar Harbor, Maine. With the encouragement of her best friend Gianna and the faithful companionship of her yellow lab Bella, Drew heads to Maine looking for a brief escape and a few seconds of peace.
“I didn’t need any more awkward expressions staring back at me, more pans of food that I would never eat, more apologies for something that wasn’t their fault. I just wanted a longer pause… and none of them could give me that.”
As Drew struggles to understand the family her mother kept hidden, she finds herself drawn to a dark young man nicknamed Saint. Despite warnings from several locals to keep her distance from the supposedly notorious womanizer, the pain Saint radiates speaks of a loss Drew knows all too well.
“Someone who hasn’t experienced what we have, they don’t understand that kind of pain, or the things we do to defuse it.”
If you’re looking for hard-core sex and characters repeatedly hitting the sheets, Pulled Beneath is not for you. At its core, Pulled Beneath is a story about two young people finding the strength to restart their lives after surviving crushing losses. Author Mann manages to balance Drew and Saint’s heartbreak with a lot of romantic potential and hopes for a brighter future. Pulled Beneath has just a few brief scenes of physical intimacy and I actually found it refreshing. Mann made sure that when those scenes happened, they truly meant something to her characters and to the readers.
“Something passed between us, more than just an understanding… more than just the heat of our hands on each other. It was possibility. A chance to see what would happen without the heavy expectations that came with a promise.”
Pulled Beneath is the first book in Mann’s new Bar Harbor Series. I’m hooked so I will 100% be back to check out book two.
Don’t miss out on this one; Pulled Beneath is worth picking up.
Happy reading.
March 12, 2014
4 Tantalizing Scruffy and Rugged Saint Stars
ARC Provided by the author, "Marni Mann" in exchange for an honest review
MURDER
Forced entry..A Broken Window..Blood everywhere..Drew Stevens family brutally murdered..
SOLE SURVIVOR
I swim to pause it all, to mute my parents noises, to shove those images to the back of my mind until I step out of the water again..
DECEPTION
Settling matters at her Grandparents estate she never expected to meet anyone like "Saint" aka "Justine Drake" He was sexier than any man she had ever met and seemed to be drawn to him the first time she met him..
"I realized I saw a similar amount of suffering in Saint's eyes too, people in pain were drawn to each other. That is what pulled me to him."
He is emotionally fractured
"Saint, when I'm with you, I forget all of it..My whole past."
Saint has black ink of cages (Lobster traps) on his back which represent a time in his life he doesn't want to revisit, but are there forever inked on his back least he forget..
"Lobster traps, there was a time in my life-not too long ago-when I was trapped. Pulled beneath the waves, into the hole I had climbed into. It was a dark damaging place. That ink reminds me of how I never want to visit there again."
"Saint's cage of darkness closely represented my own."
"The water was my place, it was his place too."
"All I want is to climb in that cage with you right now and never come out."
A compelling read of losing yourself, uncovering lies and finding a meaning to carry on with life, so beautifully written and I really can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
ARC Provided by the author, "Marni Mann" in exchange for an honest review
MURDER
Forced entry..A Broken Window..Blood everywhere..Drew Stevens family brutally murdered..
SOLE SURVIVOR
I swim to pause it all, to mute my parents noises, to shove those images to the back of my mind until I step out of the water again..
DECEPTION
Settling matters at her Grandparents estate she never expected to meet anyone like "Saint" aka "Justine Drake" He was sexier than any man she had ever met and seemed to be drawn to him the first time she met him..
"I realized I saw a similar amount of suffering in Saint's eyes too, people in pain were drawn to each other. That is what pulled me to him."
He is emotionally fractured
"Saint, when I'm with you, I forget all of it..My whole past."
Saint has black ink of cages (Lobster traps) on his back which represent a time in his life he doesn't want to revisit, but are there forever inked on his back least he forget..
"Lobster traps, there was a time in my life-not too long ago-when I was trapped. Pulled beneath the waves, into the hole I had climbed into. It was a dark damaging place. That ink reminds me of how I never want to visit there again."
"Saint's cage of darkness closely represented my own."
"The water was my place, it was his place too."
"All I want is to climb in that cage with you right now and never come out."
A compelling read of losing yourself, uncovering lies and finding a meaning to carry on with life, so beautifully written and I really can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
November 25, 2014
Just finished with college, young photographer Drew is ready to start her life.
She doesn’t want to have a serious relationship because she has been cheated on by the Ex that won’t be named, but she’s having an easy affair with her highschool boyfriend.
And one night, when she’s coming home to her parents house, from having spent the evening with him, her world changes forever.
Her parents have been killed in a robbery and only her dog Bella survived.
Her best friend Gia and her family take her in and help her through her grief - that and her constant swimming excersises are the only things that keep her going.
Until a letter arrives - from a lawyer in Maine.
She inherited a house by just deceased grandparents who she believed had died ages ago.
Drew and Bella leave Florida - lots of answers are to be found in Maine.
Answers and a hot guy called Saint.
He’s addicted to swimming to - and he lives just next door. And he has his reasons for escaping into the ocean just like she does.
People in pain were drawn to each other. That was what pulled me to him.
Then there’s contractor Shane and his son Brady who becomes a friend to Drew - but does he want more than that?
LOTS of questions and answers are waiting for Drew in her mother’s hometown....
What happened all those years ago??
Why didn’t she ever know she had family up north??
The story was really great.
I couldn’t stop reading.
There were LOTS of feelings in this book - Dawson and I started crying in the Prologue!!!!
Even though there were some romantic and sexy scenes in the book - it could’ve been a bit more sexy for my tastes... ☺
And the biggest of the Maine secrets was a tiny little bit too easily guessed - Marni could’ve hidden it a bit better.
But I reallly liked the book - it was romantic and mysterious and sad and moving and just sweet.
A Romance about a girl who is forced to face her family’s secret past - and who might just find her future while doing so!
READ IT!!!
Book #2 is about Rae - we met her in book #1 and we kind of thought we liked her at first - but we don’t - and so I’m not so sure if I should read book#2...but I probably will ☺
April 3, 2014
Pulled Beneath (Bar Harbor Series #1) by Marni Mann
4.5 stars!!
“Something passed between us, more than just an understanding…more than just the heat of our hands on each other. It was possibility. A chance to see what would happen without the heavy expectations that came with a promise. It was the place where we needed to start: At the beginning.”
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Marni Mann, her Shadows series had me captivated from the get go and this book was no different. Marni’s writing style is engrossing, enchanting and extremely emotive and this book is no different. This is not another Shadows type series but is a traditional romance with some angst, webs of lies and deceit and is packed full of story line twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. I wasn’t ready for this book to end and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
Drew Stevens’s life comes to a screeching halt when her parents are brutally murdered in their home, Drew should have been at home at the time and as sole survivor she finds it hard to get over the guilt and deal with the death of her parents. Her grief is further exacerbated when she is also informed of the passing of her grandparents; grandparents that she never knew existed. Her grandparents have left her a beach front house in Bar Harbor, Maine, to enable the sale of this house she needs to be there and reluctantly after much encouragement from her best friend Gianna, she decides to go on a road trip to Maine to hastily deal with the disposal. However, will this be the change that she needs, will she love it when she gets there, could she meet new friends or even more? With the only family she has left, her faithful dog, they head down to Bar Harbor.
It soon becomes apparent that Bar Harbor is a very small community, where everybody knows everybody and of course they all know each other’s business. Small snippets of information are slowly leaked out and Drew’s curiosity is piqued. It is while clearing out the rooms of the house that Drew stumbles across her mother’s old diaries. Maybe these will give her the knowledge she wants and needs, as we all know though, answers lead to more questions and questions lead to answers that you may not want to hear.
Drew is also an established swimmer and she uses her swimming as a form of escape. In the water her mind is blank and it is just her and the water. It is during one of her swims that Drew come across “Saint,” even though she has heard all about his manwhore ways and many of the locals had warned her about him there was something about him, something that drew her to him, something that told her he was not the person that everyone else knew, or thought they knew.
Saint has his own issues and Drew recognises the signs. Like her, Saint is drawn to Drew. He uses meaningless tourists to satiate his urges as he knows that it will lead to nothing, but with Drew it is different. He wants her friendship, they are kindred spirits, Drew is like a siren call to him and he cannot stay away, despite his best attempts.
“…things haven’t always been like this for me. I found my way out of the cage, but I smashed into the bars so many times before I made it through.”
This is an amazing book, one that you will remember you have read, the character connection, the emotions, the angst will have you sobbing, angry and laughing but most of all, you will feel and I love a book that makes me feel. If you want a book that is full of hot sex, this is not the one, however the few scenes that are in are deep, meaningful and you feel the connection, they mean something to the characters and Marni Mann makes you appreciate this in spades.
I would love to know more about their story, I feel there is so much more to learn about Saint and Drew and I hope that we see more of them in the series.
This is a book about grief, understanding, forgiveness, soul searching, ignoring others and making your own opinions and judgements, giving the benefit of the doubt, but most of all, it is about two people that are hopelessly broken, putting their futures in each other’s hands, trusting that person, letting them in and giving them everything.
Another winner Marni Mann and I cannot wait to read what comes next!
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“Something passed between us, more than just an understanding…more than just the heat of our hands on each other. It was possibility. A chance to see what would happen without the heavy expectations that came with a promise. It was the place where we needed to start: At the beginning.”
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Marni Mann, her Shadows series had me captivated from the get go and this book was no different. Marni’s writing style is engrossing, enchanting and extremely emotive and this book is no different. This is not another Shadows type series but is a traditional romance with some angst, webs of lies and deceit and is packed full of story line twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. I wasn’t ready for this book to end and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
Drew Stevens’s life comes to a screeching halt when her parents are brutally murdered in their home, Drew should have been at home at the time and as sole survivor she finds it hard to get over the guilt and deal with the death of her parents. Her grief is further exacerbated when she is also informed of the passing of her grandparents; grandparents that she never knew existed. Her grandparents have left her a beach front house in Bar Harbor, Maine, to enable the sale of this house she needs to be there and reluctantly after much encouragement from her best friend Gianna, she decides to go on a road trip to Maine to hastily deal with the disposal. However, will this be the change that she needs, will she love it when she gets there, could she meet new friends or even more? With the only family she has left, her faithful dog, they head down to Bar Harbor.
It soon becomes apparent that Bar Harbor is a very small community, where everybody knows everybody and of course they all know each other’s business. Small snippets of information are slowly leaked out and Drew’s curiosity is piqued. It is while clearing out the rooms of the house that Drew stumbles across her mother’s old diaries. Maybe these will give her the knowledge she wants and needs, as we all know though, answers lead to more questions and questions lead to answers that you may not want to hear.
Drew is also an established swimmer and she uses her swimming as a form of escape. In the water her mind is blank and it is just her and the water. It is during one of her swims that Drew come across “Saint,” even though she has heard all about his manwhore ways and many of the locals had warned her about him there was something about him, something that drew her to him, something that told her he was not the person that everyone else knew, or thought they knew.
Saint has his own issues and Drew recognises the signs. Like her, Saint is drawn to Drew. He uses meaningless tourists to satiate his urges as he knows that it will lead to nothing, but with Drew it is different. He wants her friendship, they are kindred spirits, Drew is like a siren call to him and he cannot stay away, despite his best attempts.
“…things haven’t always been like this for me. I found my way out of the cage, but I smashed into the bars so many times before I made it through.”
This is an amazing book, one that you will remember you have read, the character connection, the emotions, the angst will have you sobbing, angry and laughing but most of all, you will feel and I love a book that makes me feel. If you want a book that is full of hot sex, this is not the one, however the few scenes that are in are deep, meaningful and you feel the connection, they mean something to the characters and Marni Mann makes you appreciate this in spades.
I would love to know more about their story, I feel there is so much more to learn about Saint and Drew and I hope that we see more of them in the series.
This is a book about grief, understanding, forgiveness, soul searching, ignoring others and making your own opinions and judgements, giving the benefit of the doubt, but most of all, it is about two people that are hopelessly broken, putting their futures in each other’s hands, trusting that person, letting them in and giving them everything.
Another winner Marni Mann and I cannot wait to read what comes next!
www.theromancecover.com
August 14, 2014
**BETH'S REVIEW**
*4.5 Stars*
Pulled Beneath was my first book of Marni Mann to read and it definitely won’t be my last, I truly enjoyed her writing and her story. Pulled Beneath is the first book in the Bar Harbour series and it tells the story of Drew’s heartbreaking tragedy and her journey of healing.
Drew, an avid photographer, finds her life ripped apart in the blink of an eye when she comes home one night to find her parents brutally murdered in their home. The only thing she has left now is the lone survivor from that night, the family dog Bella. In the process trying to deal with the tragedy while living with her best friend, Gianna, and her parents, her life is turned even further upside down when she is notified of her grandparent’s recent deaths, the very same grandparents she was told by her parents to have died when she was young. Her grandmother has left their family home in Bar Harbour Maine to Drew and she must go there to try to sell it as well as trying to get some answers to her many new unanswered questions that have arisen.
Drew and Bella take a road trip to Bar Harbour to meet with her grandmother’s lawyer but it quickly becomes clear that in order to sell the house she has inherited the one she wants no connection with it, she will need to remain there longer than she expected while renovations for are done to get it ready to sell. As time passes, she meets people of the community, people that once knew her mother and finds herself now having more questions regarding her family and what really happened but not really getting any answers. She feels betrayed by her parents, the people that were the most important to her and who no longer are able to give her the answers she needs. Upon moving temporarily into her new house she meets Saint, the grandson of her next door neighbour and immediately there is a connection, they share the love of swimming and that for both of them it’s the one thing that makes them forget all that has happened and feel like their life is normal, even for just those few moments as they glide through the water.
From the moment I read the synopsis, I was intrigued about reading this book, it sounded like a really great story of heartache and a love that would heal. This story grabbed me and pulled me in right from the prologue tugging at my heart strings right till the very end. I really connected with these two main characters right from the beginning of the story and could feel the connection and the sexual tension that was slowly building between the two. Both of these characters suffered from a pain that caged them.
Although that building connection between these two as the story progressed was not the only story going on here. We got meet so many great supporting characters and how they played a part in Drew and Saint’s life and in their healing. From Gianna, to Shane and Brady, and then Rae, each one somehow entwined with one or both of them. The story that did unfold and the parts these great characters that were created played was so much more than I had anticipated and I truly loved how it all came together to eventually answer all the questions she had and slowly heal all her hurt.
I really loved Gianna’s character, she is the best friend everyone needs to have. From the very moment Drew’s life is ripped apart, she is at her side, so much so that she has put her own life on hold for Drew, even at the drop of a hat. She does so only wanting to see Drew to get the answers she need, to heal once again be loved and be able to move on with her life. I am really hoping we will see more of Gianna in the upcoming books in this series.
I am so glad I picked this book up to read, as for me, it’s one of those books that when you are done, you are left feeling invested in what happens with all of the characters we have come to meet and either love or hate. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I cannot wait for the next book and the rest of the series, I want to see so much more from all them, I’m just not ready to let them go.
**Complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review**
*4.5 Stars*
Pulled Beneath was my first book of Marni Mann to read and it definitely won’t be my last, I truly enjoyed her writing and her story. Pulled Beneath is the first book in the Bar Harbour series and it tells the story of Drew’s heartbreaking tragedy and her journey of healing.
Drew, an avid photographer, finds her life ripped apart in the blink of an eye when she comes home one night to find her parents brutally murdered in their home. The only thing she has left now is the lone survivor from that night, the family dog Bella. In the process trying to deal with the tragedy while living with her best friend, Gianna, and her parents, her life is turned even further upside down when she is notified of her grandparent’s recent deaths, the very same grandparents she was told by her parents to have died when she was young. Her grandmother has left their family home in Bar Harbour Maine to Drew and she must go there to try to sell it as well as trying to get some answers to her many new unanswered questions that have arisen.
Drew and Bella take a road trip to Bar Harbour to meet with her grandmother’s lawyer but it quickly becomes clear that in order to sell the house she has inherited the one she wants no connection with it, she will need to remain there longer than she expected while renovations for are done to get it ready to sell. As time passes, she meets people of the community, people that once knew her mother and finds herself now having more questions regarding her family and what really happened but not really getting any answers. She feels betrayed by her parents, the people that were the most important to her and who no longer are able to give her the answers she needs. Upon moving temporarily into her new house she meets Saint, the grandson of her next door neighbour and immediately there is a connection, they share the love of swimming and that for both of them it’s the one thing that makes them forget all that has happened and feel like their life is normal, even for just those few moments as they glide through the water.
From the moment I read the synopsis, I was intrigued about reading this book, it sounded like a really great story of heartache and a love that would heal. This story grabbed me and pulled me in right from the prologue tugging at my heart strings right till the very end. I really connected with these two main characters right from the beginning of the story and could feel the connection and the sexual tension that was slowly building between the two. Both of these characters suffered from a pain that caged them.
Although that building connection between these two as the story progressed was not the only story going on here. We got meet so many great supporting characters and how they played a part in Drew and Saint’s life and in their healing. From Gianna, to Shane and Brady, and then Rae, each one somehow entwined with one or both of them. The story that did unfold and the parts these great characters that were created played was so much more than I had anticipated and I truly loved how it all came together to eventually answer all the questions she had and slowly heal all her hurt.
I really loved Gianna’s character, she is the best friend everyone needs to have. From the very moment Drew’s life is ripped apart, she is at her side, so much so that she has put her own life on hold for Drew, even at the drop of a hat. She does so only wanting to see Drew to get the answers she need, to heal once again be loved and be able to move on with her life. I am really hoping we will see more of Gianna in the upcoming books in this series.
I am so glad I picked this book up to read, as for me, it’s one of those books that when you are done, you are left feeling invested in what happens with all of the characters we have come to meet and either love or hate. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I cannot wait for the next book and the rest of the series, I want to see so much more from all them, I’m just not ready to let them go.
**Complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review**
July 5, 2023
** 4 HEARTBREAKING STARS **
Pulled Beneath by Marni Mann tells the story of a young woman who goes through tremendous heartbreak and devastation after the murder of her parents one evening. Mann does a great job of captivating the reader's attention as well as conveying Drew's thoughts and emotions throughout the book. In addition, I also thought the author did a wonderful job capturing the imagery and setting of the story. Although I was rather hesitant and unsure about Drew at first, she definitely grew on me. I thoroughly enjoyed her relationship and chemistry with Saint, our heroine's main love interest. From their very first meeting, readers can instantaneously sense the attraction as well as the beginnings of a sweet romance between the two.
However, Pulled Beneath is also about Drew's journey in finding herself and essentially her place and 'home' after losing what she thought was her only family. Drew struggles to move on after the death of her parents but eventually is blind-sided when she finds out that her parents have been keeping a secret from her: she has grandparents. When Drew meets Saint, she finds in him a kindling soul because he also has survived a devastating loss in his life. Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this and I look forward to more of Drew and Saint's journey in the future!
Thank you to Booktrope Publishing and Marni Mann for generously providing me with an ARC
Pulled Beneath by Marni Mann tells the story of a young woman who goes through tremendous heartbreak and devastation after the murder of her parents one evening. Mann does a great job of captivating the reader's attention as well as conveying Drew's thoughts and emotions throughout the book. In addition, I also thought the author did a wonderful job capturing the imagery and setting of the story. Although I was rather hesitant and unsure about Drew at first, she definitely grew on me. I thoroughly enjoyed her relationship and chemistry with Saint, our heroine's main love interest. From their very first meeting, readers can instantaneously sense the attraction as well as the beginnings of a sweet romance between the two.
However, Pulled Beneath is also about Drew's journey in finding herself and essentially her place and 'home' after losing what she thought was her only family. Drew struggles to move on after the death of her parents but eventually is blind-sided when she finds out that her parents have been keeping a secret from her: she has grandparents. When Drew meets Saint, she finds in him a kindling soul because he also has survived a devastating loss in his life. Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this and I look forward to more of Drew and Saint's journey in the future!
Thank you to Booktrope Publishing and Marni Mann for generously providing me with an ARC
October 27, 2014
Pulled beneath is a story of lies, loss and learning to forgive.
Drew's life is thrown into turmoil when she arrives home to find her parents house covered in crime scene tape after the brutal murder of her parents. In the months that follow she learns her whole life has been a lie which lands her in Maine to finalise the estate of the grandparents she believe to be dead.
Saint hasn't had the best life growing up he's made mistakes and is learning to put his life back together.
The relationship between Saint and Drew isn't plain sailing and it does take a while for them to get together but with so much going on in the story you don't have time to miss the romance.
I've only rated this 4 stars because I felt like I still had questions that needed to be answered, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series as I took a disliking to Rae so I'm interested how the author can turn my view around.
Drew's life is thrown into turmoil when she arrives home to find her parents house covered in crime scene tape after the brutal murder of her parents. In the months that follow she learns her whole life has been a lie which lands her in Maine to finalise the estate of the grandparents she believe to be dead.
Saint hasn't had the best life growing up he's made mistakes and is learning to put his life back together.
The relationship between Saint and Drew isn't plain sailing and it does take a while for them to get together but with so much going on in the story you don't have time to miss the romance.
I've only rated this 4 stars because I felt like I still had questions that needed to be answered, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series as I took a disliking to Rae so I'm interested how the author can turn my view around.
March 12, 2014
BELLO BELLO BELLO!
Ringrazio immensamente Marni Mann per avermi dato l’occasione di leggere in anteprima questo libro in cambio della mia onesta opinione. Marni è una delle persone più dolci, entusiaste e piene di talento che abbia mai conosciuto. Sono onorata di avere il piacere di conversare con lei e poter leggere e amare i suoi libri. Grazie infinite.
Recensione completa sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Pulled beneath” è il nuovo libro di Marni Mann, una scrittrice che ho conosciuto lo scorso anno e che ho imparato ad apprezzare tantissimo e che mi regala ogni volta un’esperienza di lettura completa e affascinante, di cui avevo presentato qui la copertina. Le sue storie non sono mai semplici, sono sempre multistrato e sempre assolutamente sconvolgenti e straordinarie. Primo volume della serie “Bar Harbor”, è talmente bello che pur leggendolo in maniera discontinua mi è rimasto dentro e mi ha dato molto su cui riflettere… insomma l’ennesima meraviglia firmata Marni Mann.
Che cosa accade quando riveli anni di segreti e scopri che tutto quello che pensavi vero è una bugia?
Drew Stevens si ritrova con il suo mondo sconvolto quando i suoi genitori vengono brutalmente assassinati. Subito dopo, scopre di aver ereditato una proprietà a Bar Harbor in Maine, dai nonni recentemente deceduti e che lei credeva morti fin da quando era bambina.
Drew viaggia verso nord per sistemarsi nella villa dei nonni, ma scopre più domande che risposte mentre la verità inizia a dispiegarsi davanti ai suoi occhi. Quello che non si aspetta di trovare è Saint, la cui reputazione è tumultuosa quanto il suo passato. Ma quello che li porta a conoscersi è quello che li tiene emozionalmente imprigionati. Con le cicatrici di Saint così profonde e quelle di Drew così recenti, può la coppia guarire dalle sue ferite dolorose o saranno spinti nell’oscurità del loro passato?
Questo libro va affrontato con un certo spirito, di certo non è una semplice storia d’amore, dietro c’è un mondo, costruito sulla sofferenza, la pena e il concetto di liberarsi, di sfuggire alle catene, vere o figurate di un’esistenza che sta troppo stretta. A prima vista potrebbe sembrare una storia banale, come se ne leggono tante, ma ad ogni pagina, ad ogni riga, veniamo trasportati in una storia che assomiglia ad un millefoglie, con tanti strati sovrapposti, ognuno ricco di avvenimenti e di emozioni che non è facile da digerire, va assaporato, lentamente, con cognizione di causa, con una mente aperta e con il cuore traboccante. La storia si dipana in maniera lineare, a livello di azione, ma emozionalmente equivale ad un giro sulle montagne russe che non lascia un attimo di tregua. È la stesa Drew che racconta la sua storia in prima persona, che ci rivela cosa le succede, con i suoi ritmi e i suoi sentimenti. Una tragedia di immani dimensioni la colpisce, lasciandola sola e senza un punto di riferimento importante. Il mondo, come lo aveva conosciuto fino a quel momento, con i suoi ritmi predefiniti le sue situazioni chiare e i ruoli sedimentati dalla consuetudine si spezza, per lasciarla in balia di una corrente che la trascina alla deriva. Drew è una ragazza forte, con la sua indipendenza, e la storia ci dimostra che anche se la vita ti prende a bastonate si può e si deve andare avanti, anche se nel percorso si incontrano molti ostacoli. Drew affronta un viaggio che non è solo un viaggio fisico, dalla Florida al Maine, è anche un viaggio spirituale attraverso il suo dolore, non tanto a livello di rielaborazione del lutto, ma proprio a livello della sua intimità, di quello che prova e di quello che vuole. Drew allora si muove, e come unica compagna ha il suo cane, Bella che io ho adorato dal primo all’ultimo momento, non solo perché con il cane ha un rapporto affettivo molto intenso, ma perché mi ha fatto pensare al mio cane, alla sua empatia, a come riesce a percepire le mie emozioni. Bella diventa allora una sorta di salvagente, non solo perché Drew riversa su di lei tutto il suo bisogno di affetto, ma anche perché è il tramite attraverso cui passa dalla sua vecchia vita e si adatta alla nuova. Un sostegno, un bastone a cui sostenersi nei momenti più difficili. Ma ovviamente la vera svolta per Drew arriva con l’incontro con Saint, il vicino di casa, l’affascinante, oscuro, sexy, tenebroso e rude, che incanta la ragazza dal primo momento, non solo per il suo aspetto fisico, che pure sconvolge e attira, ma anche per la connessione emotiva che si sviluppa dal primo istante, quegli occhi che le parlano in un istante, che le regalano emozioni mai provate, che la sconvolgono.
Il loro rapporto non è semplice, sia per il loro inevitabile legame, che si instaura immediatamente, sia per i problemi e le difficoltà che entrambi si portano dietro a livello emotivo. Se Saint ha paura dell’abbandono e cerca in tutti i modi di stare lontano da Drew, lei vive un conflitto profondo tra ciò che sente e ciò di cui ha bisogno, e quell’enorme vuoto che si trascina dietro come una zavorra. Come fai a vivere quando hai perso le radici della tua famiglia? E cosa fai quando scopri che quelle radici erano false? L’instabilità di Drew è infatti doppia. Non solo i drammatici eventi presenti, ma anche il passato della sua famiglia nasconde un marasma di situazioni inespresse e di segreti che rischiano di minare ancora di più la sicurezza della ragazza. Una storia dentro la storia, che si evolve attraverso ricordi, lettere e diari che aumentano il senso di tradimento che Drew prova. Non solo il suo bisogno di tornare indietro, ma anche quello di andare avanti, cozzano inevitabilmente con il castello di bugie che le è stato costruito intorno. E mentre cerca di accettare tutto questo, Drew si ritrova a compiere passi che non avrebbe mai pensato.
Una pausa, mettere in standby la propria vita, cadere in un circolo vizioso di idee e artifice che non lasciano tregua, se non in acqua, se non quando Drew nuota e può spegnere i continui ricordi che la investono ad ondate continue e micidiali, con un senso di profonda sconfitta.
La soluzione non è semplice, il percorso lungo e laborioso, ma alla fine c’è sempre qualcosa di più di quello da cui siamo partiti, e la Mann con il suo stile unico e inconfondibile riesce a spezzare il nesso tra ciò che sembra inevitabile e quello di cui Drew ha davvero bisogno, creando una storia che non è facile da dimenticare.
Ci sono pochi personaggi secondari, ma tutti egualmente importanti per creare una storia emozionante e dare spessore ad alcuni passaggi. Tra questi voglio sicuramente citate Gianna, la migliore amica di Drew, che non ha paura di dire le cose come stanno, che fa sempre di testa sua, ma allo stesso tempo è un vero sostegno per Drew, l’accompagna per mano nei momenti più disperati e riesce ad esserci davvero per lei.
Una delle cose più interessanti del libro è l’ambientazione. Il Maine, con questa cittadina, Bar Harbor, che sorge sull’oceano, con i pescatori di aragosta, la sua frugalità, le camice di flanella, il freddo acuto, per cui Drew si ritrova a soffrire, che in Florida se lo sogna, ma soprattutto l’acqua salata dell’Atlantico e la notte, con la piccola insenatura dove Saint e Drew si ritrovano a nuotare, a confessarsi, a comunicare, a incontrare le proprie anime. E l’autunno che sembra emergere e personificarsi nelle cose e nelle persone, con quel freddo impetuoso che penetra le ossa, quella sensazione che solo il cambio del colore delle foglie può dare e l’idea di cambiamento, di addormentarsi per risvegliarsi più forti. Insomma una lente che permette di mettere a fuoco meglio i personaggi, e uno sfondo ideale su cui possono muoversi con una fluidità che ritrovi solo in certe storie.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una macchina per fare il caffè…
La Mann è riuscita a creare una storia universale, con un tono fresco e serio, che punta più all’emotività che all’apparenza. Una romance, in cui la vera protagonista resta comunque Drew, con la sua crescita emotiva e il suo turbolento viaggio nel dolore e nel lutto, da cui esce purificata, anche attraverso l’acqua. Dal simbolismo speciale, e dai paesaggi mozzafiato, descritto con la bravura di una scrittrice che si contraddistingue per le sue storie complesse ed emozionanti, “Pulled Beneath” finisce di diritto tra i miei libri preferiti, con la consapevolezza di aver letto una storia speciale. In uscita il 18 marzo per Booktrope ve lo consiglio caldamente e potete aggiungerlo su Goodreads e preordinarlo su Amazon.
Dal sito dell’autrice ho scoperto che sono previsti altri due libri nella serie Bar Harbor:
- PULLED WITHIN scritto dal punto di vista di Rae e in uscita in estate
- PULLED APART scritto dal punto di vista di Gianna e in uscita ad autunno
A detta della Mann vedremo ancora tanto Saint! XD
Io aspetto di poter mettere le mani sui due libri… voi intanto preparatevi, perché non vorrete di certo farvi sfuggire questo libro!
Buona lettura guys!
Ringrazio immensamente Marni Mann per avermi dato l’occasione di leggere in anteprima questo libro in cambio della mia onesta opinione. Marni è una delle persone più dolci, entusiaste e piene di talento che abbia mai conosciuto. Sono onorata di avere il piacere di conversare con lei e poter leggere e amare i suoi libri. Grazie infinite.
Recensione completa sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Pulled beneath” è il nuovo libro di Marni Mann, una scrittrice che ho conosciuto lo scorso anno e che ho imparato ad apprezzare tantissimo e che mi regala ogni volta un’esperienza di lettura completa e affascinante, di cui avevo presentato qui la copertina. Le sue storie non sono mai semplici, sono sempre multistrato e sempre assolutamente sconvolgenti e straordinarie. Primo volume della serie “Bar Harbor”, è talmente bello che pur leggendolo in maniera discontinua mi è rimasto dentro e mi ha dato molto su cui riflettere… insomma l’ennesima meraviglia firmata Marni Mann.
Che cosa accade quando riveli anni di segreti e scopri che tutto quello che pensavi vero è una bugia?
Drew Stevens si ritrova con il suo mondo sconvolto quando i suoi genitori vengono brutalmente assassinati. Subito dopo, scopre di aver ereditato una proprietà a Bar Harbor in Maine, dai nonni recentemente deceduti e che lei credeva morti fin da quando era bambina.
Drew viaggia verso nord per sistemarsi nella villa dei nonni, ma scopre più domande che risposte mentre la verità inizia a dispiegarsi davanti ai suoi occhi. Quello che non si aspetta di trovare è Saint, la cui reputazione è tumultuosa quanto il suo passato. Ma quello che li porta a conoscersi è quello che li tiene emozionalmente imprigionati. Con le cicatrici di Saint così profonde e quelle di Drew così recenti, può la coppia guarire dalle sue ferite dolorose o saranno spinti nell’oscurità del loro passato?
Questo libro va affrontato con un certo spirito, di certo non è una semplice storia d’amore, dietro c’è un mondo, costruito sulla sofferenza, la pena e il concetto di liberarsi, di sfuggire alle catene, vere o figurate di un’esistenza che sta troppo stretta. A prima vista potrebbe sembrare una storia banale, come se ne leggono tante, ma ad ogni pagina, ad ogni riga, veniamo trasportati in una storia che assomiglia ad un millefoglie, con tanti strati sovrapposti, ognuno ricco di avvenimenti e di emozioni che non è facile da digerire, va assaporato, lentamente, con cognizione di causa, con una mente aperta e con il cuore traboccante. La storia si dipana in maniera lineare, a livello di azione, ma emozionalmente equivale ad un giro sulle montagne russe che non lascia un attimo di tregua. È la stesa Drew che racconta la sua storia in prima persona, che ci rivela cosa le succede, con i suoi ritmi e i suoi sentimenti. Una tragedia di immani dimensioni la colpisce, lasciandola sola e senza un punto di riferimento importante. Il mondo, come lo aveva conosciuto fino a quel momento, con i suoi ritmi predefiniti le sue situazioni chiare e i ruoli sedimentati dalla consuetudine si spezza, per lasciarla in balia di una corrente che la trascina alla deriva. Drew è una ragazza forte, con la sua indipendenza, e la storia ci dimostra che anche se la vita ti prende a bastonate si può e si deve andare avanti, anche se nel percorso si incontrano molti ostacoli. Drew affronta un viaggio che non è solo un viaggio fisico, dalla Florida al Maine, è anche un viaggio spirituale attraverso il suo dolore, non tanto a livello di rielaborazione del lutto, ma proprio a livello della sua intimità, di quello che prova e di quello che vuole. Drew allora si muove, e come unica compagna ha il suo cane, Bella che io ho adorato dal primo all’ultimo momento, non solo perché con il cane ha un rapporto affettivo molto intenso, ma perché mi ha fatto pensare al mio cane, alla sua empatia, a come riesce a percepire le mie emozioni. Bella diventa allora una sorta di salvagente, non solo perché Drew riversa su di lei tutto il suo bisogno di affetto, ma anche perché è il tramite attraverso cui passa dalla sua vecchia vita e si adatta alla nuova. Un sostegno, un bastone a cui sostenersi nei momenti più difficili. Ma ovviamente la vera svolta per Drew arriva con l’incontro con Saint, il vicino di casa, l’affascinante, oscuro, sexy, tenebroso e rude, che incanta la ragazza dal primo momento, non solo per il suo aspetto fisico, che pure sconvolge e attira, ma anche per la connessione emotiva che si sviluppa dal primo istante, quegli occhi che le parlano in un istante, che le regalano emozioni mai provate, che la sconvolgono.
Il loro rapporto non è semplice, sia per il loro inevitabile legame, che si instaura immediatamente, sia per i problemi e le difficoltà che entrambi si portano dietro a livello emotivo. Se Saint ha paura dell’abbandono e cerca in tutti i modi di stare lontano da Drew, lei vive un conflitto profondo tra ciò che sente e ciò di cui ha bisogno, e quell’enorme vuoto che si trascina dietro come una zavorra. Come fai a vivere quando hai perso le radici della tua famiglia? E cosa fai quando scopri che quelle radici erano false? L’instabilità di Drew è infatti doppia. Non solo i drammatici eventi presenti, ma anche il passato della sua famiglia nasconde un marasma di situazioni inespresse e di segreti che rischiano di minare ancora di più la sicurezza della ragazza. Una storia dentro la storia, che si evolve attraverso ricordi, lettere e diari che aumentano il senso di tradimento che Drew prova. Non solo il suo bisogno di tornare indietro, ma anche quello di andare avanti, cozzano inevitabilmente con il castello di bugie che le è stato costruito intorno. E mentre cerca di accettare tutto questo, Drew si ritrova a compiere passi che non avrebbe mai pensato.
Una pausa, mettere in standby la propria vita, cadere in un circolo vizioso di idee e artifice che non lasciano tregua, se non in acqua, se non quando Drew nuota e può spegnere i continui ricordi che la investono ad ondate continue e micidiali, con un senso di profonda sconfitta.
La soluzione non è semplice, il percorso lungo e laborioso, ma alla fine c’è sempre qualcosa di più di quello da cui siamo partiti, e la Mann con il suo stile unico e inconfondibile riesce a spezzare il nesso tra ciò che sembra inevitabile e quello di cui Drew ha davvero bisogno, creando una storia che non è facile da dimenticare.
Ci sono pochi personaggi secondari, ma tutti egualmente importanti per creare una storia emozionante e dare spessore ad alcuni passaggi. Tra questi voglio sicuramente citate Gianna, la migliore amica di Drew, che non ha paura di dire le cose come stanno, che fa sempre di testa sua, ma allo stesso tempo è un vero sostegno per Drew, l’accompagna per mano nei momenti più disperati e riesce ad esserci davvero per lei.
Una delle cose più interessanti del libro è l’ambientazione. Il Maine, con questa cittadina, Bar Harbor, che sorge sull’oceano, con i pescatori di aragosta, la sua frugalità, le camice di flanella, il freddo acuto, per cui Drew si ritrova a soffrire, che in Florida se lo sogna, ma soprattutto l’acqua salata dell’Atlantico e la notte, con la piccola insenatura dove Saint e Drew si ritrovano a nuotare, a confessarsi, a comunicare, a incontrare le proprie anime. E l’autunno che sembra emergere e personificarsi nelle cose e nelle persone, con quel freddo impetuoso che penetra le ossa, quella sensazione che solo il cambio del colore delle foglie può dare e l’idea di cambiamento, di addormentarsi per risvegliarsi più forti. Insomma una lente che permette di mettere a fuoco meglio i personaggi, e uno sfondo ideale su cui possono muoversi con una fluidità che ritrovi solo in certe storie.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una macchina per fare il caffè…
La Mann è riuscita a creare una storia universale, con un tono fresco e serio, che punta più all’emotività che all’apparenza. Una romance, in cui la vera protagonista resta comunque Drew, con la sua crescita emotiva e il suo turbolento viaggio nel dolore e nel lutto, da cui esce purificata, anche attraverso l’acqua. Dal simbolismo speciale, e dai paesaggi mozzafiato, descritto con la bravura di una scrittrice che si contraddistingue per le sue storie complesse ed emozionanti, “Pulled Beneath” finisce di diritto tra i miei libri preferiti, con la consapevolezza di aver letto una storia speciale. In uscita il 18 marzo per Booktrope ve lo consiglio caldamente e potete aggiungerlo su Goodreads e preordinarlo su Amazon.
Dal sito dell’autrice ho scoperto che sono previsti altri due libri nella serie Bar Harbor:
- PULLED WITHIN scritto dal punto di vista di Rae e in uscita in estate
- PULLED APART scritto dal punto di vista di Gianna e in uscita ad autunno
A detta della Mann vedremo ancora tanto Saint! XD
Io aspetto di poter mettere le mani sui due libri… voi intanto preparatevi, perché non vorrete di certo farvi sfuggire questo libro!
Buona lettura guys!
April 3, 2014
4 stars!
*book received in exchange for an honest review*
My thoughts:
I’m hundred percent happy I picked up this book. Right from the start I was pulled in to the world that Marni created and her interesting characters. She threw in a great mix of plot twists and mysteries that kept me guessing and flipping the pages. And I thoroughly got wrapped up in her writing style.
Let’s talk about the characters. Each one was interesting, held unique depth, and each was alluring in their own way. I really became invested in their stories. Of course, Drew is the kind of MC I love reading about and getting inside her head was fun.
Drew comes from a tragic past (a recent tragic experience) and that turns her world upside down. And this tragedy leads her to places, and to people, she never thought she would meet. What I enjoyed so much about this character is her underlining strength, maturity, and the real emotional depth she displayed. When the mysteries of her family slowly unravel she came apart like a normal person, held together by fragile strings. That showed uniqueness and individuality in her character and also made her feel relatable.
The love interest, Saint (love that name), is also quite a character. He held secrets of his own and he also displayed a few contrasting emotions towards Drew when she first appeared. However, he never really came off as an asshole. How he behaved and acted gave me insight that no matter what he was a good guy. Saint, like the town of Bar Harbor and Drew’s family, is surrounded by mysteries. That instantly drew me to his character. But what made me really like him is his genuine concern for Drew and his warm character.
There are quite a few characters within this book and, like I mentioned, each one was interesting, held unique depth, and each was alluring in their own way. I adored Gianna. She was the prefect best friend for Drew. She held Drew together when her world was unraveling and she was also a great support system. There are a few other characters, and I definitely (except one) that I really enjoyed getting to know. Though I did figure out the trouble of one character, I still enjoyed him and I can’t wait for his story!
The plot played out well. It threw some well-developed mysteries out there, some I didn’t see coming and a few that I did. Though it lagged a bit, here and there, the story flowed well. The relationship between Drew and Saint developed beautifully and their attraction felt so real. I loved watching them each grow individually and together. I also loved how the town was full of secrets (much like real small towns). I’m happy that I got a chance to read Pulled Beneath. I’ve never read anything by Marni Mann, and I definitely a fan of hers now.
Pulled Beneath was heartbreaking intense. I enjoyed the deeply woven mysteries that were worked into the wonderful plot twists. I definitely recommend this book for New Adult fans that like a story about a girl finding not only love but family and that contains a love story that was sweet and passionate!
*book received in exchange for an honest review*
My thoughts:
I’m hundred percent happy I picked up this book. Right from the start I was pulled in to the world that Marni created and her interesting characters. She threw in a great mix of plot twists and mysteries that kept me guessing and flipping the pages. And I thoroughly got wrapped up in her writing style.
Let’s talk about the characters. Each one was interesting, held unique depth, and each was alluring in their own way. I really became invested in their stories. Of course, Drew is the kind of MC I love reading about and getting inside her head was fun.
Drew comes from a tragic past (a recent tragic experience) and that turns her world upside down. And this tragedy leads her to places, and to people, she never thought she would meet. What I enjoyed so much about this character is her underlining strength, maturity, and the real emotional depth she displayed. When the mysteries of her family slowly unravel she came apart like a normal person, held together by fragile strings. That showed uniqueness and individuality in her character and also made her feel relatable.
The love interest, Saint (love that name), is also quite a character. He held secrets of his own and he also displayed a few contrasting emotions towards Drew when she first appeared. However, he never really came off as an asshole. How he behaved and acted gave me insight that no matter what he was a good guy. Saint, like the town of Bar Harbor and Drew’s family, is surrounded by mysteries. That instantly drew me to his character. But what made me really like him is his genuine concern for Drew and his warm character.
There are quite a few characters within this book and, like I mentioned, each one was interesting, held unique depth, and each was alluring in their own way. I adored Gianna. She was the prefect best friend for Drew. She held Drew together when her world was unraveling and she was also a great support system. There are a few other characters, and I definitely (except one) that I really enjoyed getting to know. Though I did figure out the trouble of one character, I still enjoyed him and I can’t wait for his story!
The plot played out well. It threw some well-developed mysteries out there, some I didn’t see coming and a few that I did. Though it lagged a bit, here and there, the story flowed well. The relationship between Drew and Saint developed beautifully and their attraction felt so real. I loved watching them each grow individually and together. I also loved how the town was full of secrets (much like real small towns). I’m happy that I got a chance to read Pulled Beneath. I’ve never read anything by Marni Mann, and I definitely a fan of hers now.
Pulled Beneath was heartbreaking intense. I enjoyed the deeply woven mysteries that were worked into the wonderful plot twists. I definitely recommend this book for New Adult fans that like a story about a girl finding not only love but family and that contains a love story that was sweet and passionate!
March 8, 2014
I would give this 6 stars if I could. Oh my gosh, this book is at the top of my favorites list. I've read four books by Marni Mann in the past, but this one is so fricking good it flew up to the top of the Marni Mann chart in my head. The characters hooked me from the start. My heart ached for Drew and her devastating loss followed by so many challenges. I loved Gianna and she reminded me of my best friends. I seriously wanted to curl up and have a glass of wine with Gianna. And then Saint. Dear lord that man described in the pages of her book rocked my world and my soul. I could literally imagine each scene so vividly and couldn't wait to turn the next page. And never before have wetsuits struck me as sexy. As a former surfer I always thought they were a stinky pain, but her words made me rethink that article of cold water clothing. I simply loved this book and can't wait for book 2 to come out. And now I want to eat some lobster.
May 18, 2014
Finished Pulled beneath at about 1:30 last night. I can't wait to read the next book. Totally honest writing; believable dialog; excellent characterizations and beautiful story of families, secrets, loves, friendships. The love scenes are steamy. "Saint" is my new book boyfriend-- sigh... Mysterious, strong, lush, dark... you can't not be drawn to him. "Drew" the heroine in the book-- turns out to be really strong-- and that is a trait I can fall in love with! (Too often I have read romance books and the female protagonist is unworldly beautiful but weak as soon as her man leaves her-- or can't go on without her man. Yawn.) Marni Mann writes a great story set in Bar Harbor, Maine. A place I have visited often-- so this story was of particular interest to me. Well-done!
March 31, 2014
This book had me tied in knots!
Review to come on 3/31 during the Pulled Beneath Blog Tour at Agents of Romance...
http://www.agentsofromance.com/1/post...
Review to come on 3/31 during the Pulled Beneath Blog Tour at Agents of Romance...
http://www.agentsofromance.com/1/post...
April 17, 2014
5 Words: Grief, heartbreak, attraction, uncertainty, love.
A really good 3 stars. It was only just not a 4 for me.
Full review on Tea Party Princess
A really good 3 stars. It was only just not a 4 for me.
Full review on Tea Party Princess
April 30, 2014
This was my first book by Marni Mann, and I have to say, I’m HOOKED! I loved her writing style and this story just sucked me in. Let’s just say that our main man Saint made me want to run away to Maine…like today! I feel like a visit is necessary…for research purposes of course :) This story definitely started off with a bang and had me hanging on for the rest of the ride. Marni did an excellent job of weaving mystery with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the entire book. Sometimes I can figure out what’s going to happen and that doesn’t take away from the story by any means but I love it when an author can throw me a curve ball that completely blindsides me, and Marni did just that!
Drew has been forced into a difficult situation. After the murder of her parents, she learns that she has family up north that she never knew about. To top it off, Drew’s grandmother has passed and has left her a beautiful house in Maine, on the water. As questions begin to surface, Drew travels up north to try and learn about the family she never knew existed. Only, that’s easier said than done. With her parent’s death lingering at only about three months, Drew has traveled back to the hometown of her mother. To the house her mother grew up in. To the house and town that serve as the center of all the wonderful stories she told Drew when she was younger. The smells, the flowers, they’re all as her mother described and this definitely causes emotions to surface. These emotions can only be conquered by a few things, one of which includes her mysterious next door neighbor, Saint. He brings quiet and it only takes a moment and Drew can’t seem to keep herself from thinking about him. The connection between these two was strong and was more than just a physical connection. They both have suffered a great deal of loss and as it’s mentioned in the story, are just drawn to each other. They bond over their mutual love of water and after a few short weeks, begin steaming up Maine!
Drew was definitely a strong character and I found myself really connecting with her at the beginning. It’s weird, but I found that I connected with her through her relationship with Bella, her dog. That sounds even weirder now that I’ve typed it, but it’s true. I couldn’t connect with the tragedy she faced or how she was feeling. I could feel hurt for her, but I can’t imagine what she was going through. But she clung to Bella for strength and I find myself doing that with my pup as well. It cracked me up that she would have a meeting by her car because the receptionist said the dog couldn’t come inside. LOVED HER! Plus finding out that Bella is a real dog after reading the acknowledgments…that just made it even better. I have to admit though, she did kind of lose me towards the end. I definitely understood that she was going through a lot but she kind of shut down for a bit. I guess I just thought her strength would shine through during those hard times. However, I was fully engrossed in Drew’s story and couldn’t wait for her to unravel the secrets!
And then there’s Saint. Such a sexy combination of mystery and tenderness. I could tell that he was developing feelings for Drew. He was protective and although sometimes it was strange that he knew exactly what she was doing, I found it sort of adorable. Drew had moved into an old house that she had never been to before, with people she didn’t know and I thought it was sweet that he kept an eye on her. Plus, I think he saved her a time or two from making a terrible decision. Although there were times that I wanted to slap him as well, I enjoyed Saint. He was broken, sure, and he scars ran deep; but it was beautiful that he could still allow himself to love. Although he had a bad boy exterior, Saint was a gentle soul. I would definitely love to have a Saint in Maine ;)
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and was ecstatic when I found out this was the beginning of a series. Each of the characters in this book was real. They didn’t live a life of luxury. They didn’t have the world. They had problems, just like everyone else and reading Pulled Beneath almost felt as though I was getting a glimpse into someone else’s life. There were a few real-life issues that were brought to attention in this book and I think Marni did an excellent job of discussing those issues as well as show how they could affect others. It was raw, and I thought it brought a lot of ‘real’ to this story. So, Marni Mann, I’m anxiously awaiting your next book.
Drew has been forced into a difficult situation. After the murder of her parents, she learns that she has family up north that she never knew about. To top it off, Drew’s grandmother has passed and has left her a beautiful house in Maine, on the water. As questions begin to surface, Drew travels up north to try and learn about the family she never knew existed. Only, that’s easier said than done. With her parent’s death lingering at only about three months, Drew has traveled back to the hometown of her mother. To the house her mother grew up in. To the house and town that serve as the center of all the wonderful stories she told Drew when she was younger. The smells, the flowers, they’re all as her mother described and this definitely causes emotions to surface. These emotions can only be conquered by a few things, one of which includes her mysterious next door neighbor, Saint. He brings quiet and it only takes a moment and Drew can’t seem to keep herself from thinking about him. The connection between these two was strong and was more than just a physical connection. They both have suffered a great deal of loss and as it’s mentioned in the story, are just drawn to each other. They bond over their mutual love of water and after a few short weeks, begin steaming up Maine!
Drew was definitely a strong character and I found myself really connecting with her at the beginning. It’s weird, but I found that I connected with her through her relationship with Bella, her dog. That sounds even weirder now that I’ve typed it, but it’s true. I couldn’t connect with the tragedy she faced or how she was feeling. I could feel hurt for her, but I can’t imagine what she was going through. But she clung to Bella for strength and I find myself doing that with my pup as well. It cracked me up that she would have a meeting by her car because the receptionist said the dog couldn’t come inside. LOVED HER! Plus finding out that Bella is a real dog after reading the acknowledgments…that just made it even better. I have to admit though, she did kind of lose me towards the end. I definitely understood that she was going through a lot but she kind of shut down for a bit. I guess I just thought her strength would shine through during those hard times. However, I was fully engrossed in Drew’s story and couldn’t wait for her to unravel the secrets!
And then there’s Saint. Such a sexy combination of mystery and tenderness. I could tell that he was developing feelings for Drew. He was protective and although sometimes it was strange that he knew exactly what she was doing, I found it sort of adorable. Drew had moved into an old house that she had never been to before, with people she didn’t know and I thought it was sweet that he kept an eye on her. Plus, I think he saved her a time or two from making a terrible decision. Although there were times that I wanted to slap him as well, I enjoyed Saint. He was broken, sure, and he scars ran deep; but it was beautiful that he could still allow himself to love. Although he had a bad boy exterior, Saint was a gentle soul. I would definitely love to have a Saint in Maine ;)
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and was ecstatic when I found out this was the beginning of a series. Each of the characters in this book was real. They didn’t live a life of luxury. They didn’t have the world. They had problems, just like everyone else and reading Pulled Beneath almost felt as though I was getting a glimpse into someone else’s life. There were a few real-life issues that were brought to attention in this book and I think Marni did an excellent job of discussing those issues as well as show how they could affect others. It was raw, and I thought it brought a lot of ‘real’ to this story. So, Marni Mann, I’m anxiously awaiting your next book.
April 6, 2014
Pulled Beneath by Marni Mann
Book #1: Bar Harbor Series
ARC from the author
4½/5 stars
Bugger me, does Marni Mann know how to start a book! From the very beginning of Pulled Beneath, I was drawn in and consumed by this read. Within the first chapter alone we have a booty call and change-your-life-forever event for the main character. There is no build up to the awful just a twenty-something, fresh out of college girl coming home in the middle of the night to find her parents have been brutally murdered and the sole survivors are she and her dog, Bella.
Drew Stevens never imagined a life without her parents but when they are brutally murdered in their home, Drew must find a way to pick up the pieces and move forward with her already totally unplanned life. To make matters completely worse, the universe hates Drew and within weeks of her parents murder she discovers she not only had grandparents but they have now both died for real and Drew has inherited the family home in Maine. WTH???? Determined to deal with the house in Maine in record time and return to her “life” in Florida, Drew sets out for Maine and the past she didn’t even know existed.
And because Marni Mann likes to totally and completely screw with her characters in the most heinous of ways, the universe continues to piss on Drew’s parade once she arrives in Maine. Though the family home is lovely and sits right on the beach, it needs a lot of work before Drew can unload it on its future owner. Setting up the remodeling work isn’t at all difficult since her grandparents left her a generous fund to cover the costs. What proves to be difficult are the people Drew encounters during her stay; a stay that is greatly extended by the request of the contractor. Intending to keep her head down until she can leave town, Drew somehow finds herself drawn into the life and drama of small town Maine. Though scared she may uncover yet another family bombshell, Drew begins to mingle with the locals in an effort to learn more about her family. Here’s the skinny:
Brady: the younger half of the remodeling team who seems to be a perfectly nice guy with no ulterior motives. Yep, he’s the only guy on Earth who only wants to be friends with the hot new chick in town Though the friendship is welcome, Drew begins to notice cracks in the nice guy façade including some weird twitchiness and a stunning temper.
Rae: this young lady is pretty much an unknown quantity until the very end of the read. Suffice it to say, Mann is not done with this character and when we eventually get her story, it is going to be a wild and crazy ride.
Saint: Someone with a name like Saint shouldn’t make a girl think such wicked and evil thoughts. But, when you look and act like Saint does, it is no damn wonder Drew finds herself so completely drawn to him. Saint and his grandparents live next door to Drew and have known her grandparents for decades. Getting close to Saint in order to learn about her family seems completely logical. Recognizing the pain that Drew is experiencing, Saint desperately tries to live up to his name and not cause any more difficulties for his new neighbor but some attractions just can’t be denied. Oh, and did I forget to mention that he is all kinds of tattooed up? BONUS!!!!
The Past: Small town life seems impossible to Drew until she really begins to dig and to understand what drove her parents from Maine. Not only did her parents leave Maine but, they never returned AND told Drew she had no family. Secrets that big can’t stay hidden forever and if Drew has any shot at a happy and healthy future, she has to face the past her parents fought so desperately to conceal from her.
The Bottom Line: Pulled Beneath is a whole new side of Marni Mann and I, for one am glad to see the emergence of this side of one of my favorite authors. Though still teeming with darkness, secrets, and sex, Pulled Beneath is a far tamer read than Mann’s Shadows Series. Some things however, are exactly the same including a tight and intricately woven plot, complex and well-rounded characters, some lovely naughty bits and, just enough in the way of unanswered questions to have me already checking Amazon for the release date of book two! Overall, a fast and furious read that will appeal to a wide variety of NA+ readers.
Book #1: Bar Harbor Series
ARC from the author
4½/5 stars
Bugger me, does Marni Mann know how to start a book! From the very beginning of Pulled Beneath, I was drawn in and consumed by this read. Within the first chapter alone we have a booty call and change-your-life-forever event for the main character. There is no build up to the awful just a twenty-something, fresh out of college girl coming home in the middle of the night to find her parents have been brutally murdered and the sole survivors are she and her dog, Bella.
Drew Stevens never imagined a life without her parents but when they are brutally murdered in their home, Drew must find a way to pick up the pieces and move forward with her already totally unplanned life. To make matters completely worse, the universe hates Drew and within weeks of her parents murder she discovers she not only had grandparents but they have now both died for real and Drew has inherited the family home in Maine. WTH???? Determined to deal with the house in Maine in record time and return to her “life” in Florida, Drew sets out for Maine and the past she didn’t even know existed.
And because Marni Mann likes to totally and completely screw with her characters in the most heinous of ways, the universe continues to piss on Drew’s parade once she arrives in Maine. Though the family home is lovely and sits right on the beach, it needs a lot of work before Drew can unload it on its future owner. Setting up the remodeling work isn’t at all difficult since her grandparents left her a generous fund to cover the costs. What proves to be difficult are the people Drew encounters during her stay; a stay that is greatly extended by the request of the contractor. Intending to keep her head down until she can leave town, Drew somehow finds herself drawn into the life and drama of small town Maine. Though scared she may uncover yet another family bombshell, Drew begins to mingle with the locals in an effort to learn more about her family. Here’s the skinny:
Brady: the younger half of the remodeling team who seems to be a perfectly nice guy with no ulterior motives. Yep, he’s the only guy on Earth who only wants to be friends with the hot new chick in town Though the friendship is welcome, Drew begins to notice cracks in the nice guy façade including some weird twitchiness and a stunning temper.
Rae: this young lady is pretty much an unknown quantity until the very end of the read. Suffice it to say, Mann is not done with this character and when we eventually get her story, it is going to be a wild and crazy ride.
Saint: Someone with a name like Saint shouldn’t make a girl think such wicked and evil thoughts. But, when you look and act like Saint does, it is no damn wonder Drew finds herself so completely drawn to him. Saint and his grandparents live next door to Drew and have known her grandparents for decades. Getting close to Saint in order to learn about her family seems completely logical. Recognizing the pain that Drew is experiencing, Saint desperately tries to live up to his name and not cause any more difficulties for his new neighbor but some attractions just can’t be denied. Oh, and did I forget to mention that he is all kinds of tattooed up? BONUS!!!!
The Past: Small town life seems impossible to Drew until she really begins to dig and to understand what drove her parents from Maine. Not only did her parents leave Maine but, they never returned AND told Drew she had no family. Secrets that big can’t stay hidden forever and if Drew has any shot at a happy and healthy future, she has to face the past her parents fought so desperately to conceal from her.
The Bottom Line: Pulled Beneath is a whole new side of Marni Mann and I, for one am glad to see the emergence of this side of one of my favorite authors. Though still teeming with darkness, secrets, and sex, Pulled Beneath is a far tamer read than Mann’s Shadows Series. Some things however, are exactly the same including a tight and intricately woven plot, complex and well-rounded characters, some lovely naughty bits and, just enough in the way of unanswered questions to have me already checking Amazon for the release date of book two! Overall, a fast and furious read that will appeal to a wide variety of NA+ readers.
November 11, 2014
I knew Pulled Beneath was going to be different from what I’ve read from author Marni Mann before, because she warned me. However, let me just give a nod to the similarities first. This author possesses an amazing gift. She creates stories so compelling that they draw the reader in until it becomes virtually impossible to tell where the reality of life ends and the fiction of the story begins.
Drew Stevens experiences a devastating loss when she comes home to find her parents – the only family she has – brutally murdered. While still in the throes of grief over her parents’ untimely death, more disturbing news comes when Drew finds out that her mother’s parents – grandparents she believed died years ago – had only recently passed, creating questions and curiosity about the newly exposed secrets. Drew travels from her home in Florida to her parents’ home town of Bar Harbor, Maine to settle her grandparents’ estate and search for answers about the lies she’s believed were truths her whole life. What she finds are just more questions, including ones about her mysterious and devastatingly handsome neighbor, Saint. As her grief over the loss of her parents and the confusion about her mother’s deceptions begin to compound, Drew’s grief becomes nearly unbearable, and her attempts at dealing with the overwhelming torment of the lies and the loss become extreme and dangerous.
This story explores the heartbreak of grief, in all its facets, through characters that are as complex and real as any I have ever read. There is no fiction in these characters – the main ones, the supporting ones – they’re all very real, authentic and genuine, and so is their pain. My heart ached for Drew, and when her coping threatens to take a destructive turn, I was as absolutely immersed in her pain as she was in the waters of Maine.
Pulled Beneath is not high action and drama. On the contrary, it’s a raw and honest exploration of the human condition – of how deeply destructive the effect of grief can be, even on the strongest of us. But then, author Marni Mann skillfully takes this devastatingly heartrending story and turns it inside out until it is transformed into a story of survival, and renewal, and finally, of hope.
It is true in life that the most devastating pain gives way to the most beautiful of new beginnings. It happens when a child is born, and it can also happen when a life ends. Pulled Beneath is a tragic and sad story of pain and loss, but it is also a beautiful story of resilience and survival, and ultimately, of love.
Five magnificent, inspirational stars.
Drew Stevens experiences a devastating loss when she comes home to find her parents – the only family she has – brutally murdered. While still in the throes of grief over her parents’ untimely death, more disturbing news comes when Drew finds out that her mother’s parents – grandparents she believed died years ago – had only recently passed, creating questions and curiosity about the newly exposed secrets. Drew travels from her home in Florida to her parents’ home town of Bar Harbor, Maine to settle her grandparents’ estate and search for answers about the lies she’s believed were truths her whole life. What she finds are just more questions, including ones about her mysterious and devastatingly handsome neighbor, Saint. As her grief over the loss of her parents and the confusion about her mother’s deceptions begin to compound, Drew’s grief becomes nearly unbearable, and her attempts at dealing with the overwhelming torment of the lies and the loss become extreme and dangerous.
This story explores the heartbreak of grief, in all its facets, through characters that are as complex and real as any I have ever read. There is no fiction in these characters – the main ones, the supporting ones – they’re all very real, authentic and genuine, and so is their pain. My heart ached for Drew, and when her coping threatens to take a destructive turn, I was as absolutely immersed in her pain as she was in the waters of Maine.
Pulled Beneath is not high action and drama. On the contrary, it’s a raw and honest exploration of the human condition – of how deeply destructive the effect of grief can be, even on the strongest of us. But then, author Marni Mann skillfully takes this devastatingly heartrending story and turns it inside out until it is transformed into a story of survival, and renewal, and finally, of hope.
It is true in life that the most devastating pain gives way to the most beautiful of new beginnings. It happens when a child is born, and it can also happen when a life ends. Pulled Beneath is a tragic and sad story of pain and loss, but it is also a beautiful story of resilience and survival, and ultimately, of love.
Five magnificent, inspirational stars.
May 2, 2014
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I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
I knew before I even started to read Pulled Beneath, I was in for a real treat because I’m a HUGE fan of Ms. Mann’s writing. Her Memoir Series was utterly spectacular! Once you start her stories, you MUST finish it in one sitting or it’ll drive you crazy until you do! Yes, they’re that good!
Pulled Beneath did not disappoint! I loved everything about it! The plot drew me in from the first page, the story flowed perfectly and the characters seemed amazingly real. Ms. Mann is very good at slowly introducing the reader to the world of physical and emotionally destructive addictions between the characters and how it affects everyone around them. This is a hard topic to accurately portray and pull off as “real” to the reader.
This book starts with Drew, a young woman dealing with the tragic loss of both parents and then having to clean up the mess behind them. She discovers that everything was not as it always appeared with her family as soon as the process begins.
Drew heads to Maine so she can sort out a property that was inherited to her. While she’s there, she learns more about herself and her family then she has ever known in her entire life. She also meets a hot and mysterious guy named Saint. He has issues with allowing anyone to get close to him, yet at the same time has mixed feelings toward Drew. He constantly craves her attention and wants to watch over her. Saint was one of my favorite characters in this story because he just seemed so real and down to earth. I could tell early on that although Saint comes across a typical tough and dominant type, he also has a protective, sensitive, and caring side. He has a hard past to constantly deal with but at the same time he knows what is best for him and kudos to Saint for sticking to his guns and doing the right thing.
If you are a lover of romance with emotionally damaged characters that need love and support in order to heal, Pulled Beneath is the story for you! One of the best things I loved about this book is how this author was able to weave all the characters together into one great story. Once you read Pulled Beneath, you will understand exactly what I mean. The writing is simply brilliant!
I give Pulled Beneath, 5 LOVE TO LIVE AGAIN STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
I knew before I even started to read Pulled Beneath, I was in for a real treat because I’m a HUGE fan of Ms. Mann’s writing. Her Memoir Series was utterly spectacular! Once you start her stories, you MUST finish it in one sitting or it’ll drive you crazy until you do! Yes, they’re that good!
Pulled Beneath did not disappoint! I loved everything about it! The plot drew me in from the first page, the story flowed perfectly and the characters seemed amazingly real. Ms. Mann is very good at slowly introducing the reader to the world of physical and emotionally destructive addictions between the characters and how it affects everyone around them. This is a hard topic to accurately portray and pull off as “real” to the reader.
This book starts with Drew, a young woman dealing with the tragic loss of both parents and then having to clean up the mess behind them. She discovers that everything was not as it always appeared with her family as soon as the process begins.
Drew heads to Maine so she can sort out a property that was inherited to her. While she’s there, she learns more about herself and her family then she has ever known in her entire life. She also meets a hot and mysterious guy named Saint. He has issues with allowing anyone to get close to him, yet at the same time has mixed feelings toward Drew. He constantly craves her attention and wants to watch over her. Saint was one of my favorite characters in this story because he just seemed so real and down to earth. I could tell early on that although Saint comes across a typical tough and dominant type, he also has a protective, sensitive, and caring side. He has a hard past to constantly deal with but at the same time he knows what is best for him and kudos to Saint for sticking to his guns and doing the right thing.
If you are a lover of romance with emotionally damaged characters that need love and support in order to heal, Pulled Beneath is the story for you! One of the best things I loved about this book is how this author was able to weave all the characters together into one great story. Once you read Pulled Beneath, you will understand exactly what I mean. The writing is simply brilliant!
I give Pulled Beneath, 5 LOVE TO LIVE AGAIN STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
May 29, 2014
PEPPER'S REVIEW
OH. GOOD. LORD. This review is going to be pretty much this:
and this:
and this:
Excuse me whilst I fan girl. OMG. I HAVE to get a Marni Mann erotic novel. I loved her writing so much. Her story telling was beautiful. Pulled me in from sentence one. I can't wait to see what she does with super sexy stuff. I've heard it's amazing.
OK, so we know the writing is fab. What else you say?
UM... whole freaking story was a little riddle. That you are like, yep I have this shit figured out, and then:
MMann hits you in the mother hugging face with more twists. It. Is. So. Good. I'm in love.
So, I do have to say that Drew fell a little flat for me. I mean, God, her situation - could it get any worse? But I needed more from her. She wasn't the strong heroine that I usually have a lady boner for. But her relationship with her dog? God dammit I cried. So sweet. It was almost as good at this:
AND, lest we forget about dear sweet baby Jesus of God - Saint!! Save me, Deliver me. LOVED HIM. So mysterious and bad boy and angsty. I love me a boy with some skeletons. He had me like:
So, honestly, like I said at the beginning with all my reaction gifs, it's hard to say anything real deep about this book, because then it all gets spoiled. You just need to know that the writing is phenomenal. The story hooks your ass to your seat all night. And you will be DYING for book 2!!
March 23, 2014
☆☆☆ 4.5 STARS!!! ☆☆☆
→ FULL REVIEW: Clickety click ;)
**ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
Such a lovely, lovely novel. I absolutely adored it. It was heart-breaking to see the characters discover so much more about themselves and also about others, but it was an exhilarating experience. I loved reading the book from Drew's point of view and I loved the chemistry between her and Saint.
Drew is far from the stereotypical orphan we often see in contemporary romances. What I liked about her was that she didn't turn into one of those characters who drank all night long and had sex with strangers just to numb her parents' death. No, she actually turned her desire to be numb into a healthy hobby, which is swimming.
And then we have Saint.
AAAAH DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED!!!
- - -
To see more of my reviews, go to Sam's Book Basket ;)
→ FULL REVIEW: Clickety click ;)
**ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
Such a lovely, lovely novel. I absolutely adored it. It was heart-breaking to see the characters discover so much more about themselves and also about others, but it was an exhilarating experience. I loved reading the book from Drew's point of view and I loved the chemistry between her and Saint.
Drew is far from the stereotypical orphan we often see in contemporary romances. What I liked about her was that she didn't turn into one of those characters who drank all night long and had sex with strangers just to numb her parents' death. No, she actually turned her desire to be numb into a healthy hobby, which is swimming.
That's why I swam: to pause it all, to mute my parents' noises, to shove those images to the back of my brain until I stepped out of the water again.
And then we have Saint.
“You’re not going to bed…not yet.” This time, he held me at the waist. It was enough to stop me from taking another step.
“And why is that?”
He slowly turned me around and his hands moved to my cheeks, gently caressing my face and tilting my lips until they aligned with his. His mouth was inches from mine. I felt his warmth everywhere.
“Because I can’t let you go yet,” he said softly.
AAAAH DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED!!!
- - -
To see more of my reviews, go to Sam's Book Basket ;)
April 23, 2014
Your whole life can change in a second and everything you ever believed can come crashing to a halt , just ask Drew Stevens. When one night changed the first course of her life when she arrives home to find police and coroners pulling out two body bags from her house when she discovers her parents have been brutally murdered. Then a few weeks later out of the blue, Drew receives a letter from a Lawyer regarding her Grandparent's estate. The thing is Drew was told her grandparents had died when she was a baby. Now Drew has found herself travelling to Bar Harbor to inherit a house from the grandparents she never knew and more so Drew also discovers she has an Aunt. Seeing Bar Harbor up close brings back memories for Drew as she grew up listening to her mother's stories about the place. What will happen though when Drew starts discovering piece and bits about her mother and the guy she thought was her father?
All alone, who will Drew turn to when she discovers everything she has ever been told by the people she loved are all lies, especially when she has nobody in her family left to tell her the truth or help her process.
Find out in Book #1 in the Bar Harbor series by Marni Mann.
All alone, who will Drew turn to when she discovers everything she has ever been told by the people she loved are all lies, especially when she has nobody in her family left to tell her the truth or help her process.
Find out in Book #1 in the Bar Harbor series by Marni Mann.
March 18, 2014
Disclaimer: I work with BookTrope Publishing
This was the first book I read from Marni Mann, and she had me sold from page one. New adult is a genre I’m really interested in right now, but I also love a good suspense story and Pulled Beneath really married the two. I was beyond curious when Drew receives notice of inheriting the property in Bar Harbor, and trying to piece the clues together once she arrived in Maine. The book boyfriend in this story, Saint, is quite the man. Dark and brooding in the beginning, I sometimes struggled to see why Drew was so attracted to him, but the lines that Mann uses to describe Drew’s inner feelings towards him really opened me up to her world.
“I was drawn to whatever was broken in him, probably in the same way that he was drawn to what was broken in me.”
The book is well-written on every level and the characters will take you to their world and make you live in it with them through the journey of the book and after you read the final page. I look forward to much more from Marni Mann, including books two and three in the Bar Harbor series.
This was the first book I read from Marni Mann, and she had me sold from page one. New adult is a genre I’m really interested in right now, but I also love a good suspense story and Pulled Beneath really married the two. I was beyond curious when Drew receives notice of inheriting the property in Bar Harbor, and trying to piece the clues together once she arrived in Maine. The book boyfriend in this story, Saint, is quite the man. Dark and brooding in the beginning, I sometimes struggled to see why Drew was so attracted to him, but the lines that Mann uses to describe Drew’s inner feelings towards him really opened me up to her world.
“I was drawn to whatever was broken in him, probably in the same way that he was drawn to what was broken in me.”
The book is well-written on every level and the characters will take you to their world and make you live in it with them through the journey of the book and after you read the final page. I look forward to much more from Marni Mann, including books two and three in the Bar Harbor series.
April 24, 2014
Drew was a girl that just lost her parents in one frightful night of horrible terror. In the process of selling her parents house and trying to move on From the pain in her heart of losing her parents. She receives a phone call from a Lawyer in Maine.
Now Drew is off to Maine to settle her Grandmothers Estate that she didn’t know about. And She finds out she has a living Aunt. As Drew goes through getting the house ready to be sold in Maine. She meets Saint (Justin). Saint is Tall Dark and handsome in the sense she has never seen anyone as gorgeous as him. Both are very attracted to each other.
Drew find outs many things while in Maine about her mother and about herself that she never knew. Now she is trying to decide if she should stay or should she go back to Flordia to the only home she knows. This book offers you suspense, drama, and Love. A little steamy loving as well. I loved the book. and If this is a series I can’t wait for the next book!!
Now Drew is off to Maine to settle her Grandmothers Estate that she didn’t know about. And She finds out she has a living Aunt. As Drew goes through getting the house ready to be sold in Maine. She meets Saint (Justin). Saint is Tall Dark and handsome in the sense she has never seen anyone as gorgeous as him. Both are very attracted to each other.
Drew find outs many things while in Maine about her mother and about herself that she never knew. Now she is trying to decide if she should stay or should she go back to Flordia to the only home she knows. This book offers you suspense, drama, and Love. A little steamy loving as well. I loved the book. and If this is a series I can’t wait for the next book!!
June 27, 2014
I love all of Marni's books but this is my favorite so far! I really connected with all of the characters. I want to know more about them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
March 14, 2014
4.5 Stars
Review Under BookJunkyGirls
Review Under BookJunkyGirls
April 26, 2014
4.25stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews