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Rouse Me
Alyssa never thought she'd cheat.
She has no time for the kind of passion that inspires such a tryst. Her priorities are clear—get healthy and get back to her acting career—and that means staying with her workaholic boyfriend, Ryan. He may not be the most attentive guy around, but she needs someone to keep her from falling down the rabbit hole of bulimia.
Enter Luke.
He's not the kind of guy who gives up on what he wants, and he wants Alyssa. He sees something in her, a loneliness he wants to take away. He knows she's with someone else, and he knows she should be off limits. But there's no way in hell he can resist someone who calls him on his bullshit and blushes at the mere brush of his fingertips.
It starts off as flirting. Friendship even. Until it's more. His touch is electric. Together, they're white-hot. There's no turning back, even if this might destroy both their lives.
This is the first book in a trilogy
Reading
Rouse Me
Stir Me
Fill Me
She has no time for the kind of passion that inspires such a tryst. Her priorities are clear—get healthy and get back to her acting career—and that means staying with her workaholic boyfriend, Ryan. He may not be the most attentive guy around, but she needs someone to keep her from falling down the rabbit hole of bulimia.
Enter Luke.
He's not the kind of guy who gives up on what he wants, and he wants Alyssa. He sees something in her, a loneliness he wants to take away. He knows she's with someone else, and he knows she should be off limits. But there's no way in hell he can resist someone who calls him on his bullshit and blushes at the mere brush of his fingertips.
It starts off as flirting. Friendship even. Until it's more. His touch is electric. Together, they're white-hot. There's no turning back, even if this might destroy both their lives.
This is the first book in a trilogy
Reading
Rouse Me
Stir Me
Fill Me
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2014
23 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Kaswell
114 books2,549 followersCrystal Kaswell is the author of the Sinful Serenade series. She writes steamy new adult romance with flawed characters. She loves police procedurals, tea, and The Hunger Games series. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband.
http://www.crystalkaswell.com/
https://twitter.com/CrystalKaswell
http://www.crystalkaswell.com/
https://twitter.com/CrystalKaswell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 14, 2014
The blurb for Rouse Me sounded really good and I couldn't wait to dive into it. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for me to lose interest. I was instantly annoyed with Alyssa's looooong, drawn out inner ramblings! I hated being inside her head, privy to EVERY obsessive, repetitive thought she had! And it's not that I don't think a person could have those types of thoughts, I just don't want to read about them.
The story itself presented the biggest issue. Even though Alyssa told us that Ryan loved and cared for her deeply, what we were shown was a controlling, insensitive workaholic who didn't seem very interested in her outside of what HE wanted. Because of that, I didn't believe her struggle to remain faithful to him. I honestly didn't care, which made it difficult to continue reading. I did, though, because I thought Luke would offer some type of challenge or SOMETHING that would make Rouse Me exciting to read. He didn't. Luke was just as attracted to Alyssa as she was to him and he was incredibly open about that so there was no tension or drama or dilemma of any sort. I honestly thought that one or both of them would try to deny or suppress their feelings for each other because of Ryan (or something) but shortly after meeting for the first time, Alyssa and Luke were out on what I considered to be their first date. Luke made it clear how little he thought of Ryan and pointed out that Alyssa didn't love Ryan either. It was obvious from all the paragraphs of her inner dialogue that Alyssa agreed so there was nothing left to discover, in my opinion.
From the blurb, I THOUGHT Ryan was going to be a wonderful guy who loved Alyssa more than life itself and that I'd be drawn in emotionally because she was torn between staying with a man who genuinely cared for and supported her (even if their love life was a little stale) and the man who set her body on fire. Once I realized that wasn't the case, I thought the drama would come from Alyssa having feelings and desires for Luke that weren't reciprocated (at least not initially). I thought there would be a struggle and that I'd feel it and be torn as well. I wasn't. I didn't find the characters likeable so it was impossible to care what happened to them. I'm sorry but Rouse Me just didn't do it for me. These are merely my opinions and I'm sure other readers will feel differently.
****I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.****
The story itself presented the biggest issue. Even though Alyssa told us that Ryan loved and cared for her deeply, what we were shown was a controlling, insensitive workaholic who didn't seem very interested in her outside of what HE wanted. Because of that, I didn't believe her struggle to remain faithful to him. I honestly didn't care, which made it difficult to continue reading. I did, though, because I thought Luke would offer some type of challenge or SOMETHING that would make Rouse Me exciting to read. He didn't. Luke was just as attracted to Alyssa as she was to him and he was incredibly open about that so there was no tension or drama or dilemma of any sort. I honestly thought that one or both of them would try to deny or suppress their feelings for each other because of Ryan (or something) but shortly after meeting for the first time, Alyssa and Luke were out on what I considered to be their first date. Luke made it clear how little he thought of Ryan and pointed out that Alyssa didn't love Ryan either. It was obvious from all the paragraphs of her inner dialogue that Alyssa agreed so there was nothing left to discover, in my opinion.
From the blurb, I THOUGHT Ryan was going to be a wonderful guy who loved Alyssa more than life itself and that I'd be drawn in emotionally because she was torn between staying with a man who genuinely cared for and supported her (even if their love life was a little stale) and the man who set her body on fire. Once I realized that wasn't the case, I thought the drama would come from Alyssa having feelings and desires for Luke that weren't reciprocated (at least not initially). I thought there would be a struggle and that I'd feel it and be torn as well. I wasn't. I didn't find the characters likeable so it was impossible to care what happened to them. I'm sorry but Rouse Me just didn't do it for me. These are merely my opinions and I'm sure other readers will feel differently.
****I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.****
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2014
~~DNF~~
*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
DNF @ 49%…I just couldn't go on. The writing style just didn't keep me interested. The way that the inner monologue was written was a bit annoying to me.
August 6, 2015
i really liked this story. the characters seemed to behave and react in realistic ways and the sexy stuff was pretty hot. i look forward to the next book in the series.
August 12, 2014
From the blurb I had really high hopes!! I was expecting a steamy read with an interesting love triangle. Unfortunately it didn't quite hit the mark for me. We got a very mixed up, recovering bulimic heroine who accepted the proposal of her longtime boyfriend just because she felt it was the right thing to do. They said they loved each other but I really didn't feel it.
I wasn't blown away by Ryan ( the fiancé) he manipulated Alyssa and didn't seem at all supportive when she was trying to get her life back on track. He was very controlling and insensitive towards her. He constantly told her what to do, what to wear etc. I almost wanted him to be worse though so I could condone the cheating more!! Unfortunately they both seemed to take each other for granted. I wanted Ryan to scream at her when he found out about Luke, it was almost like he was expecting it. I found it odd he was happy to continue as though nothing had happened (the birthday party for instance).
Usually when I read a love triangle ( involving cheating) I pick sides straight away. With this story I just didn't, I wasn't emotionally connected with Alyssa, Ryan or Luke. They were all very needy and all had their faults/ problems. I really wanted to care but unfortunately I didn't.
The love scenes were well written but I hated the fact that she was with both men without protection!! I didn't think that was very realistic in 2014
I wanted to dislike Alyssa for the cheating but because I didn't like Ryan I really didn't care!! It pains me to say it as I usually hate cheating in a book but I could see why she did it and routed for Luke by the end.
If you are looking for a book with a love triangle and story involving bulimia then this is the book for you. unfortunately despite being a well written debut I wasn't blown away with the story.
****I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.****
August 26, 2014
Huh....from the synopsis this book sounded good. Now, this character Alyssa has some major issues. Yes, bulemia is an awful disease. Emotional issues...check check. Self esteem issues....check. I really did not like the knowing every thing she was thinking. Luke sounded crazy hot. Ryan was a major bore. He was selfish and rude and just plain ...boring. His character could have used a little more depth. I towards the end was skipping paragraphs to get to the end of this story. Now, the scenes were HOT! Very descriptive. That was nice. The only thing was that it felt like the book dragged. Like you were pulling teeth trying to get out of her head space. I like strong female characters. Alyssa just became annoying being so un- decisive. This book really had potential. It would not have been so bad if there was not so much of Alyssa's internal dialogue.
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you, Net Galley!!
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you, Net Galley!!
September 4, 2014
A copy was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Rouse Me was not a subject matter I usually read. I really hate cheaters. I avoid reading books about cheaters, but I had seen a quote from the book that sparked my curiosity, so I decided to try it.
Rouse Me was a well written look at the emotional battle a bulimic actress suffers through when she decides to cheat on her fiancé. Normally I would not be able to emphasize with a cheater but Alyssa was written so well I could not help but feel the emotions she felt. I really tried to hate Alyssa, she is just so los, weakt and humanly flawed it was hard to hate her. I will admit that despite this, I really wanted her and Luke to face consequences for their betrayal. Ryan was my point of discontent. Ryan seemed villainized and you never get his side of this triangle. I really needed to understand him better.
Rouse Me was not a subject matter I usually read. I really hate cheaters. I avoid reading books about cheaters, but I had seen a quote from the book that sparked my curiosity, so I decided to try it.
Rouse Me was a well written look at the emotional battle a bulimic actress suffers through when she decides to cheat on her fiancé. Normally I would not be able to emphasize with a cheater but Alyssa was written so well I could not help but feel the emotions she felt. I really tried to hate Alyssa, she is just so los, weakt and humanly flawed it was hard to hate her. I will admit that despite this, I really wanted her and Luke to face consequences for their betrayal. Ryan was my point of discontent. Ryan seemed villainized and you never get his side of this triangle. I really needed to understand him better.
September 3, 2014
Alyssa Summers is a struggling actress trying to make a comeback after rehab. Her boyfriend, Alex, is only interested in taking care of her (not satisfying her). She gets bored and finds herself attracted to his business partner, Luke.
Oh how I tried to like this book. I DNF at 79%.
The book started out with a bang but it didn't take long until I was sooooo bored with Alyssa and her whining. I was tired of hearing about her eating disorder. I was tired of her cheating on her fiance. Make a decision already. I just couldn't relate to the characters or like them.
I was given a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh how I tried to like this book. I DNF at 79%.
The book started out with a bang but it didn't take long until I was sooooo bored with Alyssa and her whining. I was tired of hearing about her eating disorder. I was tired of her cheating on her fiance. Make a decision already. I just couldn't relate to the characters or like them.
I was given a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2014
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest opinion*
Well, I was expecting so much more! Alyssa, the heroine, was a major disappointment. The girl had no backbone at all! She had tons of emotional issues, I know, but that isn't an excuse to be someone's figurative punching bag!
Luke sounded hot, but he had his own unsolved issues and Ryan was just a jerk!
Unfortunately the story bored me and in the parts it started to grip me, it got flat once again. :(
Well, I was expecting so much more! Alyssa, the heroine, was a major disappointment. The girl had no backbone at all! She had tons of emotional issues, I know, but that isn't an excuse to be someone's figurative punching bag!
Luke sounded hot, but he had his own unsolved issues and Ryan was just a jerk!
Unfortunately the story bored me and in the parts it started to grip me, it got flat once again. :(
August 26, 2014
I have no words for how bad this book was.
January 7, 2019
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alyssa is an actress with some health problems, the only man who has ever been there for her is Ryan. Ryan has helped her through it all. They’ve been together forever and they are happy together.. until they aren’t. Alyssa is in a relationship with Ryan but Ryan is in a relationship with his job. Alyssa has come to the conclusion that she is just not as happy as she could be or wants to be. Ryan’s coworker is Luke. Luke helps Alyssa find her way to happiness again.
This wasn’t just a love story this was a book about how Alyssa was just stuck and not happy and it was her journey to make herself happy again. I loved it so much.
Alyssa is an actress with some health problems, the only man who has ever been there for her is Ryan. Ryan has helped her through it all. They’ve been together forever and they are happy together.. until they aren’t. Alyssa is in a relationship with Ryan but Ryan is in a relationship with his job. Alyssa has come to the conclusion that she is just not as happy as she could be or wants to be. Ryan’s coworker is Luke. Luke helps Alyssa find her way to happiness again.
This wasn’t just a love story this was a book about how Alyssa was just stuck and not happy and it was her journey to make herself happy again. I loved it so much.
December 24, 2018
I received this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review under the title 'COME UNDONE'
Crystal has NEVER disappointed me with ANY of her books especially with this deep & emotional story of where a young actress (Alyssa) has to feel like she's in control by damaging herself in one way or another & her boyfriend/friend (Ryan) since school who's been there to help her for many years- though I feel as he started to lower her confidence & belief in herself. That is until she meets Luke, Ryan's business/solicitor partner who opens her eyes differently & gives her more confidence.
Come & see how the episode goes between these 3 different characters...
Crystal has NEVER disappointed me with ANY of her books especially with this deep & emotional story of where a young actress (Alyssa) has to feel like she's in control by damaging herself in one way or another & her boyfriend/friend (Ryan) since school who's been there to help her for many years- though I feel as he started to lower her confidence & belief in herself. That is until she meets Luke, Ryan's business/solicitor partner who opens her eyes differently & gives her more confidence.
Come & see how the episode goes between these 3 different characters...
December 23, 2018
I read this book under it's new title of Come Undone. It's a good story, drags along at some parts but as this is one of the writer's earlier books, and I have read subsequent books, I know that Ms. Kaswell's writing has evolved into a more fluid, flowing style. That being said, this was an enjoyable read, although there were several occasions when I would have gladly punched her boyfriend for his cruel, manipulative actions. I would say worth reading if you're a Crystal Kaswell fan, but if you're not, don't make this your first book.
December 28, 2018
I read this under the new title Come Undone. This is a pretty good story, it does drag in a few spots. Overall you get a pretty good understanding of two of the main characters. The third character is not around enough to get a good read. At first the insecurities of Alyssa made it difficult to get into her, but once I started to under the extended of them it was easier to understand her and things start to make more sense. Though there are many more recent books by Crystal that I like better this is a good read.
October 27, 2019
This novella was re-released with parts 2 and 3 as a novel titled COME UNDONE: A LOVE TRIANGLE. I don't know whether any of these were re-worked or not when that happened. I didn't like the novel so it really doesn't matter.
December 24, 2018
Luke, Alyssa and Ryan had a complicated relationship. I felt pulled toward Luke and never connected with Ryan. I felt like there had to be a bad guy and this was intentional, but for a love triangle I would have loved have been really torn between the two guys.
September 3, 2014
Title - Rouse Me
Author - Crystal Kaswell
Source - Net Galley
Summary -
Alyssa Summers is a C list actress. Or at least she was until a serious bout with bulimia derailed her career. She was saved from her self destructive course by Ryan Knight. But in being saved by Ryan, did Alyssa set herself on an even more destructive course? And now he has proposed and she has accepted. After all what else was she going to do. Ryan saved her. And she doesn't make a move without Ryan telling what and how to do it.
"...What do you want me to do about it?"
"There's nothing you can do." He slips his suit jacket over his shoulders and packs his briefcase. "In a few years, no one will remember who you are, and we'll never have to deal with this kind of thing."
Is that suppose to be comforting?
He kisses me on the cheek on his way out the door. I turn over his words.
In a few years, no one will remember who you are.
In a few years, Alyssa Summers, you will not be anything but my wife..."
Alyssa is content, or so she tells herself, to live as Ryan's soon to be wife. He uses her beauty to impress others and to elevate his own status. But that's okay because she needs him and without him, she knows she will only fall back into her eating disorder. She needs him to take care of her. And for that she is willing to live the life he allows her to have.
Until her agent calls. There is part in an upcoming show. Can she do it? Will Ryan let her?
"...Maybe, if I am good, if I show I am in control of my eating and drinking, Ryan will allow me to return to acting. Maybe, if I am good, if I play my part as the pretty, supportive fiancee, Ryan will all me to have a life again.
Is it really as bad as Luke says? Does Ryan control me? Does Ryan trick me? Is it really possible that Ryan doesn't love me? Does it even matter? Our relationship isn't based on love, not really..."
And there is Luke. The handsome, charming lawyer who rouses in Alyssa feelings and desires she hasn't felt in a long time. Lust she doesn't feel with Ryan. And perhaps even love. But Luke has secrets and past as well and can Alyssa be strong enough to deal with Luke's mistakes?
Once roused Alyssa must decide if she can fight her eating disorder without Ryan. If she can have a life of her own without his control. And in doing so, can she allow herself to be loved by Luke.
Once roused, can Alyssa be her own woman?
Review -
I really liked this novel. Kaswell does not let herself be confined by the genres of erotica and romance. In these pages is not only the heat and desire of well written erotica but also the drama of a young fractured woman trying to cope with the insecurities of her own self image.
Alyssa's battle with her eating disorder is central to who she is and the desire she feels. It also outlines her distrust of the desire others fell for her. If she doesn't feel desirable how can they possibly want her? She mistrusts their desire as well as desperately need it.
The other characters also ring very true. Kaswell has done a very good job of rounding them off. Ryan and the ego driven control freak. His drive at his career is who he is. For him Alyssa is a trophy to show off. To incur envy and jealousy which in turn both builds and tears down his own sense of security. Luke as the man who would take Alyssa away from Ryan but has his own issues to work on. Issues that as they come to light almost destroy Alyssa. And there, if anything, is the only issue I have with the novel.
Luke. I find it hard to accept that this is the man that would get Alyssa to fight back. To reclaim her life. Beyond the physical attraction, Luke is as fractured as she is. His actions and decisions in his past relationships are hardly that of a man who is dependable and able to make the strong tough decisions. They are both terribly flawed. And perhaps that is the idea, that two flawed characters can somehow find the strength to stand as one. Only I am reminded of a line from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, "How can one drowning man, save another drowning man?"
So for me that is why I gave it three instead of four stars. I liked it. I liked it alot. But Luke simply wasn't the one. I honestly thought it would have been better has Alyssa stood alone at the end, learning to be strong enough to go forward without either man to be her crutch.
Even so, a very good and enjoyable read.
Author - Crystal Kaswell
Source - Net Galley
Summary -
Alyssa Summers is a C list actress. Or at least she was until a serious bout with bulimia derailed her career. She was saved from her self destructive course by Ryan Knight. But in being saved by Ryan, did Alyssa set herself on an even more destructive course? And now he has proposed and she has accepted. After all what else was she going to do. Ryan saved her. And she doesn't make a move without Ryan telling what and how to do it.
"...What do you want me to do about it?"
"There's nothing you can do." He slips his suit jacket over his shoulders and packs his briefcase. "In a few years, no one will remember who you are, and we'll never have to deal with this kind of thing."
Is that suppose to be comforting?
He kisses me on the cheek on his way out the door. I turn over his words.
In a few years, no one will remember who you are.
In a few years, Alyssa Summers, you will not be anything but my wife..."
Alyssa is content, or so she tells herself, to live as Ryan's soon to be wife. He uses her beauty to impress others and to elevate his own status. But that's okay because she needs him and without him, she knows she will only fall back into her eating disorder. She needs him to take care of her. And for that she is willing to live the life he allows her to have.
Until her agent calls. There is part in an upcoming show. Can she do it? Will Ryan let her?
"...Maybe, if I am good, if I show I am in control of my eating and drinking, Ryan will allow me to return to acting. Maybe, if I am good, if I play my part as the pretty, supportive fiancee, Ryan will all me to have a life again.
Is it really as bad as Luke says? Does Ryan control me? Does Ryan trick me? Is it really possible that Ryan doesn't love me? Does it even matter? Our relationship isn't based on love, not really..."
And there is Luke. The handsome, charming lawyer who rouses in Alyssa feelings and desires she hasn't felt in a long time. Lust she doesn't feel with Ryan. And perhaps even love. But Luke has secrets and past as well and can Alyssa be strong enough to deal with Luke's mistakes?
Once roused Alyssa must decide if she can fight her eating disorder without Ryan. If she can have a life of her own without his control. And in doing so, can she allow herself to be loved by Luke.
Once roused, can Alyssa be her own woman?
Review -
I really liked this novel. Kaswell does not let herself be confined by the genres of erotica and romance. In these pages is not only the heat and desire of well written erotica but also the drama of a young fractured woman trying to cope with the insecurities of her own self image.
Alyssa's battle with her eating disorder is central to who she is and the desire she feels. It also outlines her distrust of the desire others fell for her. If she doesn't feel desirable how can they possibly want her? She mistrusts their desire as well as desperately need it.
The other characters also ring very true. Kaswell has done a very good job of rounding them off. Ryan and the ego driven control freak. His drive at his career is who he is. For him Alyssa is a trophy to show off. To incur envy and jealousy which in turn both builds and tears down his own sense of security. Luke as the man who would take Alyssa away from Ryan but has his own issues to work on. Issues that as they come to light almost destroy Alyssa. And there, if anything, is the only issue I have with the novel.
Luke. I find it hard to accept that this is the man that would get Alyssa to fight back. To reclaim her life. Beyond the physical attraction, Luke is as fractured as she is. His actions and decisions in his past relationships are hardly that of a man who is dependable and able to make the strong tough decisions. They are both terribly flawed. And perhaps that is the idea, that two flawed characters can somehow find the strength to stand as one. Only I am reminded of a line from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, "How can one drowning man, save another drowning man?"
So for me that is why I gave it three instead of four stars. I liked it. I liked it alot. But Luke simply wasn't the one. I honestly thought it would have been better has Alyssa stood alone at the end, learning to be strong enough to go forward without either man to be her crutch.
Even so, a very good and enjoyable read.
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Rouse Me by Crystal Kaswell originally drew me in with the beautiful cover. I loved the look of it and it really made me want to read this story. Then I read the blurb, and I thought that it sounded really interesting. I occasionally like to really lose myself in some angst and drama, and what better way to do that than with a love triangle? All that being said while I did enjoy parts of this story, I was left with mixed feelings on this book. I think that this story had a lot of potential, but just fell a bit short.
Alyssa Summers has been through a tough time and is just starting to get her life back on track. She has a fiance that she loves and who has always been there for her. Even if they don't always agree on what is best for her, Alyssa knows that Ryan is just trying to look out for her. But when she meets Ryan's business partner Luke, she is instantly attracted to him and can't stop thinking about him. She knows that she should not be thinking about him like she does, but she is unable to stop herself. Alyssa wants Luke more than anything she has ever wanted before, but she also thinks that she needs Ryan. How can Alyssa possibly choose between her want and growing feelings for Luke when she still loves and needs Ryan?
I did not like Ryan at all! He didn't seem to truly care about Alyssa at all. He would try to control every bit of her life while claiming it was for her own good, and yet he didn't listen to when she would tell him her wants and needs. Ryan never seemed to want to really spend time with her or actually be around her though, and he was more than a workaholic. Alyssa was also hard for me to really like or connect with. Her inner monologues got really annoying, and I found her to be whiny and irritating. I really just felt like she complained a lot and was immature. She was wishy washy and weak, and I wanted her to grow a backbone and make some decisions. I did like Luke. I felt like he was good for Alyssa and he seemed to care about her. They got along well right off, and had insane chemistry. While Luke was broken and dealing with things, I felt like that was part of what made him work so well with Alyssa. They were both a bit fractured and I think that really allowed them to relate to one another in a way that others just couldn't.
What really was the biggest problem for me though was the actual relationships in this story. I don't agree with cheating, but I can handle a bit of it in books assuming that things end up working out and that there is a point behind it. I felt like it went on for far too long in this story without Alyssa ever actually making a choice. She really didn't belong with Ryan and I felt like she stayed with him out of a sense of her past and him being there for her even though she knew he wasn't right for her. I really wanted her to step up and I got tired of waiting for it to happen. I also felt like it was a bit anticlimactic when the truth was finally out there. It was almost as though Ryan had been expecting it from them and didn't really seem to react as a loving fiance would. I would be devastated if it was me, and I never felt any of that from him. I think there was a disconnect with Ryan's character for the reader and because of how he comes off from the beginning of the story it was hard to ever really sympathize with him. I think maybe if we had seen his POV it would have changed how I felt, but without that it was hard to really get behind this one. I am curious to see what happens next though, and I am definitely interested in reading the next book in this series. I hope that Crystal Kaswell is able to really give us more of these characters in the next book and that we really get to see what happens for them after everything that they have been through. I think that there are a lot of readers that will be able to really enjoy this story for what it is, but if you are sensitive to infidelity then this one might not be for you.
**Review Copy Provided by Truly Schmexy PR**
Rouse Me by Crystal Kaswell originally drew me in with the beautiful cover. I loved the look of it and it really made me want to read this story. Then I read the blurb, and I thought that it sounded really interesting. I occasionally like to really lose myself in some angst and drama, and what better way to do that than with a love triangle? All that being said while I did enjoy parts of this story, I was left with mixed feelings on this book. I think that this story had a lot of potential, but just fell a bit short.
Alyssa Summers has been through a tough time and is just starting to get her life back on track. She has a fiance that she loves and who has always been there for her. Even if they don't always agree on what is best for her, Alyssa knows that Ryan is just trying to look out for her. But when she meets Ryan's business partner Luke, she is instantly attracted to him and can't stop thinking about him. She knows that she should not be thinking about him like she does, but she is unable to stop herself. Alyssa wants Luke more than anything she has ever wanted before, but she also thinks that she needs Ryan. How can Alyssa possibly choose between her want and growing feelings for Luke when she still loves and needs Ryan?
I did not like Ryan at all! He didn't seem to truly care about Alyssa at all. He would try to control every bit of her life while claiming it was for her own good, and yet he didn't listen to when she would tell him her wants and needs. Ryan never seemed to want to really spend time with her or actually be around her though, and he was more than a workaholic. Alyssa was also hard for me to really like or connect with. Her inner monologues got really annoying, and I found her to be whiny and irritating. I really just felt like she complained a lot and was immature. She was wishy washy and weak, and I wanted her to grow a backbone and make some decisions. I did like Luke. I felt like he was good for Alyssa and he seemed to care about her. They got along well right off, and had insane chemistry. While Luke was broken and dealing with things, I felt like that was part of what made him work so well with Alyssa. They were both a bit fractured and I think that really allowed them to relate to one another in a way that others just couldn't.
What really was the biggest problem for me though was the actual relationships in this story. I don't agree with cheating, but I can handle a bit of it in books assuming that things end up working out and that there is a point behind it. I felt like it went on for far too long in this story without Alyssa ever actually making a choice. She really didn't belong with Ryan and I felt like she stayed with him out of a sense of her past and him being there for her even though she knew he wasn't right for her. I really wanted her to step up and I got tired of waiting for it to happen. I also felt like it was a bit anticlimactic when the truth was finally out there. It was almost as though Ryan had been expecting it from them and didn't really seem to react as a loving fiance would. I would be devastated if it was me, and I never felt any of that from him. I think there was a disconnect with Ryan's character for the reader and because of how he comes off from the beginning of the story it was hard to ever really sympathize with him. I think maybe if we had seen his POV it would have changed how I felt, but without that it was hard to really get behind this one. I am curious to see what happens next though, and I am definitely interested in reading the next book in this series. I hope that Crystal Kaswell is able to really give us more of these characters in the next book and that we really get to see what happens for them after everything that they have been through. I think that there are a lot of readers that will be able to really enjoy this story for what it is, but if you are sensitive to infidelity then this one might not be for you.
**Review Copy Provided by Truly Schmexy PR**
October 23, 2014
I feel like I can breathe finally after finishing this book. I’ve been on pins and needles for the last few hours as I read this book, and it feels so good to finally get that answer and see how Alyssa’s tale ends. And now I’m supposed to write about this?! Argh! This book is exciting. It’s almost got an overall sad feel to it also, which completely contradicts the story. It’s a wild ride, but I enjoyed it way too much.
Alyssa is in a completely loveless relationship. She’s with her fiancé, Ryan, almost as an obligation. I won’t really go into it because the synopsis does a great job of explaining the general idea. Basically he saved her, and she feels scared to try and survive without him. She openly says there’s no love in their relationship. No romance, the sex is very mediocre, and he uses her as his trophy wife. He’s controlling to the extreme. That sure sounds like a happy future huh? Yeah, she agrees. Which is why she takes a liking to Ryan’s colleague, Luke. Luke is delicious, can charm her right out of her panties and into his bed, and isn’t afraid to let everyone, Ryan included, know it. He wants her, she wants him, and she won’t leave Ryan. That’s what it all boils down to.
Huge massive point here – If you don’t like cheating, you’re gonna want to go ahead and probably skip this one. I never ever say that in reviews, because I feel like every book should be given a try, even if I don’t like it. But if you’re someone that is very anti-cheating, there’s no way around it in this one. It’s in your face. There’s not much “will she won’t she” hanging in the air. It’s an affair, plain and simple. Let’s say you ARE into that though, which I am. If someone asked me what my favorite storyline types are in books, it’s cheating. I love it. Let them get caught. Let it have angst. Make it flip your world upside down. Rouse Me has all of that and more, which made me a very happy camper. Luke and Alyssa’s relationship is hot from the very beginning. It’s passionate and wild. They let go and just enjoy one another, in every sense. I loved how intense the story was. I loved the anticipation of their next meeting, their text messages to one another, and the overall feel of these two characters together.
I will say that a few things did bug me. Alyssa seemed very wishy-washy to me. She was leaving Ryan, then she wasn’t. She was ready to start a life with Luke, but she wasn’t. It was a lot of back and forth. For me, I feel like it would have flowed better without so much changing of decision. I also felt like they were in love much too soon. Yes, it hit hard and fast and took their breaths away, but it still felt very quick for me. Maybe it’s one of those “If you know, you know” kinda things. I’ll tell myself it was.
I really loved the writing. It was just the right balance of passion with heartbreak. It kept me intrigued. I did find myself skipping a sentence or two a few times, but not entire pages. The pacing seemed right beside the insta-love that I mentioned above. I’m definitely a fan of Kaswell, and can’t wait to read future novels by her.
Overall, it’s intense, it’s a sucker punch to the gut if you’re not prepared for it, but you won’t be able to put it down. It’s one of those books where you feel a bit dirty reading it but you don’t dare stop. Should I enjoy betrayal and the grittiness of an affair quite so much? I’m not sure, but Rouse Me is top of the line as far as that goes. It’s romantic, sexy, and heartbreaking. It may even make you step back and reevaluate your own life through this tale. You’ll get sucked in and won’t be able to put the book down until you see what choice Alyssa finally makes. I couldn’t get enough, and thoroughly enjoyed Rouse Me.
Alyssa is in a completely loveless relationship. She’s with her fiancé, Ryan, almost as an obligation. I won’t really go into it because the synopsis does a great job of explaining the general idea. Basically he saved her, and she feels scared to try and survive without him. She openly says there’s no love in their relationship. No romance, the sex is very mediocre, and he uses her as his trophy wife. He’s controlling to the extreme. That sure sounds like a happy future huh? Yeah, she agrees. Which is why she takes a liking to Ryan’s colleague, Luke. Luke is delicious, can charm her right out of her panties and into his bed, and isn’t afraid to let everyone, Ryan included, know it. He wants her, she wants him, and she won’t leave Ryan. That’s what it all boils down to.
Huge massive point here – If you don’t like cheating, you’re gonna want to go ahead and probably skip this one. I never ever say that in reviews, because I feel like every book should be given a try, even if I don’t like it. But if you’re someone that is very anti-cheating, there’s no way around it in this one. It’s in your face. There’s not much “will she won’t she” hanging in the air. It’s an affair, plain and simple. Let’s say you ARE into that though, which I am. If someone asked me what my favorite storyline types are in books, it’s cheating. I love it. Let them get caught. Let it have angst. Make it flip your world upside down. Rouse Me has all of that and more, which made me a very happy camper. Luke and Alyssa’s relationship is hot from the very beginning. It’s passionate and wild. They let go and just enjoy one another, in every sense. I loved how intense the story was. I loved the anticipation of their next meeting, their text messages to one another, and the overall feel of these two characters together.
I will say that a few things did bug me. Alyssa seemed very wishy-washy to me. She was leaving Ryan, then she wasn’t. She was ready to start a life with Luke, but she wasn’t. It was a lot of back and forth. For me, I feel like it would have flowed better without so much changing of decision. I also felt like they were in love much too soon. Yes, it hit hard and fast and took their breaths away, but it still felt very quick for me. Maybe it’s one of those “If you know, you know” kinda things. I’ll tell myself it was.
I really loved the writing. It was just the right balance of passion with heartbreak. It kept me intrigued. I did find myself skipping a sentence or two a few times, but not entire pages. The pacing seemed right beside the insta-love that I mentioned above. I’m definitely a fan of Kaswell, and can’t wait to read future novels by her.
Overall, it’s intense, it’s a sucker punch to the gut if you’re not prepared for it, but you won’t be able to put it down. It’s one of those books where you feel a bit dirty reading it but you don’t dare stop. Should I enjoy betrayal and the grittiness of an affair quite so much? I’m not sure, but Rouse Me is top of the line as far as that goes. It’s romantic, sexy, and heartbreaking. It may even make you step back and reevaluate your own life through this tale. You’ll get sucked in and won’t be able to put the book down until you see what choice Alyssa finally makes. I couldn’t get enough, and thoroughly enjoyed Rouse Me.
September 17, 2014
So Rouse ME! I was Roused by Luke Lawrence. Holy Motha, this man is just pure perfection and this book is a wonderful 4.5 Stars!. The storyline was great and I didn’t stop until I finished!!
Alyssa is a smart, strong beautiful girl. She broke at one point but managed to pick herself back up, with a little help from Ryan. She is so afraid of going back to who she was, almost not existing that she believes she won’t survive without him. Little does she realize she isn’t really living. See, Alyssa was an actress, the stress the expectations of one in the spotlight can be overwhelming which led to her initial fall. Ryan picked her up, helped her heal, but he doesn’t let her live. He micromanages every aspect of her life right down to not letting her work because she’s “not ready” and HE doesn’t want to watch her fall apart again. She’s convinced she has her best interests at heart. He’s only trying to help, only trying to protect her……But what does she want?
Ryan is one of those guys whose ambitions are more important than anything. Being a partner at a law firm, you know how those guys are. Making that extra dollar, keeping up appearances. He knows all, be all. He thinks he’s always right and honestly believes he has Alyssa’s best interest at heart… but doesn’t see the girl he supposedly loves being lonely, miserable and has no life left in her eyes. Ryan is a pompous ass as you will see through the story.
Luke is Ryan’s business partner. As soon as Luke appeared in the book I was mesmerized. This guy is all out swoon worthy. Gorgeous body, perfect lips, soft brown eyes. He is immediately drawn to Alyssa, flirts outright with her in front of Ryan and doesn’t care that it gets to him. He is convinced Alyssa is not truly in love with Ryan and is only with him because she thinks she can’t make it on her own. He is determined to not fail another woman again. He refuses to watch someone withdraw from life when he knows he can help fix it….
“I wouldn’t want to get in the way of true love, real love, the kind of romantic, passionate love that leaves you breathless and keeps you together for 80 years”
Oh Luke, Luke, Luke….. You hopeless romantic, I adore you….
Alyssa’s temptation to Luke is overwhelming, she knows it’s wrong. He knows it’s wrong but they can’t help the instant attraction, not only sexually but the whole package. Will Alyssa finally realize she can do this without Ryan? Will she see what you will see in Luke? I love that man; I need a Luke in my life. So does Alyssa.
“His lips are gorgeous, not too thick or thin and soft. They look soft at least. And they’re probably sweet from this drink. A little sticky from the agave. A little salty from the rim. What would it feel like to have those lips on mine?”
This was an amazing book, with incredible characters, which faced tough issues. This book talks about Bulimia, the effect on one’s life and how to overcome it must be a lifelong decision. About the toughness of the world, the harshness of NEEDING a relationship versus actually being in one and being loved. I felt like I could connect to each character and give this a solid 4.5 Stars!
Provided by author for honest review
Alyssa is a smart, strong beautiful girl. She broke at one point but managed to pick herself back up, with a little help from Ryan. She is so afraid of going back to who she was, almost not existing that she believes she won’t survive without him. Little does she realize she isn’t really living. See, Alyssa was an actress, the stress the expectations of one in the spotlight can be overwhelming which led to her initial fall. Ryan picked her up, helped her heal, but he doesn’t let her live. He micromanages every aspect of her life right down to not letting her work because she’s “not ready” and HE doesn’t want to watch her fall apart again. She’s convinced she has her best interests at heart. He’s only trying to help, only trying to protect her……But what does she want?
Ryan is one of those guys whose ambitions are more important than anything. Being a partner at a law firm, you know how those guys are. Making that extra dollar, keeping up appearances. He knows all, be all. He thinks he’s always right and honestly believes he has Alyssa’s best interest at heart… but doesn’t see the girl he supposedly loves being lonely, miserable and has no life left in her eyes. Ryan is a pompous ass as you will see through the story.
Luke is Ryan’s business partner. As soon as Luke appeared in the book I was mesmerized. This guy is all out swoon worthy. Gorgeous body, perfect lips, soft brown eyes. He is immediately drawn to Alyssa, flirts outright with her in front of Ryan and doesn’t care that it gets to him. He is convinced Alyssa is not truly in love with Ryan and is only with him because she thinks she can’t make it on her own. He is determined to not fail another woman again. He refuses to watch someone withdraw from life when he knows he can help fix it….
“I wouldn’t want to get in the way of true love, real love, the kind of romantic, passionate love that leaves you breathless and keeps you together for 80 years”
Oh Luke, Luke, Luke….. You hopeless romantic, I adore you….
Alyssa’s temptation to Luke is overwhelming, she knows it’s wrong. He knows it’s wrong but they can’t help the instant attraction, not only sexually but the whole package. Will Alyssa finally realize she can do this without Ryan? Will she see what you will see in Luke? I love that man; I need a Luke in my life. So does Alyssa.
“His lips are gorgeous, not too thick or thin and soft. They look soft at least. And they’re probably sweet from this drink. A little sticky from the agave. A little salty from the rim. What would it feel like to have those lips on mine?”
This was an amazing book, with incredible characters, which faced tough issues. This book talks about Bulimia, the effect on one’s life and how to overcome it must be a lifelong decision. About the toughness of the world, the harshness of NEEDING a relationship versus actually being in one and being loved. I felt like I could connect to each character and give this a solid 4.5 Stars!
Provided by author for honest review
September 30, 2014
Rouse Me by Crystal Kaswell is a the story of Alyssa and her struggle to overcome an eating disorder and re-enter the world of acting, with her fiance Ryan by her side. The way in which Alyssa fights to get her life back to realize what she really needs to live and be happy is a little unconventional and many readers may find issue with it; especially because it centers around an affair. Although many may not condone the manner in which she discovers herself after leaving rehab for her bulimia, the heart of the story is not the cheating; its actually Alyssa dealing with her feelings toward her life. I rate this book 3.5 stars and recommend it to others.
Alyssa has known Ryan since high-school when she was an awkward girl who held all of her feelings inside and hardly had any friends. It was Ryan that she always turned to when she needed a shoulder to cry on and he was always their to pick up the pieces. It is Ryan who forced Alyssa to seek treatment for her bulimia and it was Ryan who moved her into his condo to help with her post rehab recovery. It is Ryan who ensures that she stays on her recovery diet, Ryan who calls every night at 7pm to check that she has eaten her dinner while he is at work, and it is Ryan who proposes to her. But is it Ryan that she loves or is he just safe, the one who takes care of her?
Alyssa struggles with her feelings toward Ryan, does she really love him like she should since she accepted his marriage proposal? Or he is just the safe choice, the one who will keep her on track to not return to a life of eating and purging. She believes that Ryan is the right person for her to spend her life with, until she meets his business partner Luke Lawrence. Luke is handsome, sexy and funny; making Alyssa feel at ease from the first time they meet and exciting her at the same time. Something she has never felt with Ryan; who lately seems to only care about his career, how she looks on his arm, and whether or not she has eaten. It's almost as Ryan pushes her into Luke's arms. Luke makes Alyssa feel things that she has never had with Ryan.
Alyssa starts to have an affair with Luke, and being with him makes her feel alive for the first time in a long time and he wants to be with her more than anything. He tells her this; despite her past, despite how they started their relationship he is in love with her. But Alyssa is afraid; afraid that Luke will get sick of her issues, her stress, the struggle that she has everyday. She knows that she doesn't truly love Ryan like she should, but he is safe for her, he has always picked up her and put her back together and she doesn't know that Luke can do that for her.
Everything comes to a head when Alyssa finally realizes that only she can determine what was right for her. Only Alyssa can decide how she should live her life, that Ryan can't do it for her and that is when she finally does what her heart has been telling her all along.
Alyssa has known Ryan since high-school when she was an awkward girl who held all of her feelings inside and hardly had any friends. It was Ryan that she always turned to when she needed a shoulder to cry on and he was always their to pick up the pieces. It is Ryan who forced Alyssa to seek treatment for her bulimia and it was Ryan who moved her into his condo to help with her post rehab recovery. It is Ryan who ensures that she stays on her recovery diet, Ryan who calls every night at 7pm to check that she has eaten her dinner while he is at work, and it is Ryan who proposes to her. But is it Ryan that she loves or is he just safe, the one who takes care of her?
Alyssa struggles with her feelings toward Ryan, does she really love him like she should since she accepted his marriage proposal? Or he is just the safe choice, the one who will keep her on track to not return to a life of eating and purging. She believes that Ryan is the right person for her to spend her life with, until she meets his business partner Luke Lawrence. Luke is handsome, sexy and funny; making Alyssa feel at ease from the first time they meet and exciting her at the same time. Something she has never felt with Ryan; who lately seems to only care about his career, how she looks on his arm, and whether or not she has eaten. It's almost as Ryan pushes her into Luke's arms. Luke makes Alyssa feel things that she has never had with Ryan.
Alyssa starts to have an affair with Luke, and being with him makes her feel alive for the first time in a long time and he wants to be with her more than anything. He tells her this; despite her past, despite how they started their relationship he is in love with her. But Alyssa is afraid; afraid that Luke will get sick of her issues, her stress, the struggle that she has everyday. She knows that she doesn't truly love Ryan like she should, but he is safe for her, he has always picked up her and put her back together and she doesn't know that Luke can do that for her.
Everything comes to a head when Alyssa finally realizes that only she can determine what was right for her. Only Alyssa can decide how she should live her life, that Ryan can't do it for her and that is when she finally does what her heart has been telling her all along.
October 5, 2014
**originally posted at Bedroom Bookworms book blog**
I must confess that Rouse Me was a bit of a disappointment. It’s well-written and the smut is good. And the characters are relatable. But the whole book is about cheating. The whole book. While I don’t have Megan’s hang-ups about cheating in books, it was just too much for me. Alyssa’s issues were deep and heart-breaking. I completely understood that cheating is explainable, relatable, and even forgivable, but it wasn’t even about that. I just found the whole book depressing.
Overall Rating: 3 stars- Worth a few minutes before bedtime.
Here’s the thing. If you want to read about a woman with mental health issues, an eating disorder, stuck in a not-terrible-but-not-great relationship who finds love after cheating on her fiancé, this this is a great book. Some people love the angst an torment of all of that. More power to you, but I’m just not one of them.
Even though our couple does get a HEA, I couldn’t share in it. I felt like Alyssa was never going to be happy until she really worked through a LOT of her issues. My feeling was more than she would drag anyone into her muck, not that anyone could drag her out of it.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The writing is great. The portrayal of a woman with bulimia, depression, OCD, stuck in a less-than-ideal relationship is incredibly well-done. The sex scenes are beyond steamy. It’s GOOD. I just didn’t like it. I feel the same way about most Oscar-winner movies. Mystic River? Amazing movie. I left the theater feeling like drinking until I blacked out. That’s not fun for me.
If you like dark, depressing, angsty reads, by all means, this is a great choice. For me, I need some laughs in my books.
Smut Factor: 4 stars- Smokin’ Hot!
Character likability: 2 stars: I wouldn’t kiss this character with someone else’s lips.
Storytelling: 4 stars- Totally bought it.
Writing and editing quality: 5 stars- Excellent!
I must confess that Rouse Me was a bit of a disappointment. It’s well-written and the smut is good. And the characters are relatable. But the whole book is about cheating. The whole book. While I don’t have Megan’s hang-ups about cheating in books, it was just too much for me. Alyssa’s issues were deep and heart-breaking. I completely understood that cheating is explainable, relatable, and even forgivable, but it wasn’t even about that. I just found the whole book depressing.
Overall Rating: 3 stars- Worth a few minutes before bedtime.
Here’s the thing. If you want to read about a woman with mental health issues, an eating disorder, stuck in a not-terrible-but-not-great relationship who finds love after cheating on her fiancé, this this is a great book. Some people love the angst an torment of all of that. More power to you, but I’m just not one of them.
"If you don't want me to come, just say so." I will not think about him coming. I will not think about him coming.
Even though our couple does get a HEA, I couldn’t share in it. I felt like Alyssa was never going to be happy until she really worked through a LOT of her issues. My feeling was more than she would drag anyone into her muck, not that anyone could drag her out of it.
"Don't worry, Alyssa. When I want to fuck you, I'll ask nicely."
Now, don’t get me wrong. The writing is great. The portrayal of a woman with bulimia, depression, OCD, stuck in a less-than-ideal relationship is incredibly well-done. The sex scenes are beyond steamy. It’s GOOD. I just didn’t like it. I feel the same way about most Oscar-winner movies. Mystic River? Amazing movie. I left the theater feeling like drinking until I blacked out. That’s not fun for me.
"Because I want to rive you mad with lust."
"It's working."
"I know. I'm very attractive," he says.
"And humble, too."
If you like dark, depressing, angsty reads, by all means, this is a great choice. For me, I need some laughs in my books.
Smut Factor: 4 stars- Smokin’ Hot!
Character likability: 2 stars: I wouldn’t kiss this character with someone else’s lips.
Storytelling: 4 stars- Totally bought it.
Writing and editing quality: 5 stars- Excellent!
September 6, 2014
3.5 Stars
Review by Natasha Gentile
So when I first read this blurb, I gotta say I got excited. I’m not one for cheating but I was intrigued by it.
Alyssa Summers, is a C-list actress. She has taken a year off, because of her addiction. You see she’s bulimic. She is on her road to recovery. She is also engaged to Mr. Ryan Knight. Now here is where things got a little cloudy from the blurb to the book. I expected to see Ryan this wonderful man who is supportive and loving and caring. What you got is a grade A, Kobe Beef a-hole. He is borderline verbally abusive, he's condescending, and really doesn't care one bit about her as well. You see Ryan is a workaholic. He has also managed to convince her that she needs him in order to survive. Umm.. What the hell!! She totally believes it as well, until she meets him Luke Lawrence, partner of none other than Ryan.
Luke steps inside. He’s taller than I imagined. Younger too. In his late 20's probably. He’s built like a runner-tall with long, lean muscles. And he’s handsome. Very handsome. His coffee-colored eyes and messy black hair stand out against his light skin.
Okay, handsome was the wrong word. He’s hot. Smoking Hot.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he says. You must be Alyssa. I’m Luke. Luke Lawrence.”
His eyes connect with mine. Eyes, his eyes are amazing-the darkest of browns big and full of life. He holds my gaze as he shakes my hand. I nod. He’s Luke. Luke Lawrence. Ryan’s partner. Remember Ryan, your fiancé?
This is where you look at the book and say, don’t do it..Don’t go there..It’s not going to be pretty..There is a saying that goes, “you don’t poop where you eat.” Heed this advice.. No one ever listens to me..well almost no one.
So they start a friendship, if that's what you want to call it. You see Luke makes no secret that he wants her. Flat out flirting with her in front of Ryan, which is clue one, you should be looking for another partner. Alyssa flat out says she’s happy with Ryan, except she’s a liar liar pants on fire. She can’t stop thinking about him.
The trouble is, I know what I want, and it’s absolutely not what I should want.
I want Luke.
You know what they say you play with fire, you get burnt blowing up the house!!!
So now you have to decide, do you want to stay with your safe haven, who has helped you through your downfalls, or, do you want to live with a beating heart and a love that consumes you?
Review by Natasha Gentile
So when I first read this blurb, I gotta say I got excited. I’m not one for cheating but I was intrigued by it.
Alyssa Summers, is a C-list actress. She has taken a year off, because of her addiction. You see she’s bulimic. She is on her road to recovery. She is also engaged to Mr. Ryan Knight. Now here is where things got a little cloudy from the blurb to the book. I expected to see Ryan this wonderful man who is supportive and loving and caring. What you got is a grade A, Kobe Beef a-hole. He is borderline verbally abusive, he's condescending, and really doesn't care one bit about her as well. You see Ryan is a workaholic. He has also managed to convince her that she needs him in order to survive. Umm.. What the hell!! She totally believes it as well, until she meets him Luke Lawrence, partner of none other than Ryan.
Luke steps inside. He’s taller than I imagined. Younger too. In his late 20's probably. He’s built like a runner-tall with long, lean muscles. And he’s handsome. Very handsome. His coffee-colored eyes and messy black hair stand out against his light skin.
Okay, handsome was the wrong word. He’s hot. Smoking Hot.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he says. You must be Alyssa. I’m Luke. Luke Lawrence.”
His eyes connect with mine. Eyes, his eyes are amazing-the darkest of browns big and full of life. He holds my gaze as he shakes my hand. I nod. He’s Luke. Luke Lawrence. Ryan’s partner. Remember Ryan, your fiancé?
This is where you look at the book and say, don’t do it..Don’t go there..It’s not going to be pretty..There is a saying that goes, “you don’t poop where you eat.” Heed this advice.. No one ever listens to me..well almost no one.
So they start a friendship, if that's what you want to call it. You see Luke makes no secret that he wants her. Flat out flirting with her in front of Ryan, which is clue one, you should be looking for another partner. Alyssa flat out says she’s happy with Ryan, except she’s a liar liar pants on fire. She can’t stop thinking about him.
The trouble is, I know what I want, and it’s absolutely not what I should want.
I want Luke.
You know what they say you play with fire, you get burnt blowing up the house!!!
So now you have to decide, do you want to stay with your safe haven, who has helped you through your downfalls, or, do you want to live with a beating heart and a love that consumes you?
September 28, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog www.gemmareadstoomuchforittomenormal....
3.5 stars
Rouse Me is book #1 in the Rouse Me Series and the first book I have read by this author. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes...
This book started off really well I took an instant dislike to Ryan he seems like an uptight, controlling asshole and to be honest he played up to my first impressions the whole way through the book. I hated the way he spoke down to Alyssa and was so incredibly condescending to her.
He treated her like a possession and my god if I could reach into a book and bitch slap him I would have every time he called her ‘Beautiful’ like it was her only redeeming quality. I seriously just HATE him soooo much!!!
Now I’m not suggesting that Alyssa is the innocent party here because she really isn’t!!! She is an absolute mess, to be honest I’m not sure how much of her nightmare personality is her various mental health issues and how much is the brainwashing bullcrap Ryan has fed her.
If you have issues with cheating then this is NOT the book for you!!!
To be honest I’m not normally a fan of books with a cheating theme but for some reason in this book it feels slightly more acceptable.
Now Luke, Luke, Luke I LOVE you, I much prefer the Luke from the start of the book where his cheeky chappy personality would win over even the most reluctant reader. He is literally adorable and I can completely understand why Alyssa is so drawn to him.
Holy hell on a cracker Alyssa and Luke are on fire the sexual chemistry that sizzles between them is outrageously sexy and alluring.
I really struggled with Alyssa she is miserable with Ryan but she honestly feels like she could not cope without him. What I found difficult is that I had no idea whether Ryan had helped her and her fears were genuine or if he had manipulated her recovery to make her more dependent on him and allow him to exert control over her???
I hated that Alyssa turned Luke into a moping idiot she ruined him and I kind of can’t forgive her character for that.
I’m glad that it all ended as it should but on Alyssa’s part it all felt a bit too little too late.
There is a second book in the series and I’m intrigued to know if that continues Alyssa and Luke’s story?
I both loved and hated this book, I was enthralled and frustrated so I’m going to give this book 3.5 stars.
3.5 stars
Rouse Me is book #1 in the Rouse Me Series and the first book I have read by this author. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes...
This book started off really well I took an instant dislike to Ryan he seems like an uptight, controlling asshole and to be honest he played up to my first impressions the whole way through the book. I hated the way he spoke down to Alyssa and was so incredibly condescending to her.
He treated her like a possession and my god if I could reach into a book and bitch slap him I would have every time he called her ‘Beautiful’ like it was her only redeeming quality. I seriously just HATE him soooo much!!!
Now I’m not suggesting that Alyssa is the innocent party here because she really isn’t!!! She is an absolute mess, to be honest I’m not sure how much of her nightmare personality is her various mental health issues and how much is the brainwashing bullcrap Ryan has fed her.
If you have issues with cheating then this is NOT the book for you!!!
To be honest I’m not normally a fan of books with a cheating theme but for some reason in this book it feels slightly more acceptable.
Now Luke, Luke, Luke I LOVE you, I much prefer the Luke from the start of the book where his cheeky chappy personality would win over even the most reluctant reader. He is literally adorable and I can completely understand why Alyssa is so drawn to him.
Holy hell on a cracker Alyssa and Luke are on fire the sexual chemistry that sizzles between them is outrageously sexy and alluring.
I really struggled with Alyssa she is miserable with Ryan but she honestly feels like she could not cope without him. What I found difficult is that I had no idea whether Ryan had helped her and her fears were genuine or if he had manipulated her recovery to make her more dependent on him and allow him to exert control over her???
I hated that Alyssa turned Luke into a moping idiot she ruined him and I kind of can’t forgive her character for that.
I’m glad that it all ended as it should but on Alyssa’s part it all felt a bit too little too late.
There is a second book in the series and I’m intrigued to know if that continues Alyssa and Luke’s story?
I both loved and hated this book, I was enthralled and frustrated so I’m going to give this book 3.5 stars.
September 12, 2014
After all is said and done I have to say I liked this book. I am not a fan of cheating at all, but it happens in life, sometimes it happens to good people, and sometimes to bad people. Its never right but this is also fiction.
Alyssa is a very needy girl in this book and that is really the only part that drove me nuts. About half way through the book I was just like "stop. the. whining." She is in recovery and needs a lot of support I understand that but she also needs to mature a bit.
Her relationship with Ryan to me is pretty toxic no mater what she goes on and on about to herself in the book. Ryan is horrible to her, and her rose colored glasses were way too dark for her to see anything that he did to be wrong. I really felt sorry for her, she was vulnerable and I fell like Ryan took advantage of that. This however is never really dealt head on with Ryan too much or in depth in the book. I wish it was cause not only was she suffering from bulimia she was also suffering from a lack of self worth. So she stays with Ryan because she is convinced only he can keep her alive and truly "love" her.
But she has this pull or need to be with Luke. He showers her with attention, shows interest in what she likes, and involves her in his life even if its hidden. He pursues her even when he knows she is engaged, and even though I do not agree with it I still think it was good for her. He also grows to love her and who she is, so when he sees the way Ryan treats her it affects him and he is pretty up front about that. And even if it takes most of the book for her to quiet her whining and realize that, I still enjoyed it. Also in the end I find that Luke is the one who truly saves Alyssa as a whole. He might not have been there through everything that Ryan had been with Alyssa, but he is there to help her not spiral out of control again. Which is essential where she was headed with Ryan.
Alyssa and Luke are also pretty hot together. The chemistry between them is steamy. They're really just perfect for one another, and I recommend it to anyone who can read past the cheating and find a truly deep and sweet love story.
I look forward to more from this new author, and applaud her for wonderful story.
~~I received and ARC of this book from the author, via NetGalley for an honest review.~~
Alyssa is a very needy girl in this book and that is really the only part that drove me nuts. About half way through the book I was just like "stop. the. whining." She is in recovery and needs a lot of support I understand that but she also needs to mature a bit.
Her relationship with Ryan to me is pretty toxic no mater what she goes on and on about to herself in the book. Ryan is horrible to her, and her rose colored glasses were way too dark for her to see anything that he did to be wrong. I really felt sorry for her, she was vulnerable and I fell like Ryan took advantage of that. This however is never really dealt head on with Ryan too much or in depth in the book. I wish it was cause not only was she suffering from bulimia she was also suffering from a lack of self worth. So she stays with Ryan because she is convinced only he can keep her alive and truly "love" her.
But she has this pull or need to be with Luke. He showers her with attention, shows interest in what she likes, and involves her in his life even if its hidden. He pursues her even when he knows she is engaged, and even though I do not agree with it I still think it was good for her. He also grows to love her and who she is, so when he sees the way Ryan treats her it affects him and he is pretty up front about that. And even if it takes most of the book for her to quiet her whining and realize that, I still enjoyed it. Also in the end I find that Luke is the one who truly saves Alyssa as a whole. He might not have been there through everything that Ryan had been with Alyssa, but he is there to help her not spiral out of control again. Which is essential where she was headed with Ryan.
Alyssa and Luke are also pretty hot together. The chemistry between them is steamy. They're really just perfect for one another, and I recommend it to anyone who can read past the cheating and find a truly deep and sweet love story.
I look forward to more from this new author, and applaud her for wonderful story.
~~I received and ARC of this book from the author, via NetGalley for an honest review.~~
September 13, 2014
Free copy provided via netgalley and the publisher for an honest review
4 Purging Stars
Youre beautiful, Alyssa, we can use that to make people jealous
youre beautiful Alyssa, we can use that as a status symbol
Youre beautiful alyssa, and that is the only resaon why I keep you around...
This book is about a recovering bulimic actress named Alyssa who is engaged to Ryan and they go through the motions of this strange controlling friendship but Alyssa stays because shes afraid to live outside of this structured life Ryan lives in. They eat the exact same meals every single day, they have a date every Friday, and her life goal should be sitting at home and being a doting girlfriend.
I think this book is so hated because Alyssa whines about how she hates her current situation but refuses to get out of it. Cheating isn’t my favorite in a story but it worked here( that sounds horrible)
In a few years, Alyssa Summers, you will not be anything but my wife..."
I believe for four years Alyssa did not know how badly she was being verbally treated by Ryan because he had put her in a place where she felt completely dependent on him.
Alyssa finally is able to breathe on her own with the addition of Luke in her life. She has the occasional binge and purge but she is finally able to put her foot down and leave her fiancé for her own goals in life, to be an actress, to have passion and to have friendship.
I did not see Luke as the person that would ofhelped her stand on his own because I think he is still broken but I loved them together. Luke still has many issues to deal with and I think Alyssa needs more help to.
This author talked about an ugly truth weight issues plague many people and celebrities and eveyryone seems to look the other way.
I don’t really see how this is classified as erotica because its very basic… I slid my hands down my body…[fade to black] …. I want you to fuck me , I will [ fade to black]. , To me romance fits better for this one.
Despite my back and forth on this I think id continue the series because I love broken men and seeing how they get mended
4 Purging Stars
Youre beautiful, Alyssa, we can use that to make people jealous
youre beautiful Alyssa, we can use that as a status symbol
Youre beautiful alyssa, and that is the only resaon why I keep you around...
This book is about a recovering bulimic actress named Alyssa who is engaged to Ryan and they go through the motions of this strange controlling friendship but Alyssa stays because shes afraid to live outside of this structured life Ryan lives in. They eat the exact same meals every single day, they have a date every Friday, and her life goal should be sitting at home and being a doting girlfriend.
I think this book is so hated because Alyssa whines about how she hates her current situation but refuses to get out of it. Cheating isn’t my favorite in a story but it worked here( that sounds horrible)
In a few years, Alyssa Summers, you will not be anything but my wife..."
I believe for four years Alyssa did not know how badly she was being verbally treated by Ryan because he had put her in a place where she felt completely dependent on him.
Alyssa finally is able to breathe on her own with the addition of Luke in her life. She has the occasional binge and purge but she is finally able to put her foot down and leave her fiancé for her own goals in life, to be an actress, to have passion and to have friendship.
I did not see Luke as the person that would ofhelped her stand on his own because I think he is still broken but I loved them together. Luke still has many issues to deal with and I think Alyssa needs more help to.
This author talked about an ugly truth weight issues plague many people and celebrities and eveyryone seems to look the other way.
I don’t really see how this is classified as erotica because its very basic… I slid my hands down my body…[fade to black] …. I want you to fuck me , I will [ fade to black]. , To me romance fits better for this one.
Despite my back and forth on this I think id continue the series because I love broken men and seeing how they get mended
September 13, 2014
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT A BOOK THAT I JUST DIDNT LIKE?… I READ IT, I READ IT FROM START TO FINISH, AND IT DID HAVE AWESOME POTENTIAL, BUT THERE WAS DEF SOMETHING MISSING WITH THE PLOT, THE CHARACTERS THE OVERALL STORY. I WOULDN’T RATE THIS BOOK 1 STAR OR 4 STAR, I’M JUST NOT GOING TO RATE THIS ONE, BECAUSE WHO AM I TO RATE SOMEONE THAT PORED THEIR HEART AN SOUL INTO WRITING A NOVEL, WHILE I SIT BACK AND READ IT AND CRITIQUE.
THE SNYOPOSIS TOTALLY TOOK YOU ON A DIFFERENT PATH, YOU WOULD THINK THE FIANCE THE BOYFRIEND RYAN WAS THIS SHINING KNIGHT AND ARMOR, BUT HE WAS NOTHING BUT A CONTROLLING ASS. I DUE BELIEVE HE LOVES ALYSSA, BUT NOT THE WAY TRUE LOVE SHOULD BE INTERPRETED.
ALYSSA IS A STRIVING CLASS C ACTRESS, RECOVERING BULIMIC, BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING. ITS BEEN 8 MONTHS SINCE REHAB, AND SHE TIES HERSELF UP IN HER CONDO SHE SHARES WITH RYAN THE FIANCE. UNTIL ONE DAY SHE STEPS FOOT INTO THE OFFICE OF HER FIANCES LAW OFFICE AND FINALLY MEETS HIS PARTNER LUKE. THEY A WHOLE BUNCH OF ELECTRICITY FROM THE MOMENT THEY SHAKE HANDS.. BUT THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS NOT THE CHEATING BECAUSE THAT’S LIFE AND IT HAPPENS AND SOMETIMES THAT MAKES A GREAT STORY, BUT THE WAY SHE WAS BEGGING ALMOST. BUT I CAN UNDERSTAND HOW THE AUTHOR CAN BUILD THIS TEMPTATION INTO THE STORY SINCE SHE DOES HAVE AN ADDICTION, THE SEX IS JUST ANOTHER ADDICTION TO HER, LUKE IS ANOTHER ADDICTION TO HER.
THE WHOLE STORY PRETTY MUCH GOES BACK AND FORTH WITH THE SNEAKING AND THE SULKING OF WHAT SHE’S DOING WHETHER ITS RIGHT OR WRONG. THE AUTHOR DIDN’T WASTE ANY TIME HAVING HER IN THE SACK WITH LUKE, THERE WAS NOTHING REALLY LEADING UP TO IT BESIDES A DINNER, MAYBE A LUNCH OR A WALK IN THE PARK. I WISH SHE WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY YA KNOW MADE US ANTICIPATE THEIR HOOK UP… NONE OF THE CHARACTERS WERE RELATED ABLE, YOU COULDN’T FEEL ANY PASSION, IT JUST WAS MISSING SOMETHING. OVER ALL THIS STORY DID HAVE SOME POTENTIAL TO BE GREAT, I PERSONALLY JUST COULDN’T CONNECT.
September 5, 2014
Rouse me is a remarkable read with even more outstanding characters!!
What I loved so much about this book is how real the story AND the characters are. It could have been easily a true story based on true facts.
It speaks about suffering from eating disorders hence self confidence issues, bullying and learning to stand up for yourself. The messages coming from this book are significant and very well written.
Alyssa is a strong woman who doesn’t realize it. She fell and she managed to stand on her own feet. Yes she had help, but help is just help. Whoever helps doesn’t do the work for you. Whoever helps is simply there to support you and tell you the truth when you need it. But she doesn’t always sees that. She is so afraid of herself that she convinces herself that she can’t survive on her own, which is tragic. She did all the work and she still doesn’t see herself clearly. Not just because of her issues, but because whoever helped took all the credit and afterwards waited for her failure. That’s not help or support and most definitely not love.
Ryan is that miserable know-it-all whose ambitions and needs are always the most important. He is the best and the smartest and what he says is law. Well, I don’t think so..
Luke is an intriguing man. He wants Alyssa so badly so he convinces both of them to take a leap of faith. But then he loves Alyssa so much that he cannot stay to watch her with Ryan and not with him. I found his change of heart so very intriguing! It was a delight to see!! We see this character moving on and evolving and changing. He let love in but he didn’t let love destroy him. That’s very admirable and I loved Luke for his decisions!
Luke must be one of the most admirable and intriguing characters I’ve read in a while.
Alyssa must be one of the truest characters I have ever read.
And well..umm..there isn’t another way to say this..Ryan is one of the biggest assholes I have ever read about…
Rouse Me is an amazing book about incredible characters facing remarkable issues and delicate life decisions!
What I loved so much about this book is how real the story AND the characters are. It could have been easily a true story based on true facts.
It speaks about suffering from eating disorders hence self confidence issues, bullying and learning to stand up for yourself. The messages coming from this book are significant and very well written.
Alyssa is a strong woman who doesn’t realize it. She fell and she managed to stand on her own feet. Yes she had help, but help is just help. Whoever helps doesn’t do the work for you. Whoever helps is simply there to support you and tell you the truth when you need it. But she doesn’t always sees that. She is so afraid of herself that she convinces herself that she can’t survive on her own, which is tragic. She did all the work and she still doesn’t see herself clearly. Not just because of her issues, but because whoever helped took all the credit and afterwards waited for her failure. That’s not help or support and most definitely not love.
Ryan is that miserable know-it-all whose ambitions and needs are always the most important. He is the best and the smartest and what he says is law. Well, I don’t think so..
Luke is an intriguing man. He wants Alyssa so badly so he convinces both of them to take a leap of faith. But then he loves Alyssa so much that he cannot stay to watch her with Ryan and not with him. I found his change of heart so very intriguing! It was a delight to see!! We see this character moving on and evolving and changing. He let love in but he didn’t let love destroy him. That’s very admirable and I loved Luke for his decisions!
Luke must be one of the most admirable and intriguing characters I’ve read in a while.
Alyssa must be one of the truest characters I have ever read.
And well..umm..there isn’t another way to say this..Ryan is one of the biggest assholes I have ever read about…
Rouse Me is an amazing book about incredible characters facing remarkable issues and delicate life decisions!
January 12, 2015
Rouse Me is an intense story that includes really hard topics as eating disorders, fame and cheating. When you include things like those, the result can be magnificent or a total disaster. For me Rouse Me is a really good book with a broken character and a story which proves that in love things aren't black or white.
Alyssa is recovering from Bulimia when the chance to be part of a huge Tv series comes. Of course her fiancé, Ryan, who helped her along the treatment is against it. And to add fuel to the fire, Luke appears. (Good point here, the story talks a bit about how it is to be an actress and be on the spotlight).
What I liked about the book was the main character. Alyssa is so broken and damaged, she is a mess inside and for me, her fragility and insecurities make her human and real. I like when a character has so many flaws and doubts that it's perfect on its on way. You could say that she takes the wrong choices or that she is too selfish, but try to put on her shoes for a while.
The two men in the story are opposite sides of a coin. However, while you read you will understand why she is with Ryan despite her possessive personality.
As I said the book includes cheating. When you pick a topic like this, is hard not to pick sides or get judgemental. I try to read with an open mind and remember myself that each person is a world and love comes in all sizes and shapes. Sometimes we have to leave our values aside to really enjoy the story.
The book has a really high temperature. The author has a really good ability with words. She creates the right atmospheres and the scenes are incredible.
I do have to say that if you want an easy reading full with humor and light characters this one is not for you. The reading is hard and rough because the people in it are far from happy or perfect.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange of an honest review. ***
Alyssa is recovering from Bulimia when the chance to be part of a huge Tv series comes. Of course her fiancé, Ryan, who helped her along the treatment is against it. And to add fuel to the fire, Luke appears. (Good point here, the story talks a bit about how it is to be an actress and be on the spotlight).
What I liked about the book was the main character. Alyssa is so broken and damaged, she is a mess inside and for me, her fragility and insecurities make her human and real. I like when a character has so many flaws and doubts that it's perfect on its on way. You could say that she takes the wrong choices or that she is too selfish, but try to put on her shoes for a while.
The two men in the story are opposite sides of a coin. However, while you read you will understand why she is with Ryan despite her possessive personality.
As I said the book includes cheating. When you pick a topic like this, is hard not to pick sides or get judgemental. I try to read with an open mind and remember myself that each person is a world and love comes in all sizes and shapes. Sometimes we have to leave our values aside to really enjoy the story.
The book has a really high temperature. The author has a really good ability with words. She creates the right atmospheres and the scenes are incredible.
I do have to say that if you want an easy reading full with humor and light characters this one is not for you. The reading is hard and rough because the people in it are far from happy or perfect.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange of an honest review. ***
August 20, 2014
This is the story of Alyssa, Ryan and Luke. Alyssa, an actress on the road to recovery for Bulimia just got engaged to Ryan. Ryan, a divorce attorney, is safe for her. In her life for years, he saved her when no one else could and has been keeping her on track. Alyssa doesn't feel fireworks with Ryan but she knows she can have a safe somewhat happy life with him. Enter Luke, Ryan's business partner and powerful attorney who from the moment they meet, makes Alyssa feel things she has never felt. Try as she does to resist him, the pull is just too strong and Alyssa gives in to her desires.
Now she has to decide, spend her life with Ryan and have everything be safe or commit to Luke and live a life of passion.
I was really torn on how to rate this book. It was billed as an erotic romance and although there is sex, it isn't all there is and not what I usually expect from that genre. Alyssa gets downright annoying at times to the point of where I wanted to crawl into the book and slap her on a couple of occasions. I knew from the synopsis that there would be cheating so that really didn't bother me and the way it is written, you know pretty much from the start who she will choose.
But, it did draw me in and it was an enjoyable quick read.
My thoughts:
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (I was drawn in from the start)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (chemistry is instant and you don't have to wait long to get into the action.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (all three main characters are dealing with a lot of baggage)
Cliffhanger?: Nope, all wrapped up by the end.
Overall, despite Alyssa being annoying at times, I liked it and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now she has to decide, spend her life with Ryan and have everything be safe or commit to Luke and live a life of passion.
I was really torn on how to rate this book. It was billed as an erotic romance and although there is sex, it isn't all there is and not what I usually expect from that genre. Alyssa gets downright annoying at times to the point of where I wanted to crawl into the book and slap her on a couple of occasions. I knew from the synopsis that there would be cheating so that really didn't bother me and the way it is written, you know pretty much from the start who she will choose.
But, it did draw me in and it was an enjoyable quick read.
My thoughts:
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (I was drawn in from the start)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (chemistry is instant and you don't have to wait long to get into the action.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (all three main characters are dealing with a lot of baggage)
Cliffhanger?: Nope, all wrapped up by the end.
Overall, despite Alyssa being annoying at times, I liked it and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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