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A journey of exploration...
A journey of healing…
A journey of love…
Two people are forced by circumstances into a therapy class to help them deal with their problems. They are strangers. Forced to be partners. Naturally opposites.
Kane is dealing with anger of betrayal at the deepest level, needing to find his way back to forgiveness. Tania is a previous rape victim hoping to deal with her fear of intimacy so she can have a loving relationship.
Tania's medium of expression - her camera.
Her subject – the human body – Kane's physical body.
Looking through the lens of a camera, she learns to find beauty and compassion...and the strength to find wholeness...with him.
A journey of healing…
A journey of love…
Two people are forced by circumstances into a therapy class to help them deal with their problems. They are strangers. Forced to be partners. Naturally opposites.
Kane is dealing with anger of betrayal at the deepest level, needing to find his way back to forgiveness. Tania is a previous rape victim hoping to deal with her fear of intimacy so she can have a loving relationship.
Tania's medium of expression - her camera.
Her subject – the human body – Kane's physical body.
Looking through the lens of a camera, she learns to find beauty and compassion...and the strength to find wholeness...with him.
ebook
First published August 8, 2014
122 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Dale Mayer
938 books1,645 followersDale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).
She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!
To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.
To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...
Books by Dale Mayer
Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014
By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014
Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book
Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy
Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3
New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)
Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs
Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance
Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1
She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!
To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.
To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...
Books by Dale Mayer
Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014
By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014
Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book
Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy
Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3
New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)
Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs
Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance
Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 10, 2015
Meh, nothing special to be found here. Someone should tell the author she named Kane's brother "Jerry" in one passing, and "Jessie" in the next. Which is it?
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April 12, 2016
2.5 stars. This actually had a lot going for it. I am very hesitant to read books like this where the character(s) have this one huge issue because of how repetitive they can be. Like, on every page there is reference to or mention of "the issue" and it is the focus for the character's every move and any decision in the book. It just gets old so fast. I need variety. This book did a pretty good job at keeping the characters issues at the forefront without being too overbearing about it and also give us breaks in between mention of the issues. Not as much as I'd like, but not as bad as some. I like Tania. And I really like Kane. He's brooding and angry and mysterious and all man which makes for an intriguing character. But I have a hard time with female leads who are unable to live their life because of something bad that has happened to them. It seems callous but I'd just rather read about a girl who has gone through something horrible but has come out the other side better and stronger. And she obviously does eventually but watching her go through it is just too overly dramatic for me. That's just an opinion. I need a little comic relief in my books. Not so serious and heavy. Serious parts are really good, but the whole book being completely serious and dramatic isn't my favorite. Again, I like variety and the unexpected. So the beginning starts out pretty good I thought but then it started to get weird. The first time Tania and Kane have a sexual encounter with each other was so awkward for me. It seemed so contrived and unnatural. I would have loved it so much more if she slowly started showing him she trusted him by like gravitating toward him more often, seeking him out, turning toward him over others, etc. Given us glimpses of a steady build up. Then maybe they sit together and she holds his hand, next comes a little cuddling, followed naturally with the kiss and then eventually everything else per natural involvement. But when they do it they haven't even ever touched once in any way and all of the sudden he starts walking her through everything she should do in order to be able to eventually be with him. And honestly, this wouldn't have been so bad if it was just done better. It would have been sweet and tender what with him coaxing her and talking things through with her but it just wasn't written very well. It just felt awkward instead of riveting. Unemotional instead of endearingly clumsy and careful. He almost came across as a robotic therapist trying to help a student. He said he was turned on the whole time but i wasn't feeling it. Their next encounter was just as abrupt and unnatural. She goes from not being able to sit next to him then all the way to sex in just a couple days time!? Don't get me wrong I'm glad she did it and I would have hated to read through it if the author had drug that out too but again, the flow needed a lot of help. Can't there be a happy medium? It's hard with such a short book I know but still. And the drunk guy in the hotel that comes onto Tania and starts immediately yelling at her when she says no thank you and starts calling her names and swearing at her then following her and grabbing her was so eye rolling! Talk about a horrible insert so the author could show us Kane protecting Tania and her ability to fight off an attacker. It was just so obvious and so unrealistic. I mean this guy goes ballistic on her in a crowded bar. And she only said two words to him. It was just so over the top. I love a good Scene where I get to see Kane going all alpha male for her but that was NOT the way to do it. It really pulls you out of the story when the story doesn't flow naturally. Overall the book was very boring though. The characters don't do anything. Or rather, they just do the same things over and over. She photographs Kane in the gym all three days of their group project. Yep that's it. Oh sure the author added them walking around a bit too but none so detailed as them being in the gym. Three times. And that's it. I'm not kidding that is all that happens. Oh also they go to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It feels like Them going to all three meals is included every book day. Kane supposedly has this big breakthrough with his issues too but I cannot for the life of me see what made this happen. Tania sure didn't do anything other than worry about herself and her issues. The instructor says he healed because he was helping Tania and I can accept that to an extent. But it was just not all that believable or at least it wasn't written in a way that showed me his healing process. Basically one day he has issues and the next day he's better. This book could have been better if it was like at least 100 pages longer and fine tuned and finessed.
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. A simple, but meaningful story about two people attending a therapy week at a British Columbia college to try and help themselves heal from their traumatic pasts. At the start of the week neither can really see this therapy helping them much, but as we slowly learn about what these two faced in life we also see them helping each other in subtle and not overtly recognizable ways. The story was written very well and we really got to know Tania (Tinkerbelle) and why she couldn't have a relationship with a man, and Kane, a cop, an angry bear of a man who just couldn't put the past behind him. A lovely read.
June 23, 2015
Review and rating to come!;-)
August 25, 2017
One deeply damaged and affected by rape, troubled and unable to move past it to have a normal adult relationship. The other angry, hurt and not able to forget a loss and breakdown of a marriage and to learn to trust again. Brought together in therapy and having to work together on a project.
This story is deeply moving and inspirational, though fiction I can imagine treatment similar in real life therapy groups. How the characters deal with being forced to work together at quite close proximity given that, one is scared stiff of men and the other is distrustful and angry, I felt was dealt with quite well. Tania is still trapped by what happened in her early teens, it had a major affect on her whole life and no other treatment has helped. Kane in having to hold back and be careful of Tania in all ways is probably just what he needs, having to hold back and be very patient allowing her to move forward but slowly means there is little outlet for anger other than in the project itself helps him in its own way. It tugs at your heartstrings for both characters in different ways, understanding of their problems and the knock on effect it has had on their lives. I feel that Kane's job probably gave him a bigger understanding and the calmness to stay patient and let Tania take things more at her pace than his, meaning his own problem took a back seat but in doing that actually helped him as well. Deep emotions and even possibly PTSD though not put into those terms, very strong and upsetting issues are raised in this story and could possibly be a trigger for any readers with abuse or rape in their own pasts. Having said that I found the book really good, complex and very easy to identify with. Believable plot and handled in a sensitive and understanding way. It gets even better in book two.
This story is deeply moving and inspirational, though fiction I can imagine treatment similar in real life therapy groups. How the characters deal with being forced to work together at quite close proximity given that, one is scared stiff of men and the other is distrustful and angry, I felt was dealt with quite well. Tania is still trapped by what happened in her early teens, it had a major affect on her whole life and no other treatment has helped. Kane in having to hold back and be careful of Tania in all ways is probably just what he needs, having to hold back and be very patient allowing her to move forward but slowly means there is little outlet for anger other than in the project itself helps him in its own way. It tugs at your heartstrings for both characters in different ways, understanding of their problems and the knock on effect it has had on their lives. I feel that Kane's job probably gave him a bigger understanding and the calmness to stay patient and let Tania take things more at her pace than his, meaning his own problem took a back seat but in doing that actually helped him as well. Deep emotions and even possibly PTSD though not put into those terms, very strong and upsetting issues are raised in this story and could possibly be a trigger for any readers with abuse or rape in their own pasts. Having said that I found the book really good, complex and very easy to identify with. Believable plot and handled in a sensitive and understanding way. It gets even better in book two.
April 29, 2022
Deep
Having only read the author’s Seal/military books, this was definitely different. It was deep, hurting, healing and a rebirth. It’s touched on personal lost and emotions that needed to be shared with the right person. I love the HEA!
Having only read the author’s Seal/military books, this was definitely different. It was deep, hurting, healing and a rebirth. It’s touched on personal lost and emotions that needed to be shared with the right person. I love the HEA!
June 23, 2015
This is a love story. It's also a story of hope and healing. Kane and Tania are both attending a week-long seminar in hopes of coming to terms with the problems they each have.
Kane is a cop .. with huge anger issues.... not a good thing for a man who carries a gun when he's working. He is divorced and his now ex-wife did something so horrid that he's not been able to move on. Tania is a victim of a rape when she was a young teenager. She's tired of being a victim and wants what most of us wants ... a home, a family..but that's hard to do when she's still so afraid of men.
This is a Contemporary Romance (something I don't usually read unless there's a mystery attached) so the reader can expect a lot of explicit intimate moments and sex....most notably as Kane seeks to help Tania past her fear of men.
It was a very fast, easy read. The characters are engaging. The story while good is not entirely believable .. but not enough to put the book down. It is fiction, after all.
Thank you to Candid Book Reviews on behalf of the author for supplying the ebook to read and review.
Kane is a cop .. with huge anger issues.... not a good thing for a man who carries a gun when he's working. He is divorced and his now ex-wife did something so horrid that he's not been able to move on. Tania is a victim of a rape when she was a young teenager. She's tired of being a victim and wants what most of us wants ... a home, a family..but that's hard to do when she's still so afraid of men.
This is a Contemporary Romance (something I don't usually read unless there's a mystery attached) so the reader can expect a lot of explicit intimate moments and sex....most notably as Kane seeks to help Tania past her fear of men.
It was a very fast, easy read. The characters are engaging. The story while good is not entirely believable .. but not enough to put the book down. It is fiction, after all.
Thank you to Candid Book Reviews on behalf of the author for supplying the ebook to read and review.
June 2, 2015
First of all, I would like to thank the author, Dale Mayer, for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I am really honored.
This book is unlike any other romance book I have ever read. It mixes all types of emotions into one story and is a truly beautiful story. I loved how every character is being helped by the other. Tania and Kane are both helping each other in more ways than they actually let on. What most surprised me about this book, though, is what Kane's initial reason for being in the seminar was. Him being angry when he learns his wife aborted. In most romance stories, you find that the male figure wants to spend as much time alone with the other person as possible. But here, the situation was reversed, and it’s truly beautiful that he showed the other side of how things can be. It shows us that that viewpoint is only a stereotype that we have let ourselves believe.
One thing I would change would be when the physical characteristics of the characters- especially Tania- are described. That way you can get a visual of them much earlier in the book. Other than that little factor, it was unique and awesome.
This book is unlike any other romance book I have ever read. It mixes all types of emotions into one story and is a truly beautiful story. I loved how every character is being helped by the other. Tania and Kane are both helping each other in more ways than they actually let on. What most surprised me about this book, though, is what Kane's initial reason for being in the seminar was. Him being angry when he learns his wife aborted. In most romance stories, you find that the male figure wants to spend as much time alone with the other person as possible. But here, the situation was reversed, and it’s truly beautiful that he showed the other side of how things can be. It shows us that that viewpoint is only a stereotype that we have let ourselves believe.
One thing I would change would be when the physical characteristics of the characters- especially Tania- are described. That way you can get a visual of them much earlier in the book. Other than that little factor, it was unique and awesome.
June 8, 2015
To achieve her goal of a loving relationship and a family, Tania knows she must deal with the issues resulting from her rape years ago. Kane is also dealing with trauma from his past. Like Tania, he has difficulty committing to a relationship. To cope and get past their problems, Tania and Kane attend a week-long seminar. When they are assigned as partners to work on a project, they are both skeptical, but, as they get to know each other, they realize that, to heal, they will both have to take risks and trust each other.
As a reader, I am always a little leery of romance novels that involve rape victims. Dale Mayer, however, uses a sensitive touch to develop the main characters, Tania and Kane. Because the rape happened when Tania was a child, Mayer’s premise that she is ready for a relationship now that she is an adult is believable. Although Tania and Kane’s relationship develops rather quickly, it grows as a natural extension of the intensive therapy in which they are both participating. Mayer’s story is memorable and heart-warming. Even though it focuses on serious issues, it is a satisfying read for romance lovers.
As a reader, I am always a little leery of romance novels that involve rape victims. Dale Mayer, however, uses a sensitive touch to develop the main characters, Tania and Kane. Because the rape happened when Tania was a child, Mayer’s premise that she is ready for a relationship now that she is an adult is believable. Although Tania and Kane’s relationship develops rather quickly, it grows as a natural extension of the intensive therapy in which they are both participating. Mayer’s story is memorable and heart-warming. Even though it focuses on serious issues, it is a satisfying read for romance lovers.
April 12, 2015
**I would like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review their book.**
This was such an emotional roller coaster! I loved this book. Tania was such a strong character even in her moments of weakness. I loved Tania and Kane's relationship. I absolutely loved the writing style and getting to read from Tania and Kane's points of view. Brilliant book. Could not fault it at all. Well done Dale.
Overall an amazing read and will definitely read their work again.
This was such an emotional roller coaster! I loved this book. Tania was such a strong character even in her moments of weakness. I loved Tania and Kane's relationship. I absolutely loved the writing style and getting to read from Tania and Kane's points of view. Brilliant book. Could not fault it at all. Well done Dale.
Overall an amazing read and will definitely read their work again.
July 14, 2015
I really enjoyed the relationship that develops between Tania and Kane. It was nice to read about people learning to live through their problems and finding friendship along the way. I loved how photography was incorporated in the story. I am a photographer so it gave me inspiration to do a concept like they did.
January 10, 2015
Author Dale Mayer has crafted an artful tale filled with imagery that can mean many things to different people, depending upon their individual life experiences.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 5, 2015
2.5 stars! Lacking in many areas. Great concept though. A lot of strong points that needed to be better developed, it was so short.
November 2, 2019
Two people are made to work together in a therapy class - Kane is dealing with great anger after betrayal and Tania is a rape victim whois trying to deal with her fear of intimacy. Together they need to work together and try to find a solution to their problems. Tania is using a medium she can express herself in - her camera and her subject is the human body - shown via Kane's physical body. Looking through the lens of a camera, she learns to find beauty and compassion...and the strength to find wholeness...with him.
This was an incredibly moving book which put you right into their thoughts, hearts and dreams as they worked together to find answers to their problems. I found myself being pulled into their world and feeling the thoughts and emotions that they were experiencing. It was quite emotional as the story came to a finish and I was thrilled at the way it ended. If anyone deserved the kind of happiness they had in the future, it was Kane and Tania. A great story that will pull at your heartstrings.
This was an incredibly moving book which put you right into their thoughts, hearts and dreams as they worked together to find answers to their problems. I found myself being pulled into their world and feeling the thoughts and emotions that they were experiencing. It was quite emotional as the story came to a finish and I was thrilled at the way it ended. If anyone deserved the kind of happiness they had in the future, it was Kane and Tania. A great story that will pull at your heartstrings.
May 30, 2021
I love Dale Mayer's books and I've been catching up on her very different series. I purchased this box set on sale from the author's website. I am reviewing the books individually as I read them.
Dr Jenna Komack's workshops are renowned being unconventional and successful. What Tania and Kane didn't realize was just how different this week long seminar would be.
Assigned a project, one where Tania would be photographing Kane, neither of them could figure out how it could possibly help them with their problems.
I loved when Kane nicknamed Tania 'Tinkerbelle' as a nod to their size differences and her innocent bearing.
They are also dealing with two very different issues. Kane is there for his anger that is bleeding into his job performance, while Tania is there due to a traumatic incident in her past that has colored her entire world since it occurred.
I love this journey as each little bit is revealed and dealt with. True understanding comes with a simmer to sizzle romance that is healing for both of them.
Dr Jenna Komack's workshops are renowned being unconventional and successful. What Tania and Kane didn't realize was just how different this week long seminar would be.
Assigned a project, one where Tania would be photographing Kane, neither of them could figure out how it could possibly help them with their problems.
I loved when Kane nicknamed Tania 'Tinkerbelle' as a nod to their size differences and her innocent bearing.
They are also dealing with two very different issues. Kane is there for his anger that is bleeding into his job performance, while Tania is there due to a traumatic incident in her past that has colored her entire world since it occurred.
I love this journey as each little bit is revealed and dealt with. True understanding comes with a simmer to sizzle romance that is healing for both of them.
September 4, 2019
Bonded thru pain and healing...
The power of healing brought love to the forefront for Kane and Tania. Each had their own demons to deal with that were ad different as night and day but similar in the ways they were held back from living. Learning to trust a d depend on each other for comfort and strength allowed them to conquer their pasts and start fresh with new outlooks on life. They came out better on the other side together...thanks to the perceptive eye of Jenna. Totally loved being a part of their world and look forward to their ‘to be continued’!!
The power of healing brought love to the forefront for Kane and Tania. Each had their own demons to deal with that were ad different as night and day but similar in the ways they were held back from living. Learning to trust a d depend on each other for comfort and strength allowed them to conquer their pasts and start fresh with new outlooks on life. They came out better on the other side together...thanks to the perceptive eye of Jenna. Totally loved being a part of their world and look forward to their ‘to be continued’!!
August 23, 2019
Wow... Interesting book!
The touching exercise almost made me want to weep, heartbreaking & lovely at the same time...
However, when they finally get together, to not use protection? I understand that she forgot (she wasn’t in the mindset for this until a few days ago, after all), but for him to forget, with his past experiences? & then, they never speak about this at all? Hummm... *sigh*
Still, this was a great first book... good enough to encourage me to read the 2nd...
The touching exercise almost made me want to weep, heartbreaking & lovely at the same time...
However, when they finally get together, to not use protection? I understand that she forgot (she wasn’t in the mindset for this until a few days ago, after all), but for him to forget, with his past experiences? & then, they never speak about this at all? Hummm... *sigh*
Still, this was a great first book... good enough to encourage me to read the 2nd...
July 20, 2021
An interesting plot that starts with fears and emotions of the ones coming for this intense therapy. They have tried others and deep down they all are looking for a healing, love and moving on to a new way of life.
Good detail as they went thru exploration, to healing and then love.
Well done and enjoyed.
Good detail as they went thru exploration, to healing and then love.
Well done and enjoyed.
August 17, 2020
Very touching story about two troubled people finding healing through a group therapy project. Would have liked more of Kane's back story/history and more background regarding what & who brought each of them to the session.
September 30, 2020
Wow, this was amazing!!!
A lot different from her military stories, but, oh my!!! I loved the book. Compelling, warm, sad, and totally sucks you in to feel right along with the characters. I am looking forward to continuing the series.💖💖
A lot different from her military stories, but, oh my!!! I loved the book. Compelling, warm, sad, and totally sucks you in to feel right along with the characters. I am looking forward to continuing the series.💖💖
March 12, 2024
A touching story based around people at a healing seminar who are desperately trying to find their way back from traumatic experiences. With the aid of a Therapist and each other they begin a journey, but as they are paired off could the couples help each other recover and perhaps find love.
August 8, 2024
This was a great read. I loved the spice scenes. I would have LOVED more! I like the background story of both characters. I enjoyed the tension between them. Would have loved this story to be longer. I didn’t want it to end.
May 18, 2018
Another great book by Dale. I liked reading about Tania and Kane, I thought it was very good 😀
not4me
January 9, 2023Purchase Amazon October 11, 2019
March 6, 2017
This was a very short read and while for the most part it was good, I felt that this storyline needed to be longer and the characters needed more exploration. It was fine the way it was, but I think had it been longer not only in book length but the timeline in the story expanded to at least a month if not more, it would have been something great and so much more meaningful.
I did like that the author took time to develop Tania as a realistically traumatized woman who was terrified of touch. It was impressively well done and demonstrated such believable growth and progress for her in a short time. I normally don't approve of moving that quickly for a victim of rape but felt that given several instances of seeing the effect her rape left on her and how the author showed her taking small steps one at a time accompanied by Kane's patience instead of everything happening all at once, it worked. At first, I felt that he was too hard on her and too careless with his words. I wanted to see him softer towards her but as the book went on and I saw his behavior, I understood his character better. He's a hard person on the exterior and it comes off that way naturally, he doesn't pretend to be something he's not. I think it's ingrained in him to be hard and he didn't overdo it. He knows when to stop and pushes her just enough to show her how capable she is to overcome her fears. His treatment of her through his actions is much stronger than words and that changed my first impression of him.
The one thing I didn't like about this was that given the heavy subject, I didn't feel the strong emotion Tania feels. I see the after effects of her trauma which was dealt with well but I didn't feel my heart breaking for her as she double checked her surroundings and avoided any male contact. This could have used a bigger reveal to Kane of what happened to her and some flashbacks throughout the book or a more in depth look into her nightmare. We get all this buildup, improvement, and in the end the rape is brushed over, hardly even touched, killing any of the emotional impact we're supposed to feel for her. That was the only big let down as other than that, I felt they were great together and complemented each other. The romance was believable for a short book and the ending was unique rather than cheesy. As I said, it was an enjoyable book to pass the time but as a full length novel it'd be pretty damn great. I don't think I'll read it again but I don't regret reading it either.
I did like that the author took time to develop Tania as a realistically traumatized woman who was terrified of touch. It was impressively well done and demonstrated such believable growth and progress for her in a short time. I normally don't approve of moving that quickly for a victim of rape but felt that given several instances of seeing the effect her rape left on her and how the author showed her taking small steps one at a time accompanied by Kane's patience instead of everything happening all at once, it worked. At first, I felt that he was too hard on her and too careless with his words. I wanted to see him softer towards her but as the book went on and I saw his behavior, I understood his character better. He's a hard person on the exterior and it comes off that way naturally, he doesn't pretend to be something he's not. I think it's ingrained in him to be hard and he didn't overdo it. He knows when to stop and pushes her just enough to show her how capable she is to overcome her fears. His treatment of her through his actions is much stronger than words and that changed my first impression of him.
The one thing I didn't like about this was that given the heavy subject, I didn't feel the strong emotion Tania feels. I see the after effects of her trauma which was dealt with well but I didn't feel my heart breaking for her as she double checked her surroundings and avoided any male contact. This could have used a bigger reveal to Kane of what happened to her and some flashbacks throughout the book or a more in depth look into her nightmare. We get all this buildup, improvement, and in the end the rape is brushed over, hardly even touched, killing any of the emotional impact we're supposed to feel for her. That was the only big let down as other than that, I felt they were great together and complemented each other. The romance was believable for a short book and the ending was unique rather than cheesy. As I said, it was an enjoyable book to pass the time but as a full length novel it'd be pretty damn great. I don't think I'll read it again but I don't regret reading it either.
March 31, 2015
Skin [Noun]: an outer layer or covering
Both Tania and Zane are as opposite, as any two individuals can be from an exterior perspective. Tania [aka. Tinkerbell] is a shy petite female that hides within her skin to protect her body and mind. Zane is a big protective muscular male that hides behind his anger to protect his heart. They both have trust issues that stem from different acts, but bottomline they don’t trust the opposite sex and fear has kept the stuck in the past. In order to move forward they both enroll in a crash course for recover and are paired together in a group exercise. From the beginning they each question the other for their own reasons, but something sparks underneath the skin that gives them the courage to try and move forward to overcome their own fears.
The unique path their group project takes allows them to stay semi-concealed behind their own comfort levels well pushing the boundaries towards recovery. Kane was pure power and muscle and his body became the perfect subject for Tania’s camera. Behind the camera Tania was able to explore the features that made Kane the perfect subject matter. Kane was able to power through his intense workouts and relieve the anger he kept hidden from the world. The unexpected outcome of the project resulted in growth that neither participant expected, but to be able to witness it was a real treat for the readers. The intensity of their developing relationship was so well written that I couldn’t put the book down. The patience and restraint that Kane showed towards Tania was very inspiring. The same can be said about Tania and her ability to show Kane exactly what he had been hiding from the world.
I can honestly say that I would have loved to be able to see for myself the images that Tania was able to capture for their project. To be able to see the evolution of their combined recovery from the beginning, the gift, acceptance, gift offered|returned and to be continued would be a real treat. I will leave you with what I think was the best of the images [A gift offered and a gift returned] -
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Both Tania and Zane are as opposite, as any two individuals can be from an exterior perspective. Tania [aka. Tinkerbell] is a shy petite female that hides within her skin to protect her body and mind. Zane is a big protective muscular male that hides behind his anger to protect his heart. They both have trust issues that stem from different acts, but bottomline they don’t trust the opposite sex and fear has kept the stuck in the past. In order to move forward they both enroll in a crash course for recover and are paired together in a group exercise. From the beginning they each question the other for their own reasons, but something sparks underneath the skin that gives them the courage to try and move forward to overcome their own fears.
The unique path their group project takes allows them to stay semi-concealed behind their own comfort levels well pushing the boundaries towards recovery. Kane was pure power and muscle and his body became the perfect subject for Tania’s camera. Behind the camera Tania was able to explore the features that made Kane the perfect subject matter. Kane was able to power through his intense workouts and relieve the anger he kept hidden from the world. The unexpected outcome of the project resulted in growth that neither participant expected, but to be able to witness it was a real treat for the readers. The intensity of their developing relationship was so well written that I couldn’t put the book down. The patience and restraint that Kane showed towards Tania was very inspiring. The same can be said about Tania and her ability to show Kane exactly what he had been hiding from the world.
I can honestly say that I would have loved to be able to see for myself the images that Tania was able to capture for their project. To be able to see the evolution of their combined recovery from the beginning, the gift, acceptance, gift offered|returned and to be continued would be a real treat. I will leave you with what I think was the best of the images [A gift offered and a gift returned] -
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2015
Skin is an emotional story of hurt, acceptance and healing. Told through the perspectives of both Tania and Kane, two deeply emotionally broken individuals who find solace in the other after being forced out of their comfort zones – and in to each other.
At 24, Tania is still suffering from being raped 12 years ago and finds herself at a week-long therapy seminar hoping to finally be rid of her fears of the male gender. She is immediately discouraged when she is paired to do a project with Kane, a tall, intimidating powerful man; seemingly a product of her nightmares.
Kane on the other hand is reluctant to attend the seminar as he doesn’t feel it’s going to be beneficial to him. His brother paid for him to attend this form of therapy because he can no longer control his anger and frustration after being deeply betrayed by the woman he loved. They both have complete different problems that are taking control of their lives.When they first meet they seem to be nothing but dubious to their professor’s intent, until they realize some scars are more than skin deep.
I found this book to be a quick satisfying read, full of intensity and feeling. If you enjoy raw, slightly erotic romance – this is the book for you. I would compare it as a sweet, tasteful Fifty Shades of Grey. A glimpse into what Fifty Shades could have been.
Despite the characters lacking a bit of depth I found myself swept up and completely invested in this book. I have never previously read anything from Dale Mayer but I quite like the easiness of her transitions between perspectives. Being a USA Today bestselling author and having written many books Dale seems to be a passionate experienced author and I wish her the best of luck on future pieces of this series and I hope to read more from her in the future.
Reviewed by Natalie Di Lellio @ The Bookish Blog
At 24, Tania is still suffering from being raped 12 years ago and finds herself at a week-long therapy seminar hoping to finally be rid of her fears of the male gender. She is immediately discouraged when she is paired to do a project with Kane, a tall, intimidating powerful man; seemingly a product of her nightmares.
Kane on the other hand is reluctant to attend the seminar as he doesn’t feel it’s going to be beneficial to him. His brother paid for him to attend this form of therapy because he can no longer control his anger and frustration after being deeply betrayed by the woman he loved. They both have complete different problems that are taking control of their lives.When they first meet they seem to be nothing but dubious to their professor’s intent, until they realize some scars are more than skin deep.
I found this book to be a quick satisfying read, full of intensity and feeling. If you enjoy raw, slightly erotic romance – this is the book for you. I would compare it as a sweet, tasteful Fifty Shades of Grey. A glimpse into what Fifty Shades could have been.
Despite the characters lacking a bit of depth I found myself swept up and completely invested in this book. I have never previously read anything from Dale Mayer but I quite like the easiness of her transitions between perspectives. Being a USA Today bestselling author and having written many books Dale seems to be a passionate experienced author and I wish her the best of luck on future pieces of this series and I hope to read more from her in the future.
Reviewed by Natalie Di Lellio @ The Bookish Blog
October 19, 2015
>>>I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. <<<
I can´t even remember how long this book has been on my to read-pile. It always crossed my way - now that we received the ARC of the third book of the series, Scales, I finally read this book. And it was the best decision ever!
It´s almost impossibe to put into wards how much I love this book! I have read a lot books and when you read the blurb you maybe wouldn´t directly think of something that surprises you the way this book did in my case.
The story starts in the therapy room where you get introduced to the two main characters, the hurt and frightened Tania(better known as Tinkerbell) and Kane who at first seems like the hell of a rock , but because he is part of this special therapy session, you know that there must be something...
You get to know them step by step within the course of action which really concentrates on the most important actions- one of the reasons why I love this book so much!
Of course there are minor characters, but you never get distractred by them as there is special magic about Kane and Tania and their very special relationship.....
A relationship I´ve never seen before. The history of both protagonists is so raw and at the same time so ....different.
One scene which I never experienced before in a book is the "touching hair-scene". I really won´t tell you more about it, but this scene did something to me-WOW! One of the best scenes I ever read!
Dale Mayer- you for sure got a new fan! Awesome author, awesome book!
Everyone who has read the book understands the final comment: "To be continued..."
Published on: http://jeri-ryan.wix.com/jerisbookatt...
I can´t even remember how long this book has been on my to read-pile. It always crossed my way - now that we received the ARC of the third book of the series, Scales, I finally read this book. And it was the best decision ever!
It´s almost impossibe to put into wards how much I love this book! I have read a lot books and when you read the blurb you maybe wouldn´t directly think of something that surprises you the way this book did in my case.
The story starts in the therapy room where you get introduced to the two main characters, the hurt and frightened Tania(better known as Tinkerbell) and Kane who at first seems like the hell of a rock , but because he is part of this special therapy session, you know that there must be something...
You get to know them step by step within the course of action which really concentrates on the most important actions- one of the reasons why I love this book so much!
Of course there are minor characters, but you never get distractred by them as there is special magic about Kane and Tania and their very special relationship.....
A relationship I´ve never seen before. The history of both protagonists is so raw and at the same time so ....different.
One scene which I never experienced before in a book is the "touching hair-scene". I really won´t tell you more about it, but this scene did something to me-WOW! One of the best scenes I ever read!
Dale Mayer- you for sure got a new fan! Awesome author, awesome book!
Everyone who has read the book understands the final comment: "To be continued..."
Published on: http://jeri-ryan.wix.com/jerisbookatt...
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