Own It

by M. Piper

You know what sucks? Cancer. Cancer sucks. Especially when it takes a young life. Like the life of my five year old son. You want to know what I have to say about that? Nothing. Absolutely nothing because I don't have the drive anymore. There's nothing left in me except emptiness. That much is obvious. I've lost my car, my career, and my apartment. At least I have my brother. Actually, I just have a place to stay because of my rich, single brother.

I'm struggling to find purpose again. After what life's shown me it can do to a person, I really don't care if I'm breathing anymore. I am, but barely. Then Jett Voss showed up and it's like he's an oxygen mask I don't need or want.

She's got no cares left in the world and I'm determined to resuscitate her heart.

It was a one-night stand that connected us. She only had one want that night, and I took care of it. I'm not stopping there though. I may have not known her before her heartbreak, but I know there's life inside of her still. I will find it.

That means I need to stick around town for a while. I guess I don't have many other options. I've just been forced to run a company I never wanted and I'm a little bitter about it. The circumstances of why this fell into my lap makes it the hardest. Death is a cruel reality. My bike shop, occasionally the open road, not answering to anyone ... this is the life I was living and wanted.

It's insane what one look, one night, one person can change in you.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Death

Audible Audio

Published July 3, 2017

About the author

M. Piper lives in Southern Illinois with her family of 4. She is the only female in the house (if you don't count the poor dog) and enjoys reading and writing in her spare time. Let's face it, though, with two boys under the age of 5, there isn't much free time.

Reviews

[Nicole*bookaholic* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off with a bang. The death of Lo's child Sam and the death of Jett's brother Brandon. They net at Brandon's funeral and went home drunk together for some fun. Immediately they hit it off. Lo opened up. Their love story was so easy. But that stray bullet part scared the crap out of me. I didn't think there was enough pages left in the book for that. It does end in HEA. Great story and a quick read.

[AnessaRenee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotional read. No way around that but it's also a beautiful story. The author knows how to write a story that grips your heart and characters that will stay with you. Lo has been dealt a hard hand in life and she has let it get to her, I would be the same way, but will she be able to let herself open up when she meets Jett? Jett is the bad boy of his family but once he meets Lo he has a mission to make her alive again. These characters were written so beautifully and you can't help but feel the emotions that drop off the pages. Get some tissues ready and enjoy this emotional but also story of hope. Sometimes we get what we never knew we needed when we least expect it.

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Becky Rendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say the cover is hot but...he isn't my Jett. For the first time in my life, I pictured someone completely different. I pictured a growling Jason Momoa. Not sure why and he isn't really my type, but couldn't stop thinking of him as Jett. C'est la vie!

I was so worried that this book was going to be depressing. It's not! Don't get me wrong, it has its moments, but it's about healing, moving on, and being happy!

It's also about hot dude/dudette getting their sh!t together! Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know...

Lo had a rough life until she stopped living it. Now she exists in limbo. Still not a life but very much not dead...one little collision, okay, two and she may have just hit the right bump in the road.

Alright, corny lines will be abandoned as long as you realize that you should Own It...so one click now!

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Lauren or Lo as she likes to be known at the lowest point in her life and when you find out why you won't blame her at all. Her emotions are raw and displayed to devastating effect by the author, she's hurting and is literally doing the bare minimum to get through each day.
She's living with her brother and when she attends a funeral with him she meets Jett, it was fate they met that day because they are just what each other needed. Jett is the rebel of his family when he see's Lo he's hooked, he loves her wild unapologetic nature and the chemistry between them is red hot.
This is a very emotional story, it's a story of hope and strength of never giving in and finding that one person who sees beneath your outer shell to the heart of you. Lo and Jett are an amazing couple and their story will stay with me.

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Melenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle read!

I both enjoyed this read and I didn't... Some of it was awesome! ans some of it wasn't... Thus the three star rating.

I love the HEA ending. That is pretty much a must for me in the romance genre and this one has it.

Hate the overly used plot point of
***Spoiler***












One of them being in a horrible accident and then the other going to a funeral, but oops not their funeral. The funeral of someone else. Ugh.

I love the healing in this story. That's what attracted me in the first place and it was there for most of the story, but somehow... not. I'm not sure how to explain it.

Overall, I'd say read it, but for me, I'm not sure how much money I'd spend on it.

[Deborah G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I read the first few pages of this book I thought to myself, ok, this is going to be a sad story. Lauren (or Lo) as a single mother loses her five year old son to cancer. No spoilers here, his illness & death are told within the first three pages. So yes very sad, a tragedy & no one should have to go through that or anything remotely similar. But the story wasn't about that, it was how Lauren dragged herself out of despair, began to see light in her life again & began to smile, even laugh without feeling guilty or not thinking & grieving for her son in that moment.
Lauren meets & actually runs into Jett (literally) at his brother's funeral. She knew both brothers many years ago & her brother Chris was best friends with Jett's brother, which explains why they are both at the service. Almost falling down drunk, Jett & Lo leave the after service wake, have a one night stand only to awaken the next morning with few memories of the previous night. Slightly awkward but they get through breakfast & Lo leaves for home.
Jett initially is a bit of an ass but he finds he is totally smitten with Lo & does everything in his power to treat her well, bring fun into their dates & puts his whole heart into ridding the cloud hanging over her head & seeping into her heart. Lo is reluctant at first but slowly a trust & undeniable attraction brings the two closer together.
This is a slow burn, feelings appear gradually but the sex scenes are off the chart & frequent. This couple can't keep their hands off each other & the best part is that the sex doesn't go on for pages or chapters, that can get a little boring. The author brought out wonderful qualities with each character & by the end of the book I felt I knew both MC's very well. I did expect more angst in the story, but oh well, you can't always have everything. This is a stand alone with a wonderful HEA.

[Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhh Lo (Lauren) and Jett were everything I could have wanted in a couple!!!
Dauphin knows how to write a tragic love story and this is no exception.
Lo is at the lowest point in her life...no job, no home, no money, no car, and no drive left in life.
Jett is also at a low point after the sudden death of his baby brother. These two crash into each other and it's the start of something beautiful. Will it last? Well with the track record of these two it's anyone's guess. They do however know how to connect on a sexual level...boy oh boy do they ever!!! I mean the sex with these two is off the charts HOT!!!!!!!
Jett really knows how to make Lo beg for more. Lo slowly starts to remove all her walls that she put up around her heart and Jett actually wants to stay in one place long enough.
Jett could not be happier about the prospect of making Lo his forever, but will she be able to move forward after going backwards for long.
I can promise you that you will want to scream at the book, you will want to throw your book, and you will probably want to cry.
Dauphin is the BEST!!!
Must read!!!!

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, this story, those characters, WOW!
Beautifully written, this book flowed so easily that before I knew it, I finished.
Lo feels she has nothing to live for. When we first meet her, she's hopelessly drifting from tragic circumstances. She meets Jet at a funeral and an instant hook up leads to something else.
Two days later and she can't believe this super hot beautiful man is still after her! And there are the changes occurring within her.
What is happening to her?
Why is Jet attracted to her?
Lo finds out Jet has secrets and demons too!
Told in dual POV's their story pulled all my emotional strings as it evolved.
Their story is hot, sexy and full of moments that make you pause.
A beautiful story of love, hope, and new beginnings.
This is is my first M.Dauphin read and certainly not my last!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/28/2019)! 🎁

[Sam Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review of Own It by M. Dauphin is for The Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog. I loved this book so hard and so will you. Five Star Fantastic. It is beautifully written and very emotional. It gave me all of the feels. This is my first book by author M. Dauphin and I am definitely adding her to my list of fave authors.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose my son. Parents are not suppose to bury their children. Lo is living with her brother unable to hold down a job when she meets Jett. Can she open herself and her heart up and let him in?

Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Own It by M. Dauphin has all the feels...every last one of them. I laughed and I cried, and I cried alot. In the midst of so much tragedy, they were able to find their way together. With cruel parents, unimaginable losses and life generally getting in the way, they are able to find each other and help each other grow into what they deserve to be. Giving up on life is NOT an option for Jett and he will do whatever it takes to show Lo that life is worth living and that when push comes to shove, he will be there and protect her.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY HEART! My happy, singing heart, so full of FEELINGS and all the bookish things we dream of. DAMN YOU M for OWNING ME with Own It. I'm ruined. Completely ruined over your BEST BOOK YET! My new M Dauphin FAVE!!!

Own It was a quick read. Easily devoured in 3 hours.. I was ADDICTED. HIGH off magical words and epic emotions and everything in between. M has TOTALLY nailed everything in this book. From the first chapter that smacks you in the feels and grips on SO, SO TIGHT. To the simmering, intense connection between the lead characters that just steals your heart and soul. To the secondary characters that add into the story and aid the flow. To a story line that wasn't littered with unnecessary drama, but focused on two people, both different, both suffering, both searching. All of it, totally perfect. Just breathtaking. Jett & Lo have ALL OF ME.

Jett Voss. My current obsession. LORD THIS MAN. I want one. Like now! I don't know how M writes men the way she does but they work themselves straight into your heart and just wreck you. In the BEST POSSIBLE WAY. I'm just. GAH! *floats from the swoon*

His and Lo's relationship was written flawlessly. They were just right. You know? Like I could just feel it and I just knew the relationship was going to give me those epic tummy flutters and it did. Multiple times. And by golly THEY ARE HOT. BURNING HOT! Just EVERYTHING.

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Own It, owns me. It's M’s best book yet and my ultimate fave of hers!! 5 STUNNING Stars!

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is M Dauphin's twist on the brother's best friend/little sister trope. Lo is in a very dark place following the death of her young son. She cannot bring herself to care about anything, loses everything, and ends up living with her brother, Chris. Chris's best friend, Brandon, tragically dies and she is guilted into attending the funeral, coincidentally at the same location as her son's funeral, to support her brother. Never mind that her own family refused to support her until her son died. She literally runs into a man at the funeral home, as well as the open house, and the attraction is undeniable. They decide to numb themselves with alcohol and well, things lead to decidedly sexy things.
Jett and his brother used to be close, so close that they founded a hugely successful business, but it turned out that corporate life was not something Jett could "do". His code of ethics is severely tested at the reading of Brandon's will and he is forced to choose between the life he loves and doing what is right for his brother's surviving family.
Jett is captivated and intrigued by the sexy woman he met at his brother's funeral and he is determined to uncover all her secrets. Lo is just as determined to remain numb because feelings have the power to destroy her. These two people are broken and hurting for different reasons, but can they heal each other?
This is a story of healing, of allowing yourself to feel, even though the feelings scrape you raw, and to be vulnerable to another person, even though that person has the power to break you. I am sooo looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ebook from the author, but it in no way affects my opinion, review, or thoughts. *

This was my first book by author M. Dauphin, but it won't be my last! I loved her writing style, her characters, the plot and most of all the attention to detail. The author put her heart and soul into this book and the reader can tell! You can feel her emotions, the emotions of the characters and the research that the author put into the story.

This story centers around death...it's sad to say, but it takes losing someone to bring out the emotions of others. It is a story that shows that death isn't always the end, that it's not always the most final thing, but that people can recover. It's a story with an underlying hope that gives the reader insight.

Lauren and Jett both have had a tragedy struck them and they are not able to make it past without the help of one another. The reader laughs, cries and yells while at the same time they root for them to work it out and start again. It is isn't about letting go, but about learning how to make a new normal, a new life, one in which they can move on together. This book has elements of mystery, romance, suspense and at times just plain heartbreak. It grabs the readers attention and never lets it waiver.

I am already trying to decide what book I should read next by this author - each one looks and sounds amazing!

**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng **

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book..just wow! All the feels!!
Lauren, aka Lo, is at the lowest point of her life. Not wanting to feell or care about anything after suffering from the loss of a child.
Jett is angry and grieving the loss of his brother.
Two literal runs in to each other and one thing leads to another and on to a drunken night of hot sex! But after the awkwardless morning after the decide to enjoy each other's bodies.
Can Lo find herself and learn to live again? Can yhe carefree Jett stay in one place?
I loved the dynamic between these two people. Lo not wanting to admit she has feelings and Jett wanting her to Own It....
Of course there is a twist cause this author loves to make you suffer! !
After you pick your broken reader up again and finishthis beautifully written book you will thank M Dauphin for letting you into their lives.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT

Jet and Lo's story captures you from page ONE. Lo makes you want to cry, rage, and love not all in that order. Jett makes me swoon, I loved everything about his character and how he fell in love with Lo and enjoying the way it all unfolded. Now I'm trying really hard not to say anything that might give some of the book away but KNOW this book evokes emotion like no other you will cry, laugh, and be angry! I don't believe I have every been so angry reading a book, for how dare the author be amazing and make me feel more than happy emotions lol. I also really enjoyed Lo's brother, and the side characters; they werent just characters without a cause they contributed to the story line, and in a great way that when the story ends you hope and pray the author continues the series. I highly recommend this book it's a phenomenal one and worth every minute you can steal to read it!!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like it's been some time since I've been so hooked on a storyline. I was taken with this story from the beginning. I absolutely love Lo and Jett's story.
This sweet, intense, sexy all consuming book will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can read the words on them.
When someone loses someone so precious to them, can they ever truly live again. Feel again.
Lauren has endured a lot in her young life. Until one day she literally runs smack dab into the man that has the power to bring her back from her devastating state. Someone she vaguely knew in her past.
Jett is a sexy bike shop owner. While dealing with his own issues he can't help but take up Lo on her offer after she runs into him.
This is such a great book. I couldn't put it down.
5/5 stars
A
T&A Book Blog

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great idea for a book ... guess there are worse things that can or could bring folks together than death of a loved one or 2? 1st book I have read of M. Dauphin and it will certainly not be the last. The hotness/love/friendship/ going on between Jett & Lo are just too hot for these pages. I love Lo's relationship with her brother Chris ... I think family relationships are the greatest, ("blood is thicker than wine maybe it is water?!!, what is that saying?") I feel for Lo and her relationship with her Mom. What a witch. Wonder what happened to her Dad, I don't think that story line was ever talked about, did I miss it? Loved it. Great read. Quick read for me, 'cause I was curious to where the book would lead. Can't wait 'til Chris' book. Love her writing style. Well done!! New fan for sure!! ( ;

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This horribly beautiful story gives us Lo and Jett's journey from miserable to happy.
Lo has survived what most people can't, not saying she did it gracefully but she did it the only way she knew how. That is until she literally runs into the man that changes her way of thinking.
Jett is satisfied with his life until tragedy strikes his family and his entire world changes. When he meets Lo he has different views on what he wants in life and she may just be part of it.
Ugh this books had me all over the place. I wanted to scream, cry, rage, laugh, sigh, and cry some more but I couldn't have loved this book any harder! Well done!

[Jamie Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went from laughing to oh crap!!!!!

This book was quick read for myself....I couldn't put my kindle down. The storyline just draws you in and doesn't let go until the end. It had two oh crap moments where I thought I was going from liking this author to not liking her at all.....you will have to read the book and see what for yourself lol!!
I am not going to do a long review so just know the storyline is amazing, hot, hot I did say hot right sex scenes, twists and of course love, with some tears thrown in. For an author whom can do that for this avid reader you've got a fan!! And I have to have a book about Bex.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis

[Colleen Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending tho!

This was my second book by M. Dauphin. And while I wasn't as sucked in as in the first book I read, the sex scenes definitely held my interest!
Jett and​ Lo are a fun couple and their witty banter had me laughing a lot. I could relate to Lo's sarcastic comments and they felt like a real couple. And the sex scenes were damn near panty melting!
And then the curve ball hits ya and I found d myself speed reading the last part just to see what happens!
Definitely worth your time to read this one.

[H.Q. Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo and Jett will steal your heart. You'll mourn with Lo, want to cuddle with her and sleep away the sadness...until Jett comes along, 'cause no one can be sad when Jett comes into their life. I love these two and their dynamic together. They definitely have potential to change minds and lives and you'll fall in love with them hard, along with a few secondary characters. There were times I was gritting my teeth and clutching my Kindle tightly, because in true Dauphin fashion, she knows how to get your heart pumping in more ways than one!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about emotions, this book will run you thru the wringer. It starts off on a low note but ends on a beautiful high note. Lauren has not had an easy life the past couple of years but has made her way through barely. When she meets Jett, life takes a turn for her. Lauren is happy in her life with Jett but also feels a guilty that she can be happy. He helps her see that life can go on in the aftermath of a tragedy. The story line was so beautifully written it was hard to put the book down.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! I laughed (hard), I cried (ugly), I swooned (far) and I loved every word in this book. I can't imagine all that Lo went through before she met Jett. She was on a serious down spin. Then, by stroke of luck, she ran into Jett. Jett was in a very different place than Lo and, while he had his own issues and demons, he saw how he could fix hers. These two together are amazing and perfect! Seriously perfect!

[Heather Rodrigue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow M. Dauphin surely did it again! Lo and Jett completely stole my heart. I cant imagine going through the things that Lo went through. Sometimes in your life your put in certain places at the right time and it changes your life forever in a positive way, and sometimes it can have a negative impact on you and you feel like you have completely lost yourself. I am completely in love with this book even though I had a serious panic attack towards the end. It was heartbreaking and truly amazing! I absolutely loved this book and definitely recommend that you take the time to read it. You definitely won't regret it by the end.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Own it! A MUST READ💜

This story is one of those that you can never get tired of. Lo carries so many burdens with her that it's impossible for her to be truly happy. Her strengthen as a parent is admirable. Lo and Jett balance each other and that is how they make it work. Even with all the obstacles they faced they got their HEA.

[NightCRT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

First off I have to say one of the saddest, funniest book ever. Oh my goodness the plot twists. I almost had heart failure myself but I’m glad I hung on for the happily ever after. The chemistry and banter between the H and h was AMAZING. Definitely on my re read list!

[Rose David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know how to articulate into words what I'm feeling after finishing Own It. In the mist of reading this, my heart found purpose with Lo, but it also broke and shattered with hers (kind of like my phone almost did when I wanted to throw it). I've never met a book by Mal that I didn't love, but Own It took that love to a new level. To a place you don't come back from. This is one of those books that stays with you. That makes you feel. That brings you to your mother fucking knees.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this doesn't get you pumping, your dead

Oh my this story is powerful! All that goes on will have you twisted up inside. The ending is killer, I actually had to put it down and walk away I couldn't take it anymore.

[Nicole LoPiccolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. Dauphin did it again.
This is a book that will rip your heart out and do a river dance on it! Make you laugh, cry, cry, cry, did I say cry? And beg for more.
But.... the Pantie melting smokin hot sex totally makes up for the tissues used. Lol
Lo and Jett are just fantastic! Characters I could have kept reading about them forever.