What do you think?
Rate this book
Rex
It all started with a simple phrase.
Love Sucks
The moment Vanessa Hilliard walked into the tattoo shop uttering those two words was the day my life began its downward spiral.
Or maybe it’s the day my life began.
My name is Rex Grayson.
And this is my story.
***
The day I met Rex Grayson, I got a hell of a lot more than I bargained for. He sparked something inside of me -- possibility. A word that never existed in my world before. He caused me to question who I was and made me want things I never dreamed were possible.
We’ve both got a mountain of shit in our past.
My name is Vanessa Hilliard. I have an affinity for the unusual and seriously twisted.
He thinks this is his story.
But it’s really mine.
**This is a STANDALONE full-length Adult Contemporary Romance that contains mature sexual content and language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**
Love Sucks
The moment Vanessa Hilliard walked into the tattoo shop uttering those two words was the day my life began its downward spiral.
Or maybe it’s the day my life began.
My name is Rex Grayson.
And this is my story.
***
The day I met Rex Grayson, I got a hell of a lot more than I bargained for. He sparked something inside of me -- possibility. A word that never existed in my world before. He caused me to question who I was and made me want things I never dreamed were possible.
We’ve both got a mountain of shit in our past.
My name is Vanessa Hilliard. I have an affinity for the unusual and seriously twisted.
He thinks this is his story.
But it’s really mine.
**This is a STANDALONE full-length Adult Contemporary Romance that contains mature sexual content and language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**
318 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
40 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
Beth Michele
14 books952 followersBeth Michele is a USA Today & New York Times bestselling author of M/F and M/M Contemporary Romance who writes sweet, funny, and sexy (sometimes dirty) stories with heart...and snark. She can often be spotted hiding out with her laptop or kindle somewhere quiet, preferably on a bench overlooking the ocean. Swedish Fish and Twizzlers are her jam, and she makes a mean hot chocolate every day of the year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 6, 2014
I can't wait to share Rex and Vanessa's story with you!
[image error]
FULL COVER SPREAD FOR REX!!!
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
FULL COVER SPREAD FOR REX!!!
[image error]
[image error]
July 7, 2014
3.5--Rex was a Bit Ridiculous--Stars!
I'm definitely a fan of Beth Michele but if I'm being completely honest, Rex ruined this one a bit for me!
We met Rex in Finding Autumn...he's Hunter's brother. Vanessa is Olivia's BFF. Both Rex and Vanessa have pasts that have defined their current feelings on love.
Rex and Vanessa meet when Vanessa goes to get a tattoo where Rex works.
While Vanessa was open to how she felt about Rex and the possibility of love, Rex wasn't. In fact most times, I thought he was an ass. And not in a hot way...in an OTT, roll my eyes way. There were several (one too many) where his reactions to situations were just too much.
But with that being said, the overall story was good. It definitely wasn't anything out of the norm. Two characters that don't believe in love fall in love with each other.
The steam factor was high, which was a plus. And I liked Vanessa's character. I also liked getting to see more of Hunter and Olivia. I just thought Rex needed to
If you're a fan of Finding Autumn, then I definitely recommend giving this one a go.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I'm definitely a fan of Beth Michele but if I'm being completely honest, Rex ruined this one a bit for me!
We met Rex in Finding Autumn...he's Hunter's brother. Vanessa is Olivia's BFF. Both Rex and Vanessa have pasts that have defined their current feelings on love.
Rex and Vanessa meet when Vanessa goes to get a tattoo where Rex works.
While Vanessa was open to how she felt about Rex and the possibility of love, Rex wasn't. In fact most times, I thought he was an ass. And not in a hot way...in an OTT, roll my eyes way. There were several (one too many) where his reactions to situations were just too much.
But with that being said, the overall story was good. It definitely wasn't anything out of the norm. Two characters that don't believe in love fall in love with each other.
The steam factor was high, which was a plus. And I liked Vanessa's character. I also liked getting to see more of Hunter and Olivia. I just thought Rex needed to
If you're a fan of Finding Autumn, then I definitely recommend giving this one a go.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 16, 2016
Wow where do I even begin? I know let’s begin with Beth and her writing style. I have been a fan of Beth’s since her debut novel Love Love.
Beth is one of my favorite authors and here is why.
1. Her writing style amazes me with every new book, she gets better and better.
2. Her characters are ones who you fall in love with instantly
3. Her ability to pour her heart and soul into every single book and come out with a book of pure greatness.
4. When Beth releases a new book,. That book is perfection as far as editing goes. You will very rarely find one single mistake within the pages of the book.
Yes Beth I love you girl and you have done it once again with another amazing story for your fans.
Now let’s get to Rex
This story was so awesome to read, I had been dying to get my hands on Rex for months. We first got a glimpse of Rex (who is Hunter’s Brother) and Vanessa (Olivia’s Best Friend) in Finding Autumn. I knew then that I was going to love these characters. What I did not know is how Beth was going to create such an amazingly Raw book with Rex & Vanessa.
Rex has not had a great life. He carries a great amount of guilt with him and has for a number of years. He feels that he is worthy of no one. He thinks he is the lowest of human there is, But my how wrong you truly are Rex. Rex is a tattoo artist. He lives through creating art on his clients and helping them to heal with their own loses, but he refuses to let go of his own guilt that he has.
I loved Rex, He was an emotional mess, who thought he was never worthy of Love. The raw emotion that came from him made my own heart hurt for him.
“Everything about her disarms me:her smile, her touch, her spirit.Little by little, she's diffusing the bomb that constantly ticks, the one threatening to rip me apart-and I don't even think she gets it.”
Vanessa, that girl really has had a crap life. With parents who never had time for her. They never showed her love or nurturing at all growing up and she truly thinks that loves sucks.
When she walks into the Tattoo Shop that Rex works at she has one thing on her mind getting a tattoo that says Loves Stinks. Little does she know Rex is going to give her his two cents whether she wants it or not.
Days later Vanessa is set to meet Hunter’s Brother but she does not have any idea that he is the same guy from the tattoo shop. Once they get through the initial shock of seeing each other again, Rex & Vanessa cannot deny the attraction they feel towards each other.
What starts out as friends with Benefits type deal soon turns into so much more for these two people.
Can Vanessa and Rex Put their pasts behind them and move forward into a future of happiness?
Beth will always be one of my Favorite Authors, and I cannot wait to see what she gives us next.
CAN I HAVE IT NOW
I'm preparing for REX and his hotness
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
I was totally sucked into Beth's writing style when I read Finding Autumn. I was anxiously awaiting Rex's story and it definitely didn't disappoint.
Rex was the dark brooding tattooed hero that plays it off like nothing gets to him. But inside he had pain and battles that broke my heart. Vanessa had a childhood that would turn anyone into a anti-love cynic. She couldn't recognize it because she never had it. Once they met it didn't take long for Vanessa to see right through Rex's facade and his pain called to her and she couldn't walk away.
Whatever has him this rattled, I want to be able to carry it away, ease his pain, even if only for a little while.
Rex didn't know why she affected him like she did. Women for "one thing only" and he always kept it no strings attached. But it wasn't like this for him and Vanessa.
Everything about her disarms me: her smile, her touch, her spirit. Little by little, she’s diffusing the bomb that constantly ticks, the one threatening to rip me apart—and I don’t even think she gets it.
What started as two people attracted by a deep lust turned into something they both couldn't deny. Fighting demons from years past and trying to tightly hold on to each other.
I felt that Beth wrote a love story about accepting the past and realizing you could change your own future. To give into feelings didn't make them weak but gave them back their strength. Passionate encounters that took my breath away . There were so many playful moments between Rex and Vanessa. (His "Blondie") Rex wasn't all pain and shadows, no he had a snarky and funny disposition that made me laugh out loud so many times. Without even knowing how, he took care of Vanessa in ways she never experienced before and it was so tender and sweet.
He was a bright soul that made her laugh and their sweet and sexy times together made this one beautiful love story. His dirty mouth was fantastic and she gave as good she got.
I couldn't put this down for longer than a few moments. I am definitely happy and satisfied by this sexy emotional love story and it was so totally worth the wait.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
I was totally sucked into Beth's writing style when I read Finding Autumn. I was anxiously awaiting Rex's story and it definitely didn't disappoint.
Rex was the dark brooding tattooed hero that plays it off like nothing gets to him. But inside he had pain and battles that broke my heart. Vanessa had a childhood that would turn anyone into a anti-love cynic. She couldn't recognize it because she never had it. Once they met it didn't take long for Vanessa to see right through Rex's facade and his pain called to her and she couldn't walk away.
Whatever has him this rattled, I want to be able to carry it away, ease his pain, even if only for a little while.
Rex didn't know why she affected him like she did. Women for "one thing only" and he always kept it no strings attached. But it wasn't like this for him and Vanessa.
Everything about her disarms me: her smile, her touch, her spirit. Little by little, she’s diffusing the bomb that constantly ticks, the one threatening to rip me apart—and I don’t even think she gets it.
What started as two people attracted by a deep lust turned into something they both couldn't deny. Fighting demons from years past and trying to tightly hold on to each other.
I felt that Beth wrote a love story about accepting the past and realizing you could change your own future. To give into feelings didn't make them weak but gave them back their strength. Passionate encounters that took my breath away . There were so many playful moments between Rex and Vanessa. (His "Blondie") Rex wasn't all pain and shadows, no he had a snarky and funny disposition that made me laugh out loud so many times. Without even knowing how, he took care of Vanessa in ways she never experienced before and it was so tender and sweet.
He was a bright soul that made her laugh and their sweet and sexy times together made this one beautiful love story. His dirty mouth was fantastic and she gave as good she got.
I couldn't put this down for longer than a few moments. I am definitely happy and satisfied by this sexy emotional love story and it was so totally worth the wait.
July 8, 2014
Words can not describe how incredibly powerful and touching this book was to me.
Life, God, the universe, whatever you want to call it, give us the families that we are born into and have to deal with whether we like it or not. Sometimes families are a positive influence throughout our formative years, and sometimes they can mess with our souls and leave scars so deep that we might think they will never heal. But that same life, God or universe, give us the opportunity to choose to surround ourselves with people who will give us the tools we need to heal our souls and close the scars. For me, that's what this book was about. The power of healing, when all the hope was gone, when all you see is darkness.
On the outside, Rex is sexy and commanding without being domineering, on the inside he fights a battle with the guilt, resentment and anger he lives with day in and day out. Vanessa is a woman secure of herself working a job she loves, but deep down, she's just a little girl looking for the things she never had from her family. They come together and from the get go their chemistry is off the charts H-O-T. Some of their times together will have you reaching for a very cold glass of water, let's just say that Rex has "skills" and leave it at that, you be the judge.
The writing in this book is just incredibly beautiful, almost ethereal, the dialogue flows and doesn't feel forced at any point during the story, and the depth the author gives the characters is just awe inspiring. This is a book that I would highly recommend, and if you haven't read Finding Autumn start there so you will have a more clear understanding of the characters, since the two main characters from there make appearances on Rex.
5+++ Stars for me on this one. Congratulations Beth!
Life, God, the universe, whatever you want to call it, give us the families that we are born into and have to deal with whether we like it or not. Sometimes families are a positive influence throughout our formative years, and sometimes they can mess with our souls and leave scars so deep that we might think they will never heal. But that same life, God or universe, give us the opportunity to choose to surround ourselves with people who will give us the tools we need to heal our souls and close the scars. For me, that's what this book was about. The power of healing, when all the hope was gone, when all you see is darkness.
On the outside, Rex is sexy and commanding without being domineering, on the inside he fights a battle with the guilt, resentment and anger he lives with day in and day out. Vanessa is a woman secure of herself working a job she loves, but deep down, she's just a little girl looking for the things she never had from her family. They come together and from the get go their chemistry is off the charts H-O-T. Some of their times together will have you reaching for a very cold glass of water, let's just say that Rex has "skills" and leave it at that, you be the judge.
The writing in this book is just incredibly beautiful, almost ethereal, the dialogue flows and doesn't feel forced at any point during the story, and the depth the author gives the characters is just awe inspiring. This is a book that I would highly recommend, and if you haven't read Finding Autumn start there so you will have a more clear understanding of the characters, since the two main characters from there make appearances on Rex.
5+++ Stars for me on this one. Congratulations Beth!
June 29, 2014
Let me start by saying Beth is one of my favorite Authors whom I respect immensely.
When she tells me she has a new book coming out soon or that she is working on something new I cannot help the excitement that I feel knowing her brilliant mind is going again!
I am lucky enough to call her a friend and I am grateful that she has come into my life.
Now...REX!
Ahhh, I am going to keep it short & sweet...for now!
I must say REX has pulled TOP RANK!
This story was beautifully written. From start to finish it is totally consuming. I started reading my ARC yesterday afternoon and i finished last night only because I forced myself to SLOW DOWN or else my love affair with REX was going to be over before I knew it LOL.
I promise you, this book and the characters will have you hooked from the first page <3
Congrats Beth, my friend, on another knock out! :-)
When she tells me she has a new book coming out soon or that she is working on something new I cannot help the excitement that I feel knowing her brilliant mind is going again!
I am lucky enough to call her a friend and I am grateful that she has come into my life.
Now...REX!
Ahhh, I am going to keep it short & sweet...for now!
I must say REX has pulled TOP RANK!
This story was beautifully written. From start to finish it is totally consuming. I started reading my ARC yesterday afternoon and i finished last night only because I forced myself to SLOW DOWN or else my love affair with REX was going to be over before I knew it LOL.
I promise you, this book and the characters will have you hooked from the first page <3
Congrats Beth, my friend, on another knock out! :-)
July 9, 2014
I am a big fan of Beth Michele. Her novels are always full of beautifully written love stories with sweet characters that make you feel good. Her signature writing style up until now has been characters with difficult pasts that give way to second chances at love, its what she does so well. So when I started with the Finding Love series I was a little surprised to find out that Beth has a bit of a naughty side to her. She made me blush! The best part however was that even with the added sexy times in this series (and there is a lot of sexy) Beth was still able to maintain the romance, love and emotion that I have come to associate with her books.
Rex (Finding Love, #2) follows Rex Grayson and Vanessa, there story goes like this: Rex is a sexy tattoo artist who is living with a whole lot of guilt and anger and he is in no way looking for love. Vanessa is a beautiful, confident woman who knows what she wants both in and out of the bedroom and love is not one of those things. Her motto is "love sucks" and she is sticking with it. Bad parenting while growing up has left both of them cynical and closed off to love. When Vanessa and Rex meet there is a mutual attraction along with a healthy dose of lust. Rex is a very dirty boy! What starts out as "friends with benefits" or rather two people who have lots of yummy sex turns into much more.
Both Rex and Vanessa were great characters but to be honest I was initially a little worried as things got hot and heavy fairly quickly. I was concerned that all of the sex would overshadow any real character development but happily I was wrong. Their mutual relationship may have been based on sex in the begining but through her writing Beth was able to grow the relationship and create a bond between the two that felt natural.
I really enjoyed Rex and although the book does follow a fairly predictable course it was very well written with some great steam and it had Rex, a sexy tattoo artist. How can you not want to read that? While you don't need to read Finding Autumn first I always think it is a good idea to read a series in order just to get a feel for all of the characters. Plus Finding Autumn is a novella and a great book so there is no real reason not to read it first.
Rex (Finding Love, #2) follows Rex Grayson and Vanessa, there story goes like this: Rex is a sexy tattoo artist who is living with a whole lot of guilt and anger and he is in no way looking for love. Vanessa is a beautiful, confident woman who knows what she wants both in and out of the bedroom and love is not one of those things. Her motto is "love sucks" and she is sticking with it. Bad parenting while growing up has left both of them cynical and closed off to love. When Vanessa and Rex meet there is a mutual attraction along with a healthy dose of lust. Rex is a very dirty boy! What starts out as "friends with benefits" or rather two people who have lots of yummy sex turns into much more.
Both Rex and Vanessa were great characters but to be honest I was initially a little worried as things got hot and heavy fairly quickly. I was concerned that all of the sex would overshadow any real character development but happily I was wrong. Their mutual relationship may have been based on sex in the begining but through her writing Beth was able to grow the relationship and create a bond between the two that felt natural.
I really enjoyed Rex and although the book does follow a fairly predictable course it was very well written with some great steam and it had Rex, a sexy tattoo artist. How can you not want to read that? While you don't need to read Finding Autumn first I always think it is a good idea to read a series in order just to get a feel for all of the characters. Plus Finding Autumn is a novella and a great book so there is no real reason not to read it first.
July 7, 2014
Title: Rex
Series: Yes/Standalone in a series
Author: Beth Michele
Release Date: July 3, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Spoiler-Free review
Love Sucks. Just ask Vanessa and Rex. Rex is a hot tattoo artist covered with his own emotional roadmap of sadness and guilt. A beautiful and feisty girl walks into his shop and wants to get a tattoo. Rex refuses to ink her, and she leaves. Vanessa and Rex meet for a second time. It turns out that the beautiful girl whom he refused to tattoo is his brother’s girlfriend’s best friend. Can this hot blonde who is down on love and the “King of One Night Stands” fall for each other or fall apart?
After reading Rex…I decided I won a book lottery. It is that feeling that when you pick up a book by a favorite author and pray it's going to be a winner. Rex is a winner. This book is smart, sexy, and steamy and pulled on my heart strings. Vanessa was a likeable, strong heroine and not a doormat. Rex was an adorable ass-clown with a heart of gold. Half the time I wanted to smack him and the other half of the time I just wanted to hug sexy Rexy. Reading from his point-of-view was priceless. Beth Michele nailed it and once again reaffirmed why she is on my auto-download/drop everything and read her latest book list.
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/Kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Book, Booktropolous Social, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
**Rex is a standalone book and part of a series. If you want to know more about Rex or the other characters from this book I highly suggest picking up Finding Autumn**
Series: Yes/Standalone in a series
Author: Beth Michele
Release Date: July 3, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Spoiler-Free review
Love Sucks. Just ask Vanessa and Rex. Rex is a hot tattoo artist covered with his own emotional roadmap of sadness and guilt. A beautiful and feisty girl walks into his shop and wants to get a tattoo. Rex refuses to ink her, and she leaves. Vanessa and Rex meet for a second time. It turns out that the beautiful girl whom he refused to tattoo is his brother’s girlfriend’s best friend. Can this hot blonde who is down on love and the “King of One Night Stands” fall for each other or fall apart?
After reading Rex…I decided I won a book lottery. It is that feeling that when you pick up a book by a favorite author and pray it's going to be a winner. Rex is a winner. This book is smart, sexy, and steamy and pulled on my heart strings. Vanessa was a likeable, strong heroine and not a doormat. Rex was an adorable ass-clown with a heart of gold. Half the time I wanted to smack him and the other half of the time I just wanted to hug sexy Rexy. Reading from his point-of-view was priceless. Beth Michele nailed it and once again reaffirmed why she is on my auto-download/drop everything and read her latest book list.
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/Kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Book, Booktropolous Social, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
**Rex is a standalone book and part of a series. If you want to know more about Rex or the other characters from this book I highly suggest picking up Finding Autumn**
July 7, 2014
2 Stars!
Well If Im real honest, This book couldn't hold my interest after 21%. I dragged myself to complete the book. WHAT A BUMMER!
Their issues :
I Guess It just wasn't for me!
Well If Im real honest, This book couldn't hold my interest after 21%. I dragged myself to complete the book. WHAT A BUMMER!
Their issues :
I Guess It just wasn't for me!
August 12, 2014
✯✯6 Hot Steamy Heart Warming Stars✯✯
Love Sucks! -Vanessa
There's only one moral to my story. Women are cruel and dishonest, and they can't be trusted. They are, however, good for one thing.- Rex
Wow!! Beth has rocked my world. AGAIN !!!! I have loved every single book she has given me to read. And, for me they get better then the last one. I am so in love with Rex it's unbelievable! You will love him and everyone in this story.You won't be disappointed. I am waiting not so patiently for Beth to tell me "Stef I'm sending my book to your kindle. Enjoy!" So, Beth this is me giving you a very obvious hint to PLEASE hurry up!!
I met BOTH Rex and Vanessa in Finding Autumn that was a novella about Rex older brother Hunter and Olivia who just happens to be Vanessa best friend. While I was reading Finding Autumn I really did love both Rex & Vanessa. And, I honestly wanted to know more about them. Esp Rex. He's a bad boy and a tattoo artist. Oh sigh! That was my undoing. I knew from Hunter that him & Rex had a really shitty childhood. I also learned how damaged Hunter was from it. But, Rex was the bad ass guy so I wasn't prepared for how damaged he was. I'd say he was even more so then Hunter.
"You know, it wasn't until I met you that I started looking forward to the next day. And the next day after that."
Vanessa. Oh I love Vanessa!! Her & Olivia are best friends for a long time. Vanessa is strong willed, doesn't take crap from anyone. She has a job and is VERY successful at it. And, she knows what she wants. Vanessa didn't have the best childhood and her track record with men is pretty crappy as well. So, she has given up on relationships all together. Men are only good for one thing. Sex. She does not have a problem having a hot, wild, insane night with a guy and leave. Simple. Just like that!
Vanessa goes to get a tattoo. It's a simple one. 2 words. Love Sucks. But, when the tattoo artist laughs in her face when she tells him what she wants.Needless to say she gets pissed and leaves.
"I-I couldn't have dreamed you up if I tried. Because you're too perfect. Too giving, too warm, too beautiful, and probably too good for me. But...the truth is, you make me want to try harder to be better, to be someone who deserves you."
She tells Olivia about the tattoo & the rude tattoo artist who wouldn't do it. Olivia just laughed & laughed at Vanessa's tattoo idea. Olivia then talks Vanessa into going out with her and Hunter. Olivia lets Vanessa know that she needs to find a man & settle down. But, being that she's not ready yet she can meet Hunter's younger brother Rex. He too don't do relationships and he is really, really good looking!
Rex & Hunter show up at the club to meet Olivia and her friend. Rex was hoping she was hot. He was next expecting it to be the beautiful girl from the tattoo shop. The one who's eyes were on his mind ever since. Vanessa can not believe Rex is Hunter's brother either. Olivia on the other hand thinks it's hysterical!
"You found a way into my heart. A heart that I didn't even think I had. A heart that every single fucking time it beats, I see your smile, I hear your laugh. I feel your touch. And now you fucking own it. You own me."
Rex and Vanessa start to talk over drinks. They end up dancing which only leads to them to Rex's apartment for some very hot steamy sex! It's almost like they were made for each other.
Over the following weeks Rex and Vanessa start spending a lot of their free time together. Which is shocking to both Hunter and Olivia. Because, Rex doesn't hang out with a girl more then a few times. Same for Vanessa. She does NOT believe in relationships.
The only thing on Rex's mind all the time is Vanessa. After what happened to his younger brother and his mom, Rex is damaged. In Finding Autumn we got Hunter's side of the story and saw & felt his guilt in what he believed was his part in it. But, with Rex the damage is much, much worse. He has never gotten over it. And, I honestly think he doesn't/can't get past it. There are thing's he's NEVER told Hunter.
"But I'm not afraid to fall anymore. The only thing I'm fucking terrified of, is that you won't be there to catch me when I do."
But, the more time he spends with Vanessa the more he finds himself saying. They can be sitting there and Rex will let little things here and there come out. He honestly does not know why he feels compelled to tell her these things that he;s never told another living sole. Rex does know Vanessa is making him feel things he's NEVER wanted too.
Vanessa too is falling for Rex in a way she swore off awhile ago. She just can't get that one minute he';s the sweetest nicest guy. Then, the next he's a major dick. And, later he's apologizing and telling her things. Deep things she knows have been weighing him down for so long. Then, Vanessa finds herself forgiving him.
Vanessa & Rex have a relationship/non-relationship that you can not help but love. I found myself rooting for them to just put their deep dark secrets out there to each other. Simply because it was time for them to be happy. They deserved to love and be loved. Rex and Vanessa really are perfect for each other. They respect that the other one has their own secrets. And they respect it. They are always there for each other when they need it. It didn't matter if it was good or bad. They were there. Both always did special stuff for the other one.
< "I may not have been lashing out, but I used my past to keep me from my future, from trusting you, from opening myself up to you and letting you in, for fear that you'd hurt me the way they did."
They are just too cute!! I'd find myself laughing out loud one minute. Then, crying the next. I swear. EVERY book Beth has given me I've cried while reading!!
I also LOVED seeing Rex & Hunter together!! Talk about total opposites. But, that didn't matter to them. They loved each other so much & were ALWAYS there for each other. It was nice to see. Same with Vanessa and Olivia. Those 2 had me laugh so hard that whoever was around me looked at me like I had 100 heads. And, I got more Hunter & Olivia!! Yayy, that was awesome. Beth did good by them. I always wondered what would happen with them. She did not disappoint me. But, she never does!
"I know that I may not always say the right thing, but I promise I'll do right by you. I'll jump over fucking hurdles for you, and I'll do anything to make you smile."
Every book Beth writes gets hotter & hotter!! And, this book was HOT HOT HOT !!! Rex & Vanessa turn the hot meter up by a lot!! I honestly thought that nothing or nobody could help Rex or Vanessa. But, Beth proved me wrong! If I were you. I would already one clicked this book. I just pray I get more of Rex & Vanessa and Hunter & Olivia. Because, Rex is definitely one of my FAVORITE book boyfriends!!
"It's because of you that I believe in wishes again."
September 24, 2020
Well, the book was strange from the start in the way that I couldn't connect nor sympathize with the two main characters!
I felt disconnected from the whole book ... I read up to 23% then started skimming.
Reached the epilogue and it was still the same.
Didn't enjoy this book one bit.
*******************************************
#17 in my Self-Imposed-Reducing-My-TBR-Challenge
#2020
I felt disconnected from the whole book ... I read up to 23% then started skimming.
Reached the epilogue and it was still the same.
Didn't enjoy this book one bit.
*******************************************
#17 in my Self-Imposed-Reducing-My-TBR-Challenge
#2020
July 20, 2014
My very first book by Beth Michele and I loved it to pieces! I was totally drawn into the world of Rex and Vanessa. Amazing story telling and captivating writing. A good balance of romance, steam, heartwarming emotions and a touch of drama. Beth definitely has a way with writing sweet, feel good characters paired with toe-curling, panty-wetting sex and yet not letting one overpower the other. A good balance :D
My eyes roam from flower to flower, nose filling with the most wonderful fragrances, heart hypnotized by Rex and this unexpected yet beautiful gesture.
"I can't believe he did this for me," I voice out loud as though the field has ears, my head doing a continuous shake.
"Why not, he's fucking amazing," a sexy rasp says from behind me, and the wind gets knocked out of me once again when I turn my head to find Rex standing in the doorway with a roguish grin. He pushes off the wall and stalks over to me, his eyes never leaving mine. "Hi, baby." He takes my hand and helps me to my feet...
"Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?" I wind my arms around his neck. his warm breath dancing across my skin.
He kisses the tip of my nose. "I don't know. Is it working?
"I think it might be," I admit, my lips splitting into a grin.
"Well, don't get too used to it." His gentle hand pushes a wave of hair behind my ear. "I'm not a flowery type of a guy."
Despite Rex and Vanessa getting hot and heavy fairly early in the book, we get to see a good amount of character and relationship development between them. What started off as a friends with benefits relationship grew into something so much more. Beth's writing definitely has something magical about it I love how natural the relationship between Rex and Vanessa is. They are absolutely adorable together!
Vanessa. I love her. She is very strong willed and feisty. I love how confident she is with herself and her body around Rex. Always makes me giggle.
"My text?" She gets up on her knees, backing herself down the bed. My dick does a happy dance because he knows where she's headed. "I think I said, hmph," she taps a finger against her mouth, "I want to wrap my lips around your - "
Her tongue finishes her sentence, licking from the base of my shaft all the way to the head, and I groan, afraid I might lose my shit right now...When she finally lifts her head, she's got a wicked grin on her face.
"You see," she rubs a finger over her swollen lips, "I've got mad skills, too."
And then we have Rex, a bad boy and a tattoo artist! Immediate love. Both of them are a little bented but we see them grow. He screws up bad at one point but he grovels for forgiveness in the most romantic way ever. And damn is the sex amazing...
"You anxious, Blondie?" I whisper in her ear, grazing the shell with my tongue. She takes a hard swallow and nods her head.
"Good. I want you anxious."
/sighs. I want a relationship like theirs.
I want her everywhere.
"Let's go."
Since she's already on my lap, I decide to carry her out the door, wanting to keep my arms around her for as long as possible.
"What are you doing?" she squeals, one of my hands on her ass and the other around her back.
"What does it look like? I'm trying to cop a feel," I joke, and she shakes her head, laughing, her silky hair flapping against my face.
"Are you intent on carrying me the entire way to my apartment?" Her cheeks rise with her smile and she's so damn adorable.
"Well, you know I've got the stamina." I wink, squeezing her ass. It's kind of hard not to when it's right under my hand.
My eyes roam from flower to flower, nose filling with the most wonderful fragrances, heart hypnotized by Rex and this unexpected yet beautiful gesture.
"I can't believe he did this for me," I voice out loud as though the field has ears, my head doing a continuous shake.
"Why not, he's fucking amazing," a sexy rasp says from behind me, and the wind gets knocked out of me once again when I turn my head to find Rex standing in the doorway with a roguish grin. He pushes off the wall and stalks over to me, his eyes never leaving mine. "Hi, baby." He takes my hand and helps me to my feet...
"Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?" I wind my arms around his neck. his warm breath dancing across my skin.
He kisses the tip of my nose. "I don't know. Is it working?
"I think it might be," I admit, my lips splitting into a grin.
"Well, don't get too used to it." His gentle hand pushes a wave of hair behind my ear. "I'm not a flowery type of a guy."
Despite Rex and Vanessa getting hot and heavy fairly early in the book, we get to see a good amount of character and relationship development between them. What started off as a friends with benefits relationship grew into something so much more. Beth's writing definitely has something magical about it I love how natural the relationship between Rex and Vanessa is. They are absolutely adorable together!
Vanessa. I love her. She is very strong willed and feisty. I love how confident she is with herself and her body around Rex. Always makes me giggle.
"My text?" She gets up on her knees, backing herself down the bed. My dick does a happy dance because he knows where she's headed. "I think I said, hmph," she taps a finger against her mouth, "I want to wrap my lips around your - "
Her tongue finishes her sentence, licking from the base of my shaft all the way to the head, and I groan, afraid I might lose my shit right now...When she finally lifts her head, she's got a wicked grin on her face.
"You see," she rubs a finger over her swollen lips, "I've got mad skills, too."
And then we have Rex, a bad boy and a tattoo artist! Immediate love. Both of them are a little bented but we see them grow. He screws up bad at one point but he grovels for forgiveness in the most romantic way ever. And damn is the sex amazing...
"You anxious, Blondie?" I whisper in her ear, grazing the shell with my tongue. She takes a hard swallow and nods her head.
"Good. I want you anxious."
/sighs. I want a relationship like theirs.
I want her everywhere.
"Let's go."
Since she's already on my lap, I decide to carry her out the door, wanting to keep my arms around her for as long as possible.
"What are you doing?" she squeals, one of my hands on her ass and the other around her back.
"What does it look like? I'm trying to cop a feel," I joke, and she shakes her head, laughing, her silky hair flapping against my face.
"Are you intent on carrying me the entire way to my apartment?" Her cheeks rise with her smile and she's so damn adorable.
"Well, you know I've got the stamina." I wink, squeezing her ass. It's kind of hard not to when it's right under my hand.
December 16, 2014
What? Those aren’t tears you see glistening in my eyes. Nope. Allergies. And those goose-bumps? They’re from the air conditioning being set too low. Yep. That’s right. Nothing to see here, folks. I didn’t just finish reading a book that made me well up like a baby with separation anxiety and smile like a giddy teenager on their first date. Orrrrrrrrrrrr, maybe I did. Alright, I did. Rex (the book and the character) made me cry – not ugly cry, for the record, it was more gentle than that – and smile and swoon and swear. And I loved every second of it.
Rex Grayson thinks the stacked blonde that walks into his tattoo parlor is hot. Her desire to get ink that says Love Sucks isn’t the norm but then again, neither is what she makes him feel.
Vanessa Hilliard has no faith in love. No hope for it in her life. All she wants is a tattoo. What she gets instead is a twisted, f*cked-up bad boy that has the potential to change her life.
They’ve both got pasts that are holding them back. And they’re both about to find out that the other is way more than they ever expected.
I think I felt every moment of this book. Right from the beginning, but especially when Rex and Vanessa came face-to-face, I could tell that I was going to get attached, invested and emotional. Neither of them were perfect characters – they’re both holding on to sh*t that fills their past and clouds their future – but both of them were relatable in their own way. Their respective hurt made them real, human and flawed and I really enjoyed seeing them struggle to recognize and accept the changes that finding that someone can bring.
I loved the structure of this book. The major moments weren’t all crowded at the end of the book, forcing and rushing the ending. Rex and Vanessa’s moments of realization were well-spaced and well written – no sudden personality changes or insta-love. But my very favorite moment, however, didn’t belong to Rex or Vanessa, but to a young woman getting a tattoo as a memorial to a lost loved one. Her sentiment, her words had tears streaming down my face. I re-read that passage several times, and highlighted it because It. Was. Perfect.
So, that explains the tears. But the smiles? There wasn’t one single moment that had me grinning – there were several throughout the book. Little passages that made me happy and hopeful. Sweet interactions that made me want to fall in love again. And an ending that made the romantic in me swoon. I haven’t read the first story in this series yet, but I will. I’ll just make sure to take some of that allergy medicine and bump the a/c temp first...
Rex is the second book in the Finding Love series and can be read as a standalone. ~ Beth, 5 stars
Rex Grayson thinks the stacked blonde that walks into his tattoo parlor is hot. Her desire to get ink that says Love Sucks isn’t the norm but then again, neither is what she makes him feel.
Vanessa Hilliard has no faith in love. No hope for it in her life. All she wants is a tattoo. What she gets instead is a twisted, f*cked-up bad boy that has the potential to change her life.
They’ve both got pasts that are holding them back. And they’re both about to find out that the other is way more than they ever expected.
I think I felt every moment of this book. Right from the beginning, but especially when Rex and Vanessa came face-to-face, I could tell that I was going to get attached, invested and emotional. Neither of them were perfect characters – they’re both holding on to sh*t that fills their past and clouds their future – but both of them were relatable in their own way. Their respective hurt made them real, human and flawed and I really enjoyed seeing them struggle to recognize and accept the changes that finding that someone can bring.
I loved the structure of this book. The major moments weren’t all crowded at the end of the book, forcing and rushing the ending. Rex and Vanessa’s moments of realization were well-spaced and well written – no sudden personality changes or insta-love. But my very favorite moment, however, didn’t belong to Rex or Vanessa, but to a young woman getting a tattoo as a memorial to a lost loved one. Her sentiment, her words had tears streaming down my face. I re-read that passage several times, and highlighted it because It. Was. Perfect.
So, that explains the tears. But the smiles? There wasn’t one single moment that had me grinning – there were several throughout the book. Little passages that made me happy and hopeful. Sweet interactions that made me want to fall in love again. And an ending that made the romantic in me swoon. I haven’t read the first story in this series yet, but I will. I’ll just make sure to take some of that allergy medicine and bump the a/c temp first...
Rex is the second book in the Finding Love series and can be read as a standalone. ~ Beth, 5 stars
July 22, 2014
Rex is the second book in the Finding Love series by Beth Michelle. Don't worry though, if you haven't read the first novella, Finding Autumn, you won't be lost. Rex is a standalone novel. There is just enough back story for newbies so you won't be lost. If you are like myself and have read Hunter and Olivia's story then you have already been introduced to Vanessa and Rex. Even still, the back story isn't overworked and boring. The best part is that Hunter and Olivia make several appearances throughout the book.
Rex really intrigued me when he was introduced in Finding Autumn. The brothers are complete opposites. Hunter is all business and Rex, well he is living life and having a good time. I love bad boys. Maybe it's because I married a suit. I don't know, but the bad boys always do it for me. To be honest, going into this one I thought it was going to be like so many other books out there. It seems like damaged characters are what everyone is writing about these days. Don't get me wrong I love these stories but I get tired of the back and forth relationships. Usually by the time the characters get together, I'm ready to strangle them and thinking they seriously need a shrink. For once though I didn't want to kill the main characters. Yes, Rex and Vanessa both have issues but they actually made me fall more in love with them. They may be screwed up but they are both still strong and dealt with their issues without annoying the shit out of me. Their story is well written and held my interest until the last page.
I love smut! I love sexy books! Sometimes I just want a hot book and other times I want to actually read a love story. There is such a big difference between love and lust. Although I enjoy both, I prefer the more drawn out love stories. I want to believe that the characters are really in love. Rex hit the mark. The relationship between Vanessa and Rex actually develops. I felt their struggles when they did. I laughed, teared up, and was right there along with them on their journey. This book really surprised me. It made me take a look at my own life. I thought, damn, maybe I should put my book down and spend a little more time with my son when he is trying to get me to play some silly game with him for the hundredth time that day. For that reason alone I am giving this one 4.5 Stars. I can't wait to see what Beth writes next. Her writing gets better and better with each book I read!
Rex really intrigued me when he was introduced in Finding Autumn. The brothers are complete opposites. Hunter is all business and Rex, well he is living life and having a good time. I love bad boys. Maybe it's because I married a suit. I don't know, but the bad boys always do it for me. To be honest, going into this one I thought it was going to be like so many other books out there. It seems like damaged characters are what everyone is writing about these days. Don't get me wrong I love these stories but I get tired of the back and forth relationships. Usually by the time the characters get together, I'm ready to strangle them and thinking they seriously need a shrink. For once though I didn't want to kill the main characters. Yes, Rex and Vanessa both have issues but they actually made me fall more in love with them. They may be screwed up but they are both still strong and dealt with their issues without annoying the shit out of me. Their story is well written and held my interest until the last page.
I love smut! I love sexy books! Sometimes I just want a hot book and other times I want to actually read a love story. There is such a big difference between love and lust. Although I enjoy both, I prefer the more drawn out love stories. I want to believe that the characters are really in love. Rex hit the mark. The relationship between Vanessa and Rex actually develops. I felt their struggles when they did. I laughed, teared up, and was right there along with them on their journey. This book really surprised me. It made me take a look at my own life. I thought, damn, maybe I should put my book down and spend a little more time with my son when he is trying to get me to play some silly game with him for the hundredth time that day. For that reason alone I am giving this one 4.5 Stars. I can't wait to see what Beth writes next. Her writing gets better and better with each book I read!
July 8, 2014
I'm having a moment.......
Lip wobble.....
OMG what a beautiful book !!
Beth has done a wonderful job telling Rex & Vanessa's story.
Ah, l'amour !. I LOVED the duel POV, always a winner for me getting into the male psyche. The wonders of the male brain cell.
It was fab that Hunter & Liv were also in this book as sort of back characters. And I enjoyed seeing their story "sewn up" so to speak.
I must say I HOPE with a capital "H", that Tillie and Ryder get their own book. As I have defo decided in my infinate wisdom to couple those two up !!. See just like God giving Moses the 10 commandments....its a done deal. Any-how.........
I must add - God damn I need Chloe to get a HEA. Christ (wipes tear) for her mini story. She CANNOT have it end there Beth for her !!
Do some typing Beth !!!
Ermmmm, maybe Jonathan ?. Since no buggers really got a true take on him as a character, lets team him up with Chloe. Yep, master plan !!
I award Rex 5 glorious stars. Even though Tyler is still dead (snivle) EVERY-ONE got their HEA (except Chloe grrrr).....yeah baby I'm smiling that R Luv's V.
I would recommend Beth's books to any-one who wants a good, solid story line. No eye-rolling moments when reading and to sum up the clincher for me a book that ends with a HEA......praise be !
I will keep an eye out for more of Beth's books (stomping foot demanding that Beth writes Tillie & Chloe's book asap).
Well that all so give Rex a go, plus dear god just look at the book cover model !. He's enough to help keep any-one's imagination in character when reading !!!
Later peeps :0)
Lip wobble.....
OMG what a beautiful book !!
Beth has done a wonderful job telling Rex & Vanessa's story.
Ah, l'amour !. I LOVED the duel POV, always a winner for me getting into the male psyche. The wonders of the male brain cell.
It was fab that Hunter & Liv were also in this book as sort of back characters. And I enjoyed seeing their story "sewn up" so to speak.
I must say I HOPE with a capital "H", that Tillie and Ryder get their own book. As I have defo decided in my infinate wisdom to couple those two up !!. See just like God giving Moses the 10 commandments....its a done deal. Any-how.........
I must add - God damn I need Chloe to get a HEA. Christ (wipes tear) for her mini story. She CANNOT have it end there Beth for her !!
Do some typing Beth !!!
Ermmmm, maybe Jonathan ?. Since no buggers really got a true take on him as a character, lets team him up with Chloe. Yep, master plan !!
I award Rex 5 glorious stars. Even though Tyler is still dead (snivle) EVERY-ONE got their HEA (except Chloe grrrr).....yeah baby I'm smiling that R Luv's V.
I would recommend Beth's books to any-one who wants a good, solid story line. No eye-rolling moments when reading and to sum up the clincher for me a book that ends with a HEA......praise be !
I will keep an eye out for more of Beth's books (stomping foot demanding that Beth writes Tillie & Chloe's book asap).
Well that all so give Rex a go, plus dear god just look at the book cover model !. He's enough to help keep any-one's imagination in character when reading !!!
Later peeps :0)
July 4, 2014
This is my 5 star review for REX by Beth Michele for Eskimo Princess Book Reviews.
REX is about Rex Grayson, a tattooed bad boy who is sexy, strong, and an emotional outcast. He has not had the best track record when it comes to love and he doesn’t plan on changing his single status. He is a successful tattoo artist and he loves his job.
Vanessa Hilliard doesn’t believe in love. She thinks that love sucks and she wants nothing to do with it. She is young, beautiful, and very good at her job. She doesn’t forgive and she never forgets. Her best friend, Olivia, is determined to find the one man that can bring her happiness. Will Rex be the man to change her view on love? Will she push him away just like she has everyone else?
Let me start of by saying that I LOVED REX!!!! The sex was HOTTT!!! There was a couple times that I thought my kindle was going to start smoking….let me just say that Rex sure does know his way around the bedroom! I loved reading more about Hunter and Olivia as well. I am really glad that Beth gave us more of their story. Once I started Rex I didn’t stop until I had devoured the whole book, hey going to bed at 5 am is normal right? I loved the duel POV’s, getting an inside look at both Rex and Blondie’s thoughts was awesome. Yes there were a few moments where I wanted to slap Rex silly but that just shows just how great a job the author done getting me hooked into their story.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a bad boy with a broken side, a strong heroine who isn’t scared to tell it how it is, and who is looking for a smoking hot read that will make you need a new change of panties!
REX is about Rex Grayson, a tattooed bad boy who is sexy, strong, and an emotional outcast. He has not had the best track record when it comes to love and he doesn’t plan on changing his single status. He is a successful tattoo artist and he loves his job.
Vanessa Hilliard doesn’t believe in love. She thinks that love sucks and she wants nothing to do with it. She is young, beautiful, and very good at her job. She doesn’t forgive and she never forgets. Her best friend, Olivia, is determined to find the one man that can bring her happiness. Will Rex be the man to change her view on love? Will she push him away just like she has everyone else?
Let me start of by saying that I LOVED REX!!!! The sex was HOTTT!!! There was a couple times that I thought my kindle was going to start smoking….let me just say that Rex sure does know his way around the bedroom! I loved reading more about Hunter and Olivia as well. I am really glad that Beth gave us more of their story. Once I started Rex I didn’t stop until I had devoured the whole book, hey going to bed at 5 am is normal right? I loved the duel POV’s, getting an inside look at both Rex and Blondie’s thoughts was awesome. Yes there were a few moments where I wanted to slap Rex silly but that just shows just how great a job the author done getting me hooked into their story.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a bad boy with a broken side, a strong heroine who isn’t scared to tell it how it is, and who is looking for a smoking hot read that will make you need a new change of panties!
June 10, 2015
Screw Rex Manning Day – I want a Rex Grayson Day. Because this Rex is really fucking sexy. and adorable. and sort of an asshole. BUT I LOVE HIM ANYWAY. I’m lost in all the feels. I’m smiling stupidly, and even though that ending was more than satisfying I’m dying for more.
Rex isn’t looking for love – hell, he’s barely looking for like. He’ll saddle up to any pretty face that walks through the door with a nice set of tits. As long as her name isn’t Diane. Because, NO. The man has some serious mother issues, on top of other issues, but he’s not looking to fix them. He’s just looking for a good time.
Thankfully, Vanessa’s the same way. While their first meeting doesn’t quite go to plan, fate steps in and screams ‘HEY GUYS, YOU SHOULD HOOK THE FUCK UP’ & promptly throws them back together. Who they hell are they to fight fate? Right? Thank fuck, because the two of them together are really goddamn hot. However, as the days pass, and they start to let each other in, who will be the first to break?
Are you looking for a man-whore turned paragon of monogamy? An asshole who tries to curb his constant fuckery? A good man at his core? And a woman who isn’t afraid to put him in his place? You found them here – Hope and love can break a heart or fill it….Rex and Vanessa’s path is bumpy yet oh so fulfilling. Seriously, so good. Get it nowwwww. 4.5 stars
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
Rex isn’t looking for love – hell, he’s barely looking for like. He’ll saddle up to any pretty face that walks through the door with a nice set of tits. As long as her name isn’t Diane. Because, NO. The man has some serious mother issues, on top of other issues, but he’s not looking to fix them. He’s just looking for a good time.
Thankfully, Vanessa’s the same way. While their first meeting doesn’t quite go to plan, fate steps in and screams ‘HEY GUYS, YOU SHOULD HOOK THE FUCK UP’ & promptly throws them back together. Who they hell are they to fight fate? Right? Thank fuck, because the two of them together are really goddamn hot. However, as the days pass, and they start to let each other in, who will be the first to break?
Are you looking for a man-whore turned paragon of monogamy? An asshole who tries to curb his constant fuckery? A good man at his core? And a woman who isn’t afraid to put him in his place? You found them here – Hope and love can break a heart or fill it….Rex and Vanessa’s path is bumpy yet oh so fulfilling. Seriously, so good. Get it nowwwww. 4.5 stars
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
October 1, 2016
A wonderful follow-up book to "Finding Autumn." The H in this book is Rex, Hunter's brother and a tattoo artist, and the h is Vanessa, Olivia's best friend, and a very successful event planner. Both of these books could be read as standalones, but I would recommend both just because they are do crossover a little and they were both really good stories.
Rex and Olivia have a somewhat similar past in that growing up their parenting left alot of emotional scars and in Rex's case he also had to deal with his younger brother's suicide. Both Rex and Olivia found their coping mechanism in sex, and more sex with just about anyone. They have sworn off relationships, both feeling they are incapable of making long term commitments. Until, of course, they meet each other. And, together, they do have a lot of sex and more sex. But, something else that neither have ever felt, also begins to bud as they slowly share with each other their pasts and help each other heal. Rex's anger is most destructive but my heart went out to him and he was a really strong person deep down, he just needed a reason to put his anger to rest.
Probably the only complaint I had about the book was that toward the end it got a little, dare I say, "mushy"--lots of I love you's and a grand gesture or two But, I did really enjoy this read.
Rex and Olivia have a somewhat similar past in that growing up their parenting left alot of emotional scars and in Rex's case he also had to deal with his younger brother's suicide. Both Rex and Olivia found their coping mechanism in sex, and more sex with just about anyone. They have sworn off relationships, both feeling they are incapable of making long term commitments. Until, of course, they meet each other. And, together, they do have a lot of sex and more sex. But, something else that neither have ever felt, also begins to bud as they slowly share with each other their pasts and help each other heal. Rex's anger is most destructive but my heart went out to him and he was a really strong person deep down, he just needed a reason to put his anger to rest.
Probably the only complaint I had about the book was that toward the end it got a little, dare I say, "mushy"--lots of I love you's and a grand gesture or two But, I did really enjoy this read.
July 22, 2014
Love sucks.
Or so Vanessa thought—until she met sexy tattoo artist, Rex Grayson.
Vanessa grew up in a home where the only affection she found came from the babysitter. This left her jaded and jilted, and skewed her outlook on love. Never witnessing it for herself, Vanessa truly believed love didn’t really exist.
After every woman who was supposed to love and care of him as a child proved to be untrustworthy, Rex closed himself off from women. He looked at them for one purpose and one purpose only—to fill his sexual needs.
Rex and Vanessa have an instant attraction upon meeting, but neither is looking for more than an easy hook-up. But what begins as casual sex slowly morphs into something more lasting as both realize the other is exactly what they didn’t know they were looking for.
This book had so many layers. The character development was so good. Rex’s backstory brought me to tears more than once. And the love story that develops feels real. The ups and downs are natural and I found myself being angry alongside Vanessa, and aching for the pain Rex felt. As usual, Beth’s writing was smooth and eloquent. And the HEA at the end left a smile on my face.
Or so Vanessa thought—until she met sexy tattoo artist, Rex Grayson.
Vanessa grew up in a home where the only affection she found came from the babysitter. This left her jaded and jilted, and skewed her outlook on love. Never witnessing it for herself, Vanessa truly believed love didn’t really exist.
After every woman who was supposed to love and care of him as a child proved to be untrustworthy, Rex closed himself off from women. He looked at them for one purpose and one purpose only—to fill his sexual needs.
Rex and Vanessa have an instant attraction upon meeting, but neither is looking for more than an easy hook-up. But what begins as casual sex slowly morphs into something more lasting as both realize the other is exactly what they didn’t know they were looking for.
This book had so many layers. The character development was so good. Rex’s backstory brought me to tears more than once. And the love story that develops feels real. The ups and downs are natural and I found myself being angry alongside Vanessa, and aching for the pain Rex felt. As usual, Beth’s writing was smooth and eloquent. And the HEA at the end left a smile on my face.
September 24, 2014
I really really really wanted to like this book. I tried, I gave it my best shot. But, I had major issues. I FORCED myself to finish it. I didn't feel anything for the characters. There was no connection for me. Rex was an arse, sexy but an arse nonetheless. His issues? Bleh, I didn't feel anything other than acknowledging that his past did in fact suck. For me, the writing lacked the ability to make me feel for Rex. Intellectually I understood he was in pain, but I never felt it emotionally. Same goes for Vanessa. I understood her past but didn't feel the emotional connection to her journey.
Maybe I wasnt in the right mind frame to read this book? You know sometimes you want a story beyond the sex scenes and other times you just want a steamy story regardless of the plot. I wanted the journey, I wanted the story. Instead, I was left with characters I didn't feel for and a story full of steamy sex. It might work for you, but this wasn't for me. Sad times.
Maybe I wasnt in the right mind frame to read this book? You know sometimes you want a story beyond the sex scenes and other times you just want a steamy story regardless of the plot. I wanted the journey, I wanted the story. Instead, I was left with characters I didn't feel for and a story full of steamy sex. It might work for you, but this wasn't for me. Sad times.
July 10, 2014
Love sucks. But what happens when it becomes effing amazing?! Rex and Vanessa happen. They are my favorite couple by Beth Michele.
I just loved Rex! I loved his sarcasm and witty banter with Vanessa. I loved that he called her Blondie! They had me laughing quite a bit. He irritated me at times where I just wanted to slap him, but I respected and loved him more when he realized what he was doing and took actions to fix it. I liked that Vanessa would not be stepped on. Both were broken in their own ways, but they worked to move on from their past and it's what made the story so believable and great! And that epilogue brought it full-circle--I LOVED it!
Definitely a great summer read!
I just loved Rex! I loved his sarcasm and witty banter with Vanessa. I loved that he called her Blondie! They had me laughing quite a bit. He irritated me at times where I just wanted to slap him, but I respected and loved him more when he realized what he was doing and took actions to fix it. I liked that Vanessa would not be stepped on. Both were broken in their own ways, but they worked to move on from their past and it's what made the story so believable and great! And that epilogue brought it full-circle--I LOVED it!
Definitely a great summer read!
July 2, 2014
I received an ARC of this for an honest opinion and Beth did a fabulous job with this book.
Rex and Vanessa's story was a beautiful journey. Amazing characters and steamy sex scenes that will leave you wanting more.
With love, hurt and more emotions pulled in, I loved every minute of this story and I am sure you will too.
Rex and Vanessa's story was a beautiful journey. Amazing characters and steamy sex scenes that will leave you wanting more.
With love, hurt and more emotions pulled in, I loved every minute of this story and I am sure you will too.
July 6, 2014
Perfectly beautiful. <3 .
July 9, 2014
Thank goodness it's over.
November 6, 2019
It Was A Lot...
but it was worth it. This story was really good. Broken people who become one with each other. Why did I think Olivia's father was gonna say Stella was her real mother - lol. Anyway, I'm glad I got to find out how Olivia and Hunter's story ended. Liv's family was a trip, so basically all these people had personal issues that they overcame.
but it was worth it. This story was really good. Broken people who become one with each other. Why did I think Olivia's father was gonna say Stella was her real mother - lol. Anyway, I'm glad I got to find out how Olivia and Hunter's story ended. Liv's family was a trip, so basically all these people had personal issues that they overcame.
August 23, 2018
Okay read
I’m not sure what prompted me to download this book. It was a decent read, but I had a hard time getting through it. Many of the chapters were repetitious.
I’m not sure what prompted me to download this book. It was a decent read, but I had a hard time getting through it. Many of the chapters were repetitious.
December 15, 2020
Love
I just started reading one of your books and loved it so much I’m reading the rest of the F/M books. I love them and I’ll keep buying them.
I just started reading one of your books and loved it so much I’m reading the rest of the F/M books. I love them and I’ll keep buying them.
July 16, 2014
Love sucks.
It’s cruel.
It makes people weak.
It destroys people.
It makes people say and do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do, which ends up hurting them.
This is exactly what Vanessa, one of the main characters of Beth Michele’s Rex, believes. Vanessa lives and breathes this motto to the extent that at the beginning of the story, she goes to a tattoo shop because she wants to have it tattooed on her body as a constant reminder that loving someone only leads to disappointment. Rex is the tattoo artist Vanessa goes to for her new ink, and let’s just say that their first encounter doesn’t go so well; in fact, Rex talks Vanessa out of the tattoo, and then their strong personalities piss each other off. But then they’re brought together again and the sexual tension between them threatens to undo them both, so they give into their attraction and find that the connection between they have just might be more than sexual, which scares the hell out of both of them.
Vanessa and Rex are both fighting demons from their past that have created a cement wall around their hearts. They don’t have love to give because they’ve never received it in the first place to understand how it works. Vanessa’s parents proved that having an emotional attachment to anyone can destroy you, and Rex’s mother taught him that women are cruel and dishonest, only good for one thing. So how do Vanessa and Rex make a relationship work when they don’t know the first thing about anything healthy? Can the woman who believes love sucks and the man who calls himself the tin man find something in each other worth the risk, or will these two tortured souls who focus solely on the people who have caused them pain end up destroying any hope either may have had left that love can actually work out?
Every time I read a book by Beth Michele, I know I’m in for an emotional journey. Her main characters usual have a mountain of issues that they have to face in order to prove to themselves that their pasts don’t have to dictate their future. Vanessa and Rex have allowed their backgrounds to control their present actions, which makes complete sense to me. Vanessa says it best when she explains, “people who bring you into this world set the tone for your entire life.” When you grow up in such a loveless environment, it’s going to do a number on your psyche, but I also believe there comes a point where you have to stop living your life according to what people you have zero respect dictate and start being the you, you want to be…the one those you love and love you know you can be. Vanessa recognizes that idea a lot earlier than Rex does, and she’s willing to come out behind the mask she wears and give herself fully to Rex. For Rex, it’s not as easy. He can’t let go of his anger because it’s his battle wear; it’s all he has to protect himself, and once he lets that go, he doesn’t know who he is. But what he also doesn’t understand is that if he doesn’t free himself from the binds of his past, his future will be without Vanessa. He has to decide what the greater risk is.
Boy did Rex have my emotions all over the place! It took me a bit to get into Vanessa and Rex’s story because I had a hard time getting past Rex’s attitude; even when some of the details of his past were revealed, it didn’t change my opinion of him because I always feel like you have a choice to change, and he just never chose to change. But the further I got into the text, the more I realized that his guilt was torturing him, and he needed the numbness of unemotional attachments to make it through each day. He needed to react first before the other person hurt him. Having everything explained through Rex’s perspective also helped to see the bigger picture of what was going on in his head as he dealt with his feelings for Vanessa in the least constructive way possible. He’s a flawed character, which makes him perfect for Vanessa because she sees through it all and only sees the man she’s willing to take a chance on.
Rex is a great story. It’s sexy, angsty, and emotional. It will have readers rooting for Vanessa and Rex until the very end…hoping they would both finally understand that…
Love rules.
It’s kind.
It makes people strong.
It completes people.
It makes people say and do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do, which ends up healing them.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4/4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
It’s cruel.
It makes people weak.
It destroys people.
It makes people say and do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do, which ends up hurting them.
This is exactly what Vanessa, one of the main characters of Beth Michele’s Rex, believes. Vanessa lives and breathes this motto to the extent that at the beginning of the story, she goes to a tattoo shop because she wants to have it tattooed on her body as a constant reminder that loving someone only leads to disappointment. Rex is the tattoo artist Vanessa goes to for her new ink, and let’s just say that their first encounter doesn’t go so well; in fact, Rex talks Vanessa out of the tattoo, and then their strong personalities piss each other off. But then they’re brought together again and the sexual tension between them threatens to undo them both, so they give into their attraction and find that the connection between they have just might be more than sexual, which scares the hell out of both of them.
Vanessa and Rex are both fighting demons from their past that have created a cement wall around their hearts. They don’t have love to give because they’ve never received it in the first place to understand how it works. Vanessa’s parents proved that having an emotional attachment to anyone can destroy you, and Rex’s mother taught him that women are cruel and dishonest, only good for one thing. So how do Vanessa and Rex make a relationship work when they don’t know the first thing about anything healthy? Can the woman who believes love sucks and the man who calls himself the tin man find something in each other worth the risk, or will these two tortured souls who focus solely on the people who have caused them pain end up destroying any hope either may have had left that love can actually work out?
Every time I read a book by Beth Michele, I know I’m in for an emotional journey. Her main characters usual have a mountain of issues that they have to face in order to prove to themselves that their pasts don’t have to dictate their future. Vanessa and Rex have allowed their backgrounds to control their present actions, which makes complete sense to me. Vanessa says it best when she explains, “people who bring you into this world set the tone for your entire life.” When you grow up in such a loveless environment, it’s going to do a number on your psyche, but I also believe there comes a point where you have to stop living your life according to what people you have zero respect dictate and start being the you, you want to be…the one those you love and love you know you can be. Vanessa recognizes that idea a lot earlier than Rex does, and she’s willing to come out behind the mask she wears and give herself fully to Rex. For Rex, it’s not as easy. He can’t let go of his anger because it’s his battle wear; it’s all he has to protect himself, and once he lets that go, he doesn’t know who he is. But what he also doesn’t understand is that if he doesn’t free himself from the binds of his past, his future will be without Vanessa. He has to decide what the greater risk is.
Boy did Rex have my emotions all over the place! It took me a bit to get into Vanessa and Rex’s story because I had a hard time getting past Rex’s attitude; even when some of the details of his past were revealed, it didn’t change my opinion of him because I always feel like you have a choice to change, and he just never chose to change. But the further I got into the text, the more I realized that his guilt was torturing him, and he needed the numbness of unemotional attachments to make it through each day. He needed to react first before the other person hurt him. Having everything explained through Rex’s perspective also helped to see the bigger picture of what was going on in his head as he dealt with his feelings for Vanessa in the least constructive way possible. He’s a flawed character, which makes him perfect for Vanessa because she sees through it all and only sees the man she’s willing to take a chance on.
Rex is a great story. It’s sexy, angsty, and emotional. It will have readers rooting for Vanessa and Rex until the very end…hoping they would both finally understand that…
Love rules.
It’s kind.
It makes people strong.
It completes people.
It makes people say and do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do, which ends up healing them.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4/4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
July 5, 2014
Melanie's 4.5 Star Review:
In this big, complicated world, we all secretly hope that somewhere out there lives the one person we are meant for. In Beth Michele's Rex, both the female and male protagonist never considered that such a person existed, because hey, Love Sucks.
Beth Michele writes an incredible tale of two people, haunted by their pasts; living everyday with their heads just bobbing above water with just enough air to keep them alive. Not knowing that upon stumbling into each other, the breaths they soon breathe into each other would become just the thing to not only keep them alive, but for the first time, actually give them a reason to live.
Rex Grayson though physically stealth is anything but. Inundated with guilt and loss so unrelenting, he has punished himself by believing himself unworthy of happiness. He keeps his distance by having meaningless relationships, ones that consist of a slew of quick f*cks with faceless women as a way to keep his demons at bay. I loved, Rex. His dirty mouth, his very masculine persona had my tongue wagging right out of my mouth. But truly what I fell in love with came as Vanessa walked into his life-- I thought THIS, THIS is who Rex Grayson is. A delicious mix of everything I could ever want in a book boyfriend-- naughty (Rex is like WHOA), amazingly passionate about his creative profession, self-assured yet completely vulnerable, and by golly, he is incredibly sweet.
Vanessa Hilliard was quite a heroine in this book. Equally haunted by her past, she has sworn off the idea of love-- so much so that she had the full intention of making that testament permanent on her porcelain skin. But as luck would have it, the very tattoo parlor she chose to walk into would be the best decision in her lifetime. I really admired Vanessa's character. Given everything that she has had to deal with at such a young age, she fights against it and makes a life on her own the best way she could. Beth Michele did a wonderful job showing us that like Vanessa, our past shouldn't define the future we choose to have. Vanessa had such grace, an unforced beauty with a loving heart.
The chemistry between Vanessa and Rex was out of this world. I was honestly blown away by some of the scenes and kept shooting out text messages to my blog partner at how hot and bothered I was. Everything between them just came so naturally, as if these two were meant to be on the pages together. I was not at all expecting the level of hotness I got out of this book. What a pleasant surprise this was!
Beth Michele did an incredible job with Rex. This had many, many of the elements I look for in a great book. She gave us the perfect background for both Rex and Vanessa, I knew exactly what the demons they were fighting against and why those have shaped them to be the way that they are. This allowed me to connect with the characters and I was highly invested in their chance of a happily ever after. I was honestly so impressed with how well written and well versed all the pages were-- I was drawn in right at the very beginning and that gave me such a high, knowing that this was something I wouldn't be able to put down.
And so you I'm sure you're asking why I couldn't give this the full 5-stars... There was something which I can't fully wrap my mind around that just missed this mark for me. Before continuing this review, I was debating with myself because I hate not being able to pin point as to exactly where it didn't all align for me. It may have been the pace of the book where it made it seem as if Vanessa forgave too easily, taking away from the seriousness of the situation for me or it could have been how readily "curable" Rex suddenly became after years of turmoil... Having said that, I enjoyed their story so, so much (so much so I couldn't stop messaging the author squealing about certain parts) and I would highly recommend this HOT HOT read.
Beth Michele
In this big, complicated world, we all secretly hope that somewhere out there lives the one person we are meant for. In Beth Michele's Rex, both the female and male protagonist never considered that such a person existed, because hey, Love Sucks.
Beth Michele writes an incredible tale of two people, haunted by their pasts; living everyday with their heads just bobbing above water with just enough air to keep them alive. Not knowing that upon stumbling into each other, the breaths they soon breathe into each other would become just the thing to not only keep them alive, but for the first time, actually give them a reason to live.
Rex Grayson though physically stealth is anything but. Inundated with guilt and loss so unrelenting, he has punished himself by believing himself unworthy of happiness. He keeps his distance by having meaningless relationships, ones that consist of a slew of quick f*cks with faceless women as a way to keep his demons at bay. I loved, Rex. His dirty mouth, his very masculine persona had my tongue wagging right out of my mouth. But truly what I fell in love with came as Vanessa walked into his life-- I thought THIS, THIS is who Rex Grayson is. A delicious mix of everything I could ever want in a book boyfriend-- naughty (Rex is like WHOA), amazingly passionate about his creative profession, self-assured yet completely vulnerable, and by golly, he is incredibly sweet.
Vanessa Hilliard was quite a heroine in this book. Equally haunted by her past, she has sworn off the idea of love-- so much so that she had the full intention of making that testament permanent on her porcelain skin. But as luck would have it, the very tattoo parlor she chose to walk into would be the best decision in her lifetime. I really admired Vanessa's character. Given everything that she has had to deal with at such a young age, she fights against it and makes a life on her own the best way she could. Beth Michele did a wonderful job showing us that like Vanessa, our past shouldn't define the future we choose to have. Vanessa had such grace, an unforced beauty with a loving heart.
The chemistry between Vanessa and Rex was out of this world. I was honestly blown away by some of the scenes and kept shooting out text messages to my blog partner at how hot and bothered I was. Everything between them just came so naturally, as if these two were meant to be on the pages together. I was not at all expecting the level of hotness I got out of this book. What a pleasant surprise this was!
Beth Michele did an incredible job with Rex. This had many, many of the elements I look for in a great book. She gave us the perfect background for both Rex and Vanessa, I knew exactly what the demons they were fighting against and why those have shaped them to be the way that they are. This allowed me to connect with the characters and I was highly invested in their chance of a happily ever after. I was honestly so impressed with how well written and well versed all the pages were-- I was drawn in right at the very beginning and that gave me such a high, knowing that this was something I wouldn't be able to put down.
And so you I'm sure you're asking why I couldn't give this the full 5-stars... There was something which I can't fully wrap my mind around that just missed this mark for me. Before continuing this review, I was debating with myself because I hate not being able to pin point as to exactly where it didn't all align for me. It may have been the pace of the book where it made it seem as if Vanessa forgave too easily, taking away from the seriousness of the situation for me or it could have been how readily "curable" Rex suddenly became after years of turmoil... Having said that, I enjoyed their story so, so much (so much so I couldn't stop messaging the author squealing about certain parts) and I would highly recommend this HOT HOT read.
Beth Michele
July 31, 2014
~Reviewed on Behalf of Give Me Books~
Oh My REX, Beth Michele has done it again!! What an emotionally beautiful story that takes a hold of your heart from the beginning and refuses to let it go till the last page. (5 stars)
The prologue had me chocking with emotion on the loss Rex was experiencing and from that moment I wanted to know what/why & whom. As we get to read about Rex and his past we see he has a past that he is still allowing to hold him down and mold him to whom he is today. He feels so guilty for what occurred 10 years ago constantly blaming himself and telling himself that he does not deserve to be happy. Rex is funny, sweet, loyal, smartalick and has an obsession with t*ts as he boldly says....what a man.
Vanessa aka Blondie has her set of demons she has to battle due to a childhood similar to Rex's but despite that she is still a strong person. I give it to her that she took charge of her life and moved away from those that had caused her pain for so many years. We get to see that it's hard for her to let people in and even harder to let down the walls from her heart because she's tired of giving her heart and all they do is shred it to pieces. She has one person in her life that is constant and that is her BF Olivia, whom is also a strong determined woman.
When Rex meets Vanessa was when she walked in to his tattoo shop to get a tattoo that says"love sucks." He tries to reason with her on why she shouldn't get it and it only p*sses her off and she walks out. I have to say that both of these characters have a strong attitude and it only makes the story even funnier because neither one of them wants to seem the weaker one and give in. One things leads to another and they agree that they will not get attached but keep it casual that is until Blondie starts asking questions about Rex's past to see why he is the way he is and boy does she touch a nerve. There are many swoon worthy moments, the sex scenes are unbelievably scorching hot and may I say Rex knows how to "satisfy" a lady **clearing throat** Vanessa as well realizes that she has to take her own advise with those that hurt her as well and yes my allergies kicked in at that moment that had my eyes watery ;-) There is so much emotion in this book and one of my favorite parts is where Rex realizes that Blondie is right on so many levels but he's also afraid that he lost his chance with her. Vanessa did not give in easily to Rex when he apologized but in stead made him grovel to get her back. This is a re-read for me and I can't wait for what else Beth Michele has in stored for us, maybe a novella on what happens to Rex & Vanessa after Hawaii?
Oh My REX, Beth Michele has done it again!! What an emotionally beautiful story that takes a hold of your heart from the beginning and refuses to let it go till the last page. (5 stars)
The prologue had me chocking with emotion on the loss Rex was experiencing and from that moment I wanted to know what/why & whom. As we get to read about Rex and his past we see he has a past that he is still allowing to hold him down and mold him to whom he is today. He feels so guilty for what occurred 10 years ago constantly blaming himself and telling himself that he does not deserve to be happy. Rex is funny, sweet, loyal, smartalick and has an obsession with t*ts as he boldly says....what a man.
Vanessa aka Blondie has her set of demons she has to battle due to a childhood similar to Rex's but despite that she is still a strong person. I give it to her that she took charge of her life and moved away from those that had caused her pain for so many years. We get to see that it's hard for her to let people in and even harder to let down the walls from her heart because she's tired of giving her heart and all they do is shred it to pieces. She has one person in her life that is constant and that is her BF Olivia, whom is also a strong determined woman.
When Rex meets Vanessa was when she walked in to his tattoo shop to get a tattoo that says"love sucks." He tries to reason with her on why she shouldn't get it and it only p*sses her off and she walks out. I have to say that both of these characters have a strong attitude and it only makes the story even funnier because neither one of them wants to seem the weaker one and give in. One things leads to another and they agree that they will not get attached but keep it casual that is until Blondie starts asking questions about Rex's past to see why he is the way he is and boy does she touch a nerve. There are many swoon worthy moments, the sex scenes are unbelievably scorching hot and may I say Rex knows how to "satisfy" a lady **clearing throat** Vanessa as well realizes that she has to take her own advise with those that hurt her as well and yes my allergies kicked in at that moment that had my eyes watery ;-) There is so much emotion in this book and one of my favorite parts is where Rex realizes that Blondie is right on so many levels but he's also afraid that he lost his chance with her. Vanessa did not give in easily to Rex when he apologized but in stead made him grovel to get her back. This is a re-read for me and I can't wait for what else Beth Michele has in stored for us, maybe a novella on what happens to Rex & Vanessa after Hawaii?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews