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Secrets
Alexander promised her love and happiness beyond her wildest dreams, free from the poverty and despair she'd been living in for most of her life. He promised her the fairy tale and he was to be her white knight. But when the mask came off the true monster inside was revealed...
Anastasia
He left me with no other choice... We had to escape the prison my son and I were expected to consider home, no matter what the cost. By attempting to free myself and my son from the grip of the monster I had once called my husband I inadvertently put us on the run for our lives. With no place to stay and money in short supply, I was lucky enough to find Jaxson, a man who was willing to give us a chance when no one else would. Still I fear if he finds out the truth about me, my past and who I'm running from he'll turn his back on us like everyone else.
Jaxson
Secrets... We all have them. But I doubt I've ever met anyone with as many as the young woman who showed up looking to rent an apartment from me, with a small child in tow. My gut told me to turn her away, that trouble wasn't far behind, but she had such a look of desperation in her otherwise stunning blue eyes... How could I could turn her down?
I could never have imagined the trouble she'd gotten herself into...
Anastasia
He left me with no other choice... We had to escape the prison my son and I were expected to consider home, no matter what the cost. By attempting to free myself and my son from the grip of the monster I had once called my husband I inadvertently put us on the run for our lives. With no place to stay and money in short supply, I was lucky enough to find Jaxson, a man who was willing to give us a chance when no one else would. Still I fear if he finds out the truth about me, my past and who I'm running from he'll turn his back on us like everyone else.
Jaxson
Secrets... We all have them. But I doubt I've ever met anyone with as many as the young woman who showed up looking to rent an apartment from me, with a small child in tow. My gut told me to turn her away, that trouble wasn't far behind, but she had such a look of desperation in her otherwise stunning blue eyes... How could I could turn her down?
I could never have imagined the trouble she'd gotten herself into...
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2014
13 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 5, 2014
3 so much promise but not enough stars
Secrets is one of those books you kind of have to go in blind, besides the premise of the story you really don't know what to expect making it a tad bit hard for me to review. I jumped right into this book because it intrigued me, I'm a sucker for a guy to have a chance to play hero as well as having a kid in the book. While I liked the idea of the story, I couldn't get into it enough to feel... and I wanted to feel; the hurt, the pain, the disgust and the fear... but nothing. I was being told a story vs. being invited to live in it and this is one of those stories I feel you should be a part of.
This was all me, my decision, my pace, my pleasure. Me…
Secrets is one of those books you kind of have to go in blind, besides the premise of the story you really don't know what to expect making it a tad bit hard for me to review. I jumped right into this book because it intrigued me, I'm a sucker for a guy to have a chance to play hero as well as having a kid in the book. While I liked the idea of the story, I couldn't get into it enough to feel... and I wanted to feel; the hurt, the pain, the disgust and the fear... but nothing. I was being told a story vs. being invited to live in it and this is one of those stories I feel you should be a part of.
February 8, 2016
After reading the disaster titled "Faith: A Dark Romance Novel," I decided to give the author another chance at a more run of the mill romance to see if it was just the unbelievably in her dark plot that turned me off so badly. It wasn't.
Sadly, I think Towers and I are just on different wavelengths when it comes to what fundamentally makes a book.
Problem
Characters lack development. It's basically like having a stack of resumes in front of you... You might get to know the superficial shit that goes on paper, but you have no idea who the person is as a human being.
By the end, the only thing I can tell you about the MMC is that he's ex military; his cock throbs and strains a hell'of'a lot; he owns a bar and lives above it, which makes for convenience as a manwhore; he's a dumbass who thinks with his dick; and he's finally found 'the one' to moot all the above points.
Likewise, I can tell you the FMC is an acclaimed abused woman on the run with her kid; that she's never known normal shit like dates, pizza, and kindness; she, too, is a dumbass; and she too has met someone in the MMC that moots all the above.
They are ...
No depth. No emo connection with each other, much less the reader.
Problem
Even an idiot wouldn't jump on a bus and go straight from her rich & connected mafioso abuser's home to where she wanted to hideout and start over.
No condom with a sexually abused woman. He goes bareback despite his big secret relationship fear? Laughable.
He asks her why she didn't tell someone her mafia husband sells drugs in his clubs and beats her. Is this supposed to be funny? Cause that SAF question made me laugh.
TSTL at every turn. And he's supposed to be ex special forces?!? Please~ give me an effing break. A overweight mall cop...
...would have more tact and intelligence.
Plots and character actions are like Swiss cheese, and not even the damn holes between each slice are adding up.
Pitiful.
Problem
Her kid has strep throat and she's passing out and sleeping till noon and going out to leave him with a babysitter so she can go on a date?!? Uhm, endearing.
Her kid is asleep in his room in this tiny ass apartment while they are constantly screwing and getting down and dirty in the kitchen and living areas where he could walk out of his room and see a free porno?!! Brings a whole new connotation to mommy porn for the reader, huh?!
Surprise, the kid hears her screaming in the throes of multiple orgasms. The poor fucking five-year-old kid gets up the next AM and talks to the MMC about his mama having bad dreams:
"Mamo kept saying 'Oh God' from her room." He crinkled his nose up at me. "And was jumping on the bed. Kept waking up.".... I looked around the kitchen to the counter I fucked her against. Okay maybe the kitchen too. Or I could buy the kid earplugs..
Yet, the MMC & FMC talk about how he can't stay the night cause the kid might wake up and wonder wtf he's there. mmmmkay~ These people are fing stupid!
Problem
Her: friends cause I'm a married abused woman with secrets.
Him: friends cause I'm a manwhore who doesn't do relationships and has secrets.
Her: Your hot and make my lady bits throb.
Him: Your hot and make my dick throb.
Her: friends.
Him: friends.
Her: fuck me.
Him: no, date me and I'll make love to you.
Her: we should be friends because I'm married and you don't do relationships.
Him: no, date me.
Her: take me.
Him: okay, if you insist.
^^^ That is over 70% of the book. I shit you not!!! There's no wavelengths to this plot. It's flat as...
Meanwhile, this is what readers want, need and expect ...
Google: "story arc," please!!
Problem
Him:
Her:
Him:
Even when she finally is going to open up about her life at 83%... It's fing flatlining.
Basically, the awaited talk about her past is a recap of what you already fing know about her bonking her husband on the head and running because he "hurt" her. No details. No emo moment. No climatic moment of reader' gasps. Nada. He "hurt" her. Well, no shit.
Do we ever eventually get details?
What you'll eventually get is yet another vague bone thrown just outta reach of your leash - she was a prostitute before becoming a sex slave wife to a mafia dumbo. The MMC doesn't want to know any of the how's, why's, when's, or even if his dick might fall off since he barebacked with someone whose VJ has probably seen more action than a Bruce Lee movie. So, you're left with being told she's been an abused ho... Well, thanks for that.
Problem
Third POV is useless. What info did the husband give? None. He is looking for her to either kill and/ or make her wish she was dead. I can gather that without the POV declaring just that on FUCKING REPEAT.
Problem
After crawling through miles and miles of fluffy plot and drier lint POV, suddenly a bird descends out of nowhere and shits hearts and flowers on you. In the blink of an eye, we go from all the 'just friends' shit to a "we" and love.
Problem
The ending, which is the only blip on the flatline story, finally comes.
^^^ In comes the husband out of no fucking where busting down the door. I look down and see there's less than 10% left in the book, but at least I'll get some Rambo scene outta the male MC, right? Uhm, no. Spoiler alert... The mafioso's own dude saves the day.
Anyway..
The entire storyline comes to a head, peaks, resolves, and falls into a HEA <<< all that takes less than 7% of the book.
Bottom Line
September 27, 2014
....I was kindly given a copy of this book by Terry, in exchange for an honest review, and it truly makes me humble when authors do that. But when the book is a beautifully crafted and deliciously hot as this one was, it makes the gift all the more precious.
The 3 way pov worked, the characters made you care about them and the suspense was palletable. It also made me happy when the hot boss is called Jaxson ;) Really, really loved this read, and Terry's writing style.
October 1, 2014
I’ve been kindly given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I give it 3 to 3,5 stars.
I’ve read “Trust” by the same author and really liked it. So, I felt quite confident and impatient about reading “Secrets”. I liked the book but I was missing something to really love it.
The good things first:
-The plot is good: Anastasia, an abused Ukrainian single mother, runs from her monster of a husband. She leaves in a hurry with her son Ura, without any identification papers and struggles to find a shelter and a job. Jaxson, ex special ops will rescue Anastasia from her predicament. He is deeply attracted to her and will have to fight some embarrassing body reactions (it was fun to read about it). But the evil husband is on her trail, determined to make Anastasia pay;
-The sex scenes are hot;
-Jaxson is very protective of Anastasia, a real knight in shining armor. He cares for her and wants to give her the respect and attention she’s never had.
What I would have loved:
-Knowing and feeling Anastasia’s thoughts and past better. Her past has so much potential to make us hurt, fear or even cry with her but it’s not truly developed. I love to delve in the emotionally hard past of book’s characters, to read about their ordeals. It helps me to feel a deep connection with them;
-Darker scenes with her husband, even through flashbacks;
-More details about Ura. He seems an interesting little boy and I would have loved to read more details about him and his character;
-Some editing issues remained but it didn’t deter me from enjoying the book.
Anyway, keep in mind I’m used to read some darker stuff and may be biased here. If you like lighter stories, it could well work for you. Anastasia remains a sweet girl, even with her past. She hopes to find someone who would touch her with tenderness.
I give it 3 to 3,5 stars.
I’ve read “Trust” by the same author and really liked it. So, I felt quite confident and impatient about reading “Secrets”. I liked the book but I was missing something to really love it.
The good things first:
-The plot is good: Anastasia, an abused Ukrainian single mother, runs from her monster of a husband. She leaves in a hurry with her son Ura, without any identification papers and struggles to find a shelter and a job. Jaxson, ex special ops will rescue Anastasia from her predicament. He is deeply attracted to her and will have to fight some embarrassing body reactions (it was fun to read about it). But the evil husband is on her trail, determined to make Anastasia pay;
-The sex scenes are hot;
-Jaxson is very protective of Anastasia, a real knight in shining armor. He cares for her and wants to give her the respect and attention she’s never had.
What I would have loved:
-Knowing and feeling Anastasia’s thoughts and past better. Her past has so much potential to make us hurt, fear or even cry with her but it’s not truly developed. I love to delve in the emotionally hard past of book’s characters, to read about their ordeals. It helps me to feel a deep connection with them;
-Darker scenes with her husband, even through flashbacks;
-More details about Ura. He seems an interesting little boy and I would have loved to read more details about him and his character;
-Some editing issues remained but it didn’t deter me from enjoying the book.
Anyway, keep in mind I’m used to read some darker stuff and may be biased here. If you like lighter stories, it could well work for you. Anastasia remains a sweet girl, even with her past. She hopes to find someone who would touch her with tenderness.
January 22, 2015
I was offered an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Writing: ★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 4.6 (rounded up to 5 Stars)
First I need to comment on the cover of this book. HOT! Just sexy hot!
This book is written from a 3-way point of view, hard to do and keep the story from becoming too convoluted, but Terry Towers does it, and it works really well in this story.
Anastasia is a "bought bride" from the Ukraine, she came from nothing with the promise of a better life for her and her son Ura. What she was promised was very different for the abusive life she received. She was a "trophy wife", dressed in the finest, living the life of a rich wife. But behind closed doors, the man who she is married to is anything but the perfect husband. He is abusive and kinky. His sadistic ways, and his interpretation of the BDSM lifestyle leave Anastasia battered and bruised.
One night, after an altercation with her husband, Alexander, she hits him, knocking him out and scarring him, she packs light and steals $10,000 from Alexander's safe, takes Ura and runs, ending up in Maine.
In Maine, she finally finds an apartment, above a bar. Jaxson is the owner, he's ex-military and very much the gentleman that considers it his duty to take care of a woman that is obviously distressed.
The relationship that blooms between Anastasia and Jaxon is beautiful, the story isn't rushed, and it allows for an emotional connection with the characters in the story.
This is my second Terry Towers book, and it won't be my last. She truly has a gift of immersing the reader in the story.
Writing: ★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 4.6 (rounded up to 5 Stars)
First I need to comment on the cover of this book. HOT! Just sexy hot!
This book is written from a 3-way point of view, hard to do and keep the story from becoming too convoluted, but Terry Towers does it, and it works really well in this story.
Anastasia is a "bought bride" from the Ukraine, she came from nothing with the promise of a better life for her and her son Ura. What she was promised was very different for the abusive life she received. She was a "trophy wife", dressed in the finest, living the life of a rich wife. But behind closed doors, the man who she is married to is anything but the perfect husband. He is abusive and kinky. His sadistic ways, and his interpretation of the BDSM lifestyle leave Anastasia battered and bruised.
One night, after an altercation with her husband, Alexander, she hits him, knocking him out and scarring him, she packs light and steals $10,000 from Alexander's safe, takes Ura and runs, ending up in Maine.
In Maine, she finally finds an apartment, above a bar. Jaxson is the owner, he's ex-military and very much the gentleman that considers it his duty to take care of a woman that is obviously distressed.
The relationship that blooms between Anastasia and Jaxon is beautiful, the story isn't rushed, and it allows for an emotional connection with the characters in the story.
This is my second Terry Towers book, and it won't be my last. She truly has a gift of immersing the reader in the story.
October 5, 2014
4 Runaway Stars
I took the cash and left the cocaine
Any book that starts with taking the cash and leaving the cocaine is going to
be a interesting ride.
Anastasia is a mail order bride of sorts. She has been brought to the US by her controlling husband. But the promise of a good life is soon forgotten.
...before bringing me to America he'd painted a beautiful picture. Too bad it was all a lie.
Anastasia can't afford to pretend that everything is okay any more. She has her son, Ura to protect. So she leaves their abusive home in a hurry with only the little they can stuff in a backpack and some cash. No passports, no ID, not much hope.
When Anastasia stops running she finds herself in Bangor Maine. There she meets Jaxson, an ex-military bar owner. He isn't the kind of man to ignore a damsel in distress. So he offers her help. No strings attached. Oh, there are going to be strings. Believe me. There WILL be strings.
Jaxson wants to win over the hesitant Anastasia and Ura. He is protective with good reason. Anastasia is in big trouble. There are midnight bus rides, shootings, X Boxes, Snoopy pajamas, the Russian mob, and safes full of cocaine.
This was my first Terry Towers book and I enjoyed it. It had a mix of suspense and romance and darkness.
I took the cash and left the cocaine
Any book that starts with taking the cash and leaving the cocaine is going to
be a interesting ride.
Anastasia is a mail order bride of sorts. She has been brought to the US by her controlling husband. But the promise of a good life is soon forgotten.
...before bringing me to America he'd painted a beautiful picture. Too bad it was all a lie.
Anastasia can't afford to pretend that everything is okay any more. She has her son, Ura to protect. So she leaves their abusive home in a hurry with only the little they can stuff in a backpack and some cash. No passports, no ID, not much hope.
When Anastasia stops running she finds herself in Bangor Maine. There she meets Jaxson, an ex-military bar owner. He isn't the kind of man to ignore a damsel in distress. So he offers her help. No strings attached. Oh, there are going to be strings. Believe me. There WILL be strings.
Jaxson wants to win over the hesitant Anastasia and Ura. He is protective with good reason. Anastasia is in big trouble. There are midnight bus rides, shootings, X Boxes, Snoopy pajamas, the Russian mob, and safes full of cocaine.
This was my first Terry Towers book and I enjoyed it. It had a mix of suspense and romance and darkness.
May 7, 2015
I enjoyed this book immensely. I always think it adds to the depth of the story when when an author provides 1st person POV's from both characters, provided it is executed well. It was used well in this book because, as the title implies, what you see isn't what you get with Anna & Jax. They are both justified in guarding their privacy and remaining tight-lipped about the past, Anna especially. With the first person POV, we are able to learn of each characters' past struggles, emotional issues and motivations for their current behaviors while the other characters remain unenlightened.
I felt affection and respect for Anna, Jax and Ura(Anna's son). I rooted for them from the beginning. On the other end of the spectrum, I felt the animosity and dread that was justified when reading about Alexander. This is a great example of something that I repeat often in my reviews...If I care about the characters, than I care about the story. If I'm emotionally invested, the reading is effortless and the story progresses rather quickly. That's how this was for me.
Last, but not least...the sexual tension was palpable and especially enjoyable to read from Jax's point of view, who seems to be burdened with an erection for the majority of the time he spends with Anna. The spark between the two grows into fiery scenes that hit their mark.
Sexy, suspenseful & different. Great characters.
I felt affection and respect for Anna, Jax and Ura(Anna's son). I rooted for them from the beginning. On the other end of the spectrum, I felt the animosity and dread that was justified when reading about Alexander. This is a great example of something that I repeat often in my reviews...If I care about the characters, than I care about the story. If I'm emotionally invested, the reading is effortless and the story progresses rather quickly. That's how this was for me.
Last, but not least...the sexual tension was palpable and especially enjoyable to read from Jax's point of view, who seems to be burdened with an erection for the majority of the time he spends with Anna. The spark between the two grows into fiery scenes that hit their mark.
Sexy, suspenseful & different. Great characters.
October 24, 2014
A copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
There was a lot to like about this emotional book about a mother and son escaping an abusive man. As a quick read with substance and major hotness, it works. I was hoping for more of an emotional attachment to the characters not just the situation though. There was a lot of potential to really develop the characters to be deep but they seemed superficial, just cracking the top layers of their personalities and histories. This is my first Terry Towers book and I will be reading more.
There was a lot to like about this emotional book about a mother and son escaping an abusive man. As a quick read with substance and major hotness, it works. I was hoping for more of an emotional attachment to the characters not just the situation though. There was a lot of potential to really develop the characters to be deep but they seemed superficial, just cracking the top layers of their personalities and histories. This is my first Terry Towers book and I will be reading more.
October 11, 2014
SECRET:
(A copy of the book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review)
This actually wasn't a bad read. The story line itself, was really good and interesting. It was very sad to read about all the abuse that Anna went through at the hands of her husband, Alexander. For someone so young, she was strong and resilient enough to fight back and get herself and her child away from such a volatile situation. Jaxson's character was very likable, I liked that he had no shame in admitting that he was a manwhore but didn't actively flaunt it, he was very honest and loyal when he decided to give it a go with Anna. They both had their secrets, though hers were more shameful and dangerous than his.
What baffled me about Anna's character was the way she spoke, the words she used. For someone that just spent two years in the states, it was disconcerting how she referred to Jaxson's pickups as 'hoochies'. That was just weird, one because, well, who the hell says that word nowadays and two, she lived an extremely restricted life with a Russian mobster for two years, where the hell did she pick that word up? That whole conversation was strange with them bouncing that word back and forth.
As always, Ms. Towers did hit her mark with the sex. The sexual chemistry between Anna and Jax was intense and once done was super hot, he's sexy and knows what's he doing..
There were three POVs in this book, which I loved. We get to see the story unfold from Anna, Jax and Alexander's eyes. Its always better that way. So why did I give this book only three stars, well I'm not sure if it was just my copy but there were many words and phrases I couldn't read as they were written in a different language with no translation. The paragraphs were choppy, instead of one full paragraph, there were a few sentences then it would cut off mid-sentence and a new paragraph would begin. Made for a confusing read. Lastly, it was anti-climactic! I hate when that happens, we get a huge buildup, bad guy goes through thick and thin to get to his ultimate goal and then when the big scene gets here....BAM! Its over in two seconds...makes me feel jilted! I was expecting more action but got nothing, there are a few kill shots but that's it.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, its clear who is speaking, whose POV it is. The characters a likable, though its not really clear what Alexander looks like. Its always nice to gets a good, clear description on all the characters, let's the readers imagination go wilder...
(A copy of the book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review)
This actually wasn't a bad read. The story line itself, was really good and interesting. It was very sad to read about all the abuse that Anna went through at the hands of her husband, Alexander. For someone so young, she was strong and resilient enough to fight back and get herself and her child away from such a volatile situation. Jaxson's character was very likable, I liked that he had no shame in admitting that he was a manwhore but didn't actively flaunt it, he was very honest and loyal when he decided to give it a go with Anna. They both had their secrets, though hers were more shameful and dangerous than his.
What baffled me about Anna's character was the way she spoke, the words she used. For someone that just spent two years in the states, it was disconcerting how she referred to Jaxson's pickups as 'hoochies'. That was just weird, one because, well, who the hell says that word nowadays and two, she lived an extremely restricted life with a Russian mobster for two years, where the hell did she pick that word up? That whole conversation was strange with them bouncing that word back and forth.
As always, Ms. Towers did hit her mark with the sex. The sexual chemistry between Anna and Jax was intense and once done was super hot, he's sexy and knows what's he doing..
There were three POVs in this book, which I loved. We get to see the story unfold from Anna, Jax and Alexander's eyes. Its always better that way. So why did I give this book only three stars, well I'm not sure if it was just my copy but there were many words and phrases I couldn't read as they were written in a different language with no translation. The paragraphs were choppy, instead of one full paragraph, there were a few sentences then it would cut off mid-sentence and a new paragraph would begin. Made for a confusing read. Lastly, it was anti-climactic! I hate when that happens, we get a huge buildup, bad guy goes through thick and thin to get to his ultimate goal and then when the big scene gets here....BAM! Its over in two seconds...makes me feel jilted! I was expecting more action but got nothing, there are a few kill shots but that's it.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, its clear who is speaking, whose POV it is. The characters a likable, though its not really clear what Alexander looks like. Its always nice to gets a good, clear description on all the characters, let's the readers imagination go wilder...
January 18, 2015
I was offered an ARC by the author for an honest review. I feel terrible that I have only now had the time to post it!
Secrets by Terry Towers centers around our MC Anastasia. Anastasia is married to Alexander, a very rich and powerful man. He is also a very cruel man- something Anastasia doesn’t learn until it’s too late. One day she fights back against him and knows she will pay for it with her life. To ensure the safety of herself and her son, she decides to flee to the farthest place she can - Maine.
While looking for a place to live, she meets Jaxson. Jaxson is a bit of a playboy and also just so happens to be renting out an apartment above his bar. When he and Anastasia first meet, they both feel the attraction brewing between them but vow to keep things strictly platonic.
Yet we all know how that usually works out though, don’t we?
I really liked the triple POV’s going on throughout this story. You get to view things through Anastasia , Jaxson , AND Alexander (which I thought was great). The characters were likable and the plot flowed nicely.
To be honest, I tend to shy away from books that involve kids simply because they are usually written too “cutesy” for my taste and I end up really annoyed by them. They stick out in romance novels like a sore thumb. But I am happy to report that this book hit the balance just right! Ura was there, but he didn’t become a focus in the story all that much… which in a romance novel is perfect IMO.
The only thing I wish we would have gotten more of was maybe a bit more information about Anastasia's past in the Ukraine before meeting Alexander.
4 stars! All in all, great story. I feel bad that I neglected it for so long!
September 30, 2014
****A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review****
The book starts off with violence. Anastasia ends up knocking her husband unconscious and then to protect her 5 yo son, goes to the secret place and gets the handcuffs, which, as we learn, have been used on her numerous times forcefully and at times, without her permission. She handcuffs her unconscious husband and takes thousands of dollars from the safe, grabs her son and makes a run for it to get away from her Russian mafia husband.
Anastasia ends up in a small town with her son far away from Miami and meets Jaxon, a retired Special Ops Marine who is definitely known as a player and he owns the bar where she comes into looking for work. She needs a place where nothing will be in her name and no questions will be asked. Jaxon knows better to take her in but he goes ahead and accepts.
Reading this story, at times my heart would beat heavy for the things Anastasia went thru- orphaned, made to work as a hooker to support her child and then married a Russian mafia lord who went WAY beyond BDSM into torture just because he could-all this by the time she is 23 yo. I wanted to cry and I wanted to beat the man myself. I think when Jaxon met Anastasia, it was like two tortured souls meeting and knowing each other.
What happened during the rest of the book was a whirl of sexual impact, the sweetest romance, and the sharpest HUGE surprise twist at the end that I didn’t see coming AT ALL.
I have to say, Ms. Towers has outdone herself again. I really recommend reading this book but would recommend keeping sharp object out of reach. It is super good!
My Rating: 5 stars *****
The book starts off with violence. Anastasia ends up knocking her husband unconscious and then to protect her 5 yo son, goes to the secret place and gets the handcuffs, which, as we learn, have been used on her numerous times forcefully and at times, without her permission. She handcuffs her unconscious husband and takes thousands of dollars from the safe, grabs her son and makes a run for it to get away from her Russian mafia husband.
Anastasia ends up in a small town with her son far away from Miami and meets Jaxon, a retired Special Ops Marine who is definitely known as a player and he owns the bar where she comes into looking for work. She needs a place where nothing will be in her name and no questions will be asked. Jaxon knows better to take her in but he goes ahead and accepts.
Reading this story, at times my heart would beat heavy for the things Anastasia went thru- orphaned, made to work as a hooker to support her child and then married a Russian mafia lord who went WAY beyond BDSM into torture just because he could-all this by the time she is 23 yo. I wanted to cry and I wanted to beat the man myself. I think when Jaxon met Anastasia, it was like two tortured souls meeting and knowing each other.
What happened during the rest of the book was a whirl of sexual impact, the sweetest romance, and the sharpest HUGE surprise twist at the end that I didn’t see coming AT ALL.
I have to say, Ms. Towers has outdone herself again. I really recommend reading this book but would recommend keeping sharp object out of reach. It is super good!
My Rating: 5 stars *****
October 5, 2014
Anastasia finds herself in the worst possible situation, stuck in a marriage to an abusive and powerful husband. Life before Alexander wasn't much better as a single mother in the Ukraine trying to make ends meet to take care of her son so when Alexander swoops in to take her to America as his wife, she thinks she has found the fairy tale. Sadly, this was not to be. She finally fights back and takes her son on the run. On their own without any identification it takes one act of kindness from Jackson, renting an apartment, that allows Anna and Ura to move forward with their new life away from the tyrant. Jackson is stunned by Anna's beauty and knows that she is running from something but he can't turn away a mother and son so he starts to help them. Jax knows there is more to the story than Anna is willing to tell but he too has his secrets. As he gets closer to Anna, she wants to under his man-whore ways but he doesn't like to talk about his past either. Will they realize that sharing their secrets can make them stronger? Or will they both hide behind their pasts and lose out on a great relationship? What happens if Alexander finds Anna? Loved the triple POV – I expected Anastaia and Jackson but getting inside Alexander's head was enlightening and a bit scary at times. Anna's strength and determination to keep her son safe along with her never give up attitude grabbed me. Jackson is a wonderful Alpha male (former military) with a big heart that keeps those he cares about safe. A great combination for a sexy suspenseful romance.
October 12, 2014
I liked this book and how everything can have a happy ending, when life has so much bad things thrown at you. Anastasia is from Ukraine has been married to a very horrible man and the things he does to her, I could not imagine. She had lived in another country poor and did what she had to survive. She was asked to marry a man and all her dreams would come true and live in America. Most people would jump at that chance, but this dream was a nightmare. She has a way to escape and finds it and makes the decision to run with it. She has a son who is young and still very impressionable and wants better for him. Anastasia runs to a small town in Maine with some money and with not having any forms of ID takes what she can find. Out of the goodness of his heart Jaxson rents them an apartment above his club. Jaxson is a very hot Marine that was in Special Ops, and has a feeling something is not right. As time goes on the truth comes out and Jaxson’s past is revealed along the way. He falls for this beautiful bombshell and her son, the romance story is very hot and sexy. It is a very chilling story of what does happen to women and not all stories end up with a happy ending. I enjoyed reading the story of love and how she was able to find her happy ending. You feel for the characters and want to be mad at the bad ones and hope they can pull off a miracle. It has suspense and thrills wrapped up into this story!
September 27, 2014
Alexander and Anastasia sound like a great couple...sexy names, beautiful house, designer clothes, an adorable son...but it was all lies.
After a violent night that ends in someone being bloodied and knocked out cold, Anastasia and her son are on the run.
Landing in a small town far away from Miami and her monster mafia husband, she tries to start over and keep herself and her son safe from the evil life she was unwittingly thrown into.
Jaxson is a self-admitted player, man-whore and bar owner who takes in Anastasia and her son, not knowing the dangers he is bringing into his life by getting involved with the beautiful woman he has fallen for.
What happens next is a whirlwind of sexual tension, beautiful romance and a sweet story of giving and getting what you need...with a side of scary mobsters, violence and a big surprise twist of an ending I did not see coming.
I really enjoyed this one...it had all my favorite things: hot alpha male who gets the job done, scary bad guys who get what they deserve and an HEA that is unexpected but rewarding!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**** 4 **** "finding real love, a home and family" stars
After a violent night that ends in someone being bloodied and knocked out cold, Anastasia and her son are on the run.
Landing in a small town far away from Miami and her monster mafia husband, she tries to start over and keep herself and her son safe from the evil life she was unwittingly thrown into.
Jaxson is a self-admitted player, man-whore and bar owner who takes in Anastasia and her son, not knowing the dangers he is bringing into his life by getting involved with the beautiful woman he has fallen for.
What happens next is a whirlwind of sexual tension, beautiful romance and a sweet story of giving and getting what you need...with a side of scary mobsters, violence and a big surprise twist of an ending I did not see coming.
I really enjoyed this one...it had all my favorite things: hot alpha male who gets the job done, scary bad guys who get what they deserve and an HEA that is unexpected but rewarding!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**** 4 **** "finding real love, a home and family" stars
October 4, 2014
Reviewer: Donna
Rating: 5 Stars
I ended up reading this book in a day! Addictive springs to mind but absolutely brilliant!
Anastasia and her son Ura, flee from her abusive husband. She wanted to start a new life in America with her son so when her husband offered her that life, she took and left Ukraine. She never thought that her husband would turn out to be abusive and would treat her like a slave. Anastasia and her son flee to Bangor where she ends up renting an apartment above a bar from guy named Jaxson.
Jaxson owns his own bar and lives above it. He is a born player and doesn't believe in love or relationships that is until he meets Anastasia. He knows that she's hiding something big but doesn't what. He rents her the apartment but vows that he will find out what her story is.
They are both amazing characters and they were really hard not to like. I absolutely love this story and it was so addictive, i couldn't put it down. It's brimming with drama and secrets. Highly recommend!
Rating: 5 Stars
I ended up reading this book in a day! Addictive springs to mind but absolutely brilliant!
Anastasia and her son Ura, flee from her abusive husband. She wanted to start a new life in America with her son so when her husband offered her that life, she took and left Ukraine. She never thought that her husband would turn out to be abusive and would treat her like a slave. Anastasia and her son flee to Bangor where she ends up renting an apartment above a bar from guy named Jaxson.
Jaxson owns his own bar and lives above it. He is a born player and doesn't believe in love or relationships that is until he meets Anastasia. He knows that she's hiding something big but doesn't what. He rents her the apartment but vows that he will find out what her story is.
They are both amazing characters and they were really hard not to like. I absolutely love this story and it was so addictive, i couldn't put it down. It's brimming with drama and secrets. Highly recommend!
October 15, 2014
I’ve been kindly given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. The book being written from the POV of all three of the main characters which normally would have been very dizzying to me made the book actually very enjoyable. I normally do not like books that go back and forth between pov but she handled very smoothly. The best way I know how to describe it is like you are watching a soap opera and the scenes smoothly transition from one person to another. It really added to the enjoyment of the book for me. I liked being in their heads.
The story in itself was really good. It may be a little fast for some but for the mood I was in it was perfect. This book has a little bit of everything: crime, drama, romance, intrigue, sex, empowerment, hope, and even a little humor. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and has a major twist that I personally never saw coming. You just can’t go wrong with this one in my opinion.
This is not my first book from this author and certainly not my last. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
The story in itself was really good. It may be a little fast for some but for the mood I was in it was perfect. This book has a little bit of everything: crime, drama, romance, intrigue, sex, empowerment, hope, and even a little humor. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and has a major twist that I personally never saw coming. You just can’t go wrong with this one in my opinion.
This is not my first book from this author and certainly not my last. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 10, 2016
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
This book has alot of good qualities. I liked the storyline of the husband who was controlling. I love the storyline of the hot/sexy bar owner who wants to rescue her. I love the little boy.
What I did not like was the constant (and right off the bat) referral that he wanted to f#$% her. Don't get me wrong, I like a sexy book..but the way much of this was written, for me, removed the romance of it and made it more about the sex and not about a relationship. I like it better when there is more of an an emphasis on the romance, which then makes the sex scenes much better.
I would not let that keep you from enjoying this book...there were alot of great qualities in the book and what I mentioned above may just be my own preference.
This book has alot of good qualities. I liked the storyline of the husband who was controlling. I love the storyline of the hot/sexy bar owner who wants to rescue her. I love the little boy.
What I did not like was the constant (and right off the bat) referral that he wanted to f#$% her. Don't get me wrong, I like a sexy book..but the way much of this was written, for me, removed the romance of it and made it more about the sex and not about a relationship. I like it better when there is more of an an emphasis on the romance, which then makes the sex scenes much better.
I would not let that keep you from enjoying this book...there were alot of great qualities in the book and what I mentioned above may just be my own preference.
October 4, 2014
Another great story by Terry Towers. Anastasia and Jaxson's journey was a difficult one, but the two found exactly what they were missing and needed in each other. Running and hiding from a monster, Anastasia didn't expect to find safety in the arms of new man. Nor did she expect to find love. Jaxson had no idea that he would fall for his new tenant or find what he'd been avoiding for so long. Anastasia and Jaxson were both two people broken by their pasts, but determined to keep living. They never expected to find healing in each other. Thrown together by circumstances, their relationship quickly evolved into so much more. However, what happens when one's past clashes with their precious present? I highly recommend this read to others. It's a story you're sure to enjoy!
October 2, 2014
This was a good, high tension, fast read.
Fleeing from an abusive husband Anastasia and her son Ura find themselves in maine renting a small apartment from Jaxson. Sparks fly between the two from the very beginning. Alexander, the dangerous husband is looking for them though. She has to trust that Jaxson will help to keep her safe.
The POV shifting around so much was a bit hard at first but once you get used to it things flow pretty well. The interactions between Jaxson and Anastasia and Jaxon and Ura were very entertaining. Ura talking about how his mom kept him awake by "jumping on the bed" was priceless!
Overall this was a really good story. Lots of suspense to keep you engaged.
Fleeing from an abusive husband Anastasia and her son Ura find themselves in maine renting a small apartment from Jaxson. Sparks fly between the two from the very beginning. Alexander, the dangerous husband is looking for them though. She has to trust that Jaxson will help to keep her safe.
The POV shifting around so much was a bit hard at first but once you get used to it things flow pretty well. The interactions between Jaxson and Anastasia and Jaxon and Ura were very entertaining. Ura talking about how his mom kept him awake by "jumping on the bed" was priceless!
Overall this was a really good story. Lots of suspense to keep you engaged.
October 15, 2014
I have read Terry Towers before, but I have to say I think this is her best effort to date. I absolutely could not put this book down! I was completely drawn in right from page one. The book being written from the POV of all three of the main characters really added to the enjoyment of the book for me. I liked being in their heads. It really helped me to connect with the characters. This book has a little bit of everything: crime, drama, romance, intrigue, sex, empowerment, hope, and even a little humor. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and has a major twist that I personally never saw coming. You just can’t go wrong with this one in my opinion. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2014
I couldn't muster any kind of feelings for the characters... I don't want to spoil the book for anyone so I won't go too in depth about it but... I think there wasn't enough time spent building up the connection between Anna & Jaxson.
I understand that this is a fast read but there wasn't enough substance there for me to get into the book. Everything moved at a quick pace and before I could honestly even say that I was starting to like any character the book was over.
The past few years I have become a fan of Terry Towers and I normally enjoy her books... Even the not so mainstream ones... So I will definitely continue reading her works but this is not a book that I would recommend...
I understand that this is a fast read but there wasn't enough substance there for me to get into the book. Everything moved at a quick pace and before I could honestly even say that I was starting to like any character the book was over.
The past few years I have become a fan of Terry Towers and I normally enjoy her books... Even the not so mainstream ones... So I will definitely continue reading her works but this is not a book that I would recommend...
October 6, 2014
I give this a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
This is an emotion filled book
Anastasia is stuck in a marriage that the husband should be destroyed. She has a son and doesn't know how to get away from him. One day she just gets the courage to fight back and gets a chance to leave.
Jaxson is just a guy minding his own business running a bar. Until Anastasia answers his add for one of his apartments for rent. When he meets her he knew something wasn't right but he still allowed heart to rent.
As time went on he started to get a part of her story but also develop feelings. Does Jaxson find out her past and save her? Does she allow Jaxson to stop something that he doesn't know about?
This is an emotion filled book
Anastasia is stuck in a marriage that the husband should be destroyed. She has a son and doesn't know how to get away from him. One day she just gets the courage to fight back and gets a chance to leave.
Jaxson is just a guy minding his own business running a bar. Until Anastasia answers his add for one of his apartments for rent. When he meets her he knew something wasn't right but he still allowed heart to rent.
As time went on he started to get a part of her story but also develop feelings. Does Jaxson find out her past and save her? Does she allow Jaxson to stop something that he doesn't know about?
October 15, 2014
I received this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion.
This book is very good. I think I would like a sequel, with their lives after all this tragedy, them together, as a family, trying to put the past behind and be happy. I think it will be interesting to read. Something a little bit more positive, in comparison to this first book who was focused on her tragic past life and all the pain she had to endure from her abusive husband.
The story itself is very interesting, it kept me connected and enjoyed it till the end. I recommend it, it's really good and perfect to read during the weekend or on holiday or just whenever you have time ...
This book is very good. I think I would like a sequel, with their lives after all this tragedy, them together, as a family, trying to put the past behind and be happy. I think it will be interesting to read. Something a little bit more positive, in comparison to this first book who was focused on her tragic past life and all the pain she had to endure from her abusive husband.
The story itself is very interesting, it kept me connected and enjoyed it till the end. I recommend it, it's really good and perfect to read during the weekend or on holiday or just whenever you have time ...
October 26, 2014
Good, solid read
I received this book from the author, who only asked for an honest review. The book starts out with an instant attention grabber. A young Ukranian woman is taken advantage of and ends up married to a Russian mobster in Miami. Unfortunately he fits all the cliches; violent, psycho , possessive, and obsessed, and she is forced to run with her young son.
She ends up in Bangor, Maine, where she meets a bar owner and rents an apartment from him. Again the bar owner meets all the cliches; player, commitment phobic.
The book has a great plot, but suffers from a lack of depth to the characters which could have made it awesome.
I received this book from the author, who only asked for an honest review. The book starts out with an instant attention grabber. A young Ukranian woman is taken advantage of and ends up married to a Russian mobster in Miami. Unfortunately he fits all the cliches; violent, psycho , possessive, and obsessed, and she is forced to run with her young son.
She ends up in Bangor, Maine, where she meets a bar owner and rents an apartment from him. Again the bar owner meets all the cliches; player, commitment phobic.
The book has a great plot, but suffers from a lack of depth to the characters which could have made it awesome.
May 8, 2015
I just recently discovered Terry and wow what a first read I'm hooked and can't wait to read the rest of her books. Once I started I couldn't put down until I had finished, another book hangover. It's the story of Anastasia, who leaves her abusive Russian mobster husband escaping with her son to a small town where she has trouble finding somewhere to settle as she has no i.d. Until she meets a knight in shining armor Jaxson who is the owner of a local bar, who is prepared to give her a chance and somewhere to live. It's full of suspense, with wondering if her husband will find her and a twist at the end one doesn't see coming.
February 16, 2016
Anastasia has fled, with her son from an abusive relationship. Her sadistic husband is in the Russian mob and he wants her back, to punish her.
Jax is former Special Forces who lives in an apartment over the bar he now owns.
When Anastasia shows up hoping to rent another apartment in his building, without any identification, he knows he shouldn't rent to her, but there's something about her so he decides to take a risk and let her and her son move in.
This is the story of two broken people and a monster.
The characters are very well written and the story is very well told.
Jax is former Special Forces who lives in an apartment over the bar he now owns.
When Anastasia shows up hoping to rent another apartment in his building, without any identification, he knows he shouldn't rent to her, but there's something about her so he decides to take a risk and let her and her son move in.
This is the story of two broken people and a monster.
The characters are very well written and the story is very well told.
October 5, 2014
This was a real quick read & I enjoyed the story. My only complaint was that I think Anastasia's past should have been in the book even if it was through flashbacks. I expected it to be a dark read especially after reading her book, Trust. Anastasia & her son live in Ukraine, she is swept off her feet Alexander & he moves them to Miami. The fairytale only lasts about a month before he turns into a monster. After two years of marriage she escapes with her son & goes to Maine. She rents an apartment above a bar from a man named Jaxson & soon they become more than friends.
October 12, 2014
I read this book in one day! I couldn't put it down. Anastasia is on the run from her husband Alexander. He has been treating her like a slave since purchasing her a couple of years ago. She has a young son to protect. They wind up living upstairs of a bar and the owner Jaxson lives across the hall. He is trying to figure out what her story is and while he is getting to know her he can't help but to fall in love with her. But when Alexander shows up can he protect Anastasia and her son? Very good story and I enjoyed reading this book.
October 17, 2014
I received it in exchange of an honest review!
Well written, well researched, with an everyday subject in poor countries that is still taboo in certain circles, this book will allow you to see a glimpse of the hard and lonely life of a woman coming from poverty and forced into a torturous marriage, but thankfully with a romantic and happy ending! A hot romance with action, you will be completely hooked!! Terry Towers' style is once again amazing! You will feel the anxiety, the fear, the love and the heat all at once, and you won't be able to put it down!!! Two very high thumbs up!!!!
Well written, well researched, with an everyday subject in poor countries that is still taboo in certain circles, this book will allow you to see a glimpse of the hard and lonely life of a woman coming from poverty and forced into a torturous marriage, but thankfully with a romantic and happy ending! A hot romance with action, you will be completely hooked!! Terry Towers' style is once again amazing! You will feel the anxiety, the fear, the love and the heat all at once, and you won't be able to put it down!!! Two very high thumbs up!!!!
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