Deanndra Hall has a writing style that just draws you in. I love this new series which is a spin off of her incredible Love Under Construction series. This book had me laughing and crying right along with the characters in the story. Something about her books and the incredibly deep, well developed characters pulls you inside the story and you feel like you are right there in the room with them. When tragedy strikes, I actually had goosebumps all over my arms! This first book in amazing and if it is any indication of what is to come, this series is going to be unbelievably gut wrenching. But the journey is half the fun, and when the characters get their HEA, it is a stunning outcome to a very soul shattering experience.
Doug Benton works on the farm for Tony Walters. He was once an employee of Steve's at his BDSM club, Eden's Gate. While he worked there, he was trained to be a Dominant because he felt the pull to be in control and a bit sadistic. He was comfortable in his role and his duty to the submissives, but when he meets Brittany's sister, something amazing draws his eye to this gal. But he has his troubles too. He is as kinky as it comes and his new attraction is so vanilla it isn't funny. Doug's past isn't all roses, either. Being disowned by his dad for not following in his father's footsteps may have detrimental influence on his ability to find happiness until the Walter's clan steps in and helps him face the truth. He is also still reeling from Steve and Kelly's wedding. Now he is sure his infatuation with the busty Kelly will never be returned.
Vivian Norton is Brittany's older sister, but she is nothing like the younger girl. Since their parents were career drunks, Viv took on the role of parent at 16 to raise her little sister. Her actions came at a high cost. Not only did she have to drop out of school, but her social skills and life skills took a hit. Although she is 36, mentally she is stunted at the point her childhood was irrevocably damaged. Naive and fighting her low self-esteem because she is not a thin, statuesque beauty like her little sister, she has trouble believing that the sexy 28 year old Doug could actually love her. When an innocent mistake breaks her delicate self esteem, tragedy strikes and it might be too late for more than just her.
This book is a journey of self discovery, and it shows you how sometimes you have to fight for more than just yourself. Being true to what you believe when everyone around you is against you is the hardest fight of all. This book also teaches you that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone can and does deserve to be loved. This book ran me through so many emotions, it is gonna take more than an aspirin and a lot of water to get over this hangover. I cannot wait to see what happens in book two, and if the teaser at the end is any indication, it is gonna be a heck of a ride!