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Dangerous Curves #5
Secret Curves
Curtis Manning is a huge, scowling, almost-silent, ex-boxer and former soldier who now bounces at Dangerous Curves. A tough-as-hell childhood has left him not the slightest bit interested in commitment or relationships – or at least, he wasn’t interested before Tessa showed up at Curves, all blonde curls, and emerald-gold eyes, and hot, lush body. Since he first laid eyes on her, Curtis has been in love with Tessa… but now the woman that he loves is on self-destruct, and he’ll do anything to help her. Even walk away from her forever, if it means that she’ll get healthy.Tessa Mahoney is a tall, curvy, ex-ballet dancer who now waitresses at Curves. A tough-as-hell childhood has left her with an overwhelming need to control everything in her topsy-turvy, chaotic life… including every morsel of food that she puts in to her mouth. She’s determined to get back to 99 pounds – and she’s willing to do anything at all to make that happen. Even damn near starve herself to death, if it means that she feels in control for the first time in a long time.When Curtis forces Tessa to face what she’s doing to herself, he expects to never see her again. Instead, she forgives him, and everything that Curtis has ever wanted with and for Tessa comes true. But when the man who took Curtis’ mother away from him returns, and threatens Tessa, Curtis faces some hard, ugly truths about himself. Once Tessa sees those things in Curtis, will she be able to forgive him? And even if she does, will Curtis be able to forgive himself?
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
28 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Marysol James
36 books252 followersMarysol James was raised in a small town in Canada and is still a small-town girl at heart. She's a cancer survivor, cinnamon bun lover, and hardcore caffeine addict.
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 28, 2019
I really love MJ's writing, and this one is no exception. I love that her characters are not perfect, I love that the H's are all in from the get go and I love that they are straight with each other. No ridiculous, childish misunderstandings/ miscommunication. They TALK to each other and LISTEN to each other.
Loved getting a peek at the characters from earlier books in the series too.
4.5 stars
Loved getting a peek at the characters from earlier books in the series too.
4.5 stars
September 5, 2018
4.5 stars...Great book, loved, loved Curtis!!!, the big, tattooed boxer/bouncer guy with the huge heart. He has been watching over his Tessa for a year, they became friends of sorts, that's all Curtis thought they would ever be...but things change and Tessa is in need of someone to look out for her, care for her while she is having a bad time. Curtis takes up the post of protector, he was so gentle with Tessa and so honest, it was lovely to read. I would say this book had loads from the other couples in the previous books, more drama, more surprises, but the underlying story continues with the Fallen MC's, cannot wait for book 6 and have to say when I found out who is was about I did a mini fist pump!, yay Warren is up next!!
August 7, 2015
Wow! Where do I start with this one?
The topic was really unique for the romance genre. A h with an eating disorder is a first for me, and what I loved was that Marysol understood that eating disorders aren't about losing weight, or looking beautiful. They're about control and self-harm. I know this very well, since my sister was anorexic, and one of the first things that we all had to understand was that she was desperate to be in control of something in her life. Eating is one of the first things that women turn to, and Marysol nailed this perfectly. She definitely captured the complex psychological elements of self-harming through denying oneself food and nourishment.
The love story was perfect, too. Curtis understood Tessa's manic need to control everything, and all the love scenes were about showing Tessa that she could lose control and still be safe. If you're against bondage, then just know that there is some very light play that way. It's not about domination or humiliation, so don't worry that Marysol has gone all BDSM. The scene was about Tessa letting go completely, and it was hot, sexy and touching.
Overall, this may be my fave Marysol James book, just because of my sister's struggle with anorexia. I think that if my sister had had a man who loved her this much, she'd have regained her confidence far more quickly. Curtis was what Tessa needed, and he never let her down. I wish that every woman struggling with self-image had a man who saw her the way that Curtis saw Tessa.
The topic was really unique for the romance genre. A h with an eating disorder is a first for me, and what I loved was that Marysol understood that eating disorders aren't about losing weight, or looking beautiful. They're about control and self-harm. I know this very well, since my sister was anorexic, and one of the first things that we all had to understand was that she was desperate to be in control of something in her life. Eating is one of the first things that women turn to, and Marysol nailed this perfectly. She definitely captured the complex psychological elements of self-harming through denying oneself food and nourishment.
The love story was perfect, too. Curtis understood Tessa's manic need to control everything, and all the love scenes were about showing Tessa that she could lose control and still be safe. If you're against bondage, then just know that there is some very light play that way. It's not about domination or humiliation, so don't worry that Marysol has gone all BDSM. The scene was about Tessa letting go completely, and it was hot, sexy and touching.
Overall, this may be my fave Marysol James book, just because of my sister's struggle with anorexia. I think that if my sister had had a man who loved her this much, she'd have regained her confidence far more quickly. Curtis was what Tessa needed, and he never let her down. I wish that every woman struggling with self-image had a man who saw her the way that Curtis saw Tessa.
August 6, 2015
I think I've found my new fictional boyfriend. Curtis is sexy, hot, all-man and so sweet and careful with Tessa. When the things happen with his father I almost cried for Curtis. He thought he had ruined everything with the woman he loves and I really felt his panic and anger at himself.
What I love about MJ's female characters is that they save and heal their men just as much as they are saved and healed. What Tessa does at the very end for Curtis is the most beautiful thing I can imagine. I cried and it was embarasing because I was on the subway. The woman next to me asked if I was OK and I told her to read MJ's books because they are so emotional and loving. I hope she does ;)
The next book is Warren's and I've been waiting for him. I loved him in Books 3 and 4, and I really want him to get out of the MC and find happiness.
What I love about MJ's female characters is that they save and heal their men just as much as they are saved and healed. What Tessa does at the very end for Curtis is the most beautiful thing I can imagine. I cried and it was embarasing because I was on the subway. The woman next to me asked if I was OK and I told her to read MJ's books because they are so emotional and loving. I hope she does ;)
The next book is Warren's and I've been waiting for him. I loved him in Books 3 and 4, and I really want him to get out of the MC and find happiness.
August 6, 2015
Beautiful
Beautiful story was worth the wait! I really enjoyed reading their story since you could see it developing in previous books. Loved that Curtis love Tessa enough to stop her and get her the help she needed. That's true love, risking losing the one we love if that means that they are better off than before. Awesome that we could check on the other couples too. Not sure about Warren story, because for some reason in my mind I see him as a kid, an unsecured on at that. Well I guess that I just have to wait and see.
Beautiful story was worth the wait! I really enjoyed reading their story since you could see it developing in previous books. Loved that Curtis love Tessa enough to stop her and get her the help she needed. That's true love, risking losing the one we love if that means that they are better off than before. Awesome that we could check on the other couples too. Not sure about Warren story, because for some reason in my mind I see him as a kid, an unsecured on at that. Well I guess that I just have to wait and see.
November 12, 2015
What about Curtis and Tessa? Well, it took them long enough to profess their feelings for each other. In fact, it almost took Tessa to starve herself to death to finally open her eyes to what was in front of her. The same goes for Curtis, although he was one step ahead with that part.
Fortunately, it comes to a HEA with the big guys putty in their woman's hands ;)
Fortunately, it comes to a HEA with the big guys putty in their woman's hands ;)
August 4, 2015
Love this series, the heroes are mouth watering protectors of the ones they love.
August 16, 2015
Another good book
Marysol has done it again can not get enough of her books. So ready for the next one in this or any of her series
Marysol has done it again can not get enough of her books. So ready for the next one in this or any of her series
September 29, 2018
Okay read
Not the best in the series and yet it still pulls at you to keep reading. But irritated by the addictions and repetitive behaviours but it’s all part of the story.
Not the best in the series and yet it still pulls at you to keep reading. But irritated by the addictions and repetitive behaviours but it’s all part of the story.
September 6, 2023
This was a fast read, done in just a couple of hours but still an ok book.
April 20, 2016
I loved this story! It has been brought up in previous books leading up to this and it was everything I expected and more. Tessa had been verbally abused by her ex about her weight for years and after they split, she felt she wasn't beautiful or in control of her life unless she was a certain weight, way below where she was. Curtis has been in love with Tessa since the first time he saw her and he's tried to help her, to tel her how beautiful she was with her weight the way it was, but she wasn't no where ready to listen, not even when it was almost too late. Curtis is an angry, brooding, and solitary man, and for him to put himself out there like that is way out of his character. He finally decides to confide with another co-worker of theirs and together they decide that they all need to get together to help her before it's too late. After a very scary episode, a mandatory hospital stay, counseling, and more, Tessa is finally getting the help she needs and Curtis is there ready to love her, if she'll let him. They go through so much and have some really bad things happen along the way, but will it be too much for her? Will she ever love herself again or be able to learn to love him?
I love how the author uses real life situations and doesn't shy away from hard topics. All of her characters have some form of physical or mental damage but along with their partners and friends, they learn to overcome and deal with it, and become survivors. They're all strong people who just needed to learn how to let others help and love them for who they are. I absolutely love this series and the other 3 that also loosely tie into one another. If you haven't read them, I suggest you do. You won't be disappointed.
I strongly recommend this book and series to everyone who loves damaged couples fighting to become survivors.
I love how the author uses real life situations and doesn't shy away from hard topics. All of her characters have some form of physical or mental damage but along with their partners and friends, they learn to overcome and deal with it, and become survivors. They're all strong people who just needed to learn how to let others help and love them for who they are. I absolutely love this series and the other 3 that also loosely tie into one another. If you haven't read them, I suggest you do. You won't be disappointed.
I strongly recommend this book and series to everyone who loves damaged couples fighting to become survivors.
November 8, 2016
4.5 STARS
Any woman who has struggled with body image can relate to this story. Myself included. Its hard to be happy with the skin you are in for most women, no matter how thin or thick they are. From a very young age we are taught to strive for a certain body type. One that is almost impossible to obtain. For some the struggle goes even deeper.
One of the things I love about Marysol James is that when her characters face struggles in life love doesn't automatically make them go away. Many times in romance novels finding the love of your life means that everything is perfect. All problems are dealt with and wrapped up with a nice bow. That's just not how life works. When you are beaten into a coma you have to learn to live again. When you are an alcoholic you struggle every day with not drinking. When you are buried alive you are scared of the dark, when what you love most is ripped away you make yourself numb, and when you truly believe you are unworthy because of your body it takes more than someone telling you that you are pretty to become healthy again.
The only reason I withheld that 1/5 star is because I would have loved to have had some justice for Tessa with Kevin. He just kind of disappeared.
Any woman who has struggled with body image can relate to this story. Myself included. Its hard to be happy with the skin you are in for most women, no matter how thin or thick they are. From a very young age we are taught to strive for a certain body type. One that is almost impossible to obtain. For some the struggle goes even deeper.
One of the things I love about Marysol James is that when her characters face struggles in life love doesn't automatically make them go away. Many times in romance novels finding the love of your life means that everything is perfect. All problems are dealt with and wrapped up with a nice bow. That's just not how life works. When you are beaten into a coma you have to learn to live again. When you are an alcoholic you struggle every day with not drinking. When you are buried alive you are scared of the dark, when what you love most is ripped away you make yourself numb, and when you truly believe you are unworthy because of your body it takes more than someone telling you that you are pretty to become healthy again.
The only reason I withheld that 1/5 star is because I would have loved to have had some justice for Tessa with Kevin. He just kind of disappeared.
August 3, 2015
So glad to finally read Curtis and Tessa's story. It felt a bit fast paced/rushed at times but since we know their backstory from the other books it still worked. Characters were well developed and the situation was believable. As a former ballerina myself who has since gained a lot of weight, the self esteem issues really hit home. I've never taken it that far, but I understand why she did. I love how she and Curtis support and stick by each other no matter what they have to tackle. Reminds me of me and my SO :). Can't wait to read the next one!
August 6, 2015
I liked the main h/h story but not enough time given to it. I also liked the updates on the other characters but thought pulled from main story too much. Good but not as good as I had hoped. Really liked how the bulimia aspect was discussed because not seen so much in stories I have read. Do think that with a little more development of the main story I would have liked how quickly she overcame it.
November 16, 2015
4.5 Stars
Another great read from MJ. One of the things I really like about MJ’s books is that none of her H and h’s is perfect, they all have some issues and I love that. I also like that none of her heroines are perfect stick thin model types they are all real women which is so refreshing.
I loved Curtis in this book. He’s big and built and doesn’t really say much but he’s so sweet with Tessa I really loved him.
Another great read from MJ. One of the things I really like about MJ’s books is that none of her H and h’s is perfect, they all have some issues and I love that. I also like that none of her heroines are perfect stick thin model types they are all real women which is so refreshing.
I loved Curtis in this book. He’s big and built and doesn’t really say much but he’s so sweet with Tessa I really loved him.
February 24, 2016
Curtis has been crushing on Tessa for a while. When Tessa finally collapses at work, and gets confronted about her weight issue she gets upset and shuts people out. Curtis finally confesses his love for Tessa, and leaves heart broken. As Tessa starts to recover can these two find their way together? If they find their way together, can they overcome someone from Curtis' past? I could feel Tessa's struggle to accept her body and feel loved through out this book.
February 2, 2016
Tough issue
In this story, Tessa was dealing with some severe eating disorders and the accompanying psychological issues. Curtis was dealing with his image of himself as unworthy. Both of them were hurting and miserable. I loved how the two of them came together and the strong bond they formed. As with the previous stories, the updates on the main characters from the first four books were amazing and just made me love them all the more. Book six, here I come!
In this story, Tessa was dealing with some severe eating disorders and the accompanying psychological issues. Curtis was dealing with his image of himself as unworthy. Both of them were hurting and miserable. I loved how the two of them came together and the strong bond they formed. As with the previous stories, the updates on the main characters from the first four books were amazing and just made me love them all the more. Book six, here I come!
August 3, 2015
Another fabulously written book by Marysol James. Her writing never ceases to amaze me. This was a wonderful story dealing with anorexia and body image issues. Curtis and Tessa come together to help one another over come their demons.
August 10, 2015
Great story
I love all the couples of each story. All the couples from each book are great I love all of them. I love how this writer knows that woman with curves can find love and having the best time doing it.
I love all the couples of each story. All the couples from each book are great I love all of them. I love how this writer knows that woman with curves can find love and having the best time doing it.
November 9, 2015
Not her best but not bad
Could have benefited from more sexual tension and conflict. Also lacked the focus of her previous works. I liked the others in this series much better. Not bad for an afternoon romance though.
Could have benefited from more sexual tension and conflict. Also lacked the focus of her previous works. I liked the others in this series much better. Not bad for an afternoon romance though.
Read
January 2, 2016Tessa suffers from.anorexia in order maintain her ballerina weight even though she can no longer dance. but a man desperately in love intervenes. she falls in love. in the meantime his abusive dad enters thee picture. she gets hurt...there is a hea.
August 6, 2015
I really liked this and had been looking forward to it since Tessa and Curtis were first introduced. They were set up really well from previous books, and their story didn't let me down.
September 30, 2015
Trigger: Eating disorders.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews