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Naked
Twenty-seven-year-old Laken Steadman and her life are falling apart. On the back of a one-sided breakup, Laken must decide if she can ever trust again. Will the emotional hurt of her ex-fiancée always play a part in her future endeavors concerning love, or can she find herself that someone who loves her for who she is?Will past experience keep her guard firmly up or will she see what is right in front of her? Love. Commitment. The beauty of who she is deep down.Just when Laken is about to go it alone and visualize a future by herself…In walks Ava Brookes.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2018
About the author
Melissa Tereze
46 books818 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 6, 2018
This was a very enjoyable story.
Laken, who has self-esteem issues after being a particularly toxic relationship finds herself riding a wave of emotion when out of her league (only in her opinion) Ava, wants to get to know her better. In what is quite the emotional rollercoaster for them both, they battle their emotions, insecurities and issues to build a very unique relationship.
But….as with all great romances, this isn’t without its drama!!!
The complexities of their situations, feelings and pasts make this exciting and intriguing to read as we hope for that all important happy ending for two that very much deserve just that.
A great read.
Laken, who has self-esteem issues after being a particularly toxic relationship finds herself riding a wave of emotion when out of her league (only in her opinion) Ava, wants to get to know her better. In what is quite the emotional rollercoaster for them both, they battle their emotions, insecurities and issues to build a very unique relationship.
But….as with all great romances, this isn’t without its drama!!!
The complexities of their situations, feelings and pasts make this exciting and intriguing to read as we hope for that all important happy ending for two that very much deserve just that.
A great read.
January 1, 2024
4 ★ | This one was missing that Tereze magic for me…But did I enjoy the story and get on board never the less? You bet I did. As always with Tereze, her books are emotional and thought-provoking. There was something a little bit lacking for me with this one that I can’t quite put my finger on, It’s just not my favourite of hers that’s all!
September 12, 2018
Ava Brookes and Laken Steadman make a very odd couple.
Naked tells a lesbian romance from alternating viewpoints. Ava works in real estate, lives on 5th Avenue in NYC and pursues Laken as if she were the only other lesbian on Mother Earth. Laken has been keen to know more about Ava, but she just left an emotionally abusive relationship with her ex-fiancee. As much as Laken wants Ava, she suffers from crippling self image issues. Ava works as hard to win Laken over as she possibly can. Instant attraction drives the book's plot, but true love develops in a painful fashion.
Naked relies too heavily on the crazed and confused emotions of the main characters. After reading the novel, I felt sorry for the romantic leads and doubtful about their chances as a couple. I'd give it at 2.75 stars.
Naked tells a lesbian romance from alternating viewpoints. Ava works in real estate, lives on 5th Avenue in NYC and pursues Laken as if she were the only other lesbian on Mother Earth. Laken has been keen to know more about Ava, but she just left an emotionally abusive relationship with her ex-fiancee. As much as Laken wants Ava, she suffers from crippling self image issues. Ava works as hard to win Laken over as she possibly can. Instant attraction drives the book's plot, but true love develops in a painful fashion.
Naked relies too heavily on the crazed and confused emotions of the main characters. After reading the novel, I felt sorry for the romantic leads and doubtful about their chances as a couple. I'd give it at 2.75 stars.
August 3, 2021
Oh Laken, Laken, Laken! You were so incredibly lucky that Ava was persistent!
Ava had apparently been observing Laken while she worked at a NYC coffee shop. Ava just so happened to chose the day that Laken left her emotionally abusive fiancé for good, this time. What followed was an interesting rollercoaster for Ava and all of the readers. On the surface, I could easily boo and hiss at Laken for being so incredibly indecisive and downright rude to Ava. I could also say that Ava was way too forgiving. I mean is she serious?
After I sat with this book for a bit after I finished, I thought about how defeated, inadequate, unlovable Laken felt due to the five years she spend being criticized and brow beaten by her ex. In the beginning and for much of the book she didn’t believe someone, let alone a beautiful, successful, and wealthy woman, would find her attractive and intelligent and want to be with her. She didn’t trust that someone wouldn’t lie and hurt her. So she kept running. I get it. It’s what she thought was the right thing. Ava was wonderful, caring, compassionate, and very forgiving. I loved that the story was told from both of their points of view. Melissa Tereze did a really admirable job of letting us into each of their heads, helping the readers understand their motivations and actions. Well done!
Ava had apparently been observing Laken while she worked at a NYC coffee shop. Ava just so happened to chose the day that Laken left her emotionally abusive fiancé for good, this time. What followed was an interesting rollercoaster for Ava and all of the readers. On the surface, I could easily boo and hiss at Laken for being so incredibly indecisive and downright rude to Ava. I could also say that Ava was way too forgiving. I mean is she serious?
After I sat with this book for a bit after I finished, I thought about how defeated, inadequate, unlovable Laken felt due to the five years she spend being criticized and brow beaten by her ex. In the beginning and for much of the book she didn’t believe someone, let alone a beautiful, successful, and wealthy woman, would find her attractive and intelligent and want to be with her. She didn’t trust that someone wouldn’t lie and hurt her. So she kept running. I get it. It’s what she thought was the right thing. Ava was wonderful, caring, compassionate, and very forgiving. I loved that the story was told from both of their points of view. Melissa Tereze did a really admirable job of letting us into each of their heads, helping the readers understand their motivations and actions. Well done!
June 20, 2020
It’s ok…
Laken, a barista, is just out of an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship. She has almost no self-worth and is pretty down on herself. She is convinced she is unlovable and goes back and forth about going back to her ex. Ava is the highlight of her day. She is a beautiful woman who comes in the shop and makes Laken want things… If only she could believe that Ava wants too…
There is a lot of inner voice musings in this book, a lot…. It’s not that it’s a bad book but there is a lot of repeated thoughts and behaviours. The story itself has promise and the sexy bits really are! The ending was solid but there was a lot to go through till you got there.
Laken, a barista, is just out of an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship. She has almost no self-worth and is pretty down on herself. She is convinced she is unlovable and goes back and forth about going back to her ex. Ava is the highlight of her day. She is a beautiful woman who comes in the shop and makes Laken want things… If only she could believe that Ava wants too…
There is a lot of inner voice musings in this book, a lot…. It’s not that it’s a bad book but there is a lot of repeated thoughts and behaviours. The story itself has promise and the sexy bits really are! The ending was solid but there was a lot to go through till you got there.
August 4, 2018
It just got to be too much...
So the beginning of the book was a bit repetitive and a lot of telling not doing. As it progressed it got better and interaction between the characters became more but still a lot of telling and repetition. Then it just kept being repetitive and honestly Larkin just kept irking me. I get the abuse but she was just too hot and cold and really cold a lot of the time. Anyway it was a kU book so there is that.
So the beginning of the book was a bit repetitive and a lot of telling not doing. As it progressed it got better and interaction between the characters became more but still a lot of telling and repetition. Then it just kept being repetitive and honestly Larkin just kept irking me. I get the abuse but she was just too hot and cold and really cold a lot of the time. Anyway it was a kU book so there is that.
October 20, 2019
I found this really difficult to read as the description of emotional abuse was realistic and strong. An author who knows her subject and delivers with understanding, sensistivity & panache. An important book - thank you.
April 12, 2022
Home and Safe
WHEN you find someone you love and who loves you unconditionally in return, don’t ever let that go. Owned and loved. In this lovely way the story goes with tragic and heartbreaking lies. This is a happy ever after ending.
WHEN you find someone you love and who loves you unconditionally in return, don’t ever let that go. Owned and loved. In this lovely way the story goes with tragic and heartbreaking lies. This is a happy ever after ending.
August 23, 2018
Best book ever!!!
So so good!!! I really loved this book and loved Laken and Ava's path to each other! I'd recommend everyone to read this book!!!!
So so good!!! I really loved this book and loved Laken and Ava's path to each other! I'd recommend everyone to read this book!!!!
September 1, 2018
Everyone has their ups and downs. This books describes exactly what damage emotional abuse can do....I am glad this book had a happy ending.
August 29, 2018
Good story
Good start got the story, a lot of back and forth. Which started to get a bit tedious towards the end. However it did finish with a happy ending
Good start got the story, a lot of back and forth. Which started to get a bit tedious towards the end. However it did finish with a happy ending
July 10, 2019
Awesome
Truly an amazing book this is the second book I’ve read from this author and I love it loved them both. I love the style of writing the characters the story the emotion all of it once you start reading you just can’t stop. It’s like you living the story with them truly amazing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Truly an amazing book this is the second book I’ve read from this author and I love it loved them both. I love the style of writing the characters the story the emotion all of it once you start reading you just can’t stop. It’s like you living the story with them truly amazing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
August 2, 2019
Some may think this one runs on a tad but I still found it to be a very good read. 4ish stars
April 10, 2022
I’ve read A LOT of books by Melissa but this has to be my least favourite BY FAR!
The constant back and forth between the characters just got plain annoying after a while. I’m no stranger to having her characters long and pine for each other and it’s always the case where one half of the pairing is usually unsure of themselves both internally and externally but this just took it to a whole other level of insecure and I wanted to just reach into the book and shake the characters to get some sense into them!
First of all, they didn’t even know each other that long so the craving they had for each other seemed very out of the blue and at one point, Ava even said it herself when she said, I don’t even know anything about her. Which was true, she really didn’t. Also, there was NO communication. Not even an ounce. It was just constant assumptions and jumping to conclusions and that is something that frustrates me to no end.
The only saving grace for this book for me was the relatability in the beginning, in terms of knowing there’s something better out there and not wanting to settle. There’s a song by Halestorm that describes it perfectly: Better Sorry Than Safe.
I don’t really want to spoil anything here but if you like a book where it’s a continuous push and pull between the characters, on practically every single page, then by all means pick this up but honestly? A part of me wished that I didn’t.
The constant back and forth between the characters just got plain annoying after a while. I’m no stranger to having her characters long and pine for each other and it’s always the case where one half of the pairing is usually unsure of themselves both internally and externally but this just took it to a whole other level of insecure and I wanted to just reach into the book and shake the characters to get some sense into them!
First of all, they didn’t even know each other that long so the craving they had for each other seemed very out of the blue and at one point, Ava even said it herself when she said, I don’t even know anything about her. Which was true, she really didn’t. Also, there was NO communication. Not even an ounce. It was just constant assumptions and jumping to conclusions and that is something that frustrates me to no end.
The only saving grace for this book for me was the relatability in the beginning, in terms of knowing there’s something better out there and not wanting to settle. There’s a song by Halestorm that describes it perfectly: Better Sorry Than Safe.
I don’t really want to spoil anything here but if you like a book where it’s a continuous push and pull between the characters, on practically every single page, then by all means pick this up but honestly? A part of me wished that I didn’t.
November 11, 2024
Laken is coming out of a poisonous relationship. While at work as a barista she notices a beautiful repeat customer, Ava. When during her break, Ava sits down at her table and starts flirting with her. Taken can't believe it, she feels she's out of Ava's league. Laken is damaged, she has no self esteem and she puts up roadblocks up.
This is a beautiful, poignant love story! 5 stars.
This is a beautiful, poignant love story! 5 stars.
September 14, 2018
Story idea ok, storytelling flawed
I took a chance on this book because it was free through Kindle Unlimited. I'm glad I didn't pay anything for it. There isn't a lot of dialogue in the book; the chapters alternate between the two main characters' rambling, repetitive inner thoughts. The narration needs a lot of work. The book was very frustrating as the one character in particular was stuck in a pattern of running away over and over and over. Grammatically the book was well edited, but the storytelling needs revision. The author definitely needs to work on "show, don't tell".
I took a chance on this book because it was free through Kindle Unlimited. I'm glad I didn't pay anything for it. There isn't a lot of dialogue in the book; the chapters alternate between the two main characters' rambling, repetitive inner thoughts. The narration needs a lot of work. The book was very frustrating as the one character in particular was stuck in a pattern of running away over and over and over. Grammatically the book was well edited, but the storytelling needs revision. The author definitely needs to work on "show, don't tell".
August 19, 2021
This book is an EMOTIONAL Rollercoaster let me freaking tell you that! It was my first lesbian romance book, but it literally kept me HOOKED! It was a great book don't get me wrong. But there were some parts of it that you are going "really?!" It's more with Laken though. Ava is a sweet woman who also has been hurt in the past but isn't letting that stop her. She goes for what she wants. Laken, has just left a 5 year relationship with her toxic fiancé. Honestly is this is a series I would LOVE to see them get married. Laken and Ava. They literally can't stop thinking about each other. I feel like they should get married. Honestly, this book is pretty amazing! Highly recommend!
July 4, 2019
Heartbreaking and beautiful
This whole relationship was an emotional rollercoaster. They spent more time running away from each other than actually being together. I loved the realness and the complexity of the story but at times it was difficult to read and process the interaction. Emotional abuse can run so deep and literally change you as a person which was my take away from this book. It was a great story that most was the time was painful to read.
This whole relationship was an emotional rollercoaster. They spent more time running away from each other than actually being together. I loved the realness and the complexity of the story but at times it was difficult to read and process the interaction. Emotional abuse can run so deep and literally change you as a person which was my take away from this book. It was a great story that most was the time was painful to read.
November 17, 2019
Frustratingly Heartwarming!
First I loved this story but I did want to wring Laken’s neck! The chemistry between Ava and Laken kept you reading until its conclusion. The perfectly flawed personalities had you cheering for the good and crying for the bad. The push and pull on their relationship is what the heart of this story was about. They both needed to overcome some obstacles to find the perfect balance for them. A must read!
First I loved this story but I did want to wring Laken’s neck! The chemistry between Ava and Laken kept you reading until its conclusion. The perfectly flawed personalities had you cheering for the good and crying for the bad. The push and pull on their relationship is what the heart of this story was about. They both needed to overcome some obstacles to find the perfect balance for them. A must read!
July 6, 2020
Being naked
Beautifully written journey of Laken, whose broken soul and past relationship was destroying her self image. She meets Ava who loves unconditionally and empowers Laken to find strength within herself to repair the damage she received for far too long. Well developed characters and plot. A very good read! I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this and any other works of this author. I thoroughly enjoy her style of writing. Thank you Peace
Beautifully written journey of Laken, whose broken soul and past relationship was destroying her self image. She meets Ava who loves unconditionally and empowers Laken to find strength within herself to repair the damage she received for far too long. Well developed characters and plot. A very good read! I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this and any other works of this author. I thoroughly enjoy her style of writing. Thank you Peace
April 3, 2020
A Broken heart broke love
About the discovery, uncertainty & passion of a relationship between two women— both bearing the scars from their previous exes, past violations & painful memories, as they attempt to find love & family in each other that can overcome & heal their damages!
About the discovery, uncertainty & passion of a relationship between two women— both bearing the scars from their previous exes, past violations & painful memories, as they attempt to find love & family in each other that can overcome & heal their damages!
March 13, 2021
Raw naked angst
Having read this book in one sitting I feel exhausted. The writing is raw and unpolished but it has the seed of future potential. I found myself very frustrated at times with the main characters but the psychology of Laken was so damaged by her ex that she was unable think straight or trust anyone even her self.
Having read this book in one sitting I feel exhausted. The writing is raw and unpolished but it has the seed of future potential. I found myself very frustrated at times with the main characters but the psychology of Laken was so damaged by her ex that she was unable think straight or trust anyone even her self.
May 29, 2021
Sweet and to the point
I loved this book. Some books draw on way too long about absolutely nothing important. This book was an easy read. I was eager to find out the ending. I do wish there had been more of a backstory on Louisa and Laken relationship but I loved it in total nevertheless. I was so happy with the ending. Laken deserved to be happy.
I loved this book. Some books draw on way too long about absolutely nothing important. This book was an easy read. I was eager to find out the ending. I do wish there had been more of a backstory on Louisa and Laken relationship but I loved it in total nevertheless. I was so happy with the ending. Laken deserved to be happy.
February 13, 2022
A definite must read!
(I fell in love with this story cause I met my now wife at a coffee shop. I was the barista and she was the customer. I did a lot of chasing and so did she so this one hit home.)
There were a couple times I literally yelled at Laken lol and then was right there with Ava telling Louisa to kick rocks haha. I love all of Melissa’s writing for sure!
(I fell in love with this story cause I met my now wife at a coffee shop. I was the barista and she was the customer. I did a lot of chasing and so did she so this one hit home.)
There were a couple times I literally yelled at Laken lol and then was right there with Ava telling Louisa to kick rocks haha. I love all of Melissa’s writing for sure!
October 22, 2018
Fantastic
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that I could identify with one of the main characters and the roller coasters of emotions this book takes you through. You feel for the characters, feel their sadness, anger, but mostly all the love.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that I could identify with one of the main characters and the roller coasters of emotions this book takes you through. You feel for the characters, feel their sadness, anger, but mostly all the love.
June 25, 2020
Recovering from abusive relationship is never easy. The beginning of the book was good but then something went wrong with Laken and the writing about her. Maybe trying to convey depression but I felt like she changed in how she was written.
September 4, 2020
Another good read from Melissa another book I couldn’t put down. I must admit though Laken started to annoy me with the way she treated Ava I wanted to shake her! Went on too long for me the going back and forth otherwise I’d of given it 5 stars. Still a good book and one I couldn’t put down.
July 13, 2021
Broken but not unlovable
Often we end up with relationships that break us. Making us live of a shell of a person, losing ourselves. And one day we meet the one that is meant for us to have our HEA.
Often we end up with relationships that break us. Making us live of a shell of a person, losing ourselves. And one day we meet the one that is meant for us to have our HEA.
July 5, 2022
Very hard read. Very depressing.
This book was very hard to read. I know that people go through mental abuse, however, Laken continuous self destruction was overwhelming and hard to get through in this book.
This book was very hard to read. I know that people go through mental abuse, however, Laken continuous self destruction was overwhelming and hard to get through in this book.
July 23, 2025
Oh my god this was PERFECT, the moment I found out about Melissa’s books I knew I’d loved them all and to start with this and find out her writing is FLAWLESS?! I am so ready for a binge! I was rooting for Ava and Laken immediately and found myself absolutely in love with their story ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews