Alex Rivera is finally free. After spending ten years with a man she didn’t love, could leaving town give her everything she’s ever wanted? A woman. The chance to be happy… Blake Jenkins is very much the hot neighbor in her hometown, but the scars of her marriage have been too much to overcome. Forever pulling away from what she truly wants, life changes in the blink of an eye. Just when Blake believes she has it all, she discovers everything isn’t quite as it seems. Pasts. Old flames. Can she battle one final time for the life she’s always dreamed about, or will love ultimately defeat her?
Alex has freed herself from her marriage and embarking on new adventures. When she develops feelings for her new neighbour Blake, she is unsure why Blake wasn’t keen to return the affections. Blake and Alex both have complicated pasts which affect their relationships, feelings, and how they behaviour by one another. Alex is persistent, but Blake keeps holding back until they finally learn to communicate and speak to one another.
A very enjoyable but angsty path to romance was pursued in this story. Both the main characters were equally as vulnerable and insecure and had a lot to overcome personally if they were ever going to trust one another. I liked how this kept a tension between them for most of the story because they really did keep holding themselves back, but it wasn’t all down to them. There were a few additional characters in the mix adding to all the tension and drama, both from the present and the past.
What made this different to other romances was that it fell into more of an erotica category but also came with some unexpected surprises. I never could have predicted how this story was going to go. It really had me shocked when it started coming together with conclusions you wouldn’t even imagine.
I very much enjoyed this and hope there will be more from Alex and Blake in future to continue their drama packed, angsty relationship.
Uggg...I have never read the words “I’m sorry” So much in one book. I think the love interest between the two happened too fast. It was so unbelievable to me on so many levels that I DNF.
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it was marvelous. Not only did I struggle to put it down, but it also pulled me into a world I needed. Yes, it was heartbreaking at times, but it was also heartwarming. The explicit scenes in this book are done with taste and respect, and the angst was a wonderful addition. As this is a book in a series, I look forward to what this author brings us next. Alex & Blake's chemistry was on fire.
I’ve never struggled with a book by Melissa Tereze. Ever. But this book? It was difficult to read. The constant back and forth between Blake and Alex was overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. There were elements that made me wonder if Tereze wrote this from experience and that’s a heartbreaking thought. I saw the ending coming, though how it unfolded was a sickening surprise. I’m not sure this is the kind of book I could read twice. For every hot scene, there was two that were difficult to get through. Blake’s character needed, needs, therapy.
I think this story could have been stronger not written in first person, too. Overall, I really just struggled with this and I was so looking forward to reading the erotica that I never anticipated it would come laced through such heartache.
I will say that I appreciate Tereze didn’t shy away from the discomfort of writing a story that had such a focus on someone who’d been abused by their wife. It’s important to bring attention to the reality that this dynamic exits, every day, no matter how uncomfortable the reader may feel, especially one who might have gone through abuse themselves. I’m going to look at this as if it were a cathartic experience for the writer, though.
I got to the end but I wanted to lock both main characters in a small room until they had either sorted things out or moved to different continents! Lots of repetetive "best sex ever" and the end was frankly ridiculous even though the build up made me shiver.
Also way too much "B-Blake", "A-Alex", "S-Sorry" which I was uncertain how to read - it seemed like stuttering but I assume it was supposed to be emotion. It didn't work for me and rapidly became very annoying.
This author, under a different, name has written some very good stuff though. At the end of this book it says "to be continued...". The author has become a much better writer since this was released (I'm assuming in 2018 looking at twitter) and I would like to know more about the main characters. Also, if we're having daft endings, Blake's ex-wife needs to be dropped in to a pool of alligators James Bond style, but with no hope of escape!
I know this was written in 2018 but I kept seeing the name and book titled at the end of your other books recently. I am sure people know who you are by now but in case my lips are sealed. This was so good. Yes, all involved has past problems that needed to be dealt with but the intensity involved gets deeper when both Blake and Alex are being threatened. As the threats become more disturbing and the fear is heightened, Blake and Alex are trying to live a normal life with their new relationship. They love each other and don’t want pettiness to pull them apart. But as the threats keep coming, things escalated to a stunning ending. But we are left there. Next book please!
Overall a good story, although I think it could have been shorter: some of the convos between the main characters were repetitive. Now, maybe that was intentional, to show better how abuse "marks" the victim in ways that may never completely go away and impact every aspect of her life. Both MCs were wounded, in their ways. And, why insert conversations with their parents, and go nowhere with those relationships? The shade of BDSM may become more central in Book 2?
Are those loose ends part of Book 2? And when can we expect Book 2?
I liked the premise of one MC healing from an abusive same sex marriage and it’s erotica so wasn’t expecting a ton of plot. However, both MCs just kept repeating the same thoughts and actions between each other. Reminded me of a high school relationship with the same level of maturity. That makes sense from the abused MC and her struggle to find and trust herself, but not from the new gf. It was kind of ridiculous.
Not as much action and dialogue as I would expect. A lot of narration which is kind of weird to read. It's more telling than showing is what it feels like. The story's premise is pretty good, but it needs better delivery. Like, it needs more stuff happening than each person telling what they're thinking, talking to themsrlves interspersed with dialogue and action.
Some of you may like this but it was not my type of book. I dunno but it almost seemed like a essay at the start and so many sorrys and not enough back ground to be sorry for, I wasn't buying in ..It may not be as bad as I was thinking but I read about a quarter and called it as a waste of time for me..though maybe not for everyone
This was such an enjoyable read. The author kept me engaged with the characters and plot twists throughout. I didn't want to put it down. There were also a lot of hot sexual encounters. The ending was surprising and left the door open a little bit for a sequel. This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last.
I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
Well I’m dizzy after reading this, will they? Won’t they? Breaking up and getting back together the backwards and forwards was too much. What is a real shame is that the book and the plot with the personal attack and the final twist was very good. Just too much back and forth drove me mad I nearly didn’t finish the book. But glad I did as it was a good finish.
Wow this book was seriously hot like super spice level. Absolutely loved it and loved Blake and Alex. They were amazing as a couple and loved that they faced hurdles. It wasn't all just plain sailing. I know it said book 1 but I didn't really think about it. Damn it ended on a big moment and I can't wait to read the next one when it comes out
It is a good book, great sex scenes, a little more back and for than I like. But to be continued and it has been 3 1/2 years since it was published when I read it? Will it really be continued? Disappointing.
I have never read a more exasperating book in my life. I kept waiting for Blake to gain some self confidence but she self sabotaged time and time again. If this book is continued, it will without my reading it.
I have enjoyed this heartfelt very emotional story of two women that have rocky past relationship that come together and find their love of each other.
Overall an ok read, but it was really repetitive on issues. The back and forth in the relationship was the same in multiple chapters and just made it feel as if going around in circles.
So much unnecessary drama, so much whining, not fan of insta love and weak characters, definitely not coming back for the second one, not trying to be mean it's just that it was too long and without substance.