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Hands Off
“All I feel is terror. Terror and his hot breath against the back of my neck.”
Haunted by a night that has followed her since she was seventeen, Melody Amato lives a methodical life, avoiding unpredictable outcomes and, above all else, men. Determined to start over and escape the terror that consumes her, she plans to leave her hometown and find a new beginning somewhere else—somewhere safe—far away from her eternal nightmare. As Melody counts down the days until she can leave Southern Maryland, long-lost friend Bennett Hayes blows into town, making her question everything she thought she wanted.
The undeniable attraction between Melody and Bennett has her wondering if she can bury her secret and live a normal life, one without fear or regret. But when she attempts to let her guard down and give Bennett a chance, her past refuses to let her go. Torn between an unpredictable future and an unforgiving past, Melody must decide if she will run or take a leap of faith. But suffering in silence is no easy task, and her secret threatens to destroy any chance she may have at happiness and love.
Haunted by a night that has followed her since she was seventeen, Melody Amato lives a methodical life, avoiding unpredictable outcomes and, above all else, men. Determined to start over and escape the terror that consumes her, she plans to leave her hometown and find a new beginning somewhere else—somewhere safe—far away from her eternal nightmare. As Melody counts down the days until she can leave Southern Maryland, long-lost friend Bennett Hayes blows into town, making her question everything she thought she wanted.
The undeniable attraction between Melody and Bennett has her wondering if she can bury her secret and live a normal life, one without fear or regret. But when she attempts to let her guard down and give Bennett a chance, her past refuses to let her go. Torn between an unpredictable future and an unforgiving past, Melody must decide if she will run or take a leap of faith. But suffering in silence is no easy task, and her secret threatens to destroy any chance she may have at happiness and love.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 7, 2021
“No one else. I’m custom fitted... just for you”
M. Mace describes her writing as real, emotional, relatable, breathtaking. Well, I’d have to agree. HANDS OFF is a beautiful, emotional, quiet read where I found myself slowing down, even pausing, to savor the words flowing across the page. There is a such an ease to her prose, and her characters are fleshed out and, yes, so very real and likeable (villains aside).
I loved Melody’s quiet strength and courage in the face of deep trauma and her growth throughout the book. I also really appreciated this nuanced view of what she went through, and the validation of her experience even if it doesn’t necessarily look quite like depictions of similar situations in most books nowadays.
And I adored Bennett’s patience and the way he worshipped his “beautiful girl.” Didn’t hurt that the man is hot-as-sin, knows his way around string instruments, and rides bulls for a living. ;)
I was looking for an engrossing, slow burn, emotional read, and HANDS OFF definitely hit the spot for me. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. (There are a few secondary characters I really liked and wouldn’t mind hanging out with again as they chase their own HEAs...)
M. Mace describes her writing as real, emotional, relatable, breathtaking. Well, I’d have to agree. HANDS OFF is a beautiful, emotional, quiet read where I found myself slowing down, even pausing, to savor the words flowing across the page. There is a such an ease to her prose, and her characters are fleshed out and, yes, so very real and likeable (villains aside).
I loved Melody’s quiet strength and courage in the face of deep trauma and her growth throughout the book. I also really appreciated this nuanced view of what she went through, and the validation of her experience even if it doesn’t necessarily look quite like depictions of similar situations in most books nowadays.
And I adored Bennett’s patience and the way he worshipped his “beautiful girl.” Didn’t hurt that the man is hot-as-sin, knows his way around string instruments, and rides bulls for a living. ;)
I was looking for an engrossing, slow burn, emotional read, and HANDS OFF definitely hit the spot for me. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. (There are a few secondary characters I really liked and wouldn’t mind hanging out with again as they chase their own HEAs...)
April 22, 2021
Wow. I cannot believe the simplicity and beauty of this book. It's raw. You'll find yourself with your breath held in to know what happens next. Michelle Mace has done a fabulous job on her debut novel. (I don't know how she does it, but she did it!) Also hearty congratulations!
The chemistry between Melody and Bennett was adorable. Especially their sweet little banter. (okay, who doesn't mind a little bit of Insta-Love here and there? I certainly didn't.) She was the flame that attracted him to her. Even though Melody found herself burning, she tried to hide it from everyone else. This is what I admired about this book. Consent is so important and it is even harder to depict. Because it isn't always physical that destroys a person, mentally people can find themselves broken and in despair because of such situations. I wanted to hold Melody and protect her just as Bennett did. It's a good read, but be ready for the tears. You'll find your own insecurities screaming back at you through the book, just to remind you that we all are okay. We will be okay. I certainly loved the ending. I can't say too much now! Find out yourself. 4/5!
I was provided with a complimentary ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily
The chemistry between Melody and Bennett was adorable. Especially their sweet little banter. (okay, who doesn't mind a little bit of Insta-Love here and there? I certainly didn't.) She was the flame that attracted him to her. Even though Melody found herself burning, she tried to hide it from everyone else. This is what I admired about this book. Consent is so important and it is even harder to depict. Because it isn't always physical that destroys a person, mentally people can find themselves broken and in despair because of such situations. I wanted to hold Melody and protect her just as Bennett did. It's a good read, but be ready for the tears. You'll find your own insecurities screaming back at you through the book, just to remind you that we all are okay. We will be okay. I certainly loved the ending. I can't say too much now! Find out yourself. 4/5!
I was provided with a complimentary ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily
April 15, 2021
Hands Off is not your typical romance novel. The first chapter grabbed me with its raw portrayal of sexual assault. The novel continued to impress me with its exploration of the ongoing trauma experienced by victims. Too many women suffer in silence, as Melody does in Hands Off. Bravo to author M. MACE for giving voice to sexual assault and its aftermath.
That being said, the book did not leave me feeling empowered as a woman. Despite enlightened statements such as, "You don't have to say no; it's implied unless you actually say yes," Bennett's possessiveness disguised as protectiveness (constantly wanting to "stake my claim" on "my woman") rubbed me the wrong way. As did Melody's slut shaming of herself ("...throwing myself at Bennett like a whore...) and any other woman who dare look at "her man." Perhaps it can all be explained by the early 2000s, pre- #metoo (that is my assumption given the main character's employment at a retail music store) rural setting?
Overall, I appreciated the writing and the author's efforts to show the complex nature of real romance. I only wish the man as provider/protector and woman on woman bashing weren't such prevalent themes. I wish I could give an extra half star here but, alas, Goodreads does not allow for it.
That being said, the book did not leave me feeling empowered as a woman. Despite enlightened statements such as, "You don't have to say no; it's implied unless you actually say yes," Bennett's possessiveness disguised as protectiveness (constantly wanting to "stake my claim" on "my woman") rubbed me the wrong way. As did Melody's slut shaming of herself ("...throwing myself at Bennett like a whore...) and any other woman who dare look at "her man." Perhaps it can all be explained by the early 2000s, pre- #metoo (that is my assumption given the main character's employment at a retail music store) rural setting?
Overall, I appreciated the writing and the author's efforts to show the complex nature of real romance. I only wish the man as provider/protector and woman on woman bashing weren't such prevalent themes. I wish I could give an extra half star here but, alas, Goodreads does not allow for it.
April 18, 2021
Arc received in exchange of an honest review
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5 (4.5/5)
I goddamn loved this book, the characters, the plot and literally everything about it. I cried, I laughed and I definitely had a lot of fun.
Bennett and Mel had my heart from the first freaking page. The angst , the tension bled through the pages and I was so hyped for them to finally admit their love for each other.
It was absolutely brilliant. I loved how they bonded over music and it just felt so real. Though they had their moments where I was just so pissed like you love each other! Nobody can get between that ughh. My frustration was very accompanied by absolute investment into the story.
Melody is my baby girl and no one can hurt her! My heart went out for her. Ah people like Shane unfortunately do exist and they hurt people and it's bad. I felt so bad and devastated in the first few chapters. But seeing her grow and become stronger was an absolute joy. Felt like a freaking badass. Girl got the power ugh. I do feel like sometimes she was a little too frustrating. The miscommunication got to me but it all solved out well, I mean Bennett wasn't going to lose his girl so easily. I loved reading through her pov and feeling like I was falling for Bennett right there with her. Her thought process very much felt like she was wounded and I freaking loved how complex she was.
Bennett, ah that man is so amazing. We need a man like that in our lives! He is so understanding and my heart can't take his absolute beauty, in and out. He was exactly what Mel needed. Even when Mel was at her worst he stayed with her and always loved her. I loved reading through his pov and just feeling like I was seeing Mel really and not just coloured from Mel's own anxiety.
Lena and Jackson are my secondary babies. I mean I couldn't not love Melnett the most 🤷♀️. Their banter added a much needed comic relief and I feel like there is so much more to come from them. They were absolutely the show stopper.
All in all it was a damn fabulous book and I can't wait to see what Mace writes next. I need to gush about this to all my friends right now!
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5 (4.5/5)
I goddamn loved this book, the characters, the plot and literally everything about it. I cried, I laughed and I definitely had a lot of fun.
Bennett and Mel had my heart from the first freaking page. The angst , the tension bled through the pages and I was so hyped for them to finally admit their love for each other.
It was absolutely brilliant. I loved how they bonded over music and it just felt so real. Though they had their moments where I was just so pissed like you love each other! Nobody can get between that ughh. My frustration was very accompanied by absolute investment into the story.
Melody is my baby girl and no one can hurt her! My heart went out for her. Ah people like Shane unfortunately do exist and they hurt people and it's bad. I felt so bad and devastated in the first few chapters. But seeing her grow and become stronger was an absolute joy. Felt like a freaking badass. Girl got the power ugh. I do feel like sometimes she was a little too frustrating. The miscommunication got to me but it all solved out well, I mean Bennett wasn't going to lose his girl so easily. I loved reading through her pov and feeling like I was falling for Bennett right there with her. Her thought process very much felt like she was wounded and I freaking loved how complex she was.
Bennett, ah that man is so amazing. We need a man like that in our lives! He is so understanding and my heart can't take his absolute beauty, in and out. He was exactly what Mel needed. Even when Mel was at her worst he stayed with her and always loved her. I loved reading through his pov and just feeling like I was seeing Mel really and not just coloured from Mel's own anxiety.
Lena and Jackson are my secondary babies. I mean I couldn't not love Melnett the most 🤷♀️. Their banter added a much needed comic relief and I feel like there is so much more to come from them. They were absolutely the show stopper.
All in all it was a damn fabulous book and I can't wait to see what Mace writes next. I need to gush about this to all my friends right now!
April 7, 2021
This book is coming out very soon, and I am so grateful to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Please note that I am not a professional and the following insights you are about to read are solely based on my own opinions only. It may or may not also contain a bit of spoilers.
“Even a frozen heart is no match for Bennett Hayes.” -Melody Amato
Written in both Melody’s and Bennett’s point of view, Hands Off tells the story of someone living with an unspoken trauma and how it affected her perception of herself. Despite its seemingly heavy theme, it was surprisingly a quick read (I stayed up all night and it only took me a few hours to finish the book).
The perfectly created chemistry and sexual tension between Bennett and Melody was presented early in the book making it an impossible task to stop reading.
Bennett is an obvious choice as a favorite seeing that he’s a swoon-worthy main character, and because Bennett is an obvious choice, I’d pick Jack as my favorite character instead. I’m a sucker for a good bromance type of friendship and Jack is definitely the best friend anyone will always be lucky to have. Jack’s easy-going personality is the perfect buffer and neutralizer between every issue they encounter. Jack is like my safe place just like Bennett is Melody’s. 🙈💙✨
Overall, I had a great time reading this. Melody’s way of thinking was painfully realistic to the point that I had to remind myself that I’m not actually going through the same type of hurt that she’s in.
This book is a good read to help shed light and lessen the stigma around victims of abuse. No one deserves to suffer in silence.
“No one has a right to touch you unless you say so. You don’t have to say no; it’s implied unless you actually say yes.” -Bennett Hayes
“Even a frozen heart is no match for Bennett Hayes.” -Melody Amato
Written in both Melody’s and Bennett’s point of view, Hands Off tells the story of someone living with an unspoken trauma and how it affected her perception of herself. Despite its seemingly heavy theme, it was surprisingly a quick read (I stayed up all night and it only took me a few hours to finish the book).
The perfectly created chemistry and sexual tension between Bennett and Melody was presented early in the book making it an impossible task to stop reading.
Bennett is an obvious choice as a favorite seeing that he’s a swoon-worthy main character, and because Bennett is an obvious choice, I’d pick Jack as my favorite character instead. I’m a sucker for a good bromance type of friendship and Jack is definitely the best friend anyone will always be lucky to have. Jack’s easy-going personality is the perfect buffer and neutralizer between every issue they encounter. Jack is like my safe place just like Bennett is Melody’s. 🙈💙✨
Overall, I had a great time reading this. Melody’s way of thinking was painfully realistic to the point that I had to remind myself that I’m not actually going through the same type of hurt that she’s in.
This book is a good read to help shed light and lessen the stigma around victims of abuse. No one deserves to suffer in silence.
“No one has a right to touch you unless you say so. You don’t have to say no; it’s implied unless you actually say yes.” -Bennett Hayes
April 7, 2021
My review...
Hands Off grabs you from the first page, and I immediately connected with Melody being an abuse survivor myself. The trigger warning at the beginning is a good one, although the author never uses rape or violence as a cheap plot device or way to titillate the reader. That's what the romance in the book is for, and there's plenty of that. My favorite part of the book was reading Bennett's conflicted thoughts, particularly how mindful he is of Melody's needs despite his own conflicting desires. It was fascinating to see the difference between what Bennett wanted to do, the behavior Melody actually saw, and then her own take on it. The slow burn was great, and I loved how trust needed to be built and earned. Love didnt erase Melody's trauma either, and the author clearly understands the complexities of PTSD and recovery. The side characters were fun and also did a great job supporting their friend rather than coddling her. I love that this novel flipped so many romance tropes on their heads and presented a heroine who needed to consciously save herself rather than being rescued. As much as Bennett or even her sister and friends wanted to save Melody, the decision to continue self sabotage or even self preservation from trauma was a decision she had to make, and I loved that the author chose the more difficult path.
M Mace is a fantastic author, and I could not put this book down. While I don't personally write steamy romance myself, I didn't find anything salaciously done or filling in missing plot with sex. This was an emotional, character driven novel, and I loved it.
I received an ARC to review and was not paid or coerced to write my review.
Hands Off grabs you from the first page, and I immediately connected with Melody being an abuse survivor myself. The trigger warning at the beginning is a good one, although the author never uses rape or violence as a cheap plot device or way to titillate the reader. That's what the romance in the book is for, and there's plenty of that. My favorite part of the book was reading Bennett's conflicted thoughts, particularly how mindful he is of Melody's needs despite his own conflicting desires. It was fascinating to see the difference between what Bennett wanted to do, the behavior Melody actually saw, and then her own take on it. The slow burn was great, and I loved how trust needed to be built and earned. Love didnt erase Melody's trauma either, and the author clearly understands the complexities of PTSD and recovery. The side characters were fun and also did a great job supporting their friend rather than coddling her. I love that this novel flipped so many romance tropes on their heads and presented a heroine who needed to consciously save herself rather than being rescued. As much as Bennett or even her sister and friends wanted to save Melody, the decision to continue self sabotage or even self preservation from trauma was a decision she had to make, and I loved that the author chose the more difficult path.
M Mace is a fantastic author, and I could not put this book down. While I don't personally write steamy romance myself, I didn't find anything salaciously done or filling in missing plot with sex. This was an emotional, character driven novel, and I loved it.
I received an ARC to review and was not paid or coerced to write my review.
April 14, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much @mmaceromance for gifting me a copy of the arc for Hands Off in exchange for an honest review.
*For my fellow readers and those who are potentially vulnerable to the impact of Mace’s debut novel, I would like to add a trigger warning for sexual assault.*
Hands Off isn’t just another love story. In fact, it starts off as anything but. It’s raw. It’s real. You’re there. From the start I was pulled into the assault with Melody and I felt so..ungrounded. I was brought right back to my own experience as a teenager. The scene is powerful, enigmatic, then it ends abruptly and leaves you reeling. Did that really happen? Was it a dream? Mace finds emotional wounds you may not have realized existed, or had long forgotten, and tears them open, leaving you vulnerable all over again. Just when you think you may not be able to claw through, she gifts you with the gravitational pull of Melody and Bennett. Melody and Bennett are dynamic; the attraction positively palpable, there’s no doubt about it, but it was their friendships with the side characters that got me through and brought me hope.
Healing after sexual assault can be a life long process, and I don’t think anyone should assume a new relationship is the key to healing. In fact it’s often the opposite. To feel safe from without, a person must first begin to feel safe from within.
Mace created something beautiful out of Melody’s vulnerability, surrounded her with support, embraced her caution, and allowed the character to forge what felt to be a natural path. After this debut, I can’t wait to see where she takes this series. This author is one to watch.
Thank you so much @mmaceromance for gifting me a copy of the arc for Hands Off in exchange for an honest review.
*For my fellow readers and those who are potentially vulnerable to the impact of Mace’s debut novel, I would like to add a trigger warning for sexual assault.*
Hands Off isn’t just another love story. In fact, it starts off as anything but. It’s raw. It’s real. You’re there. From the start I was pulled into the assault with Melody and I felt so..ungrounded. I was brought right back to my own experience as a teenager. The scene is powerful, enigmatic, then it ends abruptly and leaves you reeling. Did that really happen? Was it a dream? Mace finds emotional wounds you may not have realized existed, or had long forgotten, and tears them open, leaving you vulnerable all over again. Just when you think you may not be able to claw through, she gifts you with the gravitational pull of Melody and Bennett. Melody and Bennett are dynamic; the attraction positively palpable, there’s no doubt about it, but it was their friendships with the side characters that got me through and brought me hope.
Healing after sexual assault can be a life long process, and I don’t think anyone should assume a new relationship is the key to healing. In fact it’s often the opposite. To feel safe from without, a person must first begin to feel safe from within.
Mace created something beautiful out of Melody’s vulnerability, surrounded her with support, embraced her caution, and allowed the character to forge what felt to be a natural path. After this debut, I can’t wait to see where she takes this series. This author is one to watch.
April 7, 2021
From the beginning of this book, it had me. The very first chapter was one hell of a way to start a book. This is an excellent book that shows you that trauma exists in all shapes and sizes, and we don’t always know or see what that trauma could be. I loved how perceptive Bennett was for Melody, he paid attention and recognized sizes that others didn’t. He also gave her space, time, and patience. This book really is a great representation of real life. What happens in this book actually happens in the real world. These character are real and relatable, I think that’s what makes the book all the better, because you could actually see this in real life. Also that moment with Bennet and Shane was just perfect. Because this was so real to life, it was an excellent read.
April 7, 2021
Hands Off by M. Mace is such a sweet and emotional read, and the writing flows beautifully. True love can be messy and complicated, especially when one or both people have experienced past traumas. But the right person is worth all the uncomfortable moments of honesty, forgiveness, and growth. The right person helps you become the best version of yourself. That was what Bennett and Melody were for each other. I loved their strength and passion! I also really enjoyed all of the female friendships in this book.
April 8, 2021
Note: I received an advance copy of this great book.
Every day we hear about awful things happening to people, but we don’t often get the inside look of how that event forever alters them, the repercussions of living with the aftereffects of the trauma, and the courage it takes to move beyond it. Hands Off gives us that inside look in a well-written, beautifully crafted story. There is a trigger warning at the beginning, which is well worth heeding…but this book is well worth reading. Highly recommend.
Every day we hear about awful things happening to people, but we don’t often get the inside look of how that event forever alters them, the repercussions of living with the aftereffects of the trauma, and the courage it takes to move beyond it. Hands Off gives us that inside look in a well-written, beautifully crafted story. There is a trigger warning at the beginning, which is well worth heeding…but this book is well worth reading. Highly recommend.
April 9, 2021
Following Melody’s story was both beautiful and heartbreaking. I truly enjoyed watching her find her strength & courage to become who she’s meant to be. Bennett is a perfect match for her and I loved seeing their instant spark and their connected past as their relationship grows. The way he supports and loves her warms my soul!
I love her sister, Bianca and her best friend, Lena and her relationships with them. I was happy to see Bianca show her own strength! I love Jackson and would love to see more of him and Lena together. They really make me laugh!! Maybe your next book? Im definitely ready for your next one, whatever it may be.
I love her sister, Bianca and her best friend, Lena and her relationships with them. I was happy to see Bianca show her own strength! I love Jackson and would love to see more of him and Lena together. They really make me laugh!! Maybe your next book? Im definitely ready for your next one, whatever it may be.
May 15, 2021
Melody is a loveable protagonist. We follow along, as she learns to let go of past trauma, putting down the barriers she has stacked around her romantic life. This book successfully uses text messages to progress the narrative. We flip between narrators, and sometimes the novel is told from the leading man, Bennett’s point of view. I love how when we switch between narrators, the story never backtracks and revisits what we have just learned from the other narrator. This makes for a more lively pace.
July 7, 2021
Finally a down to earth and realistic romance novel!! Don't get me wrong, I love the jet setting, billionaire adventures that most romance novels take you on but "Hands Off" hits you on a personal note through its relatable characters and situations. The book also carries a strong and valuable message about abuse and seeking help through a realistic and never forced narrative. By the end of the novel you really are attached to Melody and Bennett as ordinary people sharing an extraordinary romance. Can't wait for the second novel to be released, I'll be the first in line and hope you join me.
April 7, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hands Off covers the sensitive topic of sexual assault but is executed in a thoughtful manner by Mace who has created the wonderfully flawed characters Melody and Bennett. The reader quickly becomes invested and roots for Melody in the hope that she can overcome her trauma and allow herself to be consumed by Bennett's passion and genuine intentions. An intriguing page turner with quirky side characters who push the story forward. Bravo!
Hands Off covers the sensitive topic of sexual assault but is executed in a thoughtful manner by Mace who has created the wonderfully flawed characters Melody and Bennett. The reader quickly becomes invested and roots for Melody in the hope that she can overcome her trauma and allow herself to be consumed by Bennett's passion and genuine intentions. An intriguing page turner with quirky side characters who push the story forward. Bravo!
May 3, 2021
I couldn't keep my "hands off" this book!
This story was everything it promised and more. Romantic, raw, and relatable! I have bought so many books over the past few years that I fell out of interest reading because I was too busy with life to finish them. This one was different. I kept trying to put it down so I could get some much needed sleep, but I felt like I had to read just one more chapter.
What's more is that this book brought back so many memories of my own love story (to my now husband), and helped to reignite those feelings ❤
This story was everything it promised and more. Romantic, raw, and relatable! I have bought so many books over the past few years that I fell out of interest reading because I was too busy with life to finish them. This one was different. I kept trying to put it down so I could get some much needed sleep, but I felt like I had to read just one more chapter.
What's more is that this book brought back so many memories of my own love story (to my now husband), and helped to reignite those feelings ❤
April 7, 2021
I couldn’t keep my hands off this book!
The author skillfully gives us insight into both characters’ vulnerability and beautifully and effectively leads us to understand that trust and true love can heal wounds.
The author skillfully gives us insight into both characters’ vulnerability and beautifully and effectively leads us to understand that trust and true love can heal wounds.
April 25, 2021
Wow
Awesome read. I took my time with this book but it kept me hooked the whole way through. Can’t wait to see what you come out with next.
Awesome read. I took my time with this book but it kept me hooked the whole way through. Can’t wait to see what you come out with next.
May 18, 2021
Arc review -I was asked to give an honest review by the author.
Sigh... this author is going to be someone to watch. First off this book is set partly in my home state, So I already feel a little love right there. I will honestly say I can’t say a bad thing about this book. The book was well written, kept me enthralled and I already want to read the second book in the series...
I will start out telling you this book will tug at you as a person, a woman and as a book lover. Melody at seventeen was like most of us, young, happy and innocent of the cruelties of the world. One night changes her entire being. If you have triggers involving sexual assault this book may be hard for you. She is assaulted and nearly rape by a guy at a house party. She spends the next fours years hiding this from her family and doing all the things I imagine a lot of victims do. She ponders how or what she could have done to prevent it and self blames her self constantly. She can’t endure relationships and has immense trouble with the opposite sex. She rarely feels comfortable with a man until Bennett Hayes a old childhood playmate comes into town. For the first time Melody can see herself maybe having a relationship with someone.
Bennett Hayes reminds me so much of just a good old small town country boy. He feels this instant attraction to Melody, but he also senses she’s been hurt by someone bad. The author is so sensitive to the trauma that Melody experienced and the blossoming of their relationship was not too Hallmark, but just well done. The couple had so much to overcome, but I was very happy with the ending and how the author handle the subject. I finished the book feeling like I just read about how person can have something so terrible happen and they can heal. They can find that something or someone who helps them be whole again.
Sigh... this author is going to be someone to watch. First off this book is set partly in my home state, So I already feel a little love right there. I will honestly say I can’t say a bad thing about this book. The book was well written, kept me enthralled and I already want to read the second book in the series...
I will start out telling you this book will tug at you as a person, a woman and as a book lover. Melody at seventeen was like most of us, young, happy and innocent of the cruelties of the world. One night changes her entire being. If you have triggers involving sexual assault this book may be hard for you. She is assaulted and nearly rape by a guy at a house party. She spends the next fours years hiding this from her family and doing all the things I imagine a lot of victims do. She ponders how or what she could have done to prevent it and self blames her self constantly. She can’t endure relationships and has immense trouble with the opposite sex. She rarely feels comfortable with a man until Bennett Hayes a old childhood playmate comes into town. For the first time Melody can see herself maybe having a relationship with someone.
Bennett Hayes reminds me so much of just a good old small town country boy. He feels this instant attraction to Melody, but he also senses she’s been hurt by someone bad. The author is so sensitive to the trauma that Melody experienced and the blossoming of their relationship was not too Hallmark, but just well done. The couple had so much to overcome, but I was very happy with the ending and how the author handle the subject. I finished the book feeling like I just read about how person can have something so terrible happen and they can heal. They can find that something or someone who helps them be whole again.
October 27, 2023
Simple, raw, and beautiful. Very emotional. A find I came across in the local library and was told it was a local author. Definitely loved the the Virginia references.
July 11, 2021
Moving in many ways
Hands Off by M. Mace
Published: April 5, 2021
M. Mace
This title is available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
M. Mace is a contemporary romance author. Her educational background in psychology and marriage & family studies helps her create relatable and emotional characters that both capture and break hearts. Her Real Romantic Fiction brings passion, sentiment, and heartache to the table, with stories that will take you on an unforgettable ride to a happily ever after.
“There’s no turning back now.”
Melody experienced an assault at the hands of an acquaintance, and it haunted her ever since. She didn’t tell anyone, so she carries the weight all by herself, impacting her on every level. When a blast from the past rolls into town, Melody is surprised to discover that she isn’t afraid of Bennett, and she doesn’t cringe when he touches her. Bennett is immediately drawn to Melody when they reconnect. He notices her minor flinches and unease but doesn’t ask her about it. All he knows is he has feelings for Melody, and he won’t take no for an answer.
This book deals with sexual assault and the trauma that results from being assaulted. That aspect of the book, I felt, was handled well and respectfully. Melody’s trauma, both mental and emotional, was visible, and her pain was brutally displayed upon the pages.
The relationship between Bennett and Melody didn’t strike me as romantic. It came across as slightly toxic, as Bennett was almost immediately possessive of Melody. It was almost like he violated her in other ways. She tried to end things, and he refused to allow it.
While certain aspects of Bennett’s character were admirable, overall, I don’t know how I felt about him. I wanted to like him, but he struck me as problematic. Melody was a great character who blossomed from victim to survivor in her personal mentality when processing her trauma.
Overall, it was a decent book. The story's complexity and the emotional aspects of the plot were clearly well developed and clearly well defined. The visual scenery was used to propel the story along, and that was clever.
I did like that stigma that comes from being assaulted was utterly shattered, and that Melody was finally able to talk about what happened to her and shed the weight she carried from her attack. There was no victim-blaming, and no one questioned Melody when she finally admitted what happened. The traumatic aspects of this book were handled well, which made this a powerful story of healing, forgiveness, and moving on.
Hands Off by M. Mace
Published: April 5, 2021
M. Mace
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M. Mace is a contemporary romance author. Her educational background in psychology and marriage & family studies helps her create relatable and emotional characters that both capture and break hearts. Her Real Romantic Fiction brings passion, sentiment, and heartache to the table, with stories that will take you on an unforgettable ride to a happily ever after.
“There’s no turning back now.”
Melody experienced an assault at the hands of an acquaintance, and it haunted her ever since. She didn’t tell anyone, so she carries the weight all by herself, impacting her on every level. When a blast from the past rolls into town, Melody is surprised to discover that she isn’t afraid of Bennett, and she doesn’t cringe when he touches her. Bennett is immediately drawn to Melody when they reconnect. He notices her minor flinches and unease but doesn’t ask her about it. All he knows is he has feelings for Melody, and he won’t take no for an answer.
This book deals with sexual assault and the trauma that results from being assaulted. That aspect of the book, I felt, was handled well and respectfully. Melody’s trauma, both mental and emotional, was visible, and her pain was brutally displayed upon the pages.
The relationship between Bennett and Melody didn’t strike me as romantic. It came across as slightly toxic, as Bennett was almost immediately possessive of Melody. It was almost like he violated her in other ways. She tried to end things, and he refused to allow it.
While certain aspects of Bennett’s character were admirable, overall, I don’t know how I felt about him. I wanted to like him, but he struck me as problematic. Melody was a great character who blossomed from victim to survivor in her personal mentality when processing her trauma.
Overall, it was a decent book. The story's complexity and the emotional aspects of the plot were clearly well developed and clearly well defined. The visual scenery was used to propel the story along, and that was clever.
I did like that stigma that comes from being assaulted was utterly shattered, and that Melody was finally able to talk about what happened to her and shed the weight she carried from her attack. There was no victim-blaming, and no one questioned Melody when she finally admitted what happened. The traumatic aspects of this book were handled well, which made this a powerful story of healing, forgiveness, and moving on.
May 12, 2021
Hands Off
Melody and Bennett’s love story was nice and I was rooting for them at first.... But I felt like it got kind of toxic as time went on. Like at first Bennett’s entire monologue of “she’s mine” was cute at first but it got to sound a little too possessive for my liking. Like I was waiting for the novel to turn from romance to thriller his dialogue was getting so.. intense 🤣
Melody and Bennett’s love story was nice and I was rooting for them at first.... But I felt like it got kind of toxic as time went on. Like at first Bennett’s entire monologue of “she’s mine” was cute at first but it got to sound a little too possessive for my liking. Like I was waiting for the novel to turn from romance to thriller his dialogue was getting so.. intense 🤣
February 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It had me thinking of Bennett and Melody throughout my day... Definitely worth the read!
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