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Laying It Bare #1
Laying it Bare with a Friend Request
Harley Minnow has traveled through five states to attend college to escape her troubling family but too bad she can’t escape the abusive ex-boyfriend who attends the same one. Scorched by the effects of that relationship she vows to never give someone that power over her again. So when her best friend’s “accidental” acceptance of a friend request from a mysterious guy on her account leads to an unexpected encounter, Harley has her reservations.
Shade Michaels has always been the shy awkward type on the dating front. He can’t seem to string two coherent sentences together in the presence of the opposite sex. Frustrated with all of the disappointments, he hasn’t been on a date in a long time. So when a friend’s suggestion to use social media connects him with Harley he sees it as a step in the right direction but now what? Accepting his request and swapping a few online comments is one thing. Hanging out in person is completely different. Why should he expect this time to turn out any differently?
However, when the two of them meet, he discovers with Harley his unease is nonexistent and an intense attraction between the two of them ensues. He believes he has found the one but she’s not ready to trust again and a relationship is the farthest thing from her mind. But as he slowly breaks down her walls and the sex between them heats up, can he find a way to make her his own or will his insecurities and her past destroy any chance they have?
Shade Michaels has always been the shy awkward type on the dating front. He can’t seem to string two coherent sentences together in the presence of the opposite sex. Frustrated with all of the disappointments, he hasn’t been on a date in a long time. So when a friend’s suggestion to use social media connects him with Harley he sees it as a step in the right direction but now what? Accepting his request and swapping a few online comments is one thing. Hanging out in person is completely different. Why should he expect this time to turn out any differently?
However, when the two of them meet, he discovers with Harley his unease is nonexistent and an intense attraction between the two of them ensues. He believes he has found the one but she’s not ready to trust again and a relationship is the farthest thing from her mind. But as he slowly breaks down her walls and the sex between them heats up, can he find a way to make her his own or will his insecurities and her past destroy any chance they have?
- GenresRomance
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2021
6 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Martin
17 books88 followersI am a steamy contemporary romance writer. I also have written a romantic sci-fi and a PNR duet. I love to bake and am addicted to chocolate. Check out my books at https://books2read.com/LEMartin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 21, 2019
Laying it Bare with a Friend Request, definitely put L.E Martin on the map, and I for one cannot wait to see what she has in store for us with her second book.
Harley’s life has never been easy, even from childhood her parents were abusive and neglectful. Now in college, her latest tragedy whom just won’t take the hint it’s finally over, nor did she ever see the abuse coming until it was to late to begin with, Eddie. Harley has just been trying to survive, graduate college, and guard her heart, until one fateful day her best friend accepts a friend request on her behalf.
Shade has always been the shy guy when it comes to girls, tongue tied and stumbling over his words, so when a friend suggests he friend request Harley, he never dreams she’ll accept.
Omg...I love Harley and Shade!! The fact that both characters are struggling to find their way, one from tragedy, one from insecurities, yet are both strong in their own ways, makes me love them even more...and I do not want to give to much away, but Shade is definitely my kind of man..
Harley’s life has never been easy, even from childhood her parents were abusive and neglectful. Now in college, her latest tragedy whom just won’t take the hint it’s finally over, nor did she ever see the abuse coming until it was to late to begin with, Eddie. Harley has just been trying to survive, graduate college, and guard her heart, until one fateful day her best friend accepts a friend request on her behalf.
Shade has always been the shy guy when it comes to girls, tongue tied and stumbling over his words, so when a friend suggests he friend request Harley, he never dreams she’ll accept.
Omg...I love Harley and Shade!! The fact that both characters are struggling to find their way, one from tragedy, one from insecurities, yet are both strong in their own ways, makes me love them even more...and I do not want to give to much away, but Shade is definitely my kind of man..
May 30, 2019
This book was about Harley, a girl that had been abused by her ex boyfriend Eddy, and he just won't give up. The moron thought he still had a hold on her. Did he?
On the upside, Harley ended up meeting this handsome man named Shade. She tried not to let herself like him. But we all pretty much get weak at times. Will Shade be the man she needs to erase Eddy from her past?
Side note: Even though there is some mention of abuse, for me, it was light and well written. I felt so pulled into this book that I read in a day. And it took that long only because I was cleaning house. :) I'll be keeping tabs on this new author for sure.
On the upside, Harley ended up meeting this handsome man named Shade. She tried not to let herself like him. But we all pretty much get weak at times. Will Shade be the man she needs to erase Eddy from her past?
Side note: Even though there is some mention of abuse, for me, it was light and well written. I felt so pulled into this book that I read in a day. And it took that long only because I was cleaning house. :) I'll be keeping tabs on this new author for sure.
August 4, 2020
This was cute read i did feel like he needed something more.This was my first read by this author. I think emotionally I just couldn't love this book but it was good. I wished Harley showed her strength. She fought her childhood to then just passively let Eddy scare her and be possessive. Eddy is her ex that can't understand they are over.
I loved Shade and his family. I wish we knew why he was so nervous around girls. I wished also he talked more about his art work.
I loved Shade and his family. I wish we knew why he was so nervous around girls. I wished also he talked more about his art work.
May 28, 2019
Loved it!
December 26, 2019
This book is about Harley and Shade! Harley is fresh out of a abusive relationship with her ex Eddie, and Shade is a man with whom her best friend jokingly accepts his friend request with on line as Harley!! When Harley finds out at first she is upset, but talking with her best friend she decides to meet Shade in person! Though they agreed to take things slow because she is anti-relationship right now, they have an instant chemistry that they just can’t deny! Eddie is intent on making her life miserable! And means to show her anyway possible that she is his and only his! Shade must reconcile his own feelings for Harley and decide what his truth is. Is he going to be the man that she needs or not?
Well of course you can find out, but you’ve got to read the book first silly!!! I absolutely loved this book and really felt for the characters!! This was my first time reading this authors work, and I can’t wait to read her next book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well of course you can find out, but you’ve got to read the book first silly!!! I absolutely loved this book and really felt for the characters!! This was my first time reading this authors work, and I can’t wait to read her next book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 8, 2019
Just WOW
I honestly have no idea where to even begin… This book was amazing! You’re emotionally invested in every relationship whether it be bad or good. I could relate to Harley so much, so reading about her relationship with Eddy was both hard yet comforting. Domestic abuse is not an easy subject to write about. but it was done beautifully without holding back any of the ugly truth. You will laugh, cry, and fall in love with all of these amazing characters… I loved it and well done!!!
I honestly have no idea where to even begin… This book was amazing! You’re emotionally invested in every relationship whether it be bad or good. I could relate to Harley so much, so reading about her relationship with Eddy was both hard yet comforting. Domestic abuse is not an easy subject to write about. but it was done beautifully without holding back any of the ugly truth. You will laugh, cry, and fall in love with all of these amazing characters… I loved it and well done!!!
July 18, 2019
Great book!
Shade is a shy, laid back, go-with-the-flow type of guy. He never gets past the first date. But when he takes a friend's advice to add Harley as a friend on Facebook, his luck changes.
Harley is a sweet, guarded girl, and fresh out of an abusive relationship with her ex Eddy. When Harley and Shade accidentally meet one night, Harley's luck also starts to change.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt every emotion throughout this book....fear, suspense, happiness, love....
Shade was PERFECT for Harley!!!
Shade is a shy, laid back, go-with-the-flow type of guy. He never gets past the first date. But when he takes a friend's advice to add Harley as a friend on Facebook, his luck changes.
Harley is a sweet, guarded girl, and fresh out of an abusive relationship with her ex Eddy. When Harley and Shade accidentally meet one night, Harley's luck also starts to change.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt every emotion throughout this book....fear, suspense, happiness, love....
Shade was PERFECT for Harley!!!
January 20, 2020
Great romance dealing with real life issues
This was the 2nd read from this author and I was so impressed. It’s some kind of special to weave real life issues with romance but still see the couple come out the other side. Harley and Shade still have work to do to really get to have a healthy relationship free from burdens of her past bad relationship but at least by the story’s end... they are moving forward together. Shade had the perfect temperament for Harley and they were surrounded by two supportive friends. Big thumbs up and I can’t wait to read more!
This was the 2nd read from this author and I was so impressed. It’s some kind of special to weave real life issues with romance but still see the couple come out the other side. Harley and Shade still have work to do to really get to have a healthy relationship free from burdens of her past bad relationship but at least by the story’s end... they are moving forward together. Shade had the perfect temperament for Harley and they were surrounded by two supportive friends. Big thumbs up and I can’t wait to read more!
May 20, 2019
Bares their Souls
Harley and Eddy... No...Harley and Shade...most definitely... ex Eddy is a jerk... The boyfriend from Nightmares....Shade is a dream come true... The guy women fantasize about... Ever so gun shy Harley , try as she might, could not resist! A great read.... A major Shade fan!
Harley and Eddy... No...Harley and Shade...most definitely... ex Eddy is a jerk... The boyfriend from Nightmares....Shade is a dream come true... The guy women fantasize about... Ever so gun shy Harley , try as she might, could not resist! A great read.... A major Shade fan!
June 21, 2019
Loved
Wow! I don't know what was on my mind when I started this book but I am so glad I did. A beautiful and tragic story that is extremely well written. I will definitely be preordering the next book! There are some possible triggers for people sensitive to abuse. You will fall in love with Shade and Harley!! Full 5 STARS!
Wow! I don't know what was on my mind when I started this book but I am so glad I did. A beautiful and tragic story that is extremely well written. I will definitely be preordering the next book! There are some possible triggers for people sensitive to abuse. You will fall in love with Shade and Harley!! Full 5 STARS!
May 17, 2019
Well now I’m in love...
Shade has to be literally one of the most perfect guys. Seriously though the book was great! The banter between characters was always interesting and effortless and the storyline was fascinating and engaging. Overall a great read!
Shade has to be literally one of the most perfect guys. Seriously though the book was great! The banter between characters was always interesting and effortless and the storyline was fascinating and engaging. Overall a great read!
June 2, 2019
Omg I love this book. I hate that Harley as sweet as she is had to go through all that abuse from a jerk. I hate Eddy. I love how Harley and shade end up together, it’s what she needs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2019
AWESOME
Omg, what an awesome book, I just couldn't put it down... Every time I wanted to stop it was getting to good to put down
Omg, what an awesome book, I just couldn't put it down... Every time I wanted to stop it was getting to good to put down
June 7, 2019
Her name is Harley who is a young college student trying to get her life back together after a very abusive relationship. Then she meets the total opposite to her ex Eddy. Meet Shade a total tall drink of water with a caring soul and an awkward demure once it comes to girls. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride from pure frustration,anger, compassion ,laughter to love. I really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to read the next instalment. Congratulations L.E. Martin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ... I recommend this book to all readers who would like to ride that roller coaster.. Cheers.. Libby.J 🌹 ❤️
December 23, 2020
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a romance enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book!
October 18, 2021
Sensational! This is my first read by L.E. and I absolutely loved it. It definitely will not be my last. Harley and Shade's story is well-written and paced. Shade and Harley complement each other beautifully. Harley needed Shade to help her find her self worth. It wasn't easy for Harley to let her past go when it came to men. Shade needed Harley to pull him out of his "tongue-tied" ways with women. I was rooting for this couple. I adored the protectiveness of Shade and the feistiness of Harley. Together they are magic. If you want sexy, if you want good, this one is a must pick up and read.
September 11, 2019
5 romantic stars!!
This was a cute read! Shade is panty dropping sweet😍😍😍!!! Everyone needs to find them a Shade!!. Harley I wanted to shake some sense into like call the cops on your ex and stop deleting evidence🤦♀️. Mel had me dying of laughter!!! She is the raunchy best friend that we all wish we had!! Loved her character! Wish she had her own book with her and Toby!! Wonderful writing by L.E. Martin!! Can't wait to read the next one
This was a cute read! Shade is panty dropping sweet😍😍😍!!! Everyone needs to find them a Shade!!. Harley I wanted to shake some sense into like call the cops on your ex and stop deleting evidence🤦♀️. Mel had me dying of laughter!!! She is the raunchy best friend that we all wish we had!! Loved her character! Wish she had her own book with her and Toby!! Wonderful writing by L.E. Martin!! Can't wait to read the next one
November 29, 2019
Laying It Bare With A Friend Request by L.E. Martin..
When I first read the blurb, I thought oh I have to read that one.
When I opened the book and started to read chapter 1. I was hooked I wanted to know more about Harley and her past.
Shade was intriguing. He was a little bit of an enigma he was shy with the ladies, but had no problem kissing her into another universe.
When I got to the end I was dissappointed. I wanted there to be more.
When I first read the blurb, I thought oh I have to read that one.
When I opened the book and started to read chapter 1. I was hooked I wanted to know more about Harley and her past.
Shade was intriguing. He was a little bit of an enigma he was shy with the ladies, but had no problem kissing her into another universe.
When I got to the end I was dissappointed. I wanted there to be more.
January 4, 2021
Enjoyed
Awe I really enjoyed this book so much. Tho I honestly don’t know why she didn’t go to the police with the text messages. Why she avoided the police at all and didn’t try for help. But I really love shade. He’s so prefect and you don’t really see (atleast me) make virgins in books. I really adored this book. And I’m really starting to like this author.
Awe I really enjoyed this book so much. Tho I honestly don’t know why she didn’t go to the police with the text messages. Why she avoided the police at all and didn’t try for help. But I really love shade. He’s so prefect and you don’t really see (atleast me) make virgins in books. I really adored this book. And I’m really starting to like this author.
April 13, 2021
Great Read
I really enjoyed the story of Harley and Shade. They have wonderful chemistry. This story is well written with fantastic character depth. The secondary characters are amazing. This well written book will take you for a ride that you will love. I highly recommend the book.
I really enjoyed the story of Harley and Shade. They have wonderful chemistry. This story is well written with fantastic character depth. The secondary characters are amazing. This well written book will take you for a ride that you will love. I highly recommend the book.
April 25, 2021
This was the first book I read from this author and it kept me gripped. I couldn't put it down. This story is so we'll thought out.
I could identify with the characters. They go through so much to be together. The fact that both characters are struggling to find their way, one from tragedy, one from insecurities, yet are both strong in their own ways, makes me love them even more.
I could identify with the characters. They go through so much to be together. The fact that both characters are struggling to find their way, one from tragedy, one from insecurities, yet are both strong in their own ways, makes me love them even more.
December 25, 2021
This was my first book by L.E. Martin and I really enjoyed it. This is the story about Harley and Shade. Harley had been in an abusive relationship and her Ex keeps harassing her. When Shade comes into the picture she fights against the attraction and pushes him away. Shade is caring and gives her space when needed. It’s a great love story.
September 4, 2019
This is a well written romance that will have you on the edge of your seat. You can’t help rooting for Shade as he tries to win Harley’s heart. The sex is hot and I laughed my ass off at Melody. She reminded me a little bit of my best friend.
Read
March 3, 2021Bares Their Souls. Harley and Eddy... No...Harley and Shade...most definitely... ex Eddy is a jerk... The boyfriend from Nightmares....Shade is a dream come true... The guy women fantasize about... Ever so gun shy Harley , try as she might, could not resist! A great read.... A major Shade fan!
June 3, 2021
Fantastic
Omg, I just love Shade. What an amazing story. My heart was hurting for Harley. Such pain she felt both physical and emotional. I wanted to beat Eddie so bad. Such an evil and sick person he is. Thank you
Omg, I just love Shade. What an amazing story. My heart was hurting for Harley. Such pain she felt both physical and emotional. I wanted to beat Eddie so bad. Such an evil and sick person he is. Thank you
April 14, 2022
Afraid of love
Holy moly intense from beginning to the end, finding a new love by accident but fearful of the past, afraid of commitment, simply amazing, you have to root for Harley and Shade, thank you, Dana Zamora
Holy moly intense from beginning to the end, finding a new love by accident but fearful of the past, afraid of commitment, simply amazing, you have to root for Harley and Shade, thank you, Dana Zamora
July 11, 2019
Wow! Beautifully written and a love story after so much sorrow. I loved it! Thanks for this lovely read. And I love the name Shade for a main character.
December 7, 2020
Love finding new authors! Really enjoyed reading L.E. Martins, A Friend Request!
June 29, 2019
This book is about a college girl named Harley and a abusive past relationship with a guy named Eddy. It all started with a friend Request from Shade. Her friend Mel accepted it for her. Shade was a very nice guy. From the time they met I knew there was chemistry. I was so glad they fell in love with one another. Everyone needs a Shade in their life. This is one hot, steamy book that everyone should read. L. E. Martin is now a top favorite of mine. I can't wait to read the next part. Come on 2020 lol.
April 20, 2020
This story took me on a ride. I loved the connection between the two main characters. I like how they wanted to build each other up while also working on and protecting themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews