Review: she looked like trouble but he was the tortured one
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 24, 2013
21y.o. body-piercer heroine is shaken to see her high-school crush 23y.o. Hero at the tattoo parlor she works in. He doesn't remember ever meeting her and she tries not to let it affect her much. She knows he's still a player and takes his flirtations lightly. Hero may be slightly drunk but he is captivated by her. He wants her in his life but he's never done commitments and he has some big secrets he doesn't want to share. Their budding relationship soon gets tested with his recurrent family issues.  She's always known there was something dark he was struggling with since high school and she doesn't want to be used to help him forget. Will he trust her with his secrets? How will she react when she finds out?Good & insightful writing. Solid romance.  Good emotional tone, making this book captivating to read. There were so many different facets to this book. I loved how the characterization was woven into their romance.**  Their sexual chemistry started with a big bang as soon as they met as adults. The timing wasn't right in high school but it was now.  Both have undergone the changes necessary for them to be able to see and appreciate each other.  For heroine, it was letting go of seeking her mother's approval and letting her wild & creative side out. For Hero, it was facing his feelings & not trying to escape from them all the time. Having Hero see a therapist regularly made the changes he was making healthier & more lasting. Both the character growth and the romance were grounded & more realistic. They evolved gradually & with some imperfections. Yet their connection was powerful & fervent. It bodes well for their HEA(happy ever after).Highly recommended.**A more detailed review is on my blog ... [...]*ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.