Review: Loved the characters and the plot!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 22, 2014
"Love and pain. You can't have one without the other."I adored Very Bad Things; I didn't think it could get much better than Leo and Nora that is until Dovey and Cuba collided. I can't say which couple I love better as I adore them equally. Ilsa Madden-Mills certainly creates beautifully complex and endearing characters.The only impression I was given of Cuba previously was that of his player lifestyle. In fact, when I heard it was his book next, I actually felt a little deflated (#TeamSebastian over here!) now, after reading this book? Best decision ever! I fell hook, line and sinker for Cuba. Yes, his reputation is well earned. He is a player, he loves female company usually for one night (in some cases not even as long as that) but it's true what they say: money can't buy you happiness and Cuba had an abundance of one and a deficit of the other.In Very Wicked Beginnings, it introduced Dovey and Cuba but what we didn't know was they already had a past by the start of Very Wicked Things. It was clear from the start that they had shared something special but it had gone horribly wrong. "I gave you my heart, and you destroyed it." And we were teased mercilessly throughout the book as it was revealed slowly.Cuba's home life struggles exposed his vulnerable side and of course that's what makes me fall quicker for a male MC. Cuba has some unresolved issues from his past, he carries around a lot of guilt and has never dealt with it properly. That is until Dovey Beckham comes into his life and for the first time in a long time she makes him feel again. And just maybe, if Cuba can forgive himself, he may experience something wonderful.I loved Cuba's character he had me from hello. It was obvious he was carrying around a lot of guilt, loss and regret, in turn that made him feel unworthy of Dovey, and he was punishing them both by not giving in and being with Dovey as he felt she could do better. The more vulnerable side of Cuba had my heart breaking."I wanted to lie down with her on that bed until our breaths were in sync; I wanted to hang on to her like I'd die without her; I wanted to touch every hair on her head and bury my nose in her scent. And it wasn't a sexual thing. Not at all. Because she was so much more. She was someone who'd loved me at one point, and right now, I just needed some forgiveness for the things I'd done.""I bowed my head and yes, yes, yes, I wanted to sink into her softness; I wanted to drown in her gentle touch; I wanted to fall to my knees and cling to her waist for a thousand years. I just needed this, her. I leaned into her, inhaling her wildflower smell. Regret filled me for the love I'd thrown away when I'd used her.""When you wear that necklace, make a wish for us, that we make it," he whispered in my ear, and I detected the same need in his voice I felt in my body."Dovey Beckham is the type of female character I love to read about. She's tough, independent and resilient. She didn't have the best upbringing but what she did have was determination and no matter her start in life she was going to reach her goal regardless. I loved that about her and I was on Dovey's side immediately. I could tell whatever had happened between her and Cuba had hurt her deeply and she was reluctant to trust him again but you can't deny heat and chemistry and Dovey and Cuba were a perfect match.As I was reading the story, I was greedy for information (and perhaps a little impatient) as I really wanted to know what had happened between them. I was thinking should this have been in the prequel and I missed it? But not to fear, if I had more patience I would have appreciated the build up of angst as their past was slowly revealed. It was done really well and by this point, I just wanted them to be together and reach a happiness they both deserved.Dovey and Cuba never had it easy and I think that's what connected me to them. Ilsa has a way of creating thought provoking story lines. Dovey had tough decisions to make and undoubtedly I would probably be the first to say I couldn't understand of agree with what she did but life isn't black and white and I was surprised that I didn't have an issue with her decision. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Dovey was just trying to survive. Her family meant the world to her and she set out to prove that.There was undercurrent of sexual tension throughout the book and even though Dovey and Cuba were at odds with each other for most of the story, Ilsa did a great job of maintaining the chemistry. Cuba and Dovey were hot, and I'd follow him into a barn any day of the week ;-)"He kissed me so long and hard and perfectly until I was convinced I would die from suffocation but I didn't care. Who needed to breathe? Kissing Cuba Hudson was a good way to die.""He kissed me hard, like I needed, his mouth vicious, his tongue an explosive invader. And just like all our kisses, it wrecked me with too much heat, too much need, too much everything. It broke me up in tiny pieces and then stitched me back together again. I'd take whatever I could get, and if this furtive moment was all he had for me? So be it."The last 20% of this book had me on the edge of my seat, it all started to kick off and I went into full on panic mode. How was this story going to be resolved in a few chapters? I worried at one point there was going to be a horrible cliffy, or worse the ending would have been rushed. My fears were unfounded and the end of the book was my favourite part. It was so tense (in a good way) and I didn't know which turn the story was going to take. I was enthralled to the end. And I found myself smiling as I read the last few pages, it was really well done.I really enjoy Ilsa's writing; my attention is always held from cover to cover. I highlighted so many passages due to the beauty of the writing alone and when that is topped off with real, fascinating characters it is a real treat. I can't put my finger on what makes this one of my favourite New Adult series', I think it has to be the combination of great writing, original story lines and endearing characters. I loved every moment and now I excitedly await the next!Very Wicked Things is a fantastic read, it can be read as a standalone but then you would be missing an equally brilliant story in Very Bad Things, so I suggest you read the entire Briarcrest Series today!  ~Ava*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*