Review: 4 stars!  The Token, part 1.  Compelling heroine & mysterious hero's worlds collide in present time, but they have a past!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2014
"But pain won't end me. After what I've been through, physical pain is just another obstacle. It's the mental that's killing me."There'll be several parts to The Token series.  I recommend these novellas be read in order:Part 1: The TokenPart 2: The Token 2The Token is the first installment in a serial that will eventually have a HEA.  It opens up with physical therapist, Faren Mitchell at the doctor's office receiving the news that she has a brain tumor.  She runs out into the street and is hit by a Harley Davidson driven by billionaire Jared "Mick" McKenna.The story then jumps back to a month prior and follows two parallel story lines of present and past.Faren has trauma in her past, what exactly will unfold with the story.  Her hand is deformed which may have been the reason she became a physical therapist.  Her mom is in a comatose state being cared for in a private clinic which has not only put Faren in debt but eats up all of her income.  Her friend Kiki talks her into working extra as an exotic dancer to get caught up.She starts of at a strip club owned by no other than the Jared McKenna.  She soon switches to one of his more exclusive establishments.  Though their paths cross once in these flashbacks he never saw her face.In present time Jared courts Faren, pays her hospital bills form the accident, but then makes the mistake of thinking her chaste behavior is an act...What happened to Faren's mom?  What trauma did Faren endure?  Who is Jared "Mick" McKenna?  And how will he react when he realizes she is an employee and one of his gentleman's clubs?  These are just some of many, many questions that will be explored and answered in The Token."The days of what's left stretch before me like a black ribbon of road sinking into an uncaring horizon."FAREN MITCHELL: 22 years/physical therapist, part-time exotic dancer/caramel blond hair/light gray eyes/5'9"/ex-ballerina/virgin.Faren Mitchell grabbed me.  Maybe it was her brain tumor diagnosis and the fact the she has a slightly deformed hand, is skittish and a recluse.  Or maybe it's her innocence and she has secrets and trauma in her past.  At any rate she pulled me in and I am rooting for her to be OK on all accounts.Seven words to describe Faren: Lonely, reflective, loyal, broken, innocent, strong and nave.."Rehab's not a well-paying profession. But there's more than money, sometimes the soul needs edification."JARED MCKENNA, "MICK": ~30 years/Billionaire/Mogul/Owner of Gentleman's clubs/$$$$/dark auburn hair/dark brown eyes/tattoo.Jared "Mick" McKenna is still enigma.  We know he is a billionaire and that he owns several gentlemen and strip clubs.  When he is not riding his black Harely he's driven around in a limo. The rest will unfold with the story.Seven words to describe Jared: Enigmatic, mysterious, noble, caring, jaded, elusive and determined."He punishes me tenderly. Each kiss erases the hurt of his words. A man could never speak an apology as perfect as the one he makes with his mouth."In this first installment of The Token we have to contend with lots of sexual tension  and off-the charts and build-up for more....  Needless to say this part ends with a major cliffy, but I knew that going in.  Part 2, The Token 2 is already available.  I am curious enough to continue on with part 2 as I would like to see them end up in bed together.Compelling heroine!  Mysterious and enigmatic hero!  Eclectic story-telling and a suspenseful plot!  I think this serial has potential"Hanging onto my virginity isn't such an accomplishment when innocence is taken in increments. Chunks of who I am are stolen right from underneath my nose."***Hero rating: 4+ starsHeroine rating: 4.5 starsSex scenes rating: N/ASex scenes frequency: N/AStoryline concept rating: 4 starsStorytelling skills rating: 4 starsStory ending rating: N/ABook editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars************************************************Overall rating: 4+ starsWould I recommend this series: Yes.Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.Would I read future books by this author: Yes.A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.