Review: Book 2 Brings the Intensity - And the Heat!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
This second book in the Strapped series blew me away! It picks up exactly where book 1 ends, but with an added bonus of a prologue from Taylor's POV; and what a treat it is to read this man's thoughts!This second book is loaded with conflict and poor decisions by almost every character, making me uncomfortable, anxious, and raptly glued to every word. I often found myself internally chanting "No, no, nooo." It was like watching a potential collision: you can see it coming, but as an observer, there is nothing to be done for it but watch and tense for impact."This is so bad." I say. "Shhh..." he whispers into my ear. "There's no such thing if it makes you feel good."The sex is definitely ramped up; it's edgier and much more erotic. When physically confronted with Taylor’s past of endless, meaningless, sexual encounters, Shyla becomes extremely upset and insecure. To prove his devotion to her, Taylor enacts a scene which is so sexy, twisted and stimulating, I don’t think I will ever forget it.“It’s always been you. Do you understand? Before I even knew you, it was you. No one else. You aren’t number 36, you’re number one. You’re my first."There is an overriding anxiousness due to mystery and intrigue while Shyla continues the investigation into Taylor's past and the C.O.S. cult. A huge secret is revealed, creating a delicious twist I never saw coming for Shyla and Taylor.While Taylor is the hero of this series, I believe he's also the villain. To what extent, we do not know, but that's part of what's so captivating about this series. Shyla isn’t the only one questioning where she stands in regards to Taylor’s manipulation; I am as well! Some scenes are uncomfortable and a bit disturbing, but so crazy hot I’m turned on, craving more, and completely unable to stop reading."It's you two against the world, isn't it? I sincerely hope you can stay happy, but so often what is born from tragedy, will end in tragedy"I think this statement succinctly demonstrates the overall theme of this series. The foreshadowing of impending doom has me extremely anxious and eager to continue with book three.