Review: Wasn't What I Expected
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 28, 2014
Wow!  This book was awesome, not perfect, but really, really good.  You can bet I will be one of those first in line for the sequel when it comes out.  This story is not a cliff-hanger, but questions are left to be answered in the next installment.  While reading, I was thinking this book was similar toThere is No Light in Darkness (Darkness #1) (Darkness Series)by Claire Contreras with the mystery and family intrigue.Madelyn Carrington (Maddy) has had a really tough life and it is about to get worse.  She is the only daughter of a rich and powerful man, Cordell who hates her.  Her mother committed suicide years ago and her father's perverted partner, Larry Duvall has been abusing her since she was little.  Her bi-sexual best friend, Dixon is her only true confident until her father hires Jackson Monroe to show interest in her and take her to New York where she will go to the University he has picked out for her.  Madelyn knows what her father is up to and that Jackson's actions are false, but she can't help feeling attracted to the man-whore and putting up with his crap, despite Dixon's continual warnings about Jackson's sliminess.Madelyn is one of those self-sacrificing, all patient, all forgiving characters we all would love to be but wouldn't make it for an hour, let-a-lone a day.  She suffers in silence, does not hold a grudge and puts EVERYBODY'S happiness above her own.  I know that sounds a little sickening, but Maddie really pulls it off - you really like her and want the best for her.Jackson is the opposite of that.  While there's parts of him that are endearing, his selfish nature towards Maddy especially, makes you want to slap him, then light him on fire.  Even his own Mama wants to protect Maddy's heart from him, so that is telling you something.  I kept thinking to myself that if Maddie ends up with Jackson, I will be so disappointed.  He doesn't deserve her.Jackson and Maddy's relationship is what makes this book so interesting along with the horror that is her father.  Jackson's shallowness is enhanced by his PTSD which makes him want to not FEEL or to forget.  He uses beautiful women for this, and his inner thoughts are really enlightening.  Maddy's slow control of getting her life under her own control is surprisingly brave as she basically becomes special ops against her father and his plans, and her impact on Jackson is slow, but powerful.  A wonderful guy named Dom Beraz makes my heart beat and hope for more for Maddy.While the writing style, plot and characters were fantastic, there were some issues I had with it.  There are some editing problems with extra or missing words that make you stumble a little while reading.  There is a problem with the time-line which gets a little confusing and some of the actions aren't explained and are baffling how they even came about. It was really disappointing in the romance department, more of a suspense and the ending was a little disappointing.  Maddie seemed to be able to do a lot of things (cooking, dancing, shooting, Krav Maga, sewing, singing, saving her-self) really well - like expertly.  Regardless, I loved this story and can't wait for the next book.There is talk of others having sex and some kissing, but NOTHING to make you sigh. Lots of profanity as these guys are soldiers (f-word, Sh**T, A$$, Etc), and extreme physical violence.Personally, I would get a better, more glamorous cover and explain the word "bottom feeder" in the description.  Sounds like it is about fishing (smile).Would I/Did I buy it?  Free Download, but I would pay for it!Would I read it again? YESWould I recommend it to friends? YES