Review: Review posted at Heather's Musings
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 12, 2011
Giving Up (Truth or Dare book 3) by Lee Brazil* I received a copy of this book from Breathless Press in exchange for an honest review*In Giving Up, Brandon is the unlucky recipient of the Truth or Dare challenge during the Blake brother's weekly card game. He must call back the woman that he turned down and ask her out on a date.  How hard can that be, except the woman is Dr. Arden Gray, his ex-therapist.Brandon has to be in control of every aspect of his life and his brother's too.  Ever since his mother died and he promised to take care of them, he has had a hand in controlling their lives.  He's finally to the point that his health is suffering and he is seeing a therapist for help, well was seeing a therapist until she quit.Brandon has stepped back and delegated some of his workload to Dan and Terry.  He has promised his brother's he would "try" and stop meddling in their lives after almost costing Terry and Mischa their lovers.  Now if he can just get Dr. Arden Gray out of his head, he'll be ok.Dr. Arden Gray also has control issues.  She was under the control of her husband before he passed away and swore she would control all aspects of her life, including her pleasure.  She doesn't think she can help Brandon professionally but personally is another matter.  If she can get him to relinquish control in the bedroom, everything else will fall into place.Brandon and Arden are perfect for each other.  I would've loved to see them struggle a little more with the power issues between them though.  They are both strong, independent people that are used to getting someone to do what they want without any questions; for her to give in without a fight when Brandon steps in just seemed a little out of character.Brandon is working so hard to make things right with his brother's that I worry that he is trying too hard.  He has so much built up guilt starting with their mother's death that he doesn't know how to deal with it.  He seems to over compensate or put his foot in his mouth when he gets around his brother's and their mates.  You feel for the guy and want him to find happiness and someone to take care of him for once.I enjoyed Brandon and Arden's story but felt like there was too much extra "noise."  I would've liked to see less focus on all the external factors, such as the man at the community center.  However, I love hearing about Mischa and Terry's lives and was anxiously awaiting the baby's birth right along with Terry and the other's.Overall I enjoyed this installment and can't wait for Dan's book to finally be released next year.  For now I'll console myself by reading about Bastian next.  I give Giving Up 3 Flaming Hearts.