Review: Loved it!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 22, 2013
While reading If Only , Dane was one of the secondary characters that drew my attention. He was such a player, but I KNEW there was a story underneath all that sexy and sweet demeanor of his. I wanted to know more and I am happy to report that Louise delivered that and so much more.Dane is the quintessential love 'em and leave 'em type. He goes from woman to woman never stopping long enough to form any kind of lasting or meaningful relationship. He is sexy, fun and confident with the added bonus of a rocking body. *swoon*Brooklyn is not looking for a relationship when she meets Dane, especially with a man with Dane's reputation. Having gotten out of a bad relationship herself, Brooklyn is emotionally troubled and she doesn't do one-night stand, even if the man in question fires up all her buttons.Neither one of them wants to get entangled in relationship and emotions, but chemistry and an instant connection could not be denied and they find themselves getting to know one another and fighting their physical attraction every step of the way. Brooklyn wants to resists, Dane wants to protect her from himself.I loved it!!!From the start I was curious to see how the author would go about bringing Dane into a relationship. I enjoyed how she played him - sneaking emotions he had long forgotten and making Brooklyn irresistible to him. Brooklyn brought out all of his protective instincts, his passion and messed up with his resolve of never getting involved. What I loved the most about his reaction to Brooklyn was that she didn't set out to do any of this. Brooklyn was just going through the motions, taking advantage of the time she had with Dane and trying to protect her heart now that she had started caring for Dane. She made mistakes and she got on my nerves, but the author made sure I could understand where she was coming from. I really appreciated that.As the story unfolds, their connection deepens and their chemistry continues to soar (Just wait for that first kiss. ;-)). Secrets are revealed and confessions are made. Brooklyn has a lot of trust issues and although they are understandable because of what she went through, there came a point where it became too much. Like Dane, I was just about to give up on her and move on. Thankfully, Dane and I stuck around. The author did a splendid job in bringing Brooklyn past to the page. That one scene was packed-full of emotions and sold me on the viability of Dane and Brooklyn's relationship working out.Although Release is the second book in the Captured series, it can be read as a stand alone. However, keep in mind that although the story focuses on Dane and Brooklyn's relationship and takes place before Joe and Callie ultimately get together, it does have a few spoilers from Joe and Callie’s story.All in all, an emotionally driven story about letting go of the past, trusting yourself and others and opening yourself to the possibility of a new beginning - in love and life.