A new love will test the boundaries of passion between a privileged boy next door and the tattooed, blue-haired girl who helps him embrace his wild side…
Nate has developed quite a playboy reputation around campus. It’s not that he doesn’t respect or trust women; he doesn’t trust himself. The men in Nate’s family are prone to abusive behavior—a dirty secret that Nate’s been running from his entire life—so Nate doesn’t do relationships. But he can’t help himself around one girl…
Jessie is strong, independent, and works at a tattoo parlor. Nate can’t resist getting close to her, even if it’s strictly a friendship. But it doesn’t take long for Nate to admit that what he wants with Jessie is more than just friendly.
With Jessie, he can be himself and explore what he’s always felt was a terrifying darkness inside him. Even when Nate begins to crave her in a way that both shocks and horrifies him, Jessie still wants to know every part of him. Testing their boundaries together will take a trust that could render them inseparable… or tear them apart.
INCLUDES A PREVIEW OF TWO OF HEARTS.
Other books in the Between the Breaths series:
This is my second Lee book, and I’m reminded of how much I love her writing style and ability to ratchet sexual tension. Another plus for Lee, her ability to write characters who’ve suffered severely through childhood or young adulthood. Characters who survived, but are damaged and trying to find their way in the world. How these men and women are altered by their experiences and how they’ve changed to punish themselves is heartbreaking, and it’s so fulfilling to see them get an HEA.
Nate is the disconnected, preppy, playboy. Sure he’s a good friend, but doesn’t commit to women. At all. In fact the story opens with Nate trying to lose himself in a woman.
I backed the brunette against the wall, my lips at her neck. Her perfume was sweet, almost too sugary —a stark contrast to the one fragrance I’d grown accustomed to, sought out even.
That other woman Nate speaks of is Jessie. She’s tattooed, photography major, who’s had her share of hurts. Her friendship with Nate is exactly that, a friendship until she barges in on her friend’s little restroom rendezvous.
I liked my boys rougher around the edges and he had never fit that profile, until I saw him all raw and powerful like that.
This book focuses on the parts of us we keep hidden because we’re afraid no one will like them. Nate’s been hiding his sexual desires for personal reasons, but Jessie brings them to the surface. Hell, she embraces those dark parts. As characters go Nate and Jessie were a lot of fun to read. Each had their own demons to wrestle with, but ultimately resolved things without misunderstandings or acting like children.
I will note that this book deals with domestic abuse, and if you’ve read Lee’s books before you know she likes to have her characters take on tough issues. This one is difficult and if you’re easily triggered I suggest you proceed with caution.
Overall, I enjoyed the read. The book is a great mix of reality issues with a touch of fantasy. As New Adult authors go I find that Lee doesn’t disappoint as this is the second book of hers I’ve enjoyed.
For readers who enjoy Cora Cormack
Reviewed by Landra
Heat Level: Hot
