Title: TRAGICALLY FLAWED
Author: A.M. Hargrove
Source: eARC from author for review
goodreads...
Riviera Benson’s past has been nothing but horrific. It’s filled with secrets that she intends to keep tightly locked away...terrifying secrets that keep her awake at night...that prevent her from getting close to anyone...anyone that is, until her work as a muralist drives her into the arms of the hot and sexy Shan.
Benjamin Shandon, owner of Shandon Homes, works like a thousand demons are chasing him...because perhaps they are. His business has boomed, ever since the forest fire swept through the canyon and destroyed hundreds of million dollar homes. He demands excellence in everything...from his employees to his women. He slows down for nothing, keeping a schedule that no sane person would want. But Riviera interrupts everything, twisting his guts inside out, and wedging her way into his heart, destroying a promise he made to himself.
Will they let their pasts control their future, or will they decide to let go and allow their hearts to discover each other’s?
Benjamin Shandon, owner of Shandon Homes, works like a thousand demons are chasing him...because perhaps they are. His business has boomed, ever since the forest fire swept through the canyon and destroyed hundreds of million dollar homes. He demands excellence in everything...from his employees to his women. He slows down for nothing, keeping a schedule that no sane person would want. But Riviera interrupts everything, twisting his guts inside out, and wedging her way into his heart, destroying a promise he made to himself.
Will they let their pasts control their future, or will they decide to let go and allow their hearts to discover each other’s?
This book contains mature content and is not
intended for younger readers.
My take...
Riviera's life has never been easy. Abuse has plagued her most her life and no matter what she did, she always seemed to go running into the arms of it. Fleeing from Chicago, she is has found a job in Beaver Creek Colorado, and things seem to be looking up. She has a new roommate that has been a great friend. She has a job, that if it wasn't for her beotch of a boss, she would absolutely love. And then there is Shan with whom she seems to come alive around.
Little by little Riv opens up about her past to both Shan and Amie. And little by little the vice that once held her tethered to her past, slowly releases, allowing her to open up to the possibilities of love and relationships. I found her story encouraging for those who may be experiencing this in real life. Hargrove did an amazing job writing on the subject of abuse. Some parts were hard to wrap my sheltered mind around as I have never been in an abusive relationship...not even close.
As for Shan. This guy is fantastic. Although he gave off a horrible first and second impression, you just knew he was a good person who was having a rough couple days. And Shan desperately tried to make up for it. Shan sees things that Riv tries to hide. He is going to absolutely everything he can to show Riv that she can trust him no matter what. And eventually she will. But it won't be easy. Thankfully Shan is a very patient man.
My only problem, which others will stone me for, is the main characters are constantly going at it. Sometimes after only 5 mins downtime. Sheesh I was exhausted just after the first one, let only 2 more times in the same scene. Ladies and gentlemen...this story is brought to you by the makers of Extenze and 5 Hour Energy. ;)
But seriously...I inhaled the story and love the feeling of ongoing suspense it gave off. Just when you think it is ok to let your guard down, the story makes a sharp left turn and you are eagerly reading to see what is going to happen next. There is even a bit of Liam Neeson from TAKEN in this read. One dude totally took notes on that movie and used it in his pursuit to track someone down. FANTASTIC!!
One final note, I am hoping beyond hope that Hargrove will continue on this as a series. I think Gray has a much needed story to tell. So with that...read this book. It is hot, it is steamy, and yes, it actually has a fabulous storyline.
So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer.
Her books include the following: Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge and Kissing
Fire (The Edge Series); The Guardians of Vesturon series (Survival,
Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent and Beginnings); Dark Waltz and
Tragically Flawed.
Other than being in love with writing about being in love, she loves
chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of
the USDA food groups.
Author Links:
Blog: http://amhargrove.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amhargrove1
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5338829.A_M_Hargrove
TRAGICALLY FLAWED Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271624-tragically-flawed
Mandy, Thanx SOOO much for being a part of TF's Birthday Bash release day blitz! Love you girl! xoxo
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