Author: M.
Leighton
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date:
9.3.2013
Pages: 336
Genre: New
Adult, Contemporary
Series: Bad Boys #3
Source: ARC
from publisher
Rating: B
Summary (from Goodreads):
When
it comes to passion this hot, it’s all or nothing.
Olivia Townsend’s wealthy cousin Marissa had everything a girl could ask for—a great job, a privileged life, and all the friends she wanted. Or, at least, all the friends money could buy. But one case of mistaken identity has turned her privileged world upside down.
An abduction gone wrong lands her right in the lap of the sexiest, most dangerous man she’s ever met. To Marissa, he’s an enigma, but one to whom she’s irresistibly, inexplicably drawn.
With him comes a new world of freedom and passion, of dark shadows and dangerous secrets, a world where nothing is what it seems—except for the blind passion that Marissa can’t escape—or maybe even survive.
Olivia Townsend’s wealthy cousin Marissa had everything a girl could ask for—a great job, a privileged life, and all the friends she wanted. Or, at least, all the friends money could buy. But one case of mistaken identity has turned her privileged world upside down.
An abduction gone wrong lands her right in the lap of the sexiest, most dangerous man she’s ever met. To Marissa, he’s an enigma, but one to whom she’s irresistibly, inexplicably drawn.
With him comes a new world of freedom and passion, of dark shadows and dangerous secrets, a world where nothing is what it seems—except for the blind passion that Marissa can’t escape—or maybe even survive.
Review:
I
have been a fan of this series since I read the first book several months back.
These books aren’t award-winning, blow you away, but there is a fun freedom to
them that lets me kick back and enjoy. M. Leighton is a good storyteller, and
this recent addition to the Bad Boys
series was definitely fun … but maybe not quite so fun as the others.
The
first thing you have to know is that we’re no longer dealing with Cash and
Olivia—the couple that has made us swoon since book 1. They take a backseat to
the steamy affair of Nash (Cash’s twin brother) and Marissa (Olivia’s formerly
spoiled, bratty cousin).
While
I am all for redeeming a character, I had my doubts about Marissa. She was just
so vile and hateful in the first few books, her sudden about face gave me
whiplash. And Olivia’s ignorant, totally forgiveness often came off as naïve,
not magnanimous. That aside, I enjoyed Marissa. She has a spark and a spunk
that I admire (when she isn’t being a raging beyotch like in books 1 and 2).
She’s a great balance to Nash.
Nash
is dark. He is twisted and bitter and cynical. Which is totally fine for a
brooding bad boy. He’s occasionally grating, but I love that Leighton didn’t
make him suddenly all happy and funny. He has a biting snark and is more often
than not crude and unpolished, which is indicative of the life he’s led.
The
romance is hot and steamy, definitely pushing the edge even for new adult.
There was one scene in particular, though, that legit bothered me. It was dark
and I felt somewhat dangerous. I went from thinking, “This is hot” to “Stop the
ride, I wanna get off”. I’m not sure it needed to be there (and trust me, you
will know the scene when you get to
it—I don’t need to add any more detail), but it was.
If
you’re looking for a happy, fluffy romance then this isn’t your book. Fans of
this series might be shocked at the dark turn Leighton takes this time around,
but if you’ve read the previous two books, you have to read this to see how it
all plays out.
Buy: Amazon
I think I read one of the Bad Boys series (now I'm questioning myself...I think I have to look at covers! Isn't that terrible? *joggles brain*). Not sure how I'd feel about Marissa's about-face. Though, if I were meeting her for the first time, I probably wouldn't blink an eye. Sounds like this is one of those brain candy books (taffy, maybe?) that are read purely for the entertainment factor.
ReplyDeleteTheir names are Cash and Nash? Really? That's epic:) It sounds like I will not be a fan of Marissa in books one and two, but I'm glad she won you over in this book. And color me intrigued by this scene you mention - I've run across a few of those that push past hot and go into uncomfortable. You'll have to tell me about it:)
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