Wow! This woman, Ms. Kresley Cole, can write anything. I began reading her action packed-under and above the covers- Immortals After Dark series many years ago. I read quite a few, then put her books on hold for a while. I came back last year and have nearly completed IAD. As we Geminis love to do, we read at least five books at one time (depending upon our mood). In doing this, I thought I would try Ms. Cole's earlier works after having recently completed her new-amazing-contemporary erotica series, The Game Makers. Knowing how great she handled Contemporary in addition to Paranormal Romance, I had faith that her earlier works-The MacCarrik Brothers trilogy- would be fantastic. Well, I can honestly say that I placed my faith in good hands because this series, so far, is really wonderful. For those who like non-paranormal romance, don't mind period pieces with minimal historical details, and more detailed erotic scenes with brawny, sensual, loving, alpha-males who happen to be Kilt wearers, then this is your series. This book of three, is well written, has a good story line, is erotic but tasteful, and is an easy read! I highly recommend it. There is just a special way that Ms. Cole, and only Ms. Cole, writes sex scenes that are the most unique and erotic in general romance. I have never read anyone else that writes them like she does. It's strange because the scenes are so normal and vanilla, but they make you puddle on the floor every time. And oh yeah, did I mention there's an actual plot that takes up most of the book! I know, right?! Amazing how now we can get a two-for-one deal in today's literature. This book is indeed a "kilt lifter" not a " bodice ripper." Just to clarify ;) But not a cheesy Harlequin; one of few genres I detest vehemently. Yes, there is a clear distinction. So, check this first book out via Overdrive, it's free! You can't go wrong with that, especially if you are new to her works. Enjoy what's under the kilt, I mean cover ;)

I'm not gonna lie, the reason why I liked this book so much is because I'm a Gossip Girl fan and I couldn't help thinking about Chuck Bass every time Lo was on the page.

something like this:

I really liked Loren. I had issues with Lily. They both had an addiction, I just felt aggravated with Lily. Her constant no restrain, I felt like she just wasn't trying. I'm sure a lot of people that have family members and friends that are addicts feel this way about them.

I've read some reviews and it looks like most people liked Connor & Ryke. I thought that the introduction to Connor made sense, but felt Ryke was dumped in the story. I didn't really believe it. and I know it was important in the story, but I didn't really like him and thought maybe he should have been introduced earlier in the story.

I will be reading the next book.

"It's beautiful but so tragic."

 

I can't explain this story any better then that quote from the book.

You have two woman. Carly & Tabitha. The book goes back and forth from Past & Present Carly and Tabitha. So you can see what's brought them together.

While I found some of this very touching, there were parts I just had a hard time with, choices people made that I myself couldn't make.

I'm looking forward to the next book called Dear Tabitha.

"I can think of no other kind of love that is so totally rejected, even though ours is so deep, passionate, caring, and strong that forcing us apart would cause us unimaginable pain. We are being punished by the world for just one simple reason: for having been produced by the same woman."

 

Yep, incest. So why does this book have a GR rating of 4.07? Because it makes you cry in the end. Shows you heartbreak and desperation and love.

To be quite honest, I wasn't too impressed for the first half of the story. I understand they were each other's best friends. That Lochie's world was actually pretty small, even though he attended school each day. The only place where he could be himself with out anxiety was home. With Maya by his side. The mother was in and out of the house, too self centered to even think about her children. She did not cook for them, she did not dress them. She basically came and got clothes and that was it.

So you have two teenagers basically in the role of "mother" & "Father". 

I should have seen their relationship and their closeness and never questioned , how could they? But I did question, saying lots of times - "ick, no no.It's just wrong!"

Which brings me to this :

"Everyone else is permitted to have what they want, express their love as they please, without fear of harassment, ostracism, persecution or even the law. Even emotionally abusive, adulterous relationships are often tolerated, despite the harm they cause others. In our progressive, permissive society, all these harmful, unhealthy types of 'love' are allowed - but not ours."

 

Do you think this ever will be accepted? Who says it's wrong? Society used to say Man & Man is wrong , but now it is accepted. Who decides these things? Society in a whole? If you have enough protests and media blasting you what is right and how intolerant you are and  how "people shouldn't tell you who to love" then isn't this okay too?

it wasn't until page 393 (out of 454) that my heart finally melted and I could not stop the sadness that filled me. 

"It's time for me to set us all free. Despite the terror, the blinding white terror, I slip a second loop over my head. Tighten the noose. A harsh sob breaks the still air. And I let go.

Willa's big blue eyes, Willa's dimple-cheeked smile. Tiffin's shaggy blond mane, Tiffin's cheeky grin. Kit's yells of excitement, Kit's glow of pride. Maya's face, Maya's kisses, Maya's love.

Maya, Maya, Maya....."

(spoiler show)

 

 

"Being together, we harm nobody; being apart, we extinguish ourselves.”

 

 

 

The story is just sad. I'm not sure I can recommend it, but it is a very touching story of love and devotion.

One thing I can't shake  -  while reading I couldn't help but blame Maya, it was like she was "Eve" tempting "Adam". It seemed like she was the one that wanted all this, pushed this. I still feel this was, but considering the ending.. 

"For you to go on to live a life of unimaginable joy....."

The biggest problem I had with this book:

Emily being sexually assaulted and how the author handled it.  The Assault did not happen during the book. It happen prior, and it's the reason that Emily is asking "Sculpt" (really what kind of name is that?) to help her defend herself. I can see wanting to defend myself. BUT, she's not even traumatized by it, never reported it. 

This was the lines from the book:

"But the guy managed to pull down my jeans, tear off my thong and put his finger inside me...."

"I never reported it, even though Kat begged me to, and we kept it from Matt because he was mega overprotective."

"So telling Matt was a bad idea. Besides it'd been dark, and he took me down so fast, I had no idea what he looked like..."

 

It's just wrong. The story moves along quickly and really the language "Sculpt" uses is more shock value then turn on. They haven't been intimate at all and he says this to her : 

I found this quote - 

"This guy had me kidnapped and strung up in him.." .

I'm wondering if this has to do with the next book. The whole sentence made me pause.

then this :

"And he held me hostage with his voice."

Odd.

Anyways I'm not sure if I'll read the Torn From You