If I Were You:
Certain something sinister has happened, Sara sets out to discover the facts, immersing herself in Rebecca's life. Soon she's working at the art gallery Rebecca worked at and meeting Rebecca's friends. Finding herself drawn to two dangerously sexy men, the manager of the gallery and a famed artist, Sara realizes she's going down the same path Rebecca took. But with the promise of her dark needs being met by a man with confident good looks and a desire for control, she's not sure anything else matters. Just the burn for more.
OUR REVIEW OF IF I WERE YOU:
...so why in the world did we wait so long to begin reading this series, exactly? I have no effing clue but I can tell you right now that I can see it will be addicting. OMIGAH. THIS BOOK WAS RIVETING!
The back story in this novel is the mystery of Rebecca (the writer/owner of a set of erotic and mysterious journals that Sara --the protagonist--happens to procure)..where is she? Is she okay? Who is she with? These questions are what drive Sara. These questions are what actually help her take an enormous risk and take an opportunity to fulfill her dream of working in the art world instead of teaching (I saw a similarity between Sara and my co-blogger here right away...and the blending of art, and mystery. That is something you can definitely expect from Lisa Renee Jones). She starts out with the sole intent of finding answers to her questions. She ends up involving herself in something I can't quite get a handle on yet. Here's what I know:
There's a huge story with Mark (the gallery owner she gets a job with & Rebecca's former boss) and Chris (an artist who shows work at Mark's gallery)...not sure WTF it is, but it's there. I feel that what we feel like we know, might not be entirely accurate. By the end, I was way more conflicted and confused...though I have a current front runner for my affection! ;)
Mark seems to a 'bad' guy..but I'm not entirely convinced of this because our run ins with him have been so strange (and interesting)..and Sara is viewing him through her ideas from Rebecca and Chris. Mysterious and dominating is how I currently think of him. He does seem to enjoy a game of cat and mouse, and only he knows his motivations. Relying on the men in this story to give you many clues is a fruitless endeavor!
Chris isn't as good as I want him to be, I think..and he may be a lot darker than Sara imagines him to be (maybe? this is all pure speculation) He is my onion of this story. I need more of his layers peeled back.Agreed...there's some darkness and mystery with Chris and I have a feeling we need to take him at his word (that's he's not as good as we may want him to be).
Sara has secrets too..and what are they??? We shall find out. Again, I loved how Lisa Renee Jones has made such rich and satisfying characters. They all have flaws, and secrets and are somewhat all probably pawns to whatever game we have found ourselves immersed in. We shall see!
Also...Rebecca, Ella, Ava, Amanda, Ralph, Ricco, the woman involved with Chris' tattoo, Chris and Sara's parents...all of these people have been alluded to or introduced and I feel like all or most of them are important to the rest of the story..IF ONLY I COULD PUT THE PUZZLE PIECES TOGETHER. ugh. (Love this! Hah!)
Chris + Sara + Mark + Rebecca + ??? = a story is a brewin' here too. I'm trying really hard not to read the blurbs for the rest of the series because I want to be surprised but GAHHHHH. I'm so curious.
Other things to know:
- this series has a serious steam factor (not surprising if you've read her Amy Benson series), the chemistry between the characters is H-O-T. Scorching!
- it reads really swiftly; I started and finished it within hours Yep!
- even with all of the characters and unanswered questions...I was never lost, confused, or frustrated Right. The writing here is so solid, spot on and perfectly paced.
- there's not a lot of angst because..ahem..hello...there are many more books to build the plot and characters with so I never really felt the need to throat punch anyone UNTIL THE LAST PAGE. She always finds a way to leave us breathless at the end. Sigh.
- be sure to download as many books from the series as you can because I'm fairly certain you're going to want to binge read them like I'm planning on doing. Can't wait!
...and so on that note, I'm off to grab the next book in the series. Happy Reading.
Shelley: 5 stars
Courtney: 5 stars
OTHER TITLES AVAILABLE:
Rebecca’s Journal—A Novella:
Kept under lock and key, discovered by chance, dangerous new secrets and scintillating adventures lie within Rebecca’s private diaries—searing scenes from a passionate journey inside a world where pain is pleasure, pleasure is pain, and where every limit she once had is no more.
Being Me:
Sara McMillan is still searching for Rebecca, the mysterious woman whose dark, erotic journal entries both enthralled and frightened her. Tormented by a strong desire to indulge the demands of her new boss while also drawn deeper into her passionate bond with the troubled artist, Chris Merit, Sara must face a past as deeply haunting as Rebecca’s written words. In one man’s arms, Sara will find the safe haven to reveal her most intimate secrets and explore her darkest fantasies. But is safety just an illusion, when the truth about Rebecca has yet to be discovered?
The Master Undone—A Novella:
In her private journals, Rebecca laid bare her soul, revealing her obsession for the one man whose erotic demands captivated her imagination—and enslaved her forever. Now, with Rebecca no longer in his life, her former Master is lost—questioning everything he thought he knew about himself, and the control he holds in such high regard. One woman will reach out to heal him and then turn away, leaving him haunted. She is nothing he thought he wanted, and somehow everything he needs. He tells himself to forget her, but he cannot escape his desire for her. He has to have more...
Revealing Us:
Lisa Renee Jones Bio:
Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.
Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.
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Great post! I love this series and I'm really looking forward to the books coming out this year!
ReplyDeleteGreat post I love this series.
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