Review & Giveaway! Because of You by T.E. Sivec
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| AMAZON | KINDLE |
Because of You (Playing with Fire #2) by TE Sivec
Contemporary / Suspense
Tara Sivec (April 29, 2013)
Heroine: Layla Carlysle – Pop Star, Controlled by Mother
Hero: Brady Marshall – Navy SEAL, Protective
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Review:
Because of You is the second installment in Tara Sivec’s Playing with Fire series. It has everything you could possibly want in a romantic suspense: super sexy alpha hero, hot romance, suspense, mystery, fast-paced action, drama, and angst. This cleverly written story starts off with a huge bang and didn’t let me go until the final page. I loved A Beautiful Lie, but I think I love Because of You even more – if that’s even possible.
Brady Marshall grew up in a privileged life where money and status means everything to his parents. Brady hated this life and his parents expectations. Desperate to escape this superficial lifestyle, he joined the Navy SEALs. After spending years as a Navy SEAL and then a cop, he can no longer cope with all the losses throughout the years. Consumed by his guilt and grief, he spends his days drinking booze and sleeping with nameless women. That is, until his sister, Gwen, knocks on his door with her daughter in tow needing a safe place to hide from her very wealthy, but abusive, husband. Brady decides if there is anyone he is willing to get his life together for, it would be his sister, and he is determined to protect her against all costs. But his security specialists/private investigating business is not doing so well, and he needs money to help pay his bills. The one job that he really doesn’t want but would help him get ahead would be guarding the diva pop princess, Layla Carlyle.
Layla Carlyle is a world famous pop singer, who has loved music all her life. However, the music she loves and is passionate about is not the kind of music she performs. Being a pop princess was not her dream nor was it what her father wanted of her before he died in a car accident. When Layla’s father died, Eve took advantage of her young daughter, took over her father’s recording business, Hummingbird, and manipulated her into signing a contract where Eve basically owns Layla. All Eve cares about is making money, not her daughter. Eve owns Layla, using her as a money-making pawn to keep her wealthy. The woman is ruthless and evil. And because Layla is a good person all the way down into her heart and soul, she has let Eve control her through her best friend and bodyguard, Finn. Eve holds something over Finn’s head that could potentially ruin his life. And Layla would do anything for Finn, even if it meant sacrificing what she wants most in her life – making the kind of music she loves.
When Layla and Brady first meet, they don't hit it off. Layla thought he was arrogant and bossy and didn’t want him around. Brady didn’t want to deal with the spoiled, bratty diva either. But, even though these two head strong people drove each other bonkers, there was still an instant spark of attraction between them they couldn’t deny. As Brady continues to investigate and protect Layla, the sexual tension rises, and their growing feelings begin to take center stage leading to a very hot and steamy affair. And ladies, it’s definitely smoking hot. Turn on the AC, you’re going to need it.
"There's nothing more sensual than watching a man struggle to keep himself in check when he's looking at you, nothing more arousing than seeing his eyes darken with desire and his tongue slide out to lick his lips because you know he's thinking about kissing you."
Brady is a strong, protective, and honorable man, who would do anything to make sure the ones he cares about are safe and secure. Even though he still feels guilty for the things that happen in his past, he finds the strength to make sure his sister and niece are taken care of. In the process, he finds a woman that begins to mean everything to him. And once Brady finally sees Layla for who she truly is underneath the facade, he finds out that there is a talented, beautiful, kind woman screaming to be set free of Mommy Dearest. Joan Crawford definitely has nothing on Eve Carlyle. Because Eve has controlled every aspect of Layla’s life, it was refreshing for her to be with Brady, where she is able to be more herself. Be free. But as Brady and Layla grow closer, Layla becomes afraid to let Brady into her world. As she tries to push Brady away, he pulls her right back, too stubborn to let this woman walk out of his life. Especially now that he knows who the woman is underneath the layers. He wants THAT woman. Soon these two learn that even though they come from different worlds, they are so very perfect for one another.
I know I’m done for when it comes to this woman. She’s gotten under my skin, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be ready to remove her. I can’t walk away and I sure as shit can’t ignore whatever this is between us.
In the meantime, as things heat up between Layla and Brady, the stalker threats become more and more intense. It soon becomes clear the stalker issue goes deeper than just a crazed fan. The storyline is suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat as the twists kept coming. Miz Sivec has a way with writing mystery that will keep you spinning your wheels the entire time. Who is the stalker? Who is the true villain in this piece? Expect this story to be unpredictable and to be left feeling breathless and shocked when all the secrets are finally revealed.
I have to mention how nice it was to see some of the famous ‘Sivec snark’ shine through in this story. I laughed quite a bit, especially at Gwen’s saucy remarks. And Austin. Happy sigh. I can’t wait to get to know him. I’m definitely stoked to read Gwen and Austin’s book, which comes out sometime in 2013, especially now that I got a little sneak peak at what’s to come at the end of the book.
This may not be the most action-packed book of the two in the series so far, there is still a fair amount of fast-paced action and suspense to keep you reading into the late hours of the night. So, yeah, buying this book is a no-brainer. Miz Sivec has created a fabulous romantic suspense series you don’t want to miss.
| About the Author
This is the pen name of Tara Sivec. Under T.E. Sivec, she writes romantic suspense novels. T.E. Sivec lives |
| Find Tara Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |
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