Thursday, September 14, 2017

RELEASE/REVIEW: Show Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant

 ~Synopsis~

The light of the future can only be found by stepping out of the darkness of the past...

After leaving her marriage, Juliette Walker wants to accomplish many new things, but meeting a new man certainly isn't part of her plan.

Plagued with struggles over her past, she seeks the advice of a professional. But after unloading her most intimate thoughts to the handsome stranger with dark hair and glasses at a friend's party, she discovers he isn't the man she thinks he is.

Although Juliette comes into Mark Hine's life like an unexpected tornado, he finds himself intrigued by the bundle of energy who spills her secrets in a drunken barrage.
Despite swearing off dating permanently since the tragic death of his fiancee, he keeps finding excuses to spend time with the single mom who makes him laugh and brings him out of his shell.

In the aftermath of Juliette's most humiliating experience to date, she's convinced Mark has permanently friend-zoned her, until the moment it becomes shockingly clear she couldn't be more wrong.

But will demons of the past threaten to derail the opportunity for love? Or can two damaged hearts overcome their painful histories to find a future of happiness together?

Full Length Standalone book with no cliffhanger.
Fifth book of the “Something Series”
Recommended for mature readers due to situations of language, and sexual content.

 ~Book Review~

3.75 Stars

Juliet Walker, 29, has made a temporary move north with her small son to escape the drama and potential danger her soon-to-be ex-husband has stirred up. With the help of her colleagues/friends, she has a place to stay and a chance to meet some new people. Juliet is ready to move on. Too bad the shy but sexy attorney, Mark Hines, isn’t ready to date again after losing his fiancé years before.
“It couldn’t be called slutty if you switched up your battery-operated boyfriends every night, right?”
This is a really hard book to rate because I always take the genre into consideration and I think this one encompasses many. So if you’re looking to get a feel for what to expect in this book, the following explanation is more relevant than the overall rating that’s more subjective.

This series, told from the heroines’ first person POV, has always focused strongly on each woman’s life and love journey. The tales of how each heroine got her groove back (or in Kenzie’s case found hers) has kept the chick-lit feel strong. In that genre, the story is probably five stars. I only say probably because I don’t read enough chick-lit to be strong judge, but to me these books seems at the top of that genre. As far as a romance, the story for me fell somewhere in the higher middle ground.

In the first half, especially the beginning, the relationship development was extremely well done as the pair get to know each other and lean on each other, providing companionship when both need it most. It was easy to see Mark as a book boyfriend or the guy friend you’d want as more.
“Yes, indeedy, capable was the new HOT…”
Mom romance readers around the globe will swoon at Mark’s helping hand. And no, I don’t mean his talented fingers in the bedroom, although the erotic element is carried out well and plentiful throughout the story.
“‘I think it’s clear that either I’m going to need to gag you, which has possibilities, or I’ll need to do some more dirty taking to distract you.’”
Mark is full of surprises. His reserved nature made him intriguing. Readers of the series know from the previous books about Mark’s loss. In the beginning, I was pleased to find his lost love downplayed in the storyline, but in the later half it comes heavily into play. Perhaps its delayed entrance is essential; I was able to like Mark’s character without getting distracted by his backstory. In the later half, it did interfere with my ability to root for them as a couple at times. The story becomes quite emotional, the issues and obstacles in their romance decidedly heavy. For readers looking for a story that tackles modern real world love scenarios, or in this case, imperfect relationship between two sweet but flawed people, then this is a must read. For more diehard romantics, Mark does pose a problem. He’s a broken man, stuck in the past. Inherently, he desires to move on, but he’s not undertaken the proper emotional healing he needs to do so. I do wish Juliet would have seen the signs sooner, though I understood why she didn’t or didn’t want to. In parts, I hurt for her, none the less, and I did feel sorry for Mark too. But there’s a point where you say enough is enough, and she had a big heart and a ton of patience for someone struggling with her own issues and insecurities.

Juliet is certainly resilient. She also lacks a filter, a personality quirk that leads to some of the story’s humor and lighthearted side.
“‘Sorry, it’s just, well, it’s a really great cock.’”
I still hesitate to label this a romcom, despite giggling at a few scenes. The heavier side of the story and their messy relationship eventually takes prominence. I do want to commend the inclusion of the real Dr. Mark. So many times in the romance market the importance of counseling is downplayed if not outright dismissed or forgotten. Here it’s utilized well and key to both character’s growth. It also goes a long way in eliminating the need for suspension of disbelief. If the tales “shows” (pun on the title intended) the reader one thing, it’s that Mark and Juliet are believable long term as a successful couple because of the professional help they seek as well as the support given by their friends. It also helps avoid contrived drama, the conflicts in this story are fitting and flow well. Themes of bettering oneself, coping, grieving, and accepting life’s changes to find new happiness are central to the story. It’s easily an engaging tale.

While this is the last full length book, I look forward to the series extras to come. These are a great group of friends who help each other out and lift each other up. Incidentally, I missed Kenzie and Colby together in this one as they were my fav couple. ;-) On that note though, the books are easy to read as standalones.


AMAZON: US UK AU CA

~Also in the Series~  

 #1 Tell Me Something




Aubrey Bondurant is a working mom who loves to write, read and travel.

She describes her writing style as: “Adult Contemporary Erotic Romantic Comedy”. (How's that for a mouthful?) Picture chick-lit with the sex scenes or “smutty chick lit” and there you have it!

When Aubrey isn't working her day job, or spending time with her family, she’s on her laptop typing away on her next story. She only wishes there were more hours of the day!

She’s a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps and passionate about veteran charities and giving back to the community. She loves a big drooly dog, a fantastic margarita, and football.

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