Sunday 16 June 2013

Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: Selling Scarlett by Ella James


Hello, Therians!

If you are looking for a great summer read, look no further!
Selling Scarlett by Ella James has it all, and then some.

Check out my review below, as well as the fun guest post, and be sure to enter the giveaway to win a signed copy of Selling Scarlett!



Elizabeth DeVille doesn't belong at a party like this—one where the gowns cost more than her Camry and cigars run higher than her grad school utility bills. Dragged out of seclusion by her best friend Suri, Elizabeth is merely playing dress-up, rubbing elbows with a crowd that banished her troubled family years ago.

Hunter West is tired. Tired of parties, tired of pretending, and tired of trying to right a wrong that haunts him every day. Bourbon heir and professional poker player by day, by night Hunter is gambling with his life in a high-stakes game of crime and blackmail. 

When Elizabeth stumbles into Hunter's den of vices, she's a light in the darkness, a flame in the void. And, just like everything he touches, Hunter mars her in a record time. To rectify the damage done, Elizabeth needs money she doesn't have, and she's come up with a foolproof way to get it.

Follow Elizabeth—code-named Scarlett—to the lush Nevada brothel where she'll auction her virginity and risk the only thing that's not for sale: her heart. The highest bidder is a familiar face, with wicked hands and the devil's mouth. And a secret so dark that it could cost her life.


***RECOMMENDED FOR READERS 17+ DUE TO SEXUALITY AND MATURE LANGUAGE.***


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REVIEW

This book was so different from what I was expecting.With complex characters that captured my heart, including many unsavory ones, I was enthralled from start to finish.

I was a little appalled my Hunter's actions in the very beginning of the book, Very much a playboy, he seemed to take advantage of every situation that came his way for him to have sex with or to perform sexual favors for any willing partner. But as the story continued, I began to understand him more and realized that my first assessment of him was totally wrong. Yes, sex was a major part of his life, but he was very particular about who he had sex with; although for the life of me I couldn't understand what was up with him and Priscilla Heat. His choice of partner only really started to make sense toward the middle/latter half of the story, when more insight is given into his life, and his horrible past.

He was hiding. Never allowing anyone close enough to know the truth about him and the past that haunted him. To make things worse, he was thrown into a tangled web of lies, deceit and mystery. Blackmailed and set-up, Hunter had the worst luck in the world.

Elizabeth was a sweet, somewhat innocent woman, whose attraction for Hunter only led to more trouble. There was plenty of chemistry between the pair and they shared many steamy moments together, but things just never worked out for them. Elizabeth's life, although not as complex as Hunter's, was still messed up and because of if she had trust issues, which forced her to back away from him more than once. It was interesting though to see how their dynamic played out, and as the story developed so did a loyalty that kept these two character's lives intertwined.

Elizabeth's lust for Hunter might have fueled her loyalty, as it did his, but she really seemed to get under his skin and the more she pushed, the more he opened up, showing the reader who he really was. She refused to believe he was anything but a misunderstood, and good man.

I was a little surprised by Elizabeth's decision to sell her V-card, but again, it proved just how much of a loyal friend she was. And, damn, if I knew those things fetched such a hefty price, I might have considered selling mine as well! *Just kidding* Even though Elizabeth felt guilty for how things had ended that night with Cross, her dedication to her friend's well being was endearing. To go through something as awkward and embarrassing as that, she deserves an award for friend of the year. However, in the end she was the one who really won the grand prize, so I guess she was rewarded.

I loved getting to know the girls of Love Inc. It just proved that no matter who we are, or what we do in life, we are still just human, with feelings and emotions. The girls were a great support system for Elizabeth when she really needed it. The devastating news about one of their own was crushing, and it broke my heart; for the Love Inc. family and for Hunter, but it also fueled my hatred from the people responsible, and I couldn't wait to see justice served to those deserving.

This story was more than an adult contemporary romance. It had a real dark side, that delved into the horror of human-trafficking. It was filled with mystery and intrigue and I think it will appeal to a mass audience, because there is something between the pages of this book for every type of reader.

It gets... 

photo TherianMoon-3.jpg



GUEST POST
Ten things Ella James's characters would say about her

1.                  Hunter – She should learn to play cards. Any cards. 'Cause I heard she can't even shuffle. *snort*

2.                  Elizabeth – She should be glad she's already married. Planning a wedding is kicking my butt! Suri's having to do half of it for me. I don't care about color palettes!


3.                  Cross – If she's worried about riding a motorcycle, she should hop on one of mine. I make them right.  Well, I used to... Anyway, odds are against her crashing. It's pretty damn safe...unless your name is Cross Carlson.

4.                  Merri – She doesn't know how easy her life is. But she should. She should be grateful she's never made any really, really bad choices. Not like mine. I think most people have no idea how...how, well, how safe they are. If safe is boring, just pick boring. Exciting is really over-rated. Trust me.

5.                  Elizabeth – I like Ella well enough, but she really needs to do something for Suri. I mean like, really. I got my HEA. What about Suri???

6.                  Hunter – Ella needs to be sure the Carlson kid isn't thinking about my girl. He's a good enough guy I guess, but really, fucker. Hands off.


7.                  Elizabeth – What do you do about a guy with a posessive streak? Because my guy really has one. He's amazing, and he treats me like a queen...but sometimes I think he doesn't understand I'm really his. Forever. Maybe getting married will help?

8.                  Elizabeth – I'm really getting married!? At the vineyard? In three months? Wow, it just doesn't seem real!


9.                  Suri – Ella shouldn't worry about me. I'm not. I just don't care anymore. I really do not flipping care.


10.              Cross – Have you ever been to Mexico, Ella? Because yeah...sunscreen is something you might have reminded me to pack. *rubs hand over sunburned face and scowls*



GIVEAWAY

Win a signed copy of Selling Scarlett!!
Enter using the Rafflecopter below :)

(If the Rafflecopter does not appear, please just click on the link and you will be redirected to it)




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a 20-something sci-fi nerd with a journalism degree and a serious York Peppermint Pattie addiction. I spend my days baby-wrangling and dog-chasing and my nights tapping on my laptop and hanging out with my writer/editor husband. A fun day for me involves lots of writing, running, and researching topped off with some quality Kindle time. My life's goal is to find an empty cottage in an enchanted forest, install a solar panel for my laptop, and move in - never to be seen again, except in sweatpants.

Connect with Ella:





Check out the other stops in the tour!

June 14: Romancing Rakes AND Book Besties
June 19: TalkSupe AND Sizzle & Swoon



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1 comment:

  1. Unknown16 June 2013 at 14:11

    Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review! Definitely one of my favorite reviews so far... xoxox! Ella

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