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blklitmagic's review
4.0
I really like the story....
the only thing I will say is that I think the line of pleasure and pain and how Chris uses pain to cope though everyone uses coping mechanisms I think how BDSM is viewed in pop culture it's problematic because it's reinforcing the idea that people in BDSM are messed up. So I think if there was a stronger narrative of how BDSM is outside who these people are, and their circumstances I think it would be less harmful.
Other than that everything is riveting and meaningful.
the only thing I will say is that I think the line of pleasure and pain and how Chris uses pain to cope though everyone uses coping mechanisms I think how BDSM is viewed in pop culture it's problematic because it's reinforcing the idea that people in BDSM are messed up. So I think if there was a stronger narrative of how BDSM is outside who these people are, and their circumstances I think it would be less harmful.
Other than that everything is riveting and meaningful.
odet137's review
5.0
Omg, I loved this book more than the first one. I loved the suspence and mystery. Can't wait to see what book three will reveal.
themumwhoreads's review
4.0
Review also published on my blog StudentSpyglass
Plot: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Readability: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
If I Were you followed Sara as she tried desperately to find out how and why Rebecca disappeared. Armed only with Rebecca’s journals, full of tantalizing hints about Rebecca’s ‘Master’, Sara steps into Rebecca’s life to try and determine whether she left by choice…or by force.
In Being Me, the hunt for Rebecca is ongoing, but it felt like a slightly smaller part of the plot than in the first book. There’s a larger focus, in my opinion, on the development of both Chris and Sara, as well as the growth of their relationship, in this book. Lots more about Sara’s past will become clear, and she grows a lot as a character, attempting to live her own life, rather than living Rebecca’s as she arguably did in If I Were You.
If I had to try and quantify the slightly different feel to the novels, I’d have said If I Were You felt like 60% mystery:40% romance, whilst Being Me is the other way around. There’s certainly still enough mystery to keep you engrossed, but I felt more invested in Chris and Sara (as well as their relationship) as a result of the increased focus on them in Being Me. Chris and Sara’s pasts and troubles mean their relationship faces some serious bumps, and you may well find yourself wondering whether you’re rooting for the wrong man at times! Obviously as well as the emotional side to their relationship, there is some seriously steamy romance, without any graphically kinky or intense elements that may offend some readers.
As well as Chris and Sara, the supporting characters are wonderful. Dylan is a fantastic addition to the plot, managing to sometimes lighten up the story and at other times put you through an emotional rollercoaster! We also find out a lot more about Mark, and see some other sides to him, which made for great reading.
The mystery, though not as dominant in If I Were You will still have you reading on desperately, feverishly trying to put clues together to determine the Master. The story is faster-paced and I know I personally found it hard not to say “I’ll just read one more chapter”. Still filled with the clues from the journals and Sara’s musings on various characters in Rebecca’s life, the apprehension and suspense that kept me glued to If I Were You persist throughout Being Me. Having said that, there is also more ‘real-life action’; dramatic events and revelations that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
It’s very difficult to say too much more without giving away spoilers, so I’ll leave it there! What you really need to know is that questions about Rebecca’s disappearance will be answered, including the identification of her Master. Chris, Sara, Mark and various minor characters are fantastic, and as always Lisa Renee Jones’ writing is wonderful. The only limitation for me was that sometimes I felt like Chris and Sara were a bit too up-and-down, occasionally making me want to give one or the other of them a good shake!
Plot: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Readability: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
If I Were you followed Sara as she tried desperately to find out how and why Rebecca disappeared. Armed only with Rebecca’s journals, full of tantalizing hints about Rebecca’s ‘Master’, Sara steps into Rebecca’s life to try and determine whether she left by choice…or by force.
In Being Me, the hunt for Rebecca is ongoing, but it felt like a slightly smaller part of the plot than in the first book. There’s a larger focus, in my opinion, on the development of both Chris and Sara, as well as the growth of their relationship, in this book. Lots more about Sara’s past will become clear, and she grows a lot as a character, attempting to live her own life, rather than living Rebecca’s as she arguably did in If I Were You.
If I had to try and quantify the slightly different feel to the novels, I’d have said If I Were You felt like 60% mystery:40% romance, whilst Being Me is the other way around. There’s certainly still enough mystery to keep you engrossed, but I felt more invested in Chris and Sara (as well as their relationship) as a result of the increased focus on them in Being Me. Chris and Sara’s pasts and troubles mean their relationship faces some serious bumps, and you may well find yourself wondering whether you’re rooting for the wrong man at times! Obviously as well as the emotional side to their relationship, there is some seriously steamy romance, without any graphically kinky or intense elements that may offend some readers.
As well as Chris and Sara, the supporting characters are wonderful. Dylan is a fantastic addition to the plot, managing to sometimes lighten up the story and at other times put you through an emotional rollercoaster! We also find out a lot more about Mark, and see some other sides to him, which made for great reading.
The mystery, though not as dominant in If I Were You will still have you reading on desperately, feverishly trying to put clues together to determine the Master. The story is faster-paced and I know I personally found it hard not to say “I’ll just read one more chapter”. Still filled with the clues from the journals and Sara’s musings on various characters in Rebecca’s life, the apprehension and suspense that kept me glued to If I Were You persist throughout Being Me. Having said that, there is also more ‘real-life action’; dramatic events and revelations that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
It’s very difficult to say too much more without giving away spoilers, so I’ll leave it there! What you really need to know is that questions about Rebecca’s disappearance will be answered, including the identification of her Master. Chris, Sara, Mark and various minor characters are fantastic, and as always Lisa Renee Jones’ writing is wonderful. The only limitation for me was that sometimes I felt like Chris and Sara were a bit too up-and-down, occasionally making me want to give one or the other of them a good shake!
booklovinmamas's review
5.0
Full Review posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
Oh my! I have no idea how to start this review because this book made me go through so much that I’m having a hard time putting down in words…what I loved most about this book. Lisa Renee Jones stepped up even further in Being Me with the emotions, romance, and suspense. HOLY MOLY!!! This book put me through hell several times. I think I got run over by a truck and trampled over by elephants or something after reading this book. It’s not a bad thing either.
I wish I could give this book 10 full moons because this book deserves it. I am still in shock after typing up this review. I must read the next book in the series right away, so I can finally learn about the mysterious, sexy Chris.
Oh my! I have no idea how to start this review because this book made me go through so much that I’m having a hard time putting down in words…what I loved most about this book. Lisa Renee Jones stepped up even further in Being Me with the emotions, romance, and suspense. HOLY MOLY!!! This book put me through hell several times. I think I got run over by a truck and trampled over by elephants or something after reading this book. It’s not a bad thing either.
I wish I could give this book 10 full moons because this book deserves it. I am still in shock after typing up this review. I must read the next book in the series right away, so I can finally learn about the mysterious, sexy Chris.
mayris88's review
4.0
WOW!!! At the beginning of the book I had my doubts, I couldn't get really into the story, found myself getting distracted by every single little thing that happened around me and that made my hopes for this book to drop considerably.
But I was wrong. I love this series because its not only the alpha males or the amazing sex scenes, but because all the mistery surrounding Rebbeca's dissapearence. I'm not going to say anything else because this is a story that when you think you had every figured out, it turns out that you don't and I just love when a book gets me that excited to try and figure what happens next.
I'm looking forward for the next book!!!
But I was wrong. I love this series because its not only the alpha males or the amazing sex scenes, but because all the mistery surrounding Rebbeca's dissapearence. I'm not going to say anything else because this is a story that when you think you had every figured out, it turns out that you don't and I just love when a book gets me that excited to try and figure what happens next.
I'm looking forward for the next book!!!
rmonty33's review
3.0
This book did get a little better near the end but I think I'm done with the drama. I won't be continuing on with this series.
leep_frog's review
4.0
So I enjoyed this book, but I was super annoyed with Chris by the end of it. I'm really hoping that in the next book they can work together and not be so separated.
The relationship has as strong of highs as it has of lows. I was completely shocked with the outcome at the end of the book. I can't wait to learn more about this series.
The relationship has as strong of highs as it has of lows. I was completely shocked with the outcome at the end of the book. I can't wait to learn more about this series.
hilaryb's review
5.0
This story picks up right where Book 1 left off. Sara and Chris are still figuring eachother out. Sara has quit her teaching job and is now all in in the art world. They are still chasing answers of Rebecca, the owner of the steamy journals. They are still looking for what happened to Ella. One of these questions DOES get answered by the end of this book.
I’m listening to this audio book and there are some spicy scenes!!! So fair warning. Don’t listen with an audience. Since I had some sense of closure and I simply can’t get enough of Sara and Chris, I gave this 5 steamy stars. I’ve already downloaded book 3 and I’m hoping for a swoon-worthy ending to this series.
I’m listening to this audio book and there are some spicy scenes!!! So fair warning. Don’t listen with an audience. Since I had some sense of closure and I simply can’t get enough of Sara and Chris, I gave this 5 steamy stars. I’ve already downloaded book 3 and I’m hoping for a swoon-worthy ending to this series.
theromancedove's review
5.0
oh chris meritt...you've changed me
I adore you
but damn...the secret or whatever she kept on babbling about ..it wasn't even a big deal
And when Chris blanked when she found out....omgggg.
this man,this book
I adore you
but damn...the secret or whatever she kept on babbling about ..it wasn't even a big deal
And when Chris blanked when she found out....omgggg.
this man,this book