For savvy programmer Gabrielle Alvarez, moving to Portland, Oregon means a fresh start with a blank screen. She wants nothing more than to erase the last traces of her old life, starting with an exotic tattoo to hide an old scar. Gabby’s instantly drawn to the enigmatic artist, who also happens to be her neighbor. Lucky she has no plans to date-especially sexy, brooding men.
Last year, Bowen Landry was the king of broken promises. He made hundreds to his sister to get clean and hundreds more to his band and his boss. But Bowen’s sober now and determined to stay that way. The last thing he needs are complications, especially Gabby with her curves, dry humor, and independent spirit. Gabby spells danger to Bowen’s peace of mind, not to mention his personal promise to stay celibate for one year.
Bowen is content keeping a firewall up between them until a stalker threatens Gabby’s safety. Alone in a new city, she has no choice but to turn to Bowen for help, moving into his apartment after hers is vandalized. While the two grow closer, Bowen can’t make any promises, and Gabby’s not asking. While the inexperienced Gabby can’t deny the charming, reformed bad boy, she’s unsure she can ever trust an addict again. If Bowen can help Gabby forgive her past and his, he may learn to believe in love again.
My Review:
An electrifying page turner.
Gabby Alvarez's life is turned upside down when her former foster father starts stalking her. After he destroys her apartment, her friend Bowen Landry, Portland's hottest bad boy rocker, asks Gabby to stay with him until she can find another place to live.
Bowen is attracted to Gabby, but he is trying to by the rules to stay sober. That meant no relationships. But he can't help thinking of Gabby in his bed every time he looks at her. Gabby didn't want a boyfriend and doesn't understand why she is so attracted to Bowen. So when Bowen suggests friends with benefits, Gabby goes for it. Even though it wasn’t part of the plan, Gabby falls in love with Bowen. But, Gabby knows, once an addict, always an addict. And she didn't need another addict in her life when she’s been dealing with her mother’s addictions all of her life.
After seeing the cover and reading the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. I have always been a sucker for bad boys. And, a bad boy rock star covered in tattoos will always get my attention. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. She told a tale that felt real and was filled with emotion. Both, Gabby and Bowen, were damaged people who had been through a lot and were finally getting their lives on track. They didn't need any distractions. But this distraction was worth the risk. Their happily ever after was well deserved. The only downside to this book was it wasn’t long enough for me. I needed more of Gabby and Bowen and would love to find out what happens with the rest of their friends.