Hey, Booksnakes! Today, I am going to be reviewing the third instalment of Marian Tee's Desert Sheikh Romance series, Tarif. 

Before proceeding to the actual review, I'd like to point out some differences this book has compared to Malik, the second part in the series. Call it a disclaimer, if you will. 

First, the steamy scenes are way hotter (and more frequent). Second, the story was more unpredictable and complex, Third, I cried my eyes out multiple times in a span of 200 pages.

“It’s a pleasure to finally have a chance to speak with you.”

“The honor and privilege is mine, Your Highness.”

“I wonder if you truly mean that, anisdi.”

Prim and proper Anisah Kahveci led a simple, orderly life with simple, ordinary goals.

One: Terrorize – err, discipline – her students into becoming law-abiding, socially mindful citizens of the kingdom.

Two: Work hard to secure a safe future for the brat – err, her younger sister.

Three: Eat all the sweets – err, indulge in a scoop of ice cream now and then.

But all her plans were for naught and her life turned upside down the moment Sheikh Tarif Al-Atassi decided he wanted her to be his woman.

Note: This is a full-length standalone (no cliffhanger) romance written to bring laughter and tears into the reader’s life. It is 100% escapist, contains explicit (but not gratuitous) sex scenes, with an alpha hero and an innocent but fiery heroine falling in love and enjoying a happy ever after in the end.

Let me start off by saying that, by far, Tarif is my favourite novel in Marian Tee's Desert Sheikh Romance series. The rollercoaster ride my emotions was taken on was no joke. In most stories, there's like one scene that'll wreck you, and that's usually the climax. But since Marian Tee is super extra, she didn't want to make her readers cry just once. No, we have to bawl multiple times. And that's what I did.

I don't want to give much away about the story and the whiplashes that await future readers, but it might be somewhat unavoidable so please excuse me in advance. 

The story's timeline may somewhat be confusing to some, especially if you have yet to read the books that precede it. Basically, at the first few pages, we are thrown back to events of My Arabian Billionaire, this time from the perspective of our female protagonist, Anisah. Immediately we see her strong and unyielding character. Her loyalty. The author is no stranger to creating stubborn heroines with soft hearts, but most of them are -- for lack of a better word -- meek. I didn't get that at all with Anisah. She has her hard-headed tendencies, yes, but she's also fierce with an unyielding conviction, she puts others' well-being above hers, and she refuses to show weakness in front of others. 

Now let's talk about our hot-blooded, male protagonist, Tarif. He's really not what I expected him to be. Apparently, he's supposed to be the resident playboy of the kingdom, or at least that's what his image is. But there's not much in the book that indicates that kind of lifestyle. Well, there is that one -- oh, wait. I shall not speak of that because it might be a minor spoiler. 

Anyway, Tarif is obviously the guy that no one outside his family takes too seriously. He's like that friend who you'd go to if you're looking for a good time, but in more serious matters, people easily dismiss him. And that's just crappy, especially since that kind of treatment led to an emotional and mental scar in our hero. 

The chemistry between Anisah and Tarif is insane. Their steamy scenes are passionate and scorching, their banters are witty, and their emotional turmoil was heartbreaking. I couldn't help but put myself in their shoes while reading their moments of despair, and I thought to myself, "How does one go back from this?" 

The sadistic part of me wanted to see their pain expounded and to have it come full circle, and the romantic side of me just wanted them to have their happy-ever-after. It was a tough battle, but Marian gave me the best of both sides so I'm satisfied. 

SUMMARY: 

Tarif made me feel a lot of different things in a span of two hours (time it took me to read the entire book), and I enjoyed every emotion. I felt contented when I flipped through the last page ... The last page ... THE. LAST. PAGE. Marian, wtf you have a lot of explaining to do. 

So yeah, there's a teaser right there, folks. Marian Tee left us a little something to stir our imaginations and make us wonder what she has in store for us for the following instalment in her series. 

Hey there, Booksnakes! It has been a while since my last review, but I am back with another Marian Tee novel, and it is part two of her Desert Sheikh Romance titled, Malik.

I have a confession to make: I actually read this after finishing Tarif, which is actually the third installment in the author's series. For some screwed up reason, I belatedly realized that I received a copy of this book from the author. I only found out about it when I was already writing my review of the book which apparently comes after this one. But better late than never, I say, so I jumped in head first in the story and came out of it feeling thrilled, happy, and slightly dirty (which was the author's intention all along).

Sheikh Malik Al-Atassi was only seventeen when his mother took in orphaned 7-year-old Kyria as her legal ward.

Since then, the royal family had raised Kyria alongside Malik as if they were brother and sister…even if they were not related by blood.

And for a while, everything was as it should be…until Kyria came into womanhood, and she realized that her feelings for the sheikh were also that of a woman for a man.

Come join Marian Tee in another sheikh romance set in the exotic desert kingdom of Ramil. This is a no-cliffhanger standalone romance and does not require you to read any of the other Desert Sheikh novels.

Kyria Markide is a strong and passionate woman who hides herself behind an image of meekness and submission. She believes that she owes her life to the royal family of Ramil for taking her in, raising her up, and making her feel loved. To return their generosity, she swore to remain loyal to them and not bring them shame in any way. That is until she realized that her feelings for her sheikh brother is more than just familial...it was also quite carnal.

Malik Al-Atassi is a man of many faces. He could be gracious, forgiving, and patient, but he's also prone to doing dangerous and desctructive actions. Overall, he's an honourable, dependable man who would rather spend a decade pretending he doesn't just love his adoptive sister, he's also in love with her.

As a bookworm whose main genre of focus is romance, I have read a lot of books that cover a myriad of love stories. There's the typical boy-meets-girl tale that make us all sappy, and then there's the more mature, dark, and erotic novels that are not for the feint of heart. Malik falls somewhere in between, with the author's writing as charmingly comedic as it is, but the subject-matter being taboo to a lot of people -- incest.

I'm no stranger to love stories that are far from the norm. Erotica is also a staple in my to-read list, so Marian's approach in Malik and Kyria's story didn't deter me from opening my e-reader and enjoying the ride one bit. In fact, one of the things I liked about this novel is the realistic approach the author took. Realistic, how? Kyria was taken in by the Al-Atassi family when she lost her parents at a very young age. Malik was 10 years her senior and so he made sure to look after her and do everything he can to take away her pain and make her happy. 

FACT: They're not related by blood and Malik is old enough to understand this. 

FACT: Loving someone doesn't always entail physical attraction first. Only pervs think that. 

FACT: The bond these two people shared growing is deep and only they can understand it. This kind of relationship actually happens somewhere in the world, most people just refuse to acknowledge it. 

But because this is not socially acceptable, the author made a point of putting this problem in perspective for the characters. So it's not all rainbows and butterflies. 

I don't want to give much away about the story, but I will say that Malik is incredibly hot. I think he's the one I like most out of the five sheikhs. I also saw a funnier and more intimate side of the Al-Atassi family. From the banter between Malik and his mother, to the constant ribbing of the guys, and of course, the love and loyalty they all have for one another. 

Malik, compared to the other part of the series, is relatively laid-back. I didn't cry as I did in My Arabian Billionaire or Tarif, but I felt satisfied knowing that they're happy together, and that they can fight whatever the world throws at them because they have the people who love them to back them up.

I don't even know why I'm still surprised that I finished reading this book with frog-like eyes and a stuffy nose. I should know better by now that Marian WILL make me bawl my eyes out, no matter how sweet and funny she starts off.

Anyway, I have a lot to say about My Arabian Billionaire, so let's get started, shall we?

Title: My Arabian Billionaire (In Bed with a Billionaire): A Desert Sheikh Romance
Author: Marian Tee
Genre: Romance, Erotic Romance
Publication Date: June 14th 2017
Source: ARC Given by Author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35438470-my-arabian-billionaire-in-bed-with-a-billionaire


SYNOPSIS:

Years and years from now, it would go down as one of the saddest days in the kingdom’s history when the crying, trembling figure of their queen was seen at the gates of the palace, performing the public ritual of ending her marriage to the king. 

News traveled fast, and the area was soon swarming with people - reporters who were out to sensationalize this unprecedented sight, gawking guests who were titillated by the hint of scandal in the air, and men like Mahmud, who didn’t hesitate to sow seeds of discord to further their cause. 

Terrible accusations began to take shape, broadcasted in viral headlines--- 

Queen Harper publicly disavowing marriage to travel alone and leave Ramil? 

Princess Safiya, daughter of Sheikh Mahmud, to be Ramil’s next queen? 

Ramilians to be fined if found offering aid to Queen Harper? 
Later, there would also be stories of loyalty – of how secret enemies of the sheikh had incited a rabble, and of the queen’s most trusted guards coming to her defense. Witnesses had sworn they heard the queen tearfully begging her loyal guards not to endanger themselves for her, but still they had shed blood for her, their loyalty to her unwavering. 

You will always be our queen. 

And when the tide seemed to swell in the favor of the sheikh’s enemies, there came the thundering, ground-crushing sound of the army’s footsteps, led by the king and his vassals. They fought their way to the queen’s side, infallible in their power, strength, and valor – 

It was a breathtaking sight, witnesses from that night were known to avow. But what they would never ever forget was the sight of their king finding his queen--- 

Only to let her go--- 

You are free, my love. 

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

Harper Griffiths is a strong-willed woman who has a stubborn streak to her. She's got a short temper, sharp tongue, and distant demeanor. But all of these she simply use to cover up and protect a soft heart and innocent soul that people try to hurt time and time again. She's intelligent, loyal, and most of all, honourable.

Khalil Al-Atassi is a man who would give his life for his kingdom. He cares for his people above all else, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to protect his nation - even if that means tearing his heart out in the process.

REVIEW:

Let me start off by being completely honest: I had no idea what the story of My Arabian Billionaire would be about or who the characters involved are.

I tried racking my brain, trying to remember which of Marian Tee's characters is an Arabian Billionaire, but I just couldn't remember. I'm ashamed. Sorry, Marian. But then, Sapphire - Safi - March was mentioned, and then BAM! Khalil Al-Atassi is Jeremy Raybourne! I've said this before, but How Not to Be Seduced by Rockstars is one of my favourite of Marian's work. So of course, when I've finally made a connection, the sun shone and birds chirped.

From the first couple of pages, I already knew that I was going to enjoy whatever journey the story is going to take me. We're immediately introduced to a handful of characters that are different from each other, yet they share a strong, unbreakable bond that makes one want to see more of their dynamic.

And then we jump right into the chemistry between Khalil and Harper. Like most of Marian's male protagonists, the king of Ramil also enjoys teasing - and upsetting - his leading lady. But one of the thing I like about Khalil, is despite his past, or even his current political status, he's not a cold, distant man who's sworn off love. He's just a regular guy ... sort of. And that makes this story refreshing, in a way, because I didn't have to curse the guy for being stupid. In fact, he's such an honourable man that even Harper can't hate him for breaking her heart.

Let me just quickly point out that the steamy scenes here were hot AF. Like, for real. Marian made is as sexy and rough as she could in a page or two. It was erotic in a tasteful manner, if that makes sense.

The story flowed smoothly; though of course there were moments I felt some parts could've been ellaborated, but it didn't take away from the book as a whole so it's okay.

However, I need to point out that ending made me wonder - for the Nth time - what the hell happened with KC Chariot and Yuki Himura? What was so traumatizing that the thought of seeing him, even just hearing his name, evokes such a severe negative reaction from her? Marian, please end our agony and tell us the story.

SUMMARY: 

I'm still not quite used to reading completed stories by Marian. Wait, that sounds wrong. What I meant to say was, she always delivered her stories in at least 3 parts which, in my opinion, works because we get more up and down moments. Meaning, more playful and romantic moments, and more heartbreaks and begging. But with My Arabian Billionaire, we got everything Marian has to offer in 140 pages or so.

We got the fun, we got the steamy, we got the pain, and finish off with the Happily Ever After. It's a complete package that will leave you feeling satisfied while making you want more.

PURCHASE LINKS: 

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

RATING: 

To save her father from prison, geeky graphic artist Arabella Blume agrees to sell herself to Aurélien Sauvage, a young French billionaire whose life is shrouded in mystery and strange and conflicting rumors. 

When she’s immediately whisked away to a remote island, Arabella braces herself for all kinds of torture. But instead, her new life is more perplexing than terrifying. 

During the day, the staff pampers her like a princess. 

But as for the nights – 

They’ve become her most precious and shameful secret. 

When all is silent and dark, Arabella succumbs to the dangerously addictive passion of her master. Night after night, he listens to her, he talks to her, he makes her laugh, he makes her forget – and later on, he fucks her. 

He fucks her long and hard, he fucks her until she passes out, he fucks her so, so beautifully, and Aurélien promises to cherish her forever – for as long as she doesn’t break his rules. 

Never talk about me to anyone. 

And she doesn’t. 

Never kiss me. 

And she doesn’t. 

And the most imperative, my beauty – never, ever try to look at me in the light. 

But Arabella does. 

She doesn’t mean to, but it happens, and that’s when Arabella realizes all along she’s been making love to an animal. 

A man with a beautiful face, sapphire eyes, and a lethally powerful body, but at the same time a beast with terrifying horns, claws, and fangs – 

Oh my God. 

La bête Sauvage. 

It’s what the islanders have been whispering about – something they’ve always known but never told her, something she thought she understood but didn’t, something that may change the way she sees him – 

Aurélien. 

Her owner. 

Her lover. 

And he seems to know this, too, as the beast – her beast – asks quietly, 

Do I frighten you now, ma belle? 

Do I disgust you? 

Do you want me still? 

Arabella Blume, like most of Marian's heroines, is a kind-hearted person who loves her father purely. She also has a stubborn streak and refuses to cave in to her desires and emotions as much as she can. But unlike most of the female protagonists in the author's books, Arabella has a temper and a potty mouth, and she isn't ashamed of it one bit. She's also quite confident with her body and isn't afraid to claim what she wants -- in other words, she can be aggressive (much to my delight). 

Aurélien Sauvage also has a heart of gold, he just doesn't acknowledge it because of his "situation". He believes that he doesn't deserve to have someone by his side because it would only cause them harm. He's rich and powerful - figuratively and literally - but he's also lonely and trapped in the "beast". However, he's not afraid to take the leap and love someone. In fact, love is what he craves to give and receive - also unlike Ms. Tee's seemingly love-allergic heroes in other books. But he's insecure and afraid, and with good reason. But will he be Aurélien the man or will he let the beast take over forever? 

Confession time! I haven't watched the new Beauty and the Beast movie yet. Also, I haven't watched the original animation. Lastly, I haven't even read the book where they based the film on. But, in spite of this, I am familiar with the story and its ending - I mean, she's one of my generation's Disney princesses so knowing her is embedded in my DNA. The only difference that I can say from this situation is I at least won't struggle to compare this story to the original one. For me, this IS an original story and one that I liked a lot.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

The story starts off by showing us how it all started. How Aurélien came to be something else, how the island of St. Marianne became a home cherished by many people, and how unconditional love is an important factor in this story. I love how detailed the author was when describing the island, specifically the mansion where the Sauvage family lived. It made me feel as though I was there, seeing what the newcomers saw and experiencing what they experienced and felt. We are easily transported to a place of opulence and beauty, but one with mysteries and sadness too. 

One of the things I liked about this story is how the modern world and "fairy tale land" seemingly blended to create a unique set up for our characters. I also like how the characters can go from 1600-era to knowing Game of Thrones - it serves as a reminder that these people, no matter how disconnected they seem from the world, are still living in the same time and space we are (as far as fictional stories go, of course). 

This story doesn't try hard to be a replica of Beauty and the Beast. It's a completely different interpretation that readers who aren't familiar with the movie won't have a hard time absorbing the story, while those who are fans of the tale will find subtle similarities here and there. 

As usual, Marian Tee managed to deliver a book that is well-written. The humor is there, and the steamy scenes are heart-racing. As I was nearing the end of the book, I had a lot of questions that have yet to be answered. And so I know that there will be following installments to this story. 

Let me point one thing out, though. When reading a Marian Tee book, I already expect to shed some (translation: a lot) tears. So going in Savage, Broken, Beautiful, I figured that I'd be crying for sure. To my surprise, this book is relatively lighter than other works of the same author. I mean sure there's some violence, but all-in-all, I found that it wasn't emotionally exhausting as her other novels. Does that make it less good? No. Do I expect more heart-wrenching moments when the second (and hopefully third) book comes out? Maybe. But only because I know Marian's not afraid to put her characters through shit to make the happily ever after so much more worth it. 

This was a great read and I would recommend it to others. I honestly can't wait for other surprises from the very talented author, Marian Tee. 

To immediately follow up my last review in Marian Tee Mania, Kellion, I bring you my take on Yuri, the 7th installment in the Heart Racer series. 

I cannot tell you how excited I was when the author sent me an ARC of this book, because Yuri is one of my favorite characters in all of Marian's works. If you haven't yet read the other 6 parts of this series, there's a great chance you won't have any idea of who Yuri is. But if you've been following the journey of the Afxisi men, then you'd know how intriguing this reserved man is. 

In this review, you WILL have an idea of who Yuri is. Prepare yourself because there will be some spoilers, so if you're not into that, please do skip this one out.

Title: Yuri (Heart Racer #7)  

Author: Marian Tee 

Publication Date: August 27, 2015

Published by: Jaded Speck Publishing

Source: ARC Given by the Author

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26184222-yuri

SYNOPSIS:

His name was Yuri Athanas.

They called him the golden boy of the Afxisi, a college org during the day and an underground racing club at night.

Like his brothers, Yuri was rich, powerful, gorgeous, and devastatingly sexy.

Unlike his brothers, Yuri did not leave a trail of broken hearts behind him.

Yuri was the angel amidst all the other Greek devils, they said.

I liked hearing that about him. It gave me hope that when we do meet again, he would remember his promise, and he would keep it.

He would take one look at me and he wouldn’t mind that I wasn’t…okay.

He wouldn’t mind I wasn’t…normal.

If he was everything I prayed he would be, he’d take one look at me and love me, like he had promised.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

Yuri is a considerate, caring, and well-mannered gentleman; he won't ever say bad things to you and will never purposefully offend anyone ... At least that's what he leads people to believe. Inside, he's cold-hearted, distanced, and in control. He never lets his real emotions show, and he only allows people to see what he wants them to see. But the biggest ass-move he probably did in life is to let a certain woman believe that he loves her, even though he's not really capable of that.

Kalliope knows not what love is or what it means. She was raised not to believe in it and to forget whatever emotion she can associate with it. Her upbringing is the definition of messed-up; physically abusive, emotionally draining, and mentally destructive. Now, she doesn't know what to feel or what those feelings mean--she's good at keeping people at a distance and being cold without even meaning so. But ubderneath all that lies a kind and loving heart, one that must be cherished forever. 

REVIEW:

I know the character description I presented above is quite lengthy--it goes to show just how fascinating and complex both Yuri and Kalliope are. 

With all of Marian's books, I don't think I know of one female lead who is naturally cold, distant, and insensitive from the get-go. Most female protagonists she create are lively, expressive, a bit timid but full of spunk--that's why I found Kalliope captivating; she's broken, obviously, and if I went through what she did, I'm sure I'll even come out worse. But in spite of being ripped of her identity, beaten repeatedly for having emotions, and losing [almost] everyone who cares about her, she's still determined to trust people. To give "living" and "feeling" a shot--which leads to her affection for Yuri. Yuri *sigh*, I had no idea he can be so ... Unfeeling. I mean, he was controlled and refined in other parts of the series, but NEVER a manipulator, a liar, and a user. I guess you can't really judge a character unless you're reading their story, eh? 

The story moved at a steady pace; it wasn't dragging and there weren't a lot of unnecessary scenes. I don't like novels with a lot of "fillers"--scenes that offer nothing in the books entirety--that takes up a number of pages, and I felt like the author avoided that which I appreciate and approve of. 

I can't really say much about the highs of this story, but the lows were VERY good. I share the author's masochistic/sadistic tendencies, and so I loved seeing both Yuri and Kalliope struggling and in pain because of their mistakes--and by "their", I mean Yuri. The love scenes didn't really standout and I'm bummed about it because I was expecting Yuri to be rough, demanding, and wild in the bedroom because he's so poise outside. But we all don't get everything we want, so...

SUMMARY:

I really did like this book a lot; there may have been a few things I wanted to see, but as a whole it's a well-written book for Yuri and Kalliope's love story.

RATING: 

Book image from Goodreads

This review has been a long time coming! So freaking long that I quite forgot what happened in this standalone novel from Marian Tee, meaning I had to read it again which was NO hardship at all.

I’m thrilled to get back to writing reviews for books penned by Ms. Tee, because I am so far behind. But enough with the ranting and let’s proceed to checking out Kellion, part 6 of the Heart Racer series. 

Title: Kellion (Heart Racer #6) 

Author: Marian Tee 

Publication Date: December 12, 2014

Published by: Jaded Speck Publishing

Source: Bought

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23823219-kellion

SYNOPSIS:

This is a full-length standalone biker romance novel with a HAPPY-EVER-AFTER ending.

His name is Kellion. Beautiful. Wicked. Dashing. Alive. That’s what attracted me the most about him – that he’s so full of life, it makes me feel like I’m not dead inside.

I thought he was just like all the other bikers of the Afxisi, America’s most popular and exclusive underground racing club. Someone too rich, too gorgeous for his own good, someone too full of himself to be human.

But then I saw a secret side of him. Realized that he had just been pretending all along. Realized that he needed me, and that broken part of him drew me in, like a moth to a flame.

Now, I want to be the one to make him smile. Really smile, and not like all those fake smiles he used to make the girls around him fall in love.

I want to make him think of me, just me. I want to belong to him, just him. But most of all, I want him to know I love him. Not the biker, not the billionaire’s son, not the hot guy. But him. Kellion.

Even if his smile tells me he’ll end up tearing me apart, I need him to know he’s not alone. I’m his to love or destroy. Whatever he wants – I’m his.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

Kellion just wants to be seen. It’s a ridiculous request coming from an exquisite-looking billionaire who EVERYONE sees – but he’s not being noticed for the right reasons. He doesn’t want people to look at him and see a guy swimming in money or a man who can have anything done in a snap of his finger, he doesn’t want people to know him because of his influential last name – he just wants someone to notice him for him. Just Kellion.

Aria has an angelic voice – that she hasn’t used for years. She was dealt a rough hand in life, which resulted to her vowing never to speak again ... until she met Kellion. She wants to make him smile, and she yearns to make him laugh and feel loved. She will do anything to see him happy – even if it causes her a lifetime of loneliness.

REVIEW:

I’m not 100% sure, but I think Kellion is the first full length standalone novel I’ve read from Marian Tee. I was so used to reading a 70-80 page book by her that getting into this story got me all excited. All the ups and downs between our main characters WILL take place within this 170-190 page book, and knowing that there won’t be a cliffhanger at the end really got me worked up because I knew that I will be crying a whole lot – which is a normal thing for me when I’m reading Marian’s works.

Kellion is the kind of story you can’t summarize so easily; you can’t just say, “In a nutshell, this is what happened...” There are predictable things that happened in this book – which is a normal call for someone who has read hundreds of other romance novels – but there are twists in this book that will make readers go, “What?” I won’t give much away, except the reason behind Aria wanting to abstain from speaking is deep and will break your heart.

Is this the most dramatic book written by this author? No. Is the love story of Aria and Kellion the most romantic? No. Are their steamy scenes the hottest from all of Marian’s books? Maybe. But despite of all these, this has been an awesome read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, not just because it is penned by one of my favorite authors, but because it offered something different. It talks about matters that aren’t being addressed as much but deserves to be. It puts to light how most people treat people who are even slightly different, and how easy it is for people to judge someone based on what’s on the surface.

SUMMARY:

Kellion is a romantic novel that has a lot of underlying pain and heroic attempts of selflessness. If you want to have a good cry over a glass of wine or a cup of good hot cocoa, grab a copy of this book and get to reading. I doubt you will regret making the purchase because you WILL be shedding a few tears, I guarantee it. 

RATING: 

PURCHASE LINK:

Amazon

Book image from Goodreads

Click is one of those books that I cannot and will not forget..EVER. On my review of Burn, I did warn readers that your tissue box will come handy. What would you expect in Click? Kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, death, sex clubs, lots of pain, unraveling of families, and a lot more. Sounds interesting? You don't even know half of it yet. 

Title: Click (Heart Racer #5)
Author: Marian Tee
Publication Date: August 20, 2014
Published by: Jaded Speck Publishing
Source: Bought

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:
MJ Cartwright is not who people thinks she is. Apparently, she's the daughter of a really rich Greek billionaire and she has two other siblings, one of them is her best friend. But just when these things started to unravel, it becomes too late. She tries to hold on to hope, but with everything happening, she might just let go of the pain...and her life. 

 

TO LOVE:
OH GOSH THE DRAMA!! Gaaah!! I warned you about spoilers, because there is no way at all to review this book without giving anything away. What don't I love about Click? Absolutely nothing. MJ and Helios tries their darnest to find each other again. MJ does everything to prolong her life, hoping that eventually she would be found. She endures the intense pain that she is given..repeatedly, all the while detaching herself from the things going on around her. Helios fuck women and give them pain to earn a reputation that will get him noticed by the woman who will serve as his ticket to find MJ. He ignores the disgust and self-loathing that he feels in order to save MJ, while trying to keep his sanity in the process. 

 

 

SUMMARY:
I loved, loved LOVED Helios' story. This has actually been converted to be one book instead of three different installments. Those who hate cliffhangers, ya'll should check this out. There is no doubt about the score I would give this. 7 out of 5 stars. *grins* Think that's enough? Read this everybody; it's dark, dangerous, and deadly. Oh, it's very heartbreaking too.

 

 
Note: There may be some spoilers ahead.

MJ and Helios' story continues in Burn, after leaving them in such a painful -- physically and emotionally -- situation in Swish. A recap of the last few pages in the book: Helios becomes insanely jealous of MJ and Yuri causing him to hurt her by flaunting a beautiful woman, who's a wonderful motorcycle rider and very much into him, in front of her face. But MJ being MJ, she wanted to prove to Helios just how much she loves him. She challenges Hottie McGee (not her real name) in an exhibition, all the while trying to overcome her fear of the two-wheeled beast. She fails, almost killing herself in the process, then Yuri clarifies to Helios that there is nothing going on between them, he feels bad then tries to reconcile with MJ. When she awoke, she declared that she lost and she's giving him up.

Ooohh, tension...me likey! *rubs hands together*

A new couple that would take us on an exciting, frustrating, and heartbreaking journey. *sigh* I have to say, out of all Marian's heroines I think MJ have been dealt the hardest hand, but she's also strong and optimistic despite all her hardship in life. You go girl! Before I start my review, I feel the need to tell you guys that we are about to embark on a journey that is unlike any other. The entire story of MJ and Helios' love (Swish, Burn, and Click) is full of pain, sacrifice, and torture.

Helios Andreadis is the aloof and powerful president of Áf_xi_si, an ordinary college org during the day and an underground bike racing club at night. Áf_xi_si_ means 'rise' in Greek, symbolizing the cornerstone in which all the club's rules were founded on. Every member of the club has his own story to tell, his own tragedy to overcome, and a self-made cage to break free from.

 

The younger son of a famous Greek politician from an adulterous affair, Helios had migrated to the United States in hopes of putting to rest his older brother's jealousy. Past betrayals had taught him to be hard and unfeeling, but his heartless ways would soon be put to the test when a shy, stubborn girl literally skidded into his life like some backup dancer auditioning for the King of Pop.

Her name was MJ Cartwright. She wanted to apply as the club's official photographer, but any job would really do since as it turned out, all she wanted was to be close to one of Áf_xi_si's daredevil drivers. That man was her secret crush and the more time Helios spent with MJ, the more he wanted to kill that man, whoever he may be.

 

Helios was determined not to let MJ's secret crush take her away, but neither was he ready to put a name to his feelings. To do so would make him vulnerable, and that he would never allow to happen, not even if it meant having to hurt MJ instead.

 

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

MJ  Cartwright is a strong, passionate, and optimistic woman. Her childhood was one full of sadness, fear, and pain. But because of a chance encounter, her eagerness to live and be free was brought to life. Her one goal now is to watch over the man who gave her reason to fight. 

 

Helios Andreadis left his life in Greek a long time ago. Afxisi is his family now and he wouldn't have it any other way. That is until this curious woman who couldn't look at him long enough ended up kneeling before him. He was never the same since then.

TO LOVE:

I pretty much loved everything about this book. The chemistry between MJ and Helios was simply electric, and their intense scenes will leave you panting...or squealing like a pig like I did. It's really one or the other. 

 

In true Marian Tee fashion, one or both (in this case, both) main characters would have some sort of dark past that they're running from and trying to forget. MJ's former life was just...I don't even know how she survived that. It was all too much, too painful, and I cried for her. I grieved for the suffering she had to endure from such a young age, but I also celebrated the woman that she has become. 

 

The motorcycle club is given more attention here in Swish, and it's nice to be part of such an enigmatic and lively organization. They live by their own rules and they protect each other like they're one.

 

The pain. As usual, I loved the heartache, heartbreak, and bone-break (yep) in the book. What can I say? Ms. Tee likes making readers cry, and I'm helpless against it. The things MJ had to keep in...urrghhh!! Thank goodness she had Yuri!

 

Yuri...*sighs dreamily* Is it weird that I loved Yuri more than I did Helios? I guess I'm just a sucker for men with the good guy image but has an animal inside that they just don't show in public. I really can't wait for his own story! Marian, do we have a date for this yet? *pleading eyes*

TO BLEH: 

I think it would've been great if Yuri also felt something (even just an itsy-bitsy bit) for MJ. I just feel like it will be good for morale or something...oh! And there will be more tension. Is that weird?

SUMMARY:

5 stars for Swish, and to be completely honest, I give the entire MJ-Helios love story 5 stars. It's heartbreaking, sexy, exciting, nerve-racking, and it will only grow in intensity as the story progresses.

 

Heart Racer, book 1 of the Heart Racer series, ended on a cliffhanger, and a sad one at that. If you haven't read said book yet, this review will give away some things. If you don't mind it though, then great! Read on.  So malibitch barbie was basically the  reason why Leandro and Bobby's relationship crumbled to nothing, leaving them extremely hurt with one of them being remorseful. I'll let you guess which is which.

Title: Driven by Love (Heart Racer #2)
Author: Marian Tee
Publication Date: March 28, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Source: Bought
 

SYNOPSIS:

One year has passed since Leandro Christopoulos and Bobby Granger have last seen each other. Unhealed wounds have forced them to change, but one thing remains the same – the explosive chemistry between them.

Leandro is determined to recapture Bobby’s heart, but making her fall in love with him again may be impossible when he finds out that she already belongs to another man…and he also happens to be Leandro’s greatest rival.

An ordinary man would have given up in face of Bobby’s aversion, but not Leandro. Bobby is the only woman Leandro will ever love – and if blackmail is the only way to have her back in his life…then so be it.
 

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

Leandro Christopoulos is now a better guy, thanks to a slice of humble pie he was handed. He now knows for sure that he loves our heroine and will do everything in his power to have her back. 

 

Bobby Granger is even more snarky and borderline bitch-y. She played games with Leandro, ones that she shouldn't have done no matter how hurt she was. 

TO LOVE:

The tables have turned, and the tune has changed. Everyone who's read the first installment in this series knows how much Bobby has been hurt. But, with the things she did and said to Leandro, she lost me on her side. So what did I love about this book? Leandro. His character grew to be a more loveable man. The things he did and had to endure just to have Bobby back in his life makes women all over the world want to be her.

The dialogue was entertaining and the banter they have is really funny. Their frustration which each other, all the pent up tension, and the love they both feel comes out in very interesting moments, which I'm more than happy to read and enjoy. Another thing, or reason rather, why I adored this book comes in the form of a good-looking and charming man named Sebastian. He helped Granger let go of her bitchiness for a few seconds and made her realize that she still truly loves Leandro, and that she has to move past the -- well, past -- in order for them to have a happily-ever-after. 

TO BLEH:

Bobby was just a tad too much in this installment. I won't explain any further since what I mean is already pretty obvious in my earlier statements. So I'll just leave it at that.

SUMMARY:

Another 4 stars for Driven by Love by no other than New York Times and USA Today best selling author Marian Tee. I would recommend that this be read, especially since we'll be continuing on to a new pair in Swish, the third installment in this series. Let me tell you, the road up ahead will be full of pain, heartbreak, love, and just pure AMAZINGNESS.