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Inside Out #2
Being Me
The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You—in the seductive tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey.
Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the lost journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.
In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but not before his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca, but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?
Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the lost journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.
In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but not before his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca, but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2013
About the author
Lisa Renee Jones
319 books14.2k followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,343 reviews
March 24, 2016
Second in the series, 'Being Me' has Sara delving deeper into Rebecca's disappearance. The more she finds out, the more she questions the motives of everyone in her new life. Even Chris is not above reproach.
Despite their budding relationship, Chris continues to withhold a large part of his past. Sara can't help but wonder if she truly knows him at all. It is clear that he's keeping secrets from her, but are they dark enough to overshadow their love? With Chris remaining unwilling to open up to Sara, she's forced to seek out answers on her own.
In an unexpected twist, Sara is confronted with the past that she's trying to outrun. Faced with the man that changed how she viewed herself so drastically, she feels the walls closing in on her. Unlike the woman of years ago, and with assistance from Chris, she chooses to fight back.
From Sara's new dream career, to her tumultuous relationship with Chris, to her investigation into Rebecca's disappearance, this book has plenty of ups and downs. I loved the constantly evolving storyline. From one page to the next, I never knew which direction the story would lead.
At last, we get many of the answers that we've been waiting for also. Although the series continues, this book does reveal the truth surrounding Rebecca's disappearance. I have to say, that I didn't see it coming. Not in a million years would I have guessed it.
Overall, I continue to be captivated by this story. Now that I have glimpsed Mark's pain, I cannot help but to want to know more about this man. Similarly, I'm dying to see where things will go from here for Sara and Chris. The mystery surrounding Rebecca may have been solved, but Ella's continued lack of contact only grows more worrisome. Without a doubt, I will be starting the next book immediately.
Despite their budding relationship, Chris continues to withhold a large part of his past. Sara can't help but wonder if she truly knows him at all. It is clear that he's keeping secrets from her, but are they dark enough to overshadow their love? With Chris remaining unwilling to open up to Sara, she's forced to seek out answers on her own.
In an unexpected twist, Sara is confronted with the past that she's trying to outrun. Faced with the man that changed how she viewed herself so drastically, she feels the walls closing in on her. Unlike the woman of years ago, and with assistance from Chris, she chooses to fight back.
From Sara's new dream career, to her tumultuous relationship with Chris, to her investigation into Rebecca's disappearance, this book has plenty of ups and downs. I loved the constantly evolving storyline. From one page to the next, I never knew which direction the story would lead.
At last, we get many of the answers that we've been waiting for also. Although the series continues, this book does reveal the truth surrounding Rebecca's disappearance. I have to say, that I didn't see it coming. Not in a million years would I have guessed it.
Overall, I continue to be captivated by this story. Now that I have glimpsed Mark's pain, I cannot help but to want to know more about this man. Similarly, I'm dying to see where things will go from here for Sara and Chris. The mystery surrounding Rebecca may have been solved, but Ella's continued lack of contact only grows more worrisome. Without a doubt, I will be starting the next book immediately.
June 23, 2013
“You want to understand?” he asks, his voice low, his eyes ripe with challenge.
It’s infuriatingly enigmatic.
It’s thrillingly dark.
It’s trap-door beautiful.
It’s sexually wicked.
He considers me, his expression impassive, but his pale green eyes shimmer and then burn. “Stand up and take off your clothes, Sara.”
Lisa Renee Jones is a labyrinth of an author. This is a romance series, yes, but it’s so mysterious and so completely sexy that it almost makes you feel blindfolded while reading it in the most stimulating way. She has this unfounded way of telling a story that completely envelopes you.
It’s fucking crazy.
This is a love story. But it’s going to puzzle you and it’s going to drive you to chills and it’s going to startle you.
And you’re going to beg for more.
Sara has Rebecca’s diaries.
Rebecca worked at a very successful art gallery.
Rebecca was involved in a clandestine sex club.
Rebecca was also involved with a nameless man, who she called “Master”.
Rebecca described “Master” as possessive, obsessive, punishing, and consuming.
Rebecca disappeared.
And Sara’s going to find her, by living vicariously through Rebecca and her diaries.
Sara now works at the very successful art gallery.
Sara now knows of the clandestine sex club.
Sara now knows two very powerful and dominant men.
She works for the powerful one: Mark.
She’s in love with the dominant one: Chris.
And she’s almost positive that one of them is behind Rebecca’s disappearance.
But which one is it?
Is it the powerful Mark? All signs point to yes. He’s controlling. He’s private. He’s demanding. He’s confident. He’s calculating. He’s sexy.
Or is it the dominant Chris? Although, he’s very much different than Mark… Chris is also controlling. And confident. And sexy. But he’s also vulnerable and forthcoming with his secrets.
So who is it?
Is it the quiet, demanding one who Sara kind of hates but respects?
Or is it the lovable, vulnerable one who Sara wants to love with all her heart?
Seems like the answer is obvious, doesn’t it?
And maybe it is.
♦ But I strongly doubt it. ♦
“If I decide to leave, you can’t stop me.”
“Try me, baby.”
***** This arc was kindly provided by netgalley and very happily received in exchange for an honest review. *****
June 13, 2013
5 Being Chris, Pain & Pleasure Stars
“Pain that becomes pleasure. Pain that’s about pleasure,” he repeats huskily,“and sometimes, baby, that pain is so intense that it becomes the pleasure. You want pain and darkness, baby, you got it.”
Sara McMillan is drawn deeper in the seductive and mysterious world, consisted of tormented artists, dominant and submissive games, raw passion, smoldering attraction, lies and deceit.
Fighting her own demons, keeping secrets and hiding soul deep scars, Sara is struggling to make sense of her life by living the life meant for another. She can't trust her instincts, her heart has betrayed her in the past and everyone seems to have his own agenda.
And then there is Chris Merit.
Irresistible and charming, arrogant and possessive, sweet and amazing, tormented and beautiful, Chris is what Sara didn't know she needed. And for him she is like the teardrop that soothes your heart after laying your soul bare and revealing every dark spot to your other half.
"We were two puzzle pieces that fit together in a hollow that is our pain.There was a time when I was certain we were too damaged not to destroy each other. Now I think we are saving each other."
Will they manage to overcome their shortcomings, come to terms with their past, admit a love big enough to consume them whole and survive, or will let fear win and give up?
""Let me love what you hate."
Above all, this book is another woman's story; a mysterious protagonist and her own journey to self discovery that ultimately devoured and destroyed her.
"Sometimes, in the morning light, when he cannot touch me, when we are apart, I think I want to just be me, to be Rebecca again. Only I’m not sure who that is. I’m not sure I know me anymore.Who is Rebecca Mason?"
Her journals and haunting narration, are the only lead to a mystery that now threatens Sara's life. What happened to the accomplished and young Rebecca? Who are the men that lead to her downfall? Is Chris lying? Is Mark the "Master", that introduced her into a world of passion, pain and submission? Or something more sinister is stalking our heroes?
Seductive and alluring, provocative and mysterious, picking up immediately where the first left us with the cliffhanger of hell, this book takes on a wild emotional ride inside a dark and twisted world where pain and pleasure are entwined, where darkness ravages souls and love is the biggest gamble of all.
Highly recommended!!! Can't wait for the next....
**Keep reading at your own risk.... I let my inner fan girl take over for the rest of this review... Have fun, lassies!!! :P**
Before even reading this book, I found out that I am gonna meet Chris in the flesh, in my huge plasma screen....
The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You...
NOW OPTIONED TO STARZ for TV!
Seriously, though, waiting for this book to come out, nearly finished me off...
BUT then, I FREAKING GOT AN ARC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
**ARC courtesy of Gallery, Treshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
And the Game was ON, babe!!!!
I just can't get enough.... And on another note:
“Pain that becomes pleasure. Pain that’s about pleasure,” he repeats huskily,“and sometimes, baby, that pain is so intense that it becomes the pleasure. You want pain and darkness, baby, you got it.”
Sara McMillan is drawn deeper in the seductive and mysterious world, consisted of tormented artists, dominant and submissive games, raw passion, smoldering attraction, lies and deceit.
Fighting her own demons, keeping secrets and hiding soul deep scars, Sara is struggling to make sense of her life by living the life meant for another. She can't trust her instincts, her heart has betrayed her in the past and everyone seems to have his own agenda.
And then there is Chris Merit.
Irresistible and charming, arrogant and possessive, sweet and amazing, tormented and beautiful, Chris is what Sara didn't know she needed. And for him she is like the teardrop that soothes your heart after laying your soul bare and revealing every dark spot to your other half.
"We were two puzzle pieces that fit together in a hollow that is our pain.There was a time when I was certain we were too damaged not to destroy each other. Now I think we are saving each other."
Will they manage to overcome their shortcomings, come to terms with their past, admit a love big enough to consume them whole and survive, or will let fear win and give up?
""Let me love what you hate."
Above all, this book is another woman's story; a mysterious protagonist and her own journey to self discovery that ultimately devoured and destroyed her.
"Sometimes, in the morning light, when he cannot touch me, when we are apart, I think I want to just be me, to be Rebecca again. Only I’m not sure who that is. I’m not sure I know me anymore.Who is Rebecca Mason?"
Her journals and haunting narration, are the only lead to a mystery that now threatens Sara's life. What happened to the accomplished and young Rebecca? Who are the men that lead to her downfall? Is Chris lying? Is Mark the "Master", that introduced her into a world of passion, pain and submission? Or something more sinister is stalking our heroes?
Seductive and alluring, provocative and mysterious, picking up immediately where the first left us with the cliffhanger of hell, this book takes on a wild emotional ride inside a dark and twisted world where pain and pleasure are entwined, where darkness ravages souls and love is the biggest gamble of all.
Highly recommended!!! Can't wait for the next....
**Keep reading at your own risk.... I let my inner fan girl take over for the rest of this review... Have fun, lassies!!! :P**
Before even reading this book, I found out that I am gonna meet Chris in the flesh, in my huge plasma screen....
The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You...
NOW OPTIONED TO STARZ for TV!
Seriously, though, waiting for this book to come out, nearly finished me off...
BUT then, I FREAKING GOT AN ARC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
**ARC courtesy of Gallery, Treshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
And the Game was ON, babe!!!!
I just can't get enough.... And on another note:
June 4, 2013
"You made me see what was important. What's real. You made me see you." His lips brush mine. "See me now, Sara."
"Let me love what you hate. Let me do that for you."
Being Me is the second part of the Inside Out Trilogy and picks up right where the first part of the story ended. And since the first book, If I Were You ended with a HUGE cliffhanger, I was extremely glad to be able to start this ARC right after finishing the first book.
Just like in first book, Lisa Renee Jones has managed to create a captivating, alluring and intriguing storyline with many dark twists and turns that kept me constantly on edge. The story consists of a well woven together cluster of secrets that slowly gets revealed. And in the last 25% of the story we finally get some much needed answers to the questions that have haunted both the reader and main character Sara McMillan throughout most of the story...
Sara McMillan
It were Rebecca's journals that brought Sara to where she is now. It where Rebecca's journals that managed to turn her entire world upside down and that made her realize, her own life isn't that different from Rebecca's after aal. But at the same time, she also realizes she doesn't want to be like Rebecca. She doesn't want to lose herself completely.
"I relate to her and I understand the inescapable passion she felt and lost herself inside. I don't want to be her. I'm not her."
Because her past, Sara doesn't want to give up control, she wants to belong to no one but herself. But at the same time, she finds herself drawn to a man who likes to be in control...a man like Chris.
Chris Merit
Chris Merit is the inspiring, talented artist whose charmes Sara is unable to resist. But, Chris has a dark past of his own...
"There's a part of me that lives in the belly of hell. You don't belong there. I can't take you there with me." His forehead goes to mine. "And yet I can't stay away. I can't let you go."
As Chris and Sara start to become closer, Sara learns more and more about Chris's twisted past and when he reveals her some of his deepest and darkest secrets, it's up to her to decide if she's willing to accept him for who he truly is and if she's willing to help him overcome all the dark thoughts that still haunt him.
Mark Compton
The powerful and charismatic gallery owner and Sara's current boss seems to hide a secret life of his own. His strong, commanding attitude seems to match the one of the mystery man in Rebecca's journals, but could he really be the one that Rebecca refers to as her Master?
"Pain that's about pleasure," he repeats huskily. "And sometimes, baby, that pain is so intense that it becomes the pleasure."
And what about Rebecca? What happened to her? The last journal entries of hers that where found, show a confused side of her where she feels lost and starts to lose herself completely in the dark and all-consuming world her Master has invited her into...
"He is everything I am, and everything I'm not. I do not remember where I begin and he ends, or where he ends and I begin."
"I'm going to own you, body and soul. I will bind you. I will fuck your ass. Your mouth. I will do what I want. And none of this even comes close to where I've been and where I will never take you."
"I've always known we were two puzzle pieces that fit together in the hollow that is our pain. There was a time when I was certain we were too damaged not to destroy each other. Now I think we are saving each other."
Can they overcome their pain and past together or will it be those exact same things that will tear them apart?
"It says you're mine," he says, his voice low, intense, "and I want him to know you're mine."
I'm thrilled when I know I should be objecting. "And you, Chris?" I challenge instead. "Are you mine?"
"Every bit of me, baby, good and bad."
Unlike the first book in this series, Being Me doesn't have a cliffhanger but there are still many more questions that need to be answered and that's why I'm already anxious to get my hands on the third and final installment of this enticing series!
***ARC courtesy of Gallery, Treshold, Pocket Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
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April 25, 2022Start the scorching and suspenseful Inside Out series for just $1.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME! Then binge read the entire series!
The story of my heart and soul is on sale! IF I WERE YOU, the first book in my Inside Out series is just $1.99 for a few days - if you haven't started the series yet, now is the perfect time to do so! The entire series is available now and complete! For those of you wondering about the Hollywood update, this has been what I call a champagne and roller coaster ride. We've been at Starz, Paramount, and more. We've been ready to cast. We were about to film a pilot when covid hit. So if you still want to see it made, remind everyone how much! Tell the world about the sale and share, share, share! Remind them this project is still important! TEN YEARS it's been in Hollywood with so many almost-there stories. I'd need a big drink to tell you all the ways it's ALMOST been done. I believe this series is the best I ever wrote and ever will write again because it's that special to me.
GET IF I WERE YOU FOR $1.99
Amazon: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYou
Apple: https://apple.co/36du3du
Nook: https://bit.ly/37ZgG1Q
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2TdU6yw
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZZe4CP
Audio: https://adbl.co/37ZS21h
Print: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYouP
Series page: https://www.lisareneejones.com/the-in...
ABOUT IF I WERE YOU
How It All Started…
One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expired.
Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.
Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.
The dark, passion it becomes…
Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.
All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.
The story of my heart and soul is on sale! IF I WERE YOU, the first book in my Inside Out series is just $1.99 for a few days - if you haven't started the series yet, now is the perfect time to do so! The entire series is available now and complete! For those of you wondering about the Hollywood update, this has been what I call a champagne and roller coaster ride. We've been at Starz, Paramount, and more. We've been ready to cast. We were about to film a pilot when covid hit. So if you still want to see it made, remind everyone how much! Tell the world about the sale and share, share, share! Remind them this project is still important! TEN YEARS it's been in Hollywood with so many almost-there stories. I'd need a big drink to tell you all the ways it's ALMOST been done. I believe this series is the best I ever wrote and ever will write again because it's that special to me.
GET IF I WERE YOU FOR $1.99
Amazon: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYou
Apple: https://apple.co/36du3du
Nook: https://bit.ly/37ZgG1Q
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2TdU6yw
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZZe4CP
Audio: https://adbl.co/37ZS21h
Print: http://mybook.to/IOIfIWereYouP
Series page: https://www.lisareneejones.com/the-in...
ABOUT IF I WERE YOU
How It All Started…
One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expired.
Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.
Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.
The dark, passion it becomes…
Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.
All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.
June 25, 2013
Nancy Drew, this woman is not. Come to think of it, I probably would have rather gone back and indulged in a Nancy-based pre-feminist shenanigan involving a hidden staircase or hollow oak rather than reading this.
I'm almost sadly reminiscent of my love/hate feelings for book 1. While it might not have been a great book (and it did inspire me to drag up a picture of a sexual predator), at least there was a spark of potential present - enough to make me hope that things could get better.
We're supposed to go up, not down! Or is that forwards, and not backwards? No matter. Either way, the direction seemed to be the wrong one.
The
While I thought the mystery aspect was weak in book 1, it was downright laughable in book 2. Sara was too busy following her hormones to care much about the pesky murder mystery, even when it might involve the man she wanted to get horizontal for. This time, we waited a long time for Sara to really get her ass in gear.
And what was up with the "you WILL take my car" bullying? Is forcing women to ride in expensive and safe cars (sometimes with chauffeurs; sometimes with tracking systems) the ultimate sign of dominance or something? Between Fifty, Bared to You, Knight, etc. having one of these scenes...it's just weird. Nothing says "I love you" like a car with good brakes, airbags, and a built-in tracker.
I really want to think of something positive to say. It's never been a goal of mine to be a super-vindictive or 'don't give a f*ck' type of reviewer and I want to add in positives when I can, but I didn't enjoy anything about this book. The sex didn't even do it for me.
Someone else will probably have to fill me in on how the trilogy ends because this is going to be where the series and I part ways.
July 8, 2020
If I Were You left us all at a huge cliffhanger... thankfully, Being Me picks up directly where If I Were You left off...
Sara is going through Rebecca’s journals. Trying to find the missing pieces of the puzzle. She has a needs to know where Rebecca is and what has happened to her.
Then there is Chris Merit... Oh I love this man! Sara saw a bit of a different side of Chris in the last book.
Chris and Sara’s relationship isn’t easy. They both have secrets, things they need to tell each other and work out. Sara has issues with being controlled, for reasons she has yet to tell Chris. Chris can’t help who he is.
These two have a strong connection.
Sara explores a bit more of Chris’s interests...
And Chris tries to depend on Sara, instead of turning to his old coping mechanisms.
I love Sara and Chris as a couple. They have the steam, the romance, and even though they are both damaged with issues, they belong together.
They both have scars from their past, and Sara finally gets all of hers out in the open.
Although Sara and Chris over come a lot, there are still some heartbreaking things that happen in this story. A lot of drama at work with Mark of course, among other things... I can’t go too much into the plot without spoiling, so you will just have to read it for yourself to see what happens! Sara does realize something important about Chris-
But more importantly, she realizes something about herself.
This series is the perfect combination of love, romance, passion, mystery, suspense, darkness, finding love and finding yourself. The writing is fantastic and I love both of the characters. I felt Sara and Chris really grew and developed in this book. I liked it just as much as the first book, and that is really saying something! Now I need to read those journals...
There is a big shocker towards the end of this one. Big things get revealed, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions. We get so much more of Sara’s background and past, now I NEED MORE OF CHRIS’S STORY! Now the ending... I wouldn’t call it a major cliffhanger, but things aren’t tied up in nice bow either. I am anxious to get the next one in my hands! Thankfully, we only have to wait a few more months!
Can’t wait for the final installation: Revealing Us, out September 2013 :D
***ARC courtesy of Gallery, Treshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Sara is going through Rebecca’s journals. Trying to find the missing pieces of the puzzle. She has a needs to know where Rebecca is and what has happened to her.
Then there is Chris Merit... Oh I love this man! Sara saw a bit of a different side of Chris in the last book.
Chris has layers I don’t pretend to understand, but he cares about me and I want to see what I failed to show him last night. I want to understand him. I want him, all of him, including those parts I made him feel I can’t deal with.
Chris and Sara’s relationship isn’t easy. They both have secrets, things they need to tell each other and work out. Sara has issues with being controlled, for reasons she has yet to tell Chris. Chris can’t help who he is.
“I’m not sure I know the difference between protect and control. You need to know that.”
These two have a strong connection.
Sara explores a bit more of Chris’s interests...
And Chris tries to depend on Sara, instead of turning to his old coping mechanisms.
I love Sara and Chris as a couple. They have the steam, the romance, and even though they are both damaged with issues, they belong together.
They both have scars from their past, and Sara finally gets all of hers out in the open.
“It’s our scars that define us.”
Although Sara and Chris over come a lot, there are still some heartbreaking things that happen in this story. A lot of drama at work with Mark of course, among other things... I can’t go too much into the plot without spoiling, so you will just have to read it for yourself to see what happens! Sara does realize something important about Chris-
“It’s his imperfections that make him perfect.”
But more importantly, she realizes something about herself.
This series is the perfect combination of love, romance, passion, mystery, suspense, darkness, finding love and finding yourself. The writing is fantastic and I love both of the characters. I felt Sara and Chris really grew and developed in this book. I liked it just as much as the first book, and that is really saying something! Now I need to read those journals...
There is a big shocker towards the end of this one. Big things get revealed, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions. We get so much more of Sara’s background and past, now I NEED MORE OF CHRIS’S STORY! Now the ending... I wouldn’t call it a major cliffhanger, but things aren’t tied up in nice bow either. I am anxious to get the next one in my hands! Thankfully, we only have to wait a few more months!
Can’t wait for the final installation: Revealing Us, out September 2013 :D
***ARC courtesy of Gallery, Treshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
April 28, 2013
“Is that what we’re back to, Sara? I’m fucking you? Is that where last night took us again? Why you are all over me in a parking lot?
Because if you want me to fuck you, I’ll fuck you until you can’t remember your damn name and you never forget mine.”
Oh, boy!!
This book is not actually due for release until June 11th and so it’s an absolute requirement that this be a spoiler free review and that’s not easy given all that happens in this book but I’ll give it a go!
If you’ve not read Rebecca’s Lost Journals, don’t worry. Very little other than a few veiled clues are revealed in that – it just gives us a background into what Sara is learning about Rebecca’s life so you haven’t missed anything major. You will need to have read If I Were You first – this won’t work as a standalone.
We rejoin Chris and Sara exactly where we left them at the end of the last book – their future together is very uncertain and Sara is desperate for him to come back to her. She’s completely in love with him and can’t imagine her life without him but neither of them are making it easy for themselves. He’s absolutely a dominant and Sara struggles with this – she’s read Rebecca’s journals, she knows what being a submissive did to her and it frightens her. Chris can’t be any other way and there’s a huge amount of struggles between these two throughout this novel as they strive to find that happy medium where both are satisfied. Of course, to do this we have to have plenty of sex scenes and this book is ALL KINDS OF HOT!!
Baby, the ways I’m going to fuck you are too many to count, but not
tonight. Tonight, I’m going to make love to you.
If the first book was all about Sara discovering Rebecca’s journals and finding herself stepping into her shoes and almost living her life for her, then Being Me is much more of a journey of self-discovery for Sara. She’s surrounded by dominant men but she’s slowly managing to assert herself, to take some control of her life and finally pursue her dreams. She grows a pair of cojones and finally has the courage to take what she needs from Chris and face up to what he has to offer her. This is incredibly sensual, deeply erotic and also very romantic. It’s beautifully told with fantastic pacing – there’s great sexual tension between the two central characters and their sex life will have you reaching for a fan!
“I’m going to own you, body and soul. I will bind you. I will fuck your ass. Your mouth. I will do what I want. And none of this even comes close to where I’ve been and where I will never take you.”
Despite all this there are moments of humour – Chris has a very dry sense of humour and Sara is his perfect foil. Despite al the angst going on, they actually managed to make me laugh.
“Woman—”
“Save your commands for another more enticing time, Chris. I’m not staying in the car. Haven’t you watched Friday the 13th? Michael slashes the girl in the car.”
“Michael is from Halloween. Jason is Friday the 13th.”
“Whoever he is, he slashes the girl in the car. I’m not staying in the car.”
Of course, we all have a lot of burning questions left over from the first book and be assured that you’ll get the answers that you so crave in this one and there’s some real shocks in store as Rebecca’s secrets now begin to threaten Sara and she finds herself in danger. Rebecca’s Master is revealed and he is completely undone by the events that unfold in this book and I can’t wait to read his novella, due for release soon after Being Me is published.
If you enjoyed If I Were You then you’re definitely going to love this one. I’m completely intrigued into where Lisa Renee Jones is going to take us in the next novel – it’s hard to see where this story will go next but I can’t wait!!
4.5 sexy stars
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
January 22, 2019
Ο Μαρκ είναι από τους χαρακτήρες που αγαπώ επειδή εξελίσσεται και το κάνει σωστά! Δεν είναι ο σκληρος ερωτικός τύπος που θα αλλάξει έτσι εύκολα για μια γυναίκα, όπως όλοι οι "δεν κανω για σχέση" πρωταγωνιστες στις ερωτικές ιστορίες που καταλήγουν να τρέχουν πίσω από τα φουστάνια της εκλεκτής. Ο Μαρκ επρεπε πρώτα να οδηγήσει μια γυναίκα στην καταστροφή για να αλλάξει! Πολύ καλό και πολύ σωστό!
Ο Κρις δεν με έπεισε ποτέ για το πόσο σάπιος ηταν. Από την αρχή σχεσακιας έδειχνε. Άρχισα να τον συμπαθώ στο δεύτερο μισό του βιβλίου.
Για κάποιο λόγο αγαπούσα από την αρχ�� την Ρεμπέκα. Επίσης συμπαθώ την Σάρα.
Τι παίζει με την Έλα; Όντως τρέχει κάτι ή η συγγραφέας δεν είχε τι να την κάνει και την εξαφάνισε;
Ανυπομονώ για το επόμενο!
Ο Κρις δεν με έπεισε ποτέ για το πόσο σάπιος ηταν. Από την αρχή σχεσακιας έδειχνε. Άρχισα να τον συμπαθώ στο δεύτερο μισό του βιβλίου.
Για κάποιο λόγο αγαπούσα από την αρχ�� την Ρεμπέκα. Επίσης συμπαθώ την Σάρα.
Τι παίζει με την Έλα; Όντως τρέχει κάτι ή η συγγραφέας δεν είχε τι να την κάνει και την εξαφάνισε;
Ανυπομονώ για το επόμενο!
August 6, 2013
UTC 2013 TOP PICK
5+++ STARS
Click to
Lisa Renee Jones stepped it up in this second installment the Inside Out Trilogy. She has given her readers a BREATHTAKING experience through this well written and well planned out story. The mystery and plot thickens, the romance is stronger, and steam level is scorching. Being Me is definitely a UTC Top Pick for 2013.
There are three things I love most about this book. The first is the ROMANCE AND STEAM FACTOR. Chris and Sara’s relationship truly takes off, and the commitment becomes more tangible. Though they still have some trust issues, you will see them attempt to work things out, and they WILL give in to their feelings and desires. I cannot tell you details to the steam factor, but I can tell you that Chris and Sara really heat things up. Ms. Jones took this series to a higher level and ventured from steamy to scorching hot.
Next is the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTS. The characters really take shape and most of your questions about them are answered. You will get to know how a thousand shades of screwed up Chris Merit truly is. This guy can be such an ass but oh, so romantic, seductive and extremely protective, a total alpha of our time. We also get to know more of Sara. Her past will be revealed and why this journey matters to her. Mark Compton’s character also takes shape. I know a lot of people would like to know more about him. In this novel, you get to see his life outside the gallery. Let me tell you, his life outside the gallery is undeniably intriguing and it will make you BEG Ms. Jones for a story of his own. And last, we get to know more of Rebecca. In this matter, I cannot say any more except you will get what you asked for.
And at last, the exact thing that kept me at the edge of my seat, the MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE. Where the heck is Rebecca and who the hell is her Master? That has always been the goal isn't? Well, I can tell you right now that your questions will be answered. You will find out who, what, where and the why of it all. As Sarah continues to work for the gallery, all the clues will unfold. And let me tell you, the answers STUNNED ME. I was in UTTER SHOCK due to the twists and turns of events in Sara's journey to finding Rebecca. Ms. Jones certainly had me guessing and when she unveils the mystery, I was left with my jaw to the floor.
I give a standing ovation to Ms. Jones for a job MAGNIFICENTLY WELL DONE.
If you haven’t read If I Were You, I strongly suggest that you do before indulging with this one. And I also recommend Rebecca’s Journals for a richer experience, though it is not needed.
5+++ STARS
Click to
Lisa Renee Jones stepped it up in this second installment the Inside Out Trilogy. She has given her readers a BREATHTAKING experience through this well written and well planned out story. The mystery and plot thickens, the romance is stronger, and steam level is scorching. Being Me is definitely a UTC Top Pick for 2013.
There are three things I love most about this book. The first is the ROMANCE AND STEAM FACTOR. Chris and Sara’s relationship truly takes off, and the commitment becomes more tangible. Though they still have some trust issues, you will see them attempt to work things out, and they WILL give in to their feelings and desires. I cannot tell you details to the steam factor, but I can tell you that Chris and Sara really heat things up. Ms. Jones took this series to a higher level and ventured from steamy to scorching hot.
Next is the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTS. The characters really take shape and most of your questions about them are answered. You will get to know how a thousand shades of screwed up Chris Merit truly is. This guy can be such an ass but oh, so romantic, seductive and extremely protective, a total alpha of our time. We also get to know more of Sara. Her past will be revealed and why this journey matters to her. Mark Compton’s character also takes shape. I know a lot of people would like to know more about him. In this novel, you get to see his life outside the gallery. Let me tell you, his life outside the gallery is undeniably intriguing and it will make you BEG Ms. Jones for a story of his own. And last, we get to know more of Rebecca. In this matter, I cannot say any more except you will get what you asked for.
And at last, the exact thing that kept me at the edge of my seat, the MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE. Where the heck is Rebecca and who the hell is her Master? That has always been the goal isn't? Well, I can tell you right now that your questions will be answered. You will find out who, what, where and the why of it all. As Sarah continues to work for the gallery, all the clues will unfold. And let me tell you, the answers STUNNED ME. I was in UTTER SHOCK due to the twists and turns of events in Sara's journey to finding Rebecca. Ms. Jones certainly had me guessing and when she unveils the mystery, I was left with my jaw to the floor.
I give a standing ovation to Ms. Jones for a job MAGNIFICENTLY WELL DONE.
If you haven’t read If I Were You, I strongly suggest that you do before indulging with this one. And I also recommend Rebecca’s Journals for a richer experience, though it is not needed.
June 21, 2013
3.5 Stars
If you have not read If I Were You (Inside Out #1), there might be minor spoilers in this review.
"I'm just looking out for us both. I need you alive and well if I'm going to fuck you until you can't forget my name."
"You've already done, that, but if you want to be an overachiever, feel free."
Being Me starts directly where If I Were You ended (which was basically a giant cliffhanger). In this book, Sara is continuing to work for the Allure Art Gallery while she is still searching for Rebecca and trying to unravel the mystery of what happened to her. Sara now has the help of Chris Merit, the dark, HOT, & mysterious artist that she started seeing in the first book.
I really struggled with the rating for this book. There were parts I absolutely loved while there were other parts that just annoyed me.
What I liked:
*Chris! I loved how he tried everything within his power to help locate Rebecca and keep Sara safe in the process.
"Decide now, Sara," he demands, "If I'm with you beyond a few fuck sessions, I'm damn sure going to do everthing I can to protect you and you're going to have to deal with it."
*We finally get answers to a majority of the questions from If I Were You. I will say there was one big twist I didn't see coming!
*Sara's boss Mark. Yeah he can be controlling, intimidating, and brutally honest; but he pushes Sara to be her best professionally and you find out there is more to his character than you first see in If I Were You.
*There were a few very steamy scenes! Did I mention how hot Chris is? :)
What I didn't like:
*I am going to be brutally honest here and say I felt like most of this book was a filler & kinda slow at times... Not a lot seemed to happen until the very end of the book. Being Me focused on Chris and Sara's relationship and issues that arise between the two of them. Which leads me in to my next item...
*Sara's internal monologue gave me whiplash and annoyed the hell out of me at times.
*
Overall
I did enjoy reading Being Me and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed If I Were You. This book answers a lot of your questions and you learn quite a few secrets about Sara, Chris, Mark, and Rebecca. I am planning to continue this series because there are still questions I need to have answered :)
♥"Let me love what you hate. Let me do that much for you."♥
If you have not read If I Were You (Inside Out #1), there might be minor spoilers in this review.
"I'm just looking out for us both. I need you alive and well if I'm going to fuck you until you can't forget my name."
"You've already done, that, but if you want to be an overachiever, feel free."
Being Me starts directly where If I Were You ended (which was basically a giant cliffhanger). In this book, Sara is continuing to work for the Allure Art Gallery while she is still searching for Rebecca and trying to unravel the mystery of what happened to her. Sara now has the help of Chris Merit, the dark, HOT, & mysterious artist that she started seeing in the first book.
I really struggled with the rating for this book. There were parts I absolutely loved while there were other parts that just annoyed me.
What I liked:
*Chris! I loved how he tried everything within his power to help locate Rebecca and keep Sara safe in the process.
"Decide now, Sara," he demands, "If I'm with you beyond a few fuck sessions, I'm damn sure going to do everthing I can to protect you and you're going to have to deal with it."
*We finally get answers to a majority of the questions from If I Were You. I will say there was one big twist I didn't see coming!
*Sara's boss Mark. Yeah he can be controlling, intimidating, and brutally honest; but he pushes Sara to be her best professionally and you find out there is more to his character than you first see in If I Were You.
*There were a few very steamy scenes! Did I mention how hot Chris is? :)
What I didn't like:
*I am going to be brutally honest here and say I felt like most of this book was a filler & kinda slow at times... Not a lot seemed to happen until the very end of the book. Being Me focused on Chris and Sara's relationship and issues that arise between the two of them. Which leads me in to my next item...
*Sara's internal monologue gave me whiplash and annoyed the hell out of me at times.
*
Overall
I did enjoy reading Being Me and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed If I Were You. This book answers a lot of your questions and you learn quite a few secrets about Sara, Chris, Mark, and Rebecca. I am planning to continue this series because there are still questions I need to have answered :)
♥"Let me love what you hate. Let me do that much for you."♥
May 31, 2013
Being Me is the 2nd installment of LRJ’s Inside Out Trilogy and begins where the first book left off. While it immediately clears up one mystery it opens the door to more questions about Rebecca’s disappearance as well as Sara’s safety and her budding relationship with the sexy as sin artist, Chris Merit.
Rebecca’s journals continue to haunt Sara and she continues to suspect her handsome and mysterious boss, Mark Compton, as well as others, wondering what part they played in Rebecca's life. As more light is shed on this mystery I was left somewhat shocked at the revelations.
Chris and Sara once again take the reader on a scorching roller coaster ride through their turbulent relationship. It’s very sensual, intense, and sizzling hot! In the first book Chris had revealed a small amount of his darker side but he still refuses to share his darkest, most dreadful secrets. He’s tormented and broken and while trying to protect Sara from himself, he often shuts her out, placing them once again on shaky ground.
The secrets Sara harbors from her past are suddenly and unexpectedly forced upon her and must be dealt with. She discovers some major truths about herself and becomes more self confident as she makes decisions about her career and her future. And while we get a better look at Bossman, Mark, he's still very much a mystery...but a devilish sexy one!
In this installment, secrets are exposed, a mystery is solved, new characters are introduced and Sara is still left wondering where her best friend and neighbor, Ella, could be. There’s a major plot twist near the end that is unexpected as well as revealing. And through it all I’m left anxious and wondering if this couple can withstand all the obstacles placed in their path to happiness.
For fans of this series, this is a must read. For those who haven't yet started, make sure you begin with book #1 and read each release in order.
One of the goals of the serialized novels is to leave the reader wanting more. Lisa Renee Jones is a very talented writer and this endeavor is successful with each offering. While I'm very anxious for the next installment, my personal preference would have been to get this story in just one book. The pace was somewhat slowed for me as I backtracked to the first novel in order to tweak my memory. But for most readers the installments will not pose any problems.
All in all, I enjoyed Chris and Sara's journey and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
Rebecca’s journals continue to haunt Sara and she continues to suspect her handsome and mysterious boss, Mark Compton, as well as others, wondering what part they played in Rebecca's life. As more light is shed on this mystery I was left somewhat shocked at the revelations.
Chris and Sara once again take the reader on a scorching roller coaster ride through their turbulent relationship. It’s very sensual, intense, and sizzling hot! In the first book Chris had revealed a small amount of his darker side but he still refuses to share his darkest, most dreadful secrets. He’s tormented and broken and while trying to protect Sara from himself, he often shuts her out, placing them once again on shaky ground.
The secrets Sara harbors from her past are suddenly and unexpectedly forced upon her and must be dealt with. She discovers some major truths about herself and becomes more self confident as she makes decisions about her career and her future. And while we get a better look at Bossman, Mark, he's still very much a mystery...but a devilish sexy one!
In this installment, secrets are exposed, a mystery is solved, new characters are introduced and Sara is still left wondering where her best friend and neighbor, Ella, could be. There’s a major plot twist near the end that is unexpected as well as revealing. And through it all I’m left anxious and wondering if this couple can withstand all the obstacles placed in their path to happiness.
For fans of this series, this is a must read. For those who haven't yet started, make sure you begin with book #1 and read each release in order.
One of the goals of the serialized novels is to leave the reader wanting more. Lisa Renee Jones is a very talented writer and this endeavor is successful with each offering. While I'm very anxious for the next installment, my personal preference would have been to get this story in just one book. The pace was somewhat slowed for me as I backtracked to the first novel in order to tweak my memory. But for most readers the installments will not pose any problems.
All in all, I enjoyed Chris and Sara's journey and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
September 24, 2013
Love, love, love this series! In a genre that's saturated with the whole FSoG storyline, it's refreshing to find a book equally erotic, superbly executed, but add some edgy mystery and suspense.....ya got yourself a great trilogy! I can see why Starz Channel picked this up as option for a movie/series! It's got it all.
Ingredients to said perfection....one missing woman, an abandoned storage unit filled with her journals detailing her exploration into the world of BDSM D/s play, two men, both dominant, and one very astute woman who wants answers....where is Rebecca? Is she alive or did she just escape her life that grew out of control?
Sara is knee-deep in clues to find the whereabouts of Rebecca. She doesn't know her but has this sense that something bad has happened to her. She traces her life.....incorporates her life into her own to find out. Working at Allure Art Gallery, she's sure Rebecca's Master was Mark. Her handsome, domineering boss...all signs point to him but he seems as in the dark as everyone else as to her whereabouts.
Sara meets Chris at an art show and their attraction is palpable. A very successful artist, but also a dark tortured soul. He repeatedly warns Sara off but they can't stay apart. Maybe they can exorcize the demons that haunt both of them together?
Sara is a strong heroine, which is refreshing. She's got reasons in her past to fear the control that comes with loving a dominant man but she embraces them and doesn't play games. I love that about this book. Everybody has flaws but there's no fake drama and fabricated angst to fluff it up. There's suffering and turmoil throughout the book but it's embraced and dealt with in a refreshingly mature manner. The suspense is awesome! The background of the storyline is Rebecca and finding out what happened to her but the relationship building between Chris and Sara was forefront to me. Can they overcome the darkness, the pain that Chris needs in dealing with painful events in his life. Can he trust Sara to love both sides of him- even the dark side?
The eroticism! Well, it's HOT! Very light BD/SM but great heat and steamy scenes! The series has a group of nouvellas that apparently are Rebecca's journals and more her history with her Master. I did not read them and wish I did. I've been told they compliment the series nicely. So, I will jump over to those prior to finishing this awesome series.
HOT SEXY ALPHA MEN.......check
STEAMY SEX SCENES........check
AWESOME MYSTERY/SUSPENSE......check
Awesome read!
Arc happily received by Simon & Schuster via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 3, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
4 Stars
Picking up directly where the end of book one left off, Being Me is a fantastic, exciting bridge to the third book in Lisa Renee Jones' Inside Out series!
Sara McMillan remains fascinated by the journals she's discovered of a woman named Rebecca. Some might go so far as to say that Sara has taken over Rebecca's life in just about every way. She has Rebecca's job. She has Rebecca's boss. She's becoming acquainted with all of Rebecca's co-workers and business contacts. Her love life is moving eerily closer to that of Rebecca's. Men are torn over Sara as they were over Rebecca. Yes, some would absolutely accuse Sara of replacing Rebecca in her very own life. However, Sara's motives aren't quite so sinister. She has become more and more certain that something terrible has befallen the missing Rebecca, and she is determined to find out what that is. As Sara seeks out answers, she discovers aspects of herself she would never have thought existed, particularly in the arms of the darkly sexy and tormented artist Chris Merit. Chris is determined that Sara consider what it is she truly wants from her life and make some decisions, past versus future. However, at the same time, Chris seems to refuse to be honest about his own needs, even while there are parts of him that may tear the two apart. Standing ready is Sara's boss, Mark Compton. He's equally determined to make those parts of Chris crystal clear to Sara. He may also be the key to Rebecca's disappearance...if he can be believed.
Where to start? Lisa Renee Jones answered some questions with this second entry in the Inside Out series, but raised even more! Honestly, I fear saying too much and spoiling it for others. It appears that we do gain some resolution to Rebecca's story, but...it was almost too easy, and I don't know if I trust it or not. Frankly, I feel like we lost a little bit of Rebecca in this installment. She was all-important in book one, and her story was sort of...glossed over a bit in Being Me.
An incident from Sara's past was dealt with in this book that I felt came a little bit out of the blue. I wasn't quite certain what the purpose was of introducing that. It seemed to come and go rather rapidly and without much reason.
What I still find intoxicating is the mysteriousness of Chris and Mark! These two are dark, sexy and brooding, and I feel like we still don't know the entirety of the truth behind their relationship. I love that both men wanted Sara, and I believe she had genuine moments of being attracted to and interested in Mark, as well as maintaining her relationship with Chris. I <3 the internal emotional conflict without it truly being a love triangle ;-)
Lisa Renee Jones never goes too far with the sexual and/or light BDSM elements in this series. Though, in Being Me, we do get a brief glimpse of Chris' natural darkness and the needs he refuses to share with Sara. The love scenes, even at their kinkiest (which isn't much), aren't terribly graphic, and they maintain a class and sophistication. Frankly, if I had Chris OR Mark in any sort of potentially compromising position...I'd be getting my freaky bad-girl on ;-)
What's left to find out? PLENTY!!! I am desperate, desperate I tell you, to know Chris' full story! Chris and Sara travel to Paris in book three, and that has the potential to be incredible. Please, Lisa Renee Jones, please make it incredible?! :-) Will Chris ever truly expose and involve Sara in his darkest needs and desires? I need to see that! Also, I admit it. I'm infatuated with Mark Compton! Gah!! Please tell me he'll be getting a book or series of his own?! Plus....I'm still not completely sold on the whole Rebecca thing. There is a lot still to cover, and I hope we get there!
Overall, I have to say that If I Were You was a stronger and more compelling story than Being Me. However, Being Me did keep me reading and kept my interest piqued!! It's thoroughly whetted my appetite for book three, Revealing Us, which is set to release September 10, 2013. I have high expectations for the third book, and I bet Lisa Renee Jones delivers!!
**ARC generously provided by the author (and publisher) in exchange for an honest review**
4 Stars
Picking up directly where the end of book one left off, Being Me is a fantastic, exciting bridge to the third book in Lisa Renee Jones' Inside Out series!
Sara McMillan remains fascinated by the journals she's discovered of a woman named Rebecca. Some might go so far as to say that Sara has taken over Rebecca's life in just about every way. She has Rebecca's job. She has Rebecca's boss. She's becoming acquainted with all of Rebecca's co-workers and business contacts. Her love life is moving eerily closer to that of Rebecca's. Men are torn over Sara as they were over Rebecca. Yes, some would absolutely accuse Sara of replacing Rebecca in her very own life. However, Sara's motives aren't quite so sinister. She has become more and more certain that something terrible has befallen the missing Rebecca, and she is determined to find out what that is. As Sara seeks out answers, she discovers aspects of herself she would never have thought existed, particularly in the arms of the darkly sexy and tormented artist Chris Merit. Chris is determined that Sara consider what it is she truly wants from her life and make some decisions, past versus future. However, at the same time, Chris seems to refuse to be honest about his own needs, even while there are parts of him that may tear the two apart. Standing ready is Sara's boss, Mark Compton. He's equally determined to make those parts of Chris crystal clear to Sara. He may also be the key to Rebecca's disappearance...if he can be believed.
Where to start? Lisa Renee Jones answered some questions with this second entry in the Inside Out series, but raised even more! Honestly, I fear saying too much and spoiling it for others. It appears that we do gain some resolution to Rebecca's story, but...it was almost too easy, and I don't know if I trust it or not. Frankly, I feel like we lost a little bit of Rebecca in this installment. She was all-important in book one, and her story was sort of...glossed over a bit in Being Me.
An incident from Sara's past was dealt with in this book that I felt came a little bit out of the blue. I wasn't quite certain what the purpose was of introducing that. It seemed to come and go rather rapidly and without much reason.
What I still find intoxicating is the mysteriousness of Chris and Mark! These two are dark, sexy and brooding, and I feel like we still don't know the entirety of the truth behind their relationship. I love that both men wanted Sara, and I believe she had genuine moments of being attracted to and interested in Mark, as well as maintaining her relationship with Chris. I <3 the internal emotional conflict without it truly being a love triangle ;-)
Lisa Renee Jones never goes too far with the sexual and/or light BDSM elements in this series. Though, in Being Me, we do get a brief glimpse of Chris' natural darkness and the needs he refuses to share with Sara. The love scenes, even at their kinkiest (which isn't much), aren't terribly graphic, and they maintain a class and sophistication. Frankly, if I had Chris OR Mark in any sort of potentially compromising position...I'd be getting my freaky bad-girl on ;-)
What's left to find out? PLENTY!!! I am desperate, desperate I tell you, to know Chris' full story! Chris and Sara travel to Paris in book three, and that has the potential to be incredible. Please, Lisa Renee Jones, please make it incredible?! :-) Will Chris ever truly expose and involve Sara in his darkest needs and desires? I need to see that! Also, I admit it. I'm infatuated with Mark Compton! Gah!! Please tell me he'll be getting a book or series of his own?! Plus....I'm still not completely sold on the whole Rebecca thing. There is a lot still to cover, and I hope we get there!
Overall, I have to say that If I Were You was a stronger and more compelling story than Being Me. However, Being Me did keep me reading and kept my interest piqued!! It's thoroughly whetted my appetite for book three, Revealing Us, which is set to release September 10, 2013. I have high expectations for the third book, and I bet Lisa Renee Jones delivers!!
**ARC generously provided by the author (and publisher) in exchange for an honest review**
June 13, 2013
“You told me I don’t belong in this world, either,” I manage, choking on the words.
“You don’t.” His jaw clenches. “Which is why I tried to warn you away and why I tried to walk away.”
My stomach knots. “You still can.” I start to get up, suddenly needing an escape, and this time Chris can’t give it to me.
He shackles my wrists in his hands and pulls me to him, between his legs, on my knees. “That’s just it. I can’t and I don’t want to even try. And I don’t want you to, either.” His expression softens and he brushes his knuckles over my jaw. “You’re inside me now, baby. All the rest was how I stayed outside myself and I’ll be damned if I let it tear us apart.”
HOLY SHITZNITZ !!!
Can I get some more please .. ??? I think waiting for the next novella and the next book would be the death of me !
To say I was excited to start this would be putting it a bit mildly ...
No , I did not Pee . But I was shaking alright !!
Holy god , where do start talking about this book from ... ?? Lets start with that ending !
Holy fuck ! Chris Merit and his bag of secrets are on the verge of spilling ! He has a past , a past sooo screwed up .. that it has managed to leave scars on his heart and in his head . Its all about pain , and man do we need to woman up for whatever is in store in terms of
.... !
If you thought
was a crazy ride , then you need to know that Being me , is even crazier ! Many questions were answered , many mysteries solved and revealed . Oh , and you know that I hunch I had about who Rebecca's master ( both 1 and 2 ) were ?? I can now proudly say , I was soooooooo right !!!
Sara and Chris ... Boy are these two adorable and sexy as hell or what !!!
“Baby, the ways I’m going to fuck you are too many to count, but not tonight. Tonight, I’m going to make love to you.”
If I were you was all about Sara and Chris meeting each other and fucking each others brain out . It was also about Sara learning about the world of pain Chris seeks pleasures from . But Being me was more of an emotional journey not only for Sara but for Chris as well . Their feelings for each other are so strong that at times its differentiate if they are trying to save each other or tear each other into shreds and pieces .
Sara an individual is annoyingly freaky at times ! Although , I have to say that this book was all about Sara's emotional growth as a character . I feel that she has a lot in common with Rebecca , yet she is a whole lot stronger and more mature in terms of handling certain situations .
And Chris's possessiveness had me swooning ! His need to stake a claim on Sara and the ways he goes about doing it ... just oh la la !!!
Mark - I hated him in book 1 ! But I have to say , he fucked up big time in this book two . But I could definitely feel his remorse and guilt at times ! Not that it has changed him as a person . He is still the arrogant I-get-what-I-want smug douche ! But there is another side to him too !
All in all a great sequel ! An absolute must read !
“You don’t.” His jaw clenches. “Which is why I tried to warn you away and why I tried to walk away.”
My stomach knots. “You still can.” I start to get up, suddenly needing an escape, and this time Chris can’t give it to me.
He shackles my wrists in his hands and pulls me to him, between his legs, on my knees. “That’s just it. I can’t and I don’t want to even try. And I don’t want you to, either.” His expression softens and he brushes his knuckles over my jaw. “You’re inside me now, baby. All the rest was how I stayed outside myself and I’ll be damned if I let it tear us apart.”
HOLY SHITZNITZ !!!
Can I get some more please .. ??? I think waiting for the next novella and the next book would be the death of me !
To say I was excited to start this would be putting it a bit mildly ...
No , I did not Pee . But I was shaking alright !!
Holy god , where do start talking about this book from ... ?? Lets start with that ending !
Holy fuck ! Chris Merit and his bag of secrets are on the verge of spilling ! He has a past , a past sooo screwed up .. that it has managed to leave scars on his heart and in his head . Its all about pain , and man do we need to woman up for whatever is in store in terms of
.... !If you thought
was a crazy ride , then you need to know that Being me , is even crazier ! Many questions were answered , many mysteries solved and revealed . Oh , and you know that I hunch I had about who Rebecca's master ( both 1 and 2 ) were ?? I can now proudly say , I was soooooooo right !!!
Sara and Chris ... Boy are these two adorable and sexy as hell or what !!!
“Baby, the ways I’m going to fuck you are too many to count, but not tonight. Tonight, I’m going to make love to you.”
If I were you was all about Sara and Chris meeting each other and fucking each others brain out . It was also about Sara learning about the world of pain Chris seeks pleasures from . But Being me was more of an emotional journey not only for Sara but for Chris as well . Their feelings for each other are so strong that at times its differentiate if they are trying to save each other or tear each other into shreds and pieces .
Sara an individual is annoyingly freaky at times ! Although , I have to say that this book was all about Sara's emotional growth as a character . I feel that she has a lot in common with Rebecca , yet she is a whole lot stronger and more mature in terms of handling certain situations .
And Chris's possessiveness had me swooning ! His need to stake a claim on Sara and the ways he goes about doing it ... just oh la la !!!
Mark - I hated him in book 1 ! But I have to say , he fucked up big time in this book two . But I could definitely feel his remorse and guilt at times ! Not that it has changed him as a person . He is still the arrogant I-get-what-I-want smug douche ! But there is another side to him too !
All in all a great sequel ! An absolute must read !
May 30, 2013
SPOILER/QUOTE FREE REVIEW
3.5 Stars........slow start but what an amazing, nail biting ending!!!!
I have been waiting for what feels like an eternity for this second book in the 'Inside Out' trilogy to be released, and after the HUGE cliff hanger at the end of the first book, I was so excited to get my hands on this arc.
The story begins from where we left off in book one. I should probably say now that I recommend you reread book one to remind yourself of where we got to, but basically Sara is still trying to find out what happened to the elusive and mysterious Gallery employee and journal author; Rebecca, shes also still trying to find out who the people Rebecca referred to in her journals are? As well as trying to discover what skeletons are lurking in Gallery owner and Dom; Mark, and the talented and rich artist Chris's, closets??? And lastly she's trying to find out where the hell her friend and neighbour Ella is ????
Now as this book isn't due out until June 11th I'm not going to ruin it for any of you by including any spoilers, and the publisher also stipulates that i don't include any quotes in my review so you'll just have to make do with my personal opinion on this one. Looking at other early reviews I know plenty of people loved this book, and have given it the full 5 star rating, but I have to be honest in my reviews and I've decided on a 3.5 star rating, which is still a really good rating but before you shoot me let me explain.....
The first 40% of this book I felt was quite slow going. I just felt that Sara over analysed everything way too much, she seemed to question every event and every emotion, and for me actions speak a hell of a lot louder than words with my book characters, so her constant guessing games was slightly infuriating and made the plot drag a little.
HOWEVER once I got through to the half way mark, the story really started to pick up. We started to get lots more mystery and intrigue and a very health dose of steamy sex and romance, which after Sara's initial guessing games, drew me right back into the story and kept me turning the pages.
The final chapters provided plenty of nail biting tension, sizzling erotic sex and yes....HALLELUJAH .... we finally get some answers to the questions we have been asking all along...like where the hell is Rebecca?
But what I really loved about this story is that loose ends are tied up and although there are still so many more questions that need to be answered, this book doesn't leave us on an annoying cliff hanger, instead I was left satisfied with the answers I'd been given and more than a little intrigued to read the next book and find out what other mysteries might lie ahead!
*Arc courtesy of Gallery books*
May 27, 2013
Lisa Renee Jones delivers a fantastic sequel in Being Me. Her writing was erotic, mysterious and completely addicting.
”You made me see what is important. What’s real. You made me see you.” His lips brushed mine. “See me now, Sara.”
This book answers every question a reader was left with at the end of If I Were You.
Sara is driven by the desire to find Rebecca. More journals are appearing which gives clues as to who Rebecca’s dom was as well as possible suspects in her disappearance.
Sara and Chris’s relationship is tested while these two burn up the pages in this book.
”I’m going to own you, body and soul I will bind you, I will fuck your ass. Your mouth. I will do what I want. And none of this even comes close to where I’ve been and where I will never take you.”
Chris wants Sara but he fears his “darkside” will destroy them. Sara was very wishy-washy in this book but eventually finds her confidence as she faces her past and her future.
”But the truth is, I don’t try to be someone else with Chris, as I have with other men in my life. I’m rediscovering myself, or perhaps finding myself for the first time.”
Without giving anything away, this book doesn’t end neatly but leads for the next book due in this September. I highly recommend reading this series.
A reader will find themselves even more invested in Chris, Sara and Mark. I personally can’t wait to see what awaits in Paris.
*ARC courtesy of Gallery, Treshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review*
”You made me see what is important. What’s real. You made me see you.” His lips brushed mine. “See me now, Sara.”
This book answers every question a reader was left with at the end of If I Were You.
Sara is driven by the desire to find Rebecca. More journals are appearing which gives clues as to who Rebecca’s dom was as well as possible suspects in her disappearance.
Sara and Chris’s relationship is tested while these two burn up the pages in this book.
”I’m going to own you, body and soul I will bind you, I will fuck your ass. Your mouth. I will do what I want. And none of this even comes close to where I’ve been and where I will never take you.”
Chris wants Sara but he fears his “darkside” will destroy them. Sara was very wishy-washy in this book but eventually finds her confidence as she faces her past and her future.
”But the truth is, I don’t try to be someone else with Chris, as I have with other men in my life. I’m rediscovering myself, or perhaps finding myself for the first time.”
Without giving anything away, this book doesn’t end neatly but leads for the next book due in this September. I highly recommend reading this series.
A reader will find themselves even more invested in Chris, Sara and Mark. I personally can’t wait to see what awaits in Paris.
*ARC courtesy of Gallery, Treshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review*
December 30, 2016
Seductive and addicting.
Obsessing over Rebecca’s journals as well as the woman herself has left Sara in a perilous situation. But who can she trust when she can’t even trust herself?
While debating whether or not to stay and the gallery and resign as a school teacher, Mark Compton the gallery’s owner has offered her more than a job, he’s suggested he can help her understand the urges and wants reading Rebecca’s journal have produced in her. Chris on the other hand although somewhat overbearing, keeps proving to be Sara’s Dark Knight in shining armor. Though keeping his secrets close, he helps Sara in anything and everything from trying to find both Ella and Rebecca to helping her realize what she truly wants for herself. And while Sara must confess to some secrets of her own, Chris’ past remains a mystery that feeds distrust that will threaten their relationship, perhaps beyond repair.
I’ll again start with a confession. I was not a Sara fan. I understand that she was being pulled in many directions and that Chris didn’t open up to her completely, but if there’s one thing I can’t really stand is a wishy-washy character. Sara’s all-inclusive and understanding love for Chris one minute and absolute anger towards him the next gave me whiplash throughout the book. Their relationship felt like an angry storm at sea with a constant ebb and flow between wonderfully sweet and romantic highs and sad lows. Although admittedly, this coming and going also gave the book a rhythmically angsty flavor.
There’s a blast from her past that threatens to revert Sara back to her old compliant ways and forces her to reveal a distressing truth to Chris. But ever the supporting leading man in her life, he helps her face it.
As I mentioned in my review for “If I Were You,” I binge read this trilogy. It’s safe to assume that I was addicted to the story and characters wanting to know more about them mainly Chris, his secrets and how that will affect his relationship with Sara. His love for her was absolutely heart melting, but will he ever paint her?
We do get more glimpses into his broken psyche and I ached for him, but at the end of this book we still don’t know what he’s ultimately hiding although it ends with him giving Sara an ultimatum and a chance to know everything.
There are a lot of very involved characters in this book that had me questioning everyone and flipping pages to see if we would get some of long awaited answers. In an interesting and pretty much unforeseeable twist we find out which players had committed criminal acts that landed them in jail and gave us some answers, mainly what had happened to Rebecca whose journal entries keep popping up throughout the book.
Being Me is the second book in the Inside Out trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones who skillfully balances intriguing mystery with sensual romance. It is a contemporary romance, told by the heroine’s point of view that ends with a slight cliffhanger. It is not meant to be read as a standalone and should be read after reading the first book in the trilogy.
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Obsessing over Rebecca’s journals as well as the woman herself has left Sara in a perilous situation. But who can she trust when she can’t even trust herself?
While debating whether or not to stay and the gallery and resign as a school teacher, Mark Compton the gallery’s owner has offered her more than a job, he’s suggested he can help her understand the urges and wants reading Rebecca’s journal have produced in her. Chris on the other hand although somewhat overbearing, keeps proving to be Sara’s Dark Knight in shining armor. Though keeping his secrets close, he helps Sara in anything and everything from trying to find both Ella and Rebecca to helping her realize what she truly wants for herself. And while Sara must confess to some secrets of her own, Chris’ past remains a mystery that feeds distrust that will threaten their relationship, perhaps beyond repair.
I’ll again start with a confession. I was not a Sara fan. I understand that she was being pulled in many directions and that Chris didn’t open up to her completely, but if there’s one thing I can’t really stand is a wishy-washy character. Sara’s all-inclusive and understanding love for Chris one minute and absolute anger towards him the next gave me whiplash throughout the book. Their relationship felt like an angry storm at sea with a constant ebb and flow between wonderfully sweet and romantic highs and sad lows. Although admittedly, this coming and going also gave the book a rhythmically angsty flavor.
There’s a blast from her past that threatens to revert Sara back to her old compliant ways and forces her to reveal a distressing truth to Chris. But ever the supporting leading man in her life, he helps her face it.
As I mentioned in my review for “If I Were You,” I binge read this trilogy. It’s safe to assume that I was addicted to the story and characters wanting to know more about them mainly Chris, his secrets and how that will affect his relationship with Sara. His love for her was absolutely heart melting, but will he ever paint her?
We do get more glimpses into his broken psyche and I ached for him, but at the end of this book we still don’t know what he’s ultimately hiding although it ends with him giving Sara an ultimatum and a chance to know everything.
There are a lot of very involved characters in this book that had me questioning everyone and flipping pages to see if we would get some of long awaited answers. In an interesting and pretty much unforeseeable twist we find out which players had committed criminal acts that landed them in jail and gave us some answers, mainly what had happened to Rebecca whose journal entries keep popping up throughout the book.
Being Me is the second book in the Inside Out trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones who skillfully balances intriguing mystery with sensual romance. It is a contemporary romance, told by the heroine’s point of view that ends with a slight cliffhanger. It is not meant to be read as a standalone and should be read after reading the first book in the trilogy.
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
February 13, 2018
3,7. Não me prendeu tanto quanto o primeiro. Perdeu um pouco o brilho.
Want to read
November 9, 2012 GAHHHHH!!!!!!! WHY IS JUNE SO FAR AWAY?!???
I NEED ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I NEED ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 15, 2017
Εντάξει μπορώ να πω οτι ειναι οτι καλύτερο έχω διαβάσει του είδους..❤
Πάμε στο επόμενοοοο
Πάμε στο επόμενοοοο
March 22, 2015
Being Me is the second installment in Lisa Renee Jones's adult romance series titled Inside Out. Being Me picks up exactly where the first book: If I Were You left off. As a reader reading the novels back-to-back, I appreciated this. It can be so annoying to read a ton of backstory that you literally just read yesterday! In Being Me, readers see the main character, Sara's life continue to be a reflection of the deeply personal journals she keeps close to her. The mystery element is engaging and the romance is tastefully erotic with a subtle BDSM element. I enjoyed getting to know Sara's love interest: Chris a bit more in this book (swoon!), and the mystery surrounding Rebecca, and now Sara's friend: Ella, grows increasingly complex, encouraging the reader to view most every character as the suspicious party. My only complaint, although mild, is Sara's internalization, insecurities, and tendency to jump to conclusions seem to be causing unnecessary drama that I started to find somewhat annoying after a while. But overall, I am very much enjoying Ms. Jones' storytelling. If you like mysteries and romances with a darker feel, check out this series!
My favorite quote:
“How many of us allow others to define us and thus we become what they want us to be, not what we should be or could be?”
My favorite quote:
“How many of us allow others to define us and thus we become what they want us to be, not what we should be or could be?”
June 10, 2013
4 1/2 stars!
If I Were You, book one of the Inside Out Trilogy, was one of my favorite reads of 2012, and after a HUGE cliffhanger ending I've been impatiently waiting for Book 2 to be released. Thankfully, I am more than pleased to report that Lisa Renee Jones does not disappoint. I absolutely loved book 2, Being Me!
Although in this book, Chris and Sara's relationship did lack some of the intensity it had in If I Were You, it still was enough to put butterflies in my stomach and a silly grin on my face. This book answers many questions and yet asks new ones. I leave Being Me feeling more than ready for the grand finale and finally, for once and for all, having all these loose ends tied up.
Strangely enough, the most compelling character of this book was not Chris....but Mark. He just simply oozes sex appeal and mystery, and I spent the great majority of this book thinking about him. For me, Mark overshadowed all the other characters combined, and I can not wait to get his story! I HOPE we get his story!! There is definitely a history and connection between Mark and Chris, and I am very intrigued at the possibilities here!
This is absolutely not a stand alone book! If you haven't read If I Were You yet, I envy you the first time reading experience. These books are magic!
A big thanks to my dear friend Elizabeth and Lisa Renee Jones for the chance to read an ARC of this book!
If I Were You, book one of the Inside Out Trilogy, was one of my favorite reads of 2012, and after a HUGE cliffhanger ending I've been impatiently waiting for Book 2 to be released. Thankfully, I am more than pleased to report that Lisa Renee Jones does not disappoint. I absolutely loved book 2, Being Me!
Although in this book, Chris and Sara's relationship did lack some of the intensity it had in If I Were You, it still was enough to put butterflies in my stomach and a silly grin on my face. This book answers many questions and yet asks new ones. I leave Being Me feeling more than ready for the grand finale and finally, for once and for all, having all these loose ends tied up.
Strangely enough, the most compelling character of this book was not Chris....but Mark. He just simply oozes sex appeal and mystery, and I spent the great majority of this book thinking about him. For me, Mark overshadowed all the other characters combined, and I can not wait to get his story! I HOPE we get his story!! There is definitely a history and connection between Mark and Chris, and I am very intrigued at the possibilities here!
This is absolutely not a stand alone book! If you haven't read If I Were You yet, I envy you the first time reading experience. These books are magic!
A big thanks to my dear friend Elizabeth and Lisa Renee Jones for the chance to read an ARC of this book!
June 3, 2013
I don’t even know where to begin with this review because I loved this book so much but there is so much I simply can’t say without giving everything away. I want to yell and scream and tell everyone what happened but I can’t. I do think the blurb is slightly misleading though because it makes it sound like Sara and Mark (her boss) might have a little sumthin sumthin going on…and while one or both of them may yearn for something on a secret level, I didn’t really get the idea that either of them is quite ready to go there. Sara is so consumed by Chris that she really doesn’t have time for anything other then him because he’s complicated, dark and tortured enough to take up all her time and energy.
There was so many ups and downs to this book that I felt emotionally wrung out at the end. It definitely fed my emotional angst needs. Chris has been harboring some dark aspects of himself and not wanting Sara to become embroiled in that part off his life, he attempts to hide his true nature. That becomes harder as they become closer and he starts relying on Sara to be his safe point in his dark mind. Together these two are very co-dependent. Neither seems able to function correctly when they are apart and Chris soon finds himself compensating by returning to his old ways. Sara is at a loss in how to help him and so she turns to her boss Mark to help her understand as pieces of all the puzzles start falling into place. Some of the best scenes in this book were either with Mark or in some way revolving around Mark. Chris and Mark have a past that neither of them is quite willing to share although it’s apparent that they were once friends. Chris seems highly jealous of any time that Sara has to spend with her boss and he masks it by making Mark sound like some kind of threat, though I’m not sure I believe that. Both men are erotic with penchants toward bdsm in some way shape or form but Sara seems to only have eyes for Chris. She is less threatened by Mark then she was in book one but she chooses to continue working with him in the hopes that he can help her achieve her dream of working in the art field permanently.
I was slightly surprised that the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Rebecca was resolved in this book. This being a trilogy I fully expected that to drag on into the final book. Nope. Jones had other plans I guess and that story line seems to be tied up at the end of this one with Sara deciding to accompany Chris back to France after a climatic confrontation. I assume now the focus will shift toward Sara’s missing friend and the past Chris seems to be running from.
If you enjoy Sylvia Day you will certainly enjoy this well written trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones. Full of intrigue, lust, fear and secrets others weren’t meant to ever find out, Being Me has a bit of everything!
I give Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones 5 stars!
There was so many ups and downs to this book that I felt emotionally wrung out at the end. It definitely fed my emotional angst needs. Chris has been harboring some dark aspects of himself and not wanting Sara to become embroiled in that part off his life, he attempts to hide his true nature. That becomes harder as they become closer and he starts relying on Sara to be his safe point in his dark mind. Together these two are very co-dependent. Neither seems able to function correctly when they are apart and Chris soon finds himself compensating by returning to his old ways. Sara is at a loss in how to help him and so she turns to her boss Mark to help her understand as pieces of all the puzzles start falling into place. Some of the best scenes in this book were either with Mark or in some way revolving around Mark. Chris and Mark have a past that neither of them is quite willing to share although it’s apparent that they were once friends. Chris seems highly jealous of any time that Sara has to spend with her boss and he masks it by making Mark sound like some kind of threat, though I’m not sure I believe that. Both men are erotic with penchants toward bdsm in some way shape or form but Sara seems to only have eyes for Chris. She is less threatened by Mark then she was in book one but she chooses to continue working with him in the hopes that he can help her achieve her dream of working in the art field permanently.
I was slightly surprised that the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Rebecca was resolved in this book. This being a trilogy I fully expected that to drag on into the final book. Nope. Jones had other plans I guess and that story line seems to be tied up at the end of this one with Sara deciding to accompany Chris back to France after a climatic confrontation. I assume now the focus will shift toward Sara’s missing friend and the past Chris seems to be running from.
If you enjoy Sylvia Day you will certainly enjoy this well written trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones. Full of intrigue, lust, fear and secrets others weren’t meant to ever find out, Being Me has a bit of everything!
I give Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones 5 stars!
June 13, 2013
**ARC provided by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review***
3.5 stars
Great read. I loved Mark and Chris, very interesting characters. Diary entries drove me insane, I could not figure it out who the Master was, and that's what kept me reading.
Sarah was just ok heroine. A little too paranoid for my taste. At times I found her a bit annoying. The first book ended with a huge cliffhanger and I thought that the beginning of this book going to be very dramatic, but it wasn't. It kind of left me with "What, that's it?" And I didn't find out who the intruder was until a midway though. At times it felt like the story was dragging a bit. With that being said, I loved the mystery surrounding disappearance of Rebecca. Everyone looked like a suspect.
I was a little disappointed by the ending though. I did find out what happened to Rebecca, but it felt like the whole scene was rushed. Suddenly there was a shooting, arrests and people confessing.
Based on the ending of the second book the third doesn't sound very promising, but I'll read it anyway. I want to find out what really happened. It wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't as great as the first.
3.5 stars
Great read. I loved Mark and Chris, very interesting characters. Diary entries drove me insane, I could not figure it out who the Master was, and that's what kept me reading.
Sarah was just ok heroine. A little too paranoid for my taste. At times I found her a bit annoying. The first book ended with a huge cliffhanger and I thought that the beginning of this book going to be very dramatic, but it wasn't. It kind of left me with "What, that's it?" And I didn't find out who the intruder was until a midway though. At times it felt like the story was dragging a bit. With that being said, I loved the mystery surrounding disappearance of Rebecca. Everyone looked like a suspect.
I was a little disappointed by the ending though. I did find out what happened to Rebecca, but it felt like the whole scene was rushed. Suddenly there was a shooting, arrests and people confessing.
Based on the ending of the second book the third doesn't sound very promising, but I'll read it anyway. I want to find out what really happened. It wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't as great as the first.
September 15, 2019
Audiobook: Narrator – Grace Grant
Another enjoyable audio by Ms. Grant. She really does a nice job of these characters. This being the second book of the series that she’s narrated as well as back to back listens, I’ve come to attach her voice to Sara. Accented voice of Ricco was a little rough but otherwise I didn’t have any issues with her performance.
Things really get deep and heavy both between Sara and Chris as well as the mystery of Rebecca.
As this couple grow closer and begin to delve deeper into their pasts they begin to work together to find out what happened to Rebecca. Along the way, Sara begins to fear for her friend Ella as well and this adds additional suspense to the story. She also finds Chris dealing with heartache in way that almost breaks her. It causes some additional angst as well as an insight into how deeply tormented he really is. I would have liked her to have made him grovel more but I can't say their making up wasn't super hot.
This ends in another cliffhanger but holy heck, it’s got me needy for what the future holds. With a great pace and the addition of secondary characters that will have you second guessing who could be behind Rebecca’s journal, this is an amazing read/listen.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Another enjoyable audio by Ms. Grant. She really does a nice job of these characters. This being the second book of the series that she’s narrated as well as back to back listens, I’ve come to attach her voice to Sara. Accented voice of Ricco was a little rough but otherwise I didn’t have any issues with her performance.
Things really get deep and heavy both between Sara and Chris as well as the mystery of Rebecca.
As this couple grow closer and begin to delve deeper into their pasts they begin to work together to find out what happened to Rebecca. Along the way, Sara begins to fear for her friend Ella as well and this adds additional suspense to the story. She also finds Chris dealing with heartache in way that almost breaks her. It causes some additional angst as well as an insight into how deeply tormented he really is. I would have liked her to have made him grovel more but I can't say their making up wasn't super hot.
This ends in another cliffhanger but holy heck, it’s got me needy for what the future holds. With a great pace and the addition of secondary characters that will have you second guessing who could be behind Rebecca’s journal, this is an amazing read/listen.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
June 11, 2013
This is NOT a stand alone book, you need to read book #1 of Lisa Renee Jones's Inside Out series, IF I WERE YOU. Then I would suggest picking up Rebecca's Lost Journals Volume One: THE SEDUCTION; Volume Two:THE CONTRACT; Volume Three: HIS SUBMISSIVE; and Volume Four: MY MASTER, they give a lot of insight to Rebecca and her relationship with the Master.
BEING ME picks up right where IF I WERE YOU left us hanging...finally an answer to what happened to Sara in the storage facility! I would say more, but I'm trying to be careful and not spoil anything for anyone.
In BEING ME, Ms. Jones leads us on a seductive tour as we navigate Sara's quest to find out what happened to Rebecca, her evolving relationship with Chris, how Mark will impact her future, and WHO THE MASTER is.
I enjoyed the sizzling passion that sparked between Chris and Sara, they are such a great couple...and Chris is just so HOT! I also enjoyed the tension that Ms. Jones added between Sara and Mark, BEING ME resulted in me wanting more Mark. And Ralph! I just loved Ralph, I think we need to try to talk Ms. Jones into putting more Ralph into the upcoming books--he's such a hoot!
This series keeps getting better and better! BEING ME answers so many questions from IF I WERE YOU, yet there are still uncertainties and unknowns that need to be answered, opening up this series to so much more! I canNOT wait for book #3 in the Inside Out series, REVEALING US.
BEING ME picks up right where IF I WERE YOU left us hanging...finally an answer to what happened to Sara in the storage facility! I would say more, but I'm trying to be careful and not spoil anything for anyone.
In BEING ME, Ms. Jones leads us on a seductive tour as we navigate Sara's quest to find out what happened to Rebecca, her evolving relationship with Chris, how Mark will impact her future, and WHO THE MASTER is.
I enjoyed the sizzling passion that sparked between Chris and Sara, they are such a great couple...and Chris is just so HOT! I also enjoyed the tension that Ms. Jones added between Sara and Mark, BEING ME resulted in me wanting more Mark. And Ralph! I just loved Ralph, I think we need to try to talk Ms. Jones into putting more Ralph into the upcoming books--he's such a hoot!
This series keeps getting better and better! BEING ME answers so many questions from IF I WERE YOU, yet there are still uncertainties and unknowns that need to be answered, opening up this series to so much more! I canNOT wait for book #3 in the Inside Out series, REVEALING US.
June 13, 2016
This book was an exhilarating ride and suspenseful journey. I didn't expect what I received from this installment. I was absolutely thrilled by the direction this story took.
Sara was confused for the most part. The people who surrounded her didn't help with clarification. It was one of those instances where people are not always who they seem. She had to play Nancy Drew just to garner little nuggets of information. These people sure like to play their cards close to their chests. I felt bad that she was tormenting herself for so long over her "devastating secret". I hate when victims are made to feel blame and/or shame. All it does is further the victimization. I hope we get to see her overcome these feelings and start seeing herself as a survivor.
Chris seemed to have way too many secrets. This only made him HOTTER!! I can tell that what's been revealed is only the tip of the iceberg. Somehow though, I get the feeling that he's been a victim as well and is playing the blame/shame game too. I guess the next installment will show me if I'm correct in my assessment. Regardless, I love Chris. I love his dominance, his power, his altruism, his talent, his humour, his possessiveness, and overall, the way he loved Sara.
Mark definitely deserves a book of his own. He seemed amazingly complex. I can only guess at what makes up his layers. I didn't see him as the villain per se, but he's no hero lol. I think he could be a good man, but I think something or someone has prevented him from being one.
I'm just thankful that what really happened with Rebecca was revealed. I can't say that I'm shocked.
On to book three to find out what's in store for Chris and Sara.
XO!
Sara was confused for the most part. The people who surrounded her didn't help with clarification. It was one of those instances where people are not always who they seem. She had to play Nancy Drew just to garner little nuggets of information. These people sure like to play their cards close to their chests. I felt bad that she was tormenting herself for so long over her "devastating secret". I hate when victims are made to feel blame and/or shame. All it does is further the victimization. I hope we get to see her overcome these feelings and start seeing herself as a survivor.
Chris seemed to have way too many secrets. This only made him HOTTER!! I can tell that what's been revealed is only the tip of the iceberg. Somehow though, I get the feeling that he's been a victim as well and is playing the blame/shame game too. I guess the next installment will show me if I'm correct in my assessment. Regardless, I love Chris. I love his dominance, his power, his altruism, his talent, his humour, his possessiveness, and overall, the way he loved Sara.
Mark definitely deserves a book of his own. He seemed amazingly complex. I can only guess at what makes up his layers. I didn't see him as the villain per se, but he's no hero lol. I think he could be a good man, but I think something or someone has prevented him from being one.
I'm just thankful that what really happened with Rebecca was revealed. I can't say that I'm shocked.
On to book three to find out what's in store for Chris and Sara.
XO!
March 26, 2013
I just finished the ARC and as I sit here and write this review, I have tears in my eyes. I honestly do not know who they are for: Chris, Sara, Rebecca, Mark, Chris and Sara and/or Rebecca and her "Master." So, so, so much is revealed in this book and it has left me raw as it has the characters in the story. I loved every word in this book! I did smile and laugh throughout the book. The characters personalities really show in this story.
'Being Me' is an emotional ride and had me wanting so many answers to all these questions from 'If I Were You,' Rebecca's journals, questions from 'Being Me, then all of a sudden, questions are answered. The answers were right in my face the whole time. At the end of this book,we are left with a whole new set of questions and I hope they are answered in a happily ever after way.
The beginning of the book started where 'If I Were You' ended... in the dark storage unit. That drama is resolved in this book and it is not what I expected at all! I was completely SHOCKED by this turn of events that was uncovered by Blake Walker! (Thank you Chris for having sexy friends!)
Sara finally, admitted all her demons to Chris and stood up for herself to Mark. Her strength in this book is AMAZING! And Chris... The guy needs to cut himself some slack and allow himself to be loved by an amazing women that loves him. He is an amazing man. Giving tons of money for his cancer charity. I just want to hug his pain away and I think Sara does too, but will she every fully listen to Chris?!?!
We find out about Rebecca, who her "Master" is and what has happened with her. We finally find out some information on Mark and he is so honest with Sara when she finally gets the "balls" to ask him questions that she wants answered. Will Sara asking these questions and running to Mark lead her to the same place where Rebecca is? I really do not know how I feel about Mark. Ugh! He can be so nice one moment and so rude the next. Alpha men!!
Even though a lot of the questions we had were answered in this book, I think there is a lot more questions that will come from those answers. I think these answers are just the tip of the iceberg!
There is HUGE revelations about Chris and Sara's relationship and this is where this book ends. If 'Revealing Us' is anything like this one, it is is going to be on fire! I guess we will see what Sara decides to do in the next book. I honestly think she is done letting her past dictate her life and she will go after what she wants. ~ Just my two cents!
I absolutely LOVE this quote from Sara, "I've always known we were two puzzle pieces that fit together in a hollow that is our pain. There was a time when I was certain we were too damaged not to destroy each other. Now I think we are saving each other." ~Lisa Renee Jones 'Being Me'
I hope those feelings carry over.... I am ready for 'Revealing Us!' September is so far away!
There is soooo much I want to say but I WILL NOT ruin it for anyone. Make sure you have this book pre-ordrered, it is a MUST read!
'Being Me' is an emotional ride and had me wanting so many answers to all these questions from 'If I Were You,' Rebecca's journals, questions from 'Being Me, then all of a sudden, questions are answered. The answers were right in my face the whole time. At the end of this book,we are left with a whole new set of questions and I hope they are answered in a happily ever after way.
The beginning of the book started where 'If I Were You' ended... in the dark storage unit. That drama is resolved in this book and it is not what I expected at all! I was completely SHOCKED by this turn of events that was uncovered by Blake Walker! (Thank you Chris for having sexy friends!)
Sara finally, admitted all her demons to Chris and stood up for herself to Mark. Her strength in this book is AMAZING! And Chris... The guy needs to cut himself some slack and allow himself to be loved by an amazing women that loves him. He is an amazing man. Giving tons of money for his cancer charity. I just want to hug his pain away and I think Sara does too, but will she every fully listen to Chris?!?!
We find out about Rebecca, who her "Master" is and what has happened with her. We finally find out some information on Mark and he is so honest with Sara when she finally gets the "balls" to ask him questions that she wants answered. Will Sara asking these questions and running to Mark lead her to the same place where Rebecca is? I really do not know how I feel about Mark. Ugh! He can be so nice one moment and so rude the next. Alpha men!!
Even though a lot of the questions we had were answered in this book, I think there is a lot more questions that will come from those answers. I think these answers are just the tip of the iceberg!
There is HUGE revelations about Chris and Sara's relationship and this is where this book ends. If 'Revealing Us' is anything like this one, it is is going to be on fire! I guess we will see what Sara decides to do in the next book. I honestly think she is done letting her past dictate her life and she will go after what she wants. ~ Just my two cents!
I absolutely LOVE this quote from Sara, "I've always known we were two puzzle pieces that fit together in a hollow that is our pain. There was a time when I was certain we were too damaged not to destroy each other. Now I think we are saving each other." ~Lisa Renee Jones 'Being Me'
I hope those feelings carry over.... I am ready for 'Revealing Us!' September is so far away!
There is soooo much I want to say but I WILL NOT ruin it for anyone. Make sure you have this book pre-ordrered, it is a MUST read!
March 27, 2013
I feel lost and empty after finishing this book. My cheeks are tear stained and my heart has been shredded. I was pulled so far into this book, I actually felt ALL the raw emotions, and now I'm trying to talk myself back into the real world.
Being Me picks up right where If I Were You ends. From page one, I was sucked back into the lives of these complex characters. Sara is still avidly trying to find Rebecca and trying to make sure she keeps the clients and Mark happy at the gallery. And of course, there's Chris. There is so much electricity between Sara and Chris it makes the air around you sizzle.
Chris is the ultimate tortured bad boy. From his torn jeans, leather jacket and that magnificent piece of hardware between his legs. The Harley that is. *ahem* He keeps trying to warn Sara that there's a part of him that she may not be able handle. Mark tries to convince her of the same. Does she listen? NOPE! She'll have to experience his dark side for herself. And does she ever. I was gutted after reading a few scenes.
Mark is, well, Mark. He's handsome, mysterious, and has to have his way. Although, I must say, he shows a little bit of a softer side. Which made me feel a little differently about him. I actually felt sorry for him at one point. There's more to Mark and I hope we get to know him better in Revealing Us.
So, we do get the identity of The Master. Who was it? Well, I can't tell you that. That would be a spoiler and I hate those! Sorry! Lots of things are answered. The mystery surrounding Rebecca is revealed. And WOW, never saw that coming, I mean not in a million years! Don't worry though, even with these questions answered, many more are raised. The ending? Well, I'm not happy with the way it ends. Of course, it's a cliff hanger, but even worse......it's an emotional cliff hanger. Now, don't get me wrong, I like cliff hangers, but I can't last six months not knowing what's going on!!! And some "new" characters are introduced. The Walker Brothers from Lisa Renee Jones' Tall, Dark and Deadly series make an appearance!
Jones has managed to write another superb book! The way she creates these characters and their world makes you feel as if you are part of it. I couldn't put this book down. I finished it within 24 hours. I had to know what was coming next. Now, if I could just get Revealing Us I would be happy!
Being Me picks up right where If I Were You ends. From page one, I was sucked back into the lives of these complex characters. Sara is still avidly trying to find Rebecca and trying to make sure she keeps the clients and Mark happy at the gallery. And of course, there's Chris. There is so much electricity between Sara and Chris it makes the air around you sizzle.
Chris is the ultimate tortured bad boy. From his torn jeans, leather jacket and that magnificent piece of hardware between his legs. The Harley that is. *ahem* He keeps trying to warn Sara that there's a part of him that she may not be able handle. Mark tries to convince her of the same. Does she listen? NOPE! She'll have to experience his dark side for herself. And does she ever. I was gutted after reading a few scenes.
Mark is, well, Mark. He's handsome, mysterious, and has to have his way. Although, I must say, he shows a little bit of a softer side. Which made me feel a little differently about him. I actually felt sorry for him at one point. There's more to Mark and I hope we get to know him better in Revealing Us.
So, we do get the identity of The Master. Who was it? Well, I can't tell you that. That would be a spoiler and I hate those! Sorry! Lots of things are answered. The mystery surrounding Rebecca is revealed. And WOW, never saw that coming, I mean not in a million years! Don't worry though, even with these questions answered, many more are raised. The ending? Well, I'm not happy with the way it ends. Of course, it's a cliff hanger, but even worse......it's an emotional cliff hanger. Now, don't get me wrong, I like cliff hangers, but I can't last six months not knowing what's going on!!! And some "new" characters are introduced. The Walker Brothers from Lisa Renee Jones' Tall, Dark and Deadly series make an appearance!
Jones has managed to write another superb book! The way she creates these characters and their world makes you feel as if you are part of it. I couldn't put this book down. I finished it within 24 hours. I had to know what was coming next. Now, if I could just get Revealing Us I would be happy!
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