Freeing Asia

Breaking Free #1

by E.M. Abel

How does a tomboy raised in a house full of men find the sensual woman inside of her? Growing up with a widowed, retired Marine as a father and two older brothers taught Asia to be tough. But how does she stop being one of the guys and learn to find the right one?

Finding herself won't be easy, finding love will be even harder.

Meeting Jay opens Asia's eyes to the possibility of love and unbelievable sex but can his country club world accept the woman more comfortable in torn jeans and flip flops? Or will she find the love she yearns for in the tattooed arms of her first love, a pro skater who has come back into her life?

With the possibility of new love or closure from a painful first love, finding her path is riddled with uncertainty and discoveries but before she can follow her heart she must first set it free.

**Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content, recreational use of marijuana and language.**

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Sports, Friends To Lovers

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2013

About the author

E.M. Abel was born and raised a Marine Corps brat. She spent a large portion of her life moving and living in her mother’s home country, Japan. As a result, she gained independence and a unique perspective on the world. The youngest of three girls, E.M. Abel spent a lot of time alone in her room writing or sketching in her journals and dreaming up stories. Growing up, she wrote poems, short stories and articles for her high school newspaper. She also fell in love with art and discovered her deep need for self-expression.

Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in life, she's always sure to do it her way.

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Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freeing Asia isn’t just a story. It’s a journey. Asia's journey. All Asia wants is to be free. Free to be herself, accept herself, and have others accept her for who she is. I love self discovery books, and I’m a sucker for a second chance at a first love story line, so this was right up my alley!

I was the tomboy with no clue how to be the confident.

Asia grew up as a tomboy. Her mother died when she was a child, and she grew up surrounded by men. Her father who is a military man, and her brothers. She’s always been ‘one of the guys’. They all treated her that way. Well, everyone except Marcus. Marcus is her brother Shaun’s best friend. He is also the only man Asia has ever loved or been with. Asia and Marcus had a secret thing, but then Marcus got a deal as a pro-skater years ago and hasn’t looked back. Asia has her family, her best friends, her job, her art... but she’s never had a real relationship. She doesn’t know how.

My insecurity around men hadn’t been created all on my own. I had help, and that help had come from my first love, Marcus- the guy I’d lost my virginity to.

Asia’s friend Nick (who I LOVE LOVE LOVE) decides she needs some confidence, she needs a makeover. Asia is a beautiful woman, and it’s time she showed it. After her ‘mini makeover’ and new clothes, Asia looks like a whole new woman. She meets a man who she’s instantly attracted to. His name is Jay Clarke. Jay is being groomed to take over his father’s company as CEO. Jay and Asia really hit it off. For the first time since Marcus, she starts to feel something again. After meeting Jay, I immediately thought I’m on his team.... He is kind, sweet, sexy, and very likable. Asia is able to open up some to him, but she can’t ever be her true self.

After not seeing him for years... Marcus Avery comes back into Asia’s life. He is getting ready to open a new branch of his skate shop in her town. There is just something about Marcus...

Marcus had been my first. He’d know the real me, and there had been something between us that I could never explain.

Oh my Marcus. I thought I was going to be team Jay... but from the second I met Marcus, I knew he was the one. Hot. Sexy. Tattooed. Skater. First love. Bad boy. Swoony. Marcus and Asia start to talk and hang out a bit again. They still have that pull, that connection. Things start to change with Jay and Asia. His work is changing, and things just aren’t working out as they once were. Asia can’t pretend to be someone she’s not. She has a choice to make. Asia has these two guys here... I mean, whats a girl to do?

I loved being with Jay, but with Marcus, there was a spark, a need that I’d never felt before.

Even though I loved them both, Marcus won me over. Asia and Marcus together were just combustable.



I want to add so much more, but I don’t want to give away the rest of the story... you just need to read it for yourself!!

No matter what Asia choses, she has to be true to herself first and foremost.

Just be free, Asia. Be free.

I was really impressed with this debut novel. The author was able to capture my attention right away and keep it throughout the entire story. It never dragged, I never lost interest. A wonderful message about loving and accepting yourself. A story about finding yourself and rediscovering love. It is a beautiful love story full of love, laughter, friendship and self discovery. For all of you hesitant to read this because it’s a ‘love triangle’, know it’s not a traditional love triangle. Asia is not a cheater. She’s not with both men at the same time, and there is not a ton of back and forth, so don’t let the love triangle stop you from reading it! And it is a stand alone- no cliffhanger. The next book in this series is about Asia’s brother Shaun and I am most definitely looking forward to it!

[Mistress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Let me start off by saying this book was amazing! It had everything I love in it. There are two hot, bossy, tattooed, bad boys...

Marcus, who is all bad boy...




Jay who is trying to be a reformed bad boy...



And Asia, a strong, smart heroine.



This book has humor, great banter and awesome side characters. I love Shaun! I can't wait to read his book!


The sex is incredibly HOT!

I love the biting

the nail digging

and HAWT hair pulling.


Freeing Asia is full of drama, heartbreak, and love. This book has a great story-line and an amazing ending. I did not want this book to end. I'm already feeling withdrawals. The story was written perfectly, the writing was phenomenal, by the end all the questions I had were answered. This book turned me on, made me laugh, gave me chills, made me cry, made my heart race, and my blood boil. It had everything I could ever ask for in a book. Freeing Asia pulled many emotions out of me, and that is a sign of a great writer, in my opinion. I read a lot of books and because there are so many, after a while the story-lines start to blur. I know this story will stick out to me for a long time to come. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

"I need you, Asia. I’ll give you everything I have, everything I am."

"He was my everything-my past, my future, my heart, my home. He was mine."

"I'd never felt more loved, more cherished, and more safe than I did in that moment. I finally set my heart free and now it was soaring."

"I’m living my dream, and now, you can live yours."

[• Lisa • · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ASIA STARS.



'Freeing Asia' is a two-for-one deal book, you've got your second chance at love story and a classic will she, Wont she love triangle plot. Low on the angst, and high on the 'man candy' this story is as easy as turning the pages and here are my thoughts ...

What's it all about?
Asia fuller is a self-titled tom boy, she has grown up surrounded by men and as a consequence is seen as one of the boys. Asia is plagued with a history of heartache, a less than satisfactory career, low self worth and zero confidence. As a twenty something talented artist and surf junkie Asia has come to a point in her life where her unhappiness leads her to agreeing to a makeover and she finds a new determination to move forward. Post makeover Asia meets handsome millionaire and ex playboy Jason 'Jay' Clarke she thinks he may just be the ticket to complete her transformation and sweep her off her ordinary feet. But Asia didn't count on Marcus Avery making a reappearance, her at one time 'love of her life', so with a conflicted heart and confusion over who she really is; will one, both or neither of these men be the one to make her feel complete ...



What did I like?
Nothing is more appealing than a self discovery story and 'Freeing Asia' delivers just that. I applaud the author for taking her readers on the journey of Asia's heartache and disillusion, to freedom and wholeness. There was drama and intrigue without overdoing the angst and heartache, and enough sexy moments to appease those that like the bedroom action. I enjoyed the order of events in the book, I found that refreshingly we were introduced to a new love interest without being privy to details of her first love which was surprisingly new for my reading experience, I found this took away the predictability factor with the story line. I loved the surrounding characters; the best friends, the brothers, the family I felt they all played enough of a role to get me interested without taking the shine from the main characters. The last 40 or so percent really stood out for me as the best part of the book, and at times it has the 4 or even 5 star feelings, sadly the book didn't work for me in its entirety to give it a higher rating ...



Why not five?
Unfortunately the first 60% didn't really flow as I would have liked, I felt there were gaps in the storyline; too many scenes were skipped over and scenarios were mentioned but not explained fully, I wanted more from the descriptions in the plot given. I also found it a little hard to connect with who Asia was as a character, is she the ball breaker, go getter? or is she insecure and timid? I would have liked a little more character consistency. Overall I didn't get that book butterfly feeling, it all felt 'just ok' and although there were moments that kept me reading it didn't wow me. The book felt like it was two stories put into one book and although I loved the last 40% of the book, the character development towards the ending and the conclusion of the story, sadly it wasn't enough to save the whole book.



Final thoughts ...
'Freeing Asia' has a plethora of five star reviews and I know it is loved by many. So maybe for me it just didn't work on the day. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed this book and I can't deny that a second chance at love is a favourite trope of mine but this time it didn't ring my five star bells. This book had all the likeable ingredients and all the usual necessaries for me to fall in book love but this time it was not meant to be. I most certainly will read books in the future by this author and I'm definitely excited to read Shaun's story. So with all that being said ... Go see for yourself, go grab it readers ... Kisses.

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! Awesome Debut Novel!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E...

So growing up I LOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVED Skater guys! I wore baggy clothes, had a skateboard, and busted my ass on a few half pipes. So then I hear there is a book with a hot, tatted up skateboarder and I am THERE!

The book starts with Asia who is growing up in a house full of guys and she is a major tomboy. She is very athletic and runs ( Yes, I said she runs!), surfs, and skateboards.


As a teenager she is in love with her brother Shaun's friend, Marcus and loses her virginity to him. He up and leaves for L.A. to become a pro skater.


Fast forward 7 years and Asia is still a lonely tomboy trying to find herself.



She gets a makeover from Nick, her funny gay BFF, and she is on FIRE! HOT!


Her friends talk her into going to the club where she gets into a fight and it leads her to meet rich hottie, Jay.



She enjoys her relationship with Jay even though she sometimes doesn't feel she can be herself around him.

"His life is full of champagne and caviar while mine was filled with beer and barbecues."


She goes to a BBQ at her dad's house and Marcus is in town! Holy Shit! The feelings all come rushing back.



"I'll always love you but I need to learn to love myself."

She then has to decide which guy she wants as well as trying to finally find herself and her direction in life.

"So, this is how it feels to fly."


I like this book because it was easy to relate to. Plus there is a lot of:




and definitely alot of this



so that makes this book



There were a few minor things I didn't care for but overall I didn't let it take away from the story. While this book is a standalone, (which is fucking awesome) I am so looking forward to Shaun's book

ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK some books come on my feed – friends recommending them, posting links to them, author's links, FB pages, etc. I had seen the blurb about this book a while back and I totally loved the premise for the book. I marked it down as one I wanted to read straight away. I have been updating a bit while reading it and have mentioned that I just could not get how it was getting so many FIVE star, rave reviews. Somebody mentioned that most of the FIVE stars were coming from folks who received an ….





of the book. I had not really noticed as I usually just skim though reviews, especially if I have not read the book, as I don’t want any SPOILERS. I hope some of my comments didn’t imply that I thought the STARS were given because folks got ARCs. I know my friends are not that shallow.

Well, I have finished it and I liked it. But I only liked it, I did not absolutely LOVE it – I felt I should but I have to be honest. I know a few friends did not finish it but it was not bad enough for me NOT to finish it. I am sure loads of people will absolutely adore Asia and Marcus and Jay. I wish I could say more. Will I read more by this author? Yes, I will – actually Shaun’s character intrigued me. Want to see him being brought to his knees. I hope authors can take the good the bad and the ugly reviews as, personally, I feel that is what readers want to see.




I guess, at the end of the day we all have a different…

[E.M. Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freeing Asia is NOW LIVE on AMAZON and Barnes and Noble!!!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freei...

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

ON SALE FOR 99 cents!!!!!!!!!!!

"I was tired of hurting, I was tired of being scared, and I was tired of doubting myself. I had to stop looking for love. I had to stop looking to other people to fill the void I carried in my heart. If I wanted to be whole, if I wanted to be free, I had to be the one to cut the chains."

FINDING ASIA,

FREEING ASIA
Just the title is catchy, I think. Add in a half Japanese heroine and a love triangle, and I was SOLD!



I'm going to do a rundown of the things that lead me to enjoying this so much:

Despite my hesitation with the New Adult Genre, I actually enjoy an angsty read occasionally. I adore love triangles. I like having a story with two amazing guys who love/lust/obsess over the same woman. I like not knowing who she will pick, because I usually have a hard time deciding myself. I also love the age of NA characters...it's a time of freedom and self discovery, a time of hormones and passion and overwhelming urges to do bad things. It's also a time of confusion and loneliness, because you don't know who you are yet. Your friends tend to be the people you party with, not necessarily the people who are true friends. You tend to think WAY too much about the way you look and the way people perceive you. You think that when you walk into a room, everyone notices...they notice you, they notice your flaws, they notice your body, and they all start to talk about you. This is simply not true. Practically no one notices, except for the people who truly care about you. So reading an NA novel about a girl who doesn't realize her own attraction is an escapist dream. EVERYONE notices Asia.



The kind of angst I DON'T like is the unnecessary drama fabricated to add angst to a boring, retold story. I don't like the overuse of words like "shrieking" or "screaming", "sobbing" "excruciating" and the myriad of other adjectives and verbs used to add invisible exclamation points to a heroine's dramatic story. I have been very, VERY annoyed with a lot of NA that I've read recently, and I scratch my head at how I'm in such a low number of readers who see the ploy for what it is. It's bad writing, plain and simple. Totally my opinion, of course, and I respect that some people dig that type of thing.

This was not the type of NA novel to use that ploy to move the story forward. This was slower paced and pretty lengthy, but I so very much appreciated that. I like how things were explained to pieces instead of allowed to be left up to the reader's imagination. I will say, though, that this made for a book that needs to be read in its entirety to really appreciate, and the reason that I tend to hesitate to DNF a book. It got better with time. I actually enjoyed it from the beginning, but I understood Asia much better toward the end, and therefore liked her more. She was somewhat blah at the beginning, very down on herself, very melancholy, and very disillusioned.

Short little synopsis...and I'm only telling the things that struck ME, not the entire synopsis...you can read the blurb and other reviews for that. Mine is already super long.

"Why does it take a man's attention to make me see anything good about myself?"

Asia grew up in a house full of men. Her mom died when she was young, and her Dad raised her and her brothers. Her very protective brothers....all during high school, Asia was (unknown to her) called the Untouchable Asia by all of the boys at school. Her older brother made it VERY apparent that no one was to mess with his sister. So they didn't. This caused major self esteem issues for Asia. She has always thought that she just wasn't all that pretty, not very special, and not very noticeable. She somewhat tomboyed out, forgoing girly, feminine clothes and activities, because she felt like she fit in with guys only as a buddy or friend. Adding to this assumption, the boy that she secretly crushed on, her brother's best friend, is also the guy who took her virginity and then disappeared for years to make a name for himself in the world of skateboarding. Simply put, Asia has some pretty low self esteem. And she's trying to find herself.

So she's now working at a job that underappreciates her skill as an artist, with no boyfriend, no prospects, and not a whole lot to look forward to. Until one day when her friend forces her to accept a makeover day, one that leads her to her first real inkling of self awareness, which leads to a night clubbing, which leads her to meeting an awesome guy who is very interested...

Jay:

I really liked Jay! He's obviously really into Asia. He's the poor little rich boy who rebelled when he got old enough to gain some freedom. He partied hard, got tatted up, messed with way too many women....and now he's growing up and realizing that he needs to make amends for some of his mistakes. But now he may be going TOO far the other way and doing a bit TOO much conforming to what he thinks he should be like. And Asia doens't feel like she fits into his uber rich society and life. She's a simple artist/skater/surfer girl who lives in a modest apartment and still likes to smoke weed. How could she ever fit in to the country club lifestyle...and does she really want to?

"I'd just met this guy, but in this second, I knew he had the power to hurt me. He had the power to change me and turn me into anything he wanted me to be. And in this moment, I was willing to be whatever he wanted."

On the other hand, sex with Jay is phenomenal. Especially when he lets go. **SHIVERS!!**

Marcus:

"You see beauty in everything, don't you?"

Oh, how women love the bad boy, and Marcus is most definitely that! The high school crush that took Asia's virginity, he moved on to fame and fortune while still retaining that bad boy visage. He's a pro skater who now owns a skate shop, and he's back in town. Asia's old feelings never went away, and though she knows that Marcus will always have a piece of her, she also knows that Marcus is still the same old guy. He knows her better than anyone, and because of that, he hurts her more than anyone. So maybe she should settle for having him as a close friend and move on with her life with Jay.

"Marcus had been my first. He'd know the real me, and there had been something between us that I could never explain."

I loved this story. There is no cheating, Asia makes no over the top declarations, has no over the top reactions. In fact, much of the story is spent inside the very introspective mind of Asia. Girl is doing some SOUL SEARCHING, hard core.



Call me a heathen, but the pot smoking and such brought back happy (and cloudy) memories of days with less to worry about. It brought realism to the story and made me connect with them, made them real and fallible not only emotionally, but also made them sort of goofy and silly. Pot brings us all together, Kumbaya.... Ah, those were the days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The club scenes were fun and funny, the drunken scenes weren't used as an excuse to add drama, which I VERY much appreciated. Drunk Asia basically became lighter and more free, happier and fun, not so brought down by life and change.

Overall, this was most definitely a book I could appreciate and one that I totally related to. A huge bravo to this new author, as this was a debut novel. I'm so very glad to know that not only does Shaun get his own book, but book three will be about..............Jay/Marcus........Jay/Marcus............Guess who?!?!?!?!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/13/16 Doing a re-read if one of my favorites this weekend!!!!

An Absolutely Beautiful Story of A First Love, Heartbreak, New Beginnings, And A Young Woman's Journey On Being Free To Be Herself...

I truly loved this story... Asia is a sweet and beautiful girl that tries to stay out of the spotlight..She dresses NOT to impress and she doesn't see how beautiful she is. She looks in the mirror and see's a tomboy that grew up around the guys and fit in perfectly with them. She can surf, smoke, curse, and take on anyone just like her brothers..


Her first love was Marcus..they grew up together and she always had a crush on him..she always thought he saw her as a little sister until one night everything changed...he was her first and she was never able to forget him. He moved to California and left her broken hearted and she hasn't seen him in years...but she's never forgot him. He'll always own a piece of her heart...

Marcus is a skateboarder and made it big out in Cali.. he's got plenty of money now but he never forgot who he was or where he came from and he never forgot Asia either even though his departure made her feel like she was nothing to him.. he left her broken hearted.


Seven years later and Asia finally ready for a change..her very gay friend Nick decides to get her out of her funk and give her a full makeover..everything from hair to clothes.. after a little polish Asia is seriously kicking some hotness ass. She's like a diamond that just needed some cleaning up..and wow did she clean up good! It's all about changes for her now. She's tired of pining over lost loves and she's ready for the new Asia to come out....


Then she meets Jay...let me tell you.. my heart just went crazy for this man.. he was soooo sexy and he was totally into Asia.. The thing is though.. Jay has money, LOTS of money. He owns one of the hottest clubs in town but he's a also a CEO in training to take over his dad's position and his fathers company. He's sweet and attentive and sweeps Asia completely off her feet. But as much as she adores him..she feels like she's a fake. She's dressing different and acting different.. just trying to be what she thinks a man like Jay would want her to be. She cares for him so much but she's afraid to let him see the real Asia..
Jay...

Just when Jay is digging his way into he her heart, Marcus comes back. The chemistry and longing are still there but she's determined to make this new relationship with Jay work... but IS she that girl that can fit in Jay's world... or is she still the girl that Marcus left behind? Although I didn't give up my love for Jay at this point.. Marcus quickly weedled his way in to my heart..every scene he was in was just electric and before I knew it, I was rooting for Marcus. Then Jay again..then.. well, you get the picture :)

Asia's about to figure out who she really is and what she really wants..

I just cannot recommend this book enough.. it honestly held me captive from page one until the end. I was back and forth at first on who I wanted Asia to end up with.. but midway though I had no doubt who it would be and who it should be. But if I were Asia.. I would have just had to have me a Jay/Marcus sandwich I wont say who she ends up with, don't want to spoil that for you... but I am BEGGING you E.M to give us a second book for you know who!!!

Let me also say that steam and sexiness was so HOT. Seriously HOT. E.M managed to show us a real connection that I honestly believed with both Jay and Marcus. Now don't let the thought of a crazy triangle scare you away from this if you are anti-triangle. I personally try to avoid books with triangles and although this one was a little triangly ( I know that's not a word by I'm using it) for a short time..one relationship ended up taking center focus and we have plenty of time to watch that relationship develop.

This is definitely going to be a re-read for me and is one of my favorite books this year for sure. LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!! This is a must read in my opinion!!

And if your wondering... we get a beautiful HEA...♥♥♥



P.S.!! E.M has added a bonus chapter on her website http://www.freeingasia.com/ so check it out when you get done with Freeing Asia .. we get some good pov from Marcus and Jay.. :)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

FULL, SPOILER FREE REVIEW........



This is the story of a girl who puts her heart on the line for the love of her life, only for him to walk away without even a second glance.......and for her to lose herself in the process.......

It's the story of a girl who has wrapped her heart up so tight that no ones getting in there....

It's the story of a girl who decides to try again, only this time she's going to be a different girl, a confident girl, a girl a guy wouldn't walk away from.....

Problem is, can she keep pretending to be someone she's not?.....



.....and what happens when the love of her life walks right back into her life as if nothing ever happened?.......

This is the story of Asia......and her journey to becoming......



So I never win anything.....I enter competition after competition and yet I never win a damn thing.....until last week when I got an email informing me I'd won an arc of Freeing Asia by E.M Abel, in a GR competition.

I'll be honest I was chuffed to finally win something but I wasn't jumping up an down excited because I was kind of sceptical about wether a book won in a competition might be a bit rubbish, you know like some of the free books we get, kind of okay but a bit repetitive and slow going

So I started this book with no real expectations........ I started reading a few pages.....and then I read a few more.....and then......





WOW......This booked just sucked me right in.....I could not put it down. I don't know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn't this.......

I absolutely freaking loved it!!!!! Don't get me wrong there were times when the heroines self doubt made me want to shout......



And there were many times when some of the men's actions in the book had me shouting....



But the sex scenes more than made up for that.........boy can this author write a bloody good sex scene.....



All joking aside, this really was a five star read for me. The author had an amazing ability to capture my attention right from the first chapter, but then she held my attention for the rest of the story. The writing flowed beautiful, the story line was engrossing, the characters endearing and apologies for my repetition but the sex scenes were HOT!

I don't want to tell you anymore because you have to read this one for yourself but I would totally recommend this book to others and I, for one, can not wait to read more from this author!

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freeing Asia


Freeing Asia is the story of a young woman on the road to self discovery.



Asia grew up in a household of men, having lost her mother at a young age. She's always been the tomboy- one of the guys. Now she is ready for change and see herself in a different way. While on her journey she must choose between two men.

Jay, the wealthy son of a CEO.

He is everything that Asia is not. Although she is very attracted to him she wonders at what price to herself a relationship with him will cost her. Could she really be herself in his world or will she have to change who she is to fit in his life style?

It is during this time that her first love comes back into her life, Marcus.

Marcus and Asia have known each other for years and shared a bond. Asia let down her walls for him but he walked out of her life without a second glance. She's afraid to let him in again- fearing whether her heart could withstand the hurt should he leave again.

Whom will she choose? Jay, whom she could see herself with but fears she will lose herself shall she continue to pursue a life with him?


Or should she take a second chance at love with Marcus?


Freeing Asia is the beautiful story of discovery and strength. It is sensual and humorous- but it will also make you cry. I would recommend this book to everyone ♥

[Vishous]

DNF AT 15%

WARNING: IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK, DO NOT READ MY REVIEW! MAYBE I WILL BE TOO HARSH BUT I DID WARN YOU.

We can't all love the same books. I am 100% sure millions of people hated or dnf-ed books I find amazing. So in this case I am apparently the one that hates the book that everyone else seems to love.

I wanted to read this book since I saw the blurb and arc-review. It sounded perfect, just how I love them. Full of angst, drama, triangle, heartache, etc.

Does it have it? I honestly have no f*cking idea BC I gave up in the middle of chapter 7. I really do not need Pulitzer worth writing in book to love it, but I do need to see the writing that at least shows me that kids couldn't write it better. well I didn't see that here at all.

This was simply horrible... well at least to me.
The writing was just terrible...
The characters and the connection between them... for the love of god... ridiculous and terrible.

In this case I so wish for English to be my first language so I could know more words for really bad.

Asia is ... well... honestly I am at loss of words. There wasn't one thing that didn't annoy the hell of me and honestly.... eyerolling was the only action I did while reading this 15%.

I just don't see it. I can't even make myself to read more. It's not even funny. it's just ...bad :-(

sorry lovely people... just not my cuppa ....

[* Meli Mel * · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Arc provided by Author in exchange for and honest review~


♥♥♥ 5 SMOKIN' HOT STARS ♥♥♥

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"In order to know true love, you must know deep pain"

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Asia Fuller has grown up surrounded by men since her mother passed away. She has always felt like one of the boys. She doesn't know how to be a sexy woman to attract a man. She's tired of being a tomboy and wants her inner woman to shine through. She wants what every girl wants, a man by her side and love. She's finally letting go of her first love, Marcus Avery and leaving him in her past. It's time to move on and find herself. This is when she meets Jay Clarke, a man who sees her as a beautiful woman and who brings out her sensuality. She finally has a chance at what she has always wanted. But what will happen when the man she had feelings, the one who she hasn't seen in seven years, comes back into her life in all his sexy tattooed skateboarder glory.




Asia meets Jay Clarke when she goes out to get some sushi. Jay right away can not stop staring at her. Asia knows she has no style, plus, she is wearing her work clothes, so she doesn't understand how this gorgeous guy is looking at her with interest. But it boosts her confidence. So when her best friend Nick (I freaking LOVE him, by the way) wants to give her a makeover, she accepts after deciding that the change might be good.



After she endures a tedious amount of time at a spa and shopping. Her best friend Hailey invites her to meet up at a club. Of course, Nick suggests that Asia wear her smokin' hot red dress to knock some men back on their asses. Who she sees is Jay and he isn't hiding his interest in her. After he rescues her from a grabby man at the club, she wants to know more about this man. He wants that too, and soon she finds herself in a relationship with him. I totally LOVED Asia. She was kinda crazy, artistic and totally fun! She was also somewhat insecure, but I loved her attitude towards things. She doesn't hold back and can kick some ass fabulously.



Jason 'Jay' Clarke, was a really hot club owner and soon to take over his father's company. He was really sweet, thoughtful and caring. I liked him instantly. He was always complementing Asia and making her feel good and had me swooning. He would give her gifts and roses. Although, sometimes, I felt like he would give too much, for me anyway. But, then I started getting weird vibes from him. There were moments, very few, but moments where I felt he was a jerk. And then he does a douchebag thing and I disliked him alot for it. I ended up getting why he behaved that way. He is trying to figure out how to be his own person, instead of doing what others want him to. He made a mistake, and I am so glad he realized his error. I ended not being able to dislike him so much.

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Marcus-- "You're sexy as hell. You're sweet. You surf, you skate (...) And the best part is you have no clue how special you are."

Asia-- "Why is that the best part?"

Marcus-- "'Cause that means I'm the one who gets to watch you figure that out."

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Then skateboarder and entrepreneur, Marcus Avery comes into the picture, and I think my ovaries can't possibly stand more hottness. (I mean two hot guys that are good in bed!?!?) Well they didn't, my ovaries were completely obliterated by the sexiness that is Marcus. YOWZA!! When I first met Marcus in Asia's flashbacks, I totally thought he was a womanizing jackass. But now that he came back and explained himself. I swooned, sighed, panted and melted. I really liked Jay, I did.... but I am sorry, I am Team Marcus all the way!! I LOVE you, Marcus!! He was awesome! Seriously, I don't even remember why I thought badly of him... he totally redeemed himself.

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"Oh, we're not done yet, babe. I wanna feel you come on me over and over and over again."

--Marcus

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The sex was scorching!! *fans self* There was a bit of kink to keeps things interesting. Very hot! Nuff said.



This story was about a second chance at love, but also about finding out who you are and learning to love yourself before someone can love you back. (Oh and there is no love triangle, if you were wondering.) It was about letting go of your fears and just being yourself. I teared up, laughed, and really enjoyed all of the secondary characters and their banter. Even the pothead, Dank, was awesome to me! For a debut novel, I think E.M Abel did a wonderful job. I LOVED the ending so much, I couldn't stop smiling so big. It was just so amazing! Then I couldn't stop squeeing when I found out that Shaun is getting a book!! I am so stoked and can't wait! I loved the book and definitely recommend you give this a read.

Thanks E, for allowing me to read your AWESOME book!!

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog]

[Didi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I doubt my instincts. And I really shouldn't. This would be the perfect example of why that is.

Freeing Asia was all.Over.The.Place. I literally couldn't tune into GR's without seeing this book floating around. I put it off several times. I HATE love triangles so going into this was pure hesitancy.
But now that I've read it, I can safely say that it wasn't a traditional love triangle per se, more of a trying-to-move-on-but-not-quite-being-able-to-because-my-first-love-has-re-entered-the picture. Make sense? lol.

So seeing as many people have already heard of this or read it, I won't go into the plot. I did like this book. I couldn't see the magic factor and 5 star ratings it was getting, but that's the great thing about Goodreads, many flavors for many different tastes. So I want to emphasize that although I didn't fall in love with it as many had, I did see the allure. It's always important to point out that all opinions and reviews deserve respect regardless of personal inclinations.

Okay, so 3 stars here for me. I couldn't identify with Asia very much and I think that had to do with her weed habit--it was exhausting!!. I could understand her insecurities and felt and empathized her heartache like crazy, but aside from that I didn't relate to her. And for someone so sexually inexperienced, she sure was a vixen.

I really liked Marcus and saw the lure for that scrumptious man, but Jay? not so much. He was under-developed and maybe that was the case so we would pull for Marcus anyways. Honestly though, the man didn't need it.

The plot was okay, nothing new with NA these days, but it was an entertaining although somewhat tedious book. I was expecting more but that's okay, you can't love everything. However, what made this for me was the last 10-15%. It was very sweet how things turned out and the epilogue was beautiful! I plan to read the second book with Shaun, the teaser at the end of this one was really good.

Genre: Romance
Steam: High
POV: 1st person--Asia
Cliffy: HEA with a segue to a spin-off for Shaun.

[✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freeing Asia is a lovely book. A story about Asia Fuller and two delicious tattooed boys, Jay Clark and Marcus Avery. Not to forget her awesome brother, Shaun! I still want for more for them! Can't wait to see you catches Shaun and Jay :)



There were plenty of sweet, hot intense and funny moments in this book.

Asia is a surfer, skater and bad ass, just as much as her brother is. Growing up with boys does that! She is such a loving character. My Asia:



Jay is super sweet and ohhh so "talented". You can't help but fall for the guy. He was makes me melting. My Jay:



BUT when Marcus enters! Everything single thoughts that I had for Jay flew out of the window! Marcus is a pro skater and he broke her heart in high school tattooed bad boy. You will adore him so so much. I just wish there more of Marcus side's of story! I really want to feel him!

P/S: Am sucker of tattooed boys! LOL I might be bias at times <3

My Marcus:




This book is steamy, sweet, hot and intense!!!





It is very well written and descriptive *giggles* It grabs you from the start and wont let you go till the end.

"You should probably stop looking at me like that Asia. It only turns me on"

"Are you sure this isn't just a ploy to get into my pants?"

"Oh, we're not done yet, babe. I wanna feel you come on over and over and over again"

"I love you, Asia Fuller. Move in with me"



Go and grab it to find out what these four have in-store of you! It will definitely a nice ride!

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

** ARC provided by an author in exchange for honest review **

"I’m sorry babe. I’m sorry I hurt you. I was stupid. I fucked up. I thought I was doing you a favor by keeping things light. I was helping you when I left. But now, I see it was the biggest mistake of my life. You gave me something precious, you gave yourslef to me and I threw it away. I’m not makin’ that mistake again, babe. Never again."

Freeing Asia is deep, emotional journey that will leave you breathless. Enchanting, captivating and mind opening novel, Freeing Asia is extraoridnary romance, that shows heart break, love and steaminess in perfect mix that every fan of romance will adore. I still cannot believe that I loved it this much, but there is no other way of putting it: this book is mind blowing!

I cannot stop thinking, breathing and feeling this story with every fiber of my being. Freeing Asia is absolutely alluring and there is something just so deeply, heart achingly beautiful in it that it make me still reeling.

Outstanding story about finding yourself, discovering sensuality and just learning how to live and feel good in your own skin, Freeing Asia written itslef in my heart.




As long as she can remember Asia was a tomboy. Being raised in house full of men and copying with lack of mother made her different than other females. She enjoys skateboarding, surfing and she’s quite the troublemaker. Getting into fights, smoking weed or cursing it’s not exactly lady like behavior. So when she’s reached 24 years old and is still alone, she thinks it’s time for her to „grown up” and change into true sophisticated woman. New clothes, high heels and make up make her feel confident and totally not like herself.

„My shield might make me an asshole, but your shield acts more like a cage. It keeps you locked up.” ~ Marcus. ❤

„New” Asia runs into Jay Clark, man who makes her heart beat faster. Instant attraction she feels toward him is sizzling and for the first time in years she’s ready to find love. Jay’s sexy, rich, future CEO of his father’s company and totally out of her ligue. She’s not sure he’d like the „old, true” Asia so she tries to be good enough for him. But their relationship is not what she thinks it would be….

Marcus is a man she’s known from the childhood. Her brother’s best friend Marcus is her first crush and way much more. His also the man who broke her heart when he moved away to be pro in skateboarding. Now, seven years later his back, and he still makes her insane.
Now, Asia has to make important decisions and answer the question who she really is.

„Don’t change babe. You’re perfect just the way you are” ~` Marcus

I loved almost every aspect of this amazing book! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t stop reading till the last page. This capturing story made me meet spectacular half Japanese girl who tries her hardest to find perfect spot to live on.


Me, Hater of almost ever love triangle possible wass mesmerized by this stroy so this really means Freeing Asia is something entirely else.

E. M Abel showed me she’s astounding storyteller and her writing is light but vivid, funny but still full deep with emotions. It makes impression that for her writing compelling novel it’s efortless task, which made me love her even more. The profesional level of her writing made me believe this is her hundredth novel instead of the first one.


Emotions were so perfectly grasped and pictured that every chapter took my breath away and sex scenes were idealy written, perfect blend of kinkiness with lovemaking. It’s unbelieveable how few scenes can turn you on so much you want to hump your bed, but still make your heart swell because of love that is present.



My only issue was weed smoking! In almost every chapter someone is smoking pot and that made me slightly uncomfortable. But, you know, whatever, it’s not like this made me like this story less, besides, I’m not an expert in this field so I shouldn’t be bitching about it.


Overall, Freeing Asia is spectacular read, that made me shake, shiver, melt and laugh, cry and hurt. I was living this story along with main character and there is nothing better in a book that feeling connected to character so much you feel like her or him. Feelings are still slowly sinking into my bleeding heart, so if you want to be mesmerized, captured and enchanted, Freeing Asia is a novel that certainly would make you so! ❤




More reviews on Smokin' Hot Book Blog and my Facebook Page

[Vika aka ♔ of GIF & Grumpy Smut-ateer *P/T Freebie Fairy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK... This is officially my return from the HIATUS on book reviews and what a perfect story to come back with.

Let's start with the good stuff... casting

"In order to know true love, you must know deep pain"

So let's get to the dissecting that I promised to the author... but SPOILER... with my 5 star rating there is not much... at least not anything that can take away from the story.

Its got everything: angst, tight family, snarky & really opinionated friends... and brace yourself a LOVE TRIANGLE. Now any of you who know me know I despise a love triable especially a love triangle where there is no clear BAD guy who beats & cheats on the heroine. Now which type of love triangle is it? Well I won't spoil... but I survived (PS I guess Thoughtless has numbed me up thoroughly)




I truly fell in love with Asia because she was a great character - a whole lotta lost and whole lotta needing a direction. Like any of us at one time or another are presented with a fork road in our lives... One leading to taking a road of true self but lots of uncertainty or easy road of losing yourself to have the perfect facade.



Incidentally these 2 roads also represent the 2 men of her life... and even more unfortunately is that those men are on their own journey of FREEING THEMSELVES

"I knew he had the power to hurt me. He had the power to change me and turn me into anything he wanted em to be. And, in this moment, i was willing to be whatever he wanted."

"If you wanna be free, Asia, all you have to be is see yourself through my eyes."

"He was my everything - my past, my future, my home. He was mine."

AND LIKE ANY STORY IT WAS A HEA



***ALTHOUGH THIS IS A SERIES in a way it is a stand-alone... the story continues with Asia's brother Shaun



FULL REVIEW: http://krisandvikbooktherapycafe.word...

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I would like to start by saying a huge thank you to E.M. Abel for the contest that she ran on Facebook! I was lucky enough to win a copy of "Freeing Asia," and I am so glad that I did! This was a book that I shied away from, as I had heard there was a love triangle in it. I am not a huge fan of love triangles as I don't like to see the odd man out get hurt and left behind. This story though, dealt with everyone involved in a tasteful way, and it didn't leave me feeling super sad for the man "left behind.." This was my first time reading EM Abel's work, and I can honestly say that it won't be the last. She is a very talented author, who was able to reach inside of me and touch my heart and soul with the beauty of her words. The story of Asia was a story that had me laughing, crying, and even fanning myself because of the sexy scenes between Asia and her man. Wowsa, the sexual chemistry left nothing to the imagination, and had me developing butterflies in my stomach as I was reading the scorching hot scenes!

I felt that this book told us about Asia's journey of self discovery, as well as her growth into learning how to love herself. I really enjoyed that, because often in a romance book it seems like the woman relies on the guy to make her feel better about herself. In Freeing Asia, it shows that relationships will be so much more rewarding when the person knows exactly who they are, and is proud of themselves without relying on the other person to make them feel good.

There are two men that are extremely interested in Asia, and she likes them both for very different reasons. There is Jay, who is a CEO of his own company, and he has loads of money. Asia is very attracted to him; but she feels like she can't be herself around him. Around Jay she feels the need to dress in fancy clothes, and act a certain way..so she truly doesn't feel free when she is with him. Then there is Marcus, who is her brother's best friend and has been around Asia for years. He is a major part of her past, and she has carried some heavy duty baggage over the years regarding him. Can she get over that, and have a wonderful life with Jay? Or will she be able to overcome her past hurt and forgive Marcus so they can move on. The thing with Marcus is that Asia can be herself around him, and their attraction has become even stronger over the years.
What man will Asia find true happiness with? Who ever she does pick will be the one that finally sets Asia free; once and for all.

This is a must read, and I can't wait to dive into Asia's brother; Shaun's book!
I am so pleased to have found a new author who I will definitely be reading anything that she puts out. I also just found out that on her website there is a link to a new chapter that has the guy's POV! I am excited to check that out as well.

Thank you so much Em Abel for the opportunity to read your work, and I will be watching to see what comes next for this fabulous author!

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was one thing to have someone insult you or have someone hurt you but it was an entirely different thing when the person who didn't believe in you and didn't think you were anything special was you.

This was a beautiful, hot, sweet and sexy story full of love, heartbreak and healing. It was a story about Asia trying to find herself, open herself up and quit hiding. In life many things happen that twist and turn our emotions and feelings, leaving us all messed up. This is what happened to Asia and I loved watching her make mistakes, fall, get back up and learn from them, leading to a journey of self-discovery and self-worth.

Asia is an insecure and self-conscious girl who has yet to learn how to love herself. She's been hurt in the past and has learnt to keep her heart locked away. Growing up with no mother and two older brothers, Asia has always felt like one of the guys and has never felt loved by a man. When she meets Jay, she's at the point in her life where she is trying to make some changes and find out who she really is. She's a down-to-earth tomboy type of girl who drinks, smokes, skates and surfs, but she knows she needs to change if she ever wants to open herself up to men again. Jay is amazing and sweeps her off her feet. He shows her what a fairy-tale love feels like. He makes her feel special and beautiful again. Still haunted by her past, Asia depends on Jay to help her find a new Asia. Is she ready to let the old one go?

He had seen me naked but for some reason I was still scared to let him see me in jeans and a t-shirt.

After seven years, the one who's still got a prominent spot in her heart is Marcus. Followed by his own ghosts and issues, Marcus has locked his heart away too. He has loved Asia ever since he can remember, but sometimes life does not turn out the way we want it to. With Marcus Asia feels sexy. She can be her tomboy-self and doesn't have to change, but is that who she really is and does she want to stay that way?

If you wanna be free, Asia all you have to do is see yourself through my eyes.

I am always weary of triangles and as a rule I don't like them. And even though this story sounds like one, it is not really. Both men play an important part in Asia's life, but each plays a different part. She learns things from Jay that she couldn't ever learn from Marcus and she learns things from Marcus that Jay couldn't teach her. Let me stress that she is not with both guys at the same time and there is no cheating. Also there's no back-and-forth between the two guys, so if that's the kind of thing in triangles that bothers you, don't be afraid to read this one. If there is any relationship angst, it's due to the relationship in question and not the second guy.

Now that we've got the triangle issue clear, I want to say that this story was not about her relationships. It was about Asia and about freeing her. I loved watching Asia get to the point where she realized that she's worthy of love and she doesn't need a man to make her feel that way. Our perception of ourselves is usually based on how others feel about us, but I'm glad that Asia discovered that it's more important how she feels about herself. That in order for someone else to love you, you need to love yourself enough to open up and let him in.

I'll always love you but I need to learn to love myself.

Added to this journey of the heart, this book had a lot of funny moments, awesome side-characters and lots of hot sex. It wasn't a typical love story and my skeptic mind kept making up theories that were all wrong. I loved this. It was very refreshing. I also loved how double-standards were subtly addressed in this book and how Asia could hold her own in any given circumstance. Another thing I loved is that I changed my mind about the characters so many times while reading this book, I lost count. I worried so much about what was gonna happen, how it was gonna happen and who would do what, but it all wrapped up beautifully in the end and I felt emotionally spent after finishing. The ending was absolutely perfect and melted my heart.

I'm living my dream and now you can live yours.

---

If you're curious about the casting, check out the Pinterest board the author created for Freeing Asia

ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freeing Asia was one of those books where I had to sit back and smile after I finished. Remember that feeling of "true elation"? Where you have to stop—take a deep breath and really take in the feeling. That's how I felt after being in Asia's world.

This book was story of finding your true self, making your dreams a reality and recognizing who you should share your life with.

Asia was an artistic, young woman who didn't keep up with appearances, didn't seem to care what others thought but knew something was lacking in her life. Growing up in a house full of men, she's strong and confident, but a bit of a Tomboy.

After a much resisted makeover, insisted on by her friend Nick, she finds that she's opened up a new side of herself. Which in-turn has gained her attention she isn't accustomed to.



Jay is the ultimate catch, he's gorgeous, kind-hearted and has deep pockets. His sights are set on Asia, and he plans to win her over. Although, at times, Asia feels like she's lost a piece of her true identity when she's with him.





Marcus is that allusive first love, a bit of a bad boy and the one that got away. The one that's always been locked away in the back of her mind. She could be herself around him, could bare her soul and let him in...something she didn't think she'd ever find again.



This is not a love triangle. This is a deep and emotional journey about the difficulties she goes through to find balance between her two worlds. Being polar opposites of one another, she struggles to find the middle.

Will she change who she is for a man that cares for her deeply? Or will she follow her heart and give up on her new self?



Well, that you'll have to find out on your own, but it's one hell of a ride along the way, mixed in with some steamy-as-hell scenes, it's a book that's not to be missed!



I'm very much looking forward to future books from this new author!

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author provided arc copy for honest review.

This has been one of the best books I have read in awhile.

This book is told from the POV of Asia.


I connected with the book soo much. It is about a girl trying to find herself and love. She is a tomboy and thinks she is just one of the guys. She is beautiful and talented. Asia is also strong and caring and funny. She has the best, best friends a girl could ask for! Hayley a girlie girl that is the yin to Asia's yang. Nike the gay best friend who helps Asia find another version of herself and break out of her mold (so to speak)

Asia is a surfer, skater, bad ass! She also has a soft side that most don't get to see. She has two brothers that are her protectors and a great dad.

Asia has two drop dead handsome men!
Jay is super sweet and ohhh so "talented". You can't help but fall for the guy.

Then there is Marcus the pro skater broke her heart in high school tattooed bad boy. You will love him and hate him ( at parts mostly you will lust after his fine ass!)

This book is steamy-

I am talking like melt your panties, fan your face.. hot as hell!



It will also make you laugh your ass off!

It will piss you off and make you want to pull your hair out!

Mostly it will make your heart swell and bring a smile to your face!


It is very well written and descriptive. It takes you into the book and paints a photo. It grabs you from the start and wont let you go till the end.

It is a stand alone (which for once this year I am sad it wasn't a cliffhanger, cause I wont be getting more ;) ) There is another book in the series about Shaun the brother and based on the teaser in the back .. I can not wait!

This is a new author that is one you should keep a eye out for. You know the ones... the get to brag to your friends you read their book back in the day before they became popular!

[Pam Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The slow burn begins with Jay, a bad-boy club owner turned do-gooder heir to his father's company. It's not Asia who changes him--she prefers the rebelliousness he refuses to unleash. This fresh angle adds an intriguing complication to the sweet romantic plot.

The burn ignites when Marcus appears in scene. Asia shares a history with this impenetrable professional skater, and it's difficult to figure out where their relationship will go now that he's back in town.

Both Jay and Marcus have charmed their way into Asia's big heart. What's more arousing is how effective they are at charming the reader as well. Asia was hella more decisive about choosing between them than I was, and the fact that she is authentic with them, and everything in her life, makes her wholly admirable.

As much as I devoured the male leads in this story, it was Asia's charisma that stole my affection. She is spectacularly real. She confronts misunderstandings rather than running away. She knows how to use a fist and a gun, and proves it when necessary. She skates, surfs, smokes weed, has her period, and farts. There's no high-maintenance, materialistic glambitions. She's true and good and you'll have a blast spending time with her.

This is not a tormented story. More importantly, it is not a book that mistakes itself for one. It skips the melodrama and channels its heart into the characters' growth and interrelationships.

This author deserves to draw an audience, and fans of warm romance and scorching hot sex scenes won't be disappointed in her debut book.

[♥Trish♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Provided by author for honest review*

Really enjoyed Asia's story. Loved how this book was about finding herself and getting the guy she loves.
Great quirky cast of characters. Decent angst, good love story and how important it is to be yourself & be true to it no matter what.

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-4.75 Stars

No more tears.

Thank you Ms. Abel for bringing an end to my book funk. I fucking loved this book; I consumed it in one day. I saw this book around GR and was awaiting its release, so as soon as it came out, I was all over it like white on rice. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I can totally relate to the heroine and her insecurities, I guess dressing like a tomboy and having two older brothers can do that to a girl. To me, this story is about figuring out how to accept and love the person you are, flaws and all. It’s then, and only then, can you truly be happy.

It was one thing for someone to insult you or hurt you, but it was an entirely different thing when the one person who didn’t believe in you and didn’t think you were anything special was…you.

Asia was raised in a house full of men: Two brothers and her father. Growing up, her brothers were her main influences, which included smoking the occasional weed and drinking. She surfs, skates and likes to wear baggy clothing; the typical tomboy. Because of her older brothers’ über protectiveness, no guy in high school could even approach her, but unfortunately, Asia didn’t know this was happening leading her to believe that she was just one of the guys and nobody special. The one boy she felt a connection with was Marcus, her brother Shaun’s best friend.

My insecurity around men hadn’t been created all on my own. I had help, and that help had come from my first love, Marcus – the guy I’d lost my virginity to.

Marcus was her everything. After his father passed away, her alcoholic mother raised Marcus. Needless to say, Marcus spent a lot of time with Asia and her family. She secretly admired him, fearing his reaction as well as her brother’s. However one night changed all that. She lost herself in Marcus, but it wasn’t meant to be. Marcus moved away wanting to chase his dream of being a pro skater, leaving Asia devastatingly heartbroken.

“If you wanna be free, Asia, all you have to do is see yourself through my eyes.” ~ Marcus

Fast forward seven years, and she still hasn’t quite gotten over Marcus, but she’s trying. She’s decided to let her friend make her over. Whether it’s permanent has yet to be determined. Her new look catches the eye of Jay Clarke, a very wealthy and handsome gentleman. She starts to fall for him, but a two important things hold her back: One – she constantly hides her true self around him. He doesn’t know she use to be quite a bad girl, who use to smoke weed, dislikes wearing dresses; always opting for the comfy jeans and shirts. Will she ever fit into his world? Two – she still quite hasn’t gotten over Marcus, who now is a famous professional skater. She really can’t catch a break. Is she willing to change who she is for Jay? What happens when Marcus comes back into her life? Will she ever be free of her insecurities and be truly happy?

“You’re sexy as hell. You’re sweet. You surf, you skate. You’re so fuckin’ talented that I can’t even pick one of your damn paintings to hang in my room because they’re all so fuckin’ good. And the best part is you have no clue how special you are.”
My eyebrows furrowed. “Why is that the best part?”
“Because that means I’m the one who gets to watch you figure it out.”

I loved the drama in this book. Though there was a small love-triangle, it didn’t overpower the story, nor make it so angsty that my blood pressure would rise. No. It was just perfect. I loved Asia’s journey. Every time you think she’s down for the count, she would pick herself back up and try again (no matter how hurt she was.) I truly admired her character. As for Marcus, well, there aren’t really any words to describe how I feel about him. I loved watching him change too. He doesn’t do relationships, but once Asia re-enters his life, he was a goner. The way he helped Asia see her true value was just plain ole beautiful. Loved this book and I’m really looking forward to Shaun’s story next. Highly recommend!

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[Splage · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Wonderful Stars
Heat Level - 5 flames

Crista and Splage's Joint Review posted at Swept Away By Romance

What worked
Crista says: I loved this book so much that it’s hard for me to describe any one single thing that made this book special. I think one of the best parts of this book is that “Freeing Asia” is exactly what this book is all about. Asia starts this book as an insecure and self-conscious girl and ends this book as a confident and “free” woman. Her evolution is gradual and she does it using her own strength and volition.

Splage says: Listen UP!! There is a new author that is “in the HIZZY”…E.M.Abel and after reading her debut, Freeing Asia, I will put her next book at the top of my must reads! The quality of writing and the story line were spectacular and refreshing. This was a journey for the heroine, Asia, not just a love story or the “same old same old”. I loved the two separate romances that were a part of Asia’s self-discovery. It wasn’t a huge love triangle, but it did add the right amount of spice and jealousy to stir things up. I fell in love with each of Asia’s leading men and I had a hard time choosing.

What didn't work
Crista says: I thought the love triangle angle that this book took was unnecessary. In my opinion, the whole first third of the book could’ve been cut out and the love story would’ve still stood on it’s own. The addition of the love triangle was frustrating and distracting.

Splage says: Not a Damn Thing!! Loved it all and I can’t say that happens a lot for me.

Favorite Character(s)
Crista says: Of course Marcus (who can resist a gorgeous skater), but Asia is right up there as well. It’s rare that I love a heroine as much as the hero, but Asia’s character really worked for me.

Splage says: I am going to go with Asia here. I loved how Asia always kept the tomboy in her around, even when she was dressing pretty and discovering who she really was. Nick, the gay side kick, was a hoot too! He added great comic relief.

Favorite Scene(s)
Crista says: There were many, but the scene that sticks out is the final scene at the art gallery. As far as “perfect endings” go, I think it would be hard to beat this epilogue.

Splage says: There were so many great scenes, but my favorite thing about the book was the amazing dialog. It made the character connections even better and more real. Some of the interactions just melted me. The scene that I did read over and over was, for lack of better words, “the grovel”. The final “grovel”/ happy ending by the last man standing was tender and touching and Asia so deserved his love. I can’t tell you which one and spoil the surprise, although you find out pretty early in the book.

Overall Thoughts
Crista says:Freeing Asia is a highly entertaining, touching, and highly sensual love story that recommend highly. I believed in this couple and absolutely know that they were meant for only one another. The writing was amazing and I was glued to the pages. If you love “second chance at love” stories…you’ve just hit the jackpot with this one! ~ 4.5 Stars!!

Splage says: This is the best book I have read in awhile. It pushed so many of my buttons with its abundance of wonderful characters and a beautifully flawed love story. I love when an author makes me change my mind and sort of sneaks it in on me. That is what happened here, I was happy and gushing and then something better with an even a more perfect fit comes waltzing into Asia’s life. Her evolution in finding the world she wants to be in and who she really is, is the center of this story. I want to go read it again!! ~ 5 Stars!!

Check out the video on the author’s page. It is beautiful and will definitely make you want to read this book pronto!

**ARC kindly provided to Swept Away By Romance by the author for an honest review**

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had two recommendations from my reading friends for this book. So naturally, I had to check it out. This is a really well written book about a tough girl who sees herself as "one of the guys". She has spent her young adult life regretting the one who got away, the one who broker her heart and took her innocence. Now, she's all grown up and she is ready to move on.

Asia grew up in the shadow of her brothers who protected her from everything and everyone. But Asia is no delicate flower. Living with all men for years, she learned to take care of herself. She is quick with a right hook, surfs with the guys and can skateboard. She also has a killer imagination and is an amazing artist. What she is not, is feminine. She dresses like a tomboy and one day she decides to reinvent herself and get on with her life.

On her debut as a hot seductress, Asia runs into Jay. He is a hot guy who is just at home in a business suit as he is in a swimming suit hitting the surf. Asia is finally ready to let her heart go and move on from the past. She has decided to give Jay a chance. But does Jay know the real Asia and is he falling for her or the new reinvented version of herself?

Marcus is the one who got away. He was best friends with Asia's brother. Having lost his family, her family became like a surrogate family for him. So, when Asia started having feelings for him in high school, she didn't tell anyone.

Now that Asia has Jay in her life, Marcus is back. He immediately takes notice of the beautiful woman who he hurt so many years ago. But he is a guy who doesn't do relationships. He has had a lot of women in his past, but nothing serious. Marcus is a skateboarder who went pro and has traveled the world participating in tournaments. He is now "retired" and is opening a new shop, right down the road from Asia.

Asia has just started to open up to Jay and she has no idea what to do with her feelings.

Asia's nickname..."Puffy". Because when she gets high, she makes a puffy face with her cheeks. She and her brothers have always been free spirited. Can Jay accept her for who she is?

One very high night, Asia meets up with Marcus and she finds herself feeling things she promised herself she wouldn't.

Can you ever forget your first love? Can you move on and be someone "new"?

Or, will no one else ever truly compare?

Even if he could never be what you need. Can he be enough?

And what cost you are willing to pay?

This was a very interesting book. I really liked Asia and she was a unique and refreshing change. I adored her bad girl attitude and her spunk. Asia didn't take any shit from anybody. She also had no idea how beautiful and desirable she was . I liked both men for differing reasons. There were heavy moments in this book but there were also many lighthearted spots. It was very well written, great dialogue, genuine and believable characters. 4 stars!

[DKristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a sinus infection so I'm just going to put that out there off the tops, hopefully I make sense...

What I loved about this book...

~I loved Asia and her badass ways.
~I loved that she could see when she wasn't thinking clearly or being rational and yet she still struggled just like any woman would.
~I loved Jay at the beginning and the end, in the middle I wanted to cut him and he was hitting a little too close to home for me and a previous relationship!!!
~I loved that Marcus wasn't perfect.
~I loved her family.
~I loved how real the characters were.
~I loved the little life lessons. Especially in regards to finding oneself through oneself and not through others.

What I didn't love so much...

~While I loved that Asia seemed real there were times where I cringed because she was going so far out of her way to be someone she wasn't.
~At times she appeared to be wise beyond her age and at others she was the complete opposite.
~It began to drag for me a little bit in a few parts.
~The predictability at times was a bummer.
~There was some repetitiveness at times.

Overall this was an excellent love story. It was a story of searching for oneself, making mistakes, forgiveness, heartache, and most of all freedom...







Asia



Jay



Marcus

[Rach]

Not rating

DNF'd at 35%

Hmmmm.....what to say???

I kept trying to give this story a chance! I really did, just to prove V wrong bwhahaha!

But sadly :( I couldn't finish it! *whispers* so I confess V you are right!! Hahahaha never again will I say you are right :)

The heroine got on my nerves with her immature ways and childish ideas. The so called 'bad boy' Jay was far from badass!

I didn't feel connected to the characters enough to care what happened and the sex was just meh for me :(

Her brothers sounded hot!! And for me it says something when you care more for secondary characters than those who the story is suppose to be about :( :(

[Jenny - TotallybookedBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freeing Asia was a wonderful story about finding yourself, loving who you are, shedding that self doubt, believing in yourself and in the process opening up your heart love. It’s about seeing yourself as others see you, about growing and realising that change can only come if you want it, that only you can bring about the happiness you crave.

“I had to stop looking to other people to fill the void I carried in my heart.”

Asia has grown up in a houseful of men after losing her mother at only 10. She loves skating and surfing and is a bit of a tomboy. Asia had her heart broken when she was young and has put up a wall to protect herself, never opening up and instead enjoying life with her friends and family, but never feeling completely happy and experiencing loneliness when her best friend and flatmate moves out to live with her boyfriend.

This give Asia the chance to be with herself, to come to terms with who she is, what she wants out of life and putting her heart out there.

“Why does it take a man’s attention to make me see anything good about myself?”

I enjoyed this story and Asia was a wonderful heroine, though I must admit there were times I wanted to bonk her on the head over some of the decisions she made, but she was young and on a road to self discovery so I forgave her.

“It wasn’t me. The problem was that I wasn’t sure what was me.”

Asia is beautiful and quite vulnerable despite the tough exterior she exudes. She is surrounded by those who love her and care for her and the love of two very different men.

“If you wanna be free Asia, all you have to do is see yourself through my eyes. If you could see how beautiful you are…..”

Now I have to say that I was completely invested in one of these guys and didn’t think I would ever accept Asia falling for the other. I won’t tell you which one because that’s up to you to read this book and find out, but I will say that the author did a splendid job of changing my mind because let me tell you. When I make up my mind about a hero in a book I never change it. Ever. But E.M. Abel did it and I give her kudos for that!

“My heart was free, and it belonged to him. I just prayed that he would be careful with it.”

Two men, Jay and Marcus who were both DIVINE and very, very different with one thing in common, they both have deep feelings and want Asia. One man will want to change her and one man will love her for who she is. This was a wonderfully told story. It was passionate, steamy, and emotional and ticked all the boxes for this romance addict.

“If this is what it means to be free, then lock me up and throw away the key.”

Whilst I did find it a little too descriptive at times, it most definitely didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story and I would recommend picking up Freeing Asia. This was a standalone though there will be further books in the series about other characters in the book.


ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Tomboy stars!!

Asia:


This is the story of a 23 year old girl named Asia who is the main character in this novel who gave everything to her first love only for him to rip her heart to shreds and walk away without a second glance, which results in her losing herself in the process.. A unique heart felt story of first love, heartbreak, new beginnings, and Asia's journey of setting her inhibitions free and finding herself!!

Asia is drop dead gorgeous, vivacious, and will bitch slap you if the occasion arises!! She grew up with a Marine father and two older protective brothers, with no female influence, her mother passed away when she was only 6 years old, she's a tomboy trying to find herself, trying to set herself free, she's always just seen herself as one of the boys with no need to dress to impress..She's a surfer, skater, a pot smoker, a runner and a talented painter..

Whilst on her journey of discovery she must choose between two men, one her first love who after 7 years makes a re-appearance back into her life, and the other her new love!! And both these guys are hot!! This is where things start to heat up!!
Reading the blurb I thought I was going to hit a love triangle but that's not the case, this novel is so tastefully done with NO cheating involved what so ever..

The reason I loved this book as much as I did is because of that connection I felt with Asia and from being a tomboy myself!!

"In order to know true love, you need to know deep pain"