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A Terrible Love #2
A Brutal Tenderness
There are two sides to every story. In this dark and sexy companion novel to the New York Times bestseller A Terrible Love, experience the sizzling passion and pulse-pounding suspense through FBI agent Cas Steele’s eyes as he hunts down a psychopath...and falls for the killer’s prey.
Cas has been charged with an unsavory task: manipulate the hauntingly beautiful Jewell MacLeod—a woman he has every reason to hate—and slowly gain her trust in order to use her as bait to lure in a killer. But as the killer draws closer, Cas realizes that he can’t deny the scorching chemistry that ignites between him and Jewell, even if giving into his physical desire for her means jeopardizing his mission...and opening himself up to the possibility of a real and terrible love...
Cas has been charged with an unsavory task: manipulate the hauntingly beautiful Jewell MacLeod—a woman he has every reason to hate—and slowly gain her trust in order to use her as bait to lure in a killer. But as the killer draws closer, Cas realizes that he can’t deny the scorching chemistry that ignites between him and Jewell, even if giving into his physical desire for her means jeopardizing his mission...and opening himself up to the possibility of a real and terrible love...
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2013
7 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Marata Eros
244 books924 followersNEW RELEASE ALERT: bit.ly/MarataNEWS
Marata Eros is the author of over ninety-five titles, including her NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novel, A TERRIBLE LOVE, and the #1 international bestselling erotic Interracial and African-American TOKEN serial. Marata writes a variety of dark fiction in the genres of erotica, fantasy, romance, suspense and sci-fi. She and her husband live in the midwest with their four sons and three disrespectful dogs. Marata's #1 hobby is reading; she loves interacting with her readers.
http://marataeroseroticaauthor.blogsp...
Tamara Rose Blodgett's Blog: http://tamararoseblodgett.blogspot.com/
FUTURE TITLES 2018:
TRAINER (Road Kill MC)
VIPER (Road Kill MC)
IN BROKEN LOVE
DRUID #11
SIREN #4
THE FIRST SPECIES
Marata Eros is the author of over ninety-five titles, including her NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novel, A TERRIBLE LOVE, and the #1 international bestselling erotic Interracial and African-American TOKEN serial. Marata writes a variety of dark fiction in the genres of erotica, fantasy, romance, suspense and sci-fi. She and her husband live in the midwest with their four sons and three disrespectful dogs. Marata's #1 hobby is reading; she loves interacting with her readers.
http://marataeroseroticaauthor.blogsp...
Tamara Rose Blodgett's Blog: http://tamararoseblodgett.blogspot.com/
FUTURE TITLES 2018:
TRAINER (Road Kill MC)
VIPER (Road Kill MC)
IN BROKEN LOVE
DRUID #11
SIREN #4
THE FIRST SPECIES
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 5, 2013
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
“I try to shake off the shattered remnants of my haunting guilt. But it grips me, carrying me off on the current of memory like a captured leaf, forever churning as the water of my emotions takes me back to the night that Faith called me. And I didn’t answer.”
Blaine “Cas” Steel has been watching Jewell MacLeod aka Jess Mackey for two years, silently blaming her for the death of his cousin, Faith. Determined to avenge his sole family member, Cas, along with his team of Federal Agents go deep undercover to help flush out the sick individual who has been murdering women who all match Jewell’s description, practicing for when he can finally get to her. Cas could have never prepared himself for the reaction he would have to Jess; starting a chain reaction two years in the making…
Cas wants to hate her, keep his distance, do his job; but as soon as Jewell starts to dance, he’s done.
“It instantly slams into me why Faith loved her, it strikes me between the eyes like a physical blow: Jewell is fragile, vulnerable. She’s a woman on the chasm of breaking apart. Faith had felt the same thing I’m feeling now: a fierce sense of protection.”
Keeping his cool and playing the role of “bad boy” Devin Castile gets more and more difficult when he starts to realize Jewell is not who or what he originally thought. Cas has a killer to catch, many lives to save; it shouldn’t matter if one must be lost in order to save many more…but Jewell is proving to be a very dangerous distraction. His feelings can’t get involved with this situation and though he fights it, Jewell gets under his skin and into his heart.
“The girl who will get me the truths I need is the fix to my broken, the key to a lock I didn’t know existed.”
Reading this book did things to me. There is something to be said about “two sides to a story.” I absolutely fell in love with Cas all over again. Being able to see the events unfold from his perspective; to watch HIM change, because of her. To experience this amazing story through his eyes…PRICELESS! Marata Eros has an amazing gift and the re-telling of Jewell & Blaine’s story is just a glimpse of the awesomeness that is she. Everything I felt the first time while reading A Terrible Love was magnified ten-fold while reading A Brutal Tenderness; I don’t even think I can adequately explain…and I don’t want to. READ.THIS.BOOK. (After you read ATL first, of course).
There is so much more to Cas’ POV than I could have ever expected; and the bonus at the end makes the sweet torture of reliving all the “crazy” (including the rare glances into the mind of a true psychopath) so worth it! Brava Ms. Eros, you’ve done it again.
“She owns me and I can’t breathe for knowing it.”
**5+++ Brutally Tender Stars**
My cast for Jess/Jewell:
Blaine "Cas" Steel:
“I try to shake off the shattered remnants of my haunting guilt. But it grips me, carrying me off on the current of memory like a captured leaf, forever churning as the water of my emotions takes me back to the night that Faith called me. And I didn’t answer.”
Blaine “Cas” Steel has been watching Jewell MacLeod aka Jess Mackey for two years, silently blaming her for the death of his cousin, Faith. Determined to avenge his sole family member, Cas, along with his team of Federal Agents go deep undercover to help flush out the sick individual who has been murdering women who all match Jewell’s description, practicing for when he can finally get to her. Cas could have never prepared himself for the reaction he would have to Jess; starting a chain reaction two years in the making…
Cas wants to hate her, keep his distance, do his job; but as soon as Jewell starts to dance, he’s done.
“It instantly slams into me why Faith loved her, it strikes me between the eyes like a physical blow: Jewell is fragile, vulnerable. She’s a woman on the chasm of breaking apart. Faith had felt the same thing I’m feeling now: a fierce sense of protection.”
Keeping his cool and playing the role of “bad boy” Devin Castile gets more and more difficult when he starts to realize Jewell is not who or what he originally thought. Cas has a killer to catch, many lives to save; it shouldn’t matter if one must be lost in order to save many more…but Jewell is proving to be a very dangerous distraction. His feelings can’t get involved with this situation and though he fights it, Jewell gets under his skin and into his heart.
“The girl who will get me the truths I need is the fix to my broken, the key to a lock I didn’t know existed.”
Reading this book did things to me. There is something to be said about “two sides to a story.” I absolutely fell in love with Cas all over again. Being able to see the events unfold from his perspective; to watch HIM change, because of her. To experience this amazing story through his eyes…PRICELESS! Marata Eros has an amazing gift and the re-telling of Jewell & Blaine’s story is just a glimpse of the awesomeness that is she. Everything I felt the first time while reading A Terrible Love was magnified ten-fold while reading A Brutal Tenderness; I don’t even think I can adequately explain…and I don’t want to. READ.THIS.BOOK. (After you read ATL first, of course).
There is so much more to Cas’ POV than I could have ever expected; and the bonus at the end makes the sweet torture of reliving all the “crazy” (including the rare glances into the mind of a true psychopath) so worth it! Brava Ms. Eros, you’ve done it again.
“She owns me and I can’t breathe for knowing it.”
**5+++ Brutally Tender Stars**
My cast for Jess/Jewell:
Blaine "Cas" Steel:
July 20, 2013
"A Brutal Tenderness" is a companion novel to "A Terrible Love" by Marata Eros, and it tells essentially the same story that was featured in "A Terrible Love", but only from the hero's perspective, an undercover FBI agent mostly known as Cas through the narrative.
If there's one thing I'm really starting to be weary of/angry about in the New Adult trends going through the market right now, it's the half-done retellings or companion novels that are supposed to be considered full books. "Walking Disaster" by Jamie McGuire and "This Girl" by Colleen Hoover, as two examples, turned out to be ripoffs for time and expense because they were essentially copy and pasted material and substitutions from the first novels their series were based on, supplemented only by the fact that they were told in the "hero's" perspective. There was very little new material to be had from either of them and it wasn't worth the retracing for their respective length, especially since it was walking through information that the reader already knew, and held no suspense or new ground.
If there's one thing that I have to give Eros credit for, "A Brutal Tenderness" doesn't completely feel like a carbon copy retracing or copy/paste version of the former novel - it offers enough new material and expansions to make it a separate telling with minimal retracing. Unfortunately, that's not much of a compliment considering how threadbare the cast of characters continues to be, and also how convoluted the narrative is. "A Terrible Love" switched from first person to third in alternate perspectives about 75% of the way through the novel when Jess was knocked out, and Cas's true identity was revealed to the reader in a "tell not show" format. The narrative in "A Brutal Tenderness" begins with the sense of loss that Cas feels and an ultimate swearing of vengeance against Jess (real name Jewell) for her inaction over a death that both of them lament in the aftermath, and also in the wake of a serial killer who continues to get away with crimes. His narrative is in first person, while through the work, Cas's perspective is supplemented with the serial killer's perspective in third person. I really don't think the killer's perspective was needed at all in this measure - it just made the read that much longer in filler material.
It didn't help that Cas's perspective point was largely a misogynistic, inaccurate, and unrealistic portrayal of an FBI agent's profile. I don't understand how anyone could think someone as emotionally volatile as Cas could ever function as such. I also don't understand the plausibility of manipulating (via other FBI agents) Jess, the victim, in order to catch the killer. The entire scenario was sketchy, even as we see more of who Cas's team is (and don't get me started on the blatant stereotyping of Native Americans - it was just as bad in the first book). It felt manipulative to watch Cas feel up other female FBI agents in disguise as college students just to try to manipulate Jess/Jewell's emotions. Why would that many FBI agents be needed just to secure Jess/Jewell? It wasn't plausible. It was cringe inducing to hear Cas's words of wanting to possess Jess/Jewell and "bury [his] meat" inside her. It was infuriating to hear him say that many women did not know "the art of logic" and essentially put down females in general through the collective narrative. And the thing that really got under my skin - many of the scenes from the previous narrative were rewritten in this one, via Cas's perspective, to make it seem like Jess/Jewell wanted his advances when she was clearly put off by him in the previous novel.
Why do people find these kinds of characters attractive? I certainly do not, and I certainly CANNOT with the level of abrasiveness and senseless violence that's glorified through the work. I thought that "A Brutal Tenderness" had something of a more even flow than the previous narrative, but the content was just as problematic, if not worse. It wasn't worth the time taken to read.
Overall score: 0.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Gallery Books.
If there's one thing I'm really starting to be weary of/angry about in the New Adult trends going through the market right now, it's the half-done retellings or companion novels that are supposed to be considered full books. "Walking Disaster" by Jamie McGuire and "This Girl" by Colleen Hoover, as two examples, turned out to be ripoffs for time and expense because they were essentially copy and pasted material and substitutions from the first novels their series were based on, supplemented only by the fact that they were told in the "hero's" perspective. There was very little new material to be had from either of them and it wasn't worth the retracing for their respective length, especially since it was walking through information that the reader already knew, and held no suspense or new ground.
If there's one thing that I have to give Eros credit for, "A Brutal Tenderness" doesn't completely feel like a carbon copy retracing or copy/paste version of the former novel - it offers enough new material and expansions to make it a separate telling with minimal retracing. Unfortunately, that's not much of a compliment considering how threadbare the cast of characters continues to be, and also how convoluted the narrative is. "A Terrible Love" switched from first person to third in alternate perspectives about 75% of the way through the novel when Jess was knocked out, and Cas's true identity was revealed to the reader in a "tell not show" format. The narrative in "A Brutal Tenderness" begins with the sense of loss that Cas feels and an ultimate swearing of vengeance against Jess (real name Jewell) for her inaction over a death that both of them lament in the aftermath, and also in the wake of a serial killer who continues to get away with crimes. His narrative is in first person, while through the work, Cas's perspective is supplemented with the serial killer's perspective in third person. I really don't think the killer's perspective was needed at all in this measure - it just made the read that much longer in filler material.
It didn't help that Cas's perspective point was largely a misogynistic, inaccurate, and unrealistic portrayal of an FBI agent's profile. I don't understand how anyone could think someone as emotionally volatile as Cas could ever function as such. I also don't understand the plausibility of manipulating (via other FBI agents) Jess, the victim, in order to catch the killer. The entire scenario was sketchy, even as we see more of who Cas's team is (and don't get me started on the blatant stereotyping of Native Americans - it was just as bad in the first book). It felt manipulative to watch Cas feel up other female FBI agents in disguise as college students just to try to manipulate Jess/Jewell's emotions. Why would that many FBI agents be needed just to secure Jess/Jewell? It wasn't plausible. It was cringe inducing to hear Cas's words of wanting to possess Jess/Jewell and "bury [his] meat" inside her. It was infuriating to hear him say that many women did not know "the art of logic" and essentially put down females in general through the collective narrative. And the thing that really got under my skin - many of the scenes from the previous narrative were rewritten in this one, via Cas's perspective, to make it seem like Jess/Jewell wanted his advances when she was clearly put off by him in the previous novel.
Why do people find these kinds of characters attractive? I certainly do not, and I certainly CANNOT with the level of abrasiveness and senseless violence that's glorified through the work. I thought that "A Brutal Tenderness" had something of a more even flow than the previous narrative, but the content was just as problematic, if not worse. It wasn't worth the time taken to read.
Overall score: 0.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Gallery Books.
November 29, 2025
Agent Cas Steele has lost his beloved cousin Faith to a serial killer. The only link to find the killer is Faith’s best friend Jewell MacLeod. Cas relentlessly pursues Jewell as she tries to hide from becoming the killers next victim. When he is charged with seducing Jewell into becoming bait, he never thought his anger would flip on him...making Jewell the most precious person to protect. Now she is caught in the cross hairs of the FBI and a serial killer, can he keep her safe without loosing what he’s fought so long to find...vengeance on the person that destroyed Faith’s life.
Every facet of this story is brought to you with such stunning detail; you can’t help but be memorized into the life of the characters. The sexual interaction is utterly smoldering! I was blown away by how Eros captured the soul of Cas...even down to the interactions of his relationship with his co-workers.
A Brutal Tenderness is the companion novel of A Terrible Love (a NY Times Bestseller). Immersing us in Cas’s side of the story, Marata Eros creates a dark, haunting tale of Cas’s raw emotions, heart ache and grief for loosing what he holds most dear, his cousin. This book was absolutely brilliant! Eros’s writing pulls you in right into the story, making you feel like an intimate participant in Cas’s journey. Without a doubt, I loved watching the story unfold from Cas's prospective. This book will be added as one of my all time favorites.
I received this ARC copy of A Brutal Tenderness from Simon & Schuster - Pocket Star in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 26, 2013.
Every facet of this story is brought to you with such stunning detail; you can’t help but be memorized into the life of the characters. The sexual interaction is utterly smoldering! I was blown away by how Eros captured the soul of Cas...even down to the interactions of his relationship with his co-workers.
A Brutal Tenderness is the companion novel of A Terrible Love (a NY Times Bestseller). Immersing us in Cas’s side of the story, Marata Eros creates a dark, haunting tale of Cas’s raw emotions, heart ache and grief for loosing what he holds most dear, his cousin. This book was absolutely brilliant! Eros’s writing pulls you in right into the story, making you feel like an intimate participant in Cas’s journey. Without a doubt, I loved watching the story unfold from Cas's prospective. This book will be added as one of my all time favorites.
I received this ARC copy of A Brutal Tenderness from Simon & Schuster - Pocket Star in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 26, 2013.
July 12, 2013
Have you read A Terrible Love yet? Are you wary of reading this because you think it will be the same shit? Well no worries. This really is a whole new book. I barely recognized the same story. Cas has his own tale to tell and it's a hot one.
Some hard truths:
Cas is a guy. So yes Boobs, Vaginas, and sex cross his mind a lot. So be prepared for those.
Cas is volatile. So yes, he gets into fights.
Cas is hot.
You know me. Well you don't. But I am not an over the top Alpha male makes me drool on my lap like a love sick little girl type of female. I like babyfaces. I like non threatening. IRL. But Cas has a certain appeal. He was super protective of Jewelle (did I spell that right?) But he wasn't psycho you can't do anything because I am your lord and master protective.
The writing was 100% Marata/Tamara. It's her voice folks, and it rocks my face off. She has her own writing style and I love it. It's fast and furious and holds no prisoners. Get on for the ride, or don't.
I literally inhaled this book. I loved every single second of it. The MC's did not lose their chemistry, it is still as dark and beautiful as ATL was. Everything about this book was awesome, and great, and neat, and HOT!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to have the ARC!
Some hard truths:
Cas is a guy. So yes Boobs, Vaginas, and sex cross his mind a lot. So be prepared for those.
Cas is volatile. So yes, he gets into fights.
Cas is hot.
You know me. Well you don't. But I am not an over the top Alpha male makes me drool on my lap like a love sick little girl type of female. I like babyfaces. I like non threatening. IRL. But Cas has a certain appeal. He was super protective of Jewelle (did I spell that right?) But he wasn't psycho you can't do anything because I am your lord and master protective.
The writing was 100% Marata/Tamara. It's her voice folks, and it rocks my face off. She has her own writing style and I love it. It's fast and furious and holds no prisoners. Get on for the ride, or don't.
I literally inhaled this book. I loved every single second of it. The MC's did not lose their chemistry, it is still as dark and beautiful as ATL was. Everything about this book was awesome, and great, and neat, and HOT!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to have the ARC!
January 24, 2021
3.5 stars. I didn't quite enjoy this as much as the first, didn't get as hooked on the story and wasn't that invested in the romance. But it still had some of the intensity of the first.
August 26, 2013
Arc Review of A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness
When I chose these ARC books to review I was excited to read this author. The covers were beautiful and the synopsis were exciting. They both sounded like the perfect blend of erotic romance and romantic suspense.
These books had great potential of being an erotic, dark, romantic suspense. The plots had potential to be hair raising, suspenseful, compelling, and exciting. The main plot was to draw out a serial killer that is obsessed with the heroine of the books. The heroine has gone into hiding or maybe a self imposed witness protection program for two years. It is unclear in the story. A team of FBI investigators secretly infiltrate her new life in order to draw out the serial killer that is coming her way. They use her, make plays in her life, attempt to set a scenario that will draw the killer out and they can finally bring him to justice. All this is done without her knowledge. The scenario's the FBI set up are very middle school and high school type dramas. Unbelievable in a college type environment. Unbelievable for an FBI investigation. Each scene is very disjointed and the reader wonders how the book progressed from one scene to the next. The reader wonders what the significance is to their actions. There is no suspenseful build up. The final sting is disappointing. The progression of the couple after the case is closed is uneventful and their happily ever after is not convincing.
Both the hero and herione's personalities are boring. The author fails to bring them to life. The reader never gets a glimpse of what is going on inside her mind. We don't feel her fears, her emotions, her attraction to the hero, and her desire for the hero. Without these factors it is hard for the reader to connect with her. It also makes the romance fall flat.
The hero's personality is just as bad. The book is written from his point of view. The author allows the reader to see the transition from hate for the victim to love for her. The reader never really sees into his pysche therefore we never see the forces which drive him. The reader cannot connect with him or fall in love with him.
The interaction between the two main characters is very weak. There are hardly any scenes that build up sexual chemistry. The dialogue is poor. The sex scenes are text book and dry.
The author also writes the antagonists point of view. We get glimpse's of his obsession but never really understand why he is so obsessed. What has caused him to become the sick bastard he is. And why his accomplice has joined in his vendetta other than the fact that they are step brothers. The reader doesn't understand why he would be just as obsessed with the heroine.
All of the secondary characters are just as dry and unconvincing as the main characters. The reader has no desire to see these characters in other books.
Both books are disjointed, lacking in build up, and the story just does not flow. I was disappointed because the synopsis lead me to believe this book was going to be much more exciting.
I do not recommend these books.
When I chose these ARC books to review I was excited to read this author. The covers were beautiful and the synopsis were exciting. They both sounded like the perfect blend of erotic romance and romantic suspense.
These books had great potential of being an erotic, dark, romantic suspense. The plots had potential to be hair raising, suspenseful, compelling, and exciting. The main plot was to draw out a serial killer that is obsessed with the heroine of the books. The heroine has gone into hiding or maybe a self imposed witness protection program for two years. It is unclear in the story. A team of FBI investigators secretly infiltrate her new life in order to draw out the serial killer that is coming her way. They use her, make plays in her life, attempt to set a scenario that will draw the killer out and they can finally bring him to justice. All this is done without her knowledge. The scenario's the FBI set up are very middle school and high school type dramas. Unbelievable in a college type environment. Unbelievable for an FBI investigation. Each scene is very disjointed and the reader wonders how the book progressed from one scene to the next. The reader wonders what the significance is to their actions. There is no suspenseful build up. The final sting is disappointing. The progression of the couple after the case is closed is uneventful and their happily ever after is not convincing.
Both the hero and herione's personalities are boring. The author fails to bring them to life. The reader never gets a glimpse of what is going on inside her mind. We don't feel her fears, her emotions, her attraction to the hero, and her desire for the hero. Without these factors it is hard for the reader to connect with her. It also makes the romance fall flat.
The hero's personality is just as bad. The book is written from his point of view. The author allows the reader to see the transition from hate for the victim to love for her. The reader never really sees into his pysche therefore we never see the forces which drive him. The reader cannot connect with him or fall in love with him.
The interaction between the two main characters is very weak. There are hardly any scenes that build up sexual chemistry. The dialogue is poor. The sex scenes are text book and dry.
The author also writes the antagonists point of view. We get glimpse's of his obsession but never really understand why he is so obsessed. What has caused him to become the sick bastard he is. And why his accomplice has joined in his vendetta other than the fact that they are step brothers. The reader doesn't understand why he would be just as obsessed with the heroine.
All of the secondary characters are just as dry and unconvincing as the main characters. The reader has no desire to see these characters in other books.
Both books are disjointed, lacking in build up, and the story just does not flow. I was disappointed because the synopsis lead me to believe this book was going to be much more exciting.
I do not recommend these books.
July 7, 2013
Before you even THINK of reading A Brutal Tenderness, pick up and read A Terrible Love by Marata Eros, as it is crucial to truly feeling every brutally raw emotion, thought, sight and action that cascades through our hero’s POV. Told from Undercover Agent “Cas” Steele’s POV after two long years of watching the woman he blames for his cousin’s death, resenting her, yet not quite comfortable with using her as bait to trap a deranged killer, he is completely unprepared for his soul-deep reaction to finally coming face to face with the beautiful, vulnerable Jewell MacLeod. His assignment was to use whatever means available to dangle Jewell on a hook, like raw meat baiting a hungry lion. Looking into her eyes, seeing beyond her façade, his primal need to protect, possess and cherish every part of her begins an epic battle with his ‘duty’ as an agent and his need for revenge. Which side will win? Either way, part of Cas could be forever broken and he’s terrified.
Marata Eros pulls no punches, leaves no emotion unscathed. The world she has created is dark, dangerous, yet sensual and beautifully painful at times. Cas is far deeper than his overwhelmingly powerful , bad boy exterior, as his mental anguish shows. There isn’t a character involved that isn’t given a flesh and blood feel and each scene is detailed with a keen eye to drama and sensual awareness. You WILL be inside Cas’s head.
This was a difficult book review to do. Why? You ask? Obviously, I loved everything about A Brutal Tenderness, but I couldn’t find the words to describe how deeply Marata Eros’s gift for pouring it all out there, shredding it down to pure human need and raw emotion got to me. I could feel HER deep attachment to her work. Marata Eros has a distinctive style and voice that shines through all of her works and just screams READ ME, read me, AGAIN! And I obey.
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster - Pocket Star in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 26, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: A Terrible Love, #2
ISBN: 476752230
Rating: 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Age Recommendation: Adult / New Adult
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Marata Eros pulls no punches, leaves no emotion unscathed. The world she has created is dark, dangerous, yet sensual and beautifully painful at times. Cas is far deeper than his overwhelmingly powerful , bad boy exterior, as his mental anguish shows. There isn’t a character involved that isn’t given a flesh and blood feel and each scene is detailed with a keen eye to drama and sensual awareness. You WILL be inside Cas’s head.
This was a difficult book review to do. Why? You ask? Obviously, I loved everything about A Brutal Tenderness, but I couldn’t find the words to describe how deeply Marata Eros’s gift for pouring it all out there, shredding it down to pure human need and raw emotion got to me. I could feel HER deep attachment to her work. Marata Eros has a distinctive style and voice that shines through all of her works and just screams READ ME, read me, AGAIN! And I obey.
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster - Pocket Star in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 26, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: A Terrible Love, #2
ISBN: 476752230
Rating: 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Age Recommendation: Adult / New Adult
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
August 8, 2013
My Rant:
A Brutal Tenderness was breathtakingly beautiful. This book is much more than a companion novel to a Terrible Love, it is the missing piece to an unrelenting love story. Marata brings the story full circle by telling it from Cas's POV. Cas is displayed as an open book and he lets us into his world, his emotions, and his un-quenching love for Jewell.
Talking about Cas just gives me goose bumps in a good way. His personality is hardcore and raw but what makes Cas appealing is his heart and his dedication to his friends and the people he loves. He is the ultimate good guy with a twist.
In the first few paragraphs you are gripped so tight by his persona. Cas wheels you in and life as you know it outside the book begins to fade because you are immersed in his story. When Cas got angry, I got angry, when he was sad, I was sad but when he showed his loving side you fall hard so hard that you need one of the panic buttons to call someone to help you get up.
Marata has taken this story to a whole new level. Although I have read A terrible Love, I felt like A Brutal Tenderness was a story on its own that could basically stand alone. The action in the storyline was intense so intense my behind is gripping the seat until the permanent indents set in. LOL. Remind me to flatten my cushions.
Any-who, Not only do you have a great story with some sexy FBI agents in it. You all know how much I love my alpha men. Cas is a brute and has no whelms of throwing his hand up when needed but he was also just as efficient as a lover. Marata heats up the pages with the smothering love scenes between Jewell and Cas. Those scenes were smoking hot. Hotter than a pop tart fresh out of the toaster as Little Kim would say. And although the scenes are blaring and your eyes are tearing because you are so close to the flame you get that connection of love, adoration and need from Cas and Jewell. They need each other on a level that is not normal almost supernatural and when they are apart you feel confined and constricted because you can feel it too.( Patting my eyes now , because I am getting emotional).
I loathed Thad and Ben completely loathed them but you are also entrapped in their sadistic torture of their world and reasoning. Although they are not my favorite characters of the story they were interesting ones. In this story you get more insight to what makes Thad and Ben tic. The villains are also being put on display and I have no choice to bow down and give Marata the credit due. Her imagination is amazingly twisted and vivid. I love every bit of it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There is action, hot FBI studs, sex, bad guys, I mean really bad guys, a damsel in distress and a hero with a kick A$$ attitude and a heart of gold nope better than gold platinum.
My Recommendation:
I rated this book 5 out of 5 purple Rant Hearts and I am listing this book as one of my 2013 favs. I would recommend A brutal Tenderness to anyone one who loves a good Contemporary Romance.
A Brutal Tenderness was breathtakingly beautiful. This book is much more than a companion novel to a Terrible Love, it is the missing piece to an unrelenting love story. Marata brings the story full circle by telling it from Cas's POV. Cas is displayed as an open book and he lets us into his world, his emotions, and his un-quenching love for Jewell.
Talking about Cas just gives me goose bumps in a good way. His personality is hardcore and raw but what makes Cas appealing is his heart and his dedication to his friends and the people he loves. He is the ultimate good guy with a twist.
In the first few paragraphs you are gripped so tight by his persona. Cas wheels you in and life as you know it outside the book begins to fade because you are immersed in his story. When Cas got angry, I got angry, when he was sad, I was sad but when he showed his loving side you fall hard so hard that you need one of the panic buttons to call someone to help you get up.
Marata has taken this story to a whole new level. Although I have read A terrible Love, I felt like A Brutal Tenderness was a story on its own that could basically stand alone. The action in the storyline was intense so intense my behind is gripping the seat until the permanent indents set in. LOL. Remind me to flatten my cushions.
Any-who, Not only do you have a great story with some sexy FBI agents in it. You all know how much I love my alpha men. Cas is a brute and has no whelms of throwing his hand up when needed but he was also just as efficient as a lover. Marata heats up the pages with the smothering love scenes between Jewell and Cas. Those scenes were smoking hot. Hotter than a pop tart fresh out of the toaster as Little Kim would say. And although the scenes are blaring and your eyes are tearing because you are so close to the flame you get that connection of love, adoration and need from Cas and Jewell. They need each other on a level that is not normal almost supernatural and when they are apart you feel confined and constricted because you can feel it too.( Patting my eyes now , because I am getting emotional).
I loathed Thad and Ben completely loathed them but you are also entrapped in their sadistic torture of their world and reasoning. Although they are not my favorite characters of the story they were interesting ones. In this story you get more insight to what makes Thad and Ben tic. The villains are also being put on display and I have no choice to bow down and give Marata the credit due. Her imagination is amazingly twisted and vivid. I love every bit of it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There is action, hot FBI studs, sex, bad guys, I mean really bad guys, a damsel in distress and a hero with a kick A$$ attitude and a heart of gold nope better than gold platinum.
My Recommendation:
I rated this book 5 out of 5 purple Rant Hearts and I am listing this book as one of my 2013 favs. I would recommend A brutal Tenderness to anyone one who loves a good Contemporary Romance.
August 23, 2013
A Brutal Tenderness is the companion novel to A Terrible Love by Marata Eros, meaning that it’s the same plot with additional information told from the perspective of Agent Cas Steele. The story gets a new spin as readers get a glimpse behind the scenes of the FBI investigation in which protagonist, Jewell MacLeod, is unknowingly involved. It’s fascinating to finally be privy to the events that led up to the shocking and unexpected twist revealed in A Terrible Love – events that unfolded around an unsuspecting Jewell, who was being used as a pawn in the effort to draw out a murderer. In A Brutal Tenderness, the true identity of Cas is unveiled to readers from the start, offering previously undiscovered insight into his character’s thoughts and motivations, and clearing up some of the mystery surrounding his actions.
Reading A Brutal Tenderness is a bit like watching an episode of Criminal Minds (or another similar crime show), getting a detailed account of the everyday aspects of the investigation as the federal agents attempt to outsmart a killer. I’d classify this as more of a romantic thriller, with the plot being split between FBI headquarters and performing surveillance on Jewell. There’s an ever-present undercurrent of danger because, in this book, it is common knowledge that Jewell is the prey and her predator is lurking nearby. Additional narration from Jewell’s would-be captor, Thad, provides a dose of fear, made even more chilling because of the fact that I knew how the story would progress.
What I love about viewing this story through Cas is that it allowed me to become completely immersed in his character, never once being reminded that this was a male perspective written by a female author. The relationship between Cas and Jewell isn’t romanticized in this book, but is instead very matter-of-fact. The way Cas struggles with his feelings for Jewell is both sensual and primal, with their attraction to each other being as undeniable as it is forbidden. There’s something inherently sexy about Cas, who naturally assumes the role of protector and Alpha male.
A Brutal Tenderness and A Terrible Love perfectly complement each other, with each book providing different information about the same course of events. As a companion novel, A Brutal Tenderness doesn’t merely repeat the same story from a different viewpoint, but rather gives an exciting and suspenseful new account of the story readers became familiar with in A Terrible Love. Both books are completely different yet equally amazing, although the epilogue of A Brutal Tenderness was the ideal end to this story, answering any lingering questions and providing a more thorough look into the future of Cas and Jewell.
Reading A Brutal Tenderness is a bit like watching an episode of Criminal Minds (or another similar crime show), getting a detailed account of the everyday aspects of the investigation as the federal agents attempt to outsmart a killer. I’d classify this as more of a romantic thriller, with the plot being split between FBI headquarters and performing surveillance on Jewell. There’s an ever-present undercurrent of danger because, in this book, it is common knowledge that Jewell is the prey and her predator is lurking nearby. Additional narration from Jewell’s would-be captor, Thad, provides a dose of fear, made even more chilling because of the fact that I knew how the story would progress.
What I love about viewing this story through Cas is that it allowed me to become completely immersed in his character, never once being reminded that this was a male perspective written by a female author. The relationship between Cas and Jewell isn’t romanticized in this book, but is instead very matter-of-fact. The way Cas struggles with his feelings for Jewell is both sensual and primal, with their attraction to each other being as undeniable as it is forbidden. There’s something inherently sexy about Cas, who naturally assumes the role of protector and Alpha male.
A Brutal Tenderness and A Terrible Love perfectly complement each other, with each book providing different information about the same course of events. As a companion novel, A Brutal Tenderness doesn’t merely repeat the same story from a different viewpoint, but rather gives an exciting and suspenseful new account of the story readers became familiar with in A Terrible Love. Both books are completely different yet equally amazing, although the epilogue of A Brutal Tenderness was the ideal end to this story, answering any lingering questions and providing a more thorough look into the future of Cas and Jewell.
July 16, 2013
Note: Reading "A Terrible Love - Love series #1" is an absolute MUST before you take on A Brutal Tenderness.
Let me just get this off my chest......Oh my fricken Lordy Lou!!!! Does that not tell you what I thought of this companion novel???!!!
Hands down, this is my favourite novel by Marata Eros!! And I've read them all!!
They say there are two sides to every story. How often, ladies, do we wish we knew what our men were thinking and feeling? With ABT we get an insight of the inner mechanics of the male species! Well, one male anyway!
Reading this gripping, suspenseful story from FBI agent Cas Steele's POV, already knowing ballerina in hiding, Jewell/Jess' POV, was brilliant! It's like experiencing a movie in 3D with surround sound in a private IMAX screen in your head!
I loved A Terrible Love and being "one" with Jewell/Jess. But being in Cas' head, getting his inner monologue, witnessing first hand his painful struggle understanding his warring feelings and emotions was just.... A-MAZ-ING!!!
If you didn't fall for him in ATL, a) what's wrong with you? And b) you don't have a hope in hell in ABT because his total maleness, hidden vulnerability and pure sexual magnetism suck you in like a pimped- out Dyson vacuum! He is just to die for!
The story itself is in perfect sync with the original but we get more back story, answering questions that we may have had from ATL, and lots of juicy tidbits and surprises that keep you salivating. We get to know more about Brad and Brock who we know from ATL are undercover agents like Cas; and we get an insight into the serial killer's head which made my skin crawl.
I feel with Marata's books that I carry on like a "two bob watch", saying the same things over and over in my reviews, but she delivers so much awesomeness in each one that it's hard to come up with new adjectives to praise her work! She has a real gift of getting into all her character's heads, extracting their souls and offering them on a silver platter. That's quite a feat.
A Brutal Tenderness is a compelling heart pounding, tear jerking, palm sweating, blush inducing, suspense filled story that does in no way disappoint!!
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: August 26, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: A Terrible Love, #2
ISBN: 476752230
Rating: 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Age Recommendation: Adult / New Adult
Let me just get this off my chest......Oh my fricken Lordy Lou!!!! Does that not tell you what I thought of this companion novel???!!!
Hands down, this is my favourite novel by Marata Eros!! And I've read them all!!
They say there are two sides to every story. How often, ladies, do we wish we knew what our men were thinking and feeling? With ABT we get an insight of the inner mechanics of the male species! Well, one male anyway!
Reading this gripping, suspenseful story from FBI agent Cas Steele's POV, already knowing ballerina in hiding, Jewell/Jess' POV, was brilliant! It's like experiencing a movie in 3D with surround sound in a private IMAX screen in your head!
I loved A Terrible Love and being "one" with Jewell/Jess. But being in Cas' head, getting his inner monologue, witnessing first hand his painful struggle understanding his warring feelings and emotions was just.... A-MAZ-ING!!!
If you didn't fall for him in ATL, a) what's wrong with you? And b) you don't have a hope in hell in ABT because his total maleness, hidden vulnerability and pure sexual magnetism suck you in like a pimped- out Dyson vacuum! He is just to die for!
The story itself is in perfect sync with the original but we get more back story, answering questions that we may have had from ATL, and lots of juicy tidbits and surprises that keep you salivating. We get to know more about Brad and Brock who we know from ATL are undercover agents like Cas; and we get an insight into the serial killer's head which made my skin crawl.
I feel with Marata's books that I carry on like a "two bob watch", saying the same things over and over in my reviews, but she delivers so much awesomeness in each one that it's hard to come up with new adjectives to praise her work! She has a real gift of getting into all her character's heads, extracting their souls and offering them on a silver platter. That's quite a feat.
A Brutal Tenderness is a compelling heart pounding, tear jerking, palm sweating, blush inducing, suspense filled story that does in no way disappoint!!
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: August 26, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: A Terrible Love, #2
ISBN: 476752230
Rating: 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Age Recommendation: Adult / New Adult
September 3, 2013
If you haven't read 'A Terrible Love', then don't read this until you have. You wont gain the full impact of the story if you haven't experienced the suspense, the twists and the surprises from the first book.
The title suggests a companion novel, but for me it was more. Combine the two books and you have a completed jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces fit perfectly together and the overall picture is one that moved me on many levels (granted differently to the first and not quite with as much impact). Cas' point of view is very different and has been kept fresh; it wasn't repetitive and there were a couple of surprises thrown in. He's complex, he's dark and he's brooding, but we see his vulnerable side and his witty side which we weren't privy to before. The banter with his colleagues lifted the story exactly when it needed it and they are fabulous secondary characters who I would happily like to see have their own stories.
I may have known the overall outcome, but I still couldn't put it down. Both books are definitely worth reading.
The title suggests a companion novel, but for me it was more. Combine the two books and you have a completed jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces fit perfectly together and the overall picture is one that moved me on many levels (granted differently to the first and not quite with as much impact). Cas' point of view is very different and has been kept fresh; it wasn't repetitive and there were a couple of surprises thrown in. He's complex, he's dark and he's brooding, but we see his vulnerable side and his witty side which we weren't privy to before. The banter with his colleagues lifted the story exactly when it needed it and they are fabulous secondary characters who I would happily like to see have their own stories.
I may have known the overall outcome, but I still couldn't put it down. Both books are definitely worth reading.
September 1, 2013
I read the first book and this back to back and loved them. I wouldn't have minded having Cas' POV mixed in with the first book as opposed to two books because some of the pages I did flit through, but loved it nevertheless. Looking forward to this authors next book!
September 19, 2013
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed A Brutal Tenderness from Cas' point of view immensely. For one, I valued being inside of his head, and seeing how he came to love Jewell so much. For another, I was completely captivated by his position as part of the FBI, along with his good friend and partner, Luke Adams, (who Jewell knew as Brock), and Decatur Clearwater, (who Jewell knew as Brad.) It was very fascinating being privy to what happened behind the scenes as Cas, Luke, and Del collected intel, kept tabs on Jewell to try to keep her safe, and staged conflict, in order to draw the killer out.
I've always been interested in the FBI, and what their job entails. I loved seeing these guys role play while undercover, and then get to see the "real" men behind the scenes as they joked, hung out, sparred, and acted as good friends. The more I learned about Cas (Blaine aka Devin), the more I loved his character. He was highly intelligent, had great instincts, was lethal, and in prime shape. Cas was an alpha male through and through, and was a force to be reckoned with. He was also very loyal towards those that he cared about, and had a vested interest in bringing the serial killer to justice before he even met Jewell. I admired Cas' dedication, persistence, and work ethic. He was a man on a mission, and he was determined to get vengeance.
Cas knew everything that there was to know about Jewell from a ton of research and intel that he had collected. However, what he "knew", and "assumed he knew" about her, in no way prepared him from actually making contact with her for the very first time. The attraction, chemistry, and draw that he felt toward Jewell was intense. He really did get to know her in a meaningful way. If he wasn't with her, than he was behind the scenes trying to keep her safe. When you put A Terrible Love together with A Brutal Tenderness, you end up with a more complete story. Questions are answered, the story becomes more cohesive, the character development becomes more three dimensional, and you get to experience the best parts of the story twice.
I recommend A Terrible Love by Marata Eros. The steam factor went up a few notches when I got to experience Cas' thoughts and emotions. Especially, because he was a man of such few words. Whereas, in A Terrible Love I thought he came off as a bit closed off and aloof, in A Brutal Tenderness, I got to see that in his own way, he was just trying to protect Jewell.
My Rating:
I give A Brutal Tenderness 4 Heated, Passionate, Intense, Suspenseful, and Love Filled Stars! If you are in to Law and Order SUV (like I am), ballet, and enjoy a take charge, mysterious, and sexy alpha male, check out this series. Keep in mind that it is best if you read book one and two back to back like I did. I look forward to continuing with this series, and seeing where Ms. Eros takes it. I'm hoping that some of the secondary characters like Carlie (Jewell's Best Friend), FBI Agent, Luke Adams, and FBI Agent, Decatur Clearwater get their own story as well.
My Favorite Quotes:
"We're two pieces of the same puzzle, the shapes shifting to fit. We can fight it, but in the end, they're meant to link together. No amount of denial or wrangling will change the steady slide toward what the fates have ordained." (ARC, pg. 78-79)
"The unraveling is beginning. I understand, for the first time, why people call it falling in love. It's real. The falling part. It's like falling and never landing. Hope I can survive in one piece." (ARC, pg. 108)
"I've never felt this level of contentment in my life. I gaze down at Jewell, who's wearing a grin on her face. She reaches up and her thumb rasps over the stubble on my chin as wetness squeezes out of her eyes. Not tears of sadness, but rightness. This eases the tightness in my chest, as it would with all men when they know they've given a woman all they had to give..." (ARC, pg. 142)
To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
I enjoyed A Brutal Tenderness from Cas' point of view immensely. For one, I valued being inside of his head, and seeing how he came to love Jewell so much. For another, I was completely captivated by his position as part of the FBI, along with his good friend and partner, Luke Adams, (who Jewell knew as Brock), and Decatur Clearwater, (who Jewell knew as Brad.) It was very fascinating being privy to what happened behind the scenes as Cas, Luke, and Del collected intel, kept tabs on Jewell to try to keep her safe, and staged conflict, in order to draw the killer out.
I've always been interested in the FBI, and what their job entails. I loved seeing these guys role play while undercover, and then get to see the "real" men behind the scenes as they joked, hung out, sparred, and acted as good friends. The more I learned about Cas (Blaine aka Devin), the more I loved his character. He was highly intelligent, had great instincts, was lethal, and in prime shape. Cas was an alpha male through and through, and was a force to be reckoned with. He was also very loyal towards those that he cared about, and had a vested interest in bringing the serial killer to justice before he even met Jewell. I admired Cas' dedication, persistence, and work ethic. He was a man on a mission, and he was determined to get vengeance.
Cas knew everything that there was to know about Jewell from a ton of research and intel that he had collected. However, what he "knew", and "assumed he knew" about her, in no way prepared him from actually making contact with her for the very first time. The attraction, chemistry, and draw that he felt toward Jewell was intense. He really did get to know her in a meaningful way. If he wasn't with her, than he was behind the scenes trying to keep her safe. When you put A Terrible Love together with A Brutal Tenderness, you end up with a more complete story. Questions are answered, the story becomes more cohesive, the character development becomes more three dimensional, and you get to experience the best parts of the story twice.
I recommend A Terrible Love by Marata Eros. The steam factor went up a few notches when I got to experience Cas' thoughts and emotions. Especially, because he was a man of such few words. Whereas, in A Terrible Love I thought he came off as a bit closed off and aloof, in A Brutal Tenderness, I got to see that in his own way, he was just trying to protect Jewell.
My Rating:
I give A Brutal Tenderness 4 Heated, Passionate, Intense, Suspenseful, and Love Filled Stars! If you are in to Law and Order SUV (like I am), ballet, and enjoy a take charge, mysterious, and sexy alpha male, check out this series. Keep in mind that it is best if you read book one and two back to back like I did. I look forward to continuing with this series, and seeing where Ms. Eros takes it. I'm hoping that some of the secondary characters like Carlie (Jewell's Best Friend), FBI Agent, Luke Adams, and FBI Agent, Decatur Clearwater get their own story as well.
My Favorite Quotes:
"We're two pieces of the same puzzle, the shapes shifting to fit. We can fight it, but in the end, they're meant to link together. No amount of denial or wrangling will change the steady slide toward what the fates have ordained." (ARC, pg. 78-79)
"The unraveling is beginning. I understand, for the first time, why people call it falling in love. It's real. The falling part. It's like falling and never landing. Hope I can survive in one piece." (ARC, pg. 108)
"I've never felt this level of contentment in my life. I gaze down at Jewell, who's wearing a grin on her face. She reaches up and her thumb rasps over the stubble on my chin as wetness squeezes out of her eyes. Not tears of sadness, but rightness. This eases the tightness in my chest, as it would with all men when they know they've given a woman all they had to give..." (ARC, pg. 142)
To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
July 20, 2014
ARC provided by Net Gallery in exchange for an honest review.
Please note that this is the retelling of A Terrible Love and although the same story from Cas's POV you will not get the full story by not starting first with A Terrible Love. If you haven't read it yet, please look away now! This will contain spoilers of just the already known parts of the story, but I will try my best to leave out as much as possible.
I want to first identify two problems I had with this story. They both relate to a time line issue. In A Terrible Love, it was not until about halfway when Jess/Jewell begins to use the nickname Cas. But in the entire story she uses it - but even at the half way mark, he gives her the nickname to use. The other part that was off, was in the same section where they have sex for the first time, the conversation goes off course and she comments on her true identity & family. I can only imagine the difficulty with having to retell a story from the POV change - already knowing how it ends, already have had written the ending. So hopefully these two things can be corrected before the final release is out. But beyond that, Cas's side of the story added to this rather than took it away.
There was a whole side to his connection to Jess/Jewell that we never got to see. And that made the connection so much greater. Cas not only had to get over his feelings for her to save her, but he had to find forgiveness for himself, and for her in order to move on from the pain.
But this wasn't just simply Cas's story. We get the inner sick workings of Thad's POV. You already knew he was a sick bastard, but until you get this glimpse you have no idea. The way his parts wove into the story were done with purpose and were just about perfect. The two sides really completed this story. It felt nothing like it did while reading the first book, that I had finished just moments before starting this. Even at the end as we are waiting for the showdown to occur, I was on the edge of my seat. I had completely forgotten I already knew how this turned out - it felt like I was reading it for the first time. And although in A Terrible Love it appears that they go straight into each other's arms, we get to see what happened from the time she was admitted into the hospital until the he holding her in the dance studio.
This swap of POV was not just a simple scene exchange of who was in the narrator seat. This was a brand new story that held it's own ground that opened up areas that were shut out in the first book. Cas was much more of a complicated character that I had given him credit for, his struggle to come to terms with his original stance towards Jess/Jewell - his sudden desire to claim her - his situation with protecting her - his requirement to use/risk her as bait. It tore him apart and everything was felt.
These two novels were my first experience with the works of Marata Eros and I was very pleased with what I found. There is always a hard line in suspense/romances to keep. This stayed the path evenly - one never took over the other. In the end I found a great love story that was full of emotion, twist & turns and enough nail-biting moments that I just could not look away.
Please note that this is the retelling of A Terrible Love and although the same story from Cas's POV you will not get the full story by not starting first with A Terrible Love. If you haven't read it yet, please look away now! This will contain spoilers of just the already known parts of the story, but I will try my best to leave out as much as possible.
I want to first identify two problems I had with this story. They both relate to a time line issue. In A Terrible Love, it was not until about halfway when Jess/Jewell begins to use the nickname Cas. But in the entire story she uses it - but even at the half way mark, he gives her the nickname to use. The other part that was off, was in the same section where they have sex for the first time, the conversation goes off course and she comments on her true identity & family. I can only imagine the difficulty with having to retell a story from the POV change - already knowing how it ends, already have had written the ending. So hopefully these two things can be corrected before the final release is out. But beyond that, Cas's side of the story added to this rather than took it away.
There was a whole side to his connection to Jess/Jewell that we never got to see. And that made the connection so much greater. Cas not only had to get over his feelings for her to save her, but he had to find forgiveness for himself, and for her in order to move on from the pain.
But this wasn't just simply Cas's story. We get the inner sick workings of Thad's POV. You already knew he was a sick bastard, but until you get this glimpse you have no idea. The way his parts wove into the story were done with purpose and were just about perfect. The two sides really completed this story. It felt nothing like it did while reading the first book, that I had finished just moments before starting this. Even at the end as we are waiting for the showdown to occur, I was on the edge of my seat. I had completely forgotten I already knew how this turned out - it felt like I was reading it for the first time. And although in A Terrible Love it appears that they go straight into each other's arms, we get to see what happened from the time she was admitted into the hospital until the he holding her in the dance studio.
This swap of POV was not just a simple scene exchange of who was in the narrator seat. This was a brand new story that held it's own ground that opened up areas that were shut out in the first book. Cas was much more of a complicated character that I had given him credit for, his struggle to come to terms with his original stance towards Jess/Jewell - his sudden desire to claim her - his situation with protecting her - his requirement to use/risk her as bait. It tore him apart and everything was felt.
These two novels were my first experience with the works of Marata Eros and I was very pleased with what I found. There is always a hard line in suspense/romances to keep. This stayed the path evenly - one never took over the other. In the end I found a great love story that was full of emotion, twist & turns and enough nail-biting moments that I just could not look away.
July 11, 2013
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2013...
Jess Mackey is the name she is using now, but she was Jewell MacLeod, and she is trying to get her feet back under her after a horrible tragedy that forced her to leave her family behind. She is slowly meeting new people but mostly keeps herself at a distance. Until Devin Castile, Cas to friends, refuses to stay at a distance and stirs up an interest she thought was long dead.
Cas is an FBI agent who has a vested interest in bringing down a serial killer intent on tracking down Jewell Mac!eod. Cas is expected to get as close to Jess/Jewell as he can, in order to manipulate her into luring the killer out. He initially feels no compunction about using the girl as bait, in order to save the lives of others. In fact he feels he has reason to hate her. However, when after two years of surveillance, he finally meets Jess/Jewell face to face, he finds himself strongly drawn to her. He can't lose focus on the investigation and no matter how much his instincts are telling him to protect Jess at all costs, he can't tell her the truth and jeopardize the operation.
Cas walks a fine line, going ahead with the original plan of drawing out the killer while at the same time trying to control his frenzied craving for Jess/Jewell. He is not always succesful and confuses her when he burns her up with his passion one moment, and then disappears for days at a time. But even though Cas has taken risks in exploring his feelings for Jess/Jewell, he has not lost sight of the fact that the killer must be close now. And he will do whatever it takes to keep his woman safe.......and by his side.
****
This is the story of Jess and Cas, from A TERRIBLE LOVE , but this time told from the point of view of Cas. This point of view certainly offers a fuller picture and a better understanding of situations and behaviours that may have seemed odd in the first book.
Should both points of view have been written simultaneously, or at least alternated in one and the same book, would the storyline have become more obvious? It might have been possible for me to immerse myself more in the compelling characters and the flow of beautiful writing, instead of concentrating on the what and why of things that were happening. But then again, it might have interrupted the connective flow I built with Cas throughout this book. There likely is a method to Ms. Eros' madness, and who am I to question.
The book was intense, I spent most of my time reading it perched at the edge of my seat. Full of internal dialogue, it does give a beautiful insight into a highly conflicted but moral man, who finds himself utterly and completely captivated by a beautiful wounded survivor. I also needed a towel, to frequently mop my 'dewy' forehead........plenty of heat radiated off the pages and it wasn't just my hot flashes!!
I most definitely suggest this book not be read without reading A TERRIBLE LOVE first.......but read them closely together!!
High in suspense, hot in passion and beautiful in word!!
Jess Mackey is the name she is using now, but she was Jewell MacLeod, and she is trying to get her feet back under her after a horrible tragedy that forced her to leave her family behind. She is slowly meeting new people but mostly keeps herself at a distance. Until Devin Castile, Cas to friends, refuses to stay at a distance and stirs up an interest she thought was long dead.
Cas is an FBI agent who has a vested interest in bringing down a serial killer intent on tracking down Jewell Mac!eod. Cas is expected to get as close to Jess/Jewell as he can, in order to manipulate her into luring the killer out. He initially feels no compunction about using the girl as bait, in order to save the lives of others. In fact he feels he has reason to hate her. However, when after two years of surveillance, he finally meets Jess/Jewell face to face, he finds himself strongly drawn to her. He can't lose focus on the investigation and no matter how much his instincts are telling him to protect Jess at all costs, he can't tell her the truth and jeopardize the operation.
Cas walks a fine line, going ahead with the original plan of drawing out the killer while at the same time trying to control his frenzied craving for Jess/Jewell. He is not always succesful and confuses her when he burns her up with his passion one moment, and then disappears for days at a time. But even though Cas has taken risks in exploring his feelings for Jess/Jewell, he has not lost sight of the fact that the killer must be close now. And he will do whatever it takes to keep his woman safe.......and by his side.
****
This is the story of Jess and Cas, from A TERRIBLE LOVE , but this time told from the point of view of Cas. This point of view certainly offers a fuller picture and a better understanding of situations and behaviours that may have seemed odd in the first book.
Should both points of view have been written simultaneously, or at least alternated in one and the same book, would the storyline have become more obvious? It might have been possible for me to immerse myself more in the compelling characters and the flow of beautiful writing, instead of concentrating on the what and why of things that were happening. But then again, it might have interrupted the connective flow I built with Cas throughout this book. There likely is a method to Ms. Eros' madness, and who am I to question.
The book was intense, I spent most of my time reading it perched at the edge of my seat. Full of internal dialogue, it does give a beautiful insight into a highly conflicted but moral man, who finds himself utterly and completely captivated by a beautiful wounded survivor. I also needed a towel, to frequently mop my 'dewy' forehead........plenty of heat radiated off the pages and it wasn't just my hot flashes!!
I most definitely suggest this book not be read without reading A TERRIBLE LOVE first.......but read them closely together!!
High in suspense, hot in passion and beautiful in word!!
August 19, 2013
To see my full review:
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3B6
Have you ever read a novel and wondered what the other main characters were thinking and feeling as the events unfolded on the page of a first-person narrative. Remember Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyers? That tease of a half-finished manuscript that presented Twilight from Edwards point of view, showing readers where he went when he left Bella’s side; giving inside glimpses into his head and heart? Remember that? I nearly died when I got to the last chapter and read that Meyers wouldn’t be completing it because someone leaked it. It was such a great story and it was my first experience with reading a novel from another character’s perspective, a writing technique that I actually haven’t seen very often. Sure, I’ve seen authors publish a chapter here or there rewritten from another character’s point-of-view, but not so much in the way of entire novels.
Well, New York Times Bestselling Author Marata Eros (aka. Tamara Rose Blodgett) gives us just that in A Brutal Tenderness, the amazing companion novel to A Terrible Love. This time, we see the entire story through Cas’ eyes, living his thoughts and feelings alongside him as he takes on Jewell’s case in attempts to flush out a murderer. And it’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.
I adored A Terrible Love; Eros handles a delicate situation extremely well, and her writing is absolutely phenomenal, gluing the reader to the story one riveting page at a time. And to be honest, I thought that novel was the end of a wonderful story, and it never crossed my mind to question what Cas was doing when he wasn’t near Jewell, or what he was thinking on a deeper level than what Eros presents readers with in the original novel. But with A Brutal Tenderness, Eros captivates her readers once again, answering questions I didn’t even know I had, and shining a brighter light on an already wonderful story through the eyes of Cas.
When I first read the synopsis, I didn’t think it was the same story due to the alias that Jewell takes on from the get-go: Jess Mackey. Though the synopsis sounds similar in both A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness, the use of aliases versus full names in the book blurbs threw me off for just a bit, until I began reading and realized exactly what it was—and I was ecstatic!
One of the aspects that I really loved about this novel is that it casts Cas in a completely different light and his decisions, which irked me often in A Terrible Love, made much more sense and were actually out of love for Jewell as opposed to scorn, like I originally thought throughout much of A Terrible Love. Likewise, readers are given insight into his reasoning for disliking Jewell so much in the very beginning, showing his emotional breakdowns as they come, and being able to visually see Cas change his tune as he got to know Jewell was a bonus given to readers through this change in perspective.
Eros is a genius, and this novel is, indeed, the perfect companion to A Terrible Love, but make sure you read A Terrible Love first so you don’t ruin any of the surprises.
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3B6
Have you ever read a novel and wondered what the other main characters were thinking and feeling as the events unfolded on the page of a first-person narrative. Remember Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyers? That tease of a half-finished manuscript that presented Twilight from Edwards point of view, showing readers where he went when he left Bella’s side; giving inside glimpses into his head and heart? Remember that? I nearly died when I got to the last chapter and read that Meyers wouldn’t be completing it because someone leaked it. It was such a great story and it was my first experience with reading a novel from another character’s perspective, a writing technique that I actually haven’t seen very often. Sure, I’ve seen authors publish a chapter here or there rewritten from another character’s point-of-view, but not so much in the way of entire novels.
Well, New York Times Bestselling Author Marata Eros (aka. Tamara Rose Blodgett) gives us just that in A Brutal Tenderness, the amazing companion novel to A Terrible Love. This time, we see the entire story through Cas’ eyes, living his thoughts and feelings alongside him as he takes on Jewell’s case in attempts to flush out a murderer. And it’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.
I adored A Terrible Love; Eros handles a delicate situation extremely well, and her writing is absolutely phenomenal, gluing the reader to the story one riveting page at a time. And to be honest, I thought that novel was the end of a wonderful story, and it never crossed my mind to question what Cas was doing when he wasn’t near Jewell, or what he was thinking on a deeper level than what Eros presents readers with in the original novel. But with A Brutal Tenderness, Eros captivates her readers once again, answering questions I didn’t even know I had, and shining a brighter light on an already wonderful story through the eyes of Cas.
When I first read the synopsis, I didn’t think it was the same story due to the alias that Jewell takes on from the get-go: Jess Mackey. Though the synopsis sounds similar in both A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness, the use of aliases versus full names in the book blurbs threw me off for just a bit, until I began reading and realized exactly what it was—and I was ecstatic!
One of the aspects that I really loved about this novel is that it casts Cas in a completely different light and his decisions, which irked me often in A Terrible Love, made much more sense and were actually out of love for Jewell as opposed to scorn, like I originally thought throughout much of A Terrible Love. Likewise, readers are given insight into his reasoning for disliking Jewell so much in the very beginning, showing his emotional breakdowns as they come, and being able to visually see Cas change his tune as he got to know Jewell was a bonus given to readers through this change in perspective.
Eros is a genius, and this novel is, indeed, the perfect companion to A Terrible Love, but make sure you read A Terrible Love first so you don’t ruin any of the surprises.
September 9, 2013
I really loved A Terrible Love, and I have been looking forward to reading A Brutal Tenderness, which is A Terrible Love from Cas' point of view. First, let me say that you do need to read A Terrible Love before reading A Brutal Tenderness, otherwise you will not truly understand, enjoy, or get the full impact of the story. Even though this is the same story, Cas' version is completely unique and different from A Terrible Love, so it is definitely not like reading the same story again, which is something I really enjoyed. Again, if you don't read A Terrible Love first though, you will not appreciate or get it to the degree that it is designed and written to be. Not only is A Brutal Tenderness told from Cas's point of view, but you also get to see a whole different side of the story, including the back stories of many of the characters in the book. This adds a whole new depth and dimension to the story , which is something that was not a part of book one. Therefore, when you read that this is a companion novel to A Terrible Love, that is exactly what it is, and I thought it was wonderful. Not only do we see what was going on in Cas' mind, we get to see things from the FBI perspective regarding the case, as well as getting to know the other agents involved, their roles, and how everything played out from their side. In addition, there are several chapters that focus on Thad, which are told in the third person, allowing you to get inside his head. Another thing I enjoyed was the ending, which goes into much more detail than what we see in A Terrible Love, including several chapters with details of what goes on between the ending of A Terrible Love and the epilogue one year later, so there is quite a bit of new material included.
All that being said, I love Cas - he is a loose cannon, all alpha, hot, badass as badass can be, and he loves and protects Jewell fiercely. He isn't perfect and he doesn't always know how to express himself verbally in the best way, which is something that makes him more human and more real. I loved getting to know him up close and personal, and getting inside his head and seeing and experiencing things from his point of view. Marata Eros has done a brilliant job with this series, not just writing a sequel, but bringing two halves together which make a whole. I thoroughly enjoyed this dark romantic suspense and most definitely recommend A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness.
Quotes:
Her face is so full of expression. I wonder if she realizes everyone can see down to her toenails.
Her large eyes plead with me not to mention our interlude, and I don't, even though I feel like peeing in corners to mark my territory.
It's all I have, all I am. A brutal tenderness is all I am capable of giving.
Playing hard to get is for guys who have never been in love. The lucky f**kers.
"Babe," I saw, and she gives me the Look. Y'know, the one that women reserve to let you know when you're going to step in it. However, I've never been great on nonverbal female cues, not being a mind reader and all that bullsh*t.
All that being said, I love Cas - he is a loose cannon, all alpha, hot, badass as badass can be, and he loves and protects Jewell fiercely. He isn't perfect and he doesn't always know how to express himself verbally in the best way, which is something that makes him more human and more real. I loved getting to know him up close and personal, and getting inside his head and seeing and experiencing things from his point of view. Marata Eros has done a brilliant job with this series, not just writing a sequel, but bringing two halves together which make a whole. I thoroughly enjoyed this dark romantic suspense and most definitely recommend A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness.
Quotes:
Her face is so full of expression. I wonder if she realizes everyone can see down to her toenails.
Her large eyes plead with me not to mention our interlude, and I don't, even though I feel like peeing in corners to mark my territory.
It's all I have, all I am. A brutal tenderness is all I am capable of giving.
Playing hard to get is for guys who have never been in love. The lucky f**kers.
"Babe," I saw, and she gives me the Look. Y'know, the one that women reserve to let you know when you're going to step in it. However, I've never been great on nonverbal female cues, not being a mind reader and all that bullsh*t.
January 31, 2014
Totally LOVED it!!!
First Off this is not just a re-telling of the story this is a different point of view a different voice, and what a voice it is.(I imagine it to be like Vin Diesel However I imagine every guy sounding like Vin Diesel).
After reading both A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness I really think they both needed to be written, as they are playing hidden identity roles, essentially there are 4 main characters Jewell/Jess and Devin Castile/Blaine (Cas) Steel. And who doesnt love doing a re-read on a great story this way you get to read it again but with some inciteful differences.
This is Cas' point of view. I loved this view, Cas is definitely painted in a different light and so much is added to his character. I loved finding out more about him, and how he falls for Jewell.
I really enjoyed Cas again this time around dont get me wrong I fricken Loved the alphary Cas that was portrayed in A Terrible Love but I also loved the softer side we get to see in this story. I preferred that he referenced Jess with her real name Jewell whenever he spoke or thought about her, made it more believable for me. Seeing the relationship through Cas' eyes is interesting and you can see how he falls for Jewell and all the obstacles put in his way with reasons for the disappearances in A Terrible Love.
I liked how we got to know the “FBI team” as well, and who was playing whom.
I found this sequel was a little more humours probably more to do with the ribbing Cas gets from his FBI buddies.
The sexy scenes are still just as hot as A Terrible Love, but I did like Jewells reactions and her tension filled build ups in the first story, slightly more. And still that one word line “Respond” is still panty dropping hot.
I have to mention I completely love love loved that the Book Titles were used in both novels and as important lines at that, very very clever.
We also get more information on Thad and Ben which deepens the story to another level, their connection and their mutual admiration of being sickos.
The epilogue is excellent in this story I was so glad to see there was a bit more to the story.
This is definitely a series I need to get in paperback to sit on my shelf for re-reading and general admiration.
All up I fricken love Marata Eros she has a way with words that make you think and some lines that stay with you forever, Her sexy scenes are always hot and the connections between her characters are admirable and simple perfection. On my Automatic Buy list I cant wait to see what she comes up with next.
First Off this is not just a re-telling of the story this is a different point of view a different voice, and what a voice it is.(I imagine it to be like Vin Diesel However I imagine every guy sounding like Vin Diesel).
After reading both A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness I really think they both needed to be written, as they are playing hidden identity roles, essentially there are 4 main characters Jewell/Jess and Devin Castile/Blaine (Cas) Steel. And who doesnt love doing a re-read on a great story this way you get to read it again but with some inciteful differences.
This is Cas' point of view. I loved this view, Cas is definitely painted in a different light and so much is added to his character. I loved finding out more about him, and how he falls for Jewell.
I really enjoyed Cas again this time around dont get me wrong I fricken Loved the alphary Cas that was portrayed in A Terrible Love but I also loved the softer side we get to see in this story. I preferred that he referenced Jess with her real name Jewell whenever he spoke or thought about her, made it more believable for me. Seeing the relationship through Cas' eyes is interesting and you can see how he falls for Jewell and all the obstacles put in his way with reasons for the disappearances in A Terrible Love.
I liked how we got to know the “FBI team” as well, and who was playing whom.
I found this sequel was a little more humours probably more to do with the ribbing Cas gets from his FBI buddies.
The sexy scenes are still just as hot as A Terrible Love, but I did like Jewells reactions and her tension filled build ups in the first story, slightly more. And still that one word line “Respond” is still panty dropping hot.
I have to mention I completely love love loved that the Book Titles were used in both novels and as important lines at that, very very clever.
We also get more information on Thad and Ben which deepens the story to another level, their connection and their mutual admiration of being sickos.
The epilogue is excellent in this story I was so glad to see there was a bit more to the story.
This is definitely a series I need to get in paperback to sit on my shelf for re-reading and general admiration.
All up I fricken love Marata Eros she has a way with words that make you think and some lines that stay with you forever, Her sexy scenes are always hot and the connections between her characters are admirable and simple perfection. On my Automatic Buy list I cant wait to see what she comes up with next.
August 10, 2013
BRUTAL TENDERNESS OR TERRIBLE LOVE?
Originally posted at SnarkyMomReads
“A BRUTAL TENDERNESS” by Marata Eros is titled as a companion novel to “A Terrible Love“. These are New Adult genre novels written in the ‘He Said, She Said’ method – and “A Brutal Tenderness” is written from the first person perspective of the male lead character, FBI agent Cas Steele. This is a 250+ page read priced at $5.69 (ouch!) published by Simon & Schuster.
Overall, the story was a good read. Since I was reading an advance copy (in exchange for this review) I’m going to assume that (HOPEFULLY!) the formatting, structural and grammatical errors will be cleaned up by time of its publishing on August 24th. “A Brutal Tenderness” is written in the first person perspective, which as a reader I really don’t like, so I find my feelings on the book a bit skewed. I found it a bit too heavy on the stream-of-consciousness and pop psychology and a bit too light on the story in places. I also had a hard time figuring out who was who / what / where. I think that’s why this is in the New Adult genre – because old ladies with Mom Brain like me just really feel the need to pull out a piece of paper to keep track of the players, especially in this situation where you are dealing with agents who flit between their real names and aliases. Also, since this was written in first person, there isn’t as much narrative explanation of who the people are — you have to read and dig through to figure it all out. This Mom Brain just got tired from doing that.
Since I’ve not read “A Terrible Love”, I can only assume I am not missing out on the basics of story – so I would feel comfortable saying that although this book is linked to the other, it’s easily read as a standalone. This is also marketed as an erotic romance, so do expect sex – but nothing too explicit or spicy. Do I feel the urge to go read the book written from Jewell’s point of view? Eh. NO. Didn’t hate this book – just didn’t really like it due to the items mentioned above. You, however, may have an ENTIRELY different take on it!
Originally posted at SnarkyMomReads
“A BRUTAL TENDERNESS” by Marata Eros is titled as a companion novel to “A Terrible Love“. These are New Adult genre novels written in the ‘He Said, She Said’ method – and “A Brutal Tenderness” is written from the first person perspective of the male lead character, FBI agent Cas Steele. This is a 250+ page read priced at $5.69 (ouch!) published by Simon & Schuster.
Overall, the story was a good read. Since I was reading an advance copy (in exchange for this review) I’m going to assume that (HOPEFULLY!) the formatting, structural and grammatical errors will be cleaned up by time of its publishing on August 24th. “A Brutal Tenderness” is written in the first person perspective, which as a reader I really don’t like, so I find my feelings on the book a bit skewed. I found it a bit too heavy on the stream-of-consciousness and pop psychology and a bit too light on the story in places. I also had a hard time figuring out who was who / what / where. I think that’s why this is in the New Adult genre – because old ladies with Mom Brain like me just really feel the need to pull out a piece of paper to keep track of the players, especially in this situation where you are dealing with agents who flit between their real names and aliases. Also, since this was written in first person, there isn’t as much narrative explanation of who the people are — you have to read and dig through to figure it all out. This Mom Brain just got tired from doing that.
Since I’ve not read “A Terrible Love”, I can only assume I am not missing out on the basics of story – so I would feel comfortable saying that although this book is linked to the other, it’s easily read as a standalone. This is also marketed as an erotic romance, so do expect sex – but nothing too explicit or spicy. Do I feel the urge to go read the book written from Jewell’s point of view? Eh. NO. Didn’t hate this book – just didn’t really like it due to the items mentioned above. You, however, may have an ENTIRELY different take on it!
August 18, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review. Expected publication date: August 26th.
For two years he has stalked her…
For two years he has blamed her…
For two years he has hated her…
Jewell MacLeod’s life was in some serious danger. She changed her name, appearance and runs away after her best friend Hope is brutally murdered. Jewell spins a web of lies in order to conceal her identity from the psycho killer who wants to get her next. It turns out she is not the only one who is telling lies. Everyone around her has an agenda and Jewell has no idea.
Warning: Read A Terrible Love (book #1) first. A Brutal Tenderness (A Terrible Love #2) is a companion novel told in Agent “Cas” Steel’s POV. Hot as hell alpha FBI agent Cas is hell bent on avenging the death of his cousin Hope. Cas blames her death on her so called best friend Jewell. After getting to know Jewell he is torn. She isn’t the spoiled selfish bitch who did nothing as she watched his cousin murdered. Cas never expected to fall hard and fast for his “live bait”…while on the job to catch a serial killer.
Marata Eros spins a wicked tail of romance and suspense. This tension filled novel takes some great twists and turns through Cas’s eyes… as well as Hope’s killers. I have to say…I was glad I re-read book one first or I might not have truly appreciated Cas’s POV as much as I did. I found ABT to be a little regurgitated from book one (some of the dialogue and retelling of a story) -- but that was ok with me since I LOVED book one. Cas’s POV was great. I loved getting to dig deep into the steamy recesses of his alpha male/bad boy brain. The writer did a great job unraveling the back story. If you loved A Terrible Love and Cas…then you will love getting more Cas in A Brutal Tenderness. 3.75 – 4 Cas-stars.
This review appears on www.KindleCrack.net, www.facebook.com/Kindlecrack, Goodreads and Twitter.
Review to follow:)
For two years he has stalked her…
For two years he has blamed her…
For two years he has hated her…
Jewell MacLeod’s life was in some serious danger. She changed her name, appearance and runs away after her best friend Hope is brutally murdered. Jewell spins a web of lies in order to conceal her identity from the psycho killer who wants to get her next. It turns out she is not the only one who is telling lies. Everyone around her has an agenda and Jewell has no idea.
Warning: Read A Terrible Love (book #1) first. A Brutal Tenderness (A Terrible Love #2) is a companion novel told in Agent “Cas” Steel’s POV. Hot as hell alpha FBI agent Cas is hell bent on avenging the death of his cousin Hope. Cas blames her death on her so called best friend Jewell. After getting to know Jewell he is torn. She isn’t the spoiled selfish bitch who did nothing as she watched his cousin murdered. Cas never expected to fall hard and fast for his “live bait”…while on the job to catch a serial killer.
Marata Eros spins a wicked tail of romance and suspense. This tension filled novel takes some great twists and turns through Cas’s eyes… as well as Hope’s killers. I have to say…I was glad I re-read book one first or I might not have truly appreciated Cas’s POV as much as I did. I found ABT to be a little regurgitated from book one (some of the dialogue and retelling of a story) -- but that was ok with me since I LOVED book one. Cas’s POV was great. I loved getting to dig deep into the steamy recesses of his alpha male/bad boy brain. The writer did a great job unraveling the back story. If you loved A Terrible Love and Cas…then you will love getting more Cas in A Brutal Tenderness. 3.75 – 4 Cas-stars.
This review appears on www.KindleCrack.net, www.facebook.com/Kindlecrack, Goodreads and Twitter.
Review to follow:)
September 15, 2013
A Brutal Tenderness is an AMAZING simply amazing and breath taking follow up to A Terrible Love. I was so excited when I found out we would be getting Cas POV and a whole other story. I mean I love it when an author tells the story from the other main character but this was so different I just could not get enough. I mean we get so much more with Cas's story. We get to see what he was feeling and thinking but most importantly to me as a reader we get to see how he reacted what he was feeling right at the moment he went through something. Marata is a seriously kick ass author because she weaves a world where I can't get enough I needed more.
Cas is an FBI agent assigned to get closer to Jewell to save her from a killer who is hell bent on killing her. But what Cas never thought was that he would fall fast and heard for Jewell. It is wrong on so many levels but the heart wants what the heart wants and it wants Jewell. At first Cas tries and stays away from her so he can keep her safe without mucking the muddy waters anymore than they already are.
But Jewell does something to Cas's heart and every time she comes close to being in danger all Cas wants to do is save her and protect her and keep her close to him. Cas is fighting hard with his feelings because he could ruin his career and his heart but that is just one thing he is willing to do. No matter what a terrible love leads to a brutal tenderness and Cas is willing to sacrifice whatever he has to to be with Jewell. Will the killer get close enough to hurt Jewell? Will Cas be able to protect her? In the end is love worth the risk?
Cas is an FBI agent assigned to get closer to Jewell to save her from a killer who is hell bent on killing her. But what Cas never thought was that he would fall fast and heard for Jewell. It is wrong on so many levels but the heart wants what the heart wants and it wants Jewell. At first Cas tries and stays away from her so he can keep her safe without mucking the muddy waters anymore than they already are.
But Jewell does something to Cas's heart and every time she comes close to being in danger all Cas wants to do is save her and protect her and keep her close to him. Cas is fighting hard with his feelings because he could ruin his career and his heart but that is just one thing he is willing to do. No matter what a terrible love leads to a brutal tenderness and Cas is willing to sacrifice whatever he has to to be with Jewell. Will the killer get close enough to hurt Jewell? Will Cas be able to protect her? In the end is love worth the risk?
August 15, 2013
3.5 stars.
I think this is the first time I have ever read the second book in a series that tells it from another’s POV. If you don’t know what I mean here’s an example: Hopeless (girl’s POV) and Losing Hope (guy’s POV) by Colleen Hoover… but I have to asmit it was very interesting seeing everything from Cas’ POV.
Well, there’s something about a guy who talks dirty when your in bed with him that I like. And Cas with Jess/Jewell is no exception. I think it’s his dominance that I like so much. He wont take no crap, at all, and he uses his body as a weapon in this; both in a seductive and a fighting way.
The bits we read from the crazy psychopath also know as Jess’/Jewell’s step-brother are weirdly creepy but insightful. We never saw anything from his POV in the first book so that was an interesting change between the two stories.
As was reading about the FBI team who were sent out to keep a watchful eye on her. Seeing the interaction between them when they were at FBI headquarters and how they acted when in close confines with Jess was quite fun. Friends one minute, beating each other up the next.
I’m not sure if I’ll ever read another duet like this, if I’m honest, because it is basically just another version of the first book but from another’s POV (although I do have Walking Disaster in paperback, yet-to-read) with added bits when they disappear from the pages of the other.
But if you like New Adult books then this duet are not to be missed. Sure they’re a little darker compared to others but they are compelling reading. I highly recommend them.
I think this is the first time I have ever read the second book in a series that tells it from another’s POV. If you don’t know what I mean here’s an example: Hopeless (girl’s POV) and Losing Hope (guy’s POV) by Colleen Hoover… but I have to asmit it was very interesting seeing everything from Cas’ POV.
Well, there’s something about a guy who talks dirty when your in bed with him that I like. And Cas with Jess/Jewell is no exception. I think it’s his dominance that I like so much. He wont take no crap, at all, and he uses his body as a weapon in this; both in a seductive and a fighting way.
The bits we read from the crazy psychopath also know as Jess’/Jewell’s step-brother are weirdly creepy but insightful. We never saw anything from his POV in the first book so that was an interesting change between the two stories.
As was reading about the FBI team who were sent out to keep a watchful eye on her. Seeing the interaction between them when they were at FBI headquarters and how they acted when in close confines with Jess was quite fun. Friends one minute, beating each other up the next.
I’m not sure if I’ll ever read another duet like this, if I’m honest, because it is basically just another version of the first book but from another’s POV (although I do have Walking Disaster in paperback, yet-to-read) with added bits when they disappear from the pages of the other.
But if you like New Adult books then this duet are not to be missed. Sure they’re a little darker compared to others but they are compelling reading. I highly recommend them.
July 22, 2013
I need to begin by telling you all that I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
This is yet another book written as a companion to the first book from the Hero's POV, and I am seriously loving these kinds of books! I mean really, who hasn't read a book and wondered at least once what was going on in the other persons head?
If you read book one, A Terrible Love, you absolutely have to read this one! There is SOOOOO much more to this story that you have no idea about only hearing it from Jess/Jewell's POV!! Getting into Cas's head is so emotional I found myself aching for him even more than I ever did for the Heroine. This story begins at pretty much the same time as the first one but the story is so different since Cas and Jewell don't even really meet until she is away at college. Even though their lives have intertwined LONG before that, before they ever knew. I was also really surprised to learn in this book that almost nobody was who they appeared to be!! Cryptic, I know, but I really can't say more without major spoilers, and since I would NEVER do that to you all I will just say....READ THESE BOOKS!
I don't want to give too much away for anyone who has not read these books but I will say this is a wonderful story with a bit of everything. Drama, suspense, love and smokin' hot sex with a bad boy!
I have never read anything by this author before but you better believe I will be from now on!
****This book was provided to me as an ARC by Netgalley
This is yet another book written as a companion to the first book from the Hero's POV, and I am seriously loving these kinds of books! I mean really, who hasn't read a book and wondered at least once what was going on in the other persons head?
If you read book one, A Terrible Love, you absolutely have to read this one! There is SOOOOO much more to this story that you have no idea about only hearing it from Jess/Jewell's POV!! Getting into Cas's head is so emotional I found myself aching for him even more than I ever did for the Heroine. This story begins at pretty much the same time as the first one but the story is so different since Cas and Jewell don't even really meet until she is away at college. Even though their lives have intertwined LONG before that, before they ever knew. I was also really surprised to learn in this book that almost nobody was who they appeared to be!! Cryptic, I know, but I really can't say more without major spoilers, and since I would NEVER do that to you all I will just say....READ THESE BOOKS!
I don't want to give too much away for anyone who has not read these books but I will say this is a wonderful story with a bit of everything. Drama, suspense, love and smokin' hot sex with a bad boy!
I have never read anything by this author before but you better believe I will be from now on!
****This book was provided to me as an ARC by Netgalley
September 12, 2014
**Copy kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
First, I love this story. I loved it from Jewell's POV and I loved it even more from Cas' POV. It was so interesting to find out the stuff that was going on while "Jess" was in class. At first I was super confused by all the new info expelled in the first couple chapters but the further into the story I was like "OMG it all makes sense now!" I was super surprised that Marata also included Thad's POV holy shitballs those parts scared the crap out of me. She did an amazing job invoking the suspense and angst through out the entire book but especially during Thad's parts. Secondly all of my questions from the first book are answered and the unease I had about chapter 19 of ATL was soothed. This book added so much more depth to the entire story and it's characters.
So even though I loved the book there were a couple things structurally that bugged me. The abrupt transitions between times, locations, events, and switching between Thad and Cas interrupted the flow of the story. There were a few times that I'd be totally in my reading zone and then become confused because we'd be in a new place with different people. The other thing was there was dialogue that didn't match between the two books.
But over all I loved the series and I will definitely be recommend them to all my fellow readers.
First, I love this story. I loved it from Jewell's POV and I loved it even more from Cas' POV. It was so interesting to find out the stuff that was going on while "Jess" was in class. At first I was super confused by all the new info expelled in the first couple chapters but the further into the story I was like "OMG it all makes sense now!" I was super surprised that Marata also included Thad's POV holy shitballs those parts scared the crap out of me. She did an amazing job invoking the suspense and angst through out the entire book but especially during Thad's parts. Secondly all of my questions from the first book are answered and the unease I had about chapter 19 of ATL was soothed. This book added so much more depth to the entire story and it's characters.
So even though I loved the book there were a couple things structurally that bugged me. The abrupt transitions between times, locations, events, and switching between Thad and Cas interrupted the flow of the story. There were a few times that I'd be totally in my reading zone and then become confused because we'd be in a new place with different people. The other thing was there was dialogue that didn't match between the two books.
But over all I loved the series and I will definitely be recommend them to all my fellow readers.
September 30, 2013
First off I want to say I loved that this was written because I really wanted to see things from Cas's point of view and see what he was thinking and feeling.
Problems:
1. I really didn't like the changes in the dialogue from the 1st book. It didn't work because there were things that were said that you know Jewell wouldn't have said because of being in hiding and some of it contradicted what she said in the first book.
2. She started calling him Cas before he told her too in the first book so that always threw me off until it was after he told her.
Good Parts:
1. I really loved hearing Cas's thoughts and seeing the story unfold from his perspective.
2. I loved the extension at the end of how things were after Jewell got out of the hospital and before the epilogue.
3. Really liked the fact that in this book we were told how Jewell found out who Cas was in regards to Faith.
Overall I really liked this addition to their story so you could see both sides and understand both of them better.
Problems:
1. I really didn't like the changes in the dialogue from the 1st book. It didn't work because there were things that were said that you know Jewell wouldn't have said because of being in hiding and some of it contradicted what she said in the first book.
2. She started calling him Cas before he told her too in the first book so that always threw me off until it was after he told her.
Good Parts:
1. I really loved hearing Cas's thoughts and seeing the story unfold from his perspective.
2. I loved the extension at the end of how things were after Jewell got out of the hospital and before the epilogue.
3. Really liked the fact that in this book we were told how Jewell found out who Cas was in regards to Faith.
Overall I really liked this addition to their story so you could see both sides and understand both of them better.
December 13, 2015
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
GIMME NOW PLEASE.
Um... So the FBI allowed Jewell to run and they have her as their first witness protection (without her knowledge). Interesting. Also, Brock and Brad are FBI agents. The other side is tricky!
"It's all I have, all I am. A brutal tenderness is all I'm capable of giving."
I liked getting the change to be on the other side of the story. To know even when Cas disappeared he was there silently watching Jewell. We get a few extra bonus tidbits at the end, which I felt the story deserved.
Cliffhanger – no (the other side to the story) (book 2 of series)
POV - Agent Blaine "Cas" Steele AND the sick fuck Thad
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
GIMME NOW PLEASE.
Um... So the FBI allowed Jewell to run and they have her as their first witness protection (without her knowledge). Interesting. Also, Brock and Brad are FBI agents. The other side is tricky!
"It's all I have, all I am. A brutal tenderness is all I'm capable of giving."
I liked getting the change to be on the other side of the story. To know even when Cas disappeared he was there silently watching Jewell. We get a few extra bonus tidbits at the end, which I felt the story deserved.
Cliffhanger – no (the other side to the story) (book 2 of series)
POV - Agent Blaine "Cas" Steele AND the sick fuck Thad
January 18, 2014
Dear god M.E., forgive me for taking so long to get to this review!!
I waited with eager anticipation for this novel to come out after I finished reading A Terrible Love. I couldn't wait to get inside Cas's mind and get things from his perspective. I vaguely remember M.E. mentioning something about either never having written entirely from the male perspective and/or not thinking she was entirely good at it (yes, I could be wrong on both accounts...it's been a very, very long time since I was wrapped up in all the hype about this novel), but I believe she proved herself wrong. Cas's side of the story was beautifully done, and his sexiness only got better. I loved him in ATL, but I loved him more once the plot diverged from there. A Facebook comment comes to mind at the moment: someone suggested life sized Cas pillows as swag to go along with the book. I still fully support that idea. If Cas ever jumps off the pages and becomes real, god help womankind.
I waited with eager anticipation for this novel to come out after I finished reading A Terrible Love. I couldn't wait to get inside Cas's mind and get things from his perspective. I vaguely remember M.E. mentioning something about either never having written entirely from the male perspective and/or not thinking she was entirely good at it (yes, I could be wrong on both accounts...it's been a very, very long time since I was wrapped up in all the hype about this novel), but I believe she proved herself wrong. Cas's side of the story was beautifully done, and his sexiness only got better. I loved him in ATL, but I loved him more once the plot diverged from there. A Facebook comment comes to mind at the moment: someone suggested life sized Cas pillows as swag to go along with the book. I still fully support that idea. If Cas ever jumps off the pages and becomes real, god help womankind.
August 18, 2013
4 ½ Stars
A Brutal Tenderness is a companion book to A Terrible Love. I absolutely love this book. It explained all the loose ends in book 1 and also added depth to the first book. This book revealed all the mysterious situations and gave much needed insight into characters and pivotal plot changes in A Terrible Love.
The POV is from Blaine/Devin “Cas” Steel. It makes his character more sexy, loveable, and hot. It also gives the reader details into the other agent’s lives, which I loved.
To see the rest of this review click here
A Brutal Tenderness is a companion book to A Terrible Love. I absolutely love this book. It explained all the loose ends in book 1 and also added depth to the first book. This book revealed all the mysterious situations and gave much needed insight into characters and pivotal plot changes in A Terrible Love.
The POV is from Blaine/Devin “Cas” Steel. It makes his character more sexy, loveable, and hot. It also gives the reader details into the other agent’s lives, which I loved.
To see the rest of this review click here
October 13, 2013
Not much really to say bad about this one since I loved A Terrible Love! this is a campanion read for it...Blaine "Devin/Cas" Castile's POV. this was a great adjunct story with a lot of back detail into the personal life of Cas and his undercover FBI partners. Since I am a complete sucker for male angst and I find male emotions so much more endearing, I loved this as much as ATL!
PLEASE do not read without having read ATL..you will be completely at a loss with the characters and.the story! I am really hoping Marata Eros gives us more, especially with Dec!
PLEASE do not read without having read ATL..you will be completely at a loss with the characters and.the story! I am really hoping Marata Eros gives us more, especially with Dec!
February 7, 2014
I waited a little while to read this because it was from Cas's POV and companion novel to A Terrible Love, so I thought it was the same story just his side. But this was so different then A Terrible Love. To me it was a little more intense and emotional because of Cas's connection to the case.It covered important parts and cleared some things up from the first book. Then there are the chapters were we got inside Thad's head which was just creepy and interesting. It added so much insight to the story.
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