Evelyn Snow is a successful nurse. She has loyal friends, lives in a great city and has fabulous taste. She doesn't need a man to make life complete, but one to warm her bed would be welcome. But the entrance exam to get her between the sheets has left a string of wannabe suitors failing to make the grade.
Sergey Mikhailov is a dedicated officer of the law. A police lieutenant in Austin Texas. From the moment he met Evie Snow he knew he wanted her. But work pulls him from her time and time again. What happens when two hearts connect but the minds won't let go? Let It Go is about falling in love in spite of all the reasons not to. It's never too late to just let go and love.
OK, I was a bit intrigued by the blurb so I decided to give it a try. I truly liked the premise of the story but I had a few personal issues. The Thanksgiving "incident", I didn't get it, I was so hurt for Evie and then there was no explanation as to why he did what he did and no apology???? That was a big turn-off for me. Made NO sense to me whatsoever. She and everyone else seemed to blow it off like it was nothing and expected her to do the same???? WTH
OK, so again the storyline could have been so much better but I felt the story and more importantly their relationship was too rushed for my personal liking (I am not an insta-love gal in my stories), I also was put off with even her friends at one point especially after the Thanksgiving incident because nobody seemed to care???? They just wanted HER to open up and HER to be the one to let her issues go, etc.... It was weird for me.
The sex scenes were GREAT, I mean that wholeheartedly too:) I also enjoyed the ending HFN so I do look forward to seeing where they go from here, hope all good! Excited to read Dragan's story and get to know Toni more too:)
The story had potential and maybe this author just needs time and experience so I will definitely read the next book in this series and give her another chance. Sometimes any book can be a hit or miss but I always give a new author especially new to me a second chance because even my favorite authors can have an "off" story sometimes.
The beginning of Let It Go drew me in and I was excited to see how things would play out. Initially, I liked Sergey's gruff, take-charge attitude. It seemed to be what Evie needed to knock down the walls she'd constructed around her heart. I thought their first love scene (including the pantry foreplay) was hot. As the story went on, however, I found Sergey to be overbearing and domineering and that turned me off from him. The same was true of his family. I liked that they cared so much for Evie but sometimes they all were just too much.
Unfortunately, about halfway through, I began to lose interest in some parts of the story. The fight scene with Sergey and Dragan came across like drama being thrown in for no real reason. I didn't find it cute for Sergey to be SO out of control that he tore up Evie's place with seemingly no regard for her or her things. Cleaning up afterwards didn't excuse it or make everything all right. It was also around that time that things became a bit too coincidental, to me. The whole D.A. "sting operation" and Dragan's flimsy connection to and knowledge of Evie's brother didn't work for me. There just wasn't enough there to make this into a romantic suspense novel, in my opinion. I felt the same about the beating Evie endured. Then, during her hospital stay, one of my biggest pet peeves took place. I HATE when characters have been described as having near-death injuries and within hours or days, their broken bodies are ready to and capable of having the best sex of their lives! Get out of here with that!
My biggest issue with Let It Go was the writing itself. From the very beginning I noticed a few typos here and there but didn't think of them as being a big deal. They became a big deal, though, when I found myself having to re-read a lot to understand what was meant. In some instances, it was because the wrong words were used. As just one example, it was said that Evie extradited her elbow from Sergey's grasp. Extradite/extradition is when an alleged criminal is surrendered or turned over to the jurisdiction of another country. And I know that's a bit nit-picky on my part but more and more instances occurred as I read. Schism, amalgam, and piston are a few more examples that come to mind. The way those words were used reminded me of someone trying too hard to sound overly intelligent when a simple, accurate word choice would do just fine. I had similar feelings during one of the love scenes when words like admonition, ministrations, and capitulate were used. I mean, really? They just seemed so out of place considering the fact that all Sergey wanted to hear Evie say was, "fuck me"! Who thinks or recites words for a vocabulary test during moments like those?
Punctuation, both the absence and misuse of, made Let It Go challenging to read at times. The same can be said for the overabundance of sentences with missing words, too many words, and the wrong form of words. In some cases, I'm still not exactly sure what was meant. For example, "Little humidity in the room met many smells stayed encapsulated in their host." "The amount of real emotion that I let over my walls was substantive. The proficiency that which I burned emotional energy was honed to a science." What?
I think a thorough proofreading is needed to clean up all of the little errors (like ending sentences with no punctuation or filling in skipped words or changing wrong words to the correct ones). There were also a lot of tense changes within sentences as well as punctuation that contradicted what was being said. A character would be described as speaking softly and gently but the words used were harsh and the sentences ended with exclamation marks. Or someone was said to be glowering with bright, shiny, pleased eyes. At other times, I wasn't sure what to make of the sentences. "You're so-affectionate-and-beautiful and-we-why would you want to deal with me?"
I imagine these things sound petty and unimportant but I believe that how a story is written is just as important as the story itself. And if the errors had only occurred here or there, I wouldn't have thought them worth mentioning. The fact that they increased from beginning to end made Let It Go problematic and lessened my enjoyment of it. I was given a copy in return for an honest review. These are merely my opinions based on the copy I received and are meant as nothing more than explanation for why I didn't enjoy the book as much as I'd hoped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story was a solid 5 star story until 34%. Up until then, we had a sweet Sergey, an interesting story, good chemistry, and good sex. Then Sergey pulls a douche kove that I still don't quite understand. He just tells Evelyn over the phone in a voicemail "he can't do it" leaving her all dressed up to go to Thanksgiving that she has been uninvited to. Then, she forgives him, and he tears up her condo in a fight with his brother. For someone who is a commitment phobe and always looking for reasons to end things, Sergey sure is getting away with a lot. Then, the two mysteries are ridiculous. One ok, but two, that's a bit much. Thr book seems unfinished. No HEA or even what seems like a HFN. It just ended quickly with things being wrapped up, and Evelyn doesn't even know.
OMG okay I officially have a new book boyfriend and that is how much I am in love with sergey. This first book had a lot of charm and ALOT of sexy. It was easy to like Evelyn in this book she was a sweetie with that touch of sassy ness we all want to see. When I got to the end of the book I was left intrigued and cannot wait for the second book to be available. Definitely worth the read and although I really do not want to share sergey the world of women deserve to know him. I give this a big five stars and two thumbs up
4 Hot Russian Stars! Complimentary copy received from the author via Making Connections for an honest review
“You’re a prisoner in your own head, Evelyn Snow. I’m going to set you free.”
Hot Russian cop that’s all alpha and protective and sexy? Check! Troubled, insecure but working class heroine? Check! A mysterious and sort of suspense plot? Check! Good chemistry between the hero and heroine with steamy sexy scenes? Big Fat Check!
Let It Go was an intriguing and gripping read from the start. Amanda Hough will make you guess where she’s taking you with the story. At least that how I felt but it was a good guessing experience. It made me keep on turning the pages and wanting to read more about these stubborn and sort of secretive duo.
They’re both with haunted pasts and Evie’s was painful to read. It touched me especially because I have a younger brother me and what happened to Evie and her brother when they were younger and how they drifted apart throughout the years was just sad. I feel like it could have been prevented, like Evie could have done something more, anything at all to reach out and help him. I didn’t feel the emotions from her too much, I felt like she’s disconnected and that’s where my other stars for the rating went.
Sergey was all alpha cop lieutenant, so strong and fierce but seriously didn’t know how to communicate in relationships. He’s pretty entertaining to read and I love him and his flaws. I really enjoyed a huge chunk of this book I guess I held off my 1 star because there were some parts that although good, the transition from one scene to the next was… choppy. There were times I need a few minutes to actually get into the next scene because I was still processing how it went from that scene to this scene.
Overall, the story was good, the characters (especially Sergey) were likeable and it’s a good action-packed love story and I’m guessing their story will somehow continue in the next book even if it’s another Mikhailov brother’s book. *crossing my fingers*
I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes....
I LOVED IT!!!
In fact I loved it so much I read it in one go and then emailed the author at 2 o’clock in the morning begging her to send me a copy of the next book lol.
Ok so the best bits.....
• Sergey, can I have one please? He’s Russian, alpha and in my imagination he’s a blonde Adonis.
• Evelyn, this girl eats when she‘s sad or stressed!!! Like a real person, she is sassy and normal. I liked her and found I could completely relate to her.
And the not so fab bits....
• Argghhh the book just stopped there was no real ending, it stopped right in the middle of the action Frustrating.com.... (so frustrating that I emailed the author at 2am lol)
I love reading and reviewing books, I love it when authors offer me them for free! Unfortunately I then feel awful when I am honest with my opinion especially when my honesty is not exactly complimentary.
But I am very pleased to honestly say this book is AMAZEBALLS!!!
There is a brilliant undercurrent of mystery about Eric’s death and the mysterious box that runs through this book. I love the fact that I’m as drawn to find out what the box is and who’s involved as much as I am to the love story.
And it’s definitely a love story, Sergey just barges past all of Evelyn’s issues. I love the fact that he’s alpha, because deep down we all want a man to look after us, even if it’s just feeling protected. Sergey is the type of character that even when he’s being domineering he still makes you feel warm and fuzzy.
OMG Dragan & Toni, god I could feel the chemistry just oozing out of the pages, I can’t wait for the next book.
Sergey just officially jumped into my list of favourite book boys, he’s so sweet to Evelyn and then he orders her around and you can actually feel the sexual chemistry between them. The sex scenes are not particularly explicit, but they are sexy as hell and enough to have you squirming in your seat.
Fangirl moment again I loved this book and I’m literally on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book.
Our heroine (Evie) just met him, doesn't like him, doesn't know his name, calls him Creeper Homeless Surfer and when he tells her "We're going out tonight," her answer: "Okay."
Creeper Homeless Surfer knocks on Evie's door to pick her up for their date and she doesn't recognize him. Why? Because he shaved, washed his ass, and is wearing slacks instead of jeans. Creeper Homeless Surfer is now Mr. Beautiful.
Destination of first date: Mr. Beautiful's sister's house. Evie meets all of his family, finds out Beautiful's name (Sergey), and, has a sexual interlude in the sister's house in the pantry right next to the buffet where the food is being served (Sergey's flippin' grandma is in the next room, for Christ's sake!).
In the sister's pantry, our heroine somehow ended up on Sergey's lap, rubbing herself against him, letting Sergey make her come using his hand. Directly after which, she freaks the fuck out and asks Sergey if he thinks she's a slut and if any of his family heard them. Sergey laughs and tells Evie she's a screamer. Evie then sees he has a hard-on and asks, "Should I...do you want me to help you?" while "shyly" pointing at his dick.
Okay. Stop. Stop. STOP! I can't take this shit anymore.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline grips you from the beginning and refuses to cut you lose until the very end. I want to know what is at the Y but the book is just not going to tell you! Ughhhh.
Sergy is a sexy man. Well, let me back up and say it seems that all of the brothers in this family are just downright mouth-watering-goodness. While Sergy was a true gentleman, I was really digging the bad-boy persona that his brother Dragan was putting off. I think this will end up being a really great series and I am looking forward to reading more from Amanda Hough on this series.
I checked for the release of the next book and while the end of this book states it would be in June 2014, here on Goodreads it states July 31, 2014. However, it still doesn't appear to be out yet. Bummer.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received a ePub format and the formatting was a little screwy and turned out a bit weird on my iPad but after the first page or so, I was able to overlook it because the story was...just that good!
I'm a reader. I am not a writer. There are good reasons for this, the main being I enjoy someone else doing the work for me. Sure I accept the need to fill in the gaps and visualising the characters is all me...but....I don't want to be responsible for large chunks of the story. I won't be responsible for that. Again, it's why I read.
Let It Go was maybe half way there. It had the grounding for a great story but we were missing a lot of their history so neither character felt all that well developed. Frankly they felt like 'stick' figures up until about 85% when we got so much out of both them. Then the end was so rushed we weren't given any time to dwell on these revelations that FINALLY made these characters realistic.
These characters had so much more to give. This is a series so maybe I can be more invested in the next one. I would like to hear Dragan's story so strangely I'm willing to give this author and series another shot.
Oh yes! ... I was so lucky to have won this ebook in a contest! ... It’s the first book I've ever read by this new author, but it won't be my last :) ... Let me tell you, this page turning, contemporary, romantic suspense exceeded my expectations :) ... In fact, I just bought the next book #2, only minutes ago in order to keep reading this awesome series :) ... You definitely need to add this to your must read list!! ... The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars is because of many typos, some punctuation and grammar errors throughout the book that interrupted the flow of reading ... However, the story line wasn't stale, the characters were intriguing and/or likable to engage the reader’s interest! ... , I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more great works from Amanda :)
Yum. I couldn't think of a better way to start off my review. Mmmm, Sergey. I bet he was hot as homeless surfer dude, but my, oh my, does he ever sound even yummier as his true self. I loved this story! It was over far too quickly, as I pretty much read it straight through. I love that Evelyn finally has more than Toni and David in her life. The Russian detective sounds like he has needed herin his life as well. Sadly, Eric's life ended young, but not surprisingly so. These families seem almost reflective of one another regardless of their differences. I can't wait to find out what is in the box. I bet the heat from Toni and Dragan will be off the charts! Gimme more, soon, please.
Sergey may be a police officer but at times that boy doesn't do things by the book, "he was whispering a demand into my ear while snapping the elastic of my gartered stockings, "when I eff you tonight, Evelyn, you are going to keep these on for me, baby." He's one of those men that makes dirty, sound hot, "you keep rubbing your a** on my c*** and I'll come in my effing pants." He's also an alpha which mean when Sergey says jump you better ask how high, "get your beautiful round a** in the bedroom, take your effing clothes off and wait for me." I enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the other two brother's books.
I really enjoyed getting to know Sergey and Evie in this story. The fact that this is a mystery romance that continues into book 2 just makes it that much better. I have given this book 4 solid stars due to storyline, writing style and its ability to capture the reader from the first paragraph. I am really looking forward to starting book 2.
I was given this book for an honest review. Took me a few pages to get into but once i did i really enjoyed the story and characters the story work well and really easy to follow. I look forward to reading more from Sergey and Evie.
good book lots of secrets and drama with love combined into it I love the brothers you see they're not the best of friends but they have love and loyalty for each other!!! author did a great job
I really liked this one, now I want and need some Dragan yum :) It was a light read for me, there where some momenrs that felt rushed but overall it was a good read, enjoy! Happy next reading everyone!
The love story was pretty ridiculous. I felt like it was pretty inconsistent too. The mystery portion of the book was better but the ending was awful. Don't think I would read another one of her books.
The beginning was slow to get into. But once you are it turns out awesome. Couldn't put it down. Totally routed for the characters. I am glad love was found.