Cyanide

Surface Rust #1

by Ella Fields

Heartless. Conceited. Shallow.
Three simple words to describe me.

I had everything a girl could ask for, yet nothing I truly needed.
I'd made peace with who I was and the expectations set upon me long ago.
Only to have that peace shattered when a nameless hero rode into my world.

I wasn't allowed to have him.
Too bad I never cared much for the word no.

Because I'd soon learn the hard way that too much self-indulgence could result in incurable consequences.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Adult, Smut, Dark Romance

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2017

About the author

USA Today and international bestselling author, Ella Fields, resides in Australia with her husband, two children, and furry critters.
A lover of chocolate, magic, and words—she enjoys exploring the sharper sides of love in varying genres of romance.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellafieldsa...

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/authorellafields/

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2Amt3FL

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 FROST & HERO STARS

CYANIDE: this is the first book in the (Surface Rust) series by Ella Fields. If you've read 'Frayed Silk' you would've already have had the privilege of meeting Jared but to understand this book there is no need at all to read that before jumping onto this as I have not read the above mentioned book.

Vera Marie Bramston has lived the life of a fairy princess, since she was young and raised by her father she was never in need of anything, everything she asked for it was delivered, but the only thing she really craved and wished for was love. If it wasn't for the love of books and falling under the spell of handsome princes her life would be beyond unbearable. A nanny and a butler who think she's spoilt beyond measure, a mother that took off with the first handsome man she saw, and a father who is never there.

Love has always fascinated me. All my life I've spent hours obsessing over it through the pages of books. The adventure, the magic, the risk, the beauty of it, never daring to hope that it might one day be something I could have myself. True, real love.

Getting into a heated argument with her boyfriend after being blindsided at looking at houses she demands to be let out of his car, after his departure and not being able to get cell phone coverage walking along a busy dangerous highway she’s up shits creek without a paddle, but at least she’s decked out in the best clothes money can buy, from head right down to her Gucci wedges. .

UNTIL she’s rescued by a knight on a shinning black Harley who pulls over and demands she jump on behind him. A walking, talking, tall, dark, and delicious drink of bad.



Thinking that she would never see him again she's astounded by the amount of times they actually cross paths. A man with commitment issues.

Their love story is not an easy one to read there are many obstacles thrown at them not only from family, social standing but themselves included. But in the end true love prevailed all.

My green eyed hero
My endless adventure
My everything that matter.

I had a preconceived perception going into this book that we'd be stepping into the forbidden territory of cheating, and I have no idea where I even came up with that thought. But getting over that, I fell in love with these two characters, Vera, came across like a snotty stuck up socialite but she had so much depth to her, I crazy loved her character, a sharp shooter with a forked tongue, she didn't give a shit what anyone thought of her. Now let's talk about Jared, god this guy had me from the get go, he's the epitome of how we all want our men to be, rough around the edges, purely alpha with a dirty mouth but now and then you'd see a vulnerable side to him, a happy go lucky kind of guy who took life by the horns. All I can say is get ready to swoon, because swoon you will.

These two characters should not have worked, opposites in every way conceivable, but they were just imperfectly perfect together, the man from the wrong side of the tracks, from completely different worlds, a grease monkey who had his hooks in a modern day cinderella.



My green eyed hero. My endless adventure. My everything that matters. A lowly smartass mechanic from the wrong side of the proverbial tracks. We don't need perfect when what we have is real.

* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page *

[⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Always Booked Stars

"Sometimes the things that make no sense can lead us to our greatest discoveries."

Jared was the 'bad boy' from Frayed Silk, he came across just as arrogant and smooth talking. He wasn't my favourite Hero as the 'bad boy' thing came across a little to try hard for me. It is hard to get into a book when you're just not that into the Hero but that's where I have to give props to the author, she writes a cast of fantastic characters and I enjoyed all the others especially Badger with his second hand bookstore 'Always Booked' (I want a second hand bookstore 😜 ).

Vera was born into a rich family, her mum ran off with a younger guy when she was 4 leaving her with a father who was always too busy. Left with her nanny everyday it was a lonely and sad upbringing.
It all went into making the independent, determined, sometimes bitchy but strong women she becomes. The nickname 'frost' Jared gave Vera was on point, she played the ice-queen well at times.

"Are you done boring me with you annoying voice and your existence in general? Because I've got things to do,honey."

Vera has a serious problem though, her father who pays for her 'lifestyle' decides he knows who she should be with and threatens to cut her off if she goes against his wishes.

So another 'poor meets wealthy' Romeo and Juliet trope which I seem to have read a few of lately. This part of the story did get old fast and a little repetitive. I did like the way Jared reacted to Vera's wealth by brushing it off or joking about it, he didn't become self conscious like some men would.



So there was only a little drama in this one and I did find it a little slow at times. I was hoping it'd have the same level of angst and feels that Frayed Silk had, but it didn't hold the same pull for me. It was an enjoyable read and I will say that Jared and Vera made a smokin hot couple!!



I am looking forward to the next 'Surface Rust', I'm secretly hoping it might be Butch's story, now he sounds right up my alley!

〰️ Reviewed on behalf of the 1-Click Addict Support Group〰️

[Mali Mor ❤️ The Romantic Blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!

Vera Bramston is far from perfect… she is a rich, spoiled and entitled bitch who is used to getting everything she wants (except a pony) – Well, what can you expect from someone who lived her life with an infinite amount of money? 💸😂
It turns out that all it took to melt her frozen heart, is a tattooed bad boy from the other side of town… 😋🔥

Jared Williams (from “Frayed Silk”) is the complete opposite – a perfect combination of an alpha bad boy with a dirty mouth but also a perfect gentleman with a huge heart. ❤💪

📚 “𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝.” 📚

I will not elaborate on the plot, but I will say that there is no rich man who saves a poor woman, because instead of private drivers or limousines – he has an old motorcycle … instead of vacations in luxury hotels – there's camping with an old tent… and instead of Michelin restaurants – there are burgers full of oil at diners! 😜

By Vera's standards (and her domineering father) they really shouldn’t be together – but no one can stop the attraction between the two. 😍💣
Just because it looks like her heart is made of stone, doesn't mean that it can't be broken… Sometimes love is not enough – will they be able to overcome the differences??? 💔

📚 “𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞.” 📚

It's a book about fighting against all odds and breaking stereotypes. I loved Vera's character development from a woman who could not live without brands – to a woman who could not live without love, like the characters in the books she loves to read so much. ❤❤❤
Yes, there were some clichés – but it did not bother me from enjoying!

This book was a roller coaster of emotions with lots of passion, humor and a perfect ending! 💘
It was romantic and sweet, sexy and funny, but most of all… realistic! 💥

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📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...

📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/

📖 GOOᗪᖇEᗩᗪᔕ: https://bit.ly/3acMRMP

💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We’re pretty hard to forget. Wanna know why? He licks my fluttering pulse,and I moan out a garbled, “No”. He hums. I’ll tell you anyway... because like any story that involves two people who fall in love, you’re my happy ending, and I’m yours.”



Oh my god! This book was an evolution overload of every type of emotion you could ever imagine. I knew that going into this story was going to be different and I was ok with that, but what I didn’t factor in was me falling head first in love with these messed up characters. They were unbelievably flawed and some might even hate them, but they were REAL. And with a heroine like this one, I was certainly never bored.

Most girls would kill to have their dream house and to be dressed in the latest designer clothes everyday for the rest of their lives and for a woman like Vera Bramston, she’s no different. Spoiled, rich, entitled, stuck up, you name it , and she’s heard it all before. To put it nicely, the girl has no damn filter and because of that little flaw, she’s now on a highway minutes away from being potential roadkill. But when she’s rescued by a mysterious sexy stranger who challenged her from the moment he laid eyes on her, Vera knows that she’s about to be in for one hell of a ride.

Jared hasn’t had it easy over the past year. From having someone whom he thought he could have, to no longer having that option and running a business on his own, it has definitely been a whirlwind year for him. But little does he know is that his life is about to get even more crazier in the form of a raven haired socialite. When opposites attract, it’s hard to fight that kind of connection and for Jared and Vera, they’re both going to go down fighting but only for so long. Sexual tension and all.





I must admit that when I first read the blurb for this story, I really thought that this was going to be a different kind forbidden romance and I was practically drooling with anticipation for it. But you know what? It wasn’t and I was more than ok with it because these characters held their own and then some! I’ve said this a million times before, if I hate a heroine, then I’m not going to like the book.

Vera had all of the characteristics to be on my hated heroine list in the beginning but let me tell you, that girl made me feel EVERYTHING for her! Her b*tch o’meter was going through the roof sometimes and if you didn’t know her as a person, you would’ve been inclined to smack her but I freakin LOVED her!I loved all of her flaws and I know this might sound like a girl crush but I don’t care because my favorite thing, the best thing about her was her evolution and growth as the story progressed. Her connection with Jared, her inhibitions and self doubt is what made her human and seeing her go through that with someone like him and knowing that he never judged her, is what made this story.

I could go on and on and tell you what else I loved about this story but then that would be like writing a book report and you don’t want that now do you? You want to know whether or not this story is worth taking a chance on. You want to know how we felt as we were enraptured in this emotional, raw, enthralling , effed up love story and what our view is on these complex characters. I could go on and on about this story… but I won’t. You just need to read it because it's sooo worth it!!


   

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

THIS SOUNDS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!

Stand-alone.
Purchase: | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Blurb:
Heartless. Conceited. Shallow.
Three simple words to describe me.
I had everything a girl could ask for, yet nothing I truly needed.
I'd made peace with who I was and the expectations set upon me long ago.
Only to have that peace shattered when a nameless hero rode into my world.
I wasn't allowed to have him.
Too bad I never cared much for the word no.
Because I'd soon learn the hard way that too much self-indulgence could result in incurable consequences.

[KAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “Frost” melts for “Hero” Stars

Good gracious sakes, these two!!! The brash, brutally honest Vera and the swoony, seductive Jared cut me to the core. The circumstances of how they meet and then the progression/regression of their relationship had me enthralled.

Their mutual need for each other is addictive and healing, yet, it destroys them both. They were so right for each other, yet, so wrong.

  You can try to freeze me out all you like, Frost. I’ll just keep trying to make you melt again, anyway.”

Jared was first introduced in “Frayed Silk.” I highly recommend reading that book first for background context, and because it was an awesome read, but both are stand alones.

This is also quite the steamy read!

[Alex ♈ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the previous book by this author Frayed Silk a lot,
so I didn’t have any second thought about one-clicking this one.

I didn’t enjoy it.

It happens almost never to me: I disliked the female protagonist so much, I can't even find the words to describe it.

3 words at the beginning of the blurb… they are true.
Heartless. Conceited. Shallow.




I read because of the heroines, I love and always support women and I’m always on the heroine’s side. And I enjoy the hell out of different heroines, I take them all (but please not the doormats).
But not with this one. This woman annoyed the living sh*t out of me.

Out of respect to the author, I won’t go into all many details.

I just say, that I could never understand/support and connect to the woman, who let the men treat her with disrespect (equal to the lack of self-respect in my world)

- She caught her bf f*cking OW. What did she do? Nothing! She just told him he would never f*ck her/h without condom. She didn’t break up with him; she let him treat her that way.
So why was she surprised as her bf showed off this OW in public?!





- The 2nd time she met the male protagonist (after their ONS), she saw him kissing OW. What did she do? She told him to wash his mouth and had sex with him.





- During their short break up (only a couple days after she lied to him -> drama, miscommunication), she caught him sleeping on the couch with OW with his fly open. He honestly told her, that OW s*cked his c*ck.
Technically they were not together, but short before they split they ditched the condoms – and it was a very high level of trust. He didn’t wait long…

Well, it bothered me, but it didn’t bother her much. And after the male protagonist told her he didn’t sleep with any OW during separation (but the BJ was gladly received), she let him f*ck her without condom.
And… she asked him to burn the couch.





I guess I don’t need to write any extra points about this male protagonist.
His actions speak volumes.

It’s a shame. I liked him in Frayed Silk...

The story itself didn’t make much sense to me, but maybe because I didn’t care for the main characters…



I won’t give up on this author, I’ll give her next book a try, but after I thoroughly read the reviews.

[Nazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 "Frost & Hero" Stars

Vera’s mother left her because of a younger man when she was just a baby and she grew up with a nanny but not a great one. Her father is a real state tycoon and she works part time as an accounting assistants for him. Her father is one of those who likes controlling. He wants control her life because she reminds him of Vera’s mother and he doesn’t like Vera ended up like her mother.

"Love is for fools, Vera. And you’re no fool. You’re a smart woman; you’ll figure out a damn way to make it last if you know what’s good for you."

After having a fight with her boyfriend and getting out of the car (in the highway), she saw Jared for the first time and he became her Hero. After that, they saw each other more of course accidentally and that became their new relationship but Jared doesn’t want anything serious and when Vera’s father found out about Jared, he made ultimatums for her (you know someone who went to prison, is on probation, doesn’t have any degree, doesn’t have any good job isn’t good for her daughter!).

"Something about him calls to that small, restless part of me, and despite his bad-boy exterior, I know there’s more behind those emerald eyes than he allows the world to see. He’s intriguing and captivating, capable of drawing you in against your better judgment."

I liked all the characters in this story especially Vera and two of her friends! I liked Jared too but I really wanted to punch him! I enjoyed the writing! It was well-paced and well-written. It’s told in Vera’s POV, except prologue and epilogue; they were in Jared’s. But I wanted more of Jared’s POV! It’s the first installment in "Surface Rust" series but it can be read as a stand-alone and I definitely will read the next book! All in all, I liked it and I hope you enjoy it as well!

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes

"Sometimes the things that make no sense can lead us to our greatest discoveries."

"Love has always fascinated me. All my life I've spent hours obsessing over it through the pages of books. The adventure, the magic, the risk, the beauty of it, never daring to hope that it might one day be something I could have myself. True, real love."

"Jealousy is an insidious thing. It can sneak up on you at any time, anywhere. And many times, you thought you were just fine. Unaffected and unaware of it creeping, slithering, and festering somewhere inside you until your actions speak louder than your own knowledge of yourself."

While Cyanide has a completely different vibe than Frayed Silk (which you are not required to read first, but I highly recommend doing so as you get an introduction to our hero in that book), it worked really well in enabling me to read those two books back-to-back. When we were introduced to Jared, I found myself utterly appalled at my need to know that he was ok and to find out what happened to him in the time he was missing from FS. It amazes me how Ella is able to make us care for all characters with deep meaning, even the ones who straddle grey area morals in an attempt to give them the chance to redeem themselves. Jared was an absolute delight to follow as the hero of his story, and Vera went from 100% unlikable, to a new favorite character of mine. The backstories are extremely well developed for a book that was less than 300 pages, and the ending left me with no choice but to pick up Corrode immediately to sink my teeth into Felix and Maggie's story. Highly recommended if you're looking for a lighter romance with all the feels.

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Hero Stars


Boy from the wrong side of the tracks meets the girl from the rich side of the tracts. Isn't it known that opposites attract? But when there are outside forces that don't want that attraction to happen, can love be enough to keep them going?

This is my second book by Ella Fields and I really enjoyed it. Jared from Frayed Silk, the sexy, bad boy, somewhat down on his luck guy, meets a beautiful woman named Vera, who is rich and spoiled and her only worries are deciding between Manolo's or Louboutin's. She has a boyfriend but mostly out of convenience for her father. But when Jared, on his motorcycle, comes to Vera's rescue.......sparks begin to simmer. And the fact that he seems to be popping up everywhere after they meet tells Vera that she is not going to shake her Hero or his nicknamed for her, Frosty.

Jared and Vera are total opposites. But they each create an energy and a sassy banter between each other. She resists him until she can't and then the sparks begin to fly. The feelings that begin and grow between Jared and Vera are awakening and effervescent and brings forth a happiness that neither has felt. But their relationship becomes complicated when Vera's dad begins interfering.

This story is about growth of character, learning to make hard choices that you know will have lasting effects and figuring out that when love comes along, it doesn't care that your zip codes don't match. Love can hurt, make you do hurtful things, but most of all, love is triumphant and forgiving. This story is not high on the angst level. It's has good friends, a sweet book shop owner and a controlling father. The banter between Hero and Frosty is zesty and sassy and felt perfect for their characters.

Two totally unconventional people from two different sides of the tract that forge a relationship against the odds. Remember the old adage - Opposites Attract? Well Cyanide is that story.

*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

[Jeannine Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was ready for Jared's story as soon as I finished Frayed Silk. And when I found out his heroine, Vera, was a bitch, I wanted this story even more 😂 I'm a sucker for heroines who keep everything close to the vest and really make the hero work for it. Vera was no exception.

-Vera-

First and foremost... the sass. Oh, how I loved it...

"Thanks … for not being a serial killer."

"Now kindly get lost, please and thanks."

"Did you want diabetes or a coffee?"

"Making women wait ten minutes each time you need to start her up?"

Vera has the heartbreaking layers that I love about hard-to-like heroines, something we really see when we get flashbacks to her younger self. And once that happened, I was completely SOLD.

If I'm so rotten, why doesn't it feel that way to me? Except that I must be, I think to myself as I study my blue eyes in the mirror. Because if I wasn't, then maybe she'd still be here. Maybe my father would play with me. And maybe Gloria would only have nice things to say about me after caring for me for all these years.

😭😭😭 ^^ These are the layers I'm talking about. It's so easy for people to just see the bitchy front, but they often forget that, most of the time, other people are responsible for making her that way. But Vera wants love, even if she can't consciously admit or pursue it.

I watch them, observing the casual joy that radiates from them as they do something so simple. And in doing so, I can't help but wonder where I went so wrong.

Just because a heart may appear to be made from stone doesn't mean it can't break.

I love how Ella pulled no punches in truly making Vera "bitchy." When she's presented with small talk, her thoughts are frank... to put it mildly, I don't really care. And when she packs up her desk after leaving her job...

Another calculator, glue stick, gum, tissues. Okay, so I don't need any of this crap. I just wanted to do this in person. I'm a little vindictive like that.

Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but I could easily see myself doing both those things. It's an unattractive trait, but I can be petty, and small talk has never been my thing. Maybe that's why I can relate to these heroines so much. But I also know that the reason I can be so aloof is because when I do feel, I feel a lot. I feel deeply, and honestly to give that much of yourself away to everybody would kill me. And I loved how Jared noticed that about her...

"The way you care so much that you feel the need to act like you don't care at all."

Vera's journey was one of the best I've read in a long time. She didn't magically become nice, but she came to important realizations about herself and I was SO happy with her character.

I may not be the nicest person in the world, and I can accept that. I can own up to my mistakes and take responsibility for them. But I've come to realize I'm not a bad person either.

And even though she may not be the most likely character, I have no shame in saying I LOVE HER.



There's also this gem...

Reading always seems to calm me as only getting lost in a good book can do. And what's better than going back to a guaranteed favorite? It's trustworthy. Dependable. A promise that can't be broken. Something you know will leave you satisfied once you turn that last page. Over and over again.

How could I not love Vera?!

-Jared-

I'll be honest, I was surprised by how much I loved Jared (even in the first one). I don't usually like cocky, alpha heroes. But something about Jared just worked for me. Maybe it was because I never took his cockiness as being conceited... if that makes any sense? I always took it more as a joke.

"You're out of this world hot, and I've got a big cock I know how to use. And I'd really like to use it on you, in you, all over you."

And the other times, I just found it very 😍😍😍

"My number's in your phone, in case you ever feel like letting that hair down for me to wrap around my fist."

"You're killing me, Frost," he rasps. "But I'm pretty sure dying shouldn't feel this damn good."

And I loved how he loved Vera. He pursued her from the beginning, not missing a beat when she threw attitude at him. Jared just kept coming back for more.

"You can't change me."
He tilts his head. "And why would I wanna do a damn thing like that?" His lips press to my nose, and I melt into him, the simple touch sending tingles up my spine. "No one's perfect, Frost. But you? You're perfect for me. Just the way you are."

"Jesus, Frost. I've been yours since I saw you strutting down that highway like it was a damn catwalk."

GAHHH 😍😍 I love how he reassures her, even though she doesn't ask for it. He just knows she needs it. Ella did a GREAT job of showing how meant for each other these two are.

But no relationship is perfect. Mistakes are made by both Vera and Jared. And he even though I wish Vera had communicated better and I really wish Jared hadn't reacted the way he did... the actions fit with the characters.

"We're always so quick to judge someone from the mistakes they've made. When really, we should be judging what they do after they make them instead."

I did love Jared's grovel.

"Like any story that involves two people who fall in love, you're my happy ending, and I'm yours."

"I've got no choice but to wait, so I will, for as long as it takes."

If you haven't read Ella Fields, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! *As long as you aren't a strict safety ganger 😉 I'm going to end this review with one of my favorite quotes...

Love. What a word. You can fixate on it, study it, try to capture it, but ultimately, that tiny, woefully inadequate four-letter word is not enough. It's merely a word, trying to capture something too powerful within a group of simply structured letters. It's wrong. Love isn't a word, and it's not anything you can describe. It's simply a trap. And once it's caught you, good luck ever trying to get out. I know I probably never will.

❤️❤️❤️

Safety: Jared and Vera are separated for about 3 weeks after she breaks up with him. Jared is hurt and ends up getting a blow job from an ex-fuck buddy during their separation.

Closure: HEA. They get engaged in the epilogue seven months later.

**I received this in a giveaway ❤️ Thank you, Ella!!**

[Malene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read Cyanide ever since I finished Frayed Silk and I knew that Jared, who appeared in Frayed Silk, would be one of the main characters. I'm so glad I discovered Ella Fields cause man can she write a story that captivates me completely.
Her prose is simply flawless and hit all the right notes with me. I laughed, gasped and hurt and enjoyed every emotion immensely.

Vera is my kind of woman. I respect her strength and determination. She's wealthy but won't let it define her. No, she wants to work because she can. Her upbringing has been different from Jared's. He's had people who cared about him growing up. His brother Felix and foster father, whereas Vera had her nanny because her father's world revolved around work and her mother left when she was a kid. Jared works his ass off and tries to do honest work since his criminal past. He doesn't do relationships and Vera is all about being safe and predictable and doing what her father says but all that changes when they first meet.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Vera and Jared's relationship evolved and how it changed them both irrevocably. It was captured at a perfect pace that allowed me to fall in love with them individually and together as a couple. Together they were amazing. The camping trip is a favorite of mine because they both shed so many layers and let the other see their true self. There's no denying that they have chemistry. Man, I was fanning myself numerous times.
Cyanide depicted beautifully how love and falling in love affects and can change people. Jared and Vera are proof of that and I loved every moment of their journey.

I enjoyed myself so much while reading Cyanide and the secondary characters, Isla and Cleo were terrific as was Badger who was another strong character who was a loyal and constant support for Vera. The epilogue was fabulous and perfectly sets up the next book. I'm ready for Felix. Let the waiting game begin.

5 BadAssDirtyFrostAndHeroStars


*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Every Part of Me Stars

Man oh man this book WOWED me!!
Ella Fields has written a stunning and original love story that took my breath away. There’s nothing better than reading a new to me author who stuns me right out of the gate. I’m over the moon excited and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

My blog partner lovingly calls me a drama whore and angst slut! I don’t deny either of these classifications and actively seek amazing reads to feed my needs. I’m so excited to have find this gem of a novel. Gah! It’s all the things. The perfect mix of angst, family drama, and steamy love between characters who in theory, shouldn’t work at all.





Here’s the breakdown: Vera is a wealthy socialite living off her father’s money. On the outside, it looks as though she has the perfect life. She has money, a fabulous apartment, and a wealthy boyfriend who can afford her the life she’s grown used too. What’s missing though is true love and connection with another person.

What I absolutely loved:
THE COVER!!

The main characters and quite a contradiction! Not only because they go together like oil and water, but also because I should have hated Vera. The bitchy socialite is not typically my jam. Wealthy, materialistic characters and I don’t mesh well. LOL But what’s so brilliant about the book is that Vera is just that, but so much more. The author weaves the story in way that I couldn’t help but identify with and root for Vera. The character development is awesome and Jared is one of the dirtiest talking heroes I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.



Which brings me to the best thing ever…the writing is amazing! The story is crisp and engaging. I didn’t love every single thing about the plot, but it worked for me in a big way.

Speaking of plot. It’s a good one. The drama and angst are well balanced and done in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat. Man, I loved it!! I devoured this book in one sitting because I had to know how it would end. Amazing!



So, to sum up, I loved it. Highly recommended for lovers of dirty talking alphas, family drama, angst filled and steamy reads.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this story earlier today but needed a moment to gather my thoughts before I tried to write my review. This book is a lot. A lot of feelings. A lot of laughs. A lot of seriously hot chemistry. A lot of heartbreak and a whole lot of raw, honest love. I loved it. Ella Fields is fast becoming a favourite author for me.

We met Jared in Frayed Silk and I fell in love with his character there and definitely wanted more of his story. I knew he would be a great Hero in his own story and I was right.

Vera is not your typical romance heroine. She's not sweet, she's not kind and she's definitely not someone you immediately warm to. But you know what? That's exactly why I liked her. The author chose a character that you had to get to know before you loved them and I am okay with that.

The chemistry between these two is crazy hot (new panties needed kind of hot)

"You like getting a little dirty, don’t you, princess?”
My hips jerk, and I swallow hard. “I do … but only with you.”

"And I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed playing with my food this much before eating my fill.”

See definitely new panties required 🔥🔥

But what grabbed me even more in this story was the fragile hidden underneath the characters and the way they saw through each other's packaging to what was inside and helped each other grow as a person. Their willingness to be vulnerable with each other was beautiful.

"If you were a book, I’d read you, touch you, look at you every day and never get bored."

Jared gave good swoon in this one - smooth SOB that he is ❤️❤️

"When you laugh, I feel it here.” He grabs my hand and lifts it to his chest. He smiles softly ...

Their love story is not an easy one with obstacles thrown at them by family, life and even each other. There were moments where I was so furious with each of them I wanted to punch them and moments where I wanted to hug them for what they were going through. Have your tissues handy.

It's a raw, emotional read but so worth the tears, angst and heartbreak to get to the end. The characters makes mistakes, some of them huge, but isn't that true in real life? Love isn't perfect - but do we want it to be? I loved this story - it's definitely not an easy read, but it's one of the most honest and vulnerable love stories I have read in a long time and I wouldn't change a thing.

I received an ARC of this book.

[nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What really caught my attention was the cover. I don't think I'll get tired of saying how gorgeous this cover is. The cover alone is what made me read the book. I didn't even glance at the blurb.

I already know that not many people are going to like Vera. In all honesty, though, I liked how she was portrayed. She isn't a sweet heroine. She has always been spoiled and can basically have anything she wants. But she definitely shows some great character growth by the end of the book. But I always liked her to begin with, bacause there's so much more than meets the eye.

As for Jared? He is such a great hero with a heart of gold. Absolutely amazing. I never once doubted his feeling for Vera. I fell in love with him instantly. And yeah, maybe the tattoos and motorcycle had something to do with it. If you read the book I guarantee you'll love him too.

I'm also super excited for Felix's book. It's going to be so good!

All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely. I can't recommend it enough.

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review!*

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you were a book, I’d read you, touch you, look at you every day and never get bored.”

E poi ci sono questi libri, che ti fanno urlare e scalpitare, piangere (si ho pianto, colpa di Jared) e ridere. Questi libri che ti fanno innamorare dei personaggi, anche quando alcuni non ti stanno per niente simpatici inizialmente. Cyanide è stato questo e altro.

Lui era l’antidoto.
Io ero il veleno.

Per chi ha letto Frayed Silk, sicuramente si è innamorata di Jared, io lo chiamavo “il ragazzo che non ce l’ha fatta”, ma in realtà meritava molto di più di Dahlia, la moglie frustrata di un altro. Questa è la sua storia. Una storia sofferta, perchè la sua storia con Vera inizialmente parte come uno svago, solo sesso per una notte e poi tanti saluti. Ma dopo diventa un tornado di emozioni che ti seguono fino all’ultima parola.

Vera la odiavo inizialmente. La classica ragazzina viziata, figlia di papà, ricca sfondata e con una scopa nel culo 24/7. L’avrei presa a schiaffi continuamente per come parlava alle persone, era una sbruffona arrogante e io di natura odio le persone così, non aveva rispetto per nessuno. Mi ero addirittura stupita che avesse due migliori amiche a cui è molto legata. La cosa che peró non sapevo, era che lei è stata cresciuta così da suo padre, un uomo molto potente che ottiene tutto ció che vuole.
Quando Jared decide che vuole provare a stare insieme a Vera inizia una storia leggera e senza preoccupazioni, dolcissima la scena del campeggio dove lei era terrorizzata dei serpenti che potevano entrare nella tenda, ma lui voleva comunque fare il romantico e ha montato una tenda tutta bucata e ha preparato dei panini freddi. Aww, amo questo ragazzo, credo sia uno dei migliori personaggi maschili che ho letto fino ad ora!

Le preoccupazioni peró non tardano ad arrivare perchè Vera viene minacciata dal padre e la sua storia con Jared viene messa a rischio. Si ritrova così sul lastrico, con il simpatico signore della libreria a cui badare, e senza Jared.
Vedere come soffriva questa ragazza mi ha un po’ spezzato il cuore ma era ció che le serviva per capire che nella vita non ci sono solo i soldi e i vestiti firmati, c’è molto altro e senza di quello, ti senti vuota, stai male e faresti di tutto per riaverlo.

Ella Fields si è superata. Vorrei ringraziarla per avermi regalato uno come Jared, di cui sentivo la mancanza gia dalla fine di Frayed Silk. Sicuramente un must read!

[Sentranced Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be still my beating heart 💓

I LOVED reading this book. So swoony

[Ella Fields]

Cyanide is a Frayed Silk spin-off and first in a duet of standalones.
You do not have to read Frayed Silk before reading Cyanide, but as always, it's recommended. <3

Live alert: http://bit.ly/2hyalFw

[Lauren ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 'melt her proverbial "frosty" ice-cold heart' STARS

Cyanide is a part of the Surface Rust duet. However, it technically can be read as a standalone. This book is classic rich/poor suitor story. You know the one, poor guy and rich girl fall in love, they eventually do not care that they come from different worlds, but others have a different view. Those shady and cynical people conspire and interfere, in this case mainly two people do... *cough* fucking Dexter and Vera's dad. *cough.* I'll get into those terrible humans in a bit though.

ANYWAYSSS, this book is told mainly from Vera Bramston (the main heroine) POV, except for in the prologue and the epilogue which are told from Jared Williams POV (main hero who was introduced in a previous standalone book - Frayed Silk).

Let's get down to business,

✹Spoilers ahead✹

═════☆═════
S O N G S
═════☆═════
⇒ emotional softie - One Hope
⇒ Ride - Cary Brothers
⇒ Bloodstream - Stateless
⇒ Driveway - Great Northern
*ADDING DRIVEWAY 'CAUSE THIS SONG CAME ON WHEN BADGER WAS HAVING HIS HEART ATTACK AND ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WAS THE FUNERAL SCENE FROM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. LEGIT WAS IN TEARS. DAMN CHAPTER 23 WRECKED ME.

STORY PLOT

On the outside, Vera looks like she is living her best life with endless money and basically she can have anything she desires. However, that is stipulated on it fitting daddy dearest standards. His claws are deep within Vera so much so that he has skewed her perception on pretty much everything. But the thing is materialism only goes so far. When her douche canoe of a boyfriend blindsided her with buying a house, she had a full blown panic attack which resulted in her getting out of his car on a highway. This is where she meets Jared who rescues her from this disastrous day. Vera chalks it up to a random act of kindness on his part and pretty much thinks she'll never see him again but they keep bumping into each other & they have chemistry there. Jared had his work cut out for him though 'cause Vera was a tough nut to crack. But when he does, he gives Vera many firsts from laughs to you cry, spontaneous trips, and love. Except the thing, the hero can't always rescue you from danger, sometimes you have to slay your own dragons... even if it cost you something that means a lot to you.

MAIN CHARACTERS

↠ Vera aka Frost/beauty = main heroine
❄ portrayed as cold-hearted, stuck up, self-absorbed, and rather just a shitty person to those lower on the food chain. But what you don't expect is for her to hold onto hope for that love only read about in fairytales. She is a fellow book lover and I did enjoy seeing that side of her in this book!

↠ Jared aka Hero = main hero
❄ Is the green-eyed hero from the "wrong-side of the tracks." He appears as a bad boy and says "what you see is what you get" but there is more to him than meets the eye.

↠ Badger = Bookstore owner/Vera's grandpa
❄ He deserves a mention because any time he was in the story I was smiling so much. He was a wise, sweet, old man running a cute bookstore. But it was a shock, he was actually Vera's grandpa, I did not see that coming.

↠ Dexter + Vera's Dad = worse human beings that only care about the dollar sign. These two played the biggest role in causing the forced break up between Vera and Jared.
❄ Dexter: He was only with Vera as a way to climb the social ladder. He was manipulated and honestly like that annoying gnat that keeps appearing when you wanna be left alone. At least, Vera's dad listen to her and stopped pushing them together when she told him he wanted to take the company and was a terrible person.
❄ ... And the shittiest dad award goes to Mr. Bramston. Since he was bitter about his wife leaving him, he never wanted to spend time with Vera as she reminded him of what he lost. So, he shoved her off on nannies her whole life. He was very controlling and only cared about having his daughter find someone to financially support her. He did not care if they had feelings for her. Kiddos to Vera for becoming free of him and becoming independent in the end, I truly loved that part in the book!

Where did the story/characters lack?

↠ Vera: As a main h, she was very hard to warm up as she was quite prickly and judgmental. I understand her upbringing influenced that greatly but it was just very hard to connect to her as a main character. I honestly she was a mega mean bitch for 75% of the book. Really, she was the type you hope would get hit by a bus. Similar, to how Regina George was run over.



It wasn't until her heart was trampled on that she was seen in a better light and well more human with so much raw emotion swirling inside her. Lastly, I loved her relationship with Badger and truly adored him in this book <3.

↠ Jared's interpretation on love:

Short version - Sex=Love

Examples
#1 ⤑ "If you're really mine, then I want to take you bare, with nothing between us."

#2 ⤑ "I'm going to fuck the hate out of you."
↪ He got a bj from a chick as a way to cope with Vera ending things. So, he thinks sex together will repair that crack in the relationship. Guess it seemed promising because he constantly told her how much he loved her while they had sex and Vera started to show her love and vulnerability. SILVER LINING, once the sex was done Vera turned back to being cold and made him grovel for a bit which was a HUGE highlight to this situation.

↠ Cleo and Isla: Where'd y'all go at the end. Honestly, I low key liked their friend group as in some ways they grounded each other. I also liked that they were protective and always had each others back. The thing is after chapter 27, they no longer existed. Did home girl even text you that she was alright and what happened with Jared!? I feel like they just stopped existing in this world, randomly.


& I'm so sorry that you were randomly written out... but please....



↠ Vera's relationship with her mom: I honestly forgot about it until it was brought up. It appeared promising in the beginning with her mom calling her for money and she send cash to her behind her father's back. But it just was one of the plots I felt that added to move another part of the story along. It was developed quite surface level for the benefit of showing Vera growing as a person and cutting ties with that materialistic life.


FINAL VERDICT ON THE BOOK


This book ends with setting up Maggie and Felix's story which I am intrigued to see how this second chance romance will play out. I'm assuming Corrode will pick up 3 weeks from this books epilogue.

As for this book, it was not the easiest read to connect to due to the main h and was problematic at times but I still enjoyed the book overall.

Surface Rust duet

#1 Cyanide ⤑ 3.5 stars
#2 Corrode ⤑ TBR

[Yvette (Booksandbandanas) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the things for this one right here. I stumbled upon this author by luck and I'm overjoyed with the outcome.

This story. Jared. Ok, so you can read this book as a complete standalone, but I absolutely recommend that you read Frayed Silk first to get the complete effects of the whole package.

You meet Jared in Frayed Silk. I could die over this gorgeous man. Even in Frayed Silk when maybe I shouldn't have loved him, I did so bad. This story you see the same dangerous, but oh so kind of gentleman when needed. He has had a rough life and is just trying to make it in life when he literally sees Vera walking on the side of the road everything would change.

Vera is a lot of things spoiled, fierce, beautiful, high class, bookish, the list is endless. I loved her. I loved the way she came off in this story. Her life has been easy in the aspects that she never had to work for anything. She was raised by a nanny who broke her at a young age. Money can only take you so far and Vera is no fool to that.

Jared and Vera kept me glued to this story in a completely unhealthy way. The angst was off the charts crazy good.

A gorgeous man with a cigarette hanging from his lips, and a dark haired woman who takes nothing. Appearances can be dissaving for these too but who cares when you have a gas fire love like this.

[Briana Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are these people so perfect?! Sure I wanted slap them both at one point but Jared and Vera had me...



4.5 stars

I loved Jared in Frayed Silk and I couldn't wait to read his own book. He's just so...swoony and an asshole and MY NEW BOOK HUSBAND!!! everything I love in a guy. He's got tattoos, green eyes, and a crooked front tooth. This man was written for me. ;) He was so sweet and such an asshole but SO SWEET! I understood why he acted the way he did at "that" moment but I wish it were a little different. He won me over afterward. Who am I kidding? He won me over since Frayed Silk and the words, "Hey, Blondie" left his stupidly handsome face. 😈

Vera is a heroine I LOOOOOOVE to read about. I love bitches, I'm sorry. I consider myself a bitch 98% of the time and alot of Vera's thoughts and actions were thought of or done by me at some point.... 😈😂 There isn't one thing I'd want to change about her.

[Auden Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six enthusiastic stars!

“Reading always seems to calm me as only getting lost in a good book can do. And what’s better than going back to a guaranteed favorite? It’s trustworthy.
Dependable.
A promise that can’t be broken.
Something you know will leave you satisfied once you turn that last page.
Over and over again.”

The quote is taken from Ella Fields’ “Cyanide” and I wonder if she had her own stunning story in mind. This book consumed me − heartache, laughter, and hot steamy scenes took over. The love between two lonely souls captivated me from the beginning. It took everything in me to turn to that last page because I didn’t want Jared and Vera’s story to end. Their story became a “promise that can’t be broken.”

“Cyanide” is absolutely breathtaking. It is a beautifully-written, thoughtful work of art. Jared and Vera’s story has reserved a place in my heart and is a “guaranteed favorite.” Simply put, “Cyanide” is a book I wish I had written myself.

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read. I loved Jared from Frayed Silk and wanted his story. Ella didn't disappoint. And I loved that Vera wasn't necessarily a nice person, but with Jared - boom! This was a great read. If you're looking for a great read, pick this up!

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

For more reviews and blog posts.

[EscapeNBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyanide by Author Ella Fields is book one in the Surface Rust series. It is a spin-off from her debut novel, Frayed Silk.

"Out of all the harmful things I could have ever done to myself, falling in love has got to be the worst. But some lessons need to be learned the hard way."

To say Cyanide was a highly anticipated read is a gross understatement. I HAD to have this book. I love that in the two books I've read by Author Ella Fields, she has taken me by surprise. Having read about Jared in Frayed Silk, I assumed in this novel that, regardless of the heroine, he would steal the show. However, Vera definitely pushed him to the limits and created a spotlight for herself. She could dish it out to him as quickly as she had to take it in. Their attraction was explosive. Jared was the smooth-talking, fast action "Hero", while Vera was the sassy-mouthed, self-protector. These qualities put them on a collision course for a physical an emotional roller coaster. I love that Jared challenged Vera, and she baffled him. I loved the push and pull between them that created. I was over-the-moon with all of the endearing things that Jared did for her. How he made her laugh, cry, and see - really see - life.

“If you were a book, I’d read you, touch you, look at you every day and never get bored.”

My nerves were on constant alert with each read word. I knew their circumstances, their obstacles. They seemed insurmountable, and this made my heart ache. Two souls drawn together, connected by the hearts that beat in rhythm with one another. Beautiful, sweet, sappy, and ridiculously hot, Jared and Vera were made to dance life's journey together.

“Sometimes the things that make no sense can lead us to our greatest discoveries.”

Almost all stories have a twist. Something to make you think, get the blood pumping. Cyanide had a twist that grew arms, reached out of my Kindle, forcefully grabbed my heart, and squeezed out blood, oxygen, life, and hope. I didn't have sniffles, I had hiccup cries that wouldn't stop, and my emotions were in ebb and flow until the very end.

“You had me at Jared.”

Cyanide was a cataclysmic hit on my heart. There are no words to adequately express what Cyanide did to spread glitter in my soul. Another must-read by this author.

#Hero
#Frost

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected so this was a fun surprise that made me complete my reading challenge for 2021. Yay.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Always Booked Stars

"Sometimes the things that make no sense can lead us to our greatest discoveries."

Jared was the 'bad boy' from Frayed Silk, he came across just as arrogant and smooth talking. He wasn't my favourite Hero as the 'bad boy' thing came across a little to try hard for me. It is hard to get into a book when you're just not that into the Hero but that's where I have to give props to the author, she writes a cast of fantastic characters and I enjoyed all the others especially Badger with his second hand bookstore 'Always Booked' (I want a second hand bookstore 😜 ).

Vera was born into a rich family, her mum ran off with a younger guy when she was 4 leaving her with a father who was always too busy. Left with her nanny everyday it was a lonely and sad upbringing.
It all went into making the independent, determined, sometimes bitchy but strong women she becomes. The nickname 'frost' Jared gave Vera was on point, she played the ice-queen well at times.

"Are you done boring me with you annoying voice and your existence in general? Because I've got things to do,honey."

Vera has a serious problem though, her father who pays for her 'lifestyle' decides he knows who she should be with and threatens to cut her off if she goes against his wishes.

So another 'poor meets wealthy' Romeo and Juliet trope which I seem to have read a few of lately. This part of the story did get old fast and a little repetitive. I did like the way Jared reacted to Vera's wealth by brushing it off or joking about it, he didn't become self conscious like some men would.



So there was only a little drama in this one and I did find it a little slow at times. I was hoping it'd have the same level of angst and feels that Frayed Silk had, but it didn't hold the same pull for me. It was an enjoyable read and I will say that Jared and Vera made a smokin hot couple!!



I am looking forward to the next 'Surface Rust', I'm secretly hoping it might be Butch's story, now he sounds right up my alley!
-Alicia, 4 Stars.

[Elizarey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As my first time reading a book by Ella Fields I came into Cyanide not expecting much. I didn't want to go into it thinking it was going to blow my mind but it did!

Jared and Vera are GOALS!!!! Their relationship was really different to others I have read about. Vera being a rich girl born with a golden spoon in her mouth and Jared the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks with a shady past.

To most Vera may be a stuck up bitch with an attitude but to me she was a BADDD BITCH LOL

For real though I loved her. She was so cool and different. Usually heroines are super sweet and nice or funny, Vera was brash, opinionated and got what she wanted and also funny! I loved seeing scenes from her past and growing up. It made me understand why she was the way she was. I really sympathized with her. I understood why she had that wall around her heart.

Jared was a mystery in the beginning. A sexy guy riding his Harley with that dirty naughty smile. What is not to like about that? I really enjoyed learning about him although I would have liked to see more chapters from his POV!

The back story to Cyanide was so good!!! The story was really well thought out and didn't fall flat anywhere. I was really pleasantly surprised! Plus the cover is beyond gorgeous.... Definitely worth getting in paperback!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

6+ stars.


This book really came out of nowhere. Seriously reading anything after Still (Grip #2) was going to be a hard one to beat.
In saying that.......
This book was fucking incredible. Honestly one of my top books I have ever read. This author is really a hidden gem and I am so glad I read this because now I am ready for my other husband to get out of jail(;


Jared is everything right in a hero. Dirty mouth, good in bed, low class but the sweetest guy ever.


*Swoons* I LOVE bad boys (in books) when done right, and this was done REALLY right. Just fuck up my life, fuck up my credit, take my car just do it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had big expectations for this book, and Ella Fields met every single one and then some.

I'm not sure if I'm in the minority or not, but I LOVED Jared so much in Frayed Silk! I absolutely can never get enough of the bad boys with hearts of gold, and after reading Frayed Silk, I felt very protective of Jared. I needed more, and got EVERYTHING because Jared was EVERYTHING to me in this book!

He could not been any more flawlessly imperfect.

**sigh** 💜💚❤️

And although from a completely different, although somewhat parallel upbringing, he and Vera are more than meant to be.

Vera is my favorite type of heroine. She is tough, doesn't care if she offends anyone, and loyal. She and I are also kindred spirits in our love of all things books and hand sanitizer!!

Once again, Ella Fields has written a beautiful story that is real and messy, or what I like to call LIFE. This book made me laugh, angry, anxious, hurt, and ugly cry - LIFE. And it was so heart wrenchingly beautiful! 💜💚❤️

I know a book is beyond amazing when I absolutely can not put it down, and when I am unable to start a new book right after. Both happened with Cyanide.

Ella, I love all of your words! Keep doing what you were meant to do!! ❤️

** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy provided by the author.

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyanide is the second book I've recently read from Ella Fields. A new to me author since I devoured Frayed Silk, I couldn't wait for this spin-off, but still standalone, novel centering on Jared. If you read Frayed Silk, you'll remember Jared is the guy who "volunteered" in the woman's shelter.

Jared is a bit rough on the edges mechanic that runs his own vintage motorcycle and car shop. His brother is incarcerated and he's burning the midnight oil taking care of their jointly-owned shop. Our heroine is polar opposite. A debutante, a bit emotionally 'cool,' a princess in her egocentric ways, Vera meets Jared in less than stellar conditions. Walking along the highway, our Hared becomes her hero, picking her up on his Harley and giving her a much-needed ride home. And ya know what they say about opposites and attraction...

Vera isn't an especially likable person. Being born into money, her filter is flawed and her ego a lot inflated. But it takes a humble mechanic to make her realize just what's truly important, or not, in life. A slow learner, Vera struggles with her innate need for money and material things versus love and happiness.

Cyanide is SMOKING HOT at times, will tug at the ol' heartstrings but doesn't have quite the angst we got with Frayed Silk. I really enjoyed this unconventionally-paired couple find their way through the challenges they face coming from such polar opposite walks of life. Not quite the page turner I found Frayed Silk to be, Cyanide was still a great unconventional love theory. I look forward to more from Ella Fields!



Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.