Title: Cruel Water
Series: Portland, ME #2
Author: Freya Barker
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis
Innocence marked her...
Violation crippled her...
Love left her raw...
The life she carefully rebuilt is challenged when she is confronted with the sins from her past. The carefully applied protection is at once ripped away, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.
Her single night of indulgence with the silver-eyed stranger is only the beginning. He sees right to the heart of her and she is unable to ward off emotions that have been deeply buried. With the sting of betrayal still fresh in her soul, she’s surprised to find herself opening up to the honest integrity of the sharp-eyed, rough-looking biker.
When he lost everyone who mattered, he was left without roots and learned to be content simply living in the moment. Completely unprepared for the feisty blonde bartender with old pain marring her clear-blue eyes, he questions his own rules of detachment, as she unwittingly finds a way under his skin.
Appearances deceive and when the masks fall away, revealing deep, dark secrets, there is nothing left but to hang onto each other and survive the storm.
Purchase Links:
Excerpt:
I should probably leave right now. I’ve had my beer and my dinner, I should just head home. I’m really not looking to get involved with- nor am I equipped to deal with - a woman who comes with obvious complications. Yet despite the thoughts in my head, my mouth has a different plan. “I’d like to take you out.”
Something flickers in her eyes before she shakes her head and looks down at her hands. “Don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Actually—” I sit up straighter, suddenly determined to get her to agree. “You already said yes.” I hold back a chuckle that wants out when I see her frown in confusion.
“I did? When was that?”
“You agreed to talk to me, so that’s what we’ll do: talk over dinner.” I try for a disarming grin, afraid I’m botching it up and make myself look slightly deranged.
She presses her lips together, but amusement sparkles in those eyes. “Didn’t know you were talking ‘date’, nor can I remember saying yes to anything.” She left that door wide open, and I’ll be damned if I don’t go barging in.
Leaning closer I pin her with my eyes. “I fondly remember a time you were saying yes to everything.”
When the meaning of my words
register, her eyes darken and she sharply takes in a breath. “No fair,” she whispers.
“I know,” I whisper back, never losing eye contact.
A war wages on her face before she finally concedes on a sigh.
“Oh fine.”
Despite the grudging response, the words are music to my ears. It’s only later, when I finally do leave the pub to go home, that I remember my earlier resolve to steer clear of complications.
Well, so much for that.
Other Books in the Series:
Currently on Sale!!!
”From Dust” (Portland, ME #1)
What Others Are Saying:
I have only one thing to say about this novel… Inspiring.
Freya Barker has written a story that is gritty, raw and real. A story about what happens when you have the worst thing imaginable happen to you, and the people who should be your support system, don’t believe you. ~ Kez Korner
A five star sensational read. ~ Obsessed by Books
This is one explosive story, touching on subjects sure to tear you apart at times, but it is written with such skill that makes their story so amazing. ~ Lillians Book Blog
This is a breathtaking story of a damaged heroine supported by an strong man who is still recovering from his own emotional wounds. It takes you on journey towards happiness, forgiveness and above all a hope for a future lived free of a painful past. ~ Jezabell Girl and Friends
About the Author:
Freya Barker inspires with her stories about 'real’ people, perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.
A recipient of the RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for best first book, “Slim To None,” Freya has since published eight books. She continues to spin story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Other Books by Freya Barker:
CEDAR TREE SERIES:
Slim To None (Cedar Tree #1)
Hundred To One (Cedar Tree #2)
Against Me (Cedar Tree #3)
Clean Lines (Cedar Tree #4)
Upper Hand (Cedar Tree #5)
Like
Arrows (Cedar Tree #6)
My Review:
I simply love Freya Barker. She has the uncanny ability to write stories that will tear your heart out and keep you glued to your kindle. And in the end, give the characters their HEA that you crave so much. And this story wasn't an exception. It was intriguing, suspenseful, heartbreaking, romantic and every other word you can think of to describe a simply fabulous book.
As this is the second book in the Portland ME series, I already knew that Viv ha a past that scarred her and left her with demons that hound her existence. What I didn't expect was the extent of the horror she lived in for year, since she was a child. It was heartbreaking to read how her life was destroyed by the very people who were supposed to protect her. It brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion.
Apart from that, the love story is simply amazing and so romantic. It was incredible to read how Ike slowly breaks Viv's walls and helps her heal, helps her become the woman she was always meant to be. Even though, there was danger lurking around the corner and there were multiple emotional obstacles to overcome, Viv and Ike managed to build a strong foundation for their relationship. A relationship based on trust, respect, love and attraction strong enough to burn down the sheets.
So if you are looking for an ugly cry read with an incredible story that will simply glue you to your seat, then you definitely found the right book. Even though, this is the second book in the Portland ME series, it can be read as a standalone, so no worries there. But if you haven't read From Dust yet, you simply have to. It is a must read. And in any case ALL Freya Barker books are amazing so there is no way you can go wrong ;)
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