Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Review: Rough Edges by Ashlynn Pearce

Rough Edges
By: Ashlynn Pearce
Book Length: Short Novel
Book Type: eBook
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
ISBN: 9781419928048

Jake Korte is emotionally broken. Angry. Hurt. Worthless. Fearing that he will become the abuser his father was, the last thing he needs is a woman in his life. He feels like a virtual time bomb just waiting for the internal explosion. So when tiny Rebecca Saylor “chats” her way into his life and then crawls under his skin, panic descends. He can’t seem to stay away, but is terrified to be with her.

After surviving an abusive marriage, Becca isn’t looking for love, only safety. But through her research for her column “Chat Addiction”, she meets Jake, who is anything but safe. He’s the one man who can make her feel alive again. But can she overcome her own fears to claw her way into the heart of a man so fractured?
The above information was obtained from Jasmine Jade Enterprises - Ellora's Cave

*~*I did receive this book from Night Owl Romance for the purpose of my honest review.
So, all thoughts and comments regarding this book are solely mine!*~*

I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...

Oh my gosh where to start. First off, Ms. Ashlynn is a very new to me author, but new does not mean that she was all sugar and spice with her writing... actually the woman is more like saucy and hot!!!! And omg the woman can write. She had my emotions so raw that I had to make sure I was not in the book with these characters. She strips you bear from soul to sole (pun intended) and puts you back together whole again. This story rocked my socks off. From tortured (no lie!!!) hero to a heroine with a backbone and a baseball bat!! Her characters are so well written, you believe that she has taken pages from someone's journal (my dream journal) and made it into a book. She deliveries her words so thick that you are left holding your breath, waiting for the next line. This story twisted my heart, made my soul cry, made me cross my legs and blush more times than I care to admit. Well, actually I would admit it... I did this for the the whole story!!

Beeca is a woman coming out of an abusive marriage; a woman who came out stronger than when she went in it. She is able to stand on her own two feet and feel proud of that. I loved her for that. She was not a wishy washy woman, she did not contemplate rather she would take the jerk back or not... she was a woman set out to live her life and move on. She might often seek the shadows (or corners) compared to her best friend Summer, who loved to live life out to the fullest and did not care who saw her or what they thought. Becca was the meek one, the quiet one. But being meek does not mean she does not have a backbone. She stood firm in what she believed in and she stood up to "the jerk" and to Jake.

Jake is a man bent on believing that he is a worthless piece of trash like his father. When you meet him, you just want to hold of him and love him with all you have. Then you want to take him and shake him to make him see what you see - a man worthy to receive and give love. Jake came from an abusive family, but what saved him was his best friend's family. Mama Maria took him in and showed him the best way she cold what love was supposed to be. This man is my supreme Sex on a Motorcycle!!!! From his dark, wavy brown hair to the tip of his toes, this man is bad (all six foot one inch). Bad as in beautiful, angry and definitely someone to take notice of. He commands any room he steps in, there are no excuses and no matter how many demons he tries to outrun... he feels he has not run enough or beat his punching bag enough to escape them.
This story is based in today's time where people meet online. Except Becca is doing a piece on online chatting for her job - working at the local newspaper. This is where the story gets good... did Becca get more than she bargained for when encountered Jake. How easy is to lose yourself online, without the face to face meetings? How comfortable do we become typing on our computers... no voice and no face to put with the words. Just black and white...? What happens when you put a voice with the words...? What happens when you put a face with the voice that goes with the black and white words?
It will take some Rough Edges to get to a smooth finish... But you will have to read to find out what happens.........
The title of the book and the cover fit this story perfectly. The story line is about two people are both rough around the edges. Their emotion state is what is really rough and raw. The scene on the cover... well let's just say that you can soooooooooo see this in the story!!!
I urge you to go pick up this story today... Do not wait... Do not hesitate... Buy it now!

If you would like to visit Ms. Ashlynn's Blog, please go --->>> here.
I am sure she would love to hear from you!
To check out her book... Please go to Ellora's Cave --->> here.

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58 comments:

  1. Hi Cecile...
    Great Review! Hope you enjoy Edge of Moonlight :)

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  2. Thanks for the review! Sometimes I'm looking for a shorter book to read just to pass the time or to take a break from a series I'm reading.


    I was going to let you know you won an award at our blog but it looks like you found out before I could make it to your blog :-)


    Stephanie G

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  3. Morning Cecile,
    Great review, and I do like that they met online. The best people are met online :) Not to mention that I met my cutie online, and he's a catch.

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  4. Great review hon! It sounds like a very interesting read! I haven't read this author before it looks like I should change that!

    Hope you have a great one my dear! BIG HUGS

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  5. WOW...now it sounds like this author knows how to round out and fill in her char's! And with the touchy subject matter...that's got to be very well written!

    Awesome...not that's one short book I'll have to get!

    I'm getting more reading in these days! I had too...you keep pointing out too many good books I can't pass up! See all because of you and your reviews I've had to squeeze in reading into my already overloaded schedule! };-( Bad girl, making me read! :-D

    HUgs and Love babe!
    Hawk

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  6. Cecile your enthusiasm for this story radiates of my pc screen!! My curiousity is more then piqued because of the topic of chatting online, I love to see how that works out. Pre online chatting/dating there was something like contact ads in magazines...that is the way I found my hubby LOL I'm going to add this one to be EC TBB list *grin*

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  7. Great review Cecile.I too just wanted to hug Jake.This was a really great book.
    Ashlynn will be an author I will keep reading.

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  8. Morning Ladies!!
    Anna! Hey hon, thanks for coming over! It is nice to see you! Thank you and I am sure I will love EM by Stephanie... I have devoured the first two like candy! Have a great day!

    Paranormal Haven!! Hey hons!!! Hee hee... I am quick like sometimes, lol!! Thank you for the award by the way!! Hugs to you ladies!!!
    Thanks for coming over!! Ohhhh, this book is a must for anyone who "plays" online. And I even mean us bloggers... this is just that cool of a story!



    Blodeuedd!! Hey honey!! Good afternoon to you! Ohhh you and cutie met online, you might have to give up some scoop on that one day, lol!! GIRL TALKS!! =)
    It is an awesome book and the fact that that is how they met is pretty cool! Especially in today's world. Thanks for coming over honey! I hope you have a great day!

    JennJ! Hey honey!! Thanks for stopping by today! How are you!?! Ohhh, this is a very interesting read... and she is a new upcoming author to watch out for! She is an amazing woman!! And author!!

    Houston!! Hey honey!! Hee hee, I can be evil like that sometimes!!! And it is a short story, I know you could read this in one day!!! I betcha!! LOL!!!

    Leontine!! Hey honey!! Hugs to you! Thanks for popping over today! Ohhh Leontine, thank you for your kind words!But you know how I get when a story touches me! And Jake... omg... that man does me in for sure!! And you too... spill on meeting the hubs!!! I am screaming for one week where we allllllll get to meet up and have a big slumber party!!!!

    elaing8!! Hey honey Morning to you! Thank you! Ohhh girl, I wanted to do more than just hug Jake, I was just trying to be nice, lol!!! This is an awesome book!

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  9. If I ever take up m/f reading again.... :)

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  10. Steamy, verrrrr-ry steamy.

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  11. Sounds like this one is a guttwrentcher and perfect for that overemotional week of the month... ;)

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  12. I'm with Chris. When I'm in the mood for a book with girls . . .

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  13. Chris, hey honey! Yes... if you were to eve take up m/f again... do read this one! Jake is hot!

    Mr. Valance! Hello there and welcome. Yes, this is a very steamy read. This one might not be for the front porch at your place story telling... more for the bedroom!!

    Sweet!! Hey honey! This is a great book... Hot and steamy and oh yeah, you will feel for each character ~ even the best friend!


    Eyre! Well, when you want girls... you know where to find me... that so does not sound right.. but you know what I mean, lol!!!

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  14. Wow, you really know how to sell a story, hun!! I really want to read this now :) Fabulous review!!

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  15. Janna! Hey honey!!! LMBO!!! Girl, when a story is this good there is no need to try to sell it, it will sell itself!! And this is one of those stories!! Ms. Ashlynn gives it to you... just how you like it... raw and sexy as hell!!! Thanks hon for coming over!! Hugs to you!!

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  16. Cecile, my porch ain't always the quiet little place it appears to be. If you had scrolled down to the story 'Cordelia, Doc and the Strange Elixir,' you'd have read a tale that would have given you hot flushes and left you breathless. But I guess if you ain't interested in a story that embraces the paranormal, has a hot scene in a brothel, and ends with me with my pants off...

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  17. Off to Mr. V's place... where I am promised somethings... nice hot and spicy...

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  18. Hmm, maybe I'd better warm up the soup.

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  19. If you think that soup will be enough for me Mr. V.... I have quiet the appetite... Just warning ya!

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  20. Mr V... I was the first one to comment on that story as I recall... and I went back... and the devil in wants to know more of the brothel and what happened there..... curious minds want to know....

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  21. All right Miss Cecile. I'll level with you. I know you'd already seen the story. But your friends ain't, and I figured if I were to leave a little teaser here then it might just arouse your friends' curiosity, and maybe some of them might wander over to the porch. Yeah, I know, I'm shameless. Do you still want that soup?

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  22. Mr V, then why did you say something. If you want, email me.. and we will talk, lol! I am glad you leveled with me Mr. V. And if curiosity is what you want to stir... then you have come to the right place... we just have to do it at a different angle here honey.... Let me know if you are interested..... **be careful evil glean in this hussy's eye**

    And we can talk over some of that soup...

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  23. Hmm, I need to do some thinking, Miss Cecile. But right now it's time I had a cold bath. I'll be back. You have a nice day, too.

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  24. Mr. V, you know where to find me.... I'll be here.

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  25. Hey, Cecile--I loved your review -- so glad we agreed on this one. I reviewed it for The Book Binge and found it to be really a worthwhile read. So contemporary in its themes and I thought it was really honest in its approach. Not bad at all for a short work. Love your blog!

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  26. Hey Dr.! How are you?! Thank you for coming over here!! I hope you enjoyed yourself and hope to see you back more!
    This was an awesome book! It was with the times and it felt - real! Thank you complimenting the story. Ms. Ashlynn is new to me and she rocks!!! Hope you have a great weekend!

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  27. Psst! Cecile, I read that story - and you were right in everything you said - but I couldn't write something like that. When it comes to writing erotica, most males are about as subtle as a mating bull, and I'm wary of making that same mistake. I’ve got an idea though. With your permission, I could write the story from the bartender’s perspective. That way I wouldn’t have to worry about the pace or the content, because it’s laid down already. I’d just follow the template. I don’t know where the hell I’d post it (maybe you could post it anonymously as ‘the bartenders take’), but I think I could write that.

    (If it’s a crummy idea don’t shy away from saying so.)

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  28. Mr. V, I would love to hear your take on the "bartenders's" side.
    I would be honored to post it up at my place... and I will leave the option of putting your name on the post... Just let me know!

    I am very excited to hear that you want to write that part of the story... I can not wait!!!!!!!!!!

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  29. I hope you can hear me way down here Cecile, but I'm still here. Been busy of late, but I will do this. Only thing I'm unsure of is whether to do it as the Bartender character, or give it the full Valance treatment. Just one thing.. I realize this is an excerpt - least it looks that way - so can you me a little backround as to how the Bartender came to be in this situation? Thanks.

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  30. Mr V! I am so glad to see you in the *cough* kitchen. This story above though is not the recipe I thought we were working on. This is not my story. The link I gave you... to Sweet's place - is my story. And if you want the back history on that bartender... Ms Sweet has a Contest Bar everyday where she showcases who is having a contest... And he happen to be the 'bartender' that day and when I was presented with his picture, I could not resist but to write my story about him... So, if that is the bartender you would like to write... Please feel free and I will glad show case that story at my place!! Here at the Lair, we will present Mr. V's story of the Bartender. I would love your take on that story... Is this the recipe you are talking about??

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  31. Now you're cooking, Cecile. Yeah, I've got the picture now, thanks. Still undecided about playing the Bartender straight (naturally) or giving it the Valance treatment. Playing it straight might be better for erotic credibility, and I like the idea of being ' a mystery author' who you could 'unmask' the following week. But if the Valance eye for mischief creeps in, it might give the game away anyway, so I might be better of playing it for smiles. Let me know what you think. Meanwhile, I'll give it some more thought.

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  32. Mr V~ I tell you what I'll do.. we will not post a name of the writer.. if you want to allow both Mr. V's personality and the real man's personality into the story.. no one will be the wiser!
    However you want to play this is fine with me. I am a girl how loves poker (Texas Hold'em actually)... so show me what you got!!! And let me know what you would like to do!
    You know where to find me.

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  33. '...so show me what you got!!!'

    Lord, I am sorely tempted.

    'And let me know what you would like to do!'

    Jesus, where have you been all my life?

    Texas hold 'em, eh? Hmm, sounds a little like Porch hold 'em, but with cards.

    OK, Cecile. I'll get down to work soon. Thanks.

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  34. Mr V, you are a man of wisely words... I believe you to be man who likes to hold all the **cards**.

    And where have I been all your life...
    Well darlin... I have been in my lair....

    Looking forward to seeing what you working on hon....

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  35. Cooking now, Cecile. I'll call you when dinner's ready.

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  36. I can not wait to see what you have been cooking!!! I bet it is very tasty!!!!!! Until later....

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  37. Thanks Cecile, I just it ain't too salty.

    I need to check something with you. The stilettos - am I right in thinking they are super-duper, all-in-one, stilleto-heeled boots that travel all the way up to her thighs? (If not, please advise)

    Just wondering, because in your version, the bartender takes them off without a problem. In my version, the bartender would like to take them off just as smoothly, but he isn't sure how they come off!

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  38. that first sentence should say 'I just hope it ain't too salty'

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  39. Hey Mr. V!
    I kinda read between the lines on that first sentence!

    Okay, let me see... The stilettos are just that - probably like a five inch heel... but they are just a stiletto shoe.. no boot (those are for another story - I actually own a pair of those and they are my favorite!)

    I love what you are cooking Mr. V!

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  40. You ought to love it Cecile, it's made to your very own recipe. Thanks for that clarification. The confusion came from this...

    'Black thigh highs caress my calves with a sleek line up the back'

    I now realize my first assumption (that thigh-highs referred to some kind of thigh high boot) is wrong.

    So just to get this straight... thigh highs means nylons/stockings right?

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  41. Mr V. I am sure I am going to love it no matter what... It is your own creation!

    I can not wait to see what you have cooking there Mr. V!

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  42. So thigh highs means?

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  43. Thigh highs are nylons.. stockings that go up the thigh. some are held on with a garter belt.. and some stay up by themselves... I know you have seen those Mr. V. The lady on the cover of this book up here has them on...

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  44. Thanks Cecile, and now that's cleared up... I'm ready to simmer!

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  45. Simmer away Mr V... Simmer away... Let me know if it gets too hot in there for you!!!!!

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  46. Too hot? Hell, I'm lucky I made it past the first paragraph. Where do you get the inspiration for this stuff?

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  47. Ahh Mr. V, if I told you that I would have to kill you, lmbo!!!!! Inspiration... humm... let's just say that I have a very active imagination!

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  48. Kill me? Sheesh! Well, I guess it was a dumb anyway.

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  49. LOL.. Mr. V, I am a very wicked woman and a woman that never gives up her secrets easily.

    And where my inspiration comes from is one of those secrets... I think it would be a bit scary if you really learned where my inspiration comes from...


    **whispers in a low voice... inspiration starts with ones own imagination.... creating theses stories is like living out a fantasy which one day hopes to turn into reality**

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  50. Well, like I said - or meant to say - it was a dumb question anyway.

    A bit scary, huh? Hmm, maybe I'd better mind my own business and just get on with this cooking.

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  51. Mr V, there is never a dumb questions... Well, yeah there is... one that is never asked. How do we learn about ourselves or each other if we do not ask.

    I am always a ball of curiosity!

    Hummm.. I can not wait to see what you have cooked up!!!! Do let me know when it is time to taste!

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  52. Coming to the boil soon Cecile. You'll be the first to know.

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  53. All done, Cecile. I'll just let it stand for a few days now, and see if I can polish it a little more, before sending it on.

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  54. No problem Mr V!
    If you want, email it to me... Sign it by whoever you want... The Wicked Mr V... Or the Wicked Anonymous... And I will post it up on my blog!!! I can not wait to read it Mr V!

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  55. Dinner is served, Cecile. I like the idea of keeping the author identity and the author's gender quiet for a week. A 'mistery author writing from a male perspective' will do, and might add some intrigue. It's up to you though. It's your story now so use it as you will, if you will, when you will. Feel free to make any changes, too.

    Now, what's for dessert?

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  56. And would you believe it... my word verifier was 'Rouse'

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  57. Mr. V! Wow oh wow.... You really know how to work a woman.
    Dinner was quiet delicious Mr. V! You are on hell'va cook!

    Dessert... hummm.. well I am sure we can find something for dessert!
    And how interesting your word verf.

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I want to thank you for stopping by my place... I hope to see you again!!
I hope you enjoy my little bloggie home as much as I do!
With hugs, love and smiles... Cecile

My Fictional Smutty Boyfriend.... =)

"Quotes"