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Want #2
Need
Isaac Laroche is cursed. All he wants to do is hide out and feel sorry for himself. Never mind that he got caught sleeping with his seventeen-year-old piano student, or that he abandoned her when the truth was exposed.
Isaac’s feisty high school sweetheart has different plans. Heather Swann has returned to their hometown of Mobile, Alabama, to regroup after breaking up with her troll of a fiancé. She’s restless and looking for a diversion, but she bites off more than she can chew when she sets her sights on rehabilitating Isaac with her unorthodox sexual, mental, and physical plans.
The two quickly reconnect, but their happiness is threatened by family secrets, old vendettas and the death of a beloved father-figure.
Can Heather handle Isaac’s baggage, or will her own come back to haunt them both?
Isaac’s feisty high school sweetheart has different plans. Heather Swann has returned to their hometown of Mobile, Alabama, to regroup after breaking up with her troll of a fiancé. She’s restless and looking for a diversion, but she bites off more than she can chew when she sets her sights on rehabilitating Isaac with her unorthodox sexual, mental, and physical plans.
The two quickly reconnect, but their happiness is threatened by family secrets, old vendettas and the death of a beloved father-figure.
Can Heather handle Isaac’s baggage, or will her own come back to haunt them both?
328 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2013
About the author
Stephanie Lawton
7 books151 followersAlways a misfit, Stephanie Lawton writes twisted romance that tugs the heart strings then punches you in the gut.
She has a tendency to psychoanalyze people, which comes in handy when creating character profiles. She has a fascination with teacher-student relationships, bullies, psychics, doomsday preppers and larger-than-life characters.
Making readers squirm is her greatest pleasure.
Proceed with caution.
She has a tendency to psychoanalyze people, which comes in handy when creating character profiles. She has a fascination with teacher-student relationships, bullies, psychics, doomsday preppers and larger-than-life characters.
Making readers squirm is her greatest pleasure.
Proceed with caution.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 31, 2013
This is a tale of a bunch of bat-shit crazy people. I'm not even joking.
Need picks up not long after the end of Want. This is Isaac's side of the story. I won't spoil whether or not he gets the girl from book 1, but I will say that there's a lot of fallout from the events of the previous book.
"Really? Do you get funny looks at the grocery store, even though you make sure to go late at night when you won't run into so many people?"
Something that surprised me was the amped up eroticism. I felt like we'd gone from zero to sixty in no time! We'd witnessed a more muted sexuality in book 1, yet book 2 was a full-on sexy adult book. I'm not necessarily complaining over here, as the sex scenes were quite intriguing to read about (especially one involving vibrations from a piano - holy hotness). The changes did make sense, given that the focus was now on a fully grown man instead of a young woman on the verge of adulthood. Even though I didn't mind the extra emphasis on sexuality, I did find myself missing some of the subtle and lyrical tone of writing which made book 1 so special.
The greatest strength of this book might also compete for its biggest weakness. Isaac's current state of mind made for a heartbreaking, emotional read. I felt his burden in the beginning. He had been through so much and wanted to right his wrongs, but he didn't understand the way to go about doing so.
Need to hear that she forgives me for being so weak and reckless.
On the flip side, his state of mind also brought us to a point where I wasn't sure if I even liked him any more. There's a cutoff for a reader where once that line is crossed over into excessive, we stop giving credit for hardships.
"You're nearly thirty. Time to grow up, Isaac."
That quote summed up the direction I wanted him to head in. We did get there eventually after a bizarre journey, but there were some hairy moments that caught me off guard up to that point.
The big question for readers had to revolve around wanting to know what was up next for Isaac. Would his journey include the lovely Juli from book 1, or would his path go in another direction? I will say that I am happy we got the chance to see what happened to him.
As usual, the writing of Lawton's was beautiful and unexpected. I was slightly disappointed to see the second half of this book take a turn into a few contemporary romance standards, but the author still managed to salvage enough of her own personal flair to make me feel like I wasn't reading another cookie cutter book.
The only scene I will majorly complain about is Something about that disturbed me and I wish it hadn't been there.
Do I think that
Overall, I felt like I got most of what I'd asked for as a reader. It didn't come about completely in the way I would have preferred it, but I'm still grateful for the closure.
Want to read
April 19, 2013Hmm, a companion novel you say? But I'm more of a Dave fan.
May 18, 2013
4.5 Stars from Between the Bind.
*Need is the second novel in the Want series. I would absolutely recommending reading Want before continuing with Need because so much of Isaac's story is based around the events in Want. If you haven't yet read Want, there will be some spoilers in my review.*
And if you haven't read Want yet, DO IT! Here, I'll make it easy: CLICK ME!
Need begins directly after Isaac and Julie's "break-up," or, you know, where he left her on her own defending their unconventional relationship in front of the entirety of the town's elite. *scoff* We find Isaac working through his broken heart by quitting piano and working as a landscaper - sweating out the pain and exhausting himself into sleep each night.
The only constant in Isaac's life now is his Uncle Robert (who I love and adore). Isaac's family is disgusted by his relationship with his 17-year-old piano student and refuses to talk to him, but Uncle Robert understands the uniqueness of Julie and Isaac's situation and doesn't give up on trying the bring the family back together. When watching the town exiting church from his car on Easter Sunday, Isaac runs into his old girlfriend, Heather.
After reading the first novel, I wasn't sure that I would fall for Heather the way that I did. I mean, I loved Julie so very much and a little devilish piece of me wanted them to work it out while the angel on my shoulder says NO! Dave is the one! Nice guys, Jenna, nice guys...but surprisingly, Heather was the perfect companion for Isaac, exactly what he needed. Haha, get it?!
Heather quickly rips through Isaac's life like a wild force, repairing that with is innately damaged in him and hoping to steal his heart on the way. Going through her own mess of family and relationship problems, Heather was easily relatable and very likable. I loved her matter-of-fact attitude and her honesty, even in moments best suited for delicacy Heather was a straightforward and refreshing heroine.
Heather's mom, Marcie Swann, makes another appearance in this novel. Still easy to hate and manipulative, we learn a lot more about her background and the Swann's history in general. I loved the road Stephanie took with this family history. It is unguessable (spellcheck says this is a word...I wasn't quite sure).
Overall, I loved Isaac's journey of self-discovery and hearing his voice in Need. The self-absorbed man who had never healed from his childhood abuse begins understanding himself through Heather's tough-love, intense control and surprising tenderness. There were so many heart wrenching moments through Need, literally, my heart wrenched. Such a touching and beautiful story while remaining uplifting.
There are some super hot scene's in this novel, so YA readers be aware. Need was wonderfully written, with relatable characterization and a uniquely captivating love story. Ms. Lawton combines the perfect amount of humor and dispair, love and forgiveness - a must buy for sure!
*Need is the second novel in the Want series. I would absolutely recommending reading Want before continuing with Need because so much of Isaac's story is based around the events in Want. If you haven't yet read Want, there will be some spoilers in my review.*
And if you haven't read Want yet, DO IT! Here, I'll make it easy: CLICK ME!
Need begins directly after Isaac and Julie's "break-up," or, you know, where he left her on her own defending their unconventional relationship in front of the entirety of the town's elite. *scoff* We find Isaac working through his broken heart by quitting piano and working as a landscaper - sweating out the pain and exhausting himself into sleep each night.
The only constant in Isaac's life now is his Uncle Robert (who I love and adore). Isaac's family is disgusted by his relationship with his 17-year-old piano student and refuses to talk to him, but Uncle Robert understands the uniqueness of Julie and Isaac's situation and doesn't give up on trying the bring the family back together. When watching the town exiting church from his car on Easter Sunday, Isaac runs into his old girlfriend, Heather.
After reading the first novel, I wasn't sure that I would fall for Heather the way that I did. I mean, I loved Julie so very much and a little devilish piece of me wanted them to work it out while the angel on my shoulder says NO! Dave is the one! Nice guys, Jenna, nice guys...but surprisingly, Heather was the perfect companion for Isaac, exactly what he needed. Haha, get it?!
Heather quickly rips through Isaac's life like a wild force, repairing that with is innately damaged in him and hoping to steal his heart on the way. Going through her own mess of family and relationship problems, Heather was easily relatable and very likable. I loved her matter-of-fact attitude and her honesty, even in moments best suited for delicacy Heather was a straightforward and refreshing heroine.
Heather's mom, Marcie Swann, makes another appearance in this novel. Still easy to hate and manipulative, we learn a lot more about her background and the Swann's history in general. I loved the road Stephanie took with this family history. It is unguessable (spellcheck says this is a word...I wasn't quite sure).
Overall, I loved Isaac's journey of self-discovery and hearing his voice in Need. The self-absorbed man who had never healed from his childhood abuse begins understanding himself through Heather's tough-love, intense control and surprising tenderness. There were so many heart wrenching moments through Need, literally, my heart wrenched. Such a touching and beautiful story while remaining uplifting.
There are some super hot scene's in this novel, so YA readers be aware. Need was wonderfully written, with relatable characterization and a uniquely captivating love story. Ms. Lawton combines the perfect amount of humor and dispair, love and forgiveness - a must buy for sure!
October 14, 2014
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
That was my reaction when I found out that we were getting more Issac.
Need is a companion novel to Want , so if you have yet to read Want then you will be at a BIG disadvantage.
Need picks up after the previous events in Want that have made Isaac the town pariah. In a small southern town, rumors and gossip travel fast, so to avoid further persecution, Isaac essentially becomes a hermit. He stops playing piano. He avoids the public. But Isaac has yet to atone for his sins.
It isn't until former flame and ghost from his past, Heather Swann, forces herself back into Isaac's life with some unusual 'atonement' methods, that Isaac finally becomes the man that
I
so desperately wished he was from the beginning.
But Isaac isn't the only character left to atone for their actions in Need . In true dramatic and Southern flair, the town of Mobile, Alabama is filled with scandals, lies, gossip, revenge, forgiveness, and redemption.
I have been waiting for Isaac's side of the story since he broke my heart into pieces in Want . He is a complex character with all these different layers, that the more I tried figuring him out, the more I found myself lost in his madness. With the help of Heather, and a little bit of kink, the revelations of Isaac and his past paint a story of a very broken man.
...and there is kink, but it is VERY tasteful, important to the storyline, and so so sexy....
After all this time I was able to connect with Isaac again. I wish I could have said the same for Heather. I think my lack of connection with Heather was due to my strong connection to Julianne from Want . But even knowing that, I was still really impressed and happy where the story ended.
I have to admit I was one of the many that emailed Stephanie begging for more of Isaac, and now I want to email her and beg for more of Julianne. What say you, Stephanie? ;)
Need is dramatic, sexy, beautifully written, and just an insane journey from the beginning to end.
4 stars*
That was my reaction when I found out that we were getting more Issac.
Need is a companion novel to Want , so if you have yet to read Want then you will be at a BIG disadvantage.
Need picks up after the previous events in Want that have made Isaac the town pariah. In a small southern town, rumors and gossip travel fast, so to avoid further persecution, Isaac essentially becomes a hermit. He stops playing piano. He avoids the public. But Isaac has yet to atone for his sins.
It isn't until former flame and ghost from his past, Heather Swann, forces herself back into Isaac's life with some unusual 'atonement' methods, that Isaac finally becomes the man that
I
so desperately wished he was from the beginning.But Isaac isn't the only character left to atone for their actions in Need . In true dramatic and Southern flair, the town of Mobile, Alabama is filled with scandals, lies, gossip, revenge, forgiveness, and redemption.
I have been waiting for Isaac's side of the story since he broke my heart into pieces in Want . He is a complex character with all these different layers, that the more I tried figuring him out, the more I found myself lost in his madness. With the help of Heather, and a little bit of kink, the revelations of Isaac and his past paint a story of a very broken man.
...and there is kink, but it is VERY tasteful, important to the storyline, and so so sexy....
After all this time I was able to connect with Isaac again. I wish I could have said the same for Heather. I think my lack of connection with Heather was due to my strong connection to Julianne from Want . But even knowing that, I was still really impressed and happy where the story ended.
I have to admit I was one of the many that emailed Stephanie begging for more of Isaac, and now I want to email her and beg for more of Julianne. What say you, Stephanie? ;)
Need is dramatic, sexy, beautifully written, and just an insane journey from the beginning to end.
4 stars*
July 2, 2014
Stephanie Lawton understands the passion of music. I scoured her website to find out if she plays the piano and to my great confusion I couldn't find any information suggesting she does. I've been through the ropes of classical music and this novel gets it. Just reading about Isaac's intense romance with his instrument has my heart pumping. I happened to be reading this as I prepare for an audition and the music is running through my veins.
Isaac is such a flawed hero. At one moment he's so boyishly naughty that I just have to smile and shake my head and in the next moment he's lost in turmoil about his past and his future. Sometimes I wanted to slap him upside the head for his stupidity but he's so adorable I can't stay mad at him long. His irreverent humour pops up at the most inappropriate places and I had to choke back a surprised laugh more than once.
The room dims until the only thing I see is Marcie Swann staring back at the two of us with the silent contempt of a woman pushed beyond her limits. I’m no mind reader, but I’m pretty sure all of us just mentally peed a little.
Isaac has to learn a lot about himself and about others.
Part of me still doesn’t believe that I’m significant enough to matter. I am nobody, forgettable, yet her tears say otherwise. So do Mama’s, and so do Juli’s. This is a revelation.
I thought we could leave the crazy behind in Want. But no, turns out Heather is a wild spitfire.
I found Isaac's viewpoint on Dave interesting. It's true, Dave's his man but now Dave's switched sides. A woman's come between them and when I read Want I never thought that Dave was in the slightest wrong about making the moves on Julianne. But now, I'm thinking that was a pretty dick move even though Isaac treated Julianne so terribly.
They do come to terms in this and I had to laugh at Isaac and his bro-dynamic with his mates.
Sexual Content: This sequel is an adult novel with adult content and a surprising amount of BDSM. Was not expecting that. And yes, there is piano sex. I had a feeling Ms. Lawton wouldn't be able to resist. I was surprised because the first book in this series is squeaky-clean YA.
Isaac is such a flawed hero. At one moment he's so boyishly naughty that I just have to smile and shake my head and in the next moment he's lost in turmoil about his past and his future. Sometimes I wanted to slap him upside the head for his stupidity but he's so adorable I can't stay mad at him long. His irreverent humour pops up at the most inappropriate places and I had to choke back a surprised laugh more than once.
The room dims until the only thing I see is Marcie Swann staring back at the two of us with the silent contempt of a woman pushed beyond her limits. I’m no mind reader, but I’m pretty sure all of us just mentally peed a little.
Isaac has to learn a lot about himself and about others.
Part of me still doesn’t believe that I’m significant enough to matter. I am nobody, forgettable, yet her tears say otherwise. So do Mama’s, and so do Juli’s. This is a revelation.
I thought we could leave the crazy behind in Want. But no, turns out Heather is a wild spitfire.
I found Isaac's viewpoint on Dave interesting. It's true, Dave's his man but now Dave's switched sides. A woman's come between them and when I read Want I never thought that Dave was in the slightest wrong about making the moves on Julianne. But now, I'm thinking that was a pretty dick move even though Isaac treated Julianne so terribly.
They do come to terms in this and I had to laugh at Isaac and his bro-dynamic with his mates.
Sexual Content: This sequel is an adult novel with adult content and a surprising amount of BDSM. Was not expecting that. And yes, there is piano sex. I had a feeling Ms. Lawton wouldn't be able to resist. I was surprised because the first book in this series is squeaky-clean YA.
October 14, 2013
I was disappointed
Still I have to stress again that Lawton´s writing made for some beautiful scenes even in a plot that unfortunately was too messy for me.
Still I have to stress again that Lawton´s writing made for some beautiful scenes even in a plot that unfortunately was too messy for me.
June 26, 2013
I'd rate it 10 stars if I could! Full review to come!
Here's my full review!
Oh, what can I say about Stephanie Lawton's latest novel, NEED. A whirlwind bundle of love, passion, anger and sex, all rolled into a pretty pink basket of perfect prose that will slip right inside your mind and take up root, NEED gives hot a whole new name.
The story picks up after WANT, the novel that introduced us to the love-him-but-hate-him-more uber jerk, Isaac Laroche. I will be the first to admit that after WANT was over, I wanted to find Mr. L and give him a swift kick in the jittles. So I was a teensy tiny bit apprehensive about NEED, seeing as how it was a story all about him. But knowing how brilliant Stephanie is with a pen, I dove right in. And Holy Mother of Pearl, did I do a complete one-eighty.
In NEED, Isaac epitomizes redemption. Seriously. From the very beginning, my anger and disgust toward him melted away, replaced by sympathy and hope and, yes, love. There, I said it: I love Isaac Laroche (WANT fans, bear with me). Oh, Isaac. You, sir, are a tormented soul. His pain, his self-torture, his NEED to repent for past sins--they are all over this novel, bleeding onto every superbly crafted page like a stuck pig. Here are just a few of the the countless lines that so precisely show Isaac's hurt and depression:
Robert: "You can't stay away from it forever. It's part of who you are."
Isaac: "Don't want to be who I am." (gah!)
Robert: "You know I'll be there every step of the way to help you."
Isaac: "Yeah," I drawl, "but you're the only one." (sniff!)
Isaac (to Julianne): "No," I tell her. "No more tears. I'm not worth a single one." (heartbreaking!)
Isaac (to Julianne): "Please leave room in your life for me, even if it's only as a friend. I need you." (aww!)
Gah! Can't you just feel his pain? His hatred toward himself? The struggle Isaac has with himself and what society has made him feel he's done is perhaps the strongest element of this book, and the main reason I just know it's gonna be a massive hit.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about NEED is the presence of Heather, Isaac's ex. In WANT, she was a bit player, a part of his past that I felt was better for being just that: his past. So when she first appeared in NEED, I was wary. Oh, was I wary. I wanted Julianne!!! Ahem. As I was saying...
Heather is the perfect compliment to Isaac, and it is she that ultimately saves him from himself. She's a breath of fresh air in his life (in the form of some pretty risque, sexy good times, lemme tell ya!), and you can't help but fall head-over-heels for her just as you do for Isaac. By the end of this novel, I was literally praying things would work out for them. I won't tell ya if they did or not. I'm mean like that...
One thing that surprised me about this book was the number of times I literally had tears in my eyes. It's rare that it happens to me (THE FAULT IN OUR STARS comes to mind), but when it does, it's oh-so-good. And NEED is chock-full of tear-jerking moments, believe me. I so badly wanna go into vivid detail about said moments, but I won't. Suffice it to say that there are many. And they are painful. But oh man, are they damn good.
On top of an at-times heartbreaking story of redemption and love and hope, NEED is also filled with humor and laugh-out-loud moments. Since they're not spoilery, I wanna share just a few lines that made me spit Diet Coke:
For once, I'm drooling over thighs and breasts that have nothing to do with blondes or redheads.
I'm no mind reader, but I'm sure all of us just mentally peed a little.
Uncle Robert's closet looks like Mr. Rogers and Colonel Sanders had a textile orgy.
hahaha! Oh man, I'm laughing again as I'm writing this! Seriously, too darn funny. That is the brilliance of Stephanie Lawton: her ability to take a painfully real, heartbreaking time in someone's life and infuse humor into it. Because honestly, don't we all tend to do that in our own lives? Use humor to cope with loss or pain? I know I do. And I recommend you all do that. Or at least give it a try, because humor can help our minds accept things we otherwise couldn't. That's how the painful pages littered throughout NEED are digestable--through humor. I think without Stephanie's genius, I couldn't have finished this one, truly. Some moments were just... Okay, I'm stopping now, before I start crying again.
The one final thing I can say is this: Beyond the pain and accusations and loss and Southern aristocracy, NEED is ultimately a story about redemption. And that, no matter how seemingly undeserving and out of reach, it can always be had for those willing to work for it.
Here's my full review!
Oh, what can I say about Stephanie Lawton's latest novel, NEED. A whirlwind bundle of love, passion, anger and sex, all rolled into a pretty pink basket of perfect prose that will slip right inside your mind and take up root, NEED gives hot a whole new name.
The story picks up after WANT, the novel that introduced us to the love-him-but-hate-him-more uber jerk, Isaac Laroche. I will be the first to admit that after WANT was over, I wanted to find Mr. L and give him a swift kick in the jittles. So I was a teensy tiny bit apprehensive about NEED, seeing as how it was a story all about him. But knowing how brilliant Stephanie is with a pen, I dove right in. And Holy Mother of Pearl, did I do a complete one-eighty.
In NEED, Isaac epitomizes redemption. Seriously. From the very beginning, my anger and disgust toward him melted away, replaced by sympathy and hope and, yes, love. There, I said it: I love Isaac Laroche (WANT fans, bear with me). Oh, Isaac. You, sir, are a tormented soul. His pain, his self-torture, his NEED to repent for past sins--they are all over this novel, bleeding onto every superbly crafted page like a stuck pig. Here are just a few of the the countless lines that so precisely show Isaac's hurt and depression:
Robert: "You can't stay away from it forever. It's part of who you are."
Isaac: "Don't want to be who I am." (gah!)
Robert: "You know I'll be there every step of the way to help you."
Isaac: "Yeah," I drawl, "but you're the only one." (sniff!)
Isaac (to Julianne): "No," I tell her. "No more tears. I'm not worth a single one." (heartbreaking!)
Isaac (to Julianne): "Please leave room in your life for me, even if it's only as a friend. I need you." (aww!)
Gah! Can't you just feel his pain? His hatred toward himself? The struggle Isaac has with himself and what society has made him feel he's done is perhaps the strongest element of this book, and the main reason I just know it's gonna be a massive hit.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about NEED is the presence of Heather, Isaac's ex. In WANT, she was a bit player, a part of his past that I felt was better for being just that: his past. So when she first appeared in NEED, I was wary. Oh, was I wary. I wanted Julianne!!! Ahem. As I was saying...
Heather is the perfect compliment to Isaac, and it is she that ultimately saves him from himself. She's a breath of fresh air in his life (in the form of some pretty risque, sexy good times, lemme tell ya!), and you can't help but fall head-over-heels for her just as you do for Isaac. By the end of this novel, I was literally praying things would work out for them. I won't tell ya if they did or not. I'm mean like that...
One thing that surprised me about this book was the number of times I literally had tears in my eyes. It's rare that it happens to me (THE FAULT IN OUR STARS comes to mind), but when it does, it's oh-so-good. And NEED is chock-full of tear-jerking moments, believe me. I so badly wanna go into vivid detail about said moments, but I won't. Suffice it to say that there are many. And they are painful. But oh man, are they damn good.
On top of an at-times heartbreaking story of redemption and love and hope, NEED is also filled with humor and laugh-out-loud moments. Since they're not spoilery, I wanna share just a few lines that made me spit Diet Coke:
For once, I'm drooling over thighs and breasts that have nothing to do with blondes or redheads.
I'm no mind reader, but I'm sure all of us just mentally peed a little.
Uncle Robert's closet looks like Mr. Rogers and Colonel Sanders had a textile orgy.
hahaha! Oh man, I'm laughing again as I'm writing this! Seriously, too darn funny. That is the brilliance of Stephanie Lawton: her ability to take a painfully real, heartbreaking time in someone's life and infuse humor into it. Because honestly, don't we all tend to do that in our own lives? Use humor to cope with loss or pain? I know I do. And I recommend you all do that. Or at least give it a try, because humor can help our minds accept things we otherwise couldn't. That's how the painful pages littered throughout NEED are digestable--through humor. I think without Stephanie's genius, I couldn't have finished this one, truly. Some moments were just... Okay, I'm stopping now, before I start crying again.
The one final thing I can say is this: Beyond the pain and accusations and loss and Southern aristocracy, NEED is ultimately a story about redemption. And that, no matter how seemingly undeserving and out of reach, it can always be had for those willing to work for it.
June 6, 2013
Need is not what I was expecting--in a good way! There is so much to the story that I don't even know where to begin this review! This hurt my heart, made me smile and left me feeling (almost) completely satisfied. Need is a wonderful ADULT companion to Want--this one has more angst and lots of naughtiness.
Look at this cover… The covers for these two companion novels are gorgeous! If I'm being honest, they are the reason that I took such a big interest in these books. The coloring is beautiful and they actually resemble the content of the novel. (I know, I was shocked, too.) Something about them just drew me in and I'm so glad they did because I really, really enjoyed Want and Need!
Isaac Laroche is in deep. Not only did he abandon the girl he loves when she needed him most, but his friends, family and neighbors have shunned him for his sins. Since he left Juli to deal with the aftermath of their publicized relationship, Isaac has become a shut-in. He finds an unlikely ally in his high school girlfriend, Heather Swann, who is also running from some familial issues herself. Just as Isaac and Heather embark on a relationship, the past threatens to tear it all down. They must face monster mothers, family secrets, death and past loves if they can ever hope to find happiness together.
Isaac isn't a bad guy; he's just been through the wringer more than once. Though I, as I'm sure all readers were, was disappointed in his actions at the end of Want, I was really hoping to see him redeem himself in Need and he did… for the most part. There were a few ends that I didn't feel had been completely tied. Heather is another key character in this novel. We were introduced to her in Want, but in Need, we get to know her very well. I, personally, liked her. She's a good match for Isaac--they have great chemistry and really care for each other. (Plus their naughty scenes are hawwwwt.) Isaac's uncle played a large role as well and he was probably my favorite character. He was charming and loving and had a great sense of humor. He was the perfect addition to the story. The antagonists in this book were nutcases and drove me crazy, but did the job they set out to do. I wish we had seen more of Juli and Dave, but even their minor cameo was great to see.
Stephanie Lawton writes another addictive story in Need. She has strong prose, and excellent storytelling skills. Though there were a few details that struck me as a bit too much, Need was an extremely realistic, and original contemporary. The plot moves pretty smoothly. The development is slow and sexy. That being said, there were some parts that moved a bit too slowly for my taste and a few issues that weren't expanded on enough, but I was so involved in the novel that I didn't realize anything was missing until the end.
I would definitely consider Want a new adult novel and Need is ABSOLUTELY an adult novel. There's dirty words, dirty words and people doing the dirty. Tread with caution, but give these stories a chance for sure! You'll be hooked from the very first page.
This review can be seen on my blog as well.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the author for my honest opinion and review.
Look at this cover… The covers for these two companion novels are gorgeous! If I'm being honest, they are the reason that I took such a big interest in these books. The coloring is beautiful and they actually resemble the content of the novel. (I know, I was shocked, too.) Something about them just drew me in and I'm so glad they did because I really, really enjoyed Want and Need!
Isaac Laroche is in deep. Not only did he abandon the girl he loves when she needed him most, but his friends, family and neighbors have shunned him for his sins. Since he left Juli to deal with the aftermath of their publicized relationship, Isaac has become a shut-in. He finds an unlikely ally in his high school girlfriend, Heather Swann, who is also running from some familial issues herself. Just as Isaac and Heather embark on a relationship, the past threatens to tear it all down. They must face monster mothers, family secrets, death and past loves if they can ever hope to find happiness together.
Isaac isn't a bad guy; he's just been through the wringer more than once. Though I, as I'm sure all readers were, was disappointed in his actions at the end of Want, I was really hoping to see him redeem himself in Need and he did… for the most part. There were a few ends that I didn't feel had been completely tied. Heather is another key character in this novel. We were introduced to her in Want, but in Need, we get to know her very well. I, personally, liked her. She's a good match for Isaac--they have great chemistry and really care for each other. (Plus their naughty scenes are hawwwwt.) Isaac's uncle played a large role as well and he was probably my favorite character. He was charming and loving and had a great sense of humor. He was the perfect addition to the story. The antagonists in this book were nutcases and drove me crazy, but did the job they set out to do. I wish we had seen more of Juli and Dave, but even their minor cameo was great to see.
Stephanie Lawton writes another addictive story in Need. She has strong prose, and excellent storytelling skills. Though there were a few details that struck me as a bit too much, Need was an extremely realistic, and original contemporary. The plot moves pretty smoothly. The development is slow and sexy. That being said, there were some parts that moved a bit too slowly for my taste and a few issues that weren't expanded on enough, but I was so involved in the novel that I didn't realize anything was missing until the end.
I would definitely consider Want a new adult novel and Need is ABSOLUTELY an adult novel. There's dirty words, dirty words and people doing the dirty. Tread with caution, but give these stories a chance for sure! You'll be hooked from the very first page.
This review can be seen on my blog as well.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the author for my honest opinion and review.
May 18, 2013
Review also appears on my blog: http://rebeccahartwriting.wordpress.com
4.5 stars for this decidedly grown-up sequel.
After reading and enjoying the first book in this series, WANT, I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about a sequel featuring Issac after the events that closed the first novel. As someone who really rooted for Dave when it came to Julianne (yes, I like nice guys), I was concerned I wouldn't be able to really relate to or sympathize with Issac as a main character.
I need not have worried. Ms. Lawton was able to draw me into Issac's angst and really feel for him, despite what a cad I thought he had been. By the time he'd run into Heather again, the author had me squarely on his side and feeling badly enough for him to want to root for him to find happiness.
I don't do spoilers in my reviews, so I will keep the plot points talk to a minimum, but I will say that this book is definitely more maturely written than WANT. There are some interesting "adult" oriented themes here that would appeal to a more mature audience. Saying that, I did feel the shift to an NA genre from the original's YA stamp was warranted, and made sense for the story when you consider Issac was a great deal older than Julianne in the original story.
I really enjoyed getting another glimpse into Stephanie Lawton's skewed deep south society. Being born and bred in Upstate New York, I've often wondered if life in the south is really that interestingly dysfunctional.
NEED earned 4.5 stars from me. Shy of five, mostly because despite my general life of Heather, I never really felt connected to her the way I was to Julianne in the first novel. I am, however, willing to concede that some of that is my own bias -- having enjoyed WANT so much.
I would not hesitate to recommend this one, and if you read the first novel, it is a MUST READ.
4.5 stars for this decidedly grown-up sequel.
After reading and enjoying the first book in this series, WANT, I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about a sequel featuring Issac after the events that closed the first novel. As someone who really rooted for Dave when it came to Julianne (yes, I like nice guys), I was concerned I wouldn't be able to really relate to or sympathize with Issac as a main character.
I need not have worried. Ms. Lawton was able to draw me into Issac's angst and really feel for him, despite what a cad I thought he had been. By the time he'd run into Heather again, the author had me squarely on his side and feeling badly enough for him to want to root for him to find happiness.
I don't do spoilers in my reviews, so I will keep the plot points talk to a minimum, but I will say that this book is definitely more maturely written than WANT. There are some interesting "adult" oriented themes here that would appeal to a more mature audience. Saying that, I did feel the shift to an NA genre from the original's YA stamp was warranted, and made sense for the story when you consider Issac was a great deal older than Julianne in the original story.
I really enjoyed getting another glimpse into Stephanie Lawton's skewed deep south society. Being born and bred in Upstate New York, I've often wondered if life in the south is really that interestingly dysfunctional.
NEED earned 4.5 stars from me. Shy of five, mostly because despite my general life of Heather, I never really felt connected to her the way I was to Julianne in the first novel. I am, however, willing to concede that some of that is my own bias -- having enjoyed WANT so much.
I would not hesitate to recommend this one, and if you read the first novel, it is a MUST READ.
May 19, 2013
Let me begin by saying that I kinda thought Isaac could just go ahead and DIAF when Want, the NA companion to Need, ended. Yet, when I finished Need, I was a fan through and through.
"But Annabelle, you hate a**hole guys masquerading as heroes," you say. I know, I really do, but the author didn't cop out and didn't ask the reader to forgive Isaac for his sins based on hotness alone. Lawton masterfully transforms Isaac Laroche from a childish, self-serving coward into a man who takes responsibility for his actions and stands on his own two feet. With the help of Heather and some of her rather, ahem, unconventional methods, Isaac realizes what he thought he wanted wasn't at all what he needed.
Lawton handles this character growth with such a deft hand that you don't even realize it's happening until you reach a point where you say, "Damn, this guy has finally figured his sh*t out." That, my friends, is something rarely seen genre fiction today – especially romance. Even more, this story has a true happy ending, not just throwing the characters together against all odds for the sake of the perfunctory HEA. For me, the emotionally healthy ending is the only true HEA, and Lawton does not disappoint.
I think I actually jumped around my room in joy during certain parts of Need. I find so very few authors who craft with real story arc and character growth. Plus, she uses five-alarm-fire sex scenes to achieve this in realistic and emotionally beneficial ways for her characters.
Some entry–level BDSM fun, the uncovering of even more social politics and secret lives than you would imagine, and lots of emotional upheaval make for a fantastic debut in the world of erotic romance.
"But Annabelle, you hate a**hole guys masquerading as heroes," you say. I know, I really do, but the author didn't cop out and didn't ask the reader to forgive Isaac for his sins based on hotness alone. Lawton masterfully transforms Isaac Laroche from a childish, self-serving coward into a man who takes responsibility for his actions and stands on his own two feet. With the help of Heather and some of her rather, ahem, unconventional methods, Isaac realizes what he thought he wanted wasn't at all what he needed.
Lawton handles this character growth with such a deft hand that you don't even realize it's happening until you reach a point where you say, "Damn, this guy has finally figured his sh*t out." That, my friends, is something rarely seen genre fiction today – especially romance. Even more, this story has a true happy ending, not just throwing the characters together against all odds for the sake of the perfunctory HEA. For me, the emotionally healthy ending is the only true HEA, and Lawton does not disappoint.
I think I actually jumped around my room in joy during certain parts of Need. I find so very few authors who craft with real story arc and character growth. Plus, she uses five-alarm-fire sex scenes to achieve this in realistic and emotionally beneficial ways for her characters.
Some entry–level BDSM fun, the uncovering of even more social politics and secret lives than you would imagine, and lots of emotional upheaval make for a fantastic debut in the world of erotic romance.
June 13, 2013
I know some peeps didn't care for Isaac's character in Want, but I was drawn to him - to his emotional turmoil and tortured soul. He's one of those brilliant artists I've never understood but have always been intrigued by.
On to the goodies.
Yummies: Emotions. This puppy is quite the ride, probably one of the most since Ten Tiny Breaths IMO. Sure, the story line is great, but it's being immersed within Isaac's conscious that propelled this story forward for me.
Characters are fleshed out and come to life on screen (or paper if that's what you've got). Ms. Lawton is a master at showing us the people she's created, not just through description, but thought processes, words, and actions. THIS book is an excellent source for teaching the show vs. tell principal so many argue over.
Setting, like I said in my review of Want, is perfect for this story. You can tell Ms. Lawton is from the south because she has such a grasp on the lifestyle - the mystery of deep secrets the south holds for a yankee like me. It's a great world to lose oneself in.
And the steamy ... Yeah.
I could go on and on, but I'll leave it at that. ;)
Yuckies: As if.
Recommend: Need I even say it? This story will sweep you up in its emotions and leave you breathless with a NEED for more.
On to the goodies.
Yummies: Emotions. This puppy is quite the ride, probably one of the most since Ten Tiny Breaths IMO. Sure, the story line is great, but it's being immersed within Isaac's conscious that propelled this story forward for me.
Characters are fleshed out and come to life on screen (or paper if that's what you've got). Ms. Lawton is a master at showing us the people she's created, not just through description, but thought processes, words, and actions. THIS book is an excellent source for teaching the show vs. tell principal so many argue over.
Setting, like I said in my review of Want, is perfect for this story. You can tell Ms. Lawton is from the south because she has such a grasp on the lifestyle - the mystery of deep secrets the south holds for a yankee like me. It's a great world to lose oneself in.
And the steamy ... Yeah.
I could go on and on, but I'll leave it at that. ;)
Yuckies: As if.
Recommend: Need I even say it? This story will sweep you up in its emotions and leave you breathless with a NEED for more.
Want to read
May 15, 2013I was looking forward to reading this book until the author sent me a message asking me how I'd obtained my copy of her "unreleased" book. I was then told that I must be in possession of a pirated copy and that she would appreciate my assistance in finding the source.
I purchased a LEGAL copy from Amazon on 5/13/13. I emailed the author and provided my invoice as proof that I was NOT in possession of a pirated copy. Author responded (blamed it on Amazon) but did not issue an apology for her assumptions which was in bad taste. This is the first time I've ever had this type of correspondence by an author and it was rather odd.
I don't often return a book that I've purchased but in this case I feel justified in doing so.
I purchased a LEGAL copy from Amazon on 5/13/13. I emailed the author and provided my invoice as proof that I was NOT in possession of a pirated copy. Author responded (blamed it on Amazon) but did not issue an apology for her assumptions which was in bad taste. This is the first time I've ever had this type of correspondence by an author and it was rather odd.
I don't often return a book that I've purchased but in this case I feel justified in doing so.
April 25, 2013
So I got an advance copy and I've got to tell you this book is smoking! Isaac comes off as a jerk by the end of the previous book. Stephanie gives us a lot of back story in such a way that you don't see it coming, so I understand Isaac better and worship the mind that is Heather! God Forbid I'm ever on her bad side!
May 25, 2013
It's not that the actual writing was bad per se; It's just that the storyline blowed. So 2 stars it is.
June 24, 2013
(Rating: 4.5) "I've been cast out from my job as organist at my life-long church. Within twenty-four hours, all my students' parents called to cancel their lessons. The Mobile Symphony asked that I remove myself from the committee for the Mobile Sonata Contest."
Issac Laroche is now broken. After the scandal about his affair with his seventeen year old student Julia was made public, he escaped into himself. His friends, his family, his neighbors avoid him. The black sheep has become a social pariah. All he had was his Uncle Robert, his one saving grace. His Uncle suggests getting a job which requires some sort of manual labor so Issac can "forget" any "urges" he may have. After Juli, he's a mess. And he should be. After reading what he put Juli through and his subsequent abandonment of her in the first book, Want, Issac should be ashamed. Need is his story.
"People could forgive what happened between you and Juli. What they have a hard time digesting is your reaction. You ran. They understood why you ran when you were a teenager, but you're nearly thirty. Time to grow up, Issac. Time to be the man your father would've expected you to be. The kind I expect you to be."
Uncle Robert has always been in Issac's corner, his true supporter, and his words hit home. Issac begins to see what he has to do if he wants to remain a resident of Mobile. An old girlfriend, Heather, approaches him after Easter Sunday mass and they agree to meet to talk. We learn what happened after the homecoming dance between Issac and Heather's mother, Marcie Swann, when she catches the couple in a compromising position (when they're both 17). From here, they rekindle their friendship, but after Issac takes her advice on asking Juli for forgiveness and the plan backfires, he suspects Heather's mom in pulling her strings. Is she?
This was when the story took a strange turn and it took some time for me to see where it would go. Heather stands up to Issac and becomes a type of dominatrix, ordering him, using sex as a reward, and yet her efforts to change him begin to work. At this point, Issac has lost so much, he'll try anything. I found Heather's switch from sweet Southern woman to domineering seductress weird but she knew Issac best. She spoke the language Issac listened to--sex--and in her own way, demonstrated how he needed to begin changing his life. Their scenes, especially when she wanted him to treat her like Juli, were not only steamy but moving. Her vulnerability and need to have Issac forgive her for her mother's abuse of him at seventeen, came through. I wanted to learn more about her and her backstory (besides what she reveals later about her family).
"Perhaps it's a sign of my immaturity, but it occurs to me that she cares. My actions affect her. When I'm not around, she thinks about me. Part of me still doesn't believe that I'm significant enough to matter. I am nobody, forgettable, yet her tears say otherwise. So do Mama's, and so do Juli's. This is a revelation."
The heart of Need is Issac's transformation from immature jerk to an upstanding man. His uncle helps him tremendously and even gets Issac to go home for Sunday dinner to mend his family ties. From this part on in the novel, I couldn't stop reading. Could. Not. Stephanie Lawton is excellent in penning heartbreak, highly emotional scenes and wringing feelings from the ordinary and conveying them to readers in her lovely, lyrical prose. The funeral scene and reception was poignant and beautifully written, combining Issac's pain and wit together with the uniqueness of Southern personalities and genteel behavior. Issac's relationship with his niece Jayne was also touching, showing another side of him. Family is important to him, but so is Heather.
"When the song ends, I stand to rejoin my family, but on the way I stop next to the casket and place my hand on its smooth surface. I say a silent prayer. I will make you proud. I will be the man you knew I could be."
Ultimately, Need is about direction and what one messed up, immature young man must do with his life. Right his wrongs, reconnect with his family, be forgiven and forgive himself, get back to creating music, and fall in love-again-with his first love. I may not have liked Issac in Want but I liked and connected with him in Need. Powerfully uplifting, sexy, and gripping, I fell for a Southern guy named Issac. Thank you, Ms. Lawton, for bringing us Mr. Laroche's story. (http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
Issac Laroche is now broken. After the scandal about his affair with his seventeen year old student Julia was made public, he escaped into himself. His friends, his family, his neighbors avoid him. The black sheep has become a social pariah. All he had was his Uncle Robert, his one saving grace. His Uncle suggests getting a job which requires some sort of manual labor so Issac can "forget" any "urges" he may have. After Juli, he's a mess. And he should be. After reading what he put Juli through and his subsequent abandonment of her in the first book, Want, Issac should be ashamed. Need is his story.
"People could forgive what happened between you and Juli. What they have a hard time digesting is your reaction. You ran. They understood why you ran when you were a teenager, but you're nearly thirty. Time to grow up, Issac. Time to be the man your father would've expected you to be. The kind I expect you to be."
Uncle Robert has always been in Issac's corner, his true supporter, and his words hit home. Issac begins to see what he has to do if he wants to remain a resident of Mobile. An old girlfriend, Heather, approaches him after Easter Sunday mass and they agree to meet to talk. We learn what happened after the homecoming dance between Issac and Heather's mother, Marcie Swann, when she catches the couple in a compromising position (when they're both 17). From here, they rekindle their friendship, but after Issac takes her advice on asking Juli for forgiveness and the plan backfires, he suspects Heather's mom in pulling her strings. Is she?
This was when the story took a strange turn and it took some time for me to see where it would go. Heather stands up to Issac and becomes a type of dominatrix, ordering him, using sex as a reward, and yet her efforts to change him begin to work. At this point, Issac has lost so much, he'll try anything. I found Heather's switch from sweet Southern woman to domineering seductress weird but she knew Issac best. She spoke the language Issac listened to--sex--and in her own way, demonstrated how he needed to begin changing his life. Their scenes, especially when she wanted him to treat her like Juli, were not only steamy but moving. Her vulnerability and need to have Issac forgive her for her mother's abuse of him at seventeen, came through. I wanted to learn more about her and her backstory (besides what she reveals later about her family).
"Perhaps it's a sign of my immaturity, but it occurs to me that she cares. My actions affect her. When I'm not around, she thinks about me. Part of me still doesn't believe that I'm significant enough to matter. I am nobody, forgettable, yet her tears say otherwise. So do Mama's, and so do Juli's. This is a revelation."
The heart of Need is Issac's transformation from immature jerk to an upstanding man. His uncle helps him tremendously and even gets Issac to go home for Sunday dinner to mend his family ties. From this part on in the novel, I couldn't stop reading. Could. Not. Stephanie Lawton is excellent in penning heartbreak, highly emotional scenes and wringing feelings from the ordinary and conveying them to readers in her lovely, lyrical prose. The funeral scene and reception was poignant and beautifully written, combining Issac's pain and wit together with the uniqueness of Southern personalities and genteel behavior. Issac's relationship with his niece Jayne was also touching, showing another side of him. Family is important to him, but so is Heather.
"When the song ends, I stand to rejoin my family, but on the way I stop next to the casket and place my hand on its smooth surface. I say a silent prayer. I will make you proud. I will be the man you knew I could be."
Ultimately, Need is about direction and what one messed up, immature young man must do with his life. Right his wrongs, reconnect with his family, be forgiven and forgive himself, get back to creating music, and fall in love-again-with his first love. I may not have liked Issac in Want but I liked and connected with him in Need. Powerfully uplifting, sexy, and gripping, I fell for a Southern guy named Issac. Thank you, Ms. Lawton, for bringing us Mr. Laroche's story. (http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
May 20, 2013
3.5-4 stars
Maybe I'm at a disadvantage because I haven't read the first book, Want but when I saw this book I just knew that I had to read it NOW. And honestly, a big part of me was a little scared to read Want because of how it ended so I figured if I enjoyed this one I'll just go back and read the first one. And while I didn't read the first one, I didn't feel lost at all during the book.
I don't know the full length of how Isaac was before but he definitely grows a lot throughout this book. I didn't really know what to think of Isaac at first; he was such a mess and his emotions were all over the place. But as the book went on I really liked Isaac and became invested in his story.
When Heather is first introduced I wasn't sure how I felt about her. She's just so different from any other character I've ever read before. As I kept reading I realized there's more to Heather then I first thought and she's actually a really great girl. And perfect for Isaac. I think it was really cute how Isaac and Heather used to be high school sweethearts that reconnected. It definitely shows that they had and always will have a connection and I really felt like they were happy together.
I know many of you are probably wondering what happened to Julianne but don't worry, there's plenty of her in this book as well. While the story isn't focused on her I think the readers will be satisfied in knowing how she's dealing with the aftermath of their relationship.
While I enjoyed this book overall, there were times where I got a bit bored and stopped reading for a bit. I think fans of this series will definitely enjoy knowing what happens next and if you haven't read these books yet I'd definitely recommend it.
*Received copy in exchange for an honest review.
*This review also appears on my blog
Maybe I'm at a disadvantage because I haven't read the first book, Want but when I saw this book I just knew that I had to read it NOW. And honestly, a big part of me was a little scared to read Want because of how it ended so I figured if I enjoyed this one I'll just go back and read the first one. And while I didn't read the first one, I didn't feel lost at all during the book.
I don't know the full length of how Isaac was before but he definitely grows a lot throughout this book. I didn't really know what to think of Isaac at first; he was such a mess and his emotions were all over the place. But as the book went on I really liked Isaac and became invested in his story.
When Heather is first introduced I wasn't sure how I felt about her. She's just so different from any other character I've ever read before. As I kept reading I realized there's more to Heather then I first thought and she's actually a really great girl. And perfect for Isaac. I think it was really cute how Isaac and Heather used to be high school sweethearts that reconnected. It definitely shows that they had and always will have a connection and I really felt like they were happy together.
I know many of you are probably wondering what happened to Julianne but don't worry, there's plenty of her in this book as well. While the story isn't focused on her I think the readers will be satisfied in knowing how she's dealing with the aftermath of their relationship.
While I enjoyed this book overall, there were times where I got a bit bored and stopped reading for a bit. I think fans of this series will definitely enjoy knowing what happens next and if you haven't read these books yet I'd definitely recommend it.
*Received copy in exchange for an honest review.
*This review also appears on my blog
June 18, 2013
I loved last years Want, but one of the biggest problems I had with it was I felt that even after it ended I still had no idea who Isaac really was. Well that has changed with Need! Told in his POV after the events in Want, I really feel that I know him now, and he really isn't a bad guy! He is man whose been burned, but he is a wonderful person who never wanted to hurt anyone.
Despite being a world famous pianist, Isaac's life is going nowhere. He doesn't know what he should do. His friends and family refuse to talk to him. Everyone has left him except for his uncle. Then he meets up with his high school girlfriend Heather, the girl who got him in trouble in the first place! I really liked Heather. At first I wasn't so sure about this crazy chic, but I ended up really loving her. I had no idea how the relationship between the two of them was going to play out, but I loved every moment of it.
Heather was just what Isaac needed. When I say he needed a good ass kicking, that is exactly what I mean, and that is exactly what he got! Heather was the perfect balance of tough and tender. The two of them were so much fun together. I loved the sexy times between them and also the sweet moments they shared!
I thought Need was extremely well written. There were no moments where I felt the story was dragging. I really enjoyed every aspect of the plot. The epilogue was an interesting and nice touch as well! I can't wait to see what Stephanie Lawton comes up with next!
Despite being a world famous pianist, Isaac's life is going nowhere. He doesn't know what he should do. His friends and family refuse to talk to him. Everyone has left him except for his uncle. Then he meets up with his high school girlfriend Heather, the girl who got him in trouble in the first place! I really liked Heather. At first I wasn't so sure about this crazy chic, but I ended up really loving her. I had no idea how the relationship between the two of them was going to play out, but I loved every moment of it.
Heather was just what Isaac needed. When I say he needed a good ass kicking, that is exactly what I mean, and that is exactly what he got! Heather was the perfect balance of tough and tender. The two of them were so much fun together. I loved the sexy times between them and also the sweet moments they shared!
I thought Need was extremely well written. There were no moments where I felt the story was dragging. I really enjoyed every aspect of the plot. The epilogue was an interesting and nice touch as well! I can't wait to see what Stephanie Lawton comes up with next!
May 27, 2013
I fucking hate everything I'm crying someone hold me please I don't know what to do with myself now that it's over can someone please do something about what's happening to me can somebody please I'm dead.
Okay. Wow. Okay. Stephanie Lawton has just gone from A Very Good Writer to Queen. Not only she manages to make me care for the one character that I wish I could have punched during Want but she also keeps everything that I loved so dearly about the first book. Although she just changed genres. I didn't even realize-- I just-- I need a moment here.
I apologize for the general lack of coherence. Maybe I'll give it a couple of days and reread it, but I just have lots of feelings and they're all positive and can this woman write a redemption arc and I just love everything and can somebody hold me seriously I'm shaking.
[All I need now is a story focused on how Conrad and RJ end up awkwardly getting together? Maybe? Please? That would actually be a dream fulfilled why can't this happen.]
Okay. Wow. Okay. Stephanie Lawton has just gone from A Very Good Writer to Queen. Not only she manages to make me care for the one character that I wish I could have punched during Want but she also keeps everything that I loved so dearly about the first book. Although she just changed genres. I didn't even realize-- I just-- I need a moment here.
I apologize for the general lack of coherence. Maybe I'll give it a couple of days and reread it, but I just have lots of feelings and they're all positive and can this woman write a redemption arc and I just love everything and can somebody hold me seriously I'm shaking.
[All I need now is a story focused on how Conrad and RJ end up awkwardly getting together? Maybe? Please? That would actually be a dream fulfilled why can't this happen.]
July 2, 2013
Isaac is being blackwalled in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama by his family, friends, and even strangers for sleeping with his seventeen year old piano student and then bailing on her when the affair is found out. All he wants is to hide and feel sorry for himself.
Heather, Isaac’s high school sweetheart, has decided that enough is enough and takes it upon herself to rehabilitate Isaac. Her methods are not normal methods but then their relationship was never normal.
I was not familiar with the characters in this story as I did not read the first book in this series. It was easy to catch on to what had happen and why Isaac was feeling the way he was. Heather on the other hand blew me away. Maybe I am a little sheltered but the things she did to Isaac and the way she treated him at times made me blush and feel like I was a voyeur.
Heather was my hero in that she went against the community and her own family to help save Isaac. Her methods scare me and I did not enjoy them all, but they were creative and seem to be just what Isaac needed to bust out of his poor me life style. She stood by him when everyone else deserted him and brought him back to the living.
My favorite part of the novel is when they called out Heather’s mom in public and showed her for what she really was. I love when a villain gets what is coming to her.
This novel has erotica, bdsm, and a dominatrix. If you are okay with all of that I will recommend this novel to you.
Heather, Isaac’s high school sweetheart, has decided that enough is enough and takes it upon herself to rehabilitate Isaac. Her methods are not normal methods but then their relationship was never normal.
I was not familiar with the characters in this story as I did not read the first book in this series. It was easy to catch on to what had happen and why Isaac was feeling the way he was. Heather on the other hand blew me away. Maybe I am a little sheltered but the things she did to Isaac and the way she treated him at times made me blush and feel like I was a voyeur.
Heather was my hero in that she went against the community and her own family to help save Isaac. Her methods scare me and I did not enjoy them all, but they were creative and seem to be just what Isaac needed to bust out of his poor me life style. She stood by him when everyone else deserted him and brought him back to the living.
My favorite part of the novel is when they called out Heather’s mom in public and showed her for what she really was. I love when a villain gets what is coming to her.
This novel has erotica, bdsm, and a dominatrix. If you are okay with all of that I will recommend this novel to you.
June 25, 2013
“NEED” a romance book you NEED in your collection!
My Review: WOW AGAIN! Although this book is a sequel, it is written from the perspective of Isaac rather than Julianne this time and the story goes off in a completely different direction than I expected. It’s full of exhilarating twists and turns and keeps up the fast paced intensity the whole way through.
Edge of the seat, unable to put down, brilliantly captivating fiction.
It’s great to discover what is really going on inside Isaac’s head and break through those emotional walls he put up in WANT . As he faces his fears in NEED, he also explores an intensely erotic and dangerous rekindled relationship with his high school girlfriend Heather Swann. Juli fades from the picture as she makes a future with Isaac’s old friend Dave and the gap she leaves in his life is only widened by the death of his father figure.
Marcie Swann, Heather’s mom is as vindictive as ever and the plot thickens as many generation old secrets are revealed leading to a dramatic climax and surprising developments for all those involved.
NOTE: You could read NEED as a stand alone book however I highly recommend you read WANT first because both these books are addictive and AWESOME.
WANT is Intriguing, Compelling and Seductive
NEED is Exciting, Erotic and Intense
Together they are literary perfection and a MUST READ in the contemporary romance genre. I highly highly recommend these books!
My Review: WOW AGAIN! Although this book is a sequel, it is written from the perspective of Isaac rather than Julianne this time and the story goes off in a completely different direction than I expected. It’s full of exhilarating twists and turns and keeps up the fast paced intensity the whole way through.
Edge of the seat, unable to put down, brilliantly captivating fiction.
It’s great to discover what is really going on inside Isaac’s head and break through those emotional walls he put up in WANT . As he faces his fears in NEED, he also explores an intensely erotic and dangerous rekindled relationship with his high school girlfriend Heather Swann. Juli fades from the picture as she makes a future with Isaac’s old friend Dave and the gap she leaves in his life is only widened by the death of his father figure.
Marcie Swann, Heather’s mom is as vindictive as ever and the plot thickens as many generation old secrets are revealed leading to a dramatic climax and surprising developments for all those involved.
NOTE: You could read NEED as a stand alone book however I highly recommend you read WANT first because both these books are addictive and AWESOME.
WANT is Intriguing, Compelling and Seductive
NEED is Exciting, Erotic and Intense
Together they are literary perfection and a MUST READ in the contemporary romance genre. I highly highly recommend these books!
November 21, 2013
ever since he got caught sleeping with Julianne, his 17-year old piano student, Isaac hid from everyone he knew, even distancing himself from the piano he loved. guilt had been haunting him since the very day he abandoned Julianne and his loved ones when the truth was exposed. just when he decided to continue composing by following Uncle Robert's advise, his ex-girlfriend Heather showed up, unannounced and started pushing him to get things done around the house. the duo quickly reconnected, but their happiness were put on a halt when family secrets began pouring out of the casket.
having loved the first installment: Want (2012), i was pleased to find myself absolutely emerged in Need (2013). while the first book told its story from Julianne's point of view, the second took Isaac's. each of these characters had their own struggles, making them similar yet so different. i was surprised when Julianne wasn't the main female character of this book but Heather. fortunately she made a great character, interesting even feisty at some point, transforming into totally unexpected near the end. Isaac's growth was the most rewarding part of the book, not forgetting the numerous times the book successfully drew tears into my eyes.
my review: here
having loved the first installment: Want (2012), i was pleased to find myself absolutely emerged in Need (2013). while the first book told its story from Julianne's point of view, the second took Isaac's. each of these characters had their own struggles, making them similar yet so different. i was surprised when Julianne wasn't the main female character of this book but Heather. fortunately she made a great character, interesting even feisty at some point, transforming into totally unexpected near the end. Isaac's growth was the most rewarding part of the book, not forgetting the numerous times the book successfully drew tears into my eyes.
my review: here
February 4, 2014
This book...this damn book. Holy crap.
After reading Want I went and purchased Need the next day and flew through it in the next day. After the way things went in Want, some people DID NOT like Isaac. I however, was left intrigued by his actions. Did I condone what he did? No, not at all. But I wanted to know WHY he did what he did.
This book answered that and gave ohhh so much more. The feel of Need is a lot different than Want but still there is that rawness I loved from Want.
Isaac, in my opinion, was not a bad guy, and as I got further into this book I only felt that more. I was apprehensive when Heather, his ex, showed up, however I fell in love with her feistiness and refusal to let him wallow. She certainly had alternative, sometimes rather sexy (also, rather amusing) methods for breaking him out of his shell and getting him moving forward. She was strong and determined and had several surprised up her sleeve.
Once again, I found myself hooked and unsure of what the endgame would be in this story until close to the end. The pacing was great, the story was sexy and it really gives you so much more about what happened to Isaac that led to some of his behaviors in Want. I would read this one again for sure.
After reading Want I went and purchased Need the next day and flew through it in the next day. After the way things went in Want, some people DID NOT like Isaac. I however, was left intrigued by his actions. Did I condone what he did? No, not at all. But I wanted to know WHY he did what he did.
This book answered that and gave ohhh so much more. The feel of Need is a lot different than Want but still there is that rawness I loved from Want.
Isaac, in my opinion, was not a bad guy, and as I got further into this book I only felt that more. I was apprehensive when Heather, his ex, showed up, however I fell in love with her feistiness and refusal to let him wallow. She certainly had alternative, sometimes rather sexy (also, rather amusing) methods for breaking him out of his shell and getting him moving forward. She was strong and determined and had several surprised up her sleeve.
Once again, I found myself hooked and unsure of what the endgame would be in this story until close to the end. The pacing was great, the story was sexy and it really gives you so much more about what happened to Isaac that led to some of his behaviors in Want. I would read this one again for sure.
June 5, 2015
Isaac Laroche made a big mistake. He’s without a job, he’s an outcast in his own hometown, and his best friend won’t talk to him. Isaac feels as if nothing can save him- until his high school sweetheart returns. Heather Swann is now the only person who can save Isaac from the very thing that is destroying him: himself.
Stephanie Lawton is an extremely talented writer who is able to capture every detail of her characters in perfect words. The storyline is nothing less than tasteful, and every moment of the story leaves the reader wanting more. The reality of the characters and their circumstances transports the reader into Isaac Laroche’s world and makes the reader think about his or her own choices.
I recommend this adult contemporary romance novel to the lovers of Fifty Shades of Grey.
*Note: I received this book for free as part of the Epic Reads Giveaway
Stephanie Lawton is an extremely talented writer who is able to capture every detail of her characters in perfect words. The storyline is nothing less than tasteful, and every moment of the story leaves the reader wanting more. The reality of the characters and their circumstances transports the reader into Isaac Laroche’s world and makes the reader think about his or her own choices.
I recommend this adult contemporary romance novel to the lovers of Fifty Shades of Grey.
*Note: I received this book for free as part of the Epic Reads Giveaway
March 7, 2013
A reliable source tells me there's a good bit of kink in this one ... ;)
May 24, 2013
Wonderfully written characters, expert story telling & juicy naughty bits too. Can't wait to read more by this talented author!
Want to read
April 24, 2013I Want...no Need this book! haha : )
May 18, 2013
So excited!
May 28, 2013
Review To Come.
Want to read
March 29, 2013ERNLGPLPADIENIMOWKMXOKMFJVNMSALLFNF
November 20, 2019
So I normally don’t leave these type of reviews . I’ll start out with the positive side to this review , I really liked the first installment of this novel “Want” . It lured me in from the start and kept my full attention till the end . It was very well written and not only was Julianne’s backstory moving but Isaac’s mysterious “aura” gave it that “oomf”.
So now on to the other part of the review . So I read the synopsis of this book before purchasing it , and came in with an open mind . I heard this story could stand on its own without the first installment , so I came in not expecting to get a lot of Julianne in here . The first two chapters kept me interested as I was getting a “half closure “ on what was going through Issac’s mind when he left Julianne .
But then here’s the problem , Heather gets introduced. I tried really hard to like her but I just couldn’t .
Literally in every chapter she came out in all I could think about is what a crazy psychotic bitch she is . Must run in the family lol
The way she barged into Issac’s house and pretty much ran around like she owned the place and all her crazy sex that was random as fuck . I was like this girl needs something something .
Look I’m all for kinky scenes .
But every time she came out was all “sex sex , and I’m bag shit crazy.”
I would’ve thrown her out my house first time coming around 🤷♀️
But that part that really got to me and I literally had no “redemption “ for her in my book was the creepy part , where she tries to make Isaac “heal “ by pretending she’s Juli . That’s literally disgusting and disturbing on so many levels.
She ruined the book for me.
I had to skimp through it and that’s a first for me .
So now on to the other part of the review . So I read the synopsis of this book before purchasing it , and came in with an open mind . I heard this story could stand on its own without the first installment , so I came in not expecting to get a lot of Julianne in here . The first two chapters kept me interested as I was getting a “half closure “ on what was going through Issac’s mind when he left Julianne .
But then here’s the problem , Heather gets introduced. I tried really hard to like her but I just couldn’t .
Literally in every chapter she came out in all I could think about is what a crazy psychotic bitch she is . Must run in the family lol
The way she barged into Issac’s house and pretty much ran around like she owned the place and all her crazy sex that was random as fuck . I was like this girl needs something something .
Look I’m all for kinky scenes .
But every time she came out was all “sex sex , and I’m bag shit crazy.”
I would’ve thrown her out my house first time coming around 🤷♀️
But that part that really got to me and I literally had no “redemption “ for her in my book was the creepy part , where she tries to make Isaac “heal “ by pretending she’s Juli . That’s literally disgusting and disturbing on so many levels.
She ruined the book for me.
I had to skimp through it and that’s a first for me .
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