Lovin' los libros

Taking Something (Give Me Something #2)
   by: Elizabeth Lee

Publication Date: Feb. 18, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by InkSlingerPR and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 228 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars





I'll just put this out there: when I first heard EL was writing Nick's book I was kind of surprised. Sure, he redeemed himself at the very end of Give Me Something, but he still wasn't a character I actually liked very much. The fact that EL wrote this book and completely changed my perspective on Nick is what makes this worth reading alone! I absolutely LOVE Elizabeth's writing style- it is so much fun and you can't help but be drawn into the pure wit and humor that this particular set of characters possesses. Not to mention- Nick will totally steal your heart!

He is still as cocky and arrogant as ever as the book starts, but there is still something incredibly endearing about him. Nick starts off very self-centered and while some may be turned off by that, you can't help but resist his charm! He's only looking to further his own personal gain and plays music sensation Sadie Sinclair straight from the start. He doesn't have feelings for her, but lets her believe he likes her, as this is his big chance to break out as a music producer and if he messes it up- well he won't ever have a shot in hell at working in the music industry. Nick ends up finding himself trapped as she could make or break him. I wanted to laugh at him and tell him he got what he deserved for trying to con his way into the industry, but along the way Nick starts to develop a conscience and of course- meets a girl.

Gia Grayson is sweet, beautiful, and doesn't fall for Nick's crap. She sees what he's about from day one and is initially disgusted by him. She knows why he is with Sadie, but doesn't rat him out, as she is essentially in the same position. Gia is Sadie's personal assistant and is very guarded and has secrets of her own she's not willing to share. Sadie treats her like crap and yet she still doesn't leave. She has her reasons for this and feels obligated to her long time 'friend'. I love how selfless Gia was. She would sacrifice her own happiness and love with Nick to ensure he keeps his dream job. She won't let herself be the reason he walks away from it all. She also won't be the other woman while Nick is with Sadie. I respected Gia so much and I admire that she tried to just be friends with Nick. But hey- the heart wants what the heart wants. I was Team Gia from the start- Nick can't help but be attracted to the woman that doesn't take his shit and isn't afraid to call him out for being an idiot. She reminds him of Lila, the one other woman he has loved in his lifetime.

Speaking of Lila... we get to see her quite a bit in this book which made me really happy! Her and Tucker got the HEA they both deserved and I loved watching them interact with Nick. The three have become incredibly close and even more so now that Lila and Tucker have a special surprise coming. :)

We do meet some new characters and I have to say I could NOT stand Sadie. She was a spoiled, stuck up brat who thought the world should bow to her because she's a music princess. Ugh. Nick has quite the job on his hands of coercing Sadie to sing the songs the label wants her to- especially when she wants to become a singer/songwriter and record her own songs. She was extremely clingy and constantly on a need to know basis as to what Nick was doing, who he was with, and where he was. Sadie had no personality of her own. When she realized Nick didn't like her clingy, jealous side she started acting like a completely different person just to please him. She's manipulative and catty and has been keeping a big secret from Gia.  

Landry Westwood is another character that we meet that I actually enjoyed. Landry is also a singer, but he is more down to earth than Sadie could ever be. It is evident Sadie still has a crush on him, but he doesn't give the fiery red-head another glance. Lee could have taken Landry's character in such another direction and I have to say I'm really glad she didn't. He was a genuine good guy, who really stepped up in the end and acted like an adult after finding out some pretty heavy information.

Audrey is also another favorite of mine! She is too cute for words and I really liked the scenes with her- especially that epilogue!

Watching Nick get his ass kicked by love and see him realize what he really wants for his life and what he is willing to give up is absolutely what makes this story. We start off with a cocky, self-assured guy who thinks he's God's gift to women and can make them bend to his will and we end with a completely different guy who has fallen hard for a beautiful, sweet, intelligent woman that challenges him in a way no woman has for a long time.

Obviously I really enjoyed this one and you will definitely want to pick this one up! You will love Gia and Nick's chemistry, the storyline, and the fun-loving characters Lee has created.










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