Review: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy
Taming Lily (The Fowler Sisters #3)
by: Monica Murphy
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 240 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Emma Chase, and Maya Banks, the anticipated finale in New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy’s sexy contemporary romance series about three fiery and determined sisters with their own ideas about life and love.
I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.
But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.
Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .
I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.
But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.
Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .
I had hoped Lily's story would be my favorite of the series, but unfortunately, I don't think this one will be a very memorable read. I hate to admit I've been a bit underwhelmed by this series as a whole. I really enjoyed Monica's The Billionaire Bachelor's Club books, but this series really didn't do it for me. It is incredibly sexy and Murphy really has that going for her, but I feel it was overly so. I didn't feel the romantic connection between characters. It was pure sexual attraction that turned to love in the blink of an eye. I had the same issue with this book.
Lily seeks refuge in beautiful Hawaii, after she has pissed off Pilar, her father's greedy, wretch of a girlfriend. Lily has things on Pilar that could ruin her, but keeps it to herself because she knows her father won't believe her. It is here in paradise that Lily meets Max, a sexy stranger that seems to be following her. The attraction between these two is pretty instant, but Max has secrets. Secrets that Lily can't know.
I felt for Lily. She has been pushed off as this wild child, party girl when really she just craves her father's acceptance. She may act like she doesn't care about what he thinks, but the reality is- she does. It hurts to feel you're not good enough or you're LESS. Max makes her feel wanted and beautiful and she clings to that, even though she has only known him for a short time.
I wasn't crazy about Max. I was annoyed with his attacks of conscience and his feeling guilty for taking advantage of Lily. Some of his scenes that were meant to be sexy, just weren't for me. I'm not a fan of the whole 'you'll come when I tell you to.' I am all for a good alpha, but there are sometimes where I'm just over it already. I felt that here.
I can see instant attraction. But I felt Lily and Max didn't know one another and here they are declaring love. That's just something that drives me crazy because I can't say I believe it unless I see that connection develop and grow. I didn't here. Max does something huge that affects Lily and as apologetic as he is, it would have taken a lot more time to earn her trust back.
Overall, while I had my issues with this one, I didn't hate it. I don't think this series is one I will remember though- there wasn't that spark that I felt with some of Murphy's other books and I really needed that to make these special. I did love seeing Rose all pregnant and adorable though, as well as seeing Violet and Ryder happy too. If you're in the mood for a sexy read, these are good books to pick up because man are they steamy! If you're looking for that deep, emotional connection between characters on the other hand, I'm not sure you'll find that here.
3 comments
I totally understand why you didn't love it. I love a good steamy book from time to time byt I also need to feel a real conection between the characters.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME REVIEW
Ruty @Reading...Dreaming
I've been a little underwhelmed by this whole series, sad to say. I, like you, was hoping things would turn around with this book and the series would finish strong... but it doesn't look like that's the case. I think I'll put this one on the backburner for a little while. Great review! I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it more.
ReplyDeleteIts a bummer you didnt love this series as much of some of her other work. Deff think I will be starting with a different series for this author! Great review!
ReplyDeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
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