Colin Murphy knows that he is not the right guy for a broken girl like Allie, especially one who comes with baggage in the form of a small child. He’s got a criminal past and a side job that leaves a bad taste in his mouth. But something about Allie and her vulnerability calls to the protector in him and he’s not sure if he can let her go, even if it is the right thing to do.
When Allie finds out what kind of jobs Colin really does for his brother, she tries to end things between them, not wanting that kind of violent lifestyle near her daughter. However, when a threat from the past leaves Allie frightened for her and her daughter’s safety, Colin is the only one she trusts enough to keep them from harm, at least until she finds out that he has been keeping secrets from her that could ruin any chance of a future for them both.
GIVING IT UP is an exceptional debut from author Amber Lin. Dark, gutsy and deeply emotional; this is a story of two wounded souls finding solace with one another. Ms. Lin deftly handles the intricate psychological aftermath of rape and violence, of betrayal and forgiveness. There are far more than fifty shades of grey in this story, as there are in real life. The characters in GIVING IT UP aren’t perfect. They make mistakes and hurt the ones they love in their search for acceptance and happiness. But ultimately, these are characters that stay with you long after the last page is read, and I have never been so happy to see a couple find their way to a happily-ever- after. GIVING IT UP may not be a book for everyone, but if you are looking for a well written story with lots of twists and turns, steamy sex scenes and heart wrenching emotions, then I highly recommend this one.
