“A story about a man who has loved me from the very beginning, from the first glance. The man who always was and still is my soul mate…”
WOW!! I was completely blown away by this book!! It was a dark, gritty, dangerous, intense, shocking, addictive, raw, and captivating page-turner. A complex, multi-layered story with outstanding writing and unexpected twists and turns!! I could not put it down for even a minute!! If you’re looking for a well-written, intense, and utterly unputdownable book with a completely unique and original plot, and a surprising love story that’ll captivate you from the very first page, then READ THIS!!!
I officially have an EPIC book hangover!! 5 STARS!!
On May 15, 1975, fifteen-year-old Ginny Lemon is abducted from a convenience store by a member of one of the most notorious and brutal motorcycle gangs in South Florida.
From that moment on, her life is forever changed. She gets a new name, a new identity and a new life in the midst of the gang’s base… And at the center of it all is the gang’s leader, Grizz: massive, ruggedly handsome, terrifying and somehow, when it comes to Ginny, tender. She becomes his obsession and the one true love of his life.
Wow, right?
At this point, I was pretty sure I had a idea what direction the story was heading. Then I opened the book and read the prologue. Wait… what??! Did that really just happen?? O.O — At that point, there was no turning back for me. I just had to know this story and see what could possibly have led them to that place. The interesting thing was that I ended up surprised by what I felt — and I loved that! This book made me think I was going to feel one thing, then showed me how I actually felt something entirely different.
I don’t want to say anything about the plot other than what the blurb tells you, because honestly, that’s all you should know. It’s quite a complex storyline with a lot of layers and it’s best to just let them unfold as you read. From beginning to end though, I could not look away even for a minute. It was one jaw-dropping scene after another and I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.
This is just one of those books that you can’t stop reading.
The writing was absolutely phenomenal. Vivid, evocative, and utterly captivating. This was a full length book (326 pages) but I just flew through it in an afternoon. There was an ease and fluidity to the language that gave the story no stopping points. It was fast-paced but focused on all the right details. I can’t say enough good about this author’s writing style. Honestly, it’s some of the best I’ve read.
Is there a cliffhanger? Will there be a sequel? — First of all, I was completely happy with this ending. It was the ending I wanted. I do not consider this a cliffhanger. This chapter of the story is over. However, there is more to the story to tell… so there will be a sequel coming in Spring 2015. My strong advice though is to read this now and don’t wait. I honestly was left in a good place.
It’s actually very rare for me to read biker books and the simple reason is that there’s a lot about their lifestyle that is just a little too “much” for me to handle reading about. But I loved this book. It was not graphic. Yes, there was all sorts of sex, violence, cold-blooded brutality, but it was not graphic, nor was it over-dramatized. It was not erotic, in fact the sex was all fade-to-black, it was there as a fundamental part of the story but it wasn’t the driving force. The writing just let you know what was happening, and often that would be chilling enough to build a vivid picture in your mind without needing further details.
Addressing the issue of age… Yes, she is underage. She’s about 15-16 at the start. There is no violent rape. Grizz genuinely cares for her. That being said, what happens is still wrong. My guess is that Grizz is about 30(ish) so yep, that’s uncomfortable. But you’ve read the blurb… this isn’t meant to be a fluffy book.
Another thing is don’t go looking for spoilers. I’ve been asked so many questions by readers that start with “Omg, I heard that….*spoiler*…. happens. Does it really??“ and honestly my answer is that you have to just see how it unfolds because what you think its going to be, isn’t what it is. But if I tell you what it is, then that’ll ruin everything. And you guys know that I’ll often do spoiler pages whenever I think it’s best to know stuff in advance but this is a case where I really feel it’s best to just let the story happen.
Lastly, based on what I’ve seen of reader reactions to the prologue, it seems there are two types of reactions. The first kind are the ones who LOVE it and dive right in. To you guys, I say: YAY!! Go for it!!! Enjoy the crazy ride and come tell me what you thought when you’re done!! …. But there’s another group of readers who read the prologue and kinda go WTF and nope right out of the book. To you guys, I’ll say this: Yes, it’s exactly what it looks like… but it’s not at all what you think. There are so many twists and the book reveals the true complexity of the situation. My advice is don’t assume anything before you know the full story because, as you read, your feelings might change… I know mine sure did!
Guys, this is an absolutely fantastic book. One of the best I’ve read. I highly recommend it!!
Rating: 5 STARS!!
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*** FULL SERIES ***
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Maria says
Im loving this! 80% in right now and I can’t stop!!
Aestas says
YAY!! So glad you’re loving it!! Heehee, just wait til you get to the big reveals at the end 😉
kathy says
iknow this is a year after these other posts, but am reading that another book is coming out soon and let me tell you that this book has stayed with me all this time , so yep it is so worth it! must read the whole book even questionable parts, because in the end it is made whole for you. If a book still affects you after this long it has to be awesome, which it is . looking forward to next part, hopefully will be last because I have a life I need to get back to and out of my kindle
Juliana says
One of my Top 5 of the year!!!!
Aestas says
Definitely one of my favs of this year too 🙂
Angel says
Book hangover is an understatement…I can’t remember the last book that I literally could not put down. It’s been 3 days and I still can’t get it off my mind.
Aestas says
Yup I hear you!! I can’t even think about starting anything else yet!!
Liisa says
LOVED THIS! 5++ stars for me 😀
Aestas says
Awesome!! 😀
Fiona says
Cant. Put. This. DOWN!
Aestas says
I know the feeling!!!
Kimberly says
Wow! You should have warned us that we would need days to recover from this book…Hangover is not even the word I would use to describe how I feel….Can’t even wrap my head around the thought of starting a new book now. Loved this book. As always it was a wonderful recommendation!
Aestas says
LOL!! I’m in the same boat now. I just can’t start another book yet!! — So glad you loved it too!! 😀
Sarah says
I read everything you recommend and I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I’m just like, wow, what?, huh? Can’t stop thinking about it. I have a question about the part in the Prologue when Grizz referenced his finger (know what I’m talking about?) what was he wanting to see from her? Do you get what I’m saying without me spoiling anything for new readers?! lol Thanks again, for a great read!!!
Aestas says
Ahhh!!! I’m so glad to hear that!!!
Hmm, that’s hard to answer without spoilers but I think she was showing him that “thing” from 47% in the book.
Kristi says
Might be spoilerish (yeah, I made that word up). I tried this, but then came to a scene that was a deal breaker for me. I could see how the author tried to make it right but it still was just too much to handle……. Nonconsensual sex to “love” is disturbing to me. Otherwise, I did find it intriguing up to that point.
Aestas says
In my review, I warn readers “don’t assume anything before you know the full story” — what you’re referring to in your comment is an example of a situation where that applies directly. Without spoilers, I’ll say… the direction you think the story is heading in is *not* the one it goes in. 😉
Kristi says
I figured it might be heading a different direction because of your warning, as I read your review before buying the book. (Btw, you’re one reviewer that I do trust to help with picking books :)…I just couldn’t believe the girl would get up and go ok let’s hangout the next day. I did read further into the book and caught some of the turns in the story… However, I do agree that the book snags you in and keeps you wanting to read.
Aestas says
Sorry, I had to remove a little of your comment due to spoilers 🙁 I have to figure out how to make spoiler tags on here because I want discussions to be as open as possible. But I will just say that if you keep reading, you’ll see that nothing got justified in the end 🙂 However, I also understand it just being a little ‘much’ — I totally get that too <3
Channa says
Loved this book! Finished it last night and I am so glad I didn’t know anything about it before I read it and just let it unfold. Can’t wait to see the story in book 2!
Aestas says
I’m so glad you loved it!! And I agree, this is a book that’s best to just dive into 🙂
Jenny says
Omg phenomenal read! Totally not what I was expecting. Finished it in under 24 hours and I have a newborn and a full time job that I commute for!! Gahahhahah I want more now! Thanks for the rec 🙂
Aestas says
Very welcome!!! I read it really fast too! Just couldn’t put it down 😉
Dorissa says
This was such a great book. The author has great writing style can’t wait for the next one.
Aestas says
I agree! I loved her style 🙂
Abby says
I just read this book because of you and I LOVED it! It was a really great read. Nothing was too predictable and it kept me guessing. It was definitely hard to read at some points, but I loved the main characters! I can’t wait for the next one that’s for sure.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Aestas says
YAY!!! You’re very welcome!
I felt the same about it. So glad to hear you loved it too 😀
Sylvia says
Wow!! I absolutely LOVED this book! I really can’t stop telling everyone I know to read it. This would make a great movie. Thanks for the wonderful recommendation can’t wait for book #2.
Sylvia
Aestas says
You’re very welcome!!! I agree, it would be great on screen 🙂
Noemi says
I agree with ou, Sylvia, this book would make a great movie!!
susie says
Just finished this book and I loved it and I can’t stop thinking about it. Im ready for he next book to come out hoping it answers some of my questions!
Aestas says
Me too!! Can’t wait 🙂
Stacy (StacyHgg) says
I just finished the prologue last night and WOW! I was like what?!?!
But I am excited to read the rest. Great Review!
Aestas says
Thanks, Stacy!! Happy reading <3
Jan says
The first paragraph of your review was right on point. You use every adjective that fit perfectly. For me, five star reads don’t come by that often. I’m so happy that I experienced this one.
Aestas says
Thank you!!! I agree with you — I don’t give out a lot of 5 star ratings either but this totally deserved it 🙂
Noemi says
This book is awesome! Thank you very much for the great recommendation again…
kathy says
i also read the prologe and went no thanks, but it was always at the back of my mind, so i read the book i less than 24 hours and OMG even after a week i keep going back to stuff in the book, was a beautiful love story(yes love story) waiting on book 2 cause i still have some feelings that there are questions to be answered.
Aestas says
Glad you loved it!!
Jennie Wurtz says
Thank you yet again for another FABULOUS recommendation!!! Once again I agree with your thoughts and review 100%! The twists and turns especially at the very end were just wow! I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t get it out of my head. I’m so hungover…in a good way of course 😉
Aestas says
You’re so welcome!!!!
Mollie says
Ok just saw your review on this book. I loved it
Aestas says
YAY! 😀
Francine says
It’s been about 6 weeks since I finished Nine .minutes, and I still can’t get it out of my head. LOVED IT! One of the best reads not only this year, but ever!
ON Ruby says
OMG! Decided to start reading this during my lunch break at work today and didn’t do anything for 4 hours (probably in trouble now hehe). Finished it in 4 hours, yes! Fast reader. And I am in awe. I didn’t know whether to feel guilty for loving it because of a little Syndrome that starts with an S but I couldn’t help but love how romantic it turned out. This book is literally my guilty pleasure. Read the blurb for the sequel and thought there just might be a twist showing what happened didn’t in the end. Alas it’s just more elaboration. Anyway…this was great. Absolutely great. Very great. GREAT. Lol.
Camille says
Thank you for introducing me to this book. Absolutely amazing! Very similar feel to the Undeniable series by Madeline Sheehan which I also loved.
Penelope Cavill says
I loved this review and as soon as I read it I had to one click, then began my love of author Beth Flynn, Grizz, Ginny and Grunt. <3 Thanks Aestas, loved it !
tiffany says
I was so in the minority on this one. It felt like a documentary to me.
Karen says
Did you review the other books in this series? Would love to know what you thought of the 3rd book and if you know if another one is coming.
I loved it
Aestas says
No, I haven’t… Honestly, I kind of loved the first one on it’s own as a standalone. I’m still not sure if I want to read the other books or not. Maybe one day! I do know that it’s just the three of them though (trilogy).