Make Me, Sir by Cherise Sinclair

(Masters of the Shadowlands, book 5)

Her job is to make his life miserable. His job is to make her submit. Whose heart will surrender first?

Across the country, rebellious BDSM submissives are being systemically kidnapped, one from each club. When her friend falls prey to the slavers, FBI victim specialist Gabrielle volunteers to be bait in a club not yet hit: the Shadowlands.

She finds that being a bratty sub comes naturally, especially when she gets to twit the appallingly conservative Master of the trainees. But she soon discovers he’s not as stuffy as she’d thought. Or as mean. She’d expected punishment, even humiliation, but she sure never expected to fall in love with a damned lawyer.

Courtesy of a prima donna ex-wife, Marcus loathes disobedient submissives. When the club owner insists he admit an incredibly bratty trainee, he’s furious. But as he comes to know Gabrielle and sees the alluring sweetness beneath the sass, he starts to fall for her.

Unfortunately, Marcus isn’t the only one who believes the feisty redhead is a prize worth capturing. And in the world of the slaver, such treasure is worth a hefty fee.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and elements, violence.

I took a vacation away from the Shadowlands, but holy tits…I am so glad I came back. The first three books in this series were pretty great, but the main characters in the fourth book just killed all my momentum to read all six books in a row. I needed a break from the whips and chains and St. Andrews crosses at Club Shadowlands. Well, my little sex kittens, let me tell you something: Make Me, Sir brought me back to the Shadowlands – and it brought me back in a wonderful, vagina tingling way.

Make Me, Sir is my favorite of the Shadowlands books by far, not just because of the main characters, but also due to the plot line. Gabi worked her way right up next to the likes of Jessica and Kari (my two favorite subs from the books thus far) and Master Marcus…I mean…Christ on a cracker, he is just nice piece of fuckleberry pie. He’s smart, he’s strong, he’s a Dom, AND he has a nice, southern gentleman drawl?! I’ll take a slice of that, please. Actually, just give me the whole damn pie. I would let him chase me around the Capture Gardens any day.

I’ve really come to enjoy Cherise Sinclair’s BDSM novels, but the plot line in Make Me, Sir took my like to a whole new level. With the additional suspense and mystery of the sex trafficking ring, it added more depth to this novel and kept me intrigued and guessing from the first page right up until the very last line. I loved that we got a few moments from Jessica’s POV, and it delved a little deeper into the status of her and Z’s relationship. If you love the other couples from the previous Shadowlands books, no worries, they’re all here! AND one of my favorite aspects of Club Shadowlands is back in this book….THE CAPTURE GARDENS!! I wish I could explain why this concept is so ridiculously hot, but I don’t want to keep you here all night ;)

Make Me, Sir is a horribly sexy read that I would absolutely recommend reading…in the privacy of your home. (Trust me on this one!) The steamy scenes, not just between Marcus and Gabi, will leave your lady bits tingling and make you wish you had a Master Marcus of your own. If you like novels centered around BDSM activity, you need to read the Shadowlands series; I have yet to find a BDSM novel or series that compare to these books. 

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Crazy, Stupid Love Blog Hop & Giveaway!!!!!

Help us celebrate New Adult novels by following the blog hop, entering awesome giveaways, & succumbing to some crazy, stupid LOVE. 

WHAT IS NEW ADULT?

New Adult is a recent category of fiction for young adults. Books in the New Adult category are marketed to both YA readers and adult readers. Intended to appeal to readers 14 through 35, New Adult books deal with themes deemed too racy for Young Adult but with YA's familiar tropes and narrative arcs. 

Protagonists in New Adult stories usually range from the ages of late teens to early twenties (18-25). This is typically the time young adults have just graduated high school, going off to college, moving away from home for the first time, or going off into the adult world. New Adult books tend to be more...

Angsty, Intense, Passionate, Sexy

It seems like every week a New Adult book is hitting the best-seller lists of Amazon, Wall Street Journal, NY Times or USA Today. So, if you love drama and crave that crazy, stupid kind of young love story that has you staying up 'til the early morning hours reading, then you'll definitely love this new-ish genre. New Adult is perfect for readers who might have grown too old for YA but are not quite ready to jump into the more adult reads out there. 

SO -- WHAT BOOK AM I GIVING AWAY?! It's one of my FAVORITE novels, like, EVER. (Yeah, I went all valley girl on you for a second, don't judge me). I am absolutely ecstatic about gifting this ebook to the lucky winner, because there is not a chance in hell you won't love it. Okay, okay...you've waited long enough - here's the ebook I'm gifting to the lucky winner: 

Synopsis:

If you're looking for a story about a good, humble girl, whose been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she's not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you're gonna hate my story. 

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It's not the "I can do anything, now that I've found/I'm misunderstood but one day you'll find me irresistible because of it" tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I'm a complete witch. There's nothing redeeming about me. I'm a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I'm every girlfriend's worst nightmare and every boy's fantasy. 

I'm Sophie Price..and this is the story about how I went from the world's most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY BELOW & HAPPY HOPPING!! :)

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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs…for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

“I’m a grenade. I just want to stay away from people and read books and think and be with you guys because there’s nothing I can do about hurting you; you’re too invested, so just please let me do that, okay? I’m not depressed. I don’t need to get out more. And I can’t be a regular teenager, because I’m a grenade.” – Hazel

JUST A FAIR WARNING: if you plan on reading this book, make sure you have an entire box of Kleenex ready to rock; you’re going to need them. All of them. I thought I could handle it, I thought I prepared myself enough. I didn't. This book didn’t just make me cry – it made me sob uncontrollably. I’m talking an ugly cry, where there are tears and snot and swollen eyes and you have to stop reading to mentally get your shit together because you can’t even see the pages through the waterfalls that have suddenly been installed in your eye sockets. I’m not kidding. Here's a little something to give you a visual of the mess that was my life during and after reading this novel:

 I’ve had a really hard time trying to piece together this review, which tends to happen when I read a book that just blows my doors off. This is one of those reviews where no matter what I say, I know it’s not going to be good enough. I’m not going to be able to convey to you just how much the story of Hazel and Augustus touched me. I don’t know that I can describe the gutted, heartbroken, “life isn’t fucking fair” feeling that overwhelmed me towards the end of the book. You know, I like to think that I’m pretty good with words, but there are some just books that leave you speechless, that touch you beyond belief – that make you realize, this is why I read!

The Fault in Our Stars is one of those books. 

I refuse to give away any spoilers so I won’t go too much into the plot, but the relationship formed between Augustus and Hazel is nothing short of spectacular. Their easy banter and ability to relate to each other’s issues makes for a heartwarming, funny, seemingly effortless connection. Augustus and Hazel’s relationship, however, wasn’t the only one that made my heart happy; the other was the friendship between Augustus and Isaac. Their quips back and forth to each other made me laugh out loud, and added a necessary element of comedic relief to what could have potentially been a super depressing novel. 

This is, without a doubt, one of my top 10 books of all time and I will forever recommend it to friends, family, co-workers...anyone within earshot of me, really. I'll stand out in front of freaking Barnes and Noble and ask everyone that comes out, "Have you read The Fault in Our Stars? No? Did you buy it today? No? Then you get your ass back in there and buy that freaking book!" I don't know how long Barnes and Noble will allow me to harass customers, but if that's what I have to do, then that's what I have to do. I guarantee this book will not disappoint you, and although you may look like an absolute train wreck after you finish, it’s worth it. It is worth every tear, every tissue, every sob, every smile, every laugh, every last bit of hope and heartache; it is sooo fucking worth it...

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The Story of Rachel by K.D. McLean

Rachel Collins is praying. And not for world peace. Thirty six years old and single, her prayer is self-centered. “Kill me now, Lord,” she pleads during her latest attempt to meet Mr. Right via the internet.

She’s not hoping for a billionaire or even a millionaire, just a guy who can strike a spark to her tinder! Is she asking too much? She’s a great gal! Just ask her parents! She might be a bit naïve about some things, but capable enough – she’s a correspondent for a major magazine, after all. So there!

On assignment she meets Michael, 42 years old, also a writer. The attraction is immediate and intense. Rachel, who sees vanilla only as a baking ingredient, enchants him. Michael can whip up some pretty hot delights himself, outside of the kitchen. He introduces a curious Rachel to powerful experiences of sensuality. Her Ladylike sense of propriety engages in a running battle with her now sparked Tinderbox desires.

Michael is an excellent cook and knows how to turn up the heat. Sampling the flavors offered, Rachel experiences humorous hiccups. On a date, Michael ramps up the risqué, resulting in a memorable skirt swirling salsa dance. Rachel’s “What the hell, I ain’t getting any younger” attitude spurs Michael to take her to the exclusive, adults only club, Pandora’s. Here, Rachel witnesses even more variations of earthly delights, and begins a lifelong friendship with another guest.

Michael is a realist, convinced that within 90 days, his affair with Rachel will be but another painful memory of loss. He is neither willing nor able to yell ‘Geronimo’ and fall for her. He can’t, and that’s that.

Maybe he should just get a damn dog.

**I was gifted a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

I’m kind of surprised that more people haven’t written books that involve the pitfalls and amusement of online dating. (Hell, maybe they have and I just don’t know about them). While I personally have never gotten involved in a dating site, my best friend has – and I seriously can’t thank her enough for the hilariousness that she has brought into my life with this online dating. She sends me some of the messages and pictures she gets, and it just kills me. (I won’t name which site, but it’s free so…I think that should tell you enough). Why am I talking about this? Well, because Rachel’s online dating experience seems to be just about level with my best friend’s – brutal, disappointing, yet pretty damn entertaining.

The Story of Rachel is a mix of BDSM, romance, and a dash of humor. Rachel and Michael’s relationship isn’t all rainbows and unicorns and dancing vaginas – it seems to fall the way most BDSM relationships do; man and woman meet, he introduces her to the world of D/s, the woman wants a relationship but the man has some sort of emotional holdback, the woman gives an ultimatum and/or leaves, then after a week-ish the man finally realizes this chick is the bee’s knees and gets over his shit. Not that I don’t enjoy that type of plot line, but it just seems to be getting slightly repetitive. I will say this though, I liked Rachel’s character a hell of a lot more than the shy, 20-something, virgin that numerous authors have used as their main female character in BDSM novels.

Rachel’s sense of humor was refreshing and pretty funny, and I think maybe I enjoyed her and Michael’s relationship because it didn’t ever feel immature. She wasn’t whiny or needy – this is a chick that knows what she wants and knows what she deserves; she’s a strong woman who has her shit together and I dig that. I can’t say that Michael is going in my book boyfriend category (I mean, I am in my mid 20’s and he’s almost old enough to be my dad) but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like him and Rachel together. The only real complaint I have involves Rachel’s inner monologue; her Ladylike and her Tinderbox. This reminded me so much of Ana’s “inner goddess” in Fifty Shades, which bugged the crap out of me. This is what I picture when authors use little characters to play out their thoughts: 

Ahh, Lizzie McGuire takes me back....ANY WHO....

I gave The Story of Rachel 3 stars because while most of the humor was funny, some of it felt contrived or forced. And while I did like Rachel and Michael as a couple, I had a bit of a hard time connecting with his character – maybe it was his age, I don’t know. All in all, I did enjoy The Story of Rachel, and if you’re looking for a book mixed with romance, humor, and a twinge of BDSM, I think you’ll like it too! 

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RELEASE PARTY & GIVEAWAY: Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss

*Release Party organized by Entangled Publishing*

Synopsis:

Seattle hairstylist Violet Murphy always knew the day would come when her best friend Gabe Parker would want to settle down. She'd secretly wished it would be with her, but now that he's chosen someone else -- the prim, perfect Alicia -- he wants Vi to be his best man. 

Healing her broken heart isn't easy, but when Violet meets Landon Harlow, a man who isn't fazed by her funky style and less-than-delicate attitude, she takes a step in the right direction. Until Gabe's fiancee's gorgeous facade begins to crack, and Violet's disturbing past comes back to haunt her, that is. Vi now finds herself armed with a series of lies that would break Gabe's heart -- and his engagement -- if he knew the truth, and a secret from their childhood that could change everything. 

With the wedding looming, her relationships unraveling, and the bachelor party of the century to plan, Violet must choose between a fresh start with Landon, or confronting her painful past and risking it all for a chance at a future with Gabe. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brooke Moss lives in beautiful eastern Washington with her handsome nerd and five darling, wicked children. When she isn't spinning tales, she spends her time collecting tacky owl decor, changing the color of her hair, and watching too much reality television. 

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Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

(Caster Chronicles, book 1)
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

I have to admit, there was only one reason why I found myself reading this book – the movie trailer. I heard of the series for the first time about a year or so ago, but I steered clear of it. Why? I heard soooo many people compare it to Twilight; I am not a Twilight fan. The books were just okay, and the movies were horrendous – but that’s another rant for another day. Back to Beautiful Creatures; I saw the movie trailer and immediately bought the book…and holy smacks, I am so glad I did. I fell in love with Lena and Ethan (and Link), and became enthralled with the Caster world in a completely unexpected way.

Just to clarify: this book is nothing like Twilight. The only reason why I can even assume people are making a comparison is strictly because it is a paranormal romance. Lena is a Caster (which is basically just a badass name for a witch) and Ethan is a mortal...well…sort of.  After realizing that Lena is the girl he has been dreaming about (literally), he makes every attempt to spend more time with her. There’s only one problem: Lena’s sixteenth birthday is approaching and with her life as a good or bad Caster hanging in the balance, she’s afraid to let Ethan get too close. Little does she know, having him close just might be what saves her.

I love that this is written from Ethan’s POV, not Lena’s. It’s super rare to read a romance that is solely from the male’s POV; it was a welcome change and not at all expected. While it does start off a little slow, and take a little while to really delve into the story line, I really enjoyed this novel. The unexpected plot twists made my jaw drop, and kept me on my toes right up until the very end. The strong character traits in Lena and Ethan are admirable and make you root for them even more – and while obstacles are thrown at them left and right, it kind of breaks your heart a little, too. 

My best friend and I went to see the movie after we both read the book, but unfortunately, I can’t give you feedback on that yet…because we only saw about 2 minutes. The stupid fire alarm went off and they herded everybody out like freaking cattle. I’ll definitely give y’all feedback on it when I have time to go see it again, but until then, if you haven’t read the book yet I highly recommend it. If you enjoy paranormal/sci-fi, romance, and little dashes of comedy, this is a perfect read for you. I can’t wait to start the second book in the series, and see where it takes Lena and Ethan. 

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AND THE WINNER IS...........

THE WINNER OF THE BOOK BOYFRIEND VALENTINE'S GIVEAWAY IS......

PERNILLE PEDERSEN!!!! 

CONGRATULATIONS! I'll send you an email to confirm where to send the ebooks! :)

Thank y'all so much for entering, and I hope each of you has a chocolate covered, grope filled, Valentine's Day! 

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COVER REVEAL: Chosen by Paulina Ulrich

Title: Chosen 

Release Date: Spring 2013

Genre: Mature YA/NA Paranormal Romance

Series: Fighting Fate, book 1



Synopsis: 

Nothing can stand in the way of outspoken, rule-breaker-extraordinaire, Kaddy Richston...except destiny. Born with wildly colored hair and piercing gray eyes, Kaddy knew she was different, but she set her sights on her ambitious dreams of being in a rock band and leaving her small town along with the painful memories of her past. 

But destiny has other plans for her. 

When the calm, cool, and always collected Cole Huntington enters her life he takes a strange interest in her, his striking blue eyes never wandering far from her every move. Despite her efforts to push him away, he plans on unraveling every single one of Kaddy's dark secrets even though he has some of his own. 

Despising each other from the start, Kaddy is determined to undermine whatever intentions he has until she learns of a destiny she never asked for. The fate of the world lies in her hands as she learns how different she really is. The only person she can turn to for answers is the last person she'd want help from: Cole Huntington who seems to dislike her rule-beraking as much as she dislikes his rule-following. 

Sometimes destiny sucks. 

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About the Author

Paulina Ulrich has always loved writing, telling stories, and the idea of dreaming big. An English major with an emphasis in Creative Writing, she is now a full-time author and has a very fluffy cat Juey to keep her company while she writes. Not to mention she always has a full glass of iced tea nearby and music blaring in the background. Paulina is the author of the Flightless Bird series and the Fighting Fate series. When she's not writing, she's out buying way too many cute shoes...

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The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

(The Coincidence series, book 1)

There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems hi life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.

You know how sometimes you build something up so much in your mind that no matter how good it really is, it isn’t as good as you thought it would be?? I think maybe that’s the case with The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden; maybe. I read so many reviews just absolutely raving about how amazing it this novel was and I amped it up in my head as, “THIS BOOK IS GOING TO BE FREAKING AMAZING!!!!”

And it just wasn’t to me.

I loved the idea of this story – two broken people trying to save each other. I freaking devour those kinds of books at the same speed that a fat kid inhales more than their fair share of cake; so imagine my surprise when I finished this novel, and I wasn’t retching with pain for these characters or immediately trying to figure out if the sequel has a release date yet or swearing Jessica Sorensen for leaving me hanging – I didn’t really feel any of that. I didn’t really feel anything, to be honest. I wasn’t surprised by the ending, nor did it have the effect on me that it had on the majority of the readers whose (spoiler free) reviews I’ve read so far. I saw it coming – maybe that’s why I wasn’t devastated that it ended there.

I just felt like I was constantly waiting for some big moment that would just blow me away and make me fall in love with these two; some moment that would skyrocket this book to a 5 star rating; that moment never came for me. I was left waiting for something amazing that never happened. I’m sure I’ll still read the sequel when it’s released, and maybe it will make me see what everyone else saw in this story.

It’s not a bad novel, but it’s just not great either. I wanted something more for these characters, something to make me invested in them. Sure, I felt bad for them and the hands they had been dealt, but that’s not enough to make me fall in love with them as a couple. I can’t put my finger on it, but I just felt like something was missing. I’m in the minority with my opinion, so maybe I’m missing something. I don’t know. I went into this expecting a knock my socks off story, and walked away with my socks and shoes still very much on…unfortunately. 

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COVER REVEAL: Give Me Something by Elizabeth Lee

BA-BOOM! Here is the cover for Elizabeth Lee's newest novel, Give Me Something. 

Synopsis:

Here's the deal...I learned a long time ago that sometimes you have to use what you've got to make things happen. What I happen to have is a pretty smile, long legs and the ability to make men believe anything I say. Before you get on your high horse and start judging me, can you honestly say you've never batted your lashes at some guy for a free drink at a bar? That's what I thought. 

Keep that in mind as I tell you my story of how I took it one step further. My story of lies, deceit, manipulation, and love. Yeah, love. Believe me, it fits. Especially, when you factor in Nick and Tucker - one had my heart and the other one wanted it all for himself. Which one? Well, I can't tell you that. It would defeat the purpose of the story. If I'm going to fill you in about me, Lila Garrison, and my life as a con artist you're going to need to know all the facts, including the ones about the two guys who made me want to give up the life of fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, fast cars, and easy money. Because sometimes, one person can give you something that's more valuable than all of that. 

If you're still interested, stick around. Just remember, I'm pretty good at convincing people to do what I want, so if by the end of this whole thing you feel worked over, don't say I didn't warn you.

Expected Publication Date: March 2013

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About the Author

Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I've spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe. 

Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany...I should write a book. And I did it! My first YA/New Adult novel is out now!

If I'm not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny one-year-old, I'm probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I'm too old to watch them. 

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Waiting on Wednesday (13)

*This is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.*

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Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan

(Undeniable series #2)

Expected Publication Date: 2013

Synopsis from Goodreads:

*Warning: This book contains several aspects of the uglier side of life; it is not for everyone*

The story of Ripper and Danny.

The first time I fell in love it was with a pair of blue eyes and a wide dimpled grin. 

"Your old man loves ya, Danny girl," he whispered. "You never ever forget that yeah?"

I never did. And I never thought I could ever love any man as much as I loved my father. But as we grow, we change, we begin to make our own decisions and thus become independent and self sufficient and start turning away from our parents and turning to others. We form friendships, strong bonds and ties and begin experiencing life outside the bubble we grew up inside of. 

And we fall in love...a second time. 

The second time I fell in love it was with a badly scarred face, the stuff of nightmares; the sort of disfigurement that mothers steer their children away from. Ugly, jagged slashes marred the skin from the top of this skull, down over his right eye, an eye that had been dug out of his face with a serrated blade. The scares continued across his cheek, over his lips, and down his neck, ending at the top of his shoulder. His chest was a hundred times worse; scar tissue as far as the eye could see. 

"Baby," he said gruffly, "Man like me got no business with a girl like you. You're nothin' but fuckin' beauty and I'm a whole lot of fuckin' ugly who's already halfway to hell."

But he was wrong. 

Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Especially the ugly.

Because without ugly there would be no beauty. 

Because without beauty we would not survive our pain, our sorrow, our suffering. 

And in the world I lived in, the world he lived in, a secret world within the world, a world of constant crime and cruel, cold, death, there was almost nothing but suffering. 

"You may not be beautiful the way you were before," I whispered, cupping his ruined cheek. "But you're still beautiful. To me."