Book Review – Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones

Being Me (Inside Out)
I’m posting an early review of a book that will only be out in June, but I was just too excited for the “If I Were You (Inside Out Trilogy)” follow up. I devoured this review copy that the author sent to me over the weekend. And you know what? I enjoyed it just as much as #1. Dare I say… maybe even a little more? This follow up has just as much mystery and intrigue as #1, but we get even more of that romantic, steamy intensity.

Much is revealed in this book. The first half is more subtle and even-keeled (even though I did experience a few adrenaline rushes). A lot of clue gathering, contemplating, and my favorite part, character growth and all-consuming romance. But the second half regales us with “connect-the-dots” buildup, relieving reveals and my favorite… super-angst!

The author indulges our need for burning love, and Chris (tortured artist/alpha male #1) does NOT disappoint.

What does it mean that he’s bound me in real life and on canvas?

Passionate and giving and oh yes. Bossy. Obnoxiously so, at times. Chris as an enigma and his personal demons have the potential to ruin him. He is so giving. And also so… giving up.

I stop talking and the dead space afterward is unbearable and I can barely contain an urge to fill it with more words. “Chris, damn it, say something. I’m dying here.”

“And what if you can’t handle it?” No denial of what I’ve said.

There is a sudden, crushing pressure in my chest.This is what he is scared of, what he fears. That I can’t handle all that he is.

“We both need to know if I can. I don’t want us to unravel and have to wonder if it’s because I didn’t try.”

“You can’t.”

And Mark? Yes. Mark (alpha male #2). Or should I say #1? *grins* He’s in there, too. 😉

And as much as I love Chris’s fervor for claiming what is his…

“You’ll be all mine.”

The possessive way his body cradles mine, the way he says the words, sends a tingling sensation spiraling through my body. I refuse to think of the consequences of giving myself to Chris, a man I know will consume me, perhaps destroy me, but right now he feels as if he is saving me. I am willingly all his.

… Mark had quite a bit of my attention in both installments. But, as gorgeous and in control as he is, he scares me a bit, you know? Has a subtle seductive creepiness about him and with the help of Rebecca’s journals I couldn’t help but be extra suspicious.

“Don’t let him suck you into his world. It’s dangerous and so is he.”

What is it about artists warning me off Mark?

In this book, we get to know him on a more “relaxed” level. He actually made me smile… and even slightly swoon, instead of quake.

Mark wraps an arm around my waist and catches my chin, forcing my gaze to his.

“Ms. McMillan.” His thumb swipes away my tears.“I warned you Chris was f*&ked-up. You accepted that. Did you not?”

Sure, he can be a bit dry, but OMG!!! In fact, I allowed myself to give in to him in a way, and at one point, he certainly had my blood pumping. I dunno if I coulda… errrr. Ok. Lips. Sealed. 😉

And well…  just ’cause I allowed myself the luxury of letting go, “Mark-wise”, it doesn’t necessarily mean I should have. Who knows what’s in store for us? After all, there’s still a 3rd installment to come.

But what I loved the most about this installment? We finally DO get some answers. Things come to light, but I won’t tell you what is revealed because we all know there are quite a few things to uncover. Rebecca’s mysterious disappearance and discovered journals and what they may reveal, Mark and his… dominant ways, Chris and his tortured soul,

“I now know the deep, dark secrets you said would make me run and here I am.”

“You did run, and baby, you only think you know my deep, dark secrets.”

… and the now missing Ella. There are a few other characters that might shed some light on certain circumstances, or cast an even darker shadow on Sara’s new world as a whole.

A few potential enemies or could they possibly be allies? To Sara? To each other? The author plays us to the very end. Do we continue to suspect, or accept… certain people? I’ll let you find out. And you will. For some of it. And you will question even more if it.

Gorgeous writing, and gorgeous (yet suspect) characters. This one satisfied my “Inside Out” cravings, gave me the answers I was looking for and dug me in a little deeper when I realized there was a whole lot more to it.

To be continued. (Oh quit it!! It’s worth the emotional turmoil! 😉 )

What is so horrific that it haunts him this completely?

I dunno, and I can’t WAIT to find out!!!

P.S. Did you guys know that Starz picked up this series for a TV show!!?? YAY US!!!!

4 stars!