Review: Manhandled by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott (Hammered #2)
Note: This ARC was provided by CrushStar Multimedia LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Manhandled is the second full-length novel in the Hammered rock star romance series from the queens of all things rock and romance and are a proven bestselling writing duo, Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. This sequel had a lot to live up to, what with Manaconda and Manaconda: The Second Coming giving this series such a memorable and hilarious start. Admittedly, this does fall a teeny, tiny bit short of my personal expectations, which were admittedly quite high. However, this stands apart from its two predecessors because of the suspense thriller aspect involved while still tying in to the whole romantic comedy feel that the series promises to be. Faith Keystone and Quinn Alexander's story may not be my favorite in the series, but without a doubt, it remains a good one, and at the end of the day, I did enjoy it.
Faith "Keys" Keystone is the keyboardist for and only female in Hammered, the rock band that's currently sitting on top of the world. The band has a loyal following, one that continues to grow, and each member has their own devoted fan base, Keys included. The wedding of the band's lead singer and publicist is a happy affair that ends in the harrowing drugging and near abduction of Keys, which leads all those closest to her to insist that a security specialist be by her side until the case is resolved. But fun-loving Faith isn't thrilled by the prospect of having a close-in bodyguard, especially when he's as rigid and controlling as Quinn. It doesn't matter that he happens to be good-looking or that there's an underlying and undeniable attraction simmering between them, one that could distract Quinn and result in Faith in harm's way again.
Faith and Quinn were like yin and yang, opposites yet connected in a way that neither could pretend was merely superficial. I liked Faith's spunk and independence while still embracing the comfort provided by her family and closest friends, who also just happened to be her band mates. She's used to being able to do what she wants, when she wants, so you can imagine what happens when she has to deal with someone like Quinn, who is used to telling someone what's required of them in order to stay safe and secure and expecting them to follow. The dynamic between them was one of my favorite things about this book, with the back and forth making me laugh and ramping up the sexual tension. Nearly the rest of the band was there in full force, especially Owen Blackwell, who's up next in the series. I'm giving Manhandled 4.5 stars. ♥
Release Date: 08 April 2016
Date Read: 07 April 2016
Learn more about Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott.
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