Take Me by Bella Andre

By: Unknown on Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Title:  Take Me

Series:  Take Me #1
Author:  Bella Andre
Published:  November 15/05 by Gallery Books
Length:  288pgs
Format:   paperback
Genre:  contemporary romance
Shelf:  bought
Rating: ★★★★★

Back Cover Blurb:

An appetite for sensual pleasures must never be denied... 

Lily Ellis has curves -- soft, beautiful curves. The kind of voluptuous body she fears Travis Carson, the man she's always loved from afar, would never crave. But Lily is about to be proven wrong. Her adventure begins when the demure San Francisco interior decorator agrees to model a plus-size dress for her fashion designer sister. Watching this sensual beauty move down the runway, Travis can't believe it's the same Lily he's always known -- and always rejected. In a whirlwind of electric attraction, Lily is soon moaning Travis's name in his bed, not just in her wild fantasies. But Lily is all too aware that she's nothing like his past lovers. 

Determined to beat Travis at his own game by guarding her true feelings, Lily partners with him on a business deal that takes them all the way to Italy. In the seductive warmth of the Tuscan sun, Lily plays a game of desire with the hot-blooded Travis. Will she be burned by an all-consuming ecstasy or will Travis open his heart to the sexy, exciting, and lasting love she has to offer?

My Review:

Wow! What a rush! Andre has written a poignant romance that definitely packs a punch (or three). This author definitely isn’t afraid to turn up the heat in her stories, but at the same time, does so in a way that enhances the plot. And what a plot it is. Andre’s story is simultaneously romantic & heartbreaking, hot & sweet. She threw me for a loop more than once with twists I definitely didn’t see coming. There is a very personal feel to this story. I felt like I was a part of it, rather than simply reading about two people I’ve never met before. Andre made me laugh at and with her characters. She also brought tears to my eyes more than once, both tears of sadness and of joy.

I connected with the female lead from the 1st page. She’s so real and approachable. Her fears and doubts humanize her in a very poignant way. Admittedly, there were times when you just wanted to make her realise who she could be, but seeing her journeying towards that discovery on her own was breathtaking. Coupled with a male lead who’s also learning a great deal about himself, you have a brilliant couple. Not only are they fantastic in the present, but their combined histories add a great deal to who they are today. I really enjoyed the fact that these characters have heart. These characters’ emotions are palpable. Their chemistry is unforgettable.

This was a fantastic novel by a fantastic author. She combines the best of all worlds in a fantastic package. I’d highly recommend it to those looking for a romance that turns up the heat.

Goodreads ~ Shelfari ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Indigo ~ Google Play