Book: Cruel Water
Series: a Prortland, ME, novel
Author: Freya Barker
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Hosted By:Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Synopsis
Innocence marked her...
Violation crippled her...
Love left her raw...
The life she carefully rebuilt is challenged when she is confronted with the sins from her past. The carefully applied protection is at once ripped away, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.
Her single night of indulgence with the silver-eyed stranger is only the beginning. He sees right to the heart of her and she is unable to ward off emotions that have been deeply buried. With the sting of betrayal still fresh in her soul, she’s surprised to find herself opening up to the honest integrity of the sharp-eyed, rough-looking biker.
When he lost everyone who mattered, he was left without roots and learned to be content simply living in the moment. Completely unprepared for the feisty blonde bartender with old pain marring her clear-blue eyes, he questions his own rules of detachment, as she unwittingly finds a way under his skin.
Appearances deceive and when the masks fall away, revealing deep, dark secrets, there is nothing left but to hang onto each other and survive the storm.
Add To Goodreads
Excerpt
I should probably leave right now. I’ve had my beer and my dinner, I should just head home. I’m really not looking to get involved with—nor am I equipped to deal with—a woman who comes with obvious complications. Yet despite the thoughts in my head, my mouth has a different plan. “I’d like to take you out.”
Something flickers in her eyes before she shakes her head and looks down at her hands. “Don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Actually—” I sit up straighter, suddenly determined to get her to agree. “You already said yes.” I hold back a chuckle that wants out when I see her frown in confusion.
“I did? When was that?”
“You agreed to talk to me, so that’s what we’ll do: talk over dinner.” I try for a disarming grin, afraid I’m botching it up and make myself look slightly deranged.
She presses her lips together, but amusement sparkles in those eyes. “Didn’t know you were talking ‘date’, nor can I remember saying yes to anything.” She left that door wide open, and I’ll be damned if I don’t go barging in.
Leaning closer I pin her with my eyes. “I fondly remember a time you were saying yes to everything.”
When the meaning of my words register, her eyes darken and she sharply takes in a breath. “No fair,” she whispers.
“I know,” I whisper back, never losing eye contact.
A war wages on her face before she finally concedes on a sigh.
“Oh fine.”
Despite the grudging response, the words are music to my ears. It’s only later, when I finally do leave the pub to go home, that I remember my earlier resolve to steer clear of complications.
Well, so much for that.
Purchase Links
Amazon UK
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Other Books In the series
CURRENTLY ON SALE!
”From Dust” (#1)
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Scribd
I am absolutely in love with Freya Barker’s series featuring the staff of The Skipper. Cruel Water is Viv’s story. Now, if you have read From Dust, you are already somewhat familiar with Viv. Based on her relationship with Syd, we know that something has happened in her life that has helped shape her into the woman she is today. Viv doesn’t do relationships but that all changed the night a silver-eyed sex-god walks into her bar. Ike usually uses woman one time to satisfy his needs but after one night with Viv, he finds himself wanting more time with her. Viv has a lot of demons but with Ike by her side, will she finally be able to conquer all those demons? Is Ike willing to go to battle with Viv when it comes time to conquer those demons?
I enjoyed Cruel Water immensely. Ike is a alpha-male but really meets his match with the ever independent Viv. This book has my crying along with Viv wondering what else she could go through and come out as a survivor. Freya writing was emotional and engaging. This woman can write one heck of a book. Cruel Water can be read as a stand-alone or after From Dust but you really don’t want to miss out reading about Viv boss, Gunnar, so read From Dust also.
I have only one thing to say about this novel… Inspiring.
Freya Barker has written a story that is gritty, raw and real. A story about what happens when you have the worst thing imaginable happen to you, and the people who should be your support system, don’t believe you. ~ Kez Korner
A five star sensational read. ~ Obsessed by Books
This is one explosive story, touching on subjects sure to tear you apart at times, but it is written with such skill that makes their story so amazing. ~ Lillians Book Blog
This is a breathtaking story of a damaged heroine supported by an strong man who is still recovering from his own emotional wounds. It takes you on journey towards happiness, forgiveness and above all a hope for a future lived free of a painful past. ~ Jezabell Girl and Friends
About The Author
Freya Barker inspires with her stories about 'real’ people, perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.
A recipient of the RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for best first book, “Slim To None,” Freya has since published eight books. She continues to spin story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Stalker Links
Google+
Website
Amazon
Goodreads
Newsletter
Other books by Freya Barker
CEDAR TREE SERIES:
Slim To None (#1)
Amazon UK
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Scribd
Hundred To One (#2)
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Scribd
Against Me (#3)
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Scribd
Clean Lines (#4)
Amazon UK
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Scribd
Upper Hand (#5)
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Scribd
Like Arrows (#6)
Amazon UK
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Scribd