ARC Review: Giving It Up by Amber Lin

Giving It Up is not your typical romance by any means.  It’s hard edged, rough and thought provoking.

Every month Allie hits up a local club searching for a hard looking man that can give her what she needs and not ask for more. Allowing these men to use her is what keeps her in control.

Colin is cold, surly and mean looking. Exactly what Allie needs for the night.  However, after ending up in a hotel he turns out to be the exact opposite in the bedroom. He's gentle and kind. He arouses her. He shakes her control. Colin gives her exactly what she didn't know she needed. And for that she can never see him again. Allie doesn't do relationships. She's just looking for meaningless, rough sex.

Colin isn't through with Allie just yet. He's come to her rescue a few times. Allie eventually lets him into her world, but their relationship is anything but peaceful bliss.

This is a really intriguing story. It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion.  I was soaked up in it all.  You have an unexpected person from Allie's past, good cops, dirty cops, a prostitute, and a small time mob family. This book is a Lifetime movie waiting to happen.

Allie is so emotionally damaged. I kept shouting for her to communicate with Colin, tell him what's going on.  But, I completely understand why she held so much back. Trust is a huge issue for her. My heart bled for this girl. Just when I thought I knew there was all to know about her, there's one more reveal that left me screaming WTF! 

If you don't mind some grit to your romance, then add this to your to-be-read list!