REVIEW: Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones

"The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You—in the seductive tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey. Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the lost journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.

In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but not before his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca, but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?"

*~* REVIEW *~*

This story consumed me!  It was intense, desperate, passionate and surprising. The twists and turns were genius.  I felt that reading all 4 of Rebecca's Lost Journals, read my review here, helped me connect to Sara and feel her desperation for finding Rebecca.  So much was included in Being Me, you find out so much, but also want to know so much more!

Chris Merit rocked my world!  I really am not sure if any other book boyfriends can top him!  Everything about him is smoking hot.  The way he rough but gentle, bossy but considerate, angry but passionate, I can't get enough!  He opens up and gives Sara so much of himself.  I was surprised at how he put himself out there.  Of course he did it in a controlled way, but he made no secrets about his life and feelings for Sara.  One of my favorite things was how he made her drive his Porsche, knowing that everyone will see her in it and who it belongs to.  Little things like that are how he always has the one up on everyone, including Mark!

"Im not sure I know the difference between protect and control.  You need to know that."

Mark started out as his usual cold, elusive self.  He did make me laugh sometimes, like referring to himself as "Bossman".  By the end I loved the relationship that he and Sara had.  He ended up being what she needed at that particular time.  He is a good man despite my initial predictions about him.  I'm purposely being vague about Mark because I don't want to reveal too much.  I loved the power struggle between Mark, Chris and Ricco Alverez!

Sara is smart and confident, especially when it comes to her work at the gallery.  She made a name for herself and was not afraid to take risks.  While working, Sara was constantly sizing everyone up and putting herself in Rebecca's shoes.  She did however put herself in danger more than once.  But it didn't drive me crazy because she is so curious she really can't help doing that.  Her obsession with Rebecca's journals was concerning at times.  It took her to places, mentally and physically, that she was not prepared to go.  As far as her relationships, she was always conscious of Chris' feelings.  I loved how she gave him reassurance every time he opened up to her. She wasn't afraid to stand up to Mark and go to him when she needed him.  I think she's a fantastic heroine!

"There was time I was certain we were too damaged not to destroy each other.  Now I think we are saving each other."

The way this story wrapped up was so exciting.  Not one flaw, nothing that I was mad about, I just wanted to keep going!  I love Lisa Renee Jones' writing and how she satisfies the reader but keeps you wanting more.  Being Me was very fulfilling but I cannot wait for Revealing Us.  I need to know more about Ella and other things as well.  The whole series is an amazing mystery so its hard to write these reviews without giving anything away! 

Being Me is my favorite book of 2013 so far!  I read it in March and said that and now, in June, I still feel that way!  Also, STARZ needs to get a move on this TV series, ASAP!!!! 

xo, D