ARC: Giving It Up by Amber Lin

The most amazing book I have read in a long time. Giving It Up is an outstanding tale about a woman on the journey of finding herself and realizing that she is worth so much more than she believed. The uber-hot Colin accompanies her on that journey and it turns out he has some demons to battle himself.

Once a month, Allie goes on the prowl for a man, one that takes her hard and rough. Maybe a little too rough, but that’s exactly what she wants; to escape to that place without pain because that’s what she deserves right? That’s what sex is about. Sex hurts and she has to endure it, that’s how it is. If she can act as if sex is normally rough and hurts than what happened to her doesn’t seem so bad anymore.

One night, she chooses Colin because he has that cold, hard, detached look in his eyes and is perfect for what she’s looking for. When he touches her softly and gently, actually cares about her pleasure, Allie is confused. That’s not what she signed up for, not what she needs.

Somehow, she can’t forget Colin, though, and becomes entangled in what is a very complicated life on the edge of crime and danger. Does she really want to bring her daughter into this violent world? Can she give up Colin who has shown her that there is more to life and more to her than she thought possible? Allie realizes that she has a powerful voice and that she is strong enough to fight for what she wants; Colin.

I can’t seem to stop talking about this fabulous book. I started reading without any expectations and was blown away by the amount of talent Amber Lin shows in Giving It Up. I actually couldn’t stop reading once I started and eventually fell asleep around 3 am. The next day I squeezed in a couple of pages on the train and between classes because I couldn’t stop thinking about Allie and Colin. The only thing that I would have wished for was more time with them as a couple. I felt that I didn’t get enough of their romantic relationship and the process of falling in love.

This is not your average cute and sweet feel-good book. Rather, it’s a dark and edgy story about flaws, vulnerabilities, hope and real life. To say that I loved Giving It Up would be an understatement. It really touched me and I hope more people out there discover Amber Lin and see her as the amazing author that she is!

Amber told me that she is currently working on Shelly’s book. Shelly is Allie’s best friend and works as a prostitute. She seems to have feelings for a cop who tried to take down Colin’s brother. You see that this will get even more interesting. I can’t wait!!

Giving It Up comes out on June 19^th, 2012. We received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Check out Amber Lin and read an excerpt of the book HERE

Get the book HERE. There are various ebook formats available!

Steffi