Manhandled

Manhandled is fun, quick opposites attract romp with a great cast of characters and just the right balance of drama, suspense, heat and humor that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next and had me wanting more when it was all said and done.

The saying ‘Like a moth to a flame’ is the perfect way to describe Keys aka Faith. Her vibrant personality draws people to her and her genuinely open nature makes everyone around her fall in love with her.Though she has become famous, it hasn’t gone to her head, she appreciates it all and loves to give back to those who have made it happen. If you were to look up the definition of extrovert a picture of Keys would be under it. She draws energy from those around her and likes to be out and about and be surrounded by people, especially those she loves.

Quinn, on the other hand, is all about structure. He likes rules, schedules and lists. Having control over his environment makes him a very happy man. He doesn’t have a white knight complex, but the weight of the one he couldn’t save still rests heavily on his broad shoulders despite the fact that he knows there wasn’t anything he could do. He likes simple and clean and doesn’t feel the need to add any more chaos, which is really none at all, to his life.

So when Key’s and Quinn collided it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. While the physical attraction was pretty instant, everything else took time to grow. They annoyed each other and got under each other’s skins (The dancing scene was my favorite because I have a friend who would totally do that) but through all of that they got to know each other by having to be in each other’s pockets day in and day out. Respect grew and so did the chemistry, which was smokin’ hot, and found that in the end, though their personalities were polar opposites they fit perfectly together.

This was my first read by the authors and I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent and seamlessly done as was the pacing of the story. As I said in the beginning, they did a great job at keeping everything balanced, there wasn’t anything too over the top when it came to the humor or the drama. The secondary characters were all fun and interesting and I really didn’t want the story to end so that I could hang out with all of them longer. Even though I didn’t read the first book, Manaconda, I didn’t feel lost, but there were other storylines at play that came out of the first book so I’m definitely going to go back and read it before the next one comes out!

I love Taryn Elliott's and Cari Quinn's writing style. It's lighthearted, sexy and entertaining. What we have here is a sexed up version of the 90s movie Bodyguard. And I mean that in the best possible way.

Quinn loves order. When his best friend Noah talks him into security detail for a member of his brother's band he is close to refusing. Bands are trouble. Famous bands even more so. Too bad he can't say no as he owes Noah big time. When he finally meets Keys/Faith he KNOWS that she will upset is life.

Keys is chaos. She loves everything Quinn doesn't. At her band's front man Hunter's wedding to Kennedy she is being drugged and almost kidnapped by a stalker. Hunter's brother Noah is a badass extraordinaire and would love to take the bodyguard job for Keys - he has a soft spot for her after all. Alas, he has already committed to another position so the next best guy is his best friend Quinn.

Quinn gives Keys a set of rules and soon he learns that his charge doesn't care much for them.

There are twenty-four rules on his list. I have to schedule a shit, for God's sake.

As time passes without another incident their attraction grows and Quinn fights it with everything he has. He knows he has to keep his distance and objectivity, otherwise he won't be any good in case the stalker strikes again.

"So you can't come in here, because I need those boundaries to keep you safe"

Once he gives in though, he goes all in and hell, that's beautiful and hot. Together they burn up the sheets!

I fell in love with Keys and Quinn right from the beginning. Keys is a lighthearted, beautiful firecracker with an easy smile. Quinn a serious guy who shines once he gets the snark on and loosens up a bit. I can't blame him for being a bit reserved though, he does have a serious job and a fuck-up in his area of work usually equals dead people. Keys upsets everything he believes in.

The story itself is a slower and sweeter burn than its predecessor Manaconda. It's still a fast-paced story with great banter and lovable side characters. The words flow effortlessly. One scene that has stuck with me in particular is when we see Hunter's wedding through Keys' eyes. The description is lyrical and sweet and the way our heroine is moved by the emotions is gorgeous.

The next in the series will be Owen and he makes me really curious. I think I will love him just as much!