His heart and his body have other ideas however when he finds himself sitting next to nineteen year old Emily Barton in his Psychology class. Moving down south to find her own New Life, Emily is shy, smart and beautiful – everything Dexter knows he should stay away from… everything he knows would be too easy for him to break.
But she makes him feel things he’d forgotten even existed. She makes him laugh, smile, care… forget. Without her trying, and without him realizing, Emily has wound her way into the one place he swore to keep locked away forever – his heart. But can she stay there when she discovers the dark past he’s so determined to keep hidden from her? Or will he destroy her too, just like he always expected?
(Not recommended for younger readers due to language, drug/alcohol abuse and sexual content)
I gave Take My Hand 3.5 stars. This was more than a cute love story, it was a story of letting go, moving forward, and learning how to be loved. The writing was easy to read, and of course I LOVE the dual POVs. I liked the pace of the story, and the sexual tension was intense! The angst was off the charts, because at first Em is too scared to let Dex in and at the same time Dex doesn’t think he is worthy of Em. I found myself smiling throughout the book and the sheer cuteness of falling in love. I swooned over the way that they took care of each other. I liked that they became best friends first. I could relate with Em in the way she didn’t really feel sparks with any other guys and how she moved away from her parents to find herself. Dex did lots of stupid things that keep him from being one of my fave book boyfriends, but I kinda saw a lot of my fave book boyfriends in him.
I’ll admit, the first third of the story was rough for me. Dex was the typical man-whore who had no regrets about using women, but he was harboring some intense self-hatred that intrigued me. Em annoyed the crap out of me at first too. She was just so naïve! And I could see how she could be adorable, but really I couldn’t get over her immature style of thinking in the beginning. After that first third, I flew through the rest of the book. There were just so many hidden secrets that I had to get to the bottom of. So, I guess the intrigue was one of the major things that kept me going in Take My Hand. Dex and Em both have dark pasts and they bring them both down. When they finally reveal their secrets, I was actually surprised. I didn’t expect them at all. My heart broke for the two of them. And because of the guilt from their pasts, they have serious confidence issues. But, they bring the best out of each other. Even when Dex is being stupid and pushing Em away because he doubts her love for him. Their steamy scenes are INTENSE. I actually love the way they were written. It was sexy, emotional, and not overly erotic. I kinda wish there were more of them. (Did I mention Dex has FOUR piercings? And yeah they’re where you’re probably thinking of)
Take My Hand had the typical New Adult outline, however, this book was pretty unique, in my opinion. It’s like I knew what was going to happen eventually, but the way they happened and the timing of it was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t agree with half of what Dex did, but it kept me on my toes. I thought it was weird that Em goes from Jared to Dex with no big fanfare. Also, is it bad to say I really didn’t like Em’s best friend, Rachel? I have friends like her where we call each other beyotch and slut but not like Rachel and all her Ho’s. She never refers to Em by her name, only as Ho. It bothered me, and it matched her over-the-top character. I’m obsessed with England, so I love that this book took place in England. I learned new British terms! The book left A TON of loose-ends. I can’t stand cliffhangers so I was upset with this one, but I can’t wait to see where Nicola Haken takes us next on our journey with Dex and Em.
When I'm not playing with my imaginary friends I can usually be found looking after my four adorable (sometimes!) children (five if you include the dog, six if you include the hubby!) or studying towards my English Literature degree.
All in all I'm just an ordinary mum with an addiction to reading about hot book guys, writing about hot book guys and Pepsi Max!
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLES
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