From Rags

by Suzanne Wright

[stacey_is_sassy]

Sometimes a re-read/listen does live up to expectations...

When I saw From Rags pop up on Audible Escape I was pretty stoked. I remembered really enjoying this one but for the life of me, I couldn't remember why. There was a little part of me that was hesitant to start, though. There is nothing worse than re-reading/listening to a 5-star favourite and being disappointed. I'm happy to say, this one lived up to my expectations.

Was it still a 5-star read?

Yes...kind of...mostly. I've come a long way...this author has come a long way...the romance-reading industry has come a long way. Jaxxon is a little too in your face and rough around the edges and Connor was a little too entrenched in emotional denial. I'm not going to change my rating because, in the end, it gave me all the feels and left me smiling by the end.

Jaxxon is one tough cookie. Her history has a wee bit of darkness in it but she survived and somehow came out the other side OK. Strikingly attractive, with a beautiful body made her an easy target as a young teenager in the foster care system. This is a woman who does not take rubbish from anyone and has learnt ways of dealing with arseholes, bitches and pervs (please excuse my language). Jaxxon is snarky, opinionated and extremely blunt. What you see is what you get and when she's approached by a modelling agency, they want the 'fire in her eyes' snarky beauty.

Connor faced the same darkness of the foster care system as Jaxxon but he escaped and somehow landed himself a successful career as a racecar driver. He never forgot the young beauty of Jaxxon and the connection they shared. Connor stayed away thinking she would be better off without him never knowing that he started a chain of events that nearly ruined her. Eight years pass and when Connor sees Jaxxon on the front of a magazine, he decides to reach out to see her again.

Jaxxon and Connor's love story is not an easy one. Jaxxon was hurt by Connor's abandonment and staying away for so long when they were kids. Connor is sure that Jaxxon was better off without him and only see her successful modelling career. Neither of them is looking for a relationship but can't deny their sexual attraction to each other. Jaxxon is offering sex only because she's afraid of being abandoned again. Connor only does hookups and sexual relationships normally and thinks once he's had her he will be able to move on. Not so much...

I really enjoyed listening to From Rags and was pleasantly surprised that it lived up to my expectations. The storyline was interesting, the characters were original and the sexy times were HOT!! The narrator does a pretty good job but it was surprising that they used an American voice actor when both the hero and heroine were English. Suzanne Wright has always been a favourite and I'm glad I had the chance to experience one of her earlier stories in audio.

If you're a fan of this author, like a snarky and opinionated heroine matching up with a sexy and alpha hero, I highly recommend giving From Rags a try.