Tight

by Alessandra Torre

[Lynn]

The word ‘tight’ has twenty-two definitions, but my favorite is Webster’s fifth - 'a bond which cannot be broken'.

Be prepared for the unexpected because Tight is a book that falls into this category. All I knew before I began reading was this was inspired by Still, the erotic novella published as part of the banned anthology Bend (which I bought, read and enjoyed) If you read Still, you'll recognise some of the scenes from it. However TIGHT is so much more...

Thirty-two year old Riley is part of the bachelorette party in Nassau, thanks to the upcoming nuptials of her friend Chelsea (and her wealthy father who paid for it). The casino they are partying in, is a world away from where she feels comfortable. She's happy being single, living a quiet life in a small town, working as a FA. She's blissfully unaware that she's already made an impression on someone she's yet to meet.

It wasn't difficult to witness the arrival of six blondes on a private plane for a weekend bachelorette party. Thirty-seven year old Brett usually avoided such women, looking for a one-night stand before flying off back to where they came from. When enigmatic Brett Jacobs spots the only one who piqued his interest in the casino, he heads in her direction – she looks in pain and he's going to do the right thing and help, only help?

The beginning of the relationship is like a fairytale - Handsome, rich guy sweeps heroine off her feet. The chemistry between Riley and Brett is instant, yet both are guarded. Brett awakens feelings and desires in Riley that she didn't know existed and Brett has finally found a woman he can hope to re-build a future with? They are deep-down looking for the same thing, but there are too many obstacles in the way – cultural, geographical? Somehow they overcome their initial inhibitions and begin a long distance relationship.

What happens next is shocking, frightening and unfortunately very very real.

The author has written a thought provoking, gritty dark emotional story, incorporating an extremely heavy-weight topic. The events that occur are interwoven with the main plot of the story, drip-feeding us information without giving away the character's identity. There is sexual & suspenseful intensity, raw emotions and a overwhelming feeling of hope and love, with an under-current of sinister. The protagonists are multi-faceted – we're never in doubt of their current emotional state, enabling us to empathise with their emotions. All of that combined creates a story that will stay with you a long time...

5 Stars

***arc generously received from Alessandra Torre for an honest review***