I was looking at a blank page for a wee while before writing this review. Something Borrowed was bloody awesome. The characters were interesting, original and a little crazy, the storyline sucked me in from the very first page and the steamy scenes were some of the HOTTEST I’ve ever read.
Let’s blame it on my shocking memory, which hubby frequently claims is selective memory loss, but I completely forgot what the story was about before I started. I had vague recollections that it was about a chick going to a destination wedding and getting stuck on the plane beside someone she detested. That was the extent of my knowledge before starting.
What makes my enjoyment of Something Borrowed even more amazing is that the blurb has a couple of somethings that would normally be a turn off for me. If I had reacquainted myself with the blurb I would have overanalysed...
Unfortunately, he made mistakes in the past, mistakes that involved cocktails, out of control minivans, and a giant misunderstanding that cost him his one and only shot with Elle.
Hmmm…he’s already stuffed something up before he’s even started. Not looking good, mate.
…and he didn’t count on the hot-headed beauty dominating him in the bedroom…or the fact that he'd like it.
Oh geez, does this mean he’s weak???
Well, all I can say is that I feel like an idiot. Those silly narrow-minded ideals nearly made me miss one of the most intense, funny and erotic reads I’ve ever read.
Yes, there were scenes where I wanted to smack him for his previous douchewaffle tendencies. I also wanted to smack her for blowing her top too quickly and overreacting when a situation frustrated her. What really made me love this story was that both of them knew their weaknesses and issues, admitted they had a problem and tried to control it.
As we get to know Elle and Jackson and see behind their façade, there were these little aha moments of enlightenment that made things become clearer. I found it easier to understand where they were coming from and how they ended up with their reputations and attitudes.
Yes, their take on life and choices of expressing themselves were not something I fully understood but I didn’t have to understand. This is not my life and these were not my preferences or desires. I’m just an innocent bystander with an opportunity to look at a different side to life.
Let’s put it this way…I’m not gay and I don’t have any desire to test the waters or see if it’s something I’d like to try. That does not make me look down upon anyone else’s choice or decisions. Each to their own and all that jazz.
If a straight woman who likes to dominate in the bedroom finds a man who, in the bedroom, likes to serve his woman, good for them. I have no desire to test the waters and become a dominatrix but that does not mean that I can’t find it extremely interesting and sexy to be an observer. I can freely admit that I was shocked at how arousing it was. IT WAS FRIGGIN HOT!!!!!
I just thought of something...an Alpha takes his pleasure and a sub gives pleasure. We normally see the Alpha get all growly and demand their partner find pleasure. Well in this story we see the hero concentrates solely on his partner's satisfaction. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if a guy is consumed with the need to see you gain satisfaction. Hmmm...both seem pretty good.
So, if I could be so bold as to tell readers to shut off their pre-conceived ideas and give their comfort zones a blast, this would be the one to try. I laughed, sighed, groaned and deep breathed through this one.
I will warn you that besides the above issues, this is an Aussie story and there may be a few terms and situations that may not make sense. If you decide to give it a go, I’m happy to help with any interpretations or explanations that need to be made.
Something Borrowed was a winner for me and Eve Dangerfield remains one of my favourite Aussie authors.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.