Manic (Rook and Ronin, #2)

by J.A. Huss

[Angie]

I'm not sure if I liked Manic better than Tragic. In some ways I did, in some ways I didn't. Either way, I still really enjoyed it. Rook has completed her first modeling contract, banked over $50,000, and is now moving on to her new deal. Unfortunately, Rook has no idea what's in store for her, since she didn't read the contract. She signed it in a fit of anger before finding out all of the details. There's a lot more stipulations written in, such as having cameras installed in her bedroom for a reality show. She just expected to serve as the canvas for body painting and pose with some motorcycles. Nope, there's a lot more to it than that. At least she learned a valuable lesson.

I actually loved watching Rook complete the STURGIS project a lot more than the TRAGIC one. Spencer is a true artist and has designed 30 different looks for Rook to "wear" while posing with his custom bikes. Rook is a uncomfortable at first, since there's an audience rather than just her, Spencer, and Antoine, but eventually stripping down and being covered in paint becomes second nature. Then there's the photo shoots. I thought the ones with Ronin were hot, but dang. One of the conflicts in Manic is how Rook is confused over getting turned on during the shoots with Spencer and what that means for her relationship with Ronin. She's assured that it's normal, because come on, she's naked with a sexy biker on top of a motorcycle! I was turned on and I was only an observer!

There's also the addition of a suspense plot in Manic. Rook's ex has found her and he's coming to get her. There's a few surprises regarding their relationship which come out, one more disturbing than the next, and it all almost sends Rook into a downward spiral. Thankfully, she has Ronin and he has a plan. Turns out that he, Spence, and Ford have some secrets of their own which come out in order to capture the abusive ex. I really was not expecting that at all!

Manic was a great sequel! It's nice watching Rook gain confidence and reach for her goals. Her second modeling job has definitely set her up with enough money to go back to school and get her own place if she wishes. But that ending! What does it mean?! I hope she doesn't do anything stupid to jeopardize her future after coming so far! I suppose I'll just have to jump into Panic to find out!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.