Blog Tour: Taking Something by Elizabeth Lee, Review + Giveaway!

Taking Something

Book 2 of the Give Me Something Series

3.5 ~ 4 stars

In all honesty, it was difficult for me to come up with a proper rating for TAKING SOMETHING . Two things are warring in me: the skill of the author vs. the likability of the characters. I know that most reviewers are saying that Nick, the hero of this book and jerk in the previous one, redeemed himself. I think he might have, too... but I just really could not like him that much. And that affected my overall enjoyment of the story. 

I don't want to spoil you guys, so let's talk about Nick. From the synopsis alone, and if you read the synopsis for the first book Give Me Something (currently free at Amazon!), you'll know that he was the third of a triangle in the previous book. Obviously, he was the guy who lost. However, his friendship with Lily and his brother's forgiveness were stronger than any awkwardness or bitterness might have existed soon after the events of the previous book. By the time TAKING SOMETHING rolls in, all three have a close and loving relationship. Nick and Lila remain best friends, while Nick and Tucker grew closer as brothers. 

Nick has given up conning people--but not completely. He made up his mind that he wanted to become a successful record producer. In fairness, he does have the skills and talent to make it work. So, even though it was his expertise as a con man that opened the doors for him in the music industry, it was his talent and love for music that made what he was doing believable. m

As I said though, he didn't completely let go of his con man tendencies... and one of them is the classic ploy of making women fall for him so that he can get whatever he wants. That woman was Sadie Sinclair.

Ironically, I appreciated that Elizabeth Lee made Nick behave the way he did at the beginning. I may dislike his actions, but it was truly the natural thing a man like Nick would do. That was honest and not a complete 180. That would have been unbelievable if all of a sudden Nick becomes a goody-two-shoes who won't even think of using people to get what he wants. This is what he is good at. In fact, he got his hooks in so deep and so fast, everything fell into place within days of him going to LA.

Pretty soon though Nick realizes that he's no longer the same man that he was years ago. He may be at the cusp of achieving his current dream, but for the very first time, he's now feeling empty and dissatisfied in spite of his successful con.

There were several things I liked in TAKING SOMETHING. First, Nick got a taste of what it feels like being the one on the losing end. Yes, he went through the same thing with Lila and Tucker, but I think it's only now that he fully realized the depth of the pain he could feel because of rejection. Second, I like that Elizabeth Lee also allowed Nick to admit his insecurity (even if it was just to himself) of being the guy who loses on love again. He admits to being hurt so much by Lila choosing Tucker over him. Third, I really liked that when cheating was happening, one of them was admitting it. Sure, the person cheated on was awful, but that doesn't change the fact that cheating is a betrayal and a truly crappy thing to do. 

Oh, and I had a brief fangirl moment! I wonder if it was just coincidence or if Elizabeth Lee is truly a fan or friend of Caisey Quinn...? Because Kylie Ryans had a brief appearance! =D

TAKING SOMETHING is a must if you read the first book in the series. This is where Nick is trying to prove readers who hated his guts wrong. Oh yeah, that's another thing I liked about the story! It was really shown how Nick matured and transformed from a guy with nothing to lose and everything to gain, to a man who is willing to lose everything for love. The book showed how he attempted to redeem himself. Whether or not he was successful will be up to you. :) Read this book and let your thoughts be known!

I know what you're thinking. “You were such a jerk, Nick!”  Believe me, I know I screwed up the best thing I had going in my life, but that was kind of my thing. I’d learned how to run cons before I could even form complete sentences, and I'd always been selfish.  But I changed.  Lila forgave me, my brother and I were getting along, and I was trying to make a name for myself in the music world.

At least that was what I was trying to do when I negotiated my way into the recording studio with pop superstar Sadie Sinclair. I thought it would be a piece of cake—charm my way into her heart and into her record label's good graces.

 Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I got mixed up in a web of lies, manipulation, and deception. A web that had me questioning my motives and desires altogether.

When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand.  Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination!  Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!

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