Title: Let it be Me
Author: Toni Aleo
Published: 10/2/2013
Published by: Toni Aleo
Book Blurb:
Do you see that woman there?
The one with long, wavy blond hair and blue eyes that used to sparkle?
That’s me, Violet Moore.
Do you see those men over there?
One is my husband, Rob.
A man who claimed he loved me, but proved his fist loved me more.
The other is Tucker McCloud, my savior and confidant.
I'm torn between what's right and my own fear.
But not anymore.
I’m taking my life back now.
I will fight back.
I will be happy.
Book Links:
Book Trailer:
PLEASE add this to your post It gives such insight to the book!
Author Bio:
Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net,Falling for the Backup, & Blue Lines.
When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, or reading the latest romance novel
When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, or reading the latest romance novel
Author Links:
Website: http://tonialeo.com/
My Review
October 1. 2013
4 Stars ★★★★
*ARC provided by Author for Honest Review*
*ARC provided by Author for Honest Review*
Let It Be Me is a very hard book to read
let alone review. It deals with many serious issues, most revolving around domestic
abuse. Violet is and has been married to an ‘asshole’ for a couple years and in
her position she’s literally stuck. This position she’s in makes the book very
real. You almost want to dislike her as she takes it and want her to run but its
hard when you’re not in the position she's in because she is literally stuck.
Fear, pain and being alone frighten the crap out of Violet.
It’s hard to imagine a better life for herself. She remembers the time when
Rob, her asshat husband, was a good man. Sure she knows the way he’s treating
her is wrong, but she know eventually she’ll leave. Well, as you know,
sometimes that eventually takes a while.
Violet suffers both internally and externally. Her only
escape is her job. A new job in a medical office, in which she’s super excited
about and can’t wait to get to know her boss and his wife better. Shortly after
working there she gets a surprise when her boss announces his retirement. Her
boss announces that his son will be taking over. Of course Violet is saddened by
this but she does not expect the intense almost lightening attraction she
immediately feels for her new boss, Tucker. It seems Tucker feels the same way
as soon as he sees Violet. But she’s married.
Violet uses her marriage like a crutch. She is afraid to
leave and yet always wants to in the back of her head. She tells no one of what
goes on at home and leads a very solitary life. Tucker changes all that. Sure it’s
not over night but Tucker gives Violet a support she’s never had. He frightens
her and fascinates her at the same time. She wants to be with him but how can
someone so scarred and broken be with a man like him. Violet has many issues
than just her husband to deal with. At this point I should point out that for
much of the story Violet remains with her husband. Her struggle to leave and
find herself is the root of the story. Will she find the will to leave? Is
Tucker enough to give her the push she needs?
This was a very hard story to read. Most times I wanted to
yell at Violet and almost dislike her but you can’t. You can almost feel her
pain and fear. Having known people in similar situations it’s eye-opening to
watch the inner workings of a domestic abuse relationship. That being said I
enjoyed the story immensely. Violet is not the strong willed, take charge
character many of us are used to. No, she’s scarred almost beyond repair and
she has to fight back. But how can she when everything seems stacked against
her? This is the journey of a woman in need of a guardian angel. Someone to
give her a new reason to succeed and survive. No longer does she have to be a
victim or hide both herself and her life from others. This is a love story but
it doesn’t come easy. Tucker is amazing in an almost unbelievable way. His kindness
and passion blew me away in the midst of all Violet’s home drama. Together they
can be something great if only Violet can take that final step.
This was an emotional journey from start to finish no doubt
about it. Reading this will open your eyes in ways most books featuring abuse
will not. There are no immediate changes to Violet’s life and the story really
revolves around her and her strength. This is not like any Toni Aleo book I’ve
previously read and I think it just proves what talent she has. If you’re not squeamish
but you want to read a book that will literally affect the pace of your heart
and leave you with a smile at the end. This is certainly for you. Each step was
a test of both mine and Violet’s will. You will become her personal cheerleader
and even as you wonder how she can stay you still pray that the day will come
when she won’t. If she wants to be with Tucker, she needs to leave. I’ll say no
more. This is a journey you need to experience from start to finish. And one you
certainly won’t be disappointed in.
This was already on my TBR, but after your review I really want to read it!
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