Opening Up (Ink & Chrome Book 1)

Asa Barrons along with two of his friends from his time in the army own Twisted Steel, a lucrative custom motorcycle shop. He’s 37 years old, tattooed, pierced, and gorgeous, the kind of man who women notice and men respect. When it comes to those he cares about he’s loyal and overprotective. He’s a dominant alpha who likes some kink in the bedroom. When he meets a beautiful woman who’s also sassy and loves cars and bikes like he does he’s seriously attracted to her but she’s 12 years younger and that concerns him. Their chemistry though makes it difficult for him to stay away from her.

Penelope Jean (PJ) Colman is one of the heirs of Colman Enterprises, a company that produces and sells tires. She’s the black sheep of the family, a rebel with tattoos, piercings, crazy color streaks in her hair and a desire to do her own thing for the business, custom detailing of cars and motorcycles. She’s 25 years old, a woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t take well to being patronized. One of the owners of Twisted Steel where she contracts to do business with stirs all of her feminine buttons yet he’s keeping his distance so she makes sure he notices her, she goes after what she wants.

There is no serious angst in this story but a lot of family drama. This book had an interesting blurb which caught my attention and I wanted to love it but there were too many things disliked. The hero and the heroine were both flawed which made them human but I liked them more as separate individuals than as a couple. The humor between them was quite amusing at times. The supporting characters were likable. The storyline had potential and there were some enjoyable moments.

Issues that I had:

Though told of the chemistry between the protagonists this reader didn’t feel the vibes, the words on the page didn’t make me feel their attraction in or out of the bedroom. The sex scenes were flat and they talked too much during it which was a distraction that took away from what should have been steamy moments. The kink was nothing that I haven’t read before though I disliked the caning along with Asa’s penchant for wanting to cause his partner some level of pain.

The heroine though smart and sassy, knows business and has a creative talent, I found very immature. Her free spirit rebel thing was over the top and that’s coming from someone with rebel tendencies. The hot headed reactions when PJ didn’t like things came off as temper tantrums. She gabs with friends and siblings in a teenager like fashion. She calls their chemistry “tingles”, a childish description. She’s still emotionally tied to the approval of her father, a man who has treated her like dirt for years.

The woman being so much younger than the man didn’t work for me in this pairing. This isn’t an issue if the woman is mature, if as a couple they are on the same emotional footing and at the same phase in life. I wondered if due to PJ’s daddy issues she was attracted to an older man in his place. I found it surprising that Asa’s mother didn’t have an issue with the age difference.

In this day and age it’s hard to believe PJ’s family dynamics being so against women and the constant very nasty patronizations that she kept running into. She seemed to be a magnet for such treatment.

There were many times when I wasn’t sure who was speaking and had to re-read to figure it out.

Anal sex in a romance book never sits well with this reader and I wish there were warnings when it’s included in a storyline. I was glad that PJ said no to anal sex when Asa tried to do so but was disgusted that he didn’t change the condom which had been at her back door before entering her normally. Was also grossed out when PJ told her sister where he had licked.

2.5 stars

A decadently sexy, erotic and swoony romance about a young woman trying to succeed in a man’s world and the man who unexpectedly found love in the witty, beautiful girl that took him by surprise.
"They stood there not speaking, letting that chemistry between them build. Again. It ebbed and flowed like that every time they were near each other. Playing with fire."

Penelope Jean “PJ” Colman would love nothing more than have her father’s approval in general, but especially when it comes to her input on how to expand the family’s business. Branching out from tire sales, she’s been applying her knowledge and creativity in custom detailing, expanding her client base while doing something she loves and meeting the imposingly delicious, arrestingly attractive co-owner of Twisted Steel, Asa Barrons.
"Asa was different. More intense. More everything. Having him watcher was foreplay. It made her breathless and nervous."

Asa Barrons has worked long and hard for everything he has. He has a thriving business, he’s able to look out for his loving mother and sisters, and more than enough female attention. He’s content with his life and isn’t looking to complicate it by mixing business with pleasure. Even if the pleasure to be had is with the incredibly beautiful, totally talented, fun, vibrant, sassy, and way too young for him PJ.
"He was a taciturn man. He liked to listen more than he spoke. But he loved to laugh. With her it was more than that. She didn't just make him laugh; she teased him. She made him happy in ways he hadn't realized were possible."

Fighting their attraction is a losing battle. How much are they willing to risk and how far will they go before they consume each other?
"Your father shredded your heart tonight, Penelope Jean. You told me you loved me, which means your heat is mine. I don't take kindly to things that are mine being misused. You're mine. I warned you I didn't play, and I don't. I'm deadly serious about loving you."

This book was hot, hot, swoony and did I mention scorching hot? I’m usually hesitant about picking an erotic romance for fear it will be run over with gratuitous sex, very little character development and no plot. But I’ve read and enjoyed Lauren Dane's novels before, so I didn’t hesitate with the book, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The molten attraction between PJ and Asa leaps off the pages from the very beginning, it’s amped up with each page and never lets up. There was a photo shoot scene they did together which helped build the addicting anticipation in which I thought I would combust, and had to fan myself throughout the entire story.
"Asa barely noticed them change out the jewelry beacuse then they had her straddle his lap, artfully arranging the hem of her dress to give a glimpse of stocking and the strap of her garter belt... he had to excercise iron control not to rock himself against her."

What made the book thoroughly enjoyable though were the magnetic characters Lauren Dane crafts, and I’m not just referring to the hero and heroine. Asa’s mother and friends and PJ’s siblings delightfully round out the story.

I constantly cheered PJ on, who had so many odds stacked against her in a male dominated family and work environment. But even with her family’s judgment and censure constantly hanging over her, she knew what she wanted, didn’t settle for anything less and fought for it. She’s self-reliant, smart and sassy. Her strong will and confidence also helped her tilt Asa’s life on its axis. Especially in the beginning when he was hesitant to give her, or rather them, a chance. I loved how she stood her ground, didn't take his nonsense and pushed back when needed.
He pulled her to him and danced her away from her admirers. Stealing her away all to himself. "I surrender," he said in her ear.

Lauren Dane creates my favorite kind of heroes. Asa is a strong, in control, bad@ss and sexy male on the outside, but totally soft and gooey, with a big heart on the inside. His domineering, protective side was overwhelmingly exciting but the part that strives to be a better man, a better son, his tender side, which was mostly hidden but came out with PJ and his mother, was completely endearing.
"She was his. His in a old-school way. To protect and cherish and take care of."

I more than enjoyed the crackling sparks between them, but I also savored every bit of their romance. Linking very much how the two of them pushed and pulled, flirted, explored each other, talked to and supported one another, and found that they were a perfect fit in life, not just for sexy times.
"There is nothing more beautiful than you."
"Except being seen as beautiful by you."

Opening Up is book #1 in the Ink and Chrome series by Lauren Dane. It is a standalone, full-length, erotic romance filled with blazing hot scenes, family drama and lots of fun and swoon worthy moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
"You totally glower. Grrr. I'm glowering. Fear my testosterone... I don't fear it. I like it. It's sexy. But I do push back if necessary."
"I'm wondering if I should tell you how hot you are when you set me straight."

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance (explicit, sexual awakening)

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/
I was given an advanced copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books.
This is a sexy story with engaging characters and a captivating storyline. The story features Asa and PJ, who share a passion for cars and each other. Asa loves cars and motorcycles and owns Twisted Steel, a successful custom motorcycle business. When Asa and PJ first meet there is smoking chemistry, but Asa is twelve years older than PJ and concerned about the age difference between them. AJ doesn’t let anything get in her way when she wants something and she wants Asa. She is persistent and lets him know the age difference doesn’t matter. Asa has a pierced nose and looks big, tough and scary, but he has a tender heart. He likes to be in control in the bedroom, which is something new for AJ, but she likes how he makes her feel. When these two get together, things really heat up. Asa has many great qualities, but I think what I like the most about him is how he treated AJ and was how protective he is. He will do whatever it takes to keep her from getting hurt.
PJ comes from an affluent, but dysfunctional family and unfortunately, her father continually picks on her. I love PJ, she is a rebel. She has tattoos and piercings and colors her hair different colors. She goes against what her family wants her to do and insists on taking the path that is right for her. She marches to her own drummer and although it hurts her feelings, when her family doesn’t support her, she still does things her way. Asa and PJ have explosive chemistry and this story is told from both POV’s. This is the first book in the Ink and Chrome series and is a stand alone. It’s an intriguing story and I can’t wait for the next one featuring Duke.

Penelope “PJ” Coleman has struggled to find her place in the family and family business as long as she can remember. Over time, her decisions drive the wedge further between herself and her father. With ever changing hair color, piercings, and an incomplete college degree, all her father sees is a failure. All PJ wants is to do something she enjoys to help grow the company.

Asa Barrons grew up rough and took his time finding his place. As co-owner of Twisted Steel, he is a successful businessman and mechanic. He’s controlling, bossy, and an adrenaline junkie. In short, he’s purely alpha.

When PJ decides she wants Asa, they begin a battle of wills that challenges them both. The 12 years between them don’t mean anything to PJ, but Asa attaches meaning to what that difference might mean. PJ hesitates because she doesn’t want anyone in the car restoration industry to think she is getting a hand up simply because she is sleeping with Asa. And then there’s the little fact that each of them are hot-tempered and quick to act.

The attraction between these two is fiery, but what I loved most was the quiet moments between them and the support that each offered as needed throughout the story. Asa really battled his need to protect PJ, even when she wanted to fight her own battles, or was embarrassed to have Asa witness her struggles. He was one of those guys that looks hard and scary on the outside, but with the right woman turned to mush.

This was a fun, easy read. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting when I read the blurb, but it was entertaining and a great breather.

As an aside, I get a kick out of reading books set in Seattle. I grew up not far from the city, and even giggled when my hometown had a shout-out in one scene (PJ’s apartment has a view straight to the home of my heart). I don’t live there anymore, but reading stories set in and around the PNW make me feel like I’m home again, no matter the genre or subject of the book itself.

Winner, winner!!!

It seems like I have hated or barely gotten through the last books I have read so thank you for this book LD!!

I love, love, love Penelope Jean/PJ/Penny-lope. And I love, love, love Asa. I can't say which I like more.

Actual everyone is the book was great, except dear old dad and Fee.

This book was hot!!!

This should be a pretty awesome series judging on this book.

OPENING UP by Lauren Dane is an exciting Erotica Contemporary Romance. Book 1 in her newest release "Ink & Chrome" series. Which, is going to be one hot new series, I predict.

The world of custom cars and motorcycles, never looked so good. If you enjoy your heroes tatted, pierced and sexy as all get out, than look no further, here comes Asa Barrons. Looking for a feisty, wisecracking, passionate, heroine with an independent spirit to compliment Asa, look no further, enter, PJ Colman. Together, the two have a combustible chemistry that burns up the pages of "Opening Up".

But wait, there is even more to this story. It is emotionally charged on so many levels, with complex characters, hot, steamy sex scenes, and the men of the Twisted-Steel Motorcycle Shop.

Emotionally mature characters, bring so much more to this story than just sex and fun. The secondary characters are a must, I can't wait for the stories to come to life.

"Opening Up" is an emotional, gripping but funny and passionate story. A sure in for any fans of Lauren Dane, Erotica Romance, and fans of passionate romances. Well done, Ms. Dane. I truly look forward to the next installment of the "Ink & Chrome" series.

*Received for an honest review from the publishing via Net Galley*

**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More**

Rating: 4.5

Heat Rating: Wild Ride

Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

(Source: I received a finished paperback copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group.)

This was a sexy story, featuring a couple with piercings in some very sensitive places!

PJ really knew what she wanted in this book, and wasn’t afraid to step on toes to get what she wanted. Being the only girl in a male dominated family business seemed hard, and she did seem to be trodden on a bit, but she proved that she knew what she was talking about.

“Purple hair sold more than you did last month.”

Asa was also quite domineering, and was so sure that PJ wasn’t the right fit for him, and he was so wrong!

“You’re defiling her in your head right now, aren’t you?”
Hell yes.

The storyline in this was about PJ and Asa discovering each other, and the sexy scenes that followed! This pair were pretty hot, although I have to admit that I liked the sexy scenes more than the rest of the storyline. Asa’s piercing was also pretty sexy!!

“Wait. I want to see you put the condom on over the piercing. I should know this. For future reference.”

The ending to this was good, and I was glad that PJ and Asa got a happy ending.
6.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Francesca and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

I haven’t been this excited about a new Lauren Dane book in a while, and this just makes me happy. OPENING UP is the beginning of a new series with Dane’s brand of friendship that introduces you to a whole set of characters that work so well together and that you can’t help but get immediately invested in.

We kick things off in the Ink and Chrome series with PJ, a girl in her twenties that comes from a family that has long been one of the leaders in the tire industry in her town. She’s always wanted to find her own place in the workplace as well as in her family, but sadly hasn’t had much luck with that. Her passion to expand the family business into custom paint isn’t well received by her family, just as her purple hair isn’t.

I loved so many things about her! She’s got a tough skin from dealing with her father and uncle, who are major asses. She goes after what she loves and wants, whether it’s her business or her love interest. She’s independent, determined, and has a great head on her shoulders at her age. Without needing to be angsty or overtly dramatic like we often see with heroines dealing with as much as she is. She’s just mature, comfortable in her own skin and totally kicks ass!

Which worked great with the fact she ends up with an older hero. Asa Barrons owns a custom motorcycle shop and ends up giving PJ custom paint jobs. His attraction to the young spit fire is instant, but he knows his passions run on the kinky side and she’s way too young for it to appropriate. But let me clarify, we are talking he’s in his late thirties so the age difference is not as big as I originally thought. I absolutely loved him. He’s a little rough around the edges, ex military, totally alpha. Knows what he wants and doesn’t feel too bad about showing it and taking it. And did I mention there’s tats and piercings galore? Yum!

As I said, instant attraction burns into explosive chemistry. Asa and PJ are so perfect together in and out of the bedroom. And their bedroom kinks? Well, you won’t be disappointed. I know some people may complain at times about the talk during sex scenes, but I found them so endearing that they would be comfortable enough to crack a joke or just be normal, even when they were getting their sexy on.

This is also the first audiobook I listen to narrated by Sasha Dunbrooke and I was impressed by how much I enjoyed her narration. Will look forward to listening to more from her!

One thing is for certain, you need to pick up this series because it’s full of soul and heart just as much as heat. Great scorching series starter, Ms. Dane! I’m hooked!

Hot damn! This read was scorching!
Opening Up was my first book by Lauren Dane and let me tell you, right now, it won’t be the last… I’m actually going to ask Spice as soon as I finish typing this where should I start with Ms. Dane’s bibliography.
I really enjoyed this story. While it’s completely about Asa and PJ developing their relationship (no kidnappings, drive-bys or psycho-stalkers of any kind) it wasn’t slow paced.
I loved how PJ was her own person in spite of her family, her age and people’s opinion in general. She was sure of what she wanted, went for it and was not apologetic.
Asa was a dreamy, hot, dirty alpha male. Experienced, tattooed, built and with a filthy, filthy mouth.
They meet at an event and from the second they see each other their chemistry is off-the-charts caliente.
Unfortunately for PJ and us readers, Asa is a tiny, little bit hung up on their age difference (her 25 to his 37). But honestly, PJ is by no means immature, and Asa, well, he leads the life of a bachelor, he pays the bills, is a home owner and a successful businessman but his personal life is not that profound or “grown up”… so I was kind of bugged by this attitude of his.
I liked PJ’s attitude and her threats of bodily harm where pretty close to my heart.
I liked how when Asa finally gets on with the program, they have time to grow as a couple, and while I l-o-v-e when the alpha has the girl moved in by their second encounter, I greatly enjoyed that this story was a little more… at an actual human speed.
What I did not enjoy, and the half star I took was because of this, was PJ’s family drama. Her big brother’s attitude was crap. Being the way she is, she should have told him to f off way before she did… and don’t get me started on the father and uncle… I think this was way OTT for the reason behind it. Or maybe it wasn’t, people can really be that lame… I don’t know, to me it was kind of absurd.
In spite of this mild annoyance I found this a fantastic read, Asa and his pierced man meat are going on my sexy-book-boyfriend-top-list.

*I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Full review at edgyreviews.com

In ‘Opening Up’ we meet Penelope Jean, a.k.a. PJ, Coleman, a young and very ambitious woman who is making her way in the body shop painting business. When PJ is trying to get more attention to her business one day, she meets Asa Barrons. Asa is all bad on the outside, very handsome, killer tattoos, piercings and the co-owner of Twisted Steel, a successful custom build motorcycle shop. From the moment PJ and Asa meet there is this huge attraction between them but Asa seems to find a lot of reasons to keep his distance. But PJ is not a woman who’s easily forgotten.

To be honest I didn’t really knew if I would like this book when I started it. I don’t know why exactly. The book description sounded really fun and I loved the cover, but I just had this feeling. Thankfully this feeling was completely wrong. It took me a couple of chapters to get into this story, mostly because I needed to get used to all the car and motor loving people, but I really came to love this story.

The main characters PJ and Asa are not your typical main characters. They both like cars and motorcycles, they are both pierced and have some tattoos.. and PJ is just twenty five and Asa is thirty seven. I loved that the two main characters weren’t average. I loved that they were a little different and weren’t afraid to be themselves. But most of all I loved the attraction that was there from the moment they met.
This book is sexy and very romantic and I didn’t want to stop reading. PJ and Asa are so good together and I loved how they connected throughout this book.

My favorite character was definitely PJ. She was just a kickass woman. She really knows what she wants and works hard for everything. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and she can totally handle an alpha male like Asa. I really want to be more badass like her.

This was my first Lauren Dane book and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely keep my eyes out for the other books in this series.

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Asa our hero is a "brawling, ink-covered, motorcycle-riding, race-car-driving bad-ass, who protects just as fiercely as he fights". Paraphrasing our author to describe our alpha male. He knows what he likes and he likes and loves PJ just fine. His version of sex may be a bit rough and tumble for straight vanilla girls, but PJ proves she is more than just vanilla. Maybe it is the stripes of color in her hair, maybe it is because she likes the race-car life with growing up in the industry. Maybe its because Asa's piercings turn her on. Whatever the reason, PJ and Asa make it work. Their version of love works for them and why wouldn't it? Sure, Asa flogs PJ every once and a while, but she really likes it. But Asa isn't just there for PJ in bed (which is a pretty steamy and thrilling place to be), he is also there when she and her siblings decide to change up the company business. Great summer read to steam up your sunglasses while you are soaking up the sun on the beach!

3.5 Stars!!

Lauren Dane writes an super-sexy story, with a couple who have some piercings in very, um, key places!

Ms. Dane has written some of my favorite and sexiest contemporary romance novels (The Brown Family series is a favorite and highly recommended - they are totally addictive.) Opening Up is the first in her new Ink and Chrome series. The plot is light, steamy, funny, fast-paced and pretty much angst-free.

I couldn't wait to dive into this book and I read it one sitting. PJ is a young, strong-willed woman who breaks free from her overbearing family and ventures out on her own in the world off body shop painting. She meets Asa, who is older, totally domineering and sex-on-a-stick. He accepts her for who she is and their sex is, to put it mildly, off the charts. Think multiple piercings, sexy tattoos and passionate car sex!

“You’re defiling her in your head right now, aren’t you?”
Hell yes.

There is nothing too dramatic or earth shattering in this book. I loved the chemistry between PJ and Asa and you will need a fan for their scenes together. OPENING UP is the perfect summertime read to take to the pool or beach, and the secondary characters are just as enjoyable! (I cannot wait for Duke, Asa's friend, to get his story in FALLING UNDER, coming out in August. Hello! Can you say huge, tattooed and sexy?) All in all, OPENING UP is a passionate, funny, dirty and light summer read with a HEA. Enjoy!

“Wait. I want to see you put the condom on over the piercing. I should know this. For future reference.”

Asa Barrons is a badass alpha male. Penelope Jean (PJ) Colman is a badass in her own right. She and Asa work in the same industry and sparks fly from their first meeting. PJ is the type of girl who knows what she wants and goes after it and is often misunderstood. She has had a tough family dynamic that makes her into the strong woman she is. Asa likes to be in control. He has worked hard to get where he is in life. And together they are a force to be reckoned with. Their journey is not an easy one but it wouldn't be so sweet if it was.

Both characters live and breathe cars and motorcycles. It was a fun world to get lost in! Their relationship was hotter than hot, sweet and loving. Reader beware: this book is muy caliente!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great start to the series and I'm looking forward to Duke's book next.

** ARC provided from NetGalley for an honest review**

Great book will definitely read the rest of the series, Lauren Dane is one of my favorite authors; can't go wrong with her books! Warning; if you are looking for a damsel "oh big strong man please save me" this book is NOT it. I absolutely love the strength that PJ has while remaining utterly feminine. Perfect Balance!!

Asa Barrons doesn’t like mixing business with pleasure but denying the attraction isn’t working out all that well in this enticing contemporary romance. Lauren Dane has a gift for giving her characters vibrant life and charismatic personalities that really stand out and this new series has the added bonus of taking place in an energetic world where the readers can easily get absorbed and not want to leave. I know I was completely spellbound by Asa and PJ and I can’t wait to get know some of the other Ink and Chrome characters as well.

See my full review at: Paranormal Haven .com

To be honest I feel guilty giving Opening Up such a rating. It had one of the best female leads with PJ. I adored her, she was the type of lead I want to see more of in the romance genre. In fact, she's the main reason I read well past when I should have. Problems is I just got done reading some great books. Most importantly great books with amazing sexual chemistry, and they weren't even romance central books.

Sad truth is that Opening Up reads slow. It never really picks up and just plods along. Asa is the male lead and he could have been swapped out with any other male alpha out there. When he finally develops I had already checked out. Not to mention that Asa and PJ's chemistry would turn off and on for me. Most of the time it never reached the heights I needed it to.

Plus the writing and I did not get along. I had to reread some of the dialogue. I couldn't tell which alpha male was speaking. The flow of what some characters were saying was off, and I don't think it was slang. Not to mention that the writing is a little barren to me. For a while I kept thinking that Asa had a beard. Well over halfway it was confirmed and I kept wondering what kind of beard? The writing didn't create enough of a visual, emotions, and other key things to suck me in.

PJ interested me. I LOVED her! Not only her but her best friend and sister. I enjoyed how Opening Up addresses how being a woman, and being young, is used against you in the work environment. Working in the car industry makes it even worst. (Or a lot of other industries that are male "only".) PJ handles her self well and I love that she knows what she wants. When Asa tries to think for her, she shuts him down and tells him what's what. She knows how far she's willing to court him, and when she needs to move on. She's not afraid to tell him no. Even in the bedroom. There was an awesome scene about saying no to back door action! Ha-ha!

Fact is I would give PJ a 5/5. She's amazing, and if the book was about her and her career I would have been on board. Sadly it's a romance and Asa did not interest me. Which led to a lack of chemistry as a couple. I've read plenty of romance where the alpha male could have been swapped out for another one, but they had burning chemistry! For PJ I read this way past my quitting point. I dare say that many romance fans are going to love this book. If you are a big romance reader I insist that you give this book a try. For me though I'm tired of the genre and I need MORE. In the end I wanted to quit, but I couldn't miss experiencing more PJ. Sadly the rest of this book was boring and uninteresting.

Sexual Content: Plenty of humor. Yes, sex. Sadly I found that pretty flat except for a few comedic points that were put in. The two had no chemistry.

2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Lauren Dane is an exceptional writer in my personal opinion. I have read a countless number of books written by her, and so far I have yet to be disappointed. I truly enjoy reading a series she produces, because it allows you to get more glimpses at what is further happening with the characters you have previously fell in love with. Opening up, the first installment in the Ink and Chrome series was a quite enjoyable read. Nicely written detailed sexual encounters, just the right amount of violence, and drama to keep you engrossed in the book wanting to know what happens next. Normally in the plot of a story, they have one issue and the book becomes quite predictable. That wasn't the case in the story. More then one very relatable issue was created in this story line, making you connect and places yourself in the characters shoes. Many times current and everyday problems are ignored and when you read a fictional novel, it can be made to appear that everything is butterflies and rainbows. They tend to skip over arguments and issues that everyday couples have, and the stigma's of not conforming to society. Because Opening up enlightens you on valid arguments and struggles between the budding relationship of PJ and Asa. Strong emotional and physical connection, and the importance of knowing ones self worth and having a strong support system from the ones around you.

Another story of an older brutal man who enjoys humiliating and abusing a younger, easily influenced woman and calls it "love".

I don't like the "new" alpha males so popular recently - I believe men who ENJOY hurting woman are revolting, not romantic.

I'm disappointed that a gifted writer like Lauren Dane is promoting sexual violence against her own gender.