The Outskirts: (The Outskirts Duet Book 1)

Oh. My. Gosh. I just...wow. The Outskirts was everything I never knew I needed and more!

Sawyer and Finn are two characters I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Sawyer's had a horrible upbringing and escaping to the outskirts made her character shine. She's beautiful, strong and so inexperienced at life. Watching her experience her firsts is really quite refreshing and adorable. Finn is broken hearted and can't see a way out, watching him slowly begin to realise he doesn't have to torture himself all the damn time is beautiful to witness. He's strong, independent and fiercely loyal when he loves someone. His protectiveness shines when in the company of special ones.

Every character was super special in this story. Sawyer, Finn, Josh, Miller, Critter and everyone else. They all had a special role and made you laugh when they made their appearance. Especially Josh and Miller, damn they're insane.

The storyline was something I didn't see coming at all, it's different to any other story I've read tbh. Swamp's have always been dirty to me until I read this, this book makes it sound beautiful. The book was never short on keeping your gripped. It hooks you in and keeps you until the very last page and even after that you still want, no NEED more. Especially with that Ending, the cliffhanger, damn. We all know TM Frazier is queen of cliff hangers, queen of making you want to pull your hair out because wtf was that ending? Seriously!

When I seen TM was writing a new book that wasn't anything to do with her King serious I was worried I wouldn't connect with her charters as much as I did with the others but hell, I was so so wrong. I connected so hard with them, they'll be in my heart forever and I can't wait for book 2 (The Outlies) to be here already. This book is so much different to the King series but my god, you'll love it just as much.

<b><I>"There are moments in your life, seconds even, when something happens that changes everything. Changes you."</b></I>

TM did an incredible job on this book. Her hard work and time is clear to see in this book, it's absolutely perfect and gahhh, she's amazing! If I could give this beauty all the stars, I would. Perfection.

Holy cliff hangers TM! How could you end it there like that and make us wait until November to read the next book? This book is another awesome creation and I would definitely recommend it to everyone. I love how it shows two people coming together and learning to live again even though they had both been through a ton. I loved Sawyer's view on the world and how everything is so new and exciting. I also love the hell out of Josh and Miller! They are hysterical and I hope Miller gets his act together. This is a 5 star read and I've already pre-ordered the next book! Loved this book TM!

TM Frazier’s latest release takes us to the swamps of Florida for a gritty, intense, dramatic story and a romance that is super-hot, swoony and full of chemistry. I was captivated from the very first page and struggled to put this book down as I was sucked into the story of a broken, tormented boy, and an innocent girl experiencing true freedom for the very first time. Full of drama, humour, passion, intensity and some unexpected surprises, this is a great read!

Sawyer’s life has been lived under the controlling and violent hands of her religious extremist father. She has been sheltered and abused and dreams of something more, so when she is given the opportunity to escape, she takes it, heading to the small town of Outskirts, in the swamps of Florida. There is land there and she claims her place in the swamp – meeting new people and finding work for herself, and loving every moment of it.

But her new bliss is dulled by her unexpected neighbour. Bordering her land is a shack inhabited by local hermit, Finn. Finn used to have a blessed life, but it all changed after he experienced a tragic loss. For two years he has isolated himself in the swamp, ignoring his friends and drowning his grief and guilt in alcohol. He is highly unimpressed when bright and lively Sawyer sets herself up practically on his doorstep, but he can’t help but feel drawn to her and the light that she exudes.

Sawyer embraces her new life, eagerly grasping onto every new opportunity that comes her way. She finds friends, a job, and with her naïve eyes wide open, she sets about living the life she has always dreamed of – and that includes exploring the feelings that brew to life in her whenever she sets her eyes on Finn.

The dynamic between Sawyer and Finn is fantastic. From early antagonism to somewhat reluctant ‘friends’, flirting, sweet moments, deliciously steamy teasing and more, the chemistry sizzles from the very beginning and grows as these two opposites begin to come together and turn each other’s worlds upside down.

Finn’s brokenness and torment is heartbreaking, but I loved watching the shift in him once Sawyer comes into his life. Her joy and sweetness brings him back to life, and his raging lust for her drags him out of his funk and into the possibility of having something good once again, even despite all that he has been through.

And I love Sawyer! There’s an innocence about her that is really beautifully written, and you can’t help but experience everything right along with her. She has lived such a sheltered life that pretty much everything is new to her, and her joy and excitement at exploring it all is just gorgeous. And none more so than when she is with Finn.

The love story is really beautiful. There’s an edge of grittiness to it as their lust for each other rages out of control, but there is a deeper connection there too, and I loved the emotional element to it as they openly and honestly explored their feelings and allowed themselves to fall.

But danger emerges, threatening their newfound happiness, and with lots of possibilities where the story could go and a surprising twist thrown in at the end, I am desperate to get my hands on the final book of this duet to see how it’s all going to play out!

I really enjoyed this book. It has an edgy feel to it that I really enjoyed, and I was easily swept up into the heartache, excitement and passion of Finn and Sawyer’s story. Finn’s old friends (and Sawyer’s new friends) Josh and Miller also bring a lot to the story - another fantastic dynamic at play, they are great on their own, but together they are sensational, and I love their secondary storyline.

This is a fast paced, engaging read with lots of laughs, sweet moments, drama and gritty emotion. The love story is steamy with lots of feels, and I loved the characters and their individual journeys. So excited for more!

Reviewed by Klaire Sutherland on behalf of KFF

Eagerly anticipated release from this author for many. I was in two minds with requesting this but quite glad I did. T.M Frazier hasn’t managed to grip me as thoroughly as she did with The Dark Light of Day. I’ve often felt the raw edge from that book has been missing in her other works. King came close, so I guess I had a little trepidation going into The Outskirts. It certainly lacked the edge I was looking for but made up for it in other ways. Being a duet, it’s common knowledge that this is going to end on a cliff hanger so I’m not spoiling anything by mentioning that here.

I took a little while to settle down with The Outskirts. I wasn’t immediately bowled over with either character and in truth I felt Finn was immature in the beginning, I couldn’t quite get a read on his age and it wasn’t until much later I saw the man and not the broken child. Because he so undeniably is broken, this the reader does see from the very start. His attitude is gruff and his actions are extremely slapable. But he slowly unravels, his character begins to shine and T.M Frazier uncovered him beautifully and at good pace. He’s not thrown in your face, so to speak.

Sawyer, I liked. I’ve read many a book where her history is similar, and again I think the author did a splendid job showing us her character. I think for me though, she jumped into some things that in reality would take a little longer to do so, considering her upbringing. Still, she’s a great character that I’m sure everyone is going to love.

Secondary characters definitely prop up the story, and while you see a twist or two coming, it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment of the read. There’s a lot of angst between these pages and not just between Sawyer and Finn. I found a thing or too unresolved. Like this is what happened (vaguely), end of story, let’s not give you the details. The storyline moves at an appropriate pace and each scene has relevance. Overall, a bit ‘holey’ in places. I also struggled a little with the writing. I don’t think it is T.M Frazier’s best, there were a few places where the writing felt below par for such an accomplished writer, sentences I’d look at twice and not understand why they were there or written the way they were. Descriptively, I very much enjoyed it, I always love a visual read and T.M Frazier captured that effortlessly.

Overall though, fans of this author are going to love The Outskirts. It’s different and yes…a swamp monster lives here. A hot kind of swamp monster. So, get your book on and grab this one up. Recommended read.

Sawyer has lived a sheltered life with her abusive father, a religious nut. She has no freedom to make any choices regarding herself and finds herself running away to Outskirts where she finds a reclusive Finn who has issues of his own.

I'm not sure why I didn't love this. It took me awhile to warm up to this story, however, Josh and Miller are great secondary characters and the four of them together made this a good read

* ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *
Reviewer: Phyl

Genre: New Adult Romance
Book Length: Novel
Male Lead: Finn has been a recluse in Outskirts for 2 years after the tragic death of a loved one. He’s 25 with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes.
Female Lead: Sawyer is on the run from her life in an extremist Christian family and ends up in Outskirts as a neighbor to Finn. She’s 21 with red hair and brown eyes.
Heat Level: Low
Frequency of Sex (1-5): 1
Angst Level (1-5): 1
Standalone/Series/Cliffhanger: Duet series with a cliffhanger ending.
Would I Recommend? Probably not
My Review: Sadly I’m not super impressed by this story so far. It’s kind of adolescent in my opinion. There is no real chemistry between Finn and Sawyer and barely any heat or intimacy between them. I was more interested in Josh and Miller’s characters than I was about Finn and Sawyer. The story progresses in a predictable way which leads to a cliffhanger ending. I'll read book 2 only because it seems short and I might as well finish it up. I don’t know, the writing is so strange and has a weirdly chaotic feel to it, not typical for TM Frazier at all.

Looks like I may be in the unpopular category here. Unfortunately this story did not work for me, this may be one for the "everyone else loves but me". I am not going to say much, except that I have absolutely loved every other book by this author, so I am holding out hope for part 2 of this book. Of course I will read it, I want to know what happens, and maybe my unanswered questions and more explanation will come in that book.

Saywer saw her future laid out in front of her… sadly it was in the form of her mother’s casket. But there was no tears, no time to grieve, or even time to reminisce on the wonderful memories. The life they lived, under the heavy hand of her father, there was nothing but a life of expectations; Subservient. Submissive. Abused. Battered. Awakening from her meek existence, she finds the gift her mother left behind and takes the opportunity and heads towards a new life in The Outskirts.

Finn should have died years ago, the golden boy of the dilapidated town turned hermit. A new neighbor shakes up his drunken isolation and it’s messing with his grumpiness. He shouldn’t want to be happy, he doesn’t;t deserve to smile, he doesn’t deserve a second chance …. But why, does this girl make him want more.

Outskirts is more than she imagined, and everything she could ever wanted … a new life, a new love and a whole lot of answers, but those answers awaken the monsters of the past and they’re not going to back down easily.

The Outskirts was a book that just took you away; a story of life, love and mystery. Sawyer’s story alone was one you would cheer on, a girl finding herself and a life of her own. Experiencing all that life has to offer and living it through her eyes. Sawyer and Finn as a couple tortured, sweet and sexy… it was a push / pull relationship that you can’t help but want more for them because together they help each other not be so alone. The mystery behind the town and how deep the secrets run just add to the storyline drawing you in page after page. This is the first part of the duet, one that will make you want to jump right into the next. Recommended for my friends who love their love with a side of mystery and heat.

The small, abandoned town that T.M. Frazier creates as the setting of her newest duet The Outskirts is a perfect place for secrets to hide in its swamp lands and it’s the exact kind of isolation that Finn Hollis’ life demands after everything spiraled out of his control, leaving him a tortured and broken man - one who has used the desolate and sullen areas of the Outskirts to bury his memories as well as the life he’ll never have again, which is absolutely fine by him because he refuses to endure any further heartache or emotional pain.

But what Finn’s not prepared for is the intriguing woman who moves in next door to him - one who has her own secrets and her own reasons for fleeing to a place where she can not only begin anew but also hideaway from a deplorable man who only lives to control and abuse her, so as much as Finn may want to stop the emotional connection he feels with his new neighbor, it’s impossible to do so because Sawyer Dixon’s  innocence and warmth have bore into his soul, and he knows he’ll never be the same again.

Even though Finn and Sawyer escaped to the Outskirts for varying purposes, T.M. Frazier does a fantastic job of illustrating just how much their differences pull them towards one another despite their best efforts to stay away. And, regardless of their initial reactions and even the knowledge that they’re probably each better off not embarking on a new relationship due to their harrowing pasts, their souls seem to call to one another, requesting they be a part of something that’s so much bigger than themselves and seems to be essential to bring Finn back into the land of the living and Sawyer into a life worth living.

The Outskirts is more than a book about two strangers who seem to find solace in a place that many would never venture because as Frazier wields her pen and introduces readers to who Finn and Sawyer are, what drives them, and what endears them to one another, we experience EVERYTHING that these two characters show us and even things that Finn and Sawyer haven’t realized about themselves yet that Frazier expertly illustrates throughout the course of the text and that help readers predict how the second part of their story will play out and what it will costs Finn and Sawyer in the end.

I never know exactly which way T.M. Frazier is going to take her characters and consequently her readers when I start one of her books; things can get jacked up pretty quickly in her stories and/or she builds up to periods of absolute chaos and darkness to the point where readers expect something to go down, but those expectations don’t even seem to compare to the black moments that her hero/heroine must endure at the hands of their own deviant and reprehensible behavior or at the hands of a few sadistic fiends who get off on torture and mayhem.

And as much as I shouldn’t admit it…I can’t wait for every deliciously dark and messed up moment of what’s to come for Finn and Sawyer!

4.5 Poison Apples

“Share your life with someone who is going to make you face your storms, not hide from them.”

Wow. Just wowwwww!!!! THE OUTSKIRTS was all kinds of awesome!!!!

This is my first novel by T.M. Frazier and it was so soul-consuming, so wildly addictive and emotionally gripping that it left me BREATHLESS!!!! You know when you are hooked from the very first heart pulsating word to the very last gasp-worthy one? Well that's what happened to me in this debut installment in the Outskirts Duet.

Word of advice: Make sure you block out a huge chunk of uninterrupted binge reading time because once you start THE OUTSKIRTS you will NOT be able to put it down. The smoldering passion and love and raw intensity that poured off each page was beyond palpable.

The story…..

After her beloved mother's funeral, a grief stricken Sawyer Dixon finds a box under her bed left by her mom filled with secret treasure troves, including keys to a beat up truck/camper and a deed to a piece of land deep in the Florida Everglades in a town called Outskirts. Taking this as a sign to escape her oppressive life in a strict, religious household, after she suffers yet another beating at her mean, drunken father’s wrathful hand, she sets a plan of action in place. Which she carries out a week later on her 21st birthday. She takes the deed, hitches the camper to the back of her truck, and runs away, vowing to never look back.

Sawyer is seeking a fresh start in Outskirts, but what she finds is a whole different brand of trouble in the form of her big, growly new neighbor Finn Hollis, who is licking his wounds from a tragedy of his own and does not exactly roll out the welcome mat.

Turns out Finn is just as damaged as she is and despite his menacing glares and intimidating presence, the achingly innocent good girl feels a powerful connection to him. His animosity rankles, but being in such close proximity sparks a jolt of red hot attraction between them that arouses her senses and slowly resuscitates both their hearts. They are all wrong for each other but so IMPOSSIBLY right. Can these two profoundly broken souls outrun their anguished pasts and finally make each other whole?

OMG!!! This book, set in a tiny, decrepit Florida town that's filled with “nothing but swamp land and unfulfilled dreams,” decimated me in the BEST. POSSIBLE. WAY! T.M. Frazier’s writing style is intricate and enthralling. Her spellbinding narrative, storytelling prowess, beloved characterizations, and powerfully emotional tone were beyond awe-inspiring. And the love story was E.P.I.C.!!! This slow burning romance was chock full of love, lust, angst, intrigue and riveting drama. I truly relished every moment!

Finn and Sawyer OWNED my heart. They fired my bloodstream, gave me shivers and feels galore, and left a lasting imprint on my soul! Gah! Finn! If you look up the definition of “big, broody recluse,” he fits the bill! This macho man had it going on! I love me an angry, tortured Alpha with a huge chip on his shoulder, and Finn is all that and so much more! He made me swoon and hurt and tingle from head to toe!

Finn was once the popular golden boy of Outskirts, until a terrible tragedy drove him deep into the swamp to wallow in grief and regret. But then a sassy, freckle-faced angel storms onto his turf, infiltrating his lonely existence, turning his world asunder. He tries to scare the gorgeous interloper away but despite her trepidation she refuses to run like a rabbit. Slowly but surely, she cracks his hard outer shell, fills this surly hermit’s dark, bereft days with bright shimmering light, and her wide-eyed exuberance and purity rouses his caveman instincts like no other! There is NOTHING he won't do to protect--and possess--her, even if claiming her corrupts both their souls!

Sawyer’s sweet naïveté is the perfect counterpart for his rough outer edges. The anguish in Finn’s Caribbean blue eyes mirrors her own and she finds a true kindred spirit in him. Growing up in a god fearing household, the sheltered beauty was taught to cower and suppress her true desires, but Finn makes Sawyer feel safe and happy and completely cherished, and encourages her to be wild and uninhibited and FREE.

Together they make each other braver, stronger and are a force to be reckoned with! And even though they drove each other—and me!!—batty at times with their impossibly stubborn ways, the electrifying passion and tender-hearted emotion that flares between these two polar opposites is UTTERLY IRRESISTIBLE. In addition to being swept away by this captivating romance, I was fascinated by the unraveling mystery that propelled Sawyer to the town of Outskirts, and also highly entertained by the colorful cast of side characters!

And while this book does end on a huge jaw dropping cliffy, rather than it leaving me frustrated, it filled me with sweet anticipation of so much more DELICIOUS drama to come! So thank you, T.M. Frazier, for beckoning me so majestically into your grandiose world. I plan to stay for a good long while!

4.5 stars

Whenever I start reading a TM Frazier book I go in expecting the worst in the best of ways. Especially if it is only part one of a story because you know that is going to end and you will be sitting here counting down the days until you can get your hands on the next part. Because her stories? They are always amazing. And the author doesn't hold back. And I always want more. I was just hoping this one wouldn't be too bad, wouldn't torture me too much waiting for part 2!

The Outskirts was awesome! Like I said I went in expecting the worst, expecting terrible situations and things to happen, but I wasn't expecting such a sweet story to come out of it. I wasn't expecting to love Finn & Sawyer for being so perfect and kind to each other. I...I love the authors super alpha males, and Finn isn't a pushover, but he is sweeter than I am used to from her. And I loved every minute of it. It was a wonderful surprise.

Sawyer grew up in an unconventional way. She was raised in the church where women are secondary to men and her father is pretty terrible. It really isn't a good situation and for everything that happens to her she is so strong and brave. To set out on your own like that? Not everyone could do that. Especially with how sheltered she has been from the workings of the real world. I loved her. She was still kind and sweet and wonderful even though she has many things she would rather not talk about. Even though she is not very experienced. But she is determined to make up for lost time. She wants to try and experience everything. Nothing is going to hold her back now that she is free.

Finn is in a bad place. And has been for a long time. He has pushed away everyone who cared about him and is trying his hardest not to live. He has holed himself up in a shack in the swamp and pretty much never talks to anyone. He is happy...well not happy but resigned to spend the rest of his days miserable and keeping everyone away. After all he doesn't deserve it. He should be tortured every day that he is here and others aren't. Only Sawyer kind of messes his whole plan up. Right from the moment he sees her there is something there. Something that terrifies him. Something that keeps trying to make him feel things he hasn't felt for a really long time. Something that if he gives into it might make him move on and start living again.

These two were wonderful together. Sawyer & Finn just worked. They both have demons, but they both are there for the other. They both help the other work through their issues and come out better on the other side. I loved them so so much. I think this is now my favorite book from this author, though that is hard because to me it felt much different than her other books. Kinder, gentler, sweeter story that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for part two to see what is in store for these two next. I know they will have some things to figure out and deal with, some of their pasts will come back to haunt them, but I know they can do it. Because they are it. They have it. They are wonderful.

*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

A guy who has experienced so much and wanders aimlessly.
A lady who has experienced nothing and wanders with purpose.

“I have learned in my life that there are two kinds of people. The weak and the strong. Those who are truly strong try and lift others to make them feel just as strong. Those who are weak do their best to make others feel as helpless as they do. Surround yourself with the strong. Fall in love with the strong.”

We get the flavor of two souls that are jaded in their own right. Lifestyles that are total opposite but have taught them life lessons. To feel again. To trust again. To love in a new way. Each are running to where they do not know. Then they collide. Melded as one to conquer anything that is thrown their way. Every sentence was crafted to give you each step of their story in your mind’s eye.

“Fear and love are very much the same.
They both make your heart race and your body shake.
They make you tremble and anticipate.
They make you frantic with thoughts that consume.
Embracing fear is the same as embracing love.
It hurts.
It ends.
All is lost.
All can be found again.”

I am always excited to read anything that T.M. graces us with but when I spoke to her in July at the Dark & Seductive Affair event she stated that this was completely different from what she has written before. I assured her that we will love whatever her Evil Ginger Genius mind produces.

Y’all, I FLOVED it.
F LO V E D I T.

I dove in as any fan would do and I do not remember blinking! I just wanted immerse myself and I am glad that I drowned in this story! We know that this is her work and that she can take on any topic she wants. Of course there is drama and angst and “WTF” moments. The guy is naturally handsome and has a body you want to climb like a tree and lick it to claim as yours. The lady is of course gorgeous and has you standing behind her to cheer her on and become part of her posse Yes, there is a cliffy, of course there is this is T.M. we are talking about. And on the same token, we get the creative side of where she brings elements to give each story their own niche, in this one it was Tings - trust me you will love it and want to create a version of for yourself. Come to the swamp and join us in The Outskirts!

T.M Frazier certainly knows how to leave you wanting more!! Whether it’s these one of a kind characters who can’t get enough of, to those what the ever loving of a cliffhanger, this author has always managed to keep us in her grasps with her storytelling and The Outskirts was no different.

Sawyer Dixon has been sheltered her entire life. While most people her age were out partying and going to College, Sawyer was in her own personal hell living with the devil himself better known as Father. After a shocking tragedy that turns her world upside down, she decides to do something that will change her future for the better. Escaping to a new town to start over seems like the only good thing to do and with a little help, Sawyer was on her way to freedom for the very time. But when she runs into the town’s most talked about man, things just got a whole lot interesting.

Finn Hollis is well known around the town of “Outskirts” but it’s the tragedy that made him more famous in some people’s eyes. Now a recluse, Finn is used to being alone with his bottle of Jack and his messed up thoughts that are filled with nothing but regrets and he’s ok with that. Who wants happiness when you could just be a shell of a person right? Running into the town’s newest resident and learning that she’s going to be his new neighbor, has left Finn in a not so nice mood and what do you do when you’re in that kind of mood? You become mean. But Sawyer isn’t going anywhere and Finn just realized that he’s just met his match in every way.

“You make me want things Say, Crave things. Things I haven’t thought about in a long time.

I haven’t been this invested in a story in a very long time and as I’m writing this review, I’m literally counting down the days until I can get my hands on part 2!! I really didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters so soon and I found myself reading at a snails pace for the final chapter because I just wanted to savor it. Finn and Sawyer were perfect for each other. Let me repeat that because I don’t think it was registered the first time I said it. Finn Hollis and Sawyer Dixon was PERFECT!!!!! I always have to feel a connection between the main characters and how they operate as a couple and let me tell you, I felt their connection down to my bones! Those two were on fire and I loved every second, every minute that they spent together.

Now for the thing that I hate most in the world. CLIFFHANGERS. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I can’t stand dat hoe!! We have a lot of bad blood between us and she’s always managed to not only send my pressure at a dangerous level, but also has me setting aside some much needed Bail money. So cliffhangers and I don’t mix well at all and this one right here? Had me counting ALL of my money! I know if I get in trouble on the weekend, I probably won’t see a judge until Monday and I ain’t about dat life so I’m going to be a good girl and wait. It won’t be easy, but you know what they say: good things comes to those who wait. And if you’re waiting too long, just drink some wine, it’ll go by faster.

If you’re looking for a new addictive series to start, “The Outskirts” is most definitely for you.

* Arc Kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

“Do you always kiss everyone you hate?” I asked, yanking my lips from his.
“Does this feel like hate to you?” he growled looking between us as if he could see the connection there.

Finn Hollis has hidden away in his cabin in the swamp after tragedy struck a few years earlier. He’s alienated himself from the town and from his friends and he’s perfectly fine with that until the day sweet and innocent little Sawyer Dixon shows up and parks her trailer not even fifty-feet from his home. From the very start, he makes it clear that he doesn’t want her there, but Sawyer is free for the first time in her life and she’s not going anywhere. She quickly gets under Finn’s skin and he’s torn between his need to be alone and his ever-growing desire for this beautiful woman. It’s anyone’s guess which emotion will win out, but one thing’s for sure, things are about to get a heck of a lot steamier down in the swamp!

“You make me want things, Say. Crave things. Things I haven’t thought about in a long time.”

Loved this new story from T.M. Frazier! King, Bear and Preppy are some of my favorites but it was fun being introduced to a new “world” and new characters in this book! I loved the town of Outskirts, I felt as if I were there with how wonderfully everything was described. Having a story set in the swamp may seem like an odd choice but there was definitely something sexy and sultry about the setting and I really enjoyed it! This story (or at least the first half anyway) is a departure from the darker stuff we’re used to from T.M. Frazier but it’s no surprise that she can write sexy, swoon-worthy romance just as well. This one will definitely tug at your heartstrings as you meet poor Finn who is a hot mess when we are first introduced to him. I could feel his pain and I really loved seeing him start to heal a bit as he let Sawyer in. And Sawyer had been through her own ordeal and it was great seeing her strength and determination to make it on her own, she was a great heroine! The secondary characters, Critter, Josh, and Miller were all fantastic as well. They really rounded out this little town and provided plenty of humorous moments in the midst of the heavier stuff. Being part of a duet, there were a few pretty big reveals toward the end that has me very excited for the remainder of the story!!

“I want you, Say. So {censored} much. More than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone before.” He took a deep breath like he was breathing me in. “You terrify me."

T.M. Frazier pulled no punches with this book. We’re caught in the middle of the heart of this story right from the start. These characters were oh so broken. Finn was struggling, isolated and in pain. And the path to his old life seems so very far away.

He’s anything but fine and for two years he hasn’t let anyone in. And then along comes Sawyer. A young woman who carries her own burden of pain, but she radiates her innocence, naivete, wholesomeness and utter goodness for all to see. She brings the missing spark back to Finn’s life.

Suddenly he has to face his own pain. She forces him to start healing without saying a word. She gives him hope and produces feelings inside of him he’s never felt before. As corny as it sounds, she’s the sunshine to his rain.

"I’ve never met anyone like you. I’ve never even seen anyone like you. These freckles… This mouth… You make me want things, Say. Crave things. Things I haven’t thought about in a long time." - Finn

I’m not sure what about these words captured my attention more than any others. Maybe it was because when he said them, Finn was torn between what and who he wanted and a vague sense of hope for his future and the past that had a stranglehold on his present. Maybe it was because Sawyer was completely unaware of her appeal and Finn was the one to slowly but surely enlighten her. Sawyer grew up in a world that hid her very humanity. She was treated as a second class citizen, in her own words. She didn’t know who she was or hoped to be. And yet she and Finn shared a connection that these words cannot even sum up. I really don’t know what it was, but these words were the ones that spoke to me the loudest.

Finn and Sawyer’s story was a slow build but it was completely worthwhile. I loved seeing this brooding, miserable, hottie of a man turn into the sort of man that his woman needed. And I really enjoyed getting to see Sawyer come a bit into her own and discover some of what she’s been missing. These two together seemed fated. C’mon. Their names alone should tell us that, right?! But the author captured their serendipitous meeting with what I viewed as realistic expectations. This wasn’t love-at-first-sight or even a meeting of friends. However, as ill-timed and as negative as their first encounters were, it eventually grew into something more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

Frazier has a sweet habit of getting me to love everyone involved in her stories, not just the main characters. I adore Josh and Miller. They added so much to this story, even if it was comic relief because of their non-stop bickering. I hope their relationship finally takes off and they get their own happy beginning. Even Critter is worthy of a mention and I can’t wait to find out more about his role in everyone’s lives. With that ending, I’m anxiously awaiting the release of The Outliers, Book 2 of The Outskirts Duet, which releases in November.

Release Date: Sept. 10, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Book 1 of The Outskirts Duet

5 Finding your self-worth stars

I was hesitant in picking up The Outskirts because T.M. Frazier is known for the darker (not dark) and little harsher reads, but to my surprise The Outskirts isn’t anything like the King series. Don’t get me wrong, I love the King series, but I wasn’t in the mood for crazy.

The Outskirts is dramatic, but was an easy read. I read it in one sitting and I craved more when I was done.

Let me just say this, I LOVEEEEE Duet books. I’m a fan of the normal size book. Nothing too long, but not too short, I felt like The Outskirts was the perfect amount of read. I also love a good cliffy. Call me crazy but I want that cliffy that makes my jaw drop.

I love everything about this book. I love the storyline, the characters, the writing flow and the little mystery behind everything. I gobbled this book up!

Sawyer grew up in a religious household. It’s not a cult, but it’s cult like. Her father is abusive and her mother just died. She’s kind of searching for herself at 21.

I love Sawyer I found her brave and yet she’s a little bit of a damsel and that’s okay because I love reading that in a book. I love her innocence but also her thirst to try new experiences.

She realizes her mother has land in the Outskirts and so Sawyer decides to break free and be on her own, the only thing his, Finn owns the land next to hers.

Finn is a complex character that I crave to read in a book. He’s not nice, but completely redeemable in my opinion. He continues to push Sawyer away, yet continues to bother her. It’s the hot and cold personality I couldn’t get enough of.

Oh and the tension between the two is explosive.

What I really liked about this book was the swampy feel. I love a small town book and I felt like the swamp setting was different and refreshing. I love the chemistry between the two main characters and I love the side plots happening. I just overall liked this book a lot.

Characters: Sawyer and Finn with alternating points of view.

One significant moment brought awareness to the eyes of Sawyer altering her path in life. Sawyer was free to explore the muddy marshlands.

Story: The introduction was long and not very memorable. The process for introducing minor characters was lengthy and boring. The Outskirts is property in the marshlands.
The first night into town Sawyer meets the Finn. Finn was this brooding good looking guy who blamed himself for not protecting his girl. One look at Sawyer and his entire perspective changed.
Sawyer reminded me of a girl living in a convent. Basically she was sheltered with limited education and no work experience.
I’m not impressed by Finn’s popularity considering they live in a town full of mud with a small population of people.

Overall: It’s so disappointing when you find that one golden book that an author writes, “The Dark Light of Day”, only to discovery it was a one hit. I tried reading her other books, but nothing compared to that first book. Unfortunately, this book is the same as all the others. It’s lacking.
I can’t form a connection with these characters. The writing style is so different from that first book. I’m bummed at how boring this book is.

It’s so cliche having the innocent, naive, virgin meet the golden boy ladies man. Too boot they meet on the same day she arrives in town and lives on his property.

TM Frazier’s latest release takes us to the swamps of Florida for a gritty, intense, dramatic story and a romance that is super-hot, swoony and full of chemistry. I was captivated from the very first page and struggled to put this book down as I was sucked into the story of a broken, tormented boy, and an innocent girl experiencing true freedom for the very first time. Full of drama, humour, passion, intensity and some unexpected surprises, this is a great read!

Sawyer’s life has been lived under the controlling and violent hands of her religious extremist father. She has been sheltered and abused and dreams of something more, so when she is given the opportunity to escape, she takes it, heading to the small town of Outskirts, in the swamps of Florida. There is land there and she claims her place in the swamp – meeting new people and finding work for herself, and loving every moment of it.

But her new bliss is dulled by her unexpected neighbour. Bordering her land is a shack inhabited by local hermit, Finn. Finn used to have a blessed life, but it all changed after he experienced a tragic loss. For two years he has isolated himself in the swamp, ignoring his friends and drowning his grief and guilt in alcohol. He is highly unimpressed when bright and lively Sawyer sets herself up practically on his doorstep, but he can’t help but feel drawn to her and the light that she exudes.

Sawyer embraces her new life, eagerly grasping onto every new opportunity that comes her way. She finds friends, a job, and with her naïve eyes wide open, she sets about living the life she has always dreamed of – and that includes exploring the feelings that brew to life in her whenever she sets her eyes on Finn.

The dynamic between Sawyer and Finn is fantastic. From early antagonism to somewhat reluctant ‘friends’, flirting, sweet moments, deliciously steamy teasing and more, the chemistry sizzles from the very beginning and grows as these two opposites begin to come together and turn each other’s worlds upside down.

Finn’s brokenness and torment is heartbreaking, but I loved watching the shift in him once Sawyer comes into his life. Her joy and sweetness brings him back to life, and his raging lust for her drags him out of his funk and into the possibility of having something good once again, even despite all that he has been through.

And I love Sawyer! There’s an innocence about her that is really beautifully written, and you can’t help but experience everything right along with her. She has lived such a sheltered life that pretty much everything is new to her, and her joy and excitement at exploring it all is just gorgeous. And none more so than when she is with Finn.

The love story is really beautiful. There’s an edge of grittiness to it as their lust for each other rages out of control, but there is a deeper connection there too, and I loved the emotional element to it as they openly and honestly explored their feelings and allowed themselves to fall.

But danger emerges, threatening their newfound happiness, and with lots of possibilities where the story could go and a surprising twist thrown in at the end, I am desperate to get my hands on the final book of this duet to see how it’s all going to play out!

I really enjoyed this book. It has an edgy feel to it that I really enjoyed, and I was easily swept up into the heartache, excitement and passion of Finn and Sawyer’s story. Finn’s old friends (and Sawyer’s new friends) Josh and Miller also bring a lot to the story - another fantastic dynamic at play, they are great on their own, but together they are sensational, and I love their secondary storyline.

This is a fast paced, engaging read with lots of laughs, sweet moments, drama and gritty emotion. The love story is steamy with lots of feels, and I loved the characters and their individual journeys. So excited for more!

Looks like I may be in the unpopular category here. Unfortunately this story did not work for me, this may be one for the "everyone else loves but me". I am not going to say much, except that I have absolutely loved every other book by this author, so I am holding out hope for part 2 of this book. Of course I will read it, I want to know what happens, and maybe my unanswered questions and more explanation will come in that book.

Saywer saw her future laid out in front of her… sadly it was in the form of her mother’s casket. But there was no tears, no time to grieve, or even time to reminisce on the wonderful memories. The life they lived, under the heavy hand of her father, there was nothing but a life of expectations; Subservient. Submissive. Abused. Battered. Awakening from her meek existence, she finds the gift her mother left behind and takes the opportunity and heads towards a new life in The Outskirts.

Finn should have died years ago, the golden boy of the dilapidated town turned hermit. A new neighbor shakes up his drunken isolation and it’s messing with his grumpiness. He shouldn’t want to be happy, he doesn’t;t deserve to smile, he doesn’t deserve a second chance …. But why, does this girl make him want more.

Outskirts is more than she imagined, and everything she could ever wanted … a new life, a new love and a whole lot of answers, but those answers awaken the monsters of the past and they’re not going to back down easily.

The Outskirts was a book that just took you away; a story of life, love and mystery. Sawyer’s story alone was one you would cheer on, a girl finding herself and a life of her own. Experiencing all that life has to offer and living it through her eyes. Sawyer and Finn as a couple tortured, sweet and sexy… it was a push / pull relationship that you can’t help but want more for them because together they help each other not be so alone. The mystery behind the town and how deep the secrets run just add to the storyline drawing you in page after page. This is the first part of the duet, one that will make you want to jump right into the next. Recommended for my friends who love their love with a side of mystery and heat.

Another scorcher from TM, a scintillating story of powerful kind of love that chases away Dark clouds and brings sunshine to dismal lives ! Visually compelling, simplistic yet profound, full of heart warming earthiness , this story will warm your heart and make you believe in love .
As soul stirring as country songs and as wholesome as soul food, it's a plenishing book , that I loved gorging on . Too bad it finished very soon!! :,(

Now about the actual story-
Sawyer Dixon is trapped in an unholy environment and forced to bury her personality, her dreams, her voice. Be a non-thinking, non-feeling person. But an inconsolable loss slaps her in her face and she grows wings, To fly away to freedom.

If I kept on living the way I was. The same way Mother had lived. Subservient. Submissive. Abused. Battered. Then that sermon, those very same generic words and lies about a life she never lived, would be spoken at another funeral someday. Mine.

And she lands in.......the middle of nowhere, literally. Her neighbour is a reclusive Yeti Of The swamp. Complete with head up his arse and an attitude of a Bear stung by bees !!
And that's on his "nicer" days. Finn Holis is drunk out of his grieving mind, generally as social as a swamp Ape and hail bent on driving (scaring) away anybody who steps on his land. He resides in his crumbling swamp-shack , wandering in the croc infested bayou . He just wants to be left the hell alone.

But Sawyer isn't going anywhere.
No ma'am. Come tornado or storms or the piss drunk neighbour. She's here to stay , cause she can now breathe freedom, even though it's laced with rotten sulphur like swamp stench !!

I can't tell you anything more about the who, why and how of the story, but I can tell you this .
It's P.H.E.N.O.M.E.N.A.L.!!
The setting is southern- charm and hostility included. A Podunk town in the middle of nowhere, in an almost abandoned town with a handful of population, where everybody knows everybody else's business, or history for that matter.
The small town charm is in full swing. Tracie finds beauty in all the natural places in the story and you'd think they're right in front of your eyes

Mist rose like steam off the damp ground like it was making an offering to the sky. A prayer for night to become morning once again. The sun answered by rising slowly until its rays burst from behind the tallest of trees, bathing everything in its blessing of light and warmth. Turning the dark into light once again. It was while looking at that kind of beauty, that kind of wondrous creation when I couldn’t NOT believe in something or someone more of a higher power.
Endearing characters like Critter, Josh and Miller. I loved Miller and his adorable sass. He's a self proclaimed "Jack Of All Trades" a sommelier of narcotics. , though he's master of none ;) and his witty banter with Josh are real fun to read. Miller even goes on Super fun dates of tacos, sushi, and anal. . Yup he's a Prince Charming alright , wearing his "Fancy Tshirt" and all ( I loved his t-shirt Frazier)
The book ends on a major WTF moment !!!
I noted and loved how Tracie writes chapters in an old fashioned way, ending them on a surprisingly high note. You'll get what I mean when you read it.
My only trouble- CANNOT wait for the next book... #WriteTracieWrite.
She's officially the creator of Immortals
King
Bear
Preppy
Dre
Rage
Finn
Miller
Sawyer
Critter

The small, abandoned town that T.M. Frazier creates as the setting of her newest duet The Outskirts is a perfect place for secrets to hide in its swamp lands and it’s the exact kind of isolation that Finn Hollis’ life demands after everything spiraled out of his control, leaving him a tortured and broken man - one who has used the desolate and sullen areas of the Outskirts to bury his memories as well as the life he’ll never have again, which is absolutely fine by him because he refuses to endure any further heartache or emotional pain.

But what Finn’s not prepared for is the intriguing woman who moves in next door to him - one who has her own secrets and her own reasons for fleeing to a place where she can not only begin anew but also hideaway from a deplorable man who only lives to control and abuse her, so as much as Finn may want to stop the emotional connection he feels with his new neighbor, it’s impossible to do so because Sawyer Dixon’s  innocence and warmth have bore into his soul, and he knows he’ll never be the same again.

Even though Finn and Sawyer escaped to the Outskirts for varying purposes, T.M. Frazier does a fantastic job of illustrating just how much their differences pull them towards one another despite their best efforts to stay away. And, regardless of their initial reactions and even the knowledge that they’re probably each better off not embarking on a new relationship due to their harrowing pasts, their souls seem to call to one another, requesting they be a part of something that’s so much bigger than themselves and seems to be essential to bring Finn back into the land of the living and Sawyer into a life worth living.

The Outskirts is more than a book about two strangers who seem to find solace in a place that many would never venture because as Frazier wields her pen and introduces readers to who Finn and Sawyer are, what drives them, and what endears them to one another, we experience EVERYTHING that these two characters show us and even things that Finn and Sawyer haven’t realized about themselves yet that Frazier expertly illustrates throughout the course of the text and that help readers predict how the second part of their story will play out and what it will costs Finn and Sawyer in the end.

I never know exactly which way T.M. Frazier is going to take her characters and consequently her readers when I start one of her books; things can get jacked up pretty quickly in her stories and/or she builds up to periods of absolute chaos and darkness to the point where readers expect something to go down, but those expectations don’t even seem to compare to the black moments that her hero/heroine must endure at the hands of their own deviant and reprehensible behavior or at the hands of a few sadistic fiends who get off on torture and mayhem.

And as much as I shouldn’t admit it…I can’t wait for every deliciously dark and messed up moment of what’s to come for Finn and Sawyer!

4.5 Poison Apples

“Share your life with someone who is going to make you face your storms, not hide from them.”

Wow. Just wowwwww!!!! THE OUTSKIRTS was all kinds of awesome!!!!

This is my first novel by T.M. Frazier and it was so soul-consuming, so wildly addictive and emotionally gripping that it left me BREATHLESS!!!! You know when you are hooked from the very first heart pulsating word to the very last gasp-worthy one? Well that's what happened to me in this debut installment in the Outskirts Duet.

Word of advice: Make sure you block out a huge chunk of uninterrupted binge reading time because once you start THE OUTSKIRTS you will NOT be able to put it down. The smoldering passion and love and raw intensity that poured off each page was beyond palpable.

The story…..

After her beloved mother's funeral, a grief stricken Sawyer Dixon finds a box under her bed left by her mom filled with secret treasure troves, including keys to a beat up truck/camper and a deed to a piece of land deep in the Florida Everglades in a town called Outskirts. Taking this as a sign to escape her oppressive life in a strict, religious household, after she suffers yet another beating at her mean, drunken father’s wrathful hand, she sets a plan of action in place. Which she carries out a week later on her 21st birthday. She takes the deed, hitches the camper to the back of her truck, and runs away, vowing to never look back.

Sawyer is seeking a fresh start in Outskirts, but what she finds is a whole different brand of trouble in the form of her big, growly new neighbor Finn Hollis, who is licking his wounds from a tragedy of his own and does not exactly roll out the welcome mat.

Turns out Finn is just as damaged as she is and despite his menacing glares and intimidating presence, the achingly innocent good girl feels a powerful connection to him. His animosity rankles, but being in such close proximity sparks a jolt of red hot attraction between them that arouses her senses and slowly resuscitates both their hearts. They are all wrong for each other but so IMPOSSIBLY right. Can these two profoundly broken souls outrun their anguished pasts and finally make each other whole?

OMG!!! This book, set in a tiny, decrepit Florida town that's filled with “nothing but swamp land and unfulfilled dreams,” decimated me in the BEST. POSSIBLE. WAY! T.M. Frazier’s writing style is intricate and enthralling. Her spellbinding narrative, storytelling prowess, beloved characterizations, and powerfully emotional tone were beyond awe-inspiring. And the love story was E.P.I.C.!!! This slow burning romance was chock full of love, lust, angst, intrigue and riveting drama. I truly relished every moment!

Finn and Sawyer OWNED my heart. They fired my bloodstream, gave me shivers and feels galore, and left a lasting imprint on my soul! Gah! Finn! If you look up the definition of “big, broody recluse,” he fits the bill! This macho man had it going on! I love me an angry, tortured Alpha with a huge chip on his shoulder, and Finn is all that and so much more! He made me swoon and hurt and tingle from head to toe!

Finn was once the popular golden boy of Outskirts, until a terrible tragedy drove him deep into the swamp to wallow in grief and regret. But then a sassy, freckle-faced angel storms onto his turf, infiltrating his lonely existence, turning his world asunder. He tries to scare the gorgeous interloper away but despite her trepidation she refuses to run like a rabbit. Slowly but surely, she cracks his hard outer shell, fills this surly hermit’s dark, bereft days with bright shimmering light, and her wide-eyed exuberance and purity rouses his caveman instincts like no other! There is NOTHING he won't do to protect--and possess--her, even if claiming her corrupts both their souls!

Sawyer’s sweet naïveté is the perfect counterpart for his rough outer edges. The anguish in Finn’s Caribbean blue eyes mirrors her own and she finds a true kindred spirit in him. Growing up in a god fearing household, the sheltered beauty was taught to cower and suppress her true desires, but Finn makes Sawyer feel safe and happy and completely cherished, and encourages her to be wild and uninhibited and FREE.

Together they make each other braver, stronger and are a force to be reckoned with! And even though they drove each other—and me!!—batty at times with their impossibly stubborn ways, the electrifying passion and tender-hearted emotion that flares between these two polar opposites is UTTERLY IRRESISTIBLE. In addition to being swept away by this captivating romance, I was fascinated by the unraveling mystery that propelled Sawyer to the town of Outskirts, and also highly entertained by the colorful cast of side characters!

And while this book does end on a huge jaw dropping cliffy, rather than it leaving me frustrated, it filled me with sweet anticipation of so much more DELICIOUS drama to come! So thank you, T.M. Frazier, for beckoning me so majestically into your grandiose world. I plan to stay for a good long while!

4.5 stars

Whenever I start reading a TM Frazier book I go in expecting the worst in the best of ways. Especially if it is only part one of a story because you know that is going to end and you will be sitting here counting down the days until you can get your hands on the next part. Because her stories? They are always amazing. And the author doesn't hold back. And I always want more. I was just hoping this one wouldn't be too bad, wouldn't torture me too much waiting for part 2!

The Outskirts was awesome! Like I said I went in expecting the worst, expecting terrible situations and things to happen, but I wasn't expecting such a sweet story to come out of it. I wasn't expecting to love Finn & Sawyer for being so perfect and kind to each other. I...I love the authors super alpha males, and Finn isn't a pushover, but he is sweeter than I am used to from her. And I loved every minute of it. It was a wonderful surprise.

Sawyer grew up in an unconventional way. She was raised in the church where women are secondary to men and her father is pretty terrible. It really isn't a good situation and for everything that happens to her she is so strong and brave. To set out on your own like that? Not everyone could do that. Especially with how sheltered she has been from the workings of the real world. I loved her. She was still kind and sweet and wonderful even though she has many things she would rather not talk about. Even though she is not very experienced. But she is determined to make up for lost time. She wants to try and experience everything. Nothing is going to hold her back now that she is free.

Finn is in a bad place. And has been for a long time. He has pushed away everyone who cared about him and is trying his hardest not to live. He has holed himself up in a shack in the swamp and pretty much never talks to anyone. He is happy...well not happy but resigned to spend the rest of his days miserable and keeping everyone away. After all he doesn't deserve it. He should be tortured every day that he is here and others aren't. Only Sawyer kind of messes his whole plan up. Right from the moment he sees her there is something there. Something that terrifies him. Something that keeps trying to make him feel things he hasn't felt for a really long time. Something that if he gives into it might make him move on and start living again.

These two were wonderful together. Sawyer & Finn just worked. They both have demons, but they both are there for the other. They both help the other work through their issues and come out better on the other side. I loved them so so much. I think this is now my favorite book from this author, though that is hard because to me it felt much different than her other books. Kinder, gentler, sweeter story that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for part two to see what is in store for these two next. I know they will have some things to figure out and deal with, some of their pasts will come back to haunt them, but I know they can do it. Because they are it. They have it. They are wonderful.

*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Another T.M Frazier book, another winner for me! I love the atmosphere in her books, heroines that although vulnerable, are tough as nails, heroes I can't help but fall in love with.

The Outskirts is the story of two damaged people, Sawyer and Finn, who both deal with the grief of the suicides of the most important person of their lives.

The parallel of the way they cope his really well handled. As Sawyer tries to move on (but finally is it really a choice?) and is looking for a fresh start, Finn is sinking into alcohol, sorrow and guilt. When Sawyer, sweet, strong, determined, independent young woman set her camper near Finn's shack, Finn's life is about to be turned upside-down....

With her intriguing outfits, and the secrets of her former life she seems to keep, Finn's curiosity is piqued.
She awakes in him sides he has kept burried for years, and one sure thing is, he doesn't like it one bit!
"The desire to want to live. The connection between Sawyer and I was like this tangible thing around us. I’d never felt anything like it."

And with his broody nature, hermit like life, but the protectiveness he shows toward her, she beginnings to see behind the scary neighbor who evokes in her troubling desires.
"I knew better. The only thing more dangerous than a predictable monster… Was an unpredictable one."

Sexy, sweet, angsty, the story is compelling and I could totally imagine what living in the Outskirts feels like. The heat, the storms, the swamp, the mud, the street, felt like a character of this book as well.

The side characters were extremely well written and became as important as Finn in Say's life: The mysterious and welcoming Critter, Josh and Miller's crazy relationship, without them, The Outskirts wouldn't be the same! They give a feeling of family to the book.

This first installment ends on a cliffhanger, I can't wait to read more and found out the last secrets of the Outskirts!

What?? Okay, I was expecting a cliffhanger in this general direction – but this one?! WTF? Where’s book two? I need it right NOW!! And even if it wasn’t for that cliffhanger, I would want it for the beautifully tragic relationship that forms between Sawyer Dixon and Finn Hollis. It’s innocent and fragile and perfectly pure – a deep love and affection and understanding for one another that was palpable through the pages once it took root.

Both Sawyer and Finn are fighting some bad demons – or, more accurately, are running from them. This means for Sawyer, she is packing her meager belongings and is off to a small town in the Florida swamp, far, far away from home – where she literally runs right into Finn.

Finn, on the other hand, is running from his tragic past. He is hiding deep in the swamp, having become a total hermit over the last couple of years, who is enjoying his isolation, where he can succumb to this pain that never seems to lessen. He is brooding, miserable and broken. Has pretty much given up on his own life. But then Sawyer comes along and seriously endangers his reclusiveness. They might have had a rough start, but this young woman, this innocent, strong, wholesomely good-hearted and inexperienced girl, makes him want things, things Finn almost had forgotten, and slowly but surely gives him back hope for his own future. A future where he wants to be the one protect her, show her the world, and be her first in every possible way…

An extremely gripping tale about healing and the power of love, about a strong heroine who is escaping the abuse at home, about a flawed and hopeless hero who is helplessly trapped by his past, and about a connection so magnificent and powerful that words cannot really encompass.

Finn, Sawyer, Josh, Miller, Critter – main characters and secondary characters alike – I cannot wait to return to the swamp with The Outliers, the second book in The Outskirts Duet, which releases in November.

A guy who has experienced so much and wanders aimlessly.
A lady who has experienced nothing and wanders with purpose.

“I have learned in my life that there are two kinds of people. The weak and the strong. Those who are truly strong try and lift others to make them feel just as strong. Those who are weak do their best to make others feel as helpless as they do. Surround yourself with the strong. Fall in love with the strong.”

We get the flavor of two souls that are jaded in their own right. Lifestyles that are total opposite but have taught them life lessons. To feel again. To trust again. To love in a new way. Each are running to where they do not know. Then they collide. Melded as one to conquer anything that is thrown their way. Every sentence was crafted to give you each step of their story in your mind’s eye.

“Fear and love are very much the same.
They both make your heart race and your body shake.
They make you tremble and anticipate.
They make you frantic with thoughts that consume.
Embracing fear is the same as embracing love.
It hurts.
It ends.
All is lost.
All can be found again.”

I am always excited to read anything that T.M. graces us with but when I spoke to her in July at the Dark & Seductive Affair event she stated that this was completely different from what she has written before. I assured her that we will love whatever her Evil Ginger Genius mind produces.

Y’all, I FLOVED it.
F LO V E D I T.

I dove in as any fan would do and I do not remember blinking! I just wanted immerse myself and I am glad that I drowned in this story! We know that this is her work and that she can take on any topic she wants. Of course there is drama and angst and “WTF” moments. The guy is naturally handsome and has a body you want to climb like a tree and lick it to claim as yours. The lady is of course gorgeous and has you standing behind her to cheer her on and become part of her posse Yes, there is a cliffy, of course there is this is T.M. we are talking about. And on the same token, we get the creative side of where she brings elements to give each story their own niche, in this one it was Tings - trust me you will love it and want to create a version of for yourself. Come to the swamp and join us in The Outskirts!

T.M Frazier certainly knows how to leave you wanting more!! Whether it’s these one of a kind characters who can’t get enough of, to those what the ever loving of a cliffhanger, this author has always managed to keep us in her grasps with her storytelling and The Outskirts was no different.

Sawyer Dixon has been sheltered her entire life. While most people her age were out partying and going to College, Sawyer was in her own personal hell living with the devil himself better known as Father. After a shocking tragedy that turns her world upside down, she decides to do something that will change her future for the better. Escaping to a new town to start over seems like the only good thing to do and with a little help, Sawyer was on her way to freedom for the very time. But when she runs into the town’s most talked about man, things just got a whole lot interesting.

Finn Hollis is well known around the town of “Outskirts” but it’s the tragedy that made him more famous in some people’s eyes. Now a recluse, Finn is used to being alone with his bottle of Jack and his messed up thoughts that are filled with nothing but regrets and he’s ok with that. Who wants happiness when you could just be a shell of a person right? Running into the town’s newest resident and learning that she’s going to be his new neighbor, has left Finn in a not so nice mood and what do you do when you’re in that kind of mood? You become mean. But Sawyer isn’t going anywhere and Finn just realized that he’s just met his match in every way.

“You make me want things Say, Crave things. Things I haven’t thought about in a long time.

I haven’t been this invested in a story in a very long time and as I’m writing this review, I’m literally counting down the days until I can get my hands on part 2!! I really didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters so soon and I found myself reading at a snails pace for the final chapter because I just wanted to savor it. Finn and Sawyer were perfect for each other. Let me repeat that because I don’t think it was registered the first time I said it. Finn Hollis and Sawyer Dixon was PERFECT!!!!! I always have to feel a connection between the main characters and how they operate as a couple and let me tell you, I felt their connection down to my bones! Those two were on fire and I loved every second, every minute that they spent together.

Now for the thing that I hate most in the world. CLIFFHANGERS. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I can’t stand dat hoe!! We have a lot of bad blood between us and she’s always managed to not only send my pressure at a dangerous level, but also has me setting aside some much needed Bail money. So cliffhangers and I don’t mix well at all and this one right here? Had me counting ALL of my money! I know if I get in trouble on the weekend, I probably won’t see a judge until Monday and I ain’t about dat life so I’m going to be a good girl and wait. It won’t be easy, but you know what they say: good things comes to those who wait. And if you’re waiting too long, just drink some wine, it’ll go by faster.

If you’re looking for a new addictive series to start, “The Outskirts” is most definitely for you.

* Arc Kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

“Do you always kiss everyone you hate?” I asked, yanking my lips from his.
“Does this feel like hate to you?” he growled looking between us as if he could see the connection there.

Finn Hollis has hidden away in his cabin in the swamp after tragedy struck a few years earlier. He’s alienated himself from the town and from his friends and he’s perfectly fine with that until the day sweet and innocent little Sawyer Dixon shows up and parks her trailer not even fifty-feet from his home. From the very start, he makes it clear that he doesn’t want her there, but Sawyer is free for the first time in her life and she’s not going anywhere. She quickly gets under Finn’s skin and he’s torn between his need to be alone and his ever-growing desire for this beautiful woman. It’s anyone’s guess which emotion will win out, but one thing’s for sure, things are about to get a heck of a lot steamier down in the swamp!

“You make me want things, Say. Crave things. Things I haven’t thought about in a long time.”

Loved this new story from T.M. Frazier! King, Bear and Preppy are some of my favorites but it was fun being introduced to a new “world” and new characters in this book! I loved the town of Outskirts, I felt as if I were there with how wonderfully everything was described. Having a story set in the swamp may seem like an odd choice but there was definitely something sexy and sultry about the setting and I really enjoyed it! This story (or at least the first half anyway) is a departure from the darker stuff we’re used to from T.M. Frazier but it’s no surprise that she can write sexy, swoon-worthy romance just as well. This one will definitely tug at your heartstrings as you meet poor Finn who is a hot mess when we are first introduced to him. I could feel his pain and I really loved seeing him start to heal a bit as he let Sawyer in. And Sawyer had been through her own ordeal and it was great seeing her strength and determination to make it on her own, she was a great heroine! The secondary characters, Critter, Josh, and Miller were all fantastic as well. They really rounded out this little town and provided plenty of humorous moments in the midst of the heavier stuff. Being part of a duet, there were a few pretty big reveals toward the end that has me very excited for the remainder of the story!!

“I want you, Say. So {censored} much. More than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone before.” He took a deep breath like he was breathing me in. “You terrify me."

T.M. Frazier pulled no punches with this book. We’re caught in the middle of the heart of this story right from the start. These characters were oh so broken. Finn was struggling, isolated and in pain. And the path to his old life seems so very far away.

He’s anything but fine and for two years he hasn’t let anyone in. And then along comes Sawyer. A young woman who carries her own burden of pain, but she radiates her innocence, naivete, wholesomeness and utter goodness for all to see. She brings the missing spark back to Finn’s life.

Suddenly he has to face his own pain. She forces him to start healing without saying a word. She gives him hope and produces feelings inside of him he’s never felt before. As corny as it sounds, she’s the sunshine to his rain.

"I’ve never met anyone like you. I’ve never even seen anyone like you. These freckles… This mouth… You make me want things, Say. Crave things. Things I haven’t thought about in a long time." - Finn

I’m not sure what about these words captured my attention more than any others. Maybe it was because when he said them, Finn was torn between what and who he wanted and a vague sense of hope for his future and the past that had a stranglehold on his present. Maybe it was because Sawyer was completely unaware of her appeal and Finn was the one to slowly but surely enlighten her. Sawyer grew up in a world that hid her very humanity. She was treated as a second class citizen, in her own words. She didn’t know who she was or hoped to be. And yet she and Finn shared a connection that these words cannot even sum up. I really don’t know what it was, but these words were the ones that spoke to me the loudest.

Finn and Sawyer’s story was a slow build but it was completely worthwhile. I loved seeing this brooding, miserable, hottie of a man turn into the sort of man that his woman needed. And I really enjoyed getting to see Sawyer come a bit into her own and discover some of what she’s been missing. These two together seemed fated. C’mon. Their names alone should tell us that, right?! But the author captured their serendipitous meeting with what I viewed as realistic expectations. This wasn’t love-at-first-sight or even a meeting of friends. However, as ill-timed and as negative as their first encounters were, it eventually grew into something more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

Frazier has a sweet habit of getting me to love everyone involved in her stories, not just the main characters. I adore Josh and Miller. They added so much to this story, even if it was comic relief because of their non-stop bickering. I hope their relationship finally takes off and they get their own happy beginning. Even Critter is worthy of a mention and I can’t wait to find out more about his role in everyone’s lives. With that ending, I’m anxiously awaiting the release of The Outliers, Book 2 of The Outskirts Duet, which releases in November.

Release Date: Sept. 10, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Book 1 of The Outskirts Duet

5 Finding your self-worth stars

I was hesitant in picking up The Outskirts because T.M. Frazier is known for the darker (not dark) and little harsher reads, but to my surprise The Outskirts isn’t anything like the King series. Don’t get me wrong, I love the King series, but I wasn’t in the mood for crazy.

The Outskirts is dramatic, but was an easy read. I read it in one sitting and I craved more when I was done.

Let me just say this, I LOVEEEEE Duet books. I’m a fan of the normal size book. Nothing too long, but not too short, I felt like The Outskirts was the perfect amount of read. I also love a good cliffy. Call me crazy but I want that cliffy that makes my jaw drop.

I love everything about this book. I love the storyline, the characters, the writing flow and the little mystery behind everything. I gobbled this book up!

Sawyer grew up in a religious household. It’s not a cult, but it’s cult like. Her father is abusive and her mother just died. She’s kind of searching for herself at 21.

I love Sawyer I found her brave and yet she’s a little bit of a damsel and that’s okay because I love reading that in a book. I love her innocence but also her thirst to try new experiences.

She realizes her mother has land in the Outskirts and so Sawyer decides to break free and be on her own, the only thing his, Finn owns the land next to hers.

Finn is a complex character that I crave to read in a book. He’s not nice, but completely redeemable in my opinion. He continues to push Sawyer away, yet continues to bother her. It’s the hot and cold personality I couldn’t get enough of.

Oh and the tension between the two is explosive.

What I really liked about this book was the swampy feel. I love a small town book and I felt like the swamp setting was different and refreshing. I love the chemistry between the two main characters and I love the side plots happening. I just overall liked this book a lot.

My rating indicates that I really, really liked it. And I did! The author created a very unique and surprising story with interesting characters about whom you want to read and read. I can not wait for the second part. Hope it's long!

Sawyer Dixon just lost her mother, and was left alone with her abusive father. They live in a cult church, which considers women as secondary beings. She realized that if she wants to live, she must escape from home. When she finds a letter from her mother, the whole plan takes shape.

Sawyer manages to escape and goes to the Outskirts, small Florida town in the swamp. This is where she meets people who help her, but also those who do not enjoy her presence. To be exact, her new neighbor Finn Hollis. He is struggling with a past that he can not let go. He pulled away from everyone and lives like a loner. The new girl pisses him off and intrigues him at once.

It's kind of enemies to lovers story. At the beginning they don't like each other, but it is not a real hate. More annoyance of the feelings the other side causes. I enjoyed this moment of the story. Their contacts were absorbing. It quickly developed and was very easy to get entangled with.

The heroine is easy to like. Her upbringing made her an interesting figure. Even exasperating and hard-hearted Finn could not resist. Very moody and sexy Finn, I would like to add. They were cute together. And I liked how they discovered themselves in every possible way.

What I also liked are amazing secondary characters. Especially Josh and Miller will bring a lot of entertainment to the story. Hope they get their own. The whole town makes that you want to visit, get to know them all and hang some tings. What an amazing idea.

The storyline is just very complex. Emotional, sensual, mysterious and captivating. At every moment, I was curious what will happen next and I never get bored. It's unpredictable. You can count on twists, especially at the end that make you impatiently expect the next part. It's not that far, November 1st, so do not hesitate just read this amazing book.

The Outskirts follows the story of a young woman who breaks free from her oppressive, cruel father to begin life anew. Armed with an unexpected leaving home gift from her mother, she escapes the clutches of her father and their congregation to an out of the way place she knows nothing about except its name. On the run, Sawyer refuses to look back as she begins her adventure into the unknown.

In the small town she meets two key people, one the local police officer, Josh (a nickname she acquired at school) who takes her under her wing just after Sawyer has nearly been run over by Finn, another notable resident. Through Finn and Josh a circle of friendship slowly emerges. Each of them has their issues, nothing major but enough to hold them back from living life to the fullest. Together they help each other get their lives back on track.

I loved getting to know Finn, Sawyer, Josh and Miller. It drew on the friendship bonds Ms. Frazier depicts so well in her other books I’ve read. This time, however, while the plot has dark origins, the story itself was a lot tamer than I expected. It didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story. If anything it was a fresh approach from a favourite author.

Sawyer’s story is far from an easy going out of town escape. Her scant plans are thwarted by circumstances beyond her control. The relationship between her and Finn is dogged by both their pasts. Thankfully their hot chemistry was steering the romance. It was a relief to discover Sawyer’s inexperience didn’t come across as a boring facet of the story, more a consequence of her upbringing.

Being part one of The Outskirts Duet, I wasn’t surprised when a revelation surfaces in the final chapter. It was totally left of centre and not at all what I thought would happen. How they had not encountered it sooner was a minor miracle considering The Outskirts is such a small town astounded me. I have a sneaking suspicion life is going to become a little complicated for this small town and I am eagerly awaiting for The Outlies to land on my Kindle!

5 Scorching Hot Finn and Sawyer stars!

Where should I even freaking begin?

I haven't read any of T.M.Frazier's works but here I am stalking her author profile and possibly adding each and every of her books to my TBR list because her writing was FINNtastic, FINNomenal and FINNcredible!

The Outskirts is the first part of a duet and it's the kind of book that swallowed you whole and makes you abandon your every responsibility just to finish the book.

Sawyer Dixon was raised in a "conservative" household where women are treated as secondary and should be disciplined to know her place. After a fateful event, she finds herself on the road with her mother's beat up RV to a town called The Outskirts, hoping to leave her past behind and looking for a change. Little does she know that the small town of a fresh start and happy ending poses an even greater danger - for Sawyer to lose her heart.

Finn was the outskirts. After the tragic incident that took away his one love, what's left of him was the shell of the man he used to be. Broken, drunk and jaded, he pushed away the people around him and escaped the world in his hideout in swamp nowehere. Until a newcomer barged into his life and opened his heart to feel again.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what I loved about the book because it was a combination of every little small thing. From the magnetic pull of the first chapter that kept you intrigued to read more, to the mystery of Sawyer's mum's ties to the Outskirts, the burning passion between Finn and Sawyer, and the incredibly funny duo, Josh & Miller who are also the backbone of the story, the list could go on forever with no ends, I'd say it be better for you to read for yourself! I'm hyperventilating just by recalling the scenes in the book!

Being a duet, I was bracing myself for the cliffhanger at the end as it was inevitable and necessary, but I was still caught BLINDSIDED by that plot twist.

Now, kindly excuse me as I go cry in the corner while waiting for book 2.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of The Outskirts provided by Social Butterfly PR and the author. Thank you for the reviewing opportunity!

The Outskirts is a visceral and utterly gripping love story of the forgotten ones. With her raw and magnetic prose, Frazier ignites all the feels as she takes her readers on an emotional, palpable, and poignant journey of two broken lost souls. Two strangers. One collision. Two hearts intertwining. Two souls becoming one. Buried secrets that could ruin it all. And one outcome.

"Because my mouth is watering to taste you,” he pressed his lips against mine and this time there was no storm to blame or anything else he needed to distract me from. “I want you, Say. So f _&*i#g much. More than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone before.”

Freedom. It is the only thing that Sawyer Dixon wants. For twenty-one years, she has lived a life of obeying her father and the church. But when her mother died, Sawyer saw the opportunity to leave her old life behind and begin anew. When she discovers a box and letter left behind by her mother, Sawyer knew this was it. Her chance to escape her abusive and manipulative father. And so begins, Sawyer’s journey to The Outskirts.

The Outskirts is a small forgotten town that is just a vast land of swamps and abandoned houses. As Sawyer embarks on her new life, she runs into Finn Hollis, the boy that just wants to be left alone.

After a tragedy, Finn doesn’t care much for life. For two years, he was a wandering broken soul who felt he had nothing left to live for and so he escapes and buries his feelings in the swamp. But what Finn never expected was his new neighbor, Sawyer Dixon to ignite a new desire to live.

"So what’s the second kind of beauty?”“The kind you can’t stop looking at no matter how hard you try.” Finn lowered his mouth so his lips moved against the tip of my ear when he spoke. “The kind you want to &%.” I swallowed. “What does that kind of beauty look like?” I asked, breathlessly. Finn’s hand rose on my stomach until his fingers lightly grazed the underside of one of my breasts. “Right now it looks like freckled skin and gold flecked eyes.”

Sawyer is completely innocent and naive. Everything is new to her. Fashion, alcohol, getting a job, making friends and of course, relationships. On their first meeting, Finn and Sawyer didn’t get along at all. She tried to stay away from his moody personality but as neighbors, it was inevitable. Soon Finn finds himself being drawn to Sawyer’s innocence and personality.

As Finn begins to start a friendship with Sawyer, feelings begins to emerge. Feelings of want, desire, and love. Things that Finn never thought was possible until now. These feelings scares Finn to the core but losing Sawyer frightens him even more.

"And it wasn’t just a need to take her body that I was fighting. It was a different kind of desire that made me pause. The desire to want to live. The connection between Sawyer and I was like this tangible thing around us. I’d never felt anything like it.”

This love that Sawyer feels for Finn is something that she can’t describe. It was as if he was her soul mate. That missing piece to make her whole and alive. And the same could be said for Finn. But what happens when Finn’s discovers something about Sawyer’s past and her connection to the Outskirts? Can Finn help Sawyer or will Sawyer find herself drowning in the swamps as buried secrets could ruin everything she had known about herself?

T.M. Frazier took the concept of second chances onto a whole new level. A level of beauty, truth, understanding, and passion. Everything about Finn and Sawyer’s relationship and the bond that transpired between them was visceral. It was a force to be reckoned with. A collision that shook you to the core. It made a once broken heart to beat again. And a heart that never knew love to be loved. The writing was mesmerizing. Gripping. Spellbinding. It was brilliance and poetic sprinkled. As for the story line, it was Frazier’s attention to detail and her broken characters that made this emotional love story memorable. A must read for any one who ever felt lost, forgotten, and hopeless. Trust me when I tell you, Frazier takes romance on a whole new level where vulnerability and passion collide. A story that can not be forgotten.

What an interesting and complex story. I loved the innocence of Sawyer and broken-ness of Finn both characters are multifaceted and had me glued to this book.

First I am a huge of fan of this author, I am a stalker and gobble up her stuff. That being said I went into this book with high expectations and I am happy to report I was not disappointed. Outskirts is a sleepy town that the world forgot about. With what sounds like more mud than roadways and a place they celebrate a myth, it is to become the new home of Sawyer.

Coming from one messed up life to some place completely freeing, with the exception of her moody, hermit neighbor Finn. Following her mother's dying request she leaves her sheltered life behind and finds a little place called Outskirts. A place she can be safe and figure out the little things that we take for granted. Like shorts and TV. She shows up in the middle of the night and almost taken out by none other than Finn.

Finn is in a bad place. He holds onto some serious regret and blame and because of that has alienated himself from everyone. Living in shack, only coming out on occasion and drinking his liver away, he has forgotten what it means to be alive. He is a lot rough around the edges but there is something about Sawyer's innocence that grabs his attention. And it is the first thing that has grabbed it in a long time.

Outskirts is filled with character and side stories that were just as interesting as the main one. There is Josh and Miller who add dimension and history. Then of course there is Critter and whole lot of secrets we don't yet know about. There was sweetness and tension, interesting and revealing moments, some sparks of course and then a number of unanswered questions. I knew going in that this was going to be cliffy, it's a duet so I was expecting the ending to make me a little anxious for the next book. And throughout I kept guessing about what the "moment" was going to be and all I can say is, I didn't see that coming, at all. And now I can't wait for more cause wow.

“There are moments in your life, seconds even, when something happens that changes everything. Changes you. I ‘d been through those moments. So had Sawyer.”

T.M. Frazier has out done herself! I’ve read her entire King series, so the Outskirts feels like a complete departure of T.M. Frazier’s style, but it’s a good change. Her writing style remains superb, but the story is much softer. There isn’t a lot of violence; it’s just about two lost souls in need of healing and acceptance.

The story touches on a couple of very serious matters: domestic abuse and suicide. It deals more with how it affects the lives of all people surrounding the matter. I’m particularly impressed with how well developed Finn and Sawyer are. They are complex. Sawyer is naive, but she has this inner strength that is so inspiring. Her desire to want to change her life is palpable and exciting. It has a very powerful and positive message. Finn suffers from a lot of guilt and he’s stuck in the past. I sympathize with his struggle, but I love how he accepts the healing process when he meets Sawyer. Together, they make a heartwarming story about loss, love, and forgiveness.

“Finn was a lot things. Highly irritable. Exasperating. A complete storm of negativity. But he was also selfless when it came to rescuing me and great at distraction. “

This story has all the feels…the angst, excitement of the push & pull, and the sorrow for all the pain they’ve had to endure. My favorite is the push and pull. I love the instant attraction and the push and pull that happens. It’s the excitement of when will they give in. And Finn was quite a grouch, but I can’t resist a brooding recluse!

During the story, I felt something ominous was going to happen, and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but of course in typical T. M. Frazier style, the story is left on a cliffhanger =( Part two to come soon. The waiting is the worst, but I can’t wait to figure out the rest of the story.

Life is anything but ordinary for Sawyer. Growing up with a father who is demanding, abusive, and rules with the hand of God. To make matters worse, Sawyer’s mother never stood up for the daughter that clearly wasn’t of a high priority. Then the unexpected occurs. Sawyer’s mother took the ‘easy way out’ and left her daughter at the mercy of her father. A fate that would inadvertently lead Sawyer to a secret that her mother was saving for the daughter that meant more than was ever known.

That nugget of information led Sawyer to the town in Florida known as Outskirts. A small town where everyone knows all there is about the neighbors and strangers that stroll into town. Sawyer parks her camper within a stone’s throw of one of the most unpredictable men in the town. Finn is the epitome of drowning your sorrows. After losing someone he cared about so deeply, Finn became a recluse. Seeking solace in the bayou that Sawyer now inhabits.

Finn doesn’t want to be bothered by anyone…..including Sawyer. However the red headed beauty draws the sullen Finn to her with all of the quirky traits that one can possess. Trying as hard as he can to run her off, Finn slowly realizes that Sawyer is harder to ignore than he thought possible. An attraction begins to build, drawing two tortured souls towards one another. Will the tragedies of their past be the pull they both need to find love in the most unexpected place?

Oh my goodness…..what can I say about Outskirts without giving away the entire story?? Finn and Sawyer are type of characters that you can’t help but feel drawn towards. A compelling tale that is slow to unravel, but is so engaging you just can’t put it down. A journey of heartbreak that must be uncovered. That ending…..lord have mercy. All I can say is I will be (im)patiently waiting to see what life has in store for Finn and Sawyer!!

I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

OMG, man just when I started to get into this book, it just said, THE END... For Now!! Really Come on. Crucial moment and nothing. Thank you T.M Frazier, you did it again...

This book had me from the beginning, and I didn't stop once when I started. (yep another late night) But it was all worth it.
Sawyer's mother just died, or rather she killed herself. And she left Sawyer with a abusive father, not according to him, he was just teaching her the way of the Lord.
So when she found a box under her bed placed their by her mother, giving her a way out, she took it.
She ran and didn't look back. Her mother left her a piece of property in the town of Outskirts. Which was her mother's happy place. When she got there she met Finn, who she was a bit weary of, but there was more to him that what meets the eye

Finn has been living in the swamp since his fiancé killed herself, and he blamed himself for that. So when Sawyer arrived on his doorstep, he was not a happy person. But she made him feel alive again, she made him feel things he didn't want to feel again. But he can't deny that there was something different about her, something that made him want to live again

Both of them having a tough life, and both of them struggling, but finding their light and happiness in each other. Once they start opening up to each other, they can see a happily ever after together.
Finn is starting to feel like he is living again and Sawyer feels like she has finally found a place where she belongs.

But so many questions are still unanswered. How did her mother find this place and does Critter (The owner of the bar in town who gave her a job, no questions asked!) know her mother. Or is it just a random place that she found.
I can't wait for the conclusion to this book, because that ending...

Sawyer Dixon has just lost her mother.
Contrary to what everyone thinks, her life is not easy at all. Never was.
Being her parents of an extreme conservative religion/community, Sawyer never had a moment of freedom. Women are considered inferior beings.
With the death of her mother, she would have to face her father's wrath alone.
But she finds an unknown shoe box under her bed that would change her life.
There, Sawyer finds a letter from her mother, a photo and the indication for her freedom.
Her destination: Outskirts.

The town was almost a ghost town, with mud everywhere it looked. But there, she could start having friends, a life, choices. And more than that, there, Sawyer comes to know the meaning of desire, lust and passion, in the person of Finn Hollis.

Finn was a man destroyed since the death of his fiancee. Guilt consumed him. He turned away from his friends and approached the drink. This was his only companion.
Until he has a new neighbor: the naive Sawyer.

The girl who wanted to discover the world and the man who felt the need to protect her unite in the most bizarre way. Do not try to understand fate.

But more than anything else, Sawyer would be faced with a brutal breakthrough.
Prepare yourself because the truth is just beginning ...
5 stars

Oh my god, this book was beautifully written, the storyline was just so, so beautiful!

Finn is a man who is broken beyond belief. He feels like his life has no worth, no meaning, until a beautiful freckled girl comes into his world.

Sawyer has suffered all her life. Her father thinks women are inferior to men and should always be behind the man. She lived an abusive life with that man and her mother took that abuse until she just couldn't deal with it anymore. Sawyer was upset that her mother took her own life, and she is mad that she didn't fight harder for her life and leave that abusive life and try better the situation for her and Sawyer.

When Sawyer decides to be courageous and leave her father, she takes off to the Outskirts, a small town that her mother was very familiar with apparently. She quickly becomes comfortable and makes friends quickly. But the one person that really gets her attention is Finn, he's a broody and sad guy that picks her attention.

Sawyer and Finn become quick friends and little by little their relationship evolves to more.

The love that Finn and Sawyer share is special, Finn wants to protect Sawyer in any way he possibly.

I was lost with this story and the love between these two special individuals.

This is my first T.M. Frazier book and am absolutely in love with her writing and can't wait to read The Outliers next, I am excited to continue reading and see what is going to happen with this beautiful story.

This is definitely a book that you will not be able to put down.

5 STARS!!

The Outskirts is the first in the Outskirts Duet. T.M. Frazier offers an addictive read full of passion, pain, and hours of pleasure.

Sawyer is a girl who has barely survived her upbringing. Being raised in a conservative church and at the hands of her abusive father, she is desperate to get away. When an unexpected thing happens, she is given the opportunity to escape. Although she is alone, she gathers up her belongings and runs!

Finn is a damaged hero with plenty of regrets. After experiencing great loss, he feels as if he has no reason to live. When Sawyer collides into his life, a spark ignites in Finn and he remembers what it means to feel something again. As Sawyer begins to rebuild her life, Finn is happy to help teach her all kinds of beautiful things.

Told in dual POV, The Outskirts is a beautiful contemporary romance full of complex characters just trying to find their way. After experiencing great loss, both Sawyer and Finn are a perfect match. The writing is well-paced and the impeccable description in the text transports you to the small town swamp. The secondary characters play a critical role in the development of the plot and I loved the way their relationships intercept with Say and Finn. With witty dialogue, passion, and tender romance, Finn and Sawyer are one couple you will want to meet!

Overall, I highly recommend anything and everything written by T.M. Frazier. She creates the most unique characters and The Outskirts is just one more example of why I will never get enough of T.M.'s work. Although this ends on a cliffy, it is bearable. Don't waste another second. Meet Finn and Sawyer now!

Welcome to OUTSKIRTS , a forgotten town in the swamps of Florida. Where one will flee and another will mend his broken heart .
Let me introduce to Sawyer and Finn , two completely different people but are destined to be together . Sawyer is a young woman who well for lack of a better word . Grew up in a household where God and the man were the head of the household . Women were just second class citizens . With the death of her mother , she is out to discover herself and find out what the box of treasures. that her mother left her, means . Finn is an lonely, broken hearted hermit living in the swamp . When they meet the sparks fly in more ways then one .
I fell in love with these characters . The author writes them with such a depth you can't help but fall in love with them. When we first meet Sawyer she is so sweet and innocent , you almost want to wrap her up in your arms and hug her tight to keep her safe . She grows so much as you read . She becomes such a strong girl . Even though she is still scared she isn't going to let anyone or anything get in her way. Finn is oh my god , how to explain Finn. He is so sexy but also such a broken man . You have a hard time liking him at first . He just can't let go of the grief that he has carried around for so long . Sawyer helps with that . But as you read you start to fall in love with him and finally figure out why he was holding on for so long .
This book isn't as dark as most of T.M's books but it does have some dark and disturbing scenes the overall feeling of the book is hopeful . The story will take you to places where you heart will feel like its been ripped out and then patched up at the same time . The characters will have you laughing and sucking in your breath . I will say there is a bit of a cliff hanger at the end and I can't wait for book two .

21 year old Sawyer comes from a religious family complete with a cruel, controlling father and a mum who finds a way to escape the only way she can. Sawyers mum has taken steps to help Sawyer get away and make a life for herself eventually and when Sawyer finds what her mums left behind, she grabs the chance to get away with both hands and doesn't look back.
With her mums box of secrets leading her on a road trip, she finds herself in a little known town called Outskirts where everyone seems friendly, except her gorgeous but extremely moody neighbour Finn.
I straight up adore Sawyer. For a naive, innocent, sheltered young woman she's got some big balls on her and she's extremely easy to love.

I was expecting to love Finn from the start but he's not easy to love or even like at first. Deeply troubled himself, he's shut down and withdrawn from everyone that he used to know. The last thing he wants is a new neighbour that he's trying to fight his attraction for.
Underneath his hard shell though, there's actually a nice guy. The more time he spends with Sawyer, the easier he finds it to change for the better and the more I fell for him.

Cop Josh and her sidekick Miller are brilliant. The banter between them is playful but with a sexy undercurrent to it. I admit I'm dying for more from the two of them.

There's an innocence to this story
that really drew me in. The characters compliment each other perfectly. Sawyer really is the light to Finns darkness.
This book has it all. It's emotional but has its light hearted moments that balance it out. It flows really well and it's got twists I definitely didn't see coming. Anyone that's a TM Frazier fan will love this book. It's everything I was hoping it'd be, complete with cliff hanger ending done in a way only TM Frazier can do.

The story started out strong. The writing beautiful. Sawyer Dixon is innocent and vulnerable. Living in a state of constant fear from her overbearing, strict, religious father. When her circumstances take an extreme change, she uses that opportunity to flee to the Outskirts and start over.

"I was in a strange town, in what appeared to be the middle of the swamp, thousands of miles away from the life I’d always known. I was alone. Terrified. And fantastically free."

Finn Hollis has also suffered a terrible tragedy that has left him alone, gruff and angry. A self-imposed hermit.

"Finn was a lot of things. Highly irritable. Exasperating. A complete storm of negativity."

Sawyer and Finn are both beautifully written characters. They have both suffered terrible tragedies. Sawyer is so beautiful, innocent and ready to explore all that life has. She has her freedom!

Finn is a complicated man. He is trapped in his self-imposed guilt and isolation. Together they have a connection, a chemistry that is like a live wire. Sawyer soothes Finn in a way he never thought possible. Finn realizes that he doesn’t want to be alone anymore.

There are many twists and turns in the story. What I thought was sure to be the cliff hanger was not. I wavered between two different situations and then out of nowhere came a third option. Well, hmmmm. It will be very interesting to see the conclusion of this story.

The writing is smooth and flows beautifully. A much different tone from King & Tyrant. And after the story we are treated to bonus Preppy scenes. They were awesome! Had me laughing out loud!

Looking forward to the Outliers. I am sure T.M. Frazier will take us to the unexpected once again!

4 stars