Title: Give Me Strength (Give Me #2)
Author: Kate McCarthy
Genre: Romantic Suspense 18+
Publication Date: September 16, 2013
Quinn Salisbury doesn’t think she’s cut out for this whole living thing. Even as a young girl she struggled. Just when she thinks she’s found a way to leave her violent past behind her, the only thing that’s kept her going is ripped away, leaving her damaged and heartbroken.
Four years later, she is slowly rebuilding her life and lands a job as an assistant band manager to Jamieson, the hot new Australian act climbing their way to the top of the charts. There she meets Travis Valentine, the charismatic older brother of her boss, Mac.
From his commanding charm to his confidence and passion, Travis is everything Quinn believes is too good for her, and despite her apprehension, she finds their attraction undeniable and intense.
When her past resurfaces, it complicates their relationship. Instead of reaching out for help, Quinn pushes Travis away, until a staggering secret is revealed that leaves her fighting for her very life.
Torn between running and opening her heart to the man determined to have her, can Quinn find the strength within herself to fight for her future?
Superb! I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was getting four stories and 8 lives entwined in one and Kate McCarthy did a great job conveying everyone’s emotions.
Quinn was definitely emotionless in the beginning but her being emotionless and stern stems from her background and from all the tragic things that happened to her in the past. Losing the only person who had loved and accepted her; the only person who has showed her things in life that worth living; teaching her how to trust and love again, Quinn has little left that she cares about. Only until she met the one person who revives that kind of feeling, Travis.
“I was too damaged for someone like Travis–broken, missing pieces that would never be found, and put back together in a way that never quite fit properly.”
Travis was made so deliciously that I could rip him from the pages of the book. His character brings a lot of energy and passion to the story, and his strong views in life and his heartfelt attempts to protect and do what’s right are endearing and contagious.
“Life is hard, Quinn, and the hardest part is being yourself in a world of people trying to make you someone you’re not.”
“I want to see you smile, and I want to touch you again and feel you burn brighter than the sun while I’m doing it.”
These two characters get into what feels like authentic passion but Quinn keeps on running, because it’s the only way she knew she could protect her friends and loved ones from the impending danger caused by her past. She has this stubborn wall that was a bit hard to break down but Travis took matters into his hands and did a bit of chasing.
“But I can only fight for you for so long before you have to start fighting for yourself, and for us, and it hurts that you won’t even try. I know I said I’d be strong for you, and I always will be whether you want me to or not, but you have to be strong too because I need you just as much.”
Ms. McCarthy’s writing is sharp and to the point. At first it may seem like it’s just a light-hearted and “cotton candy” read, but not at all. It has deep meaning, morals, and at times will make you smile & laugh. I truly love how the story concluded because their love was almost a tearjerker. Loving someone regardless of what they bring to the table was nice to see. Travis and Quinn’s love story had a certain build up and certain parts that would make you feel frustrated because you are really routing for their love to prevail.
“You gave me everything that helped me find myself. Your support gave me confidence, your determination made me fight, and your strength helped me find my own.”
I always find it a plus point when I’m reading a story within a story. Mac, Evie, Henry, Cooper, Tim, Casey, Jared, Lucy and the rest of the supporting characters created a good chemistry and made the story even more interesting. A perfect way to weave in and out between the main characters. There’s just something about them that I absolutely love that readers will be quickly drawn and would want to learn more about these spunky characters.
Give Me Strength will not disappoint you. I fell in love with everyone and the meaning behind the story.
If you are after a story with fun, great characters with real emotions; something that is easy to relate to and easy to feel, then this impressive and incredible book is the right one for you.
4 HEARTWARMING STARS!!!
Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a
short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area.
She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing.
She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane.
When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha.
Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a 