Review, Excerpt & GIVEAWAY: Need (Saving Anna Book 2)

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Erotica/Romance
Author: Sherri Hayes
Publication Date/Format: July 26, 2012/eBook
Blurb: As Brianna comes to terms with the realization that she is no longer a slave, she must figure out what she wants for her life. Forgetting her past isn’t an option. It is an integral part of who she is now, and it will forever shape her view of life. The one thing she knows is that she cannot imagine her life without the man who saved her, but can she be what he needs? 

Stephan never imagined falling in love with the woman he rescued, but the thought of her no longer being part of his life is physically painful. The scars from her past continue to haunt her, and he is helpless to stop them. All he can do is try to help her work through the traumas of her past. Can he be everything she needs and help her move on?

If you aren't familiar with the Finding Anna series, you can find my review of Book 1, Slave HERE.

My goodness! I adore this series. Sherri Hayes weaves such a lovely and dangerous web filled with an innocent (and not so innocent) need, constant patience, and paralyzing fear. But she kills me with those cliff-hanger endings. Literally. KILLS ME! *growl*

In Slave, Anna was given the decision to stay with Stephan or leave after being told that she was never his Slave and that he always wanted her to have a choice, he was just waiting for her to be ready to make it. And now, he feels she is. The control and D/s relationship dynamic is understandable and Stephan making this decision for Anna seems nothing but right when you're reading, but with that being said, it won't be comfortable or enjoyable for everyone.

Need begins with Brianna debating whether she can be what Stephan needs. Really, she can't even be who SHE needs because there are so many triggers from her year of torture that no matter where she is, she keeps having panic attacks and flash backs. Just a simple look can send her to "red" and a total loss of control. What she is doing is not yet living, but she's getting there. After being released from her chains, Anna has to learn who she is, her likes and dislikes, what she can do and what she simply cannot, to be able to move forward.

Stephan is still researching Brianna's background, trying to learn more about her and who sold her. After admitting his love for her, Stephan tries to maintain a safe distance, to not push Brianna into anything she's not ready for, but all Anna really wants to do is make him happy...even if what makes him happy happens to be the very thing that broke her. 

But even with all of the changes and trials, Brianna always counts on the steadiness and understanding only Stephan can give, teaching her to not only trust him, but herself as well.

This book was so well-written. I was already very involved in this story after the first book but I really feel even more connected to Anna and Stephan after reading Need. Brianna tells us a lot more about her past and what she remembers while Stephan does his best to not give in to his carnal needs. There is so much growth in this book and it is very realistic, one step forward two steps back, but the reader is constantly rooting for Stephan and Anna.

I can't wait until book 3! Although it's not projected until Summer 2013 - darn cliff hangers! ;)

And now, please meet the author:

Sherri Hayes is the author of the Finding Anna series [The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House], a four part erotic romance that's captivating readers worldwide.

Need is available for purchase in both paperback and e-book formats via Amazon :: B&N :: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House.

Find Sherri Hayes on The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House and her blog.

And here is an *exclusive* excerpt from Need (Finding Anna Book 2) by Sherri Hayes: 

“Good morning, Mr. Coleman.” 

“Morning, Jamie. Come in.” 

She walked into my office and took a seat in front of my desk. “It’s good to have you back.” 

“Thank you,” I smiled. 

My assistant was very loyal, and one of the nicest people I had ever met. “I brought you some phone messages,” she said, handing them to me. I flipped through them quickly. There was nothing overly important there other than a call from my lawyer. “Oh, and Miss Adams called just before five yesterday as well, but she said she would just track you down today. Should I call her and set something up?” 

“Yes. I do believe I have lunch available today. Why don’t you see if she is able to join me and order us something from the deli across the street?” 

She nodded. “Is there anything else, sir?” 

“I think that’s all for now, Jamie. Thanks.” 

Less than five seconds passed after my door clicked shut before I picked up the phone and dialed my lawyer. “Davis and Associates. How may I help you?” 

“Good morning. This is Stephan Coleman.” 

“Oh yes, Mr. Coleman. Mr. Davis is expecting your call. One moment, please.” 

The phone clicked and the line filled with hold music I’d heard more times than I could count. Luckily, I didn’t have to listen for long before Oscar picked up the line. We exchanged brief pleasantries before he cut to the chase. 

“My office received another phone call asking about Brianna Reeves. It was the same guy, I think. Anyway, after last time I put a tracer on the receptionist’s phone and instructed her to use it if he called again.” He paused for what seemed like several minutes, but was in fact only a few seconds. “The phone call originated from the Lake County Minnesota Sheriff’s Office.” 

Any doubt I had in my mind that Jonathan Reeves was looking for his daughter went out the window. I had known it in my gut, but now I had proof.

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