Rowdy audiobook

5 ‘First and last’ stars! I absolutely love the Marked Men series. Sadly, ever since Rule, none of them have measured up. Even though Rule is still, and probably always will be my favorite of the Marked Men- Rowdy sure gave him a run for his money! Out of books 2-5, this was by far the best for me! Rowdy is the fun blonde in the group. He never has a girl for too long, he’s always having a good time and going with the flow. He doesn’t do relationships because he’s been left by every person he’s ever loved one way or another. One of those people is Salem.Salem grew up in a household where too much was expected of her. She could never just be herself. The only person she was the ‘real her’ with, was her younger neighbor Rowdy. Rowdy and Salem just got each other as kids. We might have been on the outside looking in at our own families and our own lives, but at least we could stand outside together. Even though Salem was a few years older than Rowdy, they formed this bond, this friendship. Salem’s little sister may have caught Rowdy’s eye, but Salem was his best friend. When she turned 18 and had to get out, it devastated Rowdy. He was left, once again. Fast forward 10 years and Salem finds her way back to the blonde boy she left behind. Only to find he’s grown up big time. Salem is determined to get back in Rowdy’s life. Rowdy doesn’t make it easy. He’s not quick to trust. He doesn’t want to get hurt again. But he finds it impossible to fight the pull he’s always had for Salem. Salem works hard to gain Rowdy’s trust again. I really liked watching the two of them re-connect. Everything seems to be going great, then Salem’s sister comes back into the picture. The same sister that caught Rowdy’s eye as a child. It brings some insecurities from Salem. And confusing feelings for them both. Rowdy is quick to realize that firsts come and go, but it’s the lasts that really matter. God I loved that saying. “You are the last person I want to kiss. The last woman I want in my bed. I want you to be the last girl that touches any and all parts of me, Salem, and that means so much more than a first.” Watching Rowdy and Salem’s love grow and develop, watching Rowdy learn to trust again and truly fall in love was a beautiful thing. Things came up, but no over the top drama so that was fantastic. I loved both of the main characters. Rowdy was just fabulous. And Salem- she wasn’t annoying in the least. A very likable heroine! I loved how persistent she was in showing Rowdy she was there for the long hall and not going to leave. She was so patient and understanding with him. What's so wonderful about reading a Marked Men novel is not only do you get a great story, you get to see whats going on with the rest of the gang. Those other characters that are near and dear to your heart. I loved getting more Rule, Rome, Jet and Nash! And Cora of course- love her! I also liked the new characters introduced in this one. I know Asa’s book is next, but I see a lot of potential down the line for some books for the others!Rowdy is one of those books that just makes you happy in the end. A sweet, sexy and romantic story. A story about second chances, learning to forgive and move on from the past, to trust again. I thought this one was really great. A favorite of mine for sure. I like how the book ended and looking forward to the next Marked Men book! Bring on Asa and Royal’s story!

4-4.5 StarsI'm short on time, so this won't be a proper review, but anyway...This was really good. Once again, Jay-she-who-cannot-possibly-use-a-normal-name-EVER-Crownover has delivered another awesome installment to this series. I was really looking forward to Rowdy and Salem's book and this definitely delivered (whew!). Rowdy was a cutie and I really dug Salem. She was a confident chick - and after the self-esteem drain that was Saint from the previous book - Salem rocked my casbah. But what I was most excited about was that the element in this story that I was worried about - the sister element - was totally addressed and completely conquered here - thank GOD. Not gonna lie, I was a little worried that it would remind me of a certain other book...*cough* I'm looking at you Heaven's Sinners *cough cough*Fans of the series will definitely not be disappointed. And PS, we were introduced to some other ridiculous awesome new character names: Avett...and Sayer (WTF?) Oh whatever self, it's like a name shit show and we are kind of loving it at this point!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1) I can't wait for this damned book!2) That cover is heinous.

Rowdy and Salem have a lot of history. She knew him as a kid and was there for him in ways nobody else was. He was in love with her sister. There was always a connection but when she left, Salem left a big hole in his heart. A heart that was then shredded by her sister in a different way. When a wise mutual friend brings them back together, the connection changes. They are attracted to each other as more than friends. They have quite a few issues to work through but as they do, their relationship starts to build a good foundation. The past clashes with the present even more when Poppy, Salem's sister, re-enters the picture. I'm really happy with how Rowdy handles it all and appreciative of how put together he is. Throw in some sexy and I didn't want to put this down. Salem was pretty awesome herself and found herself fitting in with the group seamlessly. The book's dramatic moments were done well. The characters had unique traits that kept me interested. The plot maximized their strengths and showcased growth. Their lovemaking was hot as hell! Safety: No OW/OM/Sharing. No rape. Yes to abuse.

"Dedicated to anyone who is trying to figure out where they are supposed to be. Don’t worry, friends, the universe has a plan for you; you just need to listen to what it’s trying to tell you and you’ll eventually end up exactly where you were always meant to be."-Jay Crownover With an opening dedication like that from the amazing Jay Crownover, I knew this book was going to be amazing! Not only did I find inspiration in Rowdy and Salem's story but it was a personal reminder to me that life doesn't always go the way we expect it to. Sometimes life hands us pain. It is up to us to keep moving forward and believe that everything will fall into place the way it was meant to! Rowdy has always been the "sweetheart damaged bad boy" of the bunch! We know that he has experienced loss and that's why he has never allowed himself to get attached to anyone. He lives life to the fullest and loves his friends with everything he has. Rowdy had loved and lost Poppy at a young age. Poppy isn't the only person he lost. Poppy's big sister Salem left him. Salem was running from an emotionally abusive prison. "My parents wanted to squeeze me into a too-small box, painted white and tied with a bow of tradition. Me being me would never be good enough."-Salem Salem leaving Rowdy pushed him to Poppy. Then he lost Poppy too! This loss shaped Rowdy to be the man that he is.Salem befriends an old tattoo artist. She reveals her past about leaving Rowdy. The old man tells Rule and Nash they need to hire her. When they call her and offer her a job. Salem figures out that Rowdy is there in the tattoo shop. It is then that Salem has finally discovered her calling. It is to reclaim Rowdy. She has been living her life as a gypsy. Roaming from place to place. But now, the Marked Men are calling her to Colorodo. She is able to finally stare into the beautiful eyes of the boy she loved and lost so many years ago."It was like staring at everything that I suddenly wanted in the center of a crystal ball telling me that was what my future was supposed to look like."-SalemRowdy isn't crazy to see her at first. She is bringing him to a place that he isn't ready to go to yet. Now he is forced to admit the love that he has lost. It takes a good shove from his friends to realize that Salem doesn't want to bring him pain. She wants to bring him love and joy! "There’s always a first girl, Rowdy, but there is also the girl that is going to come after her until you get to the last girl. The last girl is the one that really matters.”-Jett Salem is clueless about what he has been through. She doesn't know what really happened between him and her sister Poppy! As she begins to discover how deeply he was hurt, she begins to doubt if Rowdy will be able to love her as much.As always the Marked Men and Women surround these two! They offer them love and support and encouragement. "None of us have any room to talk when it comes to figuring out what is happening with these guys. It was like walking across a shaky bridge with no handrails hanging over the steepest canyon trying to get from where we were to where we wanted to be with all of them, so lay off of Salem. Rowdy is happy, he’s not out sleeping with half of Denver anymore, so why doesn’t everyone just leave it at that?”-ShawSalem and Rowdy rekindle their friendship and found out they are perfectly matched in every way. When these two come together, it is HOT! Rowdy and Salem together is sweet and healing! "When I touched her, when I put my hands on her tattoos, it looked like our colors just bled into one another. We became one giant painting of swirling colors and heated skin. She was a perfect work of art in more ways than one."-Rowdy Things don't end here. Poppy shows up. She has been abused by her crazy husband. Salem starts to doubt hers and Rowdy's relationship. Things get intense. Rowdy refuses to let go of Salem. He is finally able to show her that HE WANTS HER and no one else! “I’ve got you.” He did. He absolutely did and I had him. “I know you do. I’ve got you, too.” Now we just had to stay strong."-RowdyThe way this story comes to an end was beautiful. In true Crownover fashion, we are transforming from Salem and Rowdy's story into the next Marked Man ASA! Overall, I found Rowdy to be an excellent read. The angst is low. (Always a plus for my taste.) The steam is high. (SIGH!) The characters are real, damaged people just trying to find their way! If you haven't experienced the Mark Series yet you should check it out! It doesn't disappoint!"Embrace the change, find your passion, know what your true joy really is about, and pursue it until the end of time. Live the life you were always meant to live. Honestly, nothing on earth will make you happier or more grateful for every single moment you have."-Jay Crownover Thank you Ms. Crownover for inspiring us all to keep going....keep living....keep doing...until we find our way!

A heartrending, seductively sweet and vibrantly charged story about first kisses, second chances and the one true and last love. “I always thought it was the firsts that matter, but now I know that it’s the lasts that stay with you… I want you to be the last girl that touches any and all parts of me, Salem, and that means so much more than a first.” When Salem Cruz was old enough she left her hometown of Loveless. Escaped her parents that ruled her life with tyranny. Left her beloved younger sister Poppy and the next door blue-eyed boy who from a young age made her smile and wanted nothing more than to make her dreams come true. Leaving behind a big gap in his young heart. “Salem, however, had been my confidante, my confessor, and maybe most importantly she had offered a lonely and unwanted boy friendship and acceptance. She was my very best friend and I was lost without her.” Rowland St. James was orphaned at the tender age of six. He had been abandoned by one Cruz sister at fifteen. And the one he thought was his first love shattered his heart when she told him he was not right for her. He left everything behind, but even though he believes his life is plagued by bad luck, with time he’s found a calling he’s passionate about and group of friends who he calls family, even when he’ll no longer trust women. “I couldn’t trust myself not to fall back into caring about her, trusting her, being captivated by her, only to have her move on once again, leaving me empty and alone.” Ever since Salem left, she’s been a gypsy, a nomad, wondering from one place to another without knowing that with each step she’s moving closer to her final destination. Once the opportunity to work at the same place as her sweet blue-eyed neighbor arises, she doesn’t hesitate to take it. Because resolute in showing Rowdy St. James, she’s always been the right sister for him. “Rowdy and I had ties that bound us together, it was just proving more difficult than I thought to unwind them and tie them back up into a pretty bow.” With the doors from his past open, he’ll soon be facing both Cruz sisters. Can Salem overcome her fears regarding Rowdy and her sister’s relationship? Will Rowdy be able to put his heart on the line and understand that it’s not the first but the last girl he falls for who is important? Salem had been the one person who truly understood him. She had been his happy harbor until she left without a backward glance. She also serves to remind him of the hurt her sister had caused. And the fact that Rowdy thought he had loved and lost his one true love is a huge matter of concern for Salem. "We are definitely doing this, we just might not be doing it right all of the time, and that road might have a speed bump or two." I have adored all of the men in the Marked series. “Those boys have more love in them than they know what do with,” and Rowdy is no exception. I felt a fist around my heart for all his loss, but elated by how he had made his own happiness. He was charming and sexy and once he got over being mad a Salem, he knew exactly how to take care her. “something was happening between us that had shades of the past and flavors of the future all mixed together in one giant ball of emotion and experience.” Salem is strong and independent, warm and compassionate. Sassy and sexy and just perfect for Rowdy. She fit perfectly and seamlessly with the tight-knit Marked family. Facing a past with so many sad memories is not easy. They both had to familiarize with the grownups they had become and come to the realization that what they had as teenagers was so much more. “I just wanted to be around you all the time because it was like having the warm rays of the sun touch everything that was so cold inside of me.” I loved that there was no incredibly angsty drama. Rowdy and Salem slowly and surely worked on the issues from their past in order to look forward to their future in a way I very much enjoyed throughout this story about letting go of fear and enjoying what life brings, laced with sweet tender moments as well as a hot, explosive romance. “We looked good together naked. I liked the way our ink blended together into one giant mural.” Add to that the wonderful secondary characters new and old that give so much heart to the story with their unquestionable loyalty and kinship. Because it’s not just about the main characters, all the other relationships are also highlighted and made to matter. Since the first time I read a Jay Crownever book, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her unique mostly narrative style of writing, which not only provides vivid imagery but also lends to wonderful character development where emotions are very much explored. I trust her to deliver a beautiful story that will touch my heart with the depth of feelings the characters have for one another. And that’s exactly what I got. I’m sure I highlighted a good chunk of the book, from quotes that made me laugh to ones that made me cry, but most that made me swoon and fan myself and “sent warm and gooey threads of love and happiness” to my soul and make me wish I could share all of them with you.One last note. I didn’t even look at the blurb for this book. So it didn’t occur to me that this might be a love triangle involving sisters. For those of you who might worry about this, rest assured it’s not the case. I wish I was sorry for going overboard with the review, the teasers and the pics, but I'm not really :). Rowdy is book 5 in the Marked Men series by Jay Crownover. It can be read as a standalone. Written from both points of view. It has interconnecting characters from past books, with a beautiful happy ending. No cheating.More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers

A super hot romance with lots of heart, sexiness and style. Rowdy and Salem’s love story has got to be one of my favorites in the Marked Men series!Sizzling. Sexy. Sultry. Super-freakin’ hot. I couldn’t get enough of Rowdy St. James and Salem Cruz. Their story felt so very original and fresh. Their distinctive, individual styles made the entire narrative feel real and vivid, full of tan skin, ruby streaks, slickly styled hair, bloodred lips and bright ink. There was color and style everywhere, making the story come alive in a way that captivated me completely. Their story is one defined by firsts and lasts. Shaped by a past they shared, by the loss they felt, by the hurt they carried and by a future they desperately envisioned and clung to. It was riveting and emotionally charged, full of twists that had my pulse racing and my heart aching. “For the first time in my entire life I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.” When Salem uproots her life and heads to Denver to manage the Marked shop, she’s got a certain pair of cerulean eyes in mind. Eyes she’s known since she was a kid, but hasn’t seen in ten years. Salem didn’t have the easiest childhood. Raised under the thumb of her strict, minister father, there were too many rules she had to abide by. Too many rules that stifled the free spirit she really was. When she finally broke free and left the small town of Loveless, Texas, she left not only her family, but also her closest friend, Rowland St. James. They got each other in a way that no one else did. Brought out the best each had to give to the world. They had been inseparable.Until she left. “He was a kindred spirit, and he made my heart smile when my day-to-day was so dreary and desolate.” But Salem knew that Rowdy had feelings for her sister, Poppy, the more perfect and settled of the two Cruz girls. Salem’s wild spirit fought to break free and living under the crushing pressure of constant disappointment and unmet expectations, she had to leave. Over the years, she made a name for herself, found some success, and blossomed into an independent, strong-willed woman. Moving to Denver was an adventure that somehow felt right, particularly since Rowdy was there.She had never forgotten him. “That girl had ruined me once when I was young. I would never forget the way I felt when she walked away. I didn’t want Salem anywhere near me. I couldn’t trust myself not to fall back into caring about her, trusting her, being captivated by her, only to have her move on once again, leaving me empty and alone. When Rowdy sees Salem, a storm of emotions invades him. One thing is clear, however, he wants nothing to do with her. Salem is drudging up past memories he worked so hard to bury. She’s beautiful and unsettling, but she’s a constant reminder of all the pain he’s been through in his life. Not to mention, she’s the sister of the person he believed to be “the one.” “He was something else. Something new and uncertain, something exciting and unexpected in a life that had forever seemed monotonous and bleak. Even though sadness and discontentment bled off of him back then, I could still see the strength and defiance in him that I so longed to have in myself. I wanted to soothe him but I also wanted to watch what happened when someone with that much untapped potential was set free.” Salem is fascinated by the grown-up version of Rowdy. She’s determined to make him talk to her. So much had been left unsettled between them… so much she still didn’t know about. He seemed angry, not just in general, but at her and she couldn’t understand why. Rowdy definitely wasn’t known for being ornery. He was the charmer. The easy-going flirt. He was a love ‘em and leave ‘em, one-night-stand kind of guy, but everyone loved him nonetheless. He never let anyone in because the last time he did, he was left behind. His mother left him when she was brutally murdered. Salem left him at a time where they were inseparable. Poppy let him go when he offered her the world. Phil, his mentor, left him when he succumbed to cancer. It was too much and Salem awakened that pain all over again. “You always saw me, Salem. You understood me when I didn’t even get myself. You were my best friend and then you left. I can’t care about someone, attach myself to someone, when they’re just going to leave me in the end.” Salem is one of my favorite female characters in the Marked Men series. She’s strong, yet vulnerable. Super sexy and stylish, with a great deal of heart and compassion. She felt deeply, but she wasn’t the type to be broken by affairs of the heart. Spending time with Rowdy intensified the feelings she had felt for him for so long, but insecurities about what he still felt for Poppy plagued her. As walls begin to fall between them and they spend more time together, they find they have something amazing between them. They still have that closeness, that familiar affinity, and now, all that fueled by a scorching hot chemistry, well, it was way more than they ever imagined. “You always made me really happy, Rowdy. I’m sort of infatuated with all the different ways you make me happy now that we’re all grown up.” The story really centers around making their relationship work by overcoming the past and all the insecurities they both have. Salem needs to believe his feelings for her are indeed real, while Rowdy needs to process his lingering feelings for Poppy and believe that Salem won’t bolt at the first sign of trouble. Together they are super hot… a perfect match. But just as their relationship settles into a happy calm, things happen around them that shoves the ugly past back into the present in all its painful glory. “No one had ever said relationships were easy, but somehow I didn’t think they would be this hard or this heartbreaking either.” Every Marked Men novel has been a 5-star read for me. I absolutely adore this series and every female and male character in it. I love seeing the other relationships evolve as I continue with the series, I love feeling how strong a family these people have come to be. Each person is distinctive and unique, but each love passionately. I can’t get enough of Jay Crownover’s gritty, bold storytelling and already I anxiously await more. Asa is next and I can tell you it’s one hell of a story! "You are the last person I want to kiss. The last woman I want in my bed. I want you to be the last girl that touches any and all parts of me, Salem, and that means so much more than a first.” For more reviews, visit my website at Vilma's Book Blog and connect with me on Facebook.