Hippie. Gypsy. Free Spirit. Bisexual.Why do people feel the need to use labels?I’ve been called them all, but I’m still just… me.Darla Maize Flurkey. Darby Cheetwood to the masses.I always follow the universe’s signs. It’s when it goes silent on me that I get myself in trouble. Then, I’m left to my own devices, which means I do dumb things… things…
…like fall for my best friend.
That didn’t really work out, so I tried to move on. I even planned a future in an effort to let go of my past.
If only the past would loosen its grip on me.
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I’ve said this before and will continue to say…I adore Robin leaf!! Loosen up is Robin’s 3rd book, and she packs so much into this story. Darby and Jase meet as teenagers, Jase is best friends with Darby’s brother and there is so much chemistry between them. Jase has secrets that he won’t share with Darby, so there is a push/pull that goes on for years. Darby can’t give her heart to anyone because it already belongs to Jase, so there is frustration, confusion, and so much hurt. Will Jase ever allow Darby in enough to confide in her? I loved this book, and I’m kinda hoping maybe Noah will get a story told…just an idea!! I am totally recommending this book, you need to read all Robin Leaf books, she is that awesome!!! Looking forward to what comes next!!!
Absolutely loved this title from Robin Leaf ! Roller coaster of a book and I loved the heroine. High heat level, too!! Not your average romance read.
Robin Leaf what are you doing to me woman! That is what I’ve wanted to say since reading this story. I knew she was going to be a fabulous author and this is her best book yet. It had everything and while this blogger didn’t cry, it sure gave me all the feels.
Darla (Darby) is a fun loving free spirit. She believes that life paths are given in signs from the universe. The one sign she could never read clearly was Jase. If it concerned him she was as clueless as the day is long. Robin captured Darla’s teen years beautifully. We got to meet her before Darby was born. I have never read a character like Darby and doubt I will again. She is a unique unicorn that filled the pages with a vibrancy unlike any other.
I will be honest, I hated Jase for a lot of this story. He was not the white knight instead he was an asshole IMO. It wasn’t until much later in the story that I warmed up to him. I think he had a childhood and early adult life that was scrutinized and not his own. When he finally pulled his head out of his ass towards Darla I was cheering him on. I loved the brotherly bond him and Noah had but at the same time had so many questions for Jase and his decisions. I felt like he was the puppet master to Darla’s life.
Allison was Darby’s partner for a snapshot in time. This whole period in Daby’s life I was frustrated. I didn’t like that I felt Allison used Darby. However, she was what Darby needed at that moment in her life. I wanted to wish a HEA on Allison but didn’t like her actions. Maybe Robin can redeem her for me.
Noah, he needs a HEA. You hear me, Robin! This man filled a void for Darby at pivotal points in her life. He was her rock and so much more. His strength to endure Jase’s feelings was amazing. He still gave harsh doses of reality when needed. All of the secondary characters and even ones from Robin’s previous stories made this story even better. They all added to the life events and experiences of Jase and Darby. I know this story might not be for everyone as there is some F/F scenes, and others that aren’t for all. That said I felt that Robin wrote Darby’s story perfectly. There is not one thing I would change. She gave me all the feels plus more.
If I could give this 10 pointe shoes I would. Such a great plot, story, and characters. One of my top reads of 2018. This book has a second chance that’s worth fighting and reading for.
This book… This book gave a new and exciting twist to the “He loves me, he loves me not” story line. It had my heart pumping, it had me cursing, and it had me crying. The hard hitting trifecta that has me in love with a story.
Darla/Darby is in love with her brother’s best friend… He runs hot and cold, pulling her in and pushing her away. They form a friendship that hurts so good, but leaves Darla more confused by the minute.
Jase is in love with his best friend’s sister. In a way where he knows it’s forever. However life is against him and he tries with everything he is to push her away.
This is the plot of the story, but it has is so much more to offer. It has surprising twists that will hold you hostage, heartbreaking turns. And there is a great risk of kindle throwing in your future if you decide to pick up this book.
This is Robin Leaf’s third book and she is no one hit wonder. The plot is well thought out, the characters lovable and well defined. There are chuckles and sniffles at every turn (which left my husband slightly confused).
Darla held my heart in her hands most of today and I’m not sure she is letting go for a while.
Five very well deserved stars to Darla and Jase.
Okay book one I was on the fence couldn’t decide if I was going to be a major fan or if I just wanted to pop in every now and again, you know what I mean. Book two I was really starting to be in saying oh yeah, she’s getting to me now and yeah I like her style. Then came Darla’s story. . . and I said oh crap. . . I’m a gonner. Now I have to admit Ms Leaf took me places I never intended to go, I mean only one other author has gotten me to read a lesbian romance and I did it grudgingly (and enjoyed the hell out of it) so imagine my surprise. I want to say that’s all but it’s so much more than the story of her and Allison. This story is so full of reasons to be completely in love with it and if you enjoy angst and twist, or as I so lovingly say, zingers and wham bams that you won’t get bored. Jace and Darla have a complex history and it is one for the books (so to speak). It is an emotional journey for both of them. There are losses and reunions, longing, desire and a love that is more than sex. There are friends and support and laughter. There is growth and challenges and yes times when you (along with a couple of the characters) will want to reach out and slap some sense into folks. In the end you’ll sit back, scrub your face and smile. Then you’ll want to read the next book in the series.