I Couldn't Stay Away! Any Means Necessary (2023) || Book Review.

I love books that get me hooked from the first page to the last page. I can sacrifice my sleep for those books but I dare not read them in public because I would feel restricted to express my emotions while I enjoy devouring the books. Those kinds of books are meant to be read at the comfort of your bed or house, with any snacks you like, for me I always put my herbal tea or coffee beside me. It's a must!.

This book I am about to talk about was recommended to me by my Goodreads friends and after I finished the book I immediately rated the book there. I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting that I couldn't stay away or take a break from it. I finished this book in less than 24hrs. I couldn't stop because I want to see what happens at the end and want to know how the story of the protagonist ends.

So let me paint a little picture for you. Imagine you're an ER Nurse, a plus-size lady, with beautiful blue eyes, blonde, with belly fat, enormous breasts and ass. Your colleague at work asks you to replace his second job by house-sitting a luxurious penthouse. However things are hitched up in your life when you see a stranger dressed in a customized black suit in the penthouse, his giant frame fills the expansive kitchen, and he’s tall, six-foot-four.

Knowing fully well he is stronger than you but you sum up the courage and threaten him to leave. Then he tells you, he owns the penthouse that you are house-sitting with his Hazel eyes pining you in place. Still want to convince yourself more, you ask that you both exchange ID cards to be sure. You look at this massive man and your gut tells you he is dangerous, an apex predator but deep down you know your life just got spiced up.

Well, from what I said above you think this book is some hopeless romantic book but let me assure you, it is not.

'Any Means Necessary' was written by Lila Herron, her debut novel. It was published June 30, 2023 with 403 pages. It is a standalone dark romance and crime story with a confident, plus size main character and a dangerous, tattooed, bearded male lead.

My Review And Rating.

This amazing romantic and suspenseful book took me on a journey through the worlds of Lexie and Callum packed with intrigue, murder, assault, crimes and love. The story centers around these two formidable characters as their lives are intertwined in an unexpected and interesting way, which then leads them down a hazardous path.

Lila Herron's storytelling technique was amazing and intriguing. I loved how she was able to introduce her characters without giving any hints about their deep personality. I love her narrative techniques, and how she was able to blend gore, crime with romance. It was seamlessly done and I was impressed. Also, she was able to deliver gripping scenes that involve crimes, suspense and murder. For her first book, I think she did well and I hope I get to read her next book.

The themes Lilia explored in her book are what makes the story interesting and intriguing to read. I appreciate how she revolves her two main characters around the themes. She basically carved out her character from the themes. For example the theme of moral difficulties, secrets, personality masks, power and influence centers around the characters of Callum Russo. He is a man that hides his real self under shades of a different cold-detached personality. He is always in control, precise and meticulous in everything he does not until Lexie comes into his life and shatters all his walls leaving him at her mercy.

Other themes that were also explored in the story revolve around Lexie which has to do with childhood trauma, self-discovery, self - love, self-acceptance, love, and body positivity. All these themes are basically what makes up Lexie's character in the book. She is a young lady that has fought since she was a child to accept her body, regardless of how parents treated and broke her.

Apart from Lilia carving out her two main characters from the themes above, she also went ahead to spice up the whole story, with crime, mystery and suspense. She doesn't just scrape the top of this genre, she went in depth with detailed description with heart gripping scenes which makes the whole story fast-paced.

One of my favorite scenes was when Lexie had to stitch up Callum's injuries while they were in a moving car. Callum didn't hold back, he showed her then he wanted every part of her. Before I forget, he calls her dewdrops, a name just meant for her. That scene had me giggling while kicking up my legs. I couldn't help it.

Rating this book, I will give it 5 out 5 stars. This book deserves this rating and more. It was GOOD, I enjoyed it, it was entertaining, intriguing and steamy. It has everything packed in one book. If you love suspense / crime / romance you enjoy every part of this book and you won't be disappointed. PS. Don't forget to read all the trigger warnings before reading the book.

All images above are from my E-library

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