NAKED (Body and Soul #1) by Gina Gordon-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 26, 2016

Violet Walker has been hiding. Withdrawn after a terrible car accident, she is worried about going back to her high-pressure job, where she’s expected to project confidence and sleek refinement. Allowing herself a distraction, she’s been watching her sexy neighbor work on his house. But when the shirtless, grinning hunk catches her in the act, Violet is struck by the unmistakable jolt of physical chemistry, a sensation that’s both thrilling and terrifying.

Noah Young is used to moving from one construction job to another, never laying a firm foundation. The same goes for the women in his life—until Violet changes all that. His beautiful voyeur embraces his rough edges and shows him a hint of real love. But even Noah can tell that she’s holding back, hiding her body and her heart from what they both truly want. If only he could get a little help convincing Violet to see herself as he sees her: perfect in every way.

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REVIEW: NAKED is the first installment in Gina Gordon’s contemporary, adult BODY AND SOUL romance series. This is the new CEO of Walker Industries Violet Walker, and construction foreman Noah Young’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Violet and Noah) NAKED follows the building romance between new neighbors Violet Walker, and Noah Young. Approximately one year earlier, Violet was injured in a car accident that killed her fiancé, and left our heroine badly disfigured from the neck on down. Enter Violet’s neighbor Noah Young, a construction worker who is unaware of Violet’s past, and the secret she keeps about her plans for the neighborhood in which they live.

NAKED is a story line about perceived perfection of beauty; the aspirations of one woman whose entire life has prepared her for something big; something more, but a life now scarred by an accident that Violet blames on, no one else, but herself. Violet is about to take over the CEO position at Walker Industries, and is determined to experience life before life experiences her. Violet is a woman who is confident about her abilities, but lacks the self-confidence to reveal herself to the world. As a heroine, Violet’s strengths and weaknesses were one and the same.

The relationship between Noah and Violet is one of friends with benefits that grows into something more. Violet enters into her relationship with Noah never expecting to fall in love with, or to discover that her physical and emotional scars run more than skin deep. Violet hides behind colorful scarves and conservative clothing meant to mask the scars she has yet to reveal to her family or to the man with whom she is falling in love.

NAKED has a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Violet’s parents, several members of the Board of Directors of Walker Industries, and Noah’s large and loving immediate family. We are also introduced to Harper Jones-a young woman who specializes in boudoir photographs and getting woman to accept who they are-scars and all; and Body and Soul tattoo shop owner Luke, who may or may not have a thing for his co-worker Harper.

NAKED is a story about contradictions; about the perception of beauty; and about the secrets we keep. The premise is a slow build to a happily ever but I was a little lost with regards to a certain aspect of the conflict resolution and Violet’s plans for the neighborhood rebuilding project. While Violet’s business outline was in complete contrast and opposition to Noah’s plans, there wasn’t a clear explanation or answer to the final outcome. Confusion reigns for the perceived future.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy