Book review: Cut & Blow ~ Ashleigh Giannoccaro

Title: Cut & Blow
Author: Ashleigh Giannoccaro
Series: Cut & Blow #1
Release date: May 20, 2017
(Sub)genres: Romantic suspense
Buy: Amazon US ~ Amazon UK
Rating:
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The smell of perm lotion and the sound of the dryer’s blowing hot air camouflages the truth, the lies, and the real stories behind the people inside the hair salon.

Cut & Blow flash in neon lights above the glass front of the outdated shop, but inside young talent shave and layer hair while making small talk with clients, that over share.

Ailee is a twenty-year old stylist with more secrets of her own than she hears from others on a daily basis. But, when a tall, long haired customer comes in and seduces her with his deep voice, the skeletons come tumbling out her closet before she can shut the door. Falling in love with him is like stepping off a ledge, she knows it won’t end well, but it feels so good on the way down.

Rainieri watches his wife from a distance, until he just cannot watch any longer. Through the salon window he sees someone else taking what is his, setting off his possessive streak. When she doesn’t get his subtle messages and her stubborn nature won’t give up, he steps in to take what was his all along.

As twisted as the gossip you hear in the hair salon, Cut & Blow will have you blushing and begging to hear the rest of the story.

What the heck did I read? I’ve never read a book by Ashleigh Giannoccaro before, Cut & Blow is the first book. The blurb for Cut & Blow intrigued me, and combined with the fact some of my friends love the author’s work, I knew I had to read this book. And I’m glad I did, I love this twisted story.

“I can’t make you love me, Ailee, but I can’t leave things any longer.”

Ailee is a young hairdresser who likes her work and the people she works with. She lives the typical life of a 20-year-old; work, party and the occasional hook-up when she wants to. Falling for a handsome client is not weird, it happens all the time. But Ailee is not a single girl. Although she hasn’t seen her husband Rain in years, she is married to him. Rain knows what his wife is doing, but he lets her do her thing. After all, he does the same and he has no need for a young wife. But when he sees Ailee actually falling in love with another man, her time is up.

“Please don’t hate me, Ailee. Don’t be afraid of me. I am not going to hurt you.” His words tickle as he speaks against my neck. “I don’t want to hurt you, I just want you.”

Ailee and Rain are married, but their marriage isn’t conventional. Ailee doesn’t feel married; she knows she has a husband, she knows he will come for her one day, but till then she lives her own life. Rain is working hard, establishing his name and reputation in a brutal world, but his wife is getting a big distraction. And when he intervenes, he does it Rain-style; just as he sees fit. Despite their age-difference and different lives Ailee and Rain make sense (well, when they’re on the same page at last), but it doesn’t come easy.

I’m not sure how I feel about Cut & Blow, or better, what did I read? Ailee and Rain are interesting characters coming from an old-fashioned world with its own set of rules. In name the couple is married, but their families know the truth. Her friends however, know nothing. I love young Ailee, despite her situation she tries to live her life, fully knowing her future is already set in stone. I know she has feelings for Rain, but I keep wondering if it’s love, or maybe acceptance of her situation as well. Rain is an over-the-top possessive man. I like him, but his actions…

As I already said, this is my first book by Ashleigh Giannoccaro. I love her writing; the tone of the story is very normal, almost light. But some of the twist and turns? Holly molly, I didn’t see those coming, at all. Did he? Nooo… He wouldn’t… OMG, this can’t be happening… And yes, it all happened. It’s so over-the-top but it’s fitting or the story and I wouldn’t expect anything different from Rain.

“I want to be with you. I’m staying because I want to. Not because I have to.” It’s like music playing in my ears. I knew she wouldn’t leave, but deep down I wanted her to want me as much as I want her.”

I love this twisted story, I give Cut & Blow 5 stars.