Shed My Skin by Nola Marie is a must read for all rockstar romance fans, and it is now available! Shed My Skin is the first half of Maddox Masters story, and it is the fifth book in the Sons of Sin series. While you don't need to read the previous four books, I think it's beneficial so that you can witness Maddox in the other books. It will give you a better understanding of who he, the things he has been through, and how that has gotten him to this point. All of the books in the series are fabulous, and I am hooked. Keep in mind that this book DOES end in a cliffhanger.
Seeing as how this book takes place after Break Me Down, I cannot recap Shed My Skin without giving spoilers for Ryder's book. So I'm just going to refer you to the description that Nola wrote (it's down below), and call it good. One thing I do want to mention is that there are trigger/content warnings for this book!
This book contains violence, explicit sex, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, suicide, child abuse, and sexual assault. Discretion is strongly advised.
Holy hell that was a ride, and now I have to wait until Nola releases Breathe Again so I can find out how Maddox's story concludes. How does he get out of this dark space he is in? Does he come out of this working toward a future, or are we saying goodbye to a character? I refuse to believe that Nola would write off a character, so I'm thinking good things.
I knew that Maddox's story was going to be dark, and full of painful moments. I wasn't expecting him to have dealt with the things he did. His past is full of twists, turns, drama, and trauma. In this book we walk through all of that with him as he writes his "goodbye" to those he holds dear. It is very eye opening, and it has me viewing Maddox in a different light.
One thing that was shared was everything that happened with Zoey. This has me understanding it so much more, and it all breaks my heart. Their relationship/friendship endured so much. Yes there was good moments, but there were also painful ones. I'm also better understanding the relationship with Ryder. It's all making sense. It's coming into focus, and the puzzle pieces are fitting together. Things with Bastian are making sense as well. Basically this book answers a lot of questions regarding Maddox's life. Which up until this point has been a mystery.
This story alternates back and forth between time frames. One moment you'll be in the present, at others you'll be back a few weeks, or even many years. Nola Marie does an excellent job of reminding you of the the time that you are in. All of the back and forth just helps to explain Maddox. His life hasn't been sunshine and rainbows. There are a lot of grey clouds in his world, and quite a few storms have passed through.
The way this book ends, has me eagerly anticipating the second half of the story. There is a tentative release date of January 2023 (sigh), but I did see that Nola said on her Facebook page that it will be sooner than that. So just know that Breathe Again will be on an anticipated reads list eventually.
One thing I wanted to touch on was the mental health aspect of Shed My Skin. As I was reading the story, and we flashed back to his childhood, I honestly saw the signs of ADHD in him. I feel that there are potential other potential diagnoses that could be given, but that stood out to me immediately. Maybe it's because I have a child with ADHD that I just recognized it. I will say that his childhood did not set him up in a way to understand what was happening, or gave him any coping skills. Then there is the family medical history that was touched on. Again, had he received services for how to work with it all, or even therapy, maybe he wouldn't have gotten to this point. Maddox's life has not been easy. Not at all. But he also hasn't been taught the skills he needs to work through the highs and lows of his mental health. I think that is something that a lot of us can relate to. Especially as we move out of this ordeal we've been in for the last two years where a lot of us have learned more about ourselves.
I truly loved Maddox's story. I was a nervous wreck for a lot of it. It comes down to the fact that this character has me on edge. Witnessing him share his story, and everything that he has been through is just so hard hitting. It is dark, and it take a lot out of you. But as the book ends, you're left in this moment of wanting nothing but the best for Maddox. You're wanting him to come out the other side, and find the happiness that so deserves. To find the love that he so deserves. To have his person walking along side of him through the highs and lows.
I truly loved Maddox's story. I was a nervous wreck for a lot of it. It comes down to the fact that this character has me on edge. Witnessing him share his story, and everything that he has been through is just so hard hitting. It is dark, and it take a lot out of you. But as the book ends, you're left in this moment of wanting nothing but the best for Maddox. You're wanting him to come out the other side, and find the happiness that so deserves. To find the love that he so deserves. To have his person walking along side of him through the highs and lows.
Thank you for reading my thoughts on Shed My Skin. If you've read the previous books in the Sons of Sin series, then you need to read Maddox's story. It's a wild ride. Take breaks as needed. In the end, you'll understand him. Thank you Nola for sharing Maddox's story. I know it couldn't have been easy to write.
Laura
Laura
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| Cover Art: Nola Marie & Daria Loshlin Photograph: Vologymyr, Canva |
I'm tired.
Tired of the spotlight. Tired of fighting my demons. The guilt and shame have become too heavy to continue. It's time for me to go. Though my grip slips more each day, I need to hold on just a little longer. I need them to know the truth. That this fight was never theirs. My soul mate. My brother. My protector. And her. My Canary, my heart. My lullaby with whiskey eyes. I love you with all that's within me. I just wish I had more than darkness to offer.
This road has been long and winding
And I’m too tired to go on
Pain and sorrow have haunted me
Guilt and regret fill my mind
I can’t go on, I can’t keep fighting
This is my goodbye but it’s only for a little while
You were the one who kept me afloat
For you have I tried to keep breathing
But these ghosts haunt my soul and mind
This may be my last note
But from you, I’ll never be far
This is goodbye but it’s only for a little while
It won’t be long now but don’t shed a tear
Don’t cry for me or mourn my name
Cause I will always be with you
Even after I’m gone
My last song is goodbye but it’s only for a little while
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About the Author
Nola Marie has been writing her entire life but has authored nine books in the last year, four of which are published as her steamy mafia romance series, The Men of River City. Currently she is working on her Sons of Sin series which promises to be just as bold and exciting.
She also holds a bachelors degree in IT Management and an MBA in Leadership and Strategy.
She has spent her entire life in Louisiana, and absolutely loves everything about it from the crawfish to the swamps. She has a hard-working, completely devoted husband that encourages her to do what makes her happy, three smart, kind, intelligent children that are her best friends, and an assortment of pets.
When not spending time with her family, she reads, writes, listens to music, doing amateur graphic design, and plays video games.
Connect with Nola Marie
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Thank you Nola Marie for providing me with an advanced copy of Shed My Skin.
