Title:   Greed (The Seven Deadly Book #2)

Author:   Fisher Amelie

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Release Date:    October 29, 2013

Gather ‘round, love, because I want you. I want what you have, I want what you don’t have, I want more of what I already have. I want. But if you so much as ask for something in return, go ahead and walk away. Know if you want to play in my world, it’s every man for themselves and the weak become mine. Leeches will be obliterated because I make it my job to destroy them. I protect what’s mine and I take what’s yours…because that’s what I do. I want.

My story will not endear me to you and, frankly, I could care less if it does because I’m in this for the money and nothing else. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a corrupt, money hungry, immoral asshole from Los Angeles. I’m every man’s worst nightmare and every girl’s fantasy.

I’m Spencer Blackwell…And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most coveted guy to the guy no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

 

Have you read Vain, the first book in the Seven Deadly Series?  Brooke and I LOVED this book…big time!  Check out Brooke’s Review and My Review.

If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah…then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price…And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

 

 

So now…what you’re really here for…I got to chat with Spencer and Cricket.  EEP!  So much fun…check it out!  🙂

 

 

As much as I would love to meet Cricket and Spencer out on the Hunt Ranch, I’m afraid I might never come home…although an interview in a hayloft would be pretty epic.  But we decide on a cute little café not too far from their home in Montana.  I arrive early and beat them, get a booth towards the back and sit and wait patiently.   Okay…so I’m bouncing around like a 5 year old on a sugar high but seriously!??!  I freaking love these two.  Hard.  And I’m going to meet them.  Holy Crap!!!

The bell on the top of the door jingles and in walk Spence and Cricket and immediately, I lose the ability to function.  He’s gorgeous, she’s breathtaking and I look like a fish out of water.  It’s a miracle I’m still breathing.  Their eyes search the café and Cricket finally spots me, waving as they start to head back in my direction.  Shit!  Lord, please give me a miracle, I need to not look like an idiot – I know that’s asking a lot, but I promise, I’ll do better!  Just help me out here!  By the time they’re halfway to the booth, I’ve managed to regain half of my senses – I’m at least standing up ready to greet them.  This is a good sign.

Cricket walks up and gives me a huge hug, which is saying a lot given she’s 5’3” and I’m 5’9” (I feel like a giant!), she’s bursting with life and energy and I just want to scoop her up (making me feel even more like a giant…).  I let her go long enough to hug Spencer.  I won’t lie…I linger.  He’s a good hugger.  But I manage not to drool…the praying apparently helped!  I take my seat as they slide into the other side of the booth.

Lisa:                 “I can’t thank you both enough for sparing some time to sit down and chat with me.”

Cricket:                       “We don’t mind at all.”

Lisa:                 “Alright, well I’ll just jump right in – Spencer, you’re up first.”

Spencer:        “I’m ready when you are.”

Lisa:                 “So, technically…you wouldn’t be where you are if it wasn’t for August – did you ever thank him properly?”

Spencer:        “I did, that idiot. Love that dude. He’s a pretty righteous guy even though he has a bit of a girl addiction but he’s pretty damn cool.”

Lisa:                 “Clearly, if he’s related to Cricket, some of her awesomeness had to have rubbed off.  😉  Now…this is me being nosey, but have you heard from your dad at all?”

Spencer:        “Not at all. Thank God.”

He says shivering.  I don’t know if it’s seeing him do it or the thought of his dad, but I shiver as well.  We’ll call them douche shivers…time to move this on to better topics.

Lisa:                 “What is one thing you miss about your lifestyle before Montana?”

Spencer:        “I miss how easy it was to go out to eat and have access to any kind of stores. I don’t buy a lot but I like to get Cricket stuff and it makes it difficult being so far away from civilization.”

Lisa:                 “What about one thing you do not miss?”

Spencer:        “I do not miss the traffic. The godforsaken traffic. Maybe being so far away from civilization isn’t such a bad tradeoff?”

Lisa:                 “It’s a give and take thing I guess.  🙂  You carried around a lot of guilt for your past actions…have you forgiven yourself?”

Spencer:        “That’s a great question and I have. I will never forget them and I will always carry around a sense of awareness because of them but I have definitely forgiven myself.”

Lisa:                 “Good!  That’s what I like to hear…forgive but not forget, I like it.  I’m proud of you.”

He gives me a bright smile and Cricket squeezes his hand.  He leans over and kisses her temple.  *sigh*  So freaking cute…I love how supportive she is of him.

Lisa:                 “Alright, I would normally ask the question, ‘Montana, success or failure?’…but I already know the answer. 🙂  So…instead…can you imagine your life if you and Bridget had not moved to Montana?  Where do you think you would be?”

Spencer:        “Another great question. I can imagine a life in L.A. had we never left and it is depressing and leaves a sick feeling in my stomach. The worst part of it? I wouldn’t have my little Savannah if we hadn’t left.”

He shudders again, this time with a horribly sad look on his face.  He’s such a good uncle!  I want him!!!  Can I have a Spencer???  Please! 🙂

Lisa:                 “Okay Cricket, your turn.”

Cricket:                       “Let’s do this!”

She’s so bright and cheerful and pint sized and cute, I just want to put her in my pocket and take her home with me…I can have both of them, right?

Lisa:                 “What were your first thoughts when you saw and met Spencer?”

Cricket:                       “I thought he was just about the sexiest boy I’d ever laid eyes on. Then he opened his mouth and charmed the heck out of me and I think I somehow knew I was going to be a goner.”

Lisa:                 “You sure were…but it’s nice to know you had the same reaction that he did.  What’s the best and worst thing about growing up on a ranch?”

Cricket:                       “The best part is the freedom and the sense of accomplishment. The worst part is the 5 am beginnings. Yuck!”  🙂

Lisa:                 “Yeah…5 am wake up calls do not sound appealing…and what’s your favorite ranch memory?”

Cricket:                       “My favorite memory was probably my wedding reception. Or maybe it was my “date” in the car afterwards with my new husband.”

She wags her eyebrows suggestively, a cute little devious smile on her face and I’m a giggling mess – she’s so CUTE!  Spencer rolls his eyes at our antics, but I can see the smirk he’s trying to hide.  He secretly loves it!

Lisa:                 “My curiosity is getting the best of me again, what ever happened with Ethan?  He was a part of your life for 15 years, I hope that friendship was salvageable.”

Cricket:                       “You’ll have to read his book to find that out.” 🙂

Lisa:                 “I had a feeling you were going to say that…ugh…fine.  I’ll be patient…I guess!  So what is your favorite sculpture that you have made?”

Cricket:                       “My favorite sculpture, hands down, is the little bird’s nest I made for Spence. It means more to me than any other because of the journey I took to make it. I think I knew I was going to make it for him the second the idea was sprung.”

Lisa:                 “I was hoping that was the one you were going to pick…I like that one too.  🙂   Spence, if you ever feel like parting with it, I’ll gladly take it off your hands!”

Spencer purses his lips and shakes his head no.  🙂  Boo!

Lisa:                 “Where do you get your inspiration, do you have a process or it just comes to you?”

Cricket shrugs her shoulders.

Cricket:                       “I don’t have a process. I usually jump off from wherever the creativity strikes me, whether a little piece of metal looks like a feather or  another resembles an ear. I go from there.”

Lisa:                 “Nice…I like that.  You are moved by your creative spirit – that’s awesome.  Once again, I’m trying to be careful, so I don’t spoil anything but…9 days?!?!?  What took you so long???” 🙂

Cricket:                       “LOL! Well, I was recovering but also, I had to pry it out of Bridge. Once I found out, I was on a plane within the hour.”

She gives me a sassy little wink.

Lisa:                 “Alright…that makes me feel a little better.  Now, I get to take you both on! What are your favorite five things about each other? (physical, non-physical, whatever!)”

Spencer:        “I love Cricket’s kidney.”

Cricket and I both crack up at this – OMG…he totally just went there.  She playfully pokes him in the ribs.

Cricket:                       “You’re so crazy.”

Spencer:        “Truthfully, I love her compassion above all things. Her face, her heart, her laughter, and her openness to me. These characteristics are unbelievably sexy to me.”

Cricket:                       “Thank you, love.”

Spencer:        “You’re welcome. And you?”

Cricket:                       “Your abs?”

Spencer snorts and I can’t help myself.

Lisa:                 “I second that!”

Cricket smiles at me.

Cricket:                       “I kid…kind of. His heart, his generosity, his bravery, and his smile.”

Lisa:                 “Very nice…all good choices, I approve.  So, I’m sure there have to be some good stories from when ya’ll were working together on the ranch – what’s each of your most memorable story from that time?  Funny…Embarrassing…Sweet…Surprise us!” J

Cricket:                       “Uh, my most memorable story from that time was the near kiss in the horse stall. I’d never wanted anything as much as I wanted to kiss him. Nothing.”

Lisa:                 “OMG…ME TOO!!!”

Spencer:        “My most memorable times and I say times because it was every day and the memories still reside with me, was riding behind you on our horses.”

Spencer runs a hand down his face.

Spencer:        “My word, the view.”

OMG…Cricket and I are cracking up – Spencer might be the most surprisingly hilarious guy I have ever had the pleasure of interviewing.

Lisa:                 “Biggest Regret?”

Cricket:                       “Not kissing him in that horse stall.”

Spencer:        “Her not kissing me in that horse stall.”

Lisa:                 “Good call!  Favorite Memory?”

Both:               “The hayloft!”

All three of us are laughing at that one.

Lisa:                 “Once again…good call!  😉   Worst flaw?”

Cricket:                       “Spencer is obsessed with me.”

Spencer:        “I sort of am.”

Cricket:                       “It’s  a flaw but one I can’t say I mind.”

Lisa:                 “I don’t blame you for not minding…”

Spencer:        “Cricket takes too much on herself.”

Lisa:                 “Most annoying pet peeve?”

Spencer:        “She piles her clothes in my sink so she can use hers.”

Cricket giggles bashfully.

Cricket:                       “I do. He’s vocal. Almost too vocal.”

Spencer lets out a laugh.

Cricket:                       “But, it’s funny, it doesn’t bother me as much as you’d think because he lets me know the good stuff just as readily.”

Spencer pulls Cricket into his side and kisses her head.

Lisa:                 “Alright, let’s play a little game of either/or…City or Country?”

Cricket:           “Country.”

Spencer:        “Same.”

Lisa:                 “Why am I not surprised?  😉  Soda or Tea?”

Spencer:        “Soda.”

Cricket:                       “Teas.”

Lisa:                 “Haylofts or Cars?”

Both:               “Cars!”

This starts another laughing fit with all three of us, my cheeks are hurting from smiling and laughing so much.

Lisa:                 “Chocolate or Vanilla?”

Both:               “Chocolate.”

Lisa:                 “Fast or Slow?”

Cricket:                       “Both.”

Spencer:        “Definitely both.”

Lisa:                 “Books or Movies?”

Cricket:           “Books.”

Spencer:        “Books.”

Lisa:                 “That’s what I like to hear!  Alright, last part, rapid fire – tell me first thing that comes to mind…Click?”  😀

I can’t help the big cheesy grin on my face with that one…I LOVE those damn Clicks!

Spencer:        “Boom.”

Lisa:                 “Nice!  Eugie?”  🙁

My grin is gone.   Cricket’s eyes get  little glassy.

Cricket:           “Love.”

Spencer wraps his arm a little tighter around his girl to comfort her.  Hmm…need to recover our good mood…

Lisa:                 “Montana?”

Spencer:        “Home.”

Awww…Cricket’s face brightens up with a warm smile at that answer.  He gives her an adoring grin.

Lisa:                 “Haylofts?” 🙂

Cricket:                       “Fun.”

Cricket arches a brow at Spencer and it’s his turn to tickle her in the ribs and she squeals in delight.  OMG…I love them…

Lisa:                 “Yeah…I bet!  Family?”

Spencer:        “Cricket.”

Awwww…  I look over at Cricket.

Lisa:                 “Spencer?”

Cricket:                       “Life.”

OMG…she’s going to make me cry!!!  I look over at Spencer to distract myself and ask him…

Lisa:                 “Cricket?”

Spencer:        “Forever.”

Seriously, I’m going to melt into a pile of goo!

Lisa:                 “Last one…Love?”

Cricket:                       “Spencer.”

Spencer:        “Cricket.”

Yup…it’s official…I am a puddle of Lisa lovey dovey goo!  But what a way to go.  We sit around talking about what they’ve been up to…Cricket’s recent projects, Spencer’s law school stories, hearing about Sophie and Ian *sigh*…all too quickly, it’s getting late and we must say good bye.  Alas, I cannot keep Spencer or Cricket, as much as I would like to…but I do have excellent excuses to come back and see them again.  😀

 

Greed by Fisher Amelie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

5+++++ ‘Click.’ Kisses

OMG…O.M.G.…OOOOMG…really? Did I really just read that book? Because I’m pretty sure that book just destroyed me. Sucked me in, took me for the freakin joy ride of my life, spun me around and then spat me out leaving me as I am now…dazed and confused and so freaking happy I can’t even handle myself. Which is saying a lot considering I cried about 42 times, had my heart practically ripped out of my body and physically screamed out of angst and frustration multiple times…but I liked it. 🙂 Scratch that. Loved it. Enjoyed it. Need more of it. Yes…please…and thank you. It has to be said, you must read Vain before you can even look at Greed…while you could read Greed as a stand-alone, the characters build off of each other…you meet Spencer in Vain and it just makes more sense and to me, it means more. And for the record, The Seven Deadly Series…one of my favorite series of all time.

Spencer Blackwell…I was scared he was going to do something to make me not like him. It didn’t happen, that made me happy. Was he perfect in the beginning? Far from it…but neither was Sophie and honestly, I didn’t even really like her in the beginning. Even though I knew Spencer had his flaws I always had love for him, ever since Vain, there was just something very endearing about him…and now I have this deep seated need to love him, hug him, snuggle him and never let him go. Ever. Spencer’s flaws are the direct result of being his father’s son…which for me, is not exactly something I can hold against him. Is the stuff he has done wrong? Yes…morally, he’s not got the straightest compass, but I can see where he is coming from. This is not me trying to excuse or justify his behavior, but…I get it. I dunno…maybe I’m too forgiving…or I just see the best in people. He’s got so much to offer though and seeing that potential just flourish and grow is…amazing. He has such a good, honest, loving heart…and you see it in so many ways throughout this book.

‘I was deathly afraid to admit it out loud but I was exactly like my father. And it felt like I could do nothing about it.
The greed was more powerful than the will to do right.’

Caroline ‘Cricket’ Hunt…wow. Not going to lie…my feelings about Cricket were a little conflicted at times. Don’t get me wrong, I loved her…I loved her spark and personality… she’s smart…she’s brave…she’s feisty…she’s kind…she’s loyal…she’s sweet…and I was completely into the way she connected with Spencer and almost everything about their relationship, but she did frustrate me. I know she had her reasons for holding back, and once you get to the point of learning everything and understanding her…it all Clicks (ha ha…oh those darn clicks ). But her holding back and those secrets are a good portion of the angst in this book. It ripped me in two…killed me, because not only was Spencer in pain but so was Cricket. We are never in her POV, but I didn’t have to be in that girls head to know what she was thinking. Her actions spoke volumes and everything screamed how much she loved Spencer. I loved how unique Cricket was…she’s artistic and funky and completely polar opposite of Spencer’s type and yet he falls, hook line and sinker, never to be heard from again – knocks that boy on his BUTT! It’s awesome. And yet another thing I loved about their connection…they’re the relationship that should never have been…and yet, it did!

‘I looked over at Cricket. I studied the girl before me. She was beautiful beyond belief, but she wasn’t some object to conquer, she was someone to be cherished, someone to be loved, someone to be revered.’

Oh…my…goodness gracious – so what set Greed apart from Vain for me was the angst level. Fisher decided to bump that up about a million percent. Don’t get me wrong…Vain had its fair share, but good Lord…there is this level of constant angst through the entire book. It never let me go…I could barely catch my breath, which was the best thing ever because that meant I never wanted to put it down. It was painful to put down. I was so tied up in what Spencer was feeling, I felt it all…every emotion, every facet of his thoughts…I experienced it to my core. You couldn’t pack any more angst and sexual tension into this book if you tried. Well…I guess you could try, but I don’t think I would have survived it. I cannot put into words the inner turmoil that raged thru my body as I was reading Spence and Cricket…I ached for them, literally. Tears in my eyes, my heart squeezing, inside I was screaming…and like I said, I did actually scream at some points (is that the point when you realize you may be too emotionally involved in a book? Hmm… :-\ ) The feels OH the feels…I had so many! Obviously…they were attracted to each other…but that is so not what their relationship is based on. They have this deep seated friendship…this connection that they build over weeks and weeks of working together, they truly know each other and that’s what made them more special to me. I loved their communication…the fact that they barely even need to say a word and they know what the other wants…the fact that Spencer loves and encourages Cricket and her art/sculptures…the way Cricket gives Spencer a hard time…and he lets her….I loved all of it and so much more.

‘I reached over her and our bodies grazed from the proximity, sending shivers up my spine. I had never felt shivers before, not before Cricket. Not like that. Never like that.’

There were so many little things that I loved about this book…besides the emotion. The writing…off the charts. The detail and description blew me away. I had a clear picture of every single one of the characters in my head and all of them played a valuable part in the story. I loved Spencer’s relationship with his sister, Bridget. He is an AH-MAZING big brother! They may be 4 years apart, but they could not be any closer…and he doesn’t think twice about making any sacrifices for her…which makes him even more loveable. I loved Eugie…Cricket’s dog. And let’s not forget the description and the detail of Montana, the ranch and the work and what goes on…I felt like I was there, experiencing it…and I have this strange desire to become a ranch hand, even though I know I would completely suck at it. I also really liked the references made about religion and God in the book…not many stories really bring religion into it and it wasn’t for the purpose of ‘soap boxing’, it wasn’t a specific religion it was just…a belief, a higher power, something to put their faith in. The context was appropriate and fitting, it wasn’t overdone and I personally enjoyed what it brought to the characters and the story.

“I’m going to tell you something, but this can only be said once,” she began, and took another shaky breath, “I suffer for you,” she barely got out. “I want to be near you always. I’m falling in love with you and it’s-it’s a sweet agony, however, it’s still an agony.”

Fisher Amelie is the official queen of writing these angsty, emotion packed romance’s that fill you with all these feelings that you have to process as well as making you feel like a better person for reading them. I think Greed had a lot more love story than Vain did, but the morals and crux of the point of the story was still there. I honestly take away so much from her books, I feel enriched, like…I should do something with myself, because of her characters, her words – they inspire me that much! I want to be best friends with her Sophie and Spencer because they might have started off as ass holes…or not so great people…but they learned and grew and developed into these amazing creatures that just make you want to reach out and touch some of that greatness. And going on that journey with them, that process of them seeing how their life was versus what it is and eventually could be, seeing that growth and change in their personality, their entire being basically…how is that not amazing??? I also love how unpredictable these stories are. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but a lot of romances get a little formulaic and I can definitely count on Ms. Amelie to shake me up and keep me guessing.

‘I couldn’t answer, too choked up, so I just nodded into her neck. I kissed her face once more as the tears were still flowing, and I refused to put her down. I didn’t think I’d ever put her down again.
“Why me?” I secreted into her ear.
“You were the only one I saw,” she whispered back, making my heart burst.’

OMG…read this book! If you haven’t read Vain, you must, and then you MUST read Greed. Trust me, from …you will thank me later and probably send Fisher a gift basket! I cannot recommend them enough…there are fabulous, soul enriching, life changing books. Oh…and knowing the third book is Ethan’s book (I will not spoil who Ethan is…because I did not see it coming!)…but I just have three little words…Bring On Fury!

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Fisher Amelie is the author of The Leaving Series, Callum & Harper and Thomas& January. She began her writing career as a copywriter for an internet marketing company wherein one of their client’s said, ‘Hey! You’re funny. You should write books’. Which in turn she said, ‘Hey, get out of here! This is the lady’s restroom.’ While washing her hands and the embarrassment from her face, she thought they may have had a valid point. So, she took the thousands of hours of writing stories growing up, tucked them into her pocket and began writing and writing and writing.  Check out Fisher’s Website for more info.