Five years ago Meredith Worthington let down her guard long enough to sneak away to Velvet Ice, a club known for its rock hard pounding music and illicit sexual escapades.  Standing in line, she met the eyes of Anthony Renatto.  Within minutes Meredith found herself up against a wall being mastered  effortlessly by Anthony and loving it.  All too soon however, she was escorted out of the club by her oldest brother and made to feel as if she was trash. 

Years later, one thing remains from that night – she's never forgotten the feelings Anthony invoked within her in just a short period of time. Suddenly, without warning, Meredith finds herself back in Anthony’s life and this time he is playing for keeps. 

Anthony Renatto has never forgotten his Princess.  Their one night five years ago only whetted his appetite for the beautiful ice angel, and he has spent the time building his business, striving to be worthy of her.  When he catches her spying – and quite aroused – watching two of his men fool around on the job site, he knows he’s got her.  Acting upon dominant impulses that are a natural part of his life, Anthony sets out to teach Meredith how to give up control, and he in turn strives to protect her.  If one thing is for certain, Anthony will have Meredith Worthington in his life, forever. 

As Anthony and Meredith take steps in their relationship, early life experiences influence Meredith’s inability to trust.  When she learns of Anthony’s protection and is unable to emotionally accept it, their relationship comes to a standstill.  How will she ever trust him again?  How will he ever tell her how much she means to him?  Things aren’t looking so hot, but lucky for him, Meredith has a few tricks up her sleeve. 

After reading and thoroughly enjoying Carrie’s Answer, also written by Violet Summers, I hoped and worried that the second book, Meredith’s Awakening, would not affect me as much as Carrie’s Answer did.  Well readers, this reviewer was totally and completely wrong.  Not only did Meredith’s Awakening affect me, I can’t stop thinking about it.  Sitting here in a daze, I am concerned I won’t find the right words to express just how deeply and emphatically I loved this novel.  So here is my best shot.

My Italian roots made sure I was instantly attracted to Anthony Renatto, in all of his “Italian Stallion” glory.  From head to toe, there was not a single facet I didn’t like about this character and, like Meredith, I yearned to lick his dimples and bite his chin.  Protective, dominant, and just plain yummy, Anthony was a dream man come to life.  As the woman who completed him, Meredith Worthington was the ice princess, genius, but oh so scared on the inside.  Though afraid to trust and give up control, Meri did love Anthony.  After all, life lessons had taught her the danger is being vulnerable.  While she thought she had given up control, deep down inside she hadn’t – and Anthony knew it.  More than once I cried as Meredith struggled to break out of the cocoon she had learned to hide herself in.  Only in setting herself free was she able to become the woman that Anthony knew was inside of her.  For that one scene alone, this book is worth its weight in gold.

Compelling and unapologetic, Meredith’s Awakening will make you feel a plethora of emotions.  I laughed, I cried, and I blushed.  When I read the final word, I signed in extreme pleasure for the very human and realistic ride that is Meredith’s Awakening.  I have no option but to Joyfully Recommend this novel.  It was just that beautiful to experience. 

Meredith’s Awakening was released from Liquid Silver Books.  The third installment of this series, Daniel’s Surrender, can’t be written soon enough. But one thing is for certain, I will be first in line to read it!