Melissas Book Obsession

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Can't Go Without by Angelisa Stone

“What’s the one thing you can’t go without?”

Tristan O'Donnell has money, women, and all the luxuries that cold hard cash can buy. Tristan's been sucking sunshine right from the monogrammed silver spoon his life was served up on since the day he was born. And quite frankly, he wouldn't want it any other way. He's his mother's pride and joy, his father's right-hand-man, and the envy of every guy around. All Tristan has to do is flash his million dollar smile, give his trademark wink, and he gets what he wants, when he wants, anytime he wants.

Leah Franchetti grinds her fingers to the bone; sculpting, painting, recreating treasures from trash—the very sentiment that defines her life. Her inventive, vindictive, lucrative, and seemingly unforgivable plan allowed her to shortcut her way into the life she always imagined, owning an art gallery, surrounding herself in the comfort of her passion and dreams.

When circumstances force Leah and Tristan to come face-to-face with the past and with Leah’s devious manipulation, truths come flooding forth, destroying those in the present and possibly jeopardizing both of their highly anticipated futures.

Can Tristan overcome Leah’s slander and deception—despite how dangerously close he comes to losing the one thing he can’t go without—money? Will Leah be forced to come clean, knowing she’ll have to live her life with the one thing she can’t go without—her dignity?

Can't Go Without is the second book in the Oasis series. I loved the first one and I couldn't wait to get the second. This story is about Tristan and Leah, who we meet briefly in the first book. I highly recommend the first book, but it is not necessary to understand Can't Go Without.

I went into this book with my doubts, because Tristan was a huge douche in the first book! When we first meet Tristan in this book he is still an asshole, I really can't think of a better word to describe him!

"Alright Tristan, let's party," she says smiling faintly. "By the way I'm Aly..."
"Doesn't matter what your name is," I reply, motioning the bartender for the check. "I'm just gonna call you Thursday anyway." Giggling nervously, she says "but today's Wednesday."
"It'll be Thursday when I'm done with you."
See what I mean, DOUCHE!

And I felt sorry for Leah. I don't want to give too many spoilers, but, yes she lied, but in truth, I felt like it was justified. He hurt her, and he treated women terribly. But I didn't look at how it affected Tristan, and this book makes you see that. He starts as an asshole, and about half way through, I wanted to hug him! (And maybe do other things to him, but that's besides the point) Tristan feels like he has lost his brother and sister, and his parents have basically been awful. His father has no trouble telling him how much of a mistake he was.

"Tristan O'Donnell's life was created, but it was not created out of love and tenderness, it was created with regret and remorse."

The author of this series has the ability to really make you think! In this book, both characters have to decide what the most important thing is. It is beautifully written and heart wrenching. I cannot recommend both books in this series enough, and I loved Dre, from the first book, but I think Tristan just beat him!! Love him, and he's smoking hot. This book is fantastic, and I cannot say enough good things!!