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Occupy Yourself #1
Born Into Trouble
Benny Jones loves making music, lives for it, even. Blessed with movie star good looks, he doesn't lack for female attention, but his track record in love isn't the greatest. He's riding high, living the rock and roll life, filled with belief that he's got everything he wants. Then it all crashes around him, leaving him navigating life as a suddenly sober artist, chasing the one woman who matters.
Full description:
Benny Jones grew up fast, much faster than anyone in his family realized, in the backwoods sticks of Wyoming. Blessed with movie star good looks he didn’t lack for female attention, and his first girlfriend set the tone for his romantic life. Older, beautiful, rich, and generous, she wanted to have a pretty toy to play with, and a prettier boy on her arm. His worth became defined by her needs, which left him feeling empty and hollow.
Ben found an escape from the sordidness of his world with music, and frequently lost himself in the sounds and rhythms he could create, trying to set aside the increasing feelings of worthlessness and betrayal. He knew eventually it would all catch up with him, and he was right. It did, the night he nearly died. Fortunately for Ben his older brother was there to save him. Again.
Now, he’s attempting to navigate the world as a sober artist, digging in and holding onto his dreams by sheer determination alone when Lucia walks into his life. Sweet, beautiful, caring, and oh-so off limits Luce makes him think there are better things in store for him. There are problems, though. Not only doesn’t she fit the mold of his previous ladies, but her father is one of his brother’s best friends. No problem, right?
18+ due to explicit content.
This series, Occupy Yourself, is a spin-off from the Rebel Wayfarers MC series. This book, Born Into Trouble, fits into that series following book #3, Bear.
Full description:
Benny Jones grew up fast, much faster than anyone in his family realized, in the backwoods sticks of Wyoming. Blessed with movie star good looks he didn’t lack for female attention, and his first girlfriend set the tone for his romantic life. Older, beautiful, rich, and generous, she wanted to have a pretty toy to play with, and a prettier boy on her arm. His worth became defined by her needs, which left him feeling empty and hollow.
Ben found an escape from the sordidness of his world with music, and frequently lost himself in the sounds and rhythms he could create, trying to set aside the increasing feelings of worthlessness and betrayal. He knew eventually it would all catch up with him, and he was right. It did, the night he nearly died. Fortunately for Ben his older brother was there to save him. Again.
Now, he’s attempting to navigate the world as a sober artist, digging in and holding onto his dreams by sheer determination alone when Lucia walks into his life. Sweet, beautiful, caring, and oh-so off limits Luce makes him think there are better things in store for him. There are problems, though. Not only doesn’t she fit the mold of his previous ladies, but her father is one of his brother’s best friends. No problem, right?
18+ due to explicit content.
This series, Occupy Yourself, is a spin-off from the Rebel Wayfarers MC series. This book, Born Into Trouble, fits into that series following book #3, Bear.
ebook
First published June 20, 2016
About the author
MariaLisa deMora
77 books560 followersRaised in the south, Wall Street Journal & USA TODAY bestselling author MariaLisa deMora learned about the magic of books at an early age. Every summer, she would spend hours in the local library, devouring books of every genre. Self-described as a book-a-holic, she says "I've always loved to read, but then I discovered writing, and found I adored that, too. For reading...if nothing else is available, I've been known to read the back of the cereal box."
A member of Romance Writers of America, deMora has penned a variety of stories, with five established series that include motorcycle romance, veteran repatriation, and time travel, as well as a romantic standalone, dark suspense, and a legal thriller. Her website is filled with links and information, as well as extras like character interviews, playlists, poetry, and trailer videos!
Her short bio reads, "Plate-spinner / cat herder at work; totally geeked author; single mom in the thick of autism at home; hockey freak; wanna-be hiker; usta-be/on-again EQ gamer."
A member of Romance Writers of America, deMora has penned a variety of stories, with five established series that include motorcycle romance, veteran repatriation, and time travel, as well as a romantic standalone, dark suspense, and a legal thriller. Her website is filled with links and information, as well as extras like character interviews, playlists, poetry, and trailer videos!
Her short bio reads, "Plate-spinner / cat herder at work; totally geeked author; single mom in the thick of autism at home; hockey freak; wanna-be hiker; usta-be/on-again EQ gamer."
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 12, 2016
"You aren't what you've done."
I'm a big fan of the Rebel Wayfarer MC series, so Benny is not a new character for me. But Benny's character became new, once I got to know him. He's a lot more than I gave him credit for in our earlier introductions. He's more than a spoiled kid acting out and not appreciating the sacrifices of his loved ones as I previously thought. There's a beating heart and a painful past hiding inside his bad behavior. He laid himself bare and shared his heart and his pain with me in Born Into Trouble. It was a journey that I won't forget anytime soon.
Being the younger sibling when his family fell apart, Benny was forced to accept the changes in his life without having any control over the outcome. He looked up to his brother, and appreciated his sacrifices, but still felt abandoned when he left. He knew that his grandparents loved him in their way, but he still felt like he was a chore to them. He missed his home and his family. His life felt out of control and music was his only solace, the place where he could find peace in the chaos. Well, not the only place. The other peace came from numbing his pain in other ways. Ways that he would regret, but ways that he was unable to resist.
Benny's big brother is Andy, or Slate, as I came to know him in the Rebel Wayfarers MC series. He carried the burden of caring for his family after the loss of his father. He felt responsible for Benny. He loved him deeply and tried to stay involved in his life, from a distance. He checked in frequently with their grandparents who were Benny's caretakers. He believed the lies. All the excuses and explanations given by Benny for his actions became his truth, until they were no longer true. When the truth caught up with him, he was devastated. He felt responsible for the mess that was Benny's life. Feeling guilty for leaving him when he was a teenager. Feeling as if he could have helped him make different choices if he had been around to steer him in another direction. But the damage was done, and they could only move on from now. Encouraging him that, "You can do anything a minute at a time." But could he? Was he strong enough to fight his demons, and win?
And then I met another character that I had been briefly introduced to in a previous book, Lucia. She is innocent and beautiful and off-limits. She's everything he wants, but can't have. She deserves better than his lies and hidden secrets. In spite of his failures, she's still his friend. Always there, mentally encouraging him and standing in his corner. She believes in him, even when he doesn't believe in himself. If only...
Born Into Trouble is another heartbreaking read that opened my eyes to things I had not previously experienced. Living through the painful experiences with the characters was an eye-opening, tear-producing, nail-biting, anger-inducing experience that put me through the wringer. I wanted to hug, kiss, kick and kill at various times throughout the process. And by the end, I fell deeper into the brotherhood that was more than family, it was loyalty and willingness to do whatever it takes. I embraced them even more than before, and that's a lot since I've been smitten for a long time. All the reasons I that I fell in love with these characters showed themselves again as they stepped up to the plate, pulling together as a unit, a force to be reckoned with. Relaying the message that you don't mess with theirs. And Mason...sigh. He's still my man, full of such wisdom, and such a big heart. He's scary and soft all at the same time. He always teaches me something that I can take with me and use later. This time, it was, "Two things inside you: fear and courage. Feed what you want to grow." That is wisdom that we can all use in our lives, and hopefully I will remember that when I need it.
I'm a big fan of the Rebel Wayfarer MC series, so Benny is not a new character for me. But Benny's character became new, once I got to know him. He's a lot more than I gave him credit for in our earlier introductions. He's more than a spoiled kid acting out and not appreciating the sacrifices of his loved ones as I previously thought. There's a beating heart and a painful past hiding inside his bad behavior. He laid himself bare and shared his heart and his pain with me in Born Into Trouble. It was a journey that I won't forget anytime soon.
Being the younger sibling when his family fell apart, Benny was forced to accept the changes in his life without having any control over the outcome. He looked up to his brother, and appreciated his sacrifices, but still felt abandoned when he left. He knew that his grandparents loved him in their way, but he still felt like he was a chore to them. He missed his home and his family. His life felt out of control and music was his only solace, the place where he could find peace in the chaos. Well, not the only place. The other peace came from numbing his pain in other ways. Ways that he would regret, but ways that he was unable to resist.
Benny's big brother is Andy, or Slate, as I came to know him in the Rebel Wayfarers MC series. He carried the burden of caring for his family after the loss of his father. He felt responsible for Benny. He loved him deeply and tried to stay involved in his life, from a distance. He checked in frequently with their grandparents who were Benny's caretakers. He believed the lies. All the excuses and explanations given by Benny for his actions became his truth, until they were no longer true. When the truth caught up with him, he was devastated. He felt responsible for the mess that was Benny's life. Feeling guilty for leaving him when he was a teenager. Feeling as if he could have helped him make different choices if he had been around to steer him in another direction. But the damage was done, and they could only move on from now. Encouraging him that, "You can do anything a minute at a time." But could he? Was he strong enough to fight his demons, and win?
And then I met another character that I had been briefly introduced to in a previous book, Lucia. She is innocent and beautiful and off-limits. She's everything he wants, but can't have. She deserves better than his lies and hidden secrets. In spite of his failures, she's still his friend. Always there, mentally encouraging him and standing in his corner. She believes in him, even when he doesn't believe in himself. If only...
Born Into Trouble is another heartbreaking read that opened my eyes to things I had not previously experienced. Living through the painful experiences with the characters was an eye-opening, tear-producing, nail-biting, anger-inducing experience that put me through the wringer. I wanted to hug, kiss, kick and kill at various times throughout the process. And by the end, I fell deeper into the brotherhood that was more than family, it was loyalty and willingness to do whatever it takes. I embraced them even more than before, and that's a lot since I've been smitten for a long time. All the reasons I that I fell in love with these characters showed themselves again as they stepped up to the plate, pulling together as a unit, a force to be reckoned with. Relaying the message that you don't mess with theirs. And Mason...sigh. He's still my man, full of such wisdom, and such a big heart. He's scary and soft all at the same time. He always teaches me something that I can take with me and use later. This time, it was, "Two things inside you: fear and courage. Feed what you want to grow." That is wisdom that we can all use in our lives, and hopefully I will remember that when I need it.
July 8, 2016
Review of Born Into Trouble by MariaLisa deMora
Born Into Trouble is the first book in the Occupy Yourself series by MariaLisa deMora. I've wanted to know more about Benny since he was introduced in Slate one of the Rebel Wayfarers MC series books. Slate (a.k.a. Andy) quickly became a favorite among the RWMC boys and his story drove the need to know what he left behind when he rode away from his family, his brother.
Benny's story is full of highs and lows. deMora truly touched on the reality of how easily addiction can spiral out of control and the struggles that impact not only the addict, but those people that surround them. It was heartbreaking and frustrating to witness. I absolutely love how involved the RWMC boys became in Benny's journey...they invested in him because he is important to Slate and Slate is family so Benny is family, but they all quickly drew boundaries and made it clear he would be held accountable for his actions.
Every moment of the book is a build into the bigger story, there isn't a moment of filler, each chapter, page, paragraph, sentence, and word adds depth. The characters aren't passive, they climb into your head and root around until they leave their marks. You can't not feel for them. Some of them you love and love hard and then there is Benita. Hate is an ugly word, but she's one of the best antagonists I've read in a long while and hate is all that I feel for her.
Born Into Trouble is the start of what is sure to be another hit series by MariaLisa deMora. Her words suck you in and make you demand more, from the minute I reached the end I was ready to ask for book two. Five hard hitting stars.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
Born Into Trouble is the first book in the Occupy Yourself series by MariaLisa deMora. I've wanted to know more about Benny since he was introduced in Slate one of the Rebel Wayfarers MC series books. Slate (a.k.a. Andy) quickly became a favorite among the RWMC boys and his story drove the need to know what he left behind when he rode away from his family, his brother.
Benny's story is full of highs and lows. deMora truly touched on the reality of how easily addiction can spiral out of control and the struggles that impact not only the addict, but those people that surround them. It was heartbreaking and frustrating to witness. I absolutely love how involved the RWMC boys became in Benny's journey...they invested in him because he is important to Slate and Slate is family so Benny is family, but they all quickly drew boundaries and made it clear he would be held accountable for his actions.
Every moment of the book is a build into the bigger story, there isn't a moment of filler, each chapter, page, paragraph, sentence, and word adds depth. The characters aren't passive, they climb into your head and root around until they leave their marks. You can't not feel for them. Some of them you love and love hard and then there is Benita. Hate is an ugly word, but she's one of the best antagonists I've read in a long while and hate is all that I feel for her.
Born Into Trouble is the start of what is sure to be another hit series by MariaLisa deMora. Her words suck you in and make you demand more, from the minute I reached the end I was ready to ask for book two. Five hard hitting stars.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
October 25, 2017
Loved it! It was a wonderful read. Benny didn't have a easy time on his road to his HEA. That's what made it that much sweeter when he gets there. This story hit kind of close to home for me with a brother that has struggled with addiction and loosing my 18 yr old nephew to a over dose. I understand the struggle and heartbreak that affects everyone involved. This is a story of hope and strength. But most of all it is a story of love.This story is so well written and flows so smoothly you don't realize your at the end till the last word on the last page. Well worth the read. Rated Great
September 22, 2016
I put off reading this long enough; the anticipation was delicious. A person has to be ready for a MariaLisa deMora book. Why you say? Because she packs so much into each chapter, each paragraph actually. Reading her books is like studying for a quiz because just like studying for a quiz it's the small things you don't dare miss for fear of what knowledge may be required later on when reading her next book. A reader has to pay attention to the details! Our writer is GREAT with details!
I wasn't so sure I'd love Benny, based on the beginning. He was victimized and without anyone around to see what was happening to him he got sucked into the vortex of drugs and sex. It does catch up to him in some very dramatic ways. Thankfully his brother finds him; his brother being Andrew Jones of: Slate (Rebel Wayfarers MC #2). Not only does he now have a brother who won't give up on getting him straightened up but a whole family of Rebel Wayfarers who never let down a member of their family. The road is so bumpy for Benny and I for one, didn't know that he'd make it through. Yet; he does conquer many of his demons. What I think finally turns the tide for him is the woman (Mercedes) who becomes his sober companion. The woman is relentless and always a step ahead of where Benny's mind is headed. I was hoping she’d take a liking to one of the other MC guys……in a later book but turns out she’s taken already. I did find her especially fascinating.
Let's not forget Luce, the woman who falls for a much damaged Benny and becomes his everything. This book isn’t overly weighty with romance aspects but when we ferret them out; they’re wonderful to read. I’d also like to make special mention of Mason, as well. He was fairly prominent in this book; not a continually present character but when he's in the scene he is very much MASON, a very wise and commanding MC President. He's like the godfather of all these MC guys and when he speaks everyone listens because he doesn't waste words. I love Mason, he's still my fav.
The abuse factor in this book is written in a way that we are witness to Benny becoming a victim, feel his sense of self slipping away, try to stop him by screaming at the book......then feel heartbreak because we could not help Benny when he needed someone to pull him free. When brother Andrew/Slade gets into the fray to help Benny I got that much needed sense of hope that seemed so long in coming. Slade gives hope to the most dire of situations and he'd never give up on making things right for Benny.
I loved this book. Anything involving the Rebel Wayfarers MC would have to be good reading and I dearly love the Rebel Wayfarer MC Series. Thank you dear authoress for such a good story line. It's dramatic, angsty, thoughtful, endearing, and well written.
I wasn't so sure I'd love Benny, based on the beginning. He was victimized and without anyone around to see what was happening to him he got sucked into the vortex of drugs and sex. It does catch up to him in some very dramatic ways. Thankfully his brother finds him; his brother being Andrew Jones of: Slate (Rebel Wayfarers MC #2). Not only does he now have a brother who won't give up on getting him straightened up but a whole family of Rebel Wayfarers who never let down a member of their family. The road is so bumpy for Benny and I for one, didn't know that he'd make it through. Yet; he does conquer many of his demons. What I think finally turns the tide for him is the woman (Mercedes) who becomes his sober companion. The woman is relentless and always a step ahead of where Benny's mind is headed. I was hoping she’d take a liking to one of the other MC guys……in a later book but turns out she’s taken already. I did find her especially fascinating.
Let's not forget Luce, the woman who falls for a much damaged Benny and becomes his everything. This book isn’t overly weighty with romance aspects but when we ferret them out; they’re wonderful to read. I’d also like to make special mention of Mason, as well. He was fairly prominent in this book; not a continually present character but when he's in the scene he is very much MASON, a very wise and commanding MC President. He's like the godfather of all these MC guys and when he speaks everyone listens because he doesn't waste words. I love Mason, he's still my fav.
The abuse factor in this book is written in a way that we are witness to Benny becoming a victim, feel his sense of self slipping away, try to stop him by screaming at the book......then feel heartbreak because we could not help Benny when he needed someone to pull him free. When brother Andrew/Slade gets into the fray to help Benny I got that much needed sense of hope that seemed so long in coming. Slade gives hope to the most dire of situations and he'd never give up on making things right for Benny.
I loved this book. Anything involving the Rebel Wayfarers MC would have to be good reading and I dearly love the Rebel Wayfarer MC Series. Thank you dear authoress for such a good story line. It's dramatic, angsty, thoughtful, endearing, and well written.
June 22, 2016
Please forgive me, for the simple fact that this review will in no way, shape, or form, do justice to the powerful emotional journey I just went on. Benny Jones' childhood scarred him deeply, and made him grow up quicker than his family realized. It also left him open for an older girl to swoop in and do whatever it took to make him do what she wanted, which left him feeling even more empty and worthless. His only positive escape was his music, but that also became a curse. The night he was finally performing in front of his brother, he almost died. His brother saved him, and shipped him off to rehab. Now he's living with his brother, trying to navigate his way through life without his vices, and getting his music career back on track. Then Lucia walks into his life, and shows him that his life can get better. But she's the daughter of his brothers' best friend, so she's off limits. Will Ben be able stay sober, and prove he wants to change, or will he self destruct again?
My dramatic girly girl emotions are all over the place, as my heart was ripped out, stomped on, before finally shoved back in violently. The character development is fantastic, with an amazing cast of secondaries. An intense, emotional, and well written storyline flows effortlessly. MariaLisa deMora's super talented writing style had me transported into the middle of Benny's world, and nearly brought me to my knees. She's simply brilliant in portraying the journey of an addict/alcoholic realistically, as he wasn't magically cured, but fell down more than once in his journey. Her words had my emotions coming out sideways, and I was physically exhausted when I finished. I'm kicking myself for not reading her sooner, and I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on more of her books ASAP! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
My dramatic girly girl emotions are all over the place, as my heart was ripped out, stomped on, before finally shoved back in violently. The character development is fantastic, with an amazing cast of secondaries. An intense, emotional, and well written storyline flows effortlessly. MariaLisa deMora's super talented writing style had me transported into the middle of Benny's world, and nearly brought me to my knees. She's simply brilliant in portraying the journey of an addict/alcoholic realistically, as he wasn't magically cured, but fell down more than once in his journey. Her words had my emotions coming out sideways, and I was physically exhausted when I finished. I'm kicking myself for not reading her sooner, and I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on more of her books ASAP! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 20, 2016
5 Trouble Never Looked So Good Stars!!!
Oh Benny how I love you!!! This is a book that I've been looking forward to since we first met him as part of the Rebel Wayfarer series. He's so much more than I thought he was. His upbringing is less than desirable and he falls into some interesting situations; the least of which is the boy toy for an older girl with money that uses him in ways that broke my heart.
To cope with his life and what it's becoming, Benny loses himself in his music and he's a very talented musician and gets caught up in all the things that you can imagine that life brings to someone that really doesn't know the ways of the world. His big brother Andy or Slate as we know him, tried to do his best for Benny but he wasn't seeing the whole picture because Benny didn't want him to.
Then things spiral out of control and Benny needs to re-evaluate his life and it's a painful period for him when Benny needs his brother and a couple others in the Rebel Wayfarers. By no means did having them in this story overshadow the story Ms. deMora was creating for us with this first book in this new series.
When Lucia enters the story, it's a time for Benny to become the man he's meant to be. Their love is a love that has the ability to eclipse all the bad that Benny has experienced up to this point in his life. It was innocent yet not at the same time.
I experienced so many emotions while reading this book that ran the gamut from tears to smiles. Ms. deMora has a way of writing that makes you have ALL THE FEELS when reading her words and I for one am so glad we're going to get more of this series and can't wait to see what she's got up her sleeve next!!
Oh Benny how I love you!!! This is a book that I've been looking forward to since we first met him as part of the Rebel Wayfarer series. He's so much more than I thought he was. His upbringing is less than desirable and he falls into some interesting situations; the least of which is the boy toy for an older girl with money that uses him in ways that broke my heart.
To cope with his life and what it's becoming, Benny loses himself in his music and he's a very talented musician and gets caught up in all the things that you can imagine that life brings to someone that really doesn't know the ways of the world. His big brother Andy or Slate as we know him, tried to do his best for Benny but he wasn't seeing the whole picture because Benny didn't want him to.
Then things spiral out of control and Benny needs to re-evaluate his life and it's a painful period for him when Benny needs his brother and a couple others in the Rebel Wayfarers. By no means did having them in this story overshadow the story Ms. deMora was creating for us with this first book in this new series.
When Lucia enters the story, it's a time for Benny to become the man he's meant to be. Their love is a love that has the ability to eclipse all the bad that Benny has experienced up to this point in his life. It was innocent yet not at the same time.
I experienced so many emotions while reading this book that ran the gamut from tears to smiles. Ms. deMora has a way of writing that makes you have ALL THE FEELS when reading her words and I for one am so glad we're going to get more of this series and can't wait to see what she's got up her sleeve next!!
May 26, 2016
"You are your brother's favorite person. Slate was scarcely a man when he took on the role he was born to, his brother's keeper. He's lived his whole life in service to others, including me, but you are one of the people who make his world richer. Now, seeing you though his eyes I know your worth in a way I didn't before. You aren't what you've done, what's happened to you. You are what you became in spite of what life threw at you. In spite of stumbling and falling."
This is Benny's story and I just loved it. It is what I had expected yet more. I had been wondering how I would feel since this is a new series for MariaLisa and I all but fallen for all the Rebel Wayfarers. In hindsight I shouldn't have even had those reservation since MariaLisa knows how to create a story where you just immediately fall for these characters. We know who Benny is reading Slate's story. You get some background there about him but in this one you see his ups and downs and I am in just in awe of reading him. I have fallen even harder for him and these boys in Occupy Yourself series and I want more like yesterday!
What made it all the more was that MariaLisa has brought the boys back from Rebels and even though they play a major role in Benny's life, it doesn't overshadow what has happened and what will come.
I had all sorts of feels in this story and I am so excited to see what will happen next. I can say with all certainty that it will be filled with love, loyalty, joy and most of all, it will be filled longing, cause trust me you will be longing for more!
This is Benny's story and I just loved it. It is what I had expected yet more. I had been wondering how I would feel since this is a new series for MariaLisa and I all but fallen for all the Rebel Wayfarers. In hindsight I shouldn't have even had those reservation since MariaLisa knows how to create a story where you just immediately fall for these characters. We know who Benny is reading Slate's story. You get some background there about him but in this one you see his ups and downs and I am in just in awe of reading him. I have fallen even harder for him and these boys in Occupy Yourself series and I want more like yesterday!
What made it all the more was that MariaLisa has brought the boys back from Rebels and even though they play a major role in Benny's life, it doesn't overshadow what has happened and what will come.
I had all sorts of feels in this story and I am so excited to see what will happen next. I can say with all certainty that it will be filled with love, loyalty, joy and most of all, it will be filled longing, cause trust me you will be longing for more!
June 23, 2016
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, betrayal, pain, and heartbreak.
This is Lucia and Benny’s story. Benny feels worthless with the way the woman he is around treat him. His escape from those feelings almost took his life. Now he is trying to come back from those feelings. Can the one of the things that used to sooth him be what brings him back? He is trying to keep it together and stay sober. Lucia is completely different from the woman he has been with before. But being with her could cause major issues for him. Her father is his brother’s best friend. His brother has always helped him when he needed it the most. Can he be with Lucia when if something happens he might lose everyone he holds close? Or will he finally find someone that will treat him the way he should be treated and love him for who he is?
I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, betrayal, pain, and heartbreak.
This is Lucia and Benny’s story. Benny feels worthless with the way the woman he is around treat him. His escape from those feelings almost took his life. Now he is trying to come back from those feelings. Can the one of the things that used to sooth him be what brings him back? He is trying to keep it together and stay sober. Lucia is completely different from the woman he has been with before. But being with her could cause major issues for him. Her father is his brother’s best friend. His brother has always helped him when he needed it the most. Can he be with Lucia when if something happens he might lose everyone he holds close? Or will he finally find someone that will treat him the way he should be treated and love him for who he is?
I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2018
Love this look into Benny's life. Love seeing things from Slate's little brother's point of view.
June 23, 2016
Benny's story absolutely wrecked me. His was a story of hitting bottom and bringing himself out of the darkness. All along the way his brother stood for him. This made me love Slate even more and that goes double for Mason. Slate never gave up on his brother. Never. Benny shattered my heart especially when he comes face to face with his demon. I was in tears during that confrontation and continued when others joined him in that. I loved his relationship with Luce. She too never gave up on him. I loved that she showed him was love was. How to give and how to receive that love. They're soul mates. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I give Born Into Trouble 5 hearts!
I give Born Into Trouble 5 hearts!
June 28, 2016
Loved loved loved this book
OMG. Loving this series so far. Such depth on Benny's abuse and love from Slate for his brother. Every emotion was felt in this book. Can't wait til the next book.
OMG. Loving this series so far. Such depth on Benny's abuse and love from Slate for his brother. Every emotion was felt in this book. Can't wait til the next book.
June 5, 2016
As a rule I don't read books that are about bands, out of almost 2000 books on my kindle only 3 are about bands. I don't care for the way the members are always cast as the "good time, find me a drink, groupie chasing, seeking that next hit" people. So when the opportunity came for me to read Book 1 of Occupy Yourself : Born Into Trouble I was skeptical. It's by a much favored author, would she do the lifestyle justice, would I be able to get past the first few pages? What if I hated it? How would I tell her that I couldn't finish it?
I'll admit that the first half of the book was hard for me to get through. I felt so much pain for Benny. I wanted to reach through the pages and hold him in my arms and tell him it would be ok, that he was better and stronger than everything in front of him while at the same time asking him "can't you see what you're doing to yourself"? That's the thing about lies and addiction; once you start on that slippery slope there's no coming back until you've hit rock bottom. And thankfully Benny hit his rock bottom thst allowed for him to get back up and so began his ascension.
Born into Trouble is beautiful and painful and by the time I was done I felt an awful lot like I had spent the past days standing next to Benny looking in a mirror. It was at best a awkward feeling that left me squirming in my seat. It made me want to make some phone calls and tell people how much I love them and that they're aren't enough thank yous in a lifetime for me to give them or ways for me to show them for not giving up on me.
That's the thing about a phenomenal book, with real emotions and situations. The characters pain and struggle become yours. You spend the entire book right there on the sidelines praying that someone sees the struggle, and makes those first difficult choices. And in the end when that character finds they're redemption your body relaxes, you become less panicked about the ending.
"Show us what you dream of, brother.”
So while there's never enough of RWMC in any book, there was the perfect amount of Slate, because he was so so so important to Benny's story. And Bear and Mason were there to irritate me with their opinions and words of wisdom, no matter how important to the scene those words were, I scowled at the pages. Ruby was as always beautiful in her acceptance of Benny. And Mercedes was that Angel on Benny's shoulder whispering "what do you need".
I absolutely adore the relationship build between Lucia and Benny. It was imperative to Benny that he get it right this time. She meant to much to him for him to screw it up and rush it. It was to beautiful. Lucia was beautiful, not because of her description but because she could see that Benny was worth more than his past, such a slow build and then BOOM.
So did I really have a reason to be afraid to read Born Into Trouble? No, deep down I knew that MariaLisa would never write a book that was just about an addict in a band, with no substance or honest feelings. I know better than that. It was so much more that I almost feel as if I should send her a "I'm so sorry for doubting you" card.
"If you let me own those wins, then you can’t take responsibilities for the losses from me, brother.”
I'll admit that the first half of the book was hard for me to get through. I felt so much pain for Benny. I wanted to reach through the pages and hold him in my arms and tell him it would be ok, that he was better and stronger than everything in front of him while at the same time asking him "can't you see what you're doing to yourself"? That's the thing about lies and addiction; once you start on that slippery slope there's no coming back until you've hit rock bottom. And thankfully Benny hit his rock bottom thst allowed for him to get back up and so began his ascension.
Born into Trouble is beautiful and painful and by the time I was done I felt an awful lot like I had spent the past days standing next to Benny looking in a mirror. It was at best a awkward feeling that left me squirming in my seat. It made me want to make some phone calls and tell people how much I love them and that they're aren't enough thank yous in a lifetime for me to give them or ways for me to show them for not giving up on me.
That's the thing about a phenomenal book, with real emotions and situations. The characters pain and struggle become yours. You spend the entire book right there on the sidelines praying that someone sees the struggle, and makes those first difficult choices. And in the end when that character finds they're redemption your body relaxes, you become less panicked about the ending.
"Show us what you dream of, brother.”
So while there's never enough of RWMC in any book, there was the perfect amount of Slate, because he was so so so important to Benny's story. And Bear and Mason were there to irritate me with their opinions and words of wisdom, no matter how important to the scene those words were, I scowled at the pages. Ruby was as always beautiful in her acceptance of Benny. And Mercedes was that Angel on Benny's shoulder whispering "what do you need".
I absolutely adore the relationship build between Lucia and Benny. It was imperative to Benny that he get it right this time. She meant to much to him for him to screw it up and rush it. It was to beautiful. Lucia was beautiful, not because of her description but because she could see that Benny was worth more than his past, such a slow build and then BOOM.
So did I really have a reason to be afraid to read Born Into Trouble? No, deep down I knew that MariaLisa would never write a book that was just about an addict in a band, with no substance or honest feelings. I know better than that. It was so much more that I almost feel as if I should send her a "I'm so sorry for doubting you" card.
"If you let me own those wins, then you can’t take responsibilities for the losses from me, brother.”
July 8, 2016
Born Into Trouble is the first book in a spin-off series based on characters introduced in one of my FAVORITE MC romance series. The Rebel Wayfarers MC is filled with some of the greatest bikers I've ever come across. Benny is the younger brother of one of one of the Chapter Presidents, Slate with a passion for music and an up and coming music career.
Benny's story touched me on so many levels. Having been a fan of the Rebel Wayfarers MC since I cracked open the first page of book 1, I was quite familiar with Benny's story. I knew his struggle with addiction was a big hurdle for himself and the Rebels, especially his older brother Slate.
Being granted the in depth of what started Benny down that downward spiral is what touched me. His story was all too familiar to someone I knew. Though he didn't get the HEA that Benny did, I know that struggle as if we're my own. I will forever wish I had been stronger and offered him the kind of support he really needed, but unlike with Benny, I am just one person and he had a large group of amazingly strong men that could practically scare you straight. Shoot, Mason alone is a force to be reckoned with.
I honestly didn't know what to expect with this story. But I went in with an open mind and open heart and let the story take over. I was only into the first could pages when I was ready to kill Benita with my bare hands. Into the first couple chapters I was trying to concoct ways of diving into the pages and write myself a scene of how I would end her. And I was clapping and cheering when Benny finally had the strength to let out all that anger, frustration and hurt.
Benny was a good kid that was forced down a road he didn't realize he was traveling and MariaLisa deMora did such an outstanding job detailing and conveying his struggle to set his path right. The imagery I got from his internal ramblings and how hard it was for him to resist. How much he wanted to succeed and how if felt when he failed. Addiction is a war with daily battles that a person faces every day and I LITERALLY felt Benny's pain. I felt his disappointment in himself and I felt the support he was given from Lucia to Slate and even the fear that Mason's words provoked.
I felt so much with this story and the only physical struggle I had to deal with was forcing myself to stop reading to just get a couple hours of sleep. Because once I started I couldn't let go. I was so invested in Benny that I wanted to give him all my strength as well.
I look forward to more Occupy Yourself and always love seeing the Rebels anytime I can.
Benny's story touched me on so many levels. Having been a fan of the Rebel Wayfarers MC since I cracked open the first page of book 1, I was quite familiar with Benny's story. I knew his struggle with addiction was a big hurdle for himself and the Rebels, especially his older brother Slate.
Being granted the in depth of what started Benny down that downward spiral is what touched me. His story was all too familiar to someone I knew. Though he didn't get the HEA that Benny did, I know that struggle as if we're my own. I will forever wish I had been stronger and offered him the kind of support he really needed, but unlike with Benny, I am just one person and he had a large group of amazingly strong men that could practically scare you straight. Shoot, Mason alone is a force to be reckoned with.
I honestly didn't know what to expect with this story. But I went in with an open mind and open heart and let the story take over. I was only into the first could pages when I was ready to kill Benita with my bare hands. Into the first couple chapters I was trying to concoct ways of diving into the pages and write myself a scene of how I would end her. And I was clapping and cheering when Benny finally had the strength to let out all that anger, frustration and hurt.
Benny was a good kid that was forced down a road he didn't realize he was traveling and MariaLisa deMora did such an outstanding job detailing and conveying his struggle to set his path right. The imagery I got from his internal ramblings and how hard it was for him to resist. How much he wanted to succeed and how if felt when he failed. Addiction is a war with daily battles that a person faces every day and I LITERALLY felt Benny's pain. I felt his disappointment in himself and I felt the support he was given from Lucia to Slate and even the fear that Mason's words provoked.
I felt so much with this story and the only physical struggle I had to deal with was forcing myself to stop reading to just get a couple hours of sleep. Because once I started I couldn't let go. I was so invested in Benny that I wanted to give him all my strength as well.
I look forward to more Occupy Yourself and always love seeing the Rebels anytime I can.
July 19, 2016
Where should I start? I really wanted to dislike Ben, he was a troubled young man who didn't think twice about stealing from his grandparents, kept getting trapped into dangerous and stupid fucking situations that his brother always had to save him from, but at the end of the day I couldn't help but to like and admire this young troubled boy/man. He was taken advantage of by someone so much older and him being a male and her being a female does not in any way, shape or form excuse her behavior, fact of the matter is that for eleven years Benita took advantage of Ben. He may have accepted all her domineering situations and yes he was old enough to say no but it was to late, she shaped and molded him to what she wanted him to be, her boy toy. That woman needed to see the inside of a fucking prison cell! She was disgusting!!
With that rant over..lol..I think Ben's story and it was his story, not him and Lucia, just him..it was a sad tale with so many wrongs done to him and by him but with a marvelous cast of characters and his redemption. It was a strong sight seeing my beloved Mason and Bear rip poor Ben a new asshole..lol, two talks by two strong as fuck men that Ben totally needed and accepted! That was what made me accept and love his character so much, he atoned for his sins and accepted what came to him. He was lucky that Slate never gave up on him, because of that love and loyalty from his brother, he gained the love and loyalty from the MC..not an easy feat for sure..
Lucia was a great supporter as was the very quiet but powerful Mercedes. I think she, Lucia, was the perfect partner for Ben. She was understanding, supportive, accepting and loving. All things Ben needed.
It was a great story with many scary situations, addiction and sexual predators are a real thing and even reading about them in a fictional book, it's still sad and enfuriating to know these things actually do happen every fucking day!!!
Great foray into a new series, one I totally look forward to continue reading..
(BTW Mason is still the hottest guy ever....YUM!)
With that rant over..lol..I think Ben's story and it was his story, not him and Lucia, just him..it was a sad tale with so many wrongs done to him and by him but with a marvelous cast of characters and his redemption. It was a strong sight seeing my beloved Mason and Bear rip poor Ben a new asshole..lol, two talks by two strong as fuck men that Ben totally needed and accepted! That was what made me accept and love his character so much, he atoned for his sins and accepted what came to him. He was lucky that Slate never gave up on him, because of that love and loyalty from his brother, he gained the love and loyalty from the MC..not an easy feat for sure..
Lucia was a great supporter as was the very quiet but powerful Mercedes. I think she, Lucia, was the perfect partner for Ben. She was understanding, supportive, accepting and loving. All things Ben needed.
It was a great story with many scary situations, addiction and sexual predators are a real thing and even reading about them in a fictional book, it's still sad and enfuriating to know these things actually do happen every fucking day!!!
Great foray into a new series, one I totally look forward to continue reading..
(BTW Mason is still the hottest guy ever....YUM!)
June 15, 2016
Sex, drugs and rock & roll. This is not your typical "rock band" read. It's the spotlight of the lead character, lead singer and guitarist Benny Jones of Occupy Yourself. Benny grew up a hard life with an alcoholic mother, a brother who was his idol and grandparents who he stole from when he was younger and even throughout his life.
It all started at age fourteen. Benny played football, lived with his grandparents, and his brother Andy. Andy was always trying to be Benny's guardian angel. Trying to make life easier for Benny. But Andy left his hometown to make a better life for himself and Benny. Benny was with a toxic girl, Benita. She was a manipulative and aggressive. She got whatever she wanted. She had a black heart and didn't care for anyone except for herself.
To help with the loss of his brother, he started to play guitar. And he was good. So good, that he formed a band. Things were good when Benita was away at college but she dropped out. She became his tour manager. Benita turned him onto alcohol and drugs. He basically turned back to being her "bitch".
He eventually toured and traveled to where his brother was living in Fort Wayne. He played for the first time in front of his brother. But at the same time, drugs and alcohol won and almost died. His brother took charge to help Benny to beat the addiction.
With ups and lows, Benny found his way back to live. Under the same roof with Andy. He found music again as well a love. A true love with Lucia. They were meant to be together. But as an addict, "ain't how many times you fall, it's how many times you get back up". Being with Lucia, was his promise and his true love.
Please be advised that Born Into a Trouble contains drugs, alcohol and sexual abuse.
3.5 stars
Received arc for an honest review
It all started at age fourteen. Benny played football, lived with his grandparents, and his brother Andy. Andy was always trying to be Benny's guardian angel. Trying to make life easier for Benny. But Andy left his hometown to make a better life for himself and Benny. Benny was with a toxic girl, Benita. She was a manipulative and aggressive. She got whatever she wanted. She had a black heart and didn't care for anyone except for herself.
To help with the loss of his brother, he started to play guitar. And he was good. So good, that he formed a band. Things were good when Benita was away at college but she dropped out. She became his tour manager. Benita turned him onto alcohol and drugs. He basically turned back to being her "bitch".
He eventually toured and traveled to where his brother was living in Fort Wayne. He played for the first time in front of his brother. But at the same time, drugs and alcohol won and almost died. His brother took charge to help Benny to beat the addiction.
With ups and lows, Benny found his way back to live. Under the same roof with Andy. He found music again as well a love. A true love with Lucia. They were meant to be together. But as an addict, "ain't how many times you fall, it's how many times you get back up". Being with Lucia, was his promise and his true love.
Please be advised that Born Into a Trouble contains drugs, alcohol and sexual abuse.
3.5 stars
Received arc for an honest review
June 22, 2016
Born Into Trouble (Occupy Yourself, #1) by MariaLisa deMora is the story of Benny Jones. He has endured a tough upbringing. Once living a good life in a loving family with his mother, father and his older brother. He now finds himself trying to keep his head above water after his world falls apart. His father is dead, his mother is the town alcoholic whore, his family farm has been sold and he now lives with his grandparents. His brother who has always been there has up and left to find work. Benny is left spiraling out of control and his rich girlfriend is no help. Music becomes his savior but now that cannot save him from his destructive behavior. This story can be read as a standalone but for those who have read the author’s Rebel Wayfarers MC series Benny is Andy aka Slate’s baby brother. A really good story and if you have read the MC series the book is another chance at reliving as well as seeing another side of what has happened to the members of the MC club. In this story we finally find out what happened to Benny once Andy had left him with their grandparents till he shows up at Marie’s to perform with his band. We get to learn if Benny can overcome his demons or if he will crash and burn. The subject matter can be a little tough at times, even so hang in there and enjoy the ride. I was given an ARC of the book for an honest review. I give Benny’s story 4 stars.
June 20, 2016
I was drawn to MariaLisa deMora because of my love to read MC books. This is the beginning of a new spinoff series - and it’s about the beginning of a rock band. This first book touches on Benny, the lead singer, songwriter, and younger brother to Slate, of the Rebel MC. Benny is an addict and an alcoholic. In order for Benny to find love and acceptance, he has to learn to let go of his past, find forgiveness for himself, and face his demons. This is a journey into what made Benny the way he is.
Benny has found moderate success as in an up and coming band - Occupy Yourself. But he finds himself spiralling out of control and losing their contract with their music company. His decline leads him to playing in a bar where he sees his brother, which triggers an alcoholic episode, almost killing him. It’s at this point, Slate takes over as his brother’s keeper, and tries to help Benny crawl out of his dark place. He gradually begins a friendship with Lucia, and begins to rebuild the band.
This is a love story between Lucia and Benny, but it is so much more. Benny has always felt abandoned, but in his climb upwards, he discovers that his support group is growing, and there is family and love around him.
I love Rock Star books, and I love MC books. This is a mixture of both, and the message was beautifully written. I’m giving this book 5-stars!
Benny has found moderate success as in an up and coming band - Occupy Yourself. But he finds himself spiralling out of control and losing their contract with their music company. His decline leads him to playing in a bar where he sees his brother, which triggers an alcoholic episode, almost killing him. It’s at this point, Slate takes over as his brother’s keeper, and tries to help Benny crawl out of his dark place. He gradually begins a friendship with Lucia, and begins to rebuild the band.
This is a love story between Lucia and Benny, but it is so much more. Benny has always felt abandoned, but in his climb upwards, he discovers that his support group is growing, and there is family and love around him.
I love Rock Star books, and I love MC books. This is a mixture of both, and the message was beautifully written. I’m giving this book 5-stars!
June 21, 2016
I FLOVE THIS AUTHOR!!! The way that her characters talk to her and the way she is able to take that and put it into words is incredible. I love the Rebel Wayfarers series and knew when Benny was introduced, he would have an amazing story to tell. This story was such an emotional ride. As Slate’s brother, I already had a pretty good picture of Benny’s early childhood. However, nothing prepared me for the years that followed. Benny is a complex man who has had a life full of drama. He has had more than his share of ups and downs. When he finally gets his life together, it is a beautiful sight to behold. The connection that he has with Luce is deep and immediate. He knows she is the girl, but he has a lot of work to do before he is worthy of her. Benny’s climb back up is full of emotion and left me a crying wreck. I am excited to see where this series will lead next.
July 6, 2016
I am a BIG fan of the Rebels Wayfarers. But I so much enjoyed reading Benny's story. I've never had someone close to me deal with addiction, but MariaLisa brought it to real life. I wept with Benny. I cheered for him. This story was amazing and I highly recommend it to EVERYONE especially those who have dealt with addiction or who are currently experiencing addiction. You are not alone. This book is amazing!!!
December 7, 2021
Hot Damn!
Knew Benny was going to rip my heart out and he did, but he also put it back together. As with everything else I've read by MariaLisa this book kicks butt. The road Benny travels is rough but leads him to the greatest gift of all, love. Love of family, friends and his soul mate. You will laugh, you will cry and in the end you will want more. And of course you will see our beloved Rebel Wayfarers!
Knew Benny was going to rip my heart out and he did, but he also put it back together. As with everything else I've read by MariaLisa this book kicks butt. The road Benny travels is rough but leads him to the greatest gift of all, love. Love of family, friends and his soul mate. You will laugh, you will cry and in the end you will want more. And of course you will see our beloved Rebel Wayfarers!
August 28, 2017
Born into Trouble ripped so many damn emotions from me! Each emotion, each plot development, and character reaction all came together perfectly. I LOVED it.
Disclosure: This book was provided in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
Disclosure: This book was provided in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
July 12, 2016
Amazing. So intense. I loved Benny. Can't wait for the rest in this series.
November 15, 2021
For many years the beginning and middle of my 40 year marriage was a rocky place, my husband a borderline functional alcoholic. It took endless fighting , begging, threats and tears by the bucket load to get him to quit, and he did many many times.
I’m happy to say it’s been ten years and he’s been clear but I know his triggers and how hard it is for him. So this book hit a lot of things in my past, I went through an entire box of tissue reading Benny’s story. ML did this subject proud, she honored the addicts fighting to get out. And showed just how hard that journey is. Amazing book by an amazing writer.
I’m happy to say it’s been ten years and he’s been clear but I know his triggers and how hard it is for him. So this book hit a lot of things in my past, I went through an entire box of tissue reading Benny’s story. ML did this subject proud, she honored the addicts fighting to get out. And showed just how hard that journey is. Amazing book by an amazing writer.
May 8, 2018
I did finish reading it, though it felt tedious at times. I get it; there are always relapses in addicts, but just felt this went on a bit long.
Or maybe I misunderstood what the book was about before I bought it? I'll hang onto it and reread it at some point.
Or maybe I misunderstood what the book was about before I bought it? I'll hang onto it and reread it at some point.
May 14, 2022
Wow!
Another book that blew me away and taught me so much. I have not found a single MariaLisa DeMora book that didn't leave me scrambling to get my hands on the next one. Off to the zon for the next captivating tale in this combined series.
Another book that blew me away and taught me so much. I have not found a single MariaLisa DeMora book that didn't leave me scrambling to get my hands on the next one. Off to the zon for the next captivating tale in this combined series.
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