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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
I liked this book a lot - I liked the different ways that Ive and Uma both had substantial damage (and the damage that Ms. Lloyd had too, and the way she wasn't at all what she seemed from the beginning). I liked the feel of the small town. I loved the actual resolution to the Big Dramatic Tense Moment, the way it resolved organically and in a way that respected both characters' agency while still playing true to the way they'd been portrayed. I liked that the supporting characters were actual characters, not "here is someone who exists to be sequel bait k thx."
Still, for all that I liked it, there was something about it that just didn't sit right with me. It might have been that the sex scenes weren't entirely to my taste? I'm not sure.
Still, for all that I liked it, there was something about it that just didn't sit right with me. It might have been that the sex scenes weren't entirely to my taste? I'm not sure.
I really enjoyed this. Interesting characters like a backyard blacksmith, a cranky landlady/employer and the heroine who bravely leaves a powerful abuser.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My first Adriana Anders book and it was worth the pick and the read. I won't lie I got this one during the sale, and it was a bit of a slow start, but working past Chapter 1 I got roped in and couldn't put it down by Chapter 3.
Ive and Uma are awesome together, but they have some dark, deep, horrible pasts. Uma herself is definitely a tough, strong heroine who's been through a shit ton. I can't say more without giving in some spoilers.
Bottom Line: if you enjoy unexpected, sensual romance with characters who have dark pasts and tough issues to overcome you'll enjoy this book.
For readers who enjoy M. O'Keefe, but would rather have 3rd person vs. 1st.
Ive and Uma are awesome together, but they have some dark, deep, horrible pasts. Uma herself is definitely a tough, strong heroine who's been through a shit ton. I can't say more without giving in some spoilers.
Bottom Line: if you enjoy unexpected, sensual romance with characters who have dark pasts and tough issues to overcome you'll enjoy this book.
For readers who enjoy M. O'Keefe, but would rather have 3rd person vs. 1st.
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
**Most of my reviews contain detailed CW/TW sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
4/5
Audio (Wendy Tremont King)
Summary: After escaping her abusive boyfriend, Uma winds up in a small town where a physician has agreed to provide her with free treatment to help her heal. She takes a job working for a crotchety agoraphobic old lady, while the blacksmith/martial arts fighter next door becomes increasingly appealing.
Stats: CR, M/F, part of a series, stands alone, open door (some kink).
Notes: The story is good - it gets the isolation, abandonment and complexity of DV/IPV/DA recovery really well - including that recovery and healing isn't a straight up trajectory for many people. I love the informal light power exchange (more fem dominant) in the sex scenes as a tool for her to reclaim some of her power and control (not usually my preference in sex content, but it works for me here). Overall the audiobook is okay - there is some trouble with accent consistency and one of the worst English accents I’ve ever heard (I actually skipped though any scenes with that character - it's really awful).
OTT and Spoilery Content Warnings (CW) and Trigger Warnings (TW):
DV/IPV/DA, Anxiety/PTSD, insomnia, “shut in” agoraphobic old lady character, mention of off page animal abuse by previous owner, mention of hunting, body dysmorphia, body mutilation (forced tattooing, in the past), medical scenes, organized fighting, touch aversion, abuser apologist parent, mention of alcohol/drugs (meth), dead parents (long past, off page), some “crazy/loonies” talk, previous marriage, mmc has been incarcerated (assault), infidelity/accusations of infidelity in past relationship, sorta light fem dom, light voyeurism, f clothed/m naked, blindfolding, biting, mmc has a bit of a praise kink, FMC has a bit of a breeding kink, previous engagement, previous partner with substance abuse, property destruction by previous partner, nightmares/flashbacks, DV/IPV against side character, mention of miscarriage (side character), murder, mention of restraints/gag (not kink), rape, firearm, fistfight
4/5
Audio (Wendy Tremont King)
Summary: After escaping her abusive boyfriend, Uma winds up in a small town where a physician has agreed to provide her with free treatment to help her heal. She takes a job working for a crotchety agoraphobic old lady, while the blacksmith/martial arts fighter next door becomes increasingly appealing.
Stats: CR, M/F, part of a series, stands alone, open door (some kink).
Notes: The story is good - it gets the isolation, abandonment and complexity of DV/IPV/DA recovery really well - including that recovery and healing isn't a straight up trajectory for many people. I love the informal light power exchange (more fem dominant) in the sex scenes as a tool for her to reclaim some of her power and control (not usually my preference in sex content, but it works for me here). Overall the audiobook is okay - there is some trouble with accent consistency and one of the worst English accents I’ve ever heard (I actually skipped though any scenes with that character - it's really awful).
OTT and Spoilery Content Warnings (CW) and Trigger Warnings (TW):
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
3.5 Angsty, but I liked the beta hero -- a blacksmith!
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes