4.5 Drew-worthy stars!This was a surprise read for me. The plot came out as a total cliche: popular guy, insecure girl. But what came out was an amazingly crafted story—it totally all boils down to excellent writing.The author has intricately woven the personalities of these characters to the point that you feel them as a reader. You empathize with them, even at times, you just want to rip the heroine’s hair out and give her a solid shaking (yes, I totally felt that way). And it’s just wonderful to have that—the way the author crafted her story in such a way that I just immersed myself, in every line of this story. Thumbs up for the author to add several layers to the hero’s personality. You cannot help but love Drew Baylor (the recovering man-whore) and his intense love for Anna, amidst overwhelming odds.For the heroine, sadly, she’s the type of character that I want to give a good shaking (emphasis needed) because she was so insecure that I don’t know how else to justify that kind of insecurity. I didn’t see much layer to her personality, except that she’s confusing. She could be strong but often incredibly obtuse. She was somehow redeemed in the end but it was really the Drew who brought it home for me.Despite that, I loved reading this story. It was heartwarming. The theme also emphasized the loss of loved ones and its effects but it was seamlessly woven into the story. It didn’t appear like the destructive type of stories which is frustratingly prevalent on the new adult/romance genre these days.
A.J., why do you have to write the most wonderful heroes? Aaaahhhh!!! Now I'm hooked and begrudgingly wait for Book 2. I can't believe this is happening! *Eileen grinning like an idiot while typing this*P.S. Ollie's godlike costume had meLaughing out loud!Review to come!-----------------------REVIEW: This book was a surprise for me. I would never have pegged myself for the adult romance fantasy genre but it only takes one book to change perspective. When the author mentioned her new fantasy book, I was a little let down because I was a Tessa and Dibs fangirl (She's Got Dibs). I was waiting/hoping against all hopes for a Dibs sequel. But the disappointment lasted only a moment and vanished when I began reading the first page of this book. Holy moley.I was hooked right on the first few pages and it takes brilliant crafting of a gifted storyteller to pull that off. The reader can't help but get absorbed into Rowena and Caedmon's world. It's quite perceptive and smart and otherworldy.The tension and chemistry between Rowena and Caedmon are off the charts! And A.J. made it so believable for these characters to fall in love in a short amount of time and the reader falls headlong with them. And it isn't just about the physical intimacy or the lust that dominate the genre. It was the bond forged between the characters and how she depicted Caedmon...the language...oh swoon. The typical slow-burn chemistry that I find in the author's work is present here and I absolutely loved it. She made me believe it.But that cliffhanger!!!As i said prior to this review, I begrudgingly await the second installment and can't wait to find out. A.J. Writes beautiful prose and you can't help but feel the words glide and flow through the pages. Another awesome read! Now I'm hooked to this sub genre.Thanks A.J. for the enlightenment!
Five Stars.
