Realistic characters with struggles and problems I found believable
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Very gradual transformation in the relationship from intense dislike to love, and I believed it; it seemed realistic.
- No dramatic external force that affects the characters in any significant way. I understand that injuries and hateful friends/family members, etc. are very real problems, and I rarely mind when something big happens and has a negative effect on the characters in a story. But it’s also refreshing now and then to read a book in which the conflict arises solely from the characters themselves--miscommunication, insecurities, fear of commitment, and so on. I think that most relationship problems in real life are like this.
- Few typos/editing issues.
CONS:
- I didn’t like one of the characters much until well into the story and struggled to see why the other one falls for him. He redeems himself by the end, of course, but even at the story’s close I didn’t love him.
- The sex is graphic and not boring, but it’s not emotional (the way I like sex scenes to be) until over halfway through the book.
- Although I’m sure this happens in May-December romances, I’m always a little uncomfortable when the characters repeatedly refer to problems (whether already existing or merely potential) arising from the difference in their ages.
Overall comments: If you enjoy realistic stories about people who undergo gradual change, this is a good one. I read it in one sitting, which isn’t the norm for me. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more like a fairy tale, this probably isn’t for you. Both characters have flaws, as does their relationship.