Review: Interesting and unpredictable premise... but not my favorite Ally Blue story
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 16, 2014
I liked that this is a book has a premise and circumstances not typically seen in the run of the mill MM romance. That’s what I usually get with Ally Blue's books: interesting circumstances and atypical well developed characters and good writing.The writing was not as strong but I find that this was based on the characters ---and for me these characters were underdeveloped throughout the book. Even the romance seemed less fully fleshed out than I've seen in her other books. Certainly, this might be due to a desire to get across the social message while balancing it with the love affair. Seemingly, the depth of both characters suffered.Judah’s “fall” seemed really rushed and Toby feels even unbelievable and flat. I felt like just as I was getting to know them “poof” they disappeared in a world of disjointed experiences of their circumstances mixed with peripheral characters-who themselves seemed to need more explanation. The story flipped between Judah's and Toby's point of view-which were more of a presentation of their thoughts than anything. Ally does provide backstories for both men. But somehow it was not enough to for me to get to know them as opposed to a lesson about “who" is increasingly among the homeless; or the struggles of parolees who want to go "straight." The premise is a good one. I just wanted more depth from these characters and a more interesting love story.