Review: Didn't like the characters
Rating: 1 out of 5
Date: 03 19, 2013
This book started well but, sadly, I couldn't continue past about 10%. The characters lost credibility soon after I started reading. Hopefully, the following comes across as constructive criticism, particularly since it is the author's first full-length book. I'm trying to imagine how the first 10% would come across if I heard about it happening in real life.Take Brandon. I was willing to like him until, well, just after we met him when he accused Sandra of meaning to spill coffee on his shirt, that she was a schemer wanting to sink her claws into him, etc, followed by callous laughter. Would you appreciate a stranger saying that to you? I wouldn't, nor would I appreciate them saying it my wife, daughters, mother, nieces. Then we find out he's drug dealer and he's helped to shape the drug scene. That he prefers looser women. That he's neglected his family. Etc. There was little to like almost instantly.Take Sandra. She had a rough start and came across as a nice person until she came across as indecisive and shallow. That is, when Brandon, who has just insulted and growled at her, asks her out - and she is persuaded to accept. I double-checked this my wife and, yes, she assured me if she were single and a stranger insulted and growled at her, she wouldn't instantly go out with him. Even if he happened to be annoyingly good to look at.Take Cassie. She also comes across as a nice person. Until I read that she has let a stranger know where her friend works. That is, a drug-dealing criminal now knows where Sandra works and has effectively stalked her. Since this is a romance, we know Sandra is going to be OK. But let's say that Sandra and Brandon have a hostile split. Is it really a good idea for an annoyed drug-dealer to know where you work?Take Doctor Baker. His role is minor but significant in the early stages. He helps to trap Sandra in going out with Brandon. I'm not sure I'd be impressed if my boss were to do that.I definitely agree with many of the other reviewers who are saying this is an impressive first book. I think if a bit more thought had been given to each character's personality and motivations as if it were real life, the book would have turned out really well. I'll look forward to the author's next book because I'm sure it will be much better.