Review: Different Than Expected
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 22, 2011
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the latest installment.  I've loved all the books and this one is really no different.  What was a little strange as I read this book, once the POV from Daniel played out about his own character and those around him, I saw him very differently from Jacob's Ladder.  Dan was so funny in that book even though you did get glimpses of his own unhappiness.  I never thought that once he fully came out that he would turn into such an apathetic player.  That was somewhat disappointing, but the author did make it understandable.I guess what kept me from giving this book a full 5 stars is that I wish Cam and Dan had more time to develop some their feelings and the reader was pulled into it.  The transition from verbal swordplay and the first date to the weekend together was pretty quick.  The author sped through that timeline I'm assuming so the reader didn't have to wait, but it would have been interesting to see some interaction between the main characters with regards to anticipation or bleed some of that to the secondary characters since other news seems to travel so quickly in Nacho's as a small town.Cam's own background story was very short and sad and that was somewhat disappointing, too.  Now that I reflect back, Shawn's story in St Nacho's wasn't told either so I really shouldn't be surprised.  I loved Cam in Jacob's Ladder and I just wished what I saw as his sensitive, flirty, protective, big teddy bear side would have been used more when it came to Dan.  What happened to Dan's aura and his transition from his feelings of attraction to love... it's a question mark for me.  The flip flopping of both Dan's feelings about his ex and the way his ex behaved is another surprise.  I guess, ultimately, I wished the story had been longer.I still enjoyed reading this book very much and am so in love with this town and all the damaged people who meet and come together to get healed.  Maxfield is still able to make me giggle and tear up so I'll be coming back for more.  I hope the story continues.