Review: Debut novel with author potential
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 12 28, 2012
Who wouldn't be lured in by the gorgeousness of this cover?  Stunning.  Unfortunately, the rest of the book just didn't do it for me.  I wanted to like this book like you wouldn't believe.  If I had not read the Fifty Shades of Grey series, I probably would have enjoyed it more.The first part of the book starts out pretty good.  I mean, it is set at Oklahoma University, how much better can it get?  I might be a bit partial to my alma mater though.  It was really cool to actually have been to the places that are mentioned in the book!  Then, about 25% in, it seems as though the book started to loose its individuality a bit as far as the plot goes.  You have your college senior getting ready to graduate and the millionaire infatuated with her.  Nearly every piece of the plot mirrored something from Fifty Shades of Grey.  It was a fast forward and watered down version, not giving you enough time to feel the characters or understand why they are reacting to situations in certain ways.  You've got psycho ex escaped from mental institution, gifting of a computer and expensive car, masquerade ball benefiting children's charity and another ex trying to get in the way for example.I also felt like I was more beta reading than reading a final copy.  It needs to go through at least 2 to 3 more rounds of edits.  I am NOT a stickler when it comes to this, especially with Indie authors, but it needs some attention.  It felt as though it was being rushed to be published?It is also labeled as erotic, however, I would classify it more as "new adult".  There wasn't much description in the scenes and they lasted maybe a couple paragraphs.  I couldn't imagine trying to write a sex scene and it felt like Watkins maybe was feeling a little shy as well.  Practice makes perfect. ;)The ending came with a great cliffhanger!  I think if C.N. Watkins really takes time to deviate her story from Fifty and come up with something totally new and original and works hard on her edits, she will come out a winner with the next installment!Received book from author for review on The Indie Bookshelf.[...]