Review: BRILLIANT
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 10, 2013
*****ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*****Ok, so this story starts out with a rock group called 'Fate's Crazy' performing to get their big break. The lead singer Rhane and guitarist Dalton are a fiery couple in love. They score their break and than a tragedy occurs leaving Rhane without her voice, the love of her life and she can't remember anything about the accident...."Even though I struggle to remember some things, I have had no problem figuring out that Dalton Morgan had been the air that I breathed and the love of my life. I probably would have signed up for a one-way trip to Mars, if it meant being with him".With her life so completely turned upside down she only has her Uncle 'T' to rely on and he is there for her unconditionally, I thought 'T' was a really great character. However, Rhane struggles with the fact that her old self has completely disappeared and while she has always had anger issues, her inability to talk above a whisper makes her aggressive outbursts increase...."Losing my voice in the accident was akin to losing my identity, and although I try to put on a brave front, inside, I am anything but."I found myself crying silent tears so many times throughout the first 16 chapters of this book, because of the raw emotion, pain and heartbreak that the author pours into this character. As a reader I find that stories that have the ability to make you feel what the characters feel have a lasting impression on you and through Rhane that is exactly what Lori Clarke achieved with me.Aside from all this Rhane has a quirkiness about her that had me laughing several times, her constant hair color changes and little things she does kind of rounded out all her anger and anxiety..."I'm pretty sure washing it in puppy shampoo isn't something I want to make a habit of doing."So with Rhane physically moving far away from her old life to a house that is extremely run down, we get to meet Ian Callahan. Ian's life has been no walk in the park and is way more chaotic than Rhane's. They have a undeniable attraction between them and their banter provided me with a few laughs as well...."Come here, Sunshine." I move to stand next to him. A smirk tips up one side of his mouth, and he shakes his head. "That was easy." "What are you talking about?", "I just made you come with one finger," he says with a hearty laugh."When Rhane has an emotional melt down, Ian is there to support her....'I fall against him. "Sometimes when I think of never seeing you again, I can't breathe." "It's alright, Sunshine. I'll be your oxygen," he whispers.'When Ian and Rhane finally give in to their attraction, Ian's pastrears its ugly head and causes total chaos and threatens their happiness. However, when it all comes down to the crunch and they have both sorted out their own personal issues we finally get to see them together...."Because let's be clear here, you're mine, I'm yours. You can have your own toothbrush. No way in hell you're driving my truck, and I definitely won't be sharing you with anyone."Gwen was another great secondary character just like 'T', and exactly what Rhane needs in her life, she is a tough no nonsense ex-army nurse who fits perfectly into the story and provided great companionship and advice for Rhane....Gwen heaves a heavy sigh, "Oh, boo hoo. She called you names. So what? You need to grow a pair."This was a great read that I really enjoyed. The story flowed with ease and the characters where engaging and developed really well. I kinda hope that there will be a sequel so we can see where they go now that they are together but felt it was wrapped up enough that it wouldn't matter if there wasn't one. I would definitely recommend that you take the time to experience this great story.