Review: great beginning, let down by ending
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 22, 2013
Carved in Stone. Kate DouglasARC supplied via Netgalley.This is a romance, but delivered via an exciting, suspenseful adventure, with spirits helping the two escape from where they are trapped. Nate thinks he's hired a Pulitzer prizewinning photographer - well he has - but he's expecting Alex' father not her, although she actually took the photos her dad won the prize for. He didn't credit her though, and took all the fame for himself.There's an instant physical attraction between the duo, simmering sexual tension. but Nate is surly and rude in his surprise at seeing Alex. He makes some pretty sexist remarks too, - though later he apologises to Alex the harm is done. Its the kind of supercilious, condescending remarks she's had far too many of and she's tired of it.Still, they come to a truce, and as the first few days pass Nate comes to recognise her talent and hard work. He's still really attracted to her but determined to stay professional, though the mountain spirits have other plans...both he and Alex can feel something in the air as they explore the carvings. Then comes the drug runners, and the two become trapped in a cave. I loved this part, the magic of the cave, and the revaluations that came from the spirits was wonderful, and the way facing their possible death there made them let go of the things holding them back from their emotions was beautiful. There were some smoking sensual sex scenes here, carnal and erotic, but not out of place, just seemed the perfect setting. Real raw emotions at work.Sadly that was let down I felt by the rescue, and the revelations from her father. Alex had been so strong, then so deeply in love she says and yet...she takes off like a sulky child over a simple thing. That spoiled it for me. I do love a good break-up ( I know, masochist tendencies I guess) - especially one that moves me to tears,  but this just left me feeling frustrated rather than emotional.  Alex was behaving like a silly teen rather than the mature, respected and in-love person she claimed to be. I did understand her reactions in a way, but they were OTT and I think something better could have been utilized for the necessary breakup and then get together.So - I loved the spiritual, paranormal aspect, loved the sensual sex and the simmering tension that preceded it, but that silly juvenile behaviour from Alex stopped this from being a four and half star read in my view. Priced at 1.91 for 226 pages/685 kb its very reasonable on the VFM scale.Stars: four from me. The ending spoiled it :(