Review: Fantastic first novel by a talented new author!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 18, 2014
4.5 rounded up for the excellent work by a first-time author! I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This will also be posted on Goodreads and originally appeared on my blog, In Patti's Imagination.As a reader, this is one of the best first novels I've read since I discovered Brenda Rothert and Cora Carmack. Like I did with both of those authors, I will eagerly anticipate what Avery brings to the table next, and I think anyone who likes either of those authors will enjoy this book. I know I did!Not only did I fall in love with Byron, like Phin, I fell for Costa Rica, too. Avery infuses her stories with humor and still keeps the heat in the equation. And yes, there is definitely heat here. Byron and Phin have a palpable chemistry. Pool scene, anyone? Love does often make you a fool, but for a love like theirs, I think I'd gladly hop on board the train.Secondary characters were very well fleshed-out here without taking over the story. Dez is fabulous and easily deserves her own book. The wonderful Estevan, questionable Carlito and jerk-extraordinaire, Douglas, were all perfectly rendered and served their purposes well. And though not a character, Costa Rica proved equally memorable.When you're a writer, it seems like you should hate meeting other talented writers, but it's exactly the opposite for most of us. We love discovering talented people who share our obsession with fictional people and their lives. Avery is one of those people for me. Her natural talent is evident even in this first work (and I originally saw an earlier version, so I'm not speaking of just the great changes she made to the final product). I can't wait to read more from her.