Review: A wonderful story!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 12, 2014
Something like Normal is a story about the bitter secrets of a tainted past.Mia is a girl on the run. She's seen things no-one should be exposed to, lived a life that would be abhorred by most, a life that for 8 years was out of her control. Then one day she takes things into her own hands.She wants to be a survivor.With a new name, and a fresh start as Paige Cassidy, she's ready to survive and find her mother. What she doesn't anticipate is the people who come into her life and rock her plans.Despite her circumstances, Mia shows great strength of character and personality, she doesn't take any rubbish from anyone, and is certainly not afraid to stand up for herself. She also displays her vulnerable and emotive side; the way she undervalues herself is so sad. Because of her past, she doesn't believe she deserves, or that it's even possible, to have a normal life.Quinn, our sexy hero, has his own secrets, depth of character and reasons for thinking he should stay away from Paige. She's drawn to him physically and emotionally but she fights her desires. And so does he... I so LOVED how their relationship developed throughout.Will they open up to each other and reveal their secrets?What happens when her past catches up to her?There's drama and angst involving our H/h and other characters. Hank, Tabitha and Tristan are great additions to the mix... Paige has friends and people who care about her for the first time in her life.Something Like Normal is a slow burn kind-of-book, it captured my attention in the first chapter with Mia's character and the 'events,' but then it took a little breather on the pace and slowed right down. Maybe sometimes all of the detail didn't feel absolutely necessary to me, but I believe this is the type of story that needs to be built and built, layer by layer. The result, in the end, was that it connected me to the story and the characters; I felt invested in them emotionally and wanted good things for them.The theme and subject matter is on the darker side but I didn't find it to be a dark read, it was more suspenseful, especially towards the end. The last 20-30 ish% was absolutely gripping, heartfelt and turbulent, in the action and emotions. I had no clue what was going to happen and where it would all lead, the author didn't take any easy options and the story is wide open to possibilities. Yes there is a cliffhanger, I need the next book NOW. But I'm so glad I started the journey.Something Like Normal is the first book in a four book series. At the heart of it is a lovely romance that made my heart flutter. There's some HOT steam value towards the end which was just divine and I'm sure this will increase as the story and characters develop together. This series is one that I believe will continue to grow and, I'm hoping, may take me on a darker path, it certainly has the potential to do so.If you enjoy honest characters and writing with suspenseful drama, emotion and heavy themes you should give this book a read and enjoy! That's what I did!**Can't wait for more!Complimentary copy provided by the author for an honest review.