Review: Decent Debut
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 21, 2014
I purchased this book directly from Amira Press as it was available on that particular website before Amazon hence the lack of verification. This is my first time reading Ms. Rhine's work. I came across a blurb of this book posted by Ms. Rhine in a Facebook writers group. I viewed the accompanying book trailer and I was intrigued to learn more about Victoria and Kem. I eagerly awaited the release and was very quick to buy it. I had high hopes for a bit more back story in regards to Victoria and Kem's early days. We learn that they were college sweethearts who had to conquer an uphill battle when it came to Kem's family's acceptance of Victoria. We also learn they marry but soon end up divorced. The couple drifts apart and Victoria believes that Kem may have cheated on her but it's not very clear what led Victoria to believe this other than a mention of text messages. I kept expecting their love story to be fleshed out a bit more and was disappointed when it didn't occur. Minor editing was needed for overlooked details (Kem played tennis in college and proposed to Victoria after a match but there was a mention of him kneeling on sand which left me baffled. The Tonight Show was mentioned followed by David Letterman as a host, Jay Leno does the Tonight Show). These things aside, Ms. Rhine does a great job with luring the reader in as Victoria and Kem have good chemistry but I felt that something was missing in character development. Overall, this was a good read but I wanted a bit more from the hero and heroine. It takes a lot of courage for an author to put their work out for the general public to critique. Ms. Rhine I commend you for sharing your talent with us all. Continue to write what speaks to you. Nice job.