Review: A Strong, Sexy Addition to the Series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 27, 2014
"Strength. Tenderness. Holding her close without holding her down. That was the promise of Dallas O'Kane, of all the O'Kanes."Just a quick note: Beyond Solitude is being released as part of the Alphas After Dark anthology, then will release on it's own, in June (I think). I'm not sure of the other books in the anthology, but I would easily say that it's worth buying even if you're only interested in Beyond Solitude.I recently devoured the first four books of the Beyond series, in addition to a short story and novella. You would think I would be a bit tired of living in the same world for that long, but you would be wrong. I can't get enough of the world, the O'Kanes, and Sector Four. Given that, I was thrilled when Beyond Solitude popped up for review. And though I had very little prior knowledge of its leads, Ford and Mia, I could not wait to learn more about them.Mia is new to Sector Four, an arrival from Sector Two. There, she had no say over her life, her wants or needs. Her body was a commodity, considered property of her cruel patron. As a former member, Lex is the heroine to the women of Sector Two. With that in mind, Mia is determined to prove herself to thrive in Sector Four, she knows she can do it because Lex did. As one of Sector Two's girls, she was trained to give pleasure, to be in control while seeming powerless. She's looking for a place to belong, wants to be part of the O'Kanes. But more importantly, Mia wants to belong to herself. To own her voice and her body.Quiet, intense Ford is a different type of O'Kane man. Until recently, he spent his time working mostly away from the compound, at the edges of the Sectors doing O'Kane work. Ford is on the fringe of the group, belonging, but not really a big part of the day-to-day interactions. He was recently severely injured in a motorcycle wreck, and while much better, is still healing. This change in his life and the pain has left Ford grumpy, gruff, and bossy. He doesn't want an assistant, only wants to be left alone while he heals. But cool, unshakable Mia isn't having it. Her demeanor, her smile, awakens Ford. And while he may still be gruff and grumpy, he quietly goes about doing nice things for Mia, to help her acclimate to life in Sector Four.Despite his best efforts, Ford and Mia soon become close. The changes were fast yet subtle. I loved seeing this stoic, impenetrable man fall for the kind, smart Mia. I believe that Beyond Solitude made me sadder than any Beyond book to date. Both Mia and Ford are so...alone. I didn't honestly expect to become so heavily invested in their story, but the tenderness between them, combined with the powerful and well-written conveyance of their thoughts combined to yank my heart straight into the story.Like the other novella in the series, Beyond Solitude has a different, maybe quieter, tone, sexually, than the novels. While the other books can be (quite literally) balls-to-the-wall sexing, often orgies and such, Ford and Mia are content to keep the intimacy behind closed doors. At least, for now. Ford is very careful with Mia, and her newfound sexual freedom. Careful not to claim her too quickly, mark her with his name. And though they don't seem to be as adventurous as their cohorts, once they are ready, and behind closed doors...it is so on. Again, Rocha knows how to create scenes that are intense and intimate, scenes that are as emotionally steamy as they are physically.Technically, Beyond Solitude is a side-story in the Beyond world, not completely necessary to read in order to follow the series. But, I say that if you skip this novella, you will be missing out of a great O'Kane experience.Favorite QuotesIt took supreme effort to drag her gaze from his powerful chest to the tousled, dark hair curling damply against his neck. Oh, he was enchanting. Grumpy and rude and beautiful and so, so much fun to look at."Do you care if people watch?""Do you want them to?""What other people?" She slid her hands up over those gorgeous arms to the broad shoulders that blocked out the rest of the world. "I only see you."