Review: A witty romance that blossoms with deepening character arcs!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 9, 2014
Craig knows that Charlotte is, technically, his nemesis. Charlotte has no idea who Craig is. When they meet, the sexual attraction is palpable. They tumble into bed, and this "one night stand" is the inciting incident of the book, which develops brilliantly from this point. And I MEAN brilliantly. Because let's face it, at this point, Craig, likable though he is, is an absolute bastard. When Charlotte finds out who he really is and that he wants to destroy her livelihood to advance his, she very rightly thinks he is a bastard. The story is scintillating up to this point, but then you're like, WTF? Where do we go from here? And then Collin starts to really work her magic. Craig's character becomes revealed layer by layer until you love him and are rooting for him to find happiness. Charlotte, lifelong responsible one in her scattered and zany family, has to fight the good fight - for herself. As for Craig and Charlotte, they are still attracted to one another, even though they REALLY don't want to be. And as they resist each other, and fight each other over how to "save" the community, they inexorably fall for one another. And the "falling" part happens outside the bedroom.But the thing I loved most about this book -the character arcs. As the fight between Craig and Charlotte gets down and dirty, each starts to wonder what they are fighting so desperately for and why. When each can see through all the distracting static in their lives...the world starts to look very different.And the supporting cast in this book is exceptional. Cassie just chews up the scenery- man, is she fun - the character you love to hate. Craig's grandmother is a hoot and his boss is spot-on. And Emily and Ben...mmmmmm. Charlotte's sister and Charlotte's best friend. Charlotte is so busy trying to save her community, that when Emily's life goes horribly awry, Ben is there...The story of Emily is Ben is a delectable subplot in this book - but the next book, Open My Eyes, is their story. When you finish Set Me Free, you will race to Open My Eyes, believe me!!!!Set Me Free - witty, sexy, well-developped, and ultimately so satisfying...even as it leaves you panting for more!