Review: Captivating story - like it's prequel, one of the best books I've read in a LONG time.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 23, 2014
Please don't try reading this story without reading the prequel, "Camouflaged". You really need that backstory to understand the significance of the relationship between the hero and heroine in this follow-up.After a recent spate of very disappointing second novels from new authors, I was a bit worried about this book. The first was so good, I really didn't know if Selena Laurence was going to be able to deliver such brilliance again. However, as with the prequel, I am pleased to say I absolutely loved this book - the author showcases excellent technical skills and executes the story with enviable finesse that is so often lacking in this genre.The story centres around a fledgling romance between a US army sergeant and a young college girl who he met when she volunteered in Afghanistan on a UN program. Their meeting (as outlined in the prequel) was brief, intense but entirely credible. Now the hero, Gabe, has returned to the USA to reclaim the heroine, Alexis, who has mysteriously stopped communicating with him.This story deals with the sometimes very real problem of cross-cultural issues between people of different backgrounds who find themselves in love against the wishes of family. It is written with great sensitivity and a healthy dose of reality; Laurence doesn't pull any punches about how difficult some people can be and the complex issues that are often behind their attitudes.The story is told in dual viewpoint and, again, Laurence demonstrates that she is a master of the male perspective. I have come across very few writers in this genre who capture the masculine voice as well as she does.As with the prequel, I found this story very hard to put down - Gabe is an uber-hot, captivating mess and Alexis inspires great empathy. It's heartbreakingly romantic, sexy, complex and a thoroughly enjoyable story with brilliantly developed characters, many of whom are the ensemble cast. It ends with a very satisfying HEA, for those who may be concerned otherwise.I look forward to reading many more stories from this author.