Review: Pure Escapism
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 7, 2014
E-Galley provided by publisher via Net Galley for review purposes on my blog.  This review is adapted from that. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own.Though steamy and suggestive, this story is surprisingly tame. While I liked the relationship development, and the way the hero’s deep dark secret was treated was sensitive and empowering, but the secret itself struck me as fairly unrealistic.  It’s hard to imagine how, even with inherited money, one could make or maintain a fortune while hanging on to this secret.When Serema discovers his secret, her reaction was way over the top.  Honestly, I didn’t get it.Another thing I did not get was the Fireside Inn being the titular focus.  It’s not on the island, or that was what I understood anyway.  Also, most of the development of the relationship occurs outside.  But, it’s romantic.Aside from the unrealistic nature of Leo’s secret and Serena’s reaction, the story is short and sweet. It’s not Shakespeare, but that’s okay. It’s pure fantasy escapism.  The emotional work done to achieve the ending happens off the page, so while it is lovely, I didn’t quite believe it.