Review: A true love story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 4, 2011
I've read both parts one and two of Her Gentle Giant and decided that, since it's actually just one novel split in half, I would review it in total here.While I do have a few peeves with this book there were a couple of things that made it stand out. First, there was no huge crises: no psycho stalker ex-boyfriend, no been-framed-for-something-I-didn't-do, etc. Also, there were no unspoken thoughts, questions, suppositions ("Why would he....?" or "Obviously he would never want...." or "I could never be good enough....") There was one instance of this, sort of, but it was justified given the conditions. This was a very refreshing change from most novels whose characters spend half the book wondering or assuming things without bothering to ask the person in question. These characters actually talked to each other about problems and issues. Imagine that!Having said that, I did have a few problems with the book.There was absolutely no reason to release this in two parts other than as a money-making tactic. Don't get me wrong. I have no issue with authors being compensated for their work; it is money hard-earned. There was a lot of unnecessary filler, though, in both books that I feel was there solely to "pad" the word count.This was a true erotic romance, something that is very hard to find at times. However, it veered off into sappy and syrupy sweet at times, making it feel a bit ... icky to read at times. Sweet is fine. Diabetic coma-inducing is another thing altogether.Lastly is one of my biggest pet peeves of all in everything I read: Misuse and abuse of italics. The author used a lot of italics, mostly when the characters were speaking in sexual innuendo. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot (italicized, if you will). Writers should trust that the reader understands how sexual euphemism and innuendo should be read. There's really no need to hold our hand throughout the entire novel. Did I mention that there were a lot of italics in this novel?Despite these few things, these books were an enjoyable read. I can respect an author who writes a love story without feeling the need to add the drama I mentioned earlier in this review.