Review: "It's not cheating if he's fictional" and you'll really WANT Cole!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 13, 2013
Now and Then was a great read, and the title really captures the basis of the story. The characters literally tell their story of NOW and THEN, and the reader gets to experience the events from the past instead of just being told by the characters in the present. I really like this approach, as it helps keep the story moving forward even though the characters are sharing the past.Another aspect of the the way this story is put together is the alternating POVs. I'm really becoming a big fan of this style when it works, and Now and Then is really a great example. Having both Cole and Emma's perspective really accentuates the book, and the reader can experience their story more fully.There's also the great sibling rivalry. Emma and Layla have some serious rivalry going on, but it's subtle. It's not this huge, looming aspect of their relationship. At least not visibly. They each have a different view of the way their relationship is designed, and by not getting Layla's POV, the author creates some deep sympathy for Emma. But the tension this creates with Cole and Emma is the central focus of the book, and the author writes these emotions really well. You really get invested in their relationship, and even get extremely frustrated with the characters at times.Of course, I have to mention the explosive sex involved in this book, because well, that's incredibly important! The chemistry between Cole and Emma is steamy and well written. These types of scenes are difficult to write, but the author does a nice job of keeping away from cliches and creating a realistic sexual scenario. I mean, I wouldn't mind having Cole Marlowe in my bed, so why not invite him to your kindle? You certainly won't regret spending the evening with him! (And it's not cheating if he's fictional!)**ARC review. Copy provided by the author in exchange for honest review.