Review: Complex and compelling storyline!!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 6, 2014
In Obstruction, her second book in The Potential Trilogy, author Peyton Sloane continues the story of Julian and Jazzmyne which began in Exploration. With this story, the author spreads her wings and shows herself to be a worthy entrant into the world of erotic romance. After a fairy tale first week for this very likable couple, things become complicated. Outside forces threaten what began as a story book opportunity for Jazz to escape the sheltered life she has been living while Julian is doing what Julian does best...exploring his potential.  Even though Jazz is fascinated by Julian's proposal of an open relationship, she is less than happy with his celebrity and the obstructions that come with being involved with a man in the public eye. Meanwhile Julian finds that he is not as open to pursuing the same freewheeling relationship with Jazz that he has with other women. The fact that  Julian is  more emotionally involved with Jazz than the other women in his past is apparent to everyone except Julian. Although he is aware that she is different, Julian is reluctant to ask Jazz for a commitment because of her new found freedom from years of caring for a dying husband.  Jazz, on the other hand, has reservations about becoming too involved with a man whom she sees as being out of her league and into whose world she fears she will not fit. Julian admits he may be ready for "more" while Jazz questions whether his "lifestyle" may be nothing more than a justification for infidelity.  The push and pull continues between Julian and Jazz until what began as an idyllic adventure for both explodes in betrayal, horror and tragedy. I continue to be impressed with Peyton Sloane's storytelling ability.  She has a way with descriptive language that is apparent in the very creative sex between Julian and Jazz.  It isn't difficult at all for readers to feel the attraction between these two.  I also found the story line to be more complex and compelling than the first book...lots of conflict and drama.  The bad guys are really bad in this one and not just a little weird and stalkerish.  One of my favorite things about these books is the author's ability to capture a sensory photo of the environment with her vivid depictions of the locale, the people, the clothes, even the food.  There is a lot of unusual and graphic detail regarding some subject matter about which each reader will need to form an individual opinion...no spoilers. :-D  I think anyone who read Exploration will definitely want to read Obstruction.  The ending is one that is not an annoying cliffhanger but a nicely done segue into the third book, Realization, scheduled to be released in 2015. I am anxious to see what the author has in store for Julian and Jazz as they continue to explore their potential.