Review: Reasonable Doubt
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2014
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually enjoyed a self-published erotica novel. This is new for me as generally speaking the novels are sex first, plot nonexistent, dialogue laughable and grammar/writing-style amateur, but REASONABLE DOUBT was a decent, if short read.Andrew Hamilton, known to his chat room hookups as Thoreau, has relocated from New York to North Carolina thanks to some awful, abstract thing. We're lead to believe it is a lying woman, but can't be sure. We can be sure that Andrew hates liars and is only interested in casual sex. The latter says as much on his profile and Andrew says as much to his hookups. Through another chat room for lawyers only, he is introduced to Alyssa, a 27-year-old attorney that welcomes his legal advice, but spurns his sexual overtures. They become fast friends -- each other's only friend -- over a sixth month period. During this time, Andrew pushes for them to meet in person while Alyssa refuses. When they finally meet, under the worst possible circumstances, the book takes an even more interesting turn.The story flowed well and the characters -- while romance novel go-to archetypes -- were interesting, their actions believable. I will agree with other readers that the story was short, but not to it's detriment. Would it be better if the author just combined the serial into one full length novel? For speed readers like me, yes. For the good of the story, no. The cliffhanger at the end would not pack the same punch in a full length format. Understanding the characters' motivations: Andrew's abject hatred of liars and Alyssa's reasons for refusing to meet ultimately make the abrupt ending all the better. I'm interested to see where the story goes and recommend to anyone on the fence like I was. It was a breezy and entertaining read. 4.5 stars.