Review: which is wonderful from a reader’s point of view as it enables ...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 20, 2014
This story follows on from Trust, but is now told from the perspective of Jenny, as she prepares for the wedding of her dreams, but will it all go to plan? With skeletons hiding in so many of Jenny and Rich’s closets, it’s just a matter of time before they come out into the open, but will they cause havoc enough to cancel the wedding?I have to say, I found this book instantly more enjoyable and engaging than ‘Trust’. Chapman really does draw you into this story much quicker and more much completely, which is wonderful from a reader’s point of view as it enables us to dive straight in. I’m not entirely sure if this is because we are already familiar with the key characters or if it has something to do with an improvement in writing style, but either way, it is a great step in the right direction.The plot of this book seems to be very simplistic at first, following Jenny as she prepares for her wedding, but the twists and turns are simply divine to read. Just when you feel settled into the story and sure something is going to happen, it twists and changes. They aren’t always huge plot twists, sometimes they are just tiny tweaks of where you’ve already thought they are going, but then others leave you truly reeling, particularly towards the end of the book! There is just one turn that I really didn’t expect, involving Jenny and Warren, and I have to say that Chapman really did catch me off guard there, however I should have really noticed it but I was just so caught up in the story that I had stopped trying to second guess the author and was simply allowing myself to be carried away with the writing.There are new characters in this book which breathe a breath of fresh air into the dynamic of the already established ‘cast’. Jenny, who we met briefly in ‘Trust’, is developed much more and into a very likable young woman who’s many trials throughout this book truly endear her to the reader and leave us wanting to comfort her in the same way Megan does. The new addition, Warren, is a delight to read, much like Mark was in the first book. Now here is where I have to be careful so as not to spoil things, but he is incredibly like Mark! So much so, I must admit that I found myself experiencing a little de ja vu towards the end of this book. I so want to believe that these men can actually exist in the world, but from my experience, this is just simply not the case! Rich however, is so realistic. He is such a refreshing character to read, in a strange way, as you really could imagine experiencing him amongst the ex partners of friends and family.  He’s tangible, much more tangible than the other males in the book, and I have to say I find him, at times, more engaging than the more romantic, and lovey dovey characters Chapman writes.And this brings me to the part I hate to write, but feel I need to because I am always honest. This series of books is beginning to feel a little formulaic and, dare I say, cliched. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed them greatly, however about half way through them both there’s a startling revelation, followed by a friend helping with the fall out and then a very cliche and romantic ‘happily ever after’ with a slight twist. As someone who freely admits not to be a huge lover of the romance genre, this jars with me as it just does not feel entirely realistic for two friends to stumble across such perfect guys, however, it is then I remind myself that this is fiction, and escapism at it’s best, so I don’t mind it too much. I guess, in a very garbled way, I’m trying to let you guys know that if you aren’t a huge fan of the old love at first sight, hook line and sinker and cliches, this probably isn’t the book for you. If however that is right up your street then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it!In conclusion, I have to say that, despite my gripes, I did really enjoy reading this book. It’s an easy read, something you can dip in and out of with ease. There’s an escapist, romanticist theme throughout and this is enjoyable, and very engaging, after a hard day’s work! The romance is well written, the intimacy is believable and tasteful, the characters and plot are well developed and engaging. Overall, it’s  something I could quite enjoy reading again, particularly by the side of a pool or in a brief half hour when I needed to reaffirm that romance really isn’t dead!ARC received in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=109