Review: Bastian is back!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 17, 2014
'I’d get us through this the only way I knew how—with brute force and violence. It wouldn’t be pretty, but it was a task I was uniquely qualified to do.'What can I say about Bastian Stark? He's moody, grumpy, and he doesn't like people in general. Bastian might be what most readers consider an alpha-jerk, and I have a huge book crush on him. He's loyal and he loves HIS Raine fiercely. He'll do whatever it takes to protect her even if that means entering another fight-to-the-death tournament. On top of that, he'll have to face his toughest opponent, Evan Arden (from Otherwise Alone).In Surviving Raine the focus of the story was  building the relationship, foundation, and trust between Bastian and Raine in a survival situation. This book centers on their struggles (mainly Bastian's) adjusting to life off their secluded island. Bastian would have liked nothing more than to live on that deserted island with Raine for the rest of his life. He is also still struggling with his sobriety that the shipwreck forced upon him. That sobriety is put to the test when Landon shows up to deliver information that rocks Bastian to the core.This book had some touching moments that made me want to jump inside and hug Bastian tight. He has such a difficult time expressing himself and how he feels. His first response is to always lash out. It broke my heart. He wanted so deeply to be a better man for Raine- someone he felt she deserved.What I adore about this book and all of Shay Savage's novels is her brillance in writing from a male's POV. Which is very rare in the romance genre these days. I might not have loved this book as much as I loved Surviving Raine, however, I still enjoyed the hell out of it. I recommend this series to anyone who wants to read a unique and gripping romantic suspense.*ARC given in exchange of an honest review.*