Review: Compelling reading with gritty, real characters
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 25, 2013
I haven't read Ms. Berto's other novel in this series (Precise), so at first I was a little unsure what I was getting into and whether I would understand, but fear not. Berto very competently brings the reader into the life (and the stream of consciousness) of Kate Anselin, who is well out of her depth following the tragic death of her partner. Despite having a six-year-old daughter (Ella - who you'll fall in love with too), Kate (or Kates as she is known to some) spirals totally out of control--and who wouldn't?Her life raft in a tumultuous time of drinking, partying and poor decision-making, is Liam. At times, I felt a slight disconnect between the two leads, but given that Kate loved her husband and has endured a lot of heartache and a search for herself, I could certainly forgive that. The story builds slowly as a sweet romance, rather than a racy new adult read, and we're privy to Kate's darkest and most confused thoughts, but the twists at the end come unexpectedly and the pacing makes this a page turner from about a quarter of the way through the book. I'm certainly intrigued enough to go back and read Precise. Berto's style is impressive and her character development is excellent. Pulling Me Under lives up to its title and this clever storyteller has a bright future ahead of her.***I received an ARC from the author for an honest review***