Review: Great story and characters showing vulnerability and maturity.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 19, 2014
When I was offered the chance to read Ms. Angel’s newest book in its really early stages, I think this was the first draft, I was warned that it was very different from any of this author’s previous stories. I took the warning with a grain of salt because I’ve read a lot of books by this author and have come to expect them a certain way. I think I may have underestimated her. Their Second Chance was indeed different, and I’m not talking about the lack of graphic sex that readers familiar with Taiden/Angel stories have come to expect. This time, Ms. Angel focused less on the sex and more on emotions which I think she executed successfully. As the story unfolded and the depth of their hurt was revealed, Say Something by A Great Big World played on a constant loop in my head.It's difficult to critique characters who are going through infertility issues and the strain it can have on a marriage. Their journey was just one (real) possibility of many. The lack of communication and misunderstandings felt realistic, but I liked that it didn't take them long to reach the breaking point and spill their hearts out. From the first page, even though both characters were on their way to put the seal on the end of their marriage, their connection and their love for one another was always palpable.Ariana and Parker were a very sweet couple. They were a perfect fit for another, but along the way they forgot how to talk to each other. I could understand both of them and where they were coming from. Neither one of them was the villain here because they couldn't fathom what it felt like to be in the other person's shoes. I liked the maturity they showed in giving their relationship a second chance since they've both had time to heal and process both the good and the bad. Of course there was some drama with Ariana's mother-in-law and her views on what being a wife should have entailed.The pacing was good as they moved through their lives. I enjoyed the dialogue during their intimate moments and when they were being honest with one another. Whether you're like the characters or you find yourself in their situation, I think the story is relatable on the emotional spectrum. I hope Ms. Angel will continue to write more stories like this that make the characters more endearing by showing this type of vulnerability and maturity.Favorite Lines"My mother sent me a list of tropical fruits and I took enough vitamins to make my pee neon colored and strong enough to grow a plant overnight."Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author for the purpose of an honest review. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and in no way represent the views or opinions of the publisher/distributor.