Review: Good story, good characters but something was definitely missing...
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 20, 2013
3.5 Rockin' Stars!The Review:I wanted so much to love this book. And thought I didn't dislike it in any way, I felt it could have been exceptional instead of just good.The beginning of the book started out with a fantastic prologue. We are decades into the past where one woman is trying to proclaim her innocence. There are wolf-shifters, a scorned Fae-witch and a council of Others that are out for blood. Exciting!The main story itself, is great! After the prologue, we are introduced to Knox and Storm who are at the beginning of their rocky journey. And though we know the past will play a part in what is happening, you are so overcome with the thrilling present, you almost forget that history has a way of repeating itself as we are swept up in Knox and Storms drama.Storm is a Fae-witch hybrid whose family curse is to leave their true loves dead after revealing themselves. Storm has grown up knowing she can never get close to anyone because if she does, they will likely die. So she's distanced herself emotionally from everyone.Until Knox.Knox is a budding rock star with a troubled past. He's sexy, he's talented and he really cares about Storm as he's able to break down her walls and make her feel. But there are secrets in their way and people who are opposed to the couple living a happily-ever-after. So when the chance presents itself, Storm uses it to her advantage to make her leave. And though her reasons are noble, its still painful for both of them.Skip forward in time and their paths cross once more only they've both changed dramatically from the young, innocent's they once were. Knox is now a HOT rock star with many layers and he has his sights set on Storm, determined to have her kneel before him and submit. He almost comes off as mean but understanding their past, you get why he acts the way he does.Storm is reluctant because she knows if anyone can break her carefully placed walls, its Knox. And added to that, there's someone out to destroy her family's legacy and business.Things get sticky and intense and it was fun watching these two come together. I loved all the ways Knox helped Storm come out of her shell and shed the stuffy, controlling veneer she's layered on since he last saw her.But.. there's always a but!...But what really brought the book down several notches for me is Storm's ignorance. She grew up in this world and though she may not have the "know how" for unveiling Others, she should have seen the signs. I saw them in the first chapter! No way could Knox's reveal have been a shock to her! She's this strong independent woman who's going through life avoiding commitment because of a curse and past heartbreak, having walled herself up so that she can't get emotionally involved. I loved that she was willing to submit to Knox and all the experiences he was willing to provide to her, but her not putting the pieces together about Knox and then about Luke only made her seem ridiculous and dumb. I hate when strong women can't see the light. Also, the bdsm in this book was... not! There was none. Knox kept saying you will submit to me and I am a Dom but at no point was there any bdsm play, which is fine but why harp on Doms and subs so much during the book only to never actually do any play when you've finally got the hero and heroine together? Why pick a "safe word" if you aren't going to be in any situation to actually need it? And lastly, there was so much exposition and dialogue between character, I found myself zoning out several times. It bogged the book down and left me scratching my head because sometimes, it didn't even have anything to do with what was happening. There's a three page conversation between Light and Storm and most of it had nothing to do with the current story.The Wrap Up:I loved the world building, I loved the back story, I absolutely loved Knox, I even loved Storm despite her ignorance. The conflict was well thought out and I loved the story set up. And the ending was fantastic!There were things I didn't like but I'll probably go on to the second book because I'm interested to know how it all turns out and where Light's story is heading. I liked her alot as a sub-character and Ryker is just too interesting to pass on!NOTE: A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.