Review: 3.5 Not Really For Me Stars
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 19, 2014
Without Doubt is the story of Declan and Ava. Declan is an MMA fighter, who has led a charmed life sprinkled with an over-supply of willing women. Ava's road has been a bit different, and definitely more about sacrifice. Abandoned by her parents at a delicate age, she therefore became the sole care taker of her younger sister, to the extent of having to pay for her mistakes. When Declan and Ava meet, he is immediately drawn to her and they strike a quick friendship that slowly becomes more.Hmm..ok. Everyone that prefers more of an angst-free, sweet love story, on one side of the room. This book, is more for you.What I liked:- The writing is pretty good. I believe this is only Azevedo's second book, and shows definite promise.- The characters- I liked Declan and Ava a lot. They had some definite chemistry from the beginning. Ava is a strong character who won't annoy the crap out of you like some of these other heroines.- Harper- Really no added detail here except for the fact that Harper was adorable and I love the role she played in this book.- The second half of the book, all the way through to the ending- A lot starts happening and unfolding during the second half here that kind of takes the story in a different direction. And the ending? You know me; I am a total sucker for a nice long HEA and this one delivers with a beautiful epilogue and all.What I didn't like:- Insta love - Sorry but the connection between Declan and Ava came off a bit insta-loveish to me. It was like they met and next thing you know they were inseparable best friends. I was happy for them and all, but I missed the connection.- Plot- I guess this book would be classified more as a "slow burn," but even given that, I had a bit of trouble staying interested in the first half and found it easy to put down and walk away from.- MMA? Ok, this was probably my biggest issue. If a book self-proclaims itself as an MMA romance in the blurb, then I am expecting this element to play a pretty big role in the book. It really didn't. There is only one actual MMA fight scene...that's it. It was more, what Declan does for a living...his job, but it really didn't play a large role in the story.-More- One of my pet peeves is when a book alludes to important elements without giving us the details. It seemed like this happened a lot as well. [spoilers removed] A lot of things are glossed over and not gone into in detail that I would've wanted to read.In general, I just don't think I am the right target reader for this particular book. A year ago, I probably would've given it 4.5 stars. But now, I like a bit more grit in my books, more edge. But that doesn't speak for everyone. Like I said in the beginning, if you are looking for more of a sweet romance, then you will probably really enjoy this one. It was still an enjoyable read and I would read more from this author in the future.ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.