Review: Heartwrenching!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2014
4.5 StarsPIECES OF OLIVIA: Charleston Haven #1 by Melissa West is the first in a new adult series featuring the tried-and-true formula of a passionate heroine and arrogant but sweet male hero linked by a tumultuous past, setting up two wary strangers instead.Olivia Warren transfers her enrollment from Columbia University to The College of Charleston after suffering through a horrific tragedy. She needs a change of scenery. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Olivia hopes she'll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. Her friend Trisha had planned to go to school here, and since she can't, Olivia is determined to do it for her. Preston Riggs is the first person she encounters when she arrives. He is in her dorm room. She feels instant sparks when she looks at this hot and sexy guy in her roommate, Kara's bed. It turns out that Kara and Preston are best friends that grew up together...family friends...like brother and sister...Preston is a reputed womanizer, never staying with the same girl for long. Olivia, a veteran of romantic disaster, is skeptical of Preston, who is always surrounded by beautiful coeds. It doesn't matter, anyway. He is her roommate's best friend. That makes him strictly verboten in her book - but every time she sees him there is such a pull. There is something deeper to him than what shows on the surface. She gets glimpses of it. He also seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. Their romance grows poignantly and with chemistry to spare. This story has a courageous, outspoken heroine, a to-die-for hero and a plot that will touch your heart.While in Charleston, Olivia starts seeing Rose, a therapist hired by her mother. I LOVED Rose. She was eccentric, quick-witted and blunt. If I ever have a therapist, I want her to be just like Rose! She was such fun to get to know. I hope she gets to stay in the series.Strong emotional conflict, humor and well-written characters are all present here. It is by turns humorous and gut-wrenchingly emotional...an intensely satisfying read. You won't want to put this one down. It won't soon be forgotten.Review copy provided by NetGalley and Penguin Group.