Review: Good but wanted more
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 30, 2013
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*Well after reading Broken Promises I was desperate to know Rainey's secret as I was sure it was something big and yes I was right. I wasn't shocked per se as I was expecting it but I was saddened as I wondered how the story would play out.I felt the writing was stronger in this book and the character development had strengthened. I loved Baker, he was a genuinely sweet guy. Usually it is the girl vying for commitment so I liked the fact that Baker was up front with his emotions and he loved Rainey dearly. When she needed him the most he gave up everything and went to her. *Swoon*Rainey was a tough cookie, she was used to taking care of everyone hence the reason she was so reluctant to accept help. I could relate to that part of Rainey's character as I can be a bit of a control freak myself ;) The storyline should have been an emotional one, and although there were times when my eyes did begin to water, overall I felt it lacked depth and empathy. Rainey and the gang dealt with the whole "situation" quite clinically I felt, I missed the raw emotions and vulnerability in their words and actions. Excuses were made in the form of telling it like it is, or giving it to Rainey straight but it took away the believability for me. I know Rainey was trying to be strong and hold her head high but if we were given just a glimpse of her fear and vulnerability I would have believed in it more.The other niggle I had with the storyline was the similarity with the first book, we had been there before with the "situation" right down to the sneaking around and leaving town to spare feelings etc. With the story being about the same subject you would think this gang would have learned by their previous mistakes and changed their ways. Sadly this wasn't the case. I'm just glad Baker wasn't left in the dark for too long.The paced moved quickly and some things fell into place a little too easily in order for affairs to wrap up nicely, I was able to let this slide because it involved Baker and I was smitten. :) As the book was nearing 95% I was getting anxious, I knew there was no room for events to happen and be resolved in this amount of time. So even though it was a happy affair and some lovely sweet things went on, I really have no idea where the ending leaves us. As far as I know the next book will centre around Wolfe and Gabby so I'm left to ponder if Rainey and Baker's story is over. Will we find out by a passing statement in the third book what happened? I feel Rainey and Baker deserved closure, I know myself as the reader certainly did.Broken Dreams has lots of potential to be a really good New Adult story. With the subject matter it could be raw and gritty and the characters have lots of empathy to evoke, I think more research and less forced dialogue would kick this story up a notch. With that being said it was really Baker that stood out for me and the reason I read it to the end. I enjoyed seeing the other characters return and I am intrigued to see what Gabby and Wolfe have in store for them. ~Ava