Review: An easy, engaging and witty read with plenty of steam
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 7, 2014
This is the second in the Oasis Waterfall series and although it could be read as a standalone, you'll benefit from the back story if you read the fab Can't go Home first.We met Tristan for the first time at the end of Can't go Home - he's Ade's older, hot brother who sadly is a complete and utter tool. He's arrogant, opinionated, rude and completely without a filter.  He didn't exactly endear himself to me when I first met him, so when I saw this was his story, I was a little concerned I wouldn't like it.I needn't have worried. Seems I have a weak spot for hot, handsome and filter-free tools.  Who knew?Tristan - or Tristand as his sister dubs him - is indeed an arrogant arse, but he's really suck-your-teeth-in-sharply funny too.  You know you shouldn't be laughing, but...well, I was.  Sorry.In my defence, once we get inside Tristan's head we realise he's had a really tough time of it.  Desperately seeking affection from his charmless father and loveless mother, his tool-like behaviour has driven a huge wedge between him and his siblings.  He actually has a really sweet spot for his sister, Piper and a grudging respect for his brother so he's wounded by the separation.  He's also spent the last few years hating himself for something terrible he did while drunk.Meanwhile Leah is in a loveless relationship with a man her sister aptly  calls 'Slimy Sammy Nogasm". She's had an unhappy few years too, but has worked hard to put all of that behind her.  I have to say I didn't quite warm to Leah in the way that I warmed to Tristan.  She's forthright and witty and likable enough, but I had a hard time getting over what she had done to Tristan three years ago.  I understood her reasons but I still didn't like them very much and that was a bit of a stumbling block that I never really got over.There is great chemistry between Tristan and Leah and I really enjoyed reading their story and the steam factor was pretty high. For me though, the best part of this book was Tristan gradually re-establishing his relationship with his brother and sister.  The banter between them is really laugh-out-loud funny and it felt so real; the characters jumped from the page and I could see them them all together ribbing one another in a way that only siblings can.  It made me feel all warm and fuzzy...sigh.This entire series is a really easy, engaging and witty read with plenty of steam.  I'd recommend it.