Review: MustReadBooksOrDie Review :)
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 3, 2013
I reviewed this book at MustReadBooksOrDie with my friend Shelley.Shel: Courtney and I really enjoyed Inky so when we saw that Cole was out, we knew we had to read the conclusion of their story. I'm so glad that we did. It starts off right where Inky left us and while I logically KNEW that Anika wouldn't be killed off in the first few pages, I didn't know what torture awaited her. I won't spoil it for you, but goodness gracious I felt so sorry for both Cole and Anika--the horror and sadness that this book started off with would be an incredible challenge for anyone to overcome.Court: Dude, no joke. The things that life hands them is not the best way to withstand a long term relationship, let alone one that is just starting out...so they impressed me greatly with their dedication to talk things out no matter what and not let the dark places of their mind trap them in memories. It is some hard stuff to read, but it was a wild beginning to this follow up novel!Shel: I wish I could put my finger on what it is, exactly, that drew me in. Maybe it's the darkness that both of these characters must grapple with? Or the fact that they work so hard to have an honest relationship in which they discuss the fun stuff and the hard stuff? OR maybe it's just that they refuse to let petty stuff get in the way of their obvious love for each other? Or the hot and steamy sex scenes? OR maybe it's their love of the word (edit)?!!! I'm crass and so are they...a marriage made in book heaven. Probably it's all of that and more. I swear I'm not a sappy, love, girly-girl and there's a lot of love, I love you's, love stuff going on but it honestly did not bother me one tiny bit. I felt like they had earned every one of those I love you's.Court: And all of the reasons listed above are why I heart you, Shel. Lol. I too giggled out loud when his mom asks him once if he always said (profanity, sigh) so often...and being that he is a 35 year old man he said Yes. No shame. I like it. They both put forth an incredible effort to communicate, and even though you'd think that people actually talking to each other and not jumping to conclusions would provide for a boring story...it doesn't! There is plenty going on around them, so not creating angsty situations between the two of them was refreshing. I think their crap previous relationships helped them out a bit, as well as their personal demons. They truly complemented each other, and that in and of itself helped all the lovey dovey moments not be too much.Shel: In addition to the Anika/Cole story that I couldn't seem to put down, I became intrigued by David's story (you'll see when you get there) and Nico (the tattoo artist) becomes more featured too. I'm hopeful (HINT HINT!) that they will both get their stories told. J.B. Hartnett did a great job of juggling the other secondary characters as well--Cole's parents and friends, Anika's friends...all of them were included in a way that was not too distracting; she had just the right touch and they seemed to just enhance the overall story.Court: The secondary characters brought a lot to the table in both books, but I too was especially glad they were opened up even more in this one. You've already said Nico and David (both of whom I cannot wait to learn more about! I'm hoping we get their stories too!) but also Trish and Richard (Cole's parents). Sometimes small things, and well big things for Cole and Anika, bring people back together so that part of the plot was really awesome. It usually doesn't happen that the big bad rich dad who approves of nothing becomes a better person, but their journey I enjoyed as well!Shel: If you enjoyed Inky as much as we did, then you should definitely pick up Cole. You will NOT be disappointed. Court: True that! But keep in mind, you really do have to read Inky first as these are not stand alones!Shelley 4 1/2 StarsCourtney: 5 stars