Review: In 5 Words Or Less: This Book Is Awesome!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 17, 2013
REVIEW:The story:I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this story - it's a New Adult book with a difference! And it all starts when Bennett moves into the same apartment building as Avery. The attraction between them is obvious from the beginning, and after Bennett stops a potential break in from an intruder, he & Avery get closer and the lines between friendship & something more start to become blurred. However, while Avery is looking for a casual hook up, Bennett wants something more serious from their growing relationship, and this is where the real drama begins.I love the little twist that this books takes on the usual NA romance plot, with the sexually experienced girl and virgin hero. What I especially liked about it was the reasoning behind both their lifestyle choices. They've both had difficult home lives and it's effected the way they approach life and relationships.The characters:Avery was an interesting character, and although she has her faults, she's very likeable. She's has had a rough childhood, with a mother more interested in men than her own kids. After a traumatic experience Avery wants to take control of her life & body, and becomes very assertive in her sex life. She believes this is the only way for her to be happy and doesn't want a serious relationship. Despite her past, she's a strong character in other aspects of her life and very dedicated to her job at the local nursing home.Bennett, who also has his fair share of family dramas, deals with his issues very differently to Avery. He doesn't want to be intimate with a girl unless he's able to trust her and is ready to commit to a relationship. He works as a tattoo artist, but he's not the cliche bad boy covered head to toe in tats and piercings, he's an artist and sell paintings on the side. But what I really loved about Bennett is that he's a good guy - not possessive, aggressive, no anger issues and certainly not a man-whore!!! Hallelujah!!!Another character I must mention is Mrs Jackson, one of the residents at the nursing home where Avery works. Avery has grown attached to Mr Jackson as she reminds her of her own late grandmother. The relationship between these two was rather touching and made me tear up several times. It just added another dimension to the story.The romance:The romance between Avery & Bennett starts out more as friendship, but the sparks are definitely there from the very beginning. As they spend more time together & get to know one another better the tension just builds and builds and explodes in one hell of scene! (yes that pun was totally intended :)However their romance is not without it's difficulties. Avery struggles to let go of her past and trust him, while Bennett tries to deal with his own insecurities that threaten their relationship. It was really sweet watching them both try to help one another through their own issues, and make the relationship work.The Writing:Christina's writing is very natural & fluid, and I flew through this book. I also liked how the difficult issues addressed in the book are handled well, without over dramatising them. And as for the love scenes, well there are some seriously steamy scenes, literally - two words: shower scene!!!FINAL WORD:This book has all the things that I love about New Adult fiction! Great characters, intense romance and a powerfully emotional story line. I loved Avery & Bennett's story and can't wait for the companion novel, Before You Break!CONTENT:Sexuality: medium-strong / descriptive sex scenesViolence: medium / domestic violence mentioned / fist fightLanguage: medium / several f wordsDrugs & alcohol: mildeARC provided via Netgalley for honest reviewMore reviews at thereadingrealmblog.blogspot.com.au