Review: Brilliant Debut Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 5, 2013
It was when I reached the end of the novel that I decided that instead of four stars, I was giving "Rebound" five huge stars instead. This is just one of those novels that got better and better as I read on. So refreshing (and prefer) to read stories about 35-year olds instead of young & new adults. It's because of this that the novel came across as more realistic, even relatable; at times bringing forth different emotions from its readers. Nikki Thompson ("Thompson") does an amazing job of creating a female heroine in Katrine who goes on a journey of self-discovery. It's thru the support of her son, her sister, and her close-knit group of friends and what she learned from her job, and from the ups-and-downs of her relationships that she is able to move on as a divorced, single-parent; to let go of the past; and move on to a brighter future whether that includes a new love or not.Thompson definitely delivers a well-developed story full of drama, romance, sexual chemistry, and laughter; and throwing into the mix an array of colourful supporting characters. The conversations she and her girlfriends had - how many of us have not had the same ones? There were times I burst out loud because so much of it is so true. It was actually refreshing to read in bold print some of the thoughts I've shared with my girlfriends. Chapter 7 has it all."And can you tell me what in the hell is it with all of those orgasms those chics have? I mean two, three, sometimes four mind-blowing, eye rolling "releases", during one sexual encounter. That is just morally irresponsible."Then there's Xander. What can I say except I'm all for team Xander. I know, I know - there's also Ian who's in the picture, but I really think he's more of a friend to Katrine than a possible lover no matter how much he'd rather be the latter. There's absolutely no chemistry between the two. Can you tell how much I don't like him as Katrine's love interest? There were times I tried to hate Xander thinking him to be too controlling or too demanding; but in the end I loved everything about him, even the way he demanded things. Xander's an alpha-male to a degree, but not one that's over-the-top, ridiculous, hard-core alpha-male (which I can't stand). Everything he said and asked for just endeared me to him. (Hey, we all have our differences when it comes to sexy men.) I thought him and Katrine were terrific for each other; you could feel the heat between them. I really appreciated how Thompson developed his character; how his interest in Katrine grew from just a passing interest to falling head-over-heels in love with her; how he wanted to spend not just the nights but the mornings and days with her; how scared he was when he realized he was in love with her and didn't know how to handle it as he'd never experienced that before. But alas, like so many others he screwed up too. Between the two protagonists at the heart of the story, it was Xander that came across as the most intriguing and thought-provoking character in my opinion. He grew on me and when I reached the end I was hooked. Unlike the way so many novels end with their HEA's, Thompson deviates from this, instead ending it with the most insightful and moving words from Xander's POV. I must have read those last few paragraphs a dozen times. You could really feel everything Xander was going thru. I'm hoping that Katrine will give Xander a second chance and that Xander won't let his pride stop him from going after Katrine.There are those who didn't like the way the novel ended. I actually thought the ending was done well and intelligently written."By the way, love... it isn't a mystery and it isn't hard. You just do it. You love someone and let them love you back, a no-brainer.""The cold hard truth of the matter is... I don't have the time... the energy... nor the inclination to teach you how to have a grown- up relationship. I've been through too much! And honestly I am just too damn old to bother. You're just going to have to grow up all on your own."Reaching the end I felt the story was complete; that it doesn't need a sequel. However, it is also because of the way it ended that a sequel would work and knowing this, I had to confirm if there would be a second book; if Xander and Katrine will end up together; or if there would be a new love interest for her, for him. After contacting the author, I'm happy to say that a second book is in the works (happy dance time). I'm crossing my fingers and toes for Xander all the way.  Did you hear that Ms. Thompson? Xander all the way.In the end a book I highly recommend. I can't wait for the next installment. It can't come soon enough. Congrats Ms. Thompson on your debut novel, a brilliant read.