Review: 4th book I have read by Alexa I gave all 4 a 5-stars ratings
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 4, 2013
Yes, definitely a 5-stary rating for In Pieces by Alexa Land. A powerful interplay between law-and-order, the world of organized crime and life on the streets. Alexa has created a series of stories set in modern day SF. As one reads the series, there is great good in what some would call the worst of us and bad within what others would consider the best of us. The message of acceptance and learning to let go of our past and closed mindedness is a difficult lesson to learn. Alexa creates characters that discover that they are so much more than the individual pieces as the sum of the pieces do not equal the sum of the whole person. It is surprising to see the situations Alexa's characters find themselves. I don't know why? I have learned in life that when we open up to people so unlike ourselves, we learn that we are more alike than different.Alexa has a way of showing the loveable side of her characters. Though this is a romantic story, the growth that each character must experience is not easy to watch. I laughed at the wonderful dialogue, became angry at the injustice and cried as the power of love broke through the biggest of barriers, the prejudice we create within ourselves. If you are not prepared to experience emotion, I would suggest that you not read Alexa's novels as she has a way of reaching into the readers' heart and touching places that made me appreciate the characters and perhaps, even myself.I recommend this book to anyone who likes a spicy love story that doesn't shy away from the what some may call the edge of S&M.; S&M; practices can be a means of degrading, controlling and abusing a person or a means of placing absolute trust in the person you surrender to within a devoted relationship. The contrast becomes so evident within In Pieces.As a 60-year old gay male who has worked with delinquent youth, ex-offenders, veterans and single mothers, I found that there is a basic human need to be respected. From respect grows love, trust and the confidence to want to be the best you can be for yourself and for those you love. I too have found so much to love within people that others would toss aside as worthless human beings. Perhaps we need to look beyond our comfort zone and just open up and discover the beauty within someone that we might otherwise dismiss as not being worthy of our time and attention. I am working on it!