I had to let myself sit and think on this one before writing my review, because while I enjoyed the story as I was reading it (except for the ending), now that it’s over I’m left feeling… unsatisfied. Yes, Nana Malone’s writing is solid with interesting, multi-faceted characters, but after spending two books with this couple, I think I should feel better about their relationship. The first book in the duet had me hooked, thinking that the potential for a great conclusion was there, but this one was so focused on the physical connection and miscommunications between these two that there was little else to it. I started this book looking forward to them breaking down walls and building up their relationship, but ended it feeling like they hadn’t progressed at all.
The story follows Imani and Xander, who both have hurts in their past. The first book in this duet – which really needs to be read in order – found them starting with a fake relationship, but now that their feelings for each other have been exposed, they’re trying to make something real work. It starts with a bang and finds these two in the bedroom more often than not, because they both find it easier to connect on a physical level than an emotional one. But a lasting relationship cannot be built on sex alone, so something has to give.
This half of the duet is much, much steamier than the first half, which is part of the storyline. Malone does a great job showing that there needs to be more to their relationship than that… but doesn’t do a great job showing the more. I think that’s what has me so dissatisfied – Malone showcases how these two have problems but doesn’t do enough to repair them. I was leaning towards rating this 4 stars until the end, which sets up future books but also shows us that even after years together, these two still have the same fundamental issues. On a side note, if you’ve read the first half of the duet, you’ll know that there is some triggering content in these characters’ pasts, and that continues to be part of the narrative here. I received an ARC via Give Me Books and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy but frustrating romance.
Author: Nana Malone
Blurb
her go without a fight.
motivator than vengeance.
Excerpt
off. So instead, with a nervous laugh, I said, “Don’t look at me. I haven’t a clue how to do this. But I know staying away from you isn’t really an option I’d like to explore any longer.” God, way to pussy out.
mean I haven’t really had a lot of relationships. And I don’t really do the whole trusting-people thing, so this is hard.”
sex, right? “Why don’t we just take it easy and see where the meandering road
leads? Maybe we’ll make a good team.” Fuck. Why did I sound like a complete
wanker?
real girlfriend instead of the fake one, if you don’t mind. I mean, I’d like you to stay until I hear about the position on the board of the Trust, but even when you move back to your place, I’d like to see you. A lot. Exclusively.” Way to mark your territory, you knob.
orgasms she’d be too weak to say no. That sounded like a solid plan.
things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she
borrowed from her cousin on a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana at a precocious
thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since.
With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner
Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own
characters. Waiting for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana, meantime
works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as
sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.
The books in her series have been on multiple Amazon Kindle
and Barnes & Noble best seller lists as well as the iTunes Breakout Books
list and most notably the USA Today Bestseller list.
Until that ninja job comes through, you’ll find Nana working
hard on additional books for her series as well as other fun, sassy romances
for characters that won’t leave her alone. And if she’s not working or hiding
in the closet reading, she’s acting out scenes for her husband, daughter and
puppy in sunny San Diego.
Want to hit me up? Just email me:
Leave a Reply