Read it in a sitting. Loved every moment of it. Appreciate the ending, that indicates more drama is to come, but we can take a breather for now. Satisfying and perfect.
As usual with M.L. Broome’s male leads, I wanted to smack Ash upside the head. On the flip side, I also wanted to give the man a big hug. If this story were exclusively from Oriana’s perspective, I would have truly believed he was a total ass, because that’s what she sees for most of this volume. Thankfully, Ash’s point of view is also provided and his terror of commitment comes across brilliantly. Hence the hug.
This story is a beautiful example of how often we allow our fears to hold us back from a good thing. Yes, in the past we’ve been burned, and that hurts, but we have to have the courage to give new opportunities a chance instead of allowing those past hardships control over our present. Broome brings this out well in this first volume of the series and I was truly proud of both Ash and Oriana for daring to give their relationship a chance, despite everything.
I simply adore how this author always manages to create flawed and believable characters who are also endearing as they muddle their way through life. Figuring out what we want and sticking to it, despite what life throws at us is hard, and it’s nice to see both characters struggle with such realities instead of having the FMC struggle and the MMC be flawless and supportive, which honestly raises the bar so high that no living male could ever achieve such perfection. Yes, these stories are supposed to be fantasies, but I love how this author always manages to make them real enough that male flaws, along with the intention of doing better, allow for a far greater beauty and a much more profound story .
If you enjoy antagonists to lovers with a side of male angst and a spunky FMC holding her ground and staying true to herself while he figures out his issues, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
Comments