elspethm's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I loved that this book was essentially Twilight fan fiction. This was Jacob and Reneesme's story.
This book takes place in the same world as the Ashes and Embers series. Toren (Tor) has been Asher's best friend since they were kids. When Asher and Ember had Kenzi, their daughter, Tor and Asher were 15 and Ember was 14. Asher and Ember basically had Tor act as her nanny/uncle/friend while they started their bands and Kenzi and Tor had a strong connection her whole life.
When Kenzi was just about out of high school they started seeing each other differently. Ultimately Kenzi encouraged Tor to make it more and they started sneaking around. Ember had been in a coma for years, and Kenzi didn't want to hurt Asher any more than necessary but they wanted to be together.
When Tor is in a motorcycle accident they are almost found out but ultimately Asher figures it out. Kenzi takes some time to make sure that she is certain of her feelings and they have their HEA.
This book is so romantic and the two of them have such a connection. Kenzi brings out the romantic in Tor. We are introduced to Tor's huge family too, and I'd have loved to have seen a larger series about his family, but I'd bet that timing is over for Cole to want to write it.
My "complaint" about this book is it kind of fizzles out at the end. It's mostly Kenzi trying to have some time alone to see what she wants to do with her life and then they just end up together. Not that I need drama, and this type of relationship really does need a lot of justification as a book, but it seemed to be going along fine then Kenzi was just gone for 6 mos. I also thought the epilogue seemed a bit weird since Tor was kind of repeating his life as a 15 year old. Not that I expected it to end in a bad way but I feel like it should have just ended without a glimpse of a few years further in Tor and Kenzi's life, or another ending (maybe just career wise and not relationship wise).
I do recommend this book and though I thought the whole Reneesme thing was soooo stupid in Twilight, I like that Cole brought this relationship to life.
This book takes place in the same world as the Ashes and Embers series. Toren (Tor) has been Asher's best friend since they were kids. When Asher and Ember had Kenzi, their daughter, Tor and Asher were 15 and Ember was 14. Asher and Ember basically had Tor act as her nanny/uncle/friend while they started their bands and Kenzi and Tor had a strong connection her whole life.
When Kenzi was just about out of high school they started seeing each other differently. Ultimately Kenzi encouraged Tor to make it more and they started sneaking around. Ember had been in a coma for years, and Kenzi didn't want to hurt Asher any more than necessary but they wanted to be together.
When Tor is in a motorcycle accident they are almost found out but ultimately Asher figures it out. Kenzi takes some time to make sure that she is certain of her feelings and they have their HEA.
This book is so romantic and the two of them have such a connection. Kenzi brings out the romantic in Tor. We are introduced to Tor's huge family too, and I'd have loved to have seen a larger series about his family, but I'd bet that timing is over for Cole to want to write it.
My "complaint" about this book is it kind of fizzles out at the end. It's mostly Kenzi trying to have some time alone to see what she wants to do with her life and then they just end up together. Not that I need drama, and this type of relationship really does need a lot of justification as a book, but it seemed to be going along fine then Kenzi was just gone for 6 mos. I also thought the epilogue seemed a bit weird since Tor was kind of repeating his life as a 15 year old. Not that I expected it to end in a bad way but I feel like it should have just ended without a glimpse of a few years further in Tor and Kenzi's life, or another ending (maybe just career wise and not relationship wise).
I do recommend this book and though I thought the whole Reneesme thing was soooo stupid in Twilight, I like that Cole brought this relationship to life.
grettypop's review
4.0
Another brilliant novel by Ms. Cole.
I've read all of her books, and while they are similar with the strong male lead, they are all so very different. The characters are so realistic, it's like I know them personally. Every single story is one of a kind, and unlike most series, her stories just keep getting better!
Now about this book... I loved the age difference, and how it transitioned from Tor being just an uncle, to being something...more special. Their relationship was never cheap or messed up in any way, it just...transformed into more. Absolutely believable, and a beautiful story about finding love that has been in front of your nose your entire life.
Do yourself a favor, set a week aside, and read all of Carian Cole's books!
I've read all of her books, and while they are similar with the strong male lead, they are all so very different. The characters are so realistic, it's like I know them personally. Every single story is one of a kind, and unlike most series, her stories just keep getting better!
Now about this book... I loved the age difference, and how it transitioned from Tor being just an uncle, to being something...more special. Their relationship was never cheap or messed up in any way, it just...transformed into more. Absolutely believable, and a beautiful story about finding love that has been in front of your nose your entire life.
Do yourself a favor, set a week aside, and read all of Carian Cole's books!
bookish_homies's review
5.0
My favorite Carian book! I started with this first instead of the Ashes and Embers series, and Toren will always be my favorite! His and Kenzie's story was so beautiful!
bryannareads's review
5.0
It’s a taboo romance but also a beautiful love story. I know this book won’t be for everyone, but it’s seriously so good. I loved the dual POV and flashbacks. The writing style allowed me to really understand the perspective and feelings of the characters. Great character development.
booksjenrecs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
djacknurse's review
3.0
I got tired of the flashes into the past even though they weren't really long. They were in every single chapter though. I was getting restless about 3/4 through and started skimming some. I really hated the ending. It was so distorted and talk about speeding through the time! I felt Kenzi made some stupid decisions that hurt Tor. He was the best part of the book. I just wished the story had moved faster.
sammy234's review
3.0
A solid three star read. I was drawn to this novel because of the taboo aspect of the plot line, and that's what kept me reading. It was a little too sweet for me, with a bunch of cheesy dialogue that I could have done without, but it was worth finishing.
The only issue I have with it besides that is probably the realism. If a father found out his best friend was sleeping with his daughter, I have a feeling the father and the best friend's relationship wouldn't end in smiles and rainbows like this book would have me believe.
I wanted a bit more angst in that regard. I mean, the forbidden love is what the book hinges on. The main female lead should have had to make a choice between them, or have seen her father carry through with his enraged threats to end their relationship.
None of that happened though. The father ended up being really accepting of them both in the end, and I'm sorry. That just doesn't ring true to me.
The only issue I have with it besides that is probably the realism. If a father found out his best friend was sleeping with his daughter, I have a feeling the father and the best friend's relationship wouldn't end in smiles and rainbows like this book would have me believe.
I wanted a bit more angst in that regard. I mean, the forbidden love is what the book hinges on. The main female lead should have had to make a choice between them, or have seen her father carry through with his enraged threats to end their relationship.
None of that happened though. The father ended up being really accepting of them both in the end, and I'm sorry. That just doesn't ring true to me.