A review by roadtripreader
The Calm Before the Storm by Danielle L. Jensen
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
3.5
Yeah okay so, I skipped all the way to the novella because no way was I heading into book two without being certain these people were going to make it. Well, would you look at that - Aren and Lara managed to burrow a little deeper into my little heart and here I am teary eyed and satisfied with the outcome.
Romance: This one feels more like a love story and more to do with two people finding their way back to trust and understanding after lies and betrayals..
Plot/Storyline: The events take place after book two and there are maybe two or three light spoilers but technically it could be read as a standalone-ish because the characters basically summarise the events of the first book mainly in their inner monologue and a bit of the second book.
Characters:
We start out with Aren's point of view and he is apologetic and in awe of Lara. I love a good apology and big soppy declarations of love. They're cringey onscreen but in a book - bring it.
“I know your worth. I see it every time I look at you, know it every time I hear your voice. You have nothing to prove, but I do. I need to prove to you that I will always be at your side, no matter what we face.” (Aren to Lara.)
Lara is as fiery as ever and remains a badass even injured.
Favorite scene/quote:
Uhm...there is a whole scene where Aren and Lara are mid-coitus (yes it's exactly as it sounds), Nana is a hellhound with no regard for blushing, humiliation or privacy and the guards are standing there like idiots watching the whole scene. I cackled.
Also - Lara and Sharks, interesting.
Romance: This one feels more like a love story and more to do with two people finding their way back to trust and understanding after lies and betrayals..
Plot/Storyline: The events take place after book two and there are maybe two or three light spoilers but technically it could be read as a standalone-ish because the characters basically summarise the events of the first book mainly in their inner monologue and a bit of the second book.
Characters:
We start out with Aren's point of view and he is apologetic and in awe of Lara. I love a good apology and big soppy declarations of love. They're cringey onscreen but in a book - bring it.
“I know your worth. I see it every time I look at you, know it every time I hear your voice. You have nothing to prove, but I do. I need to prove to you that I will always be at your side, no matter what we face.” (Aren to Lara.)
Lara is as fiery as ever and remains a badass even injured.
Favorite scene/quote:
Uhm...there is a whole scene where Aren and Lara are mid-coitus (yes it's exactly as it sounds), Nana is a hellhound with no regard for blushing, humiliation or privacy and the guards are standing there like idiots watching the whole scene. I cackled.
Also - Lara and Sharks, interesting.