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A review by caffeinatedcrystal
The Retreat by Andi Jaxon, J.R. Gray
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Just finished up The Retreat, and what a story!
Owen and Colin take a while to get there, but they have an amazing love that's fostered by a fake marriage and a surprising friendship.
Owen isn't as mean or abrasive as his twin Oliver. He is burdened with the feeling of being "the spare" coupled on to his anxiety disorder and his other mental health issues. He & Oliver's relationship is sadly codependent, so when Owen and Colin move in together, it rocks the boat.
Colin marries Owen to save his barely adult sister from an arranged marriage. They really have to sell their marriage too. And Colin is a bit of a brat. He pushes at all of Owen's buttons.
I really liked this story. The beginning dragged a little bit for me, but when it started going, the plot and SPICE started plotting and spicing!
Whew, is it good.
One thing I LOVED about Colin and Owen's relationship is that the real friendship and care and love turned into sweet dirty nicknames, and fucking like they hate each other. It's all power games, and it totally works for them. The scene after ----- and Owen leaves afraid of what he's done... it's done so well, and my heart was just bursting for him.
And Colin's dad. What. A. Giant. P r i c K.
I do suggest reading the content warning before going into this one. It's better to be safe than sorry.
THE RETREAT comes out 09/04, don't miss it!
Owen and Colin take a while to get there, but they have an amazing love that's fostered by a fake marriage and a surprising friendship.
Owen isn't as mean or abrasive as his twin Oliver. He is burdened with the feeling of being "the spare" coupled on to his anxiety disorder and his other mental health issues. He & Oliver's relationship is sadly codependent, so when Owen and Colin move in together, it rocks the boat.
Colin marries Owen to save his barely adult sister from an arranged marriage. They really have to sell their marriage too. And Colin is a bit of a brat. He pushes at all of Owen's buttons.
I really liked this story. The beginning dragged a little bit for me, but when it started going, the plot and SPICE started plotting and spicing!
Whew, is it good.
One thing I LOVED about Colin and Owen's relationship is that the real friendship and care and love turned into sweet dirty nicknames, and fucking like they hate each other. It's all power games, and it totally works for them. The scene after ----- and Owen leaves afraid of what he's done... it's done so well, and my heart was just bursting for him.
And Colin's dad. What. A. Giant. P r i c K.
I do suggest reading the content warning before going into this one. It's better to be safe than sorry.
THE RETREAT comes out 09/04, don't miss it!