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Harris Tower #1
Saved
This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN1539753115.
Shervon Jones has been watching life pass her by, scarred from experiencing the worst kind of abuse. She’s naturally submissive, but she's not aware of her submissive tendencies. Even though she's survived and risen from out of the ashes... something is still missing in her life. But that all changes, the day her future stands right in front of her... and his name is... Sean Harris.
Through patience and care, Sean slowly shows Shervon how freeing it is to submit to her wants and desires. And through that discovery, Shervon finds independence. But there's a danger lurking in the shadows... a man from Shervon's past hell bent on getting revenge. Will Shervon finely have true happiness or will the danger from the past threaten her future?
Shervon Jones has been watching life pass her by, scarred from experiencing the worst kind of abuse. She’s naturally submissive, but she's not aware of her submissive tendencies. Even though she's survived and risen from out of the ashes... something is still missing in her life. But that all changes, the day her future stands right in front of her... and his name is... Sean Harris.
Through patience and care, Sean slowly shows Shervon how freeing it is to submit to her wants and desires. And through that discovery, Shervon finds independence. But there's a danger lurking in the shadows... a man from Shervon's past hell bent on getting revenge. Will Shervon finely have true happiness or will the danger from the past threaten her future?
- GenresBDSM
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2016
367 people want to read
About the author
Cara Downey
12 books53 followersCara Downey is from North Preston, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in Canada. She successful graduated form Saint Mary's University where she holds a degree in Political Science, and a Journalism degree from, The University of Kings College. Besides her two Bachelor of Art's degrees, Cara also holds a Paralegal certification, but she's chosen to focus on her career as an erotic romance author. She's an avid reader of erotic romances, thrillers and mysteries. She loves to dish on twitter, Facebook and via email with her favourite authors about their current and upcoming novels, (and anyone else who will chime in). She loves to interact with readers/fans on Facebook and Twitter. You can always find Cara on twitter@cara_downey
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 24, 2016
2.5 stars
I am so happy that this author reached out to me to request I read and review this newer story of hers. I was surprised, given that I gave the last book I read of hers 3 stars, but was ultimately very happy to see an author that wasn’t afraid to get feedback that didn’t result in just straight 5 star reviews. Unfortunately, this one also falls into the 3 star read for me. The writing was well done for the most part, but this whole story basically revolved around insta-love. In full grown adults. Not something I would typically choose to read for myself. So I already had a hard time with this book from the get go because I didn’t really understand the H and h’s instant attraction and love for each other. Just felt a little too YA high school-ish for my taste.
However, there is a nice little epilogue at the end that furthers another part of Shervon’s (h) story that I kind of wished had been introduced and moved along a little bit earlier. Just to add some angst and drama. It felt like the H and h’s relationship was just moving too quickly and too smoothly for me to fully get on board with. Especially considering we know that the ‘h’ has been sexually abused as a child from early on in the story. That made it very hard for me to get on board with the relationship as I didn’t feel like her emotional and mental hang-ups could’ve been “fixed” so quickly by just meeting this one man and their one week together.
I didn’t know this was going to be a series when I started it, but I may decide to continue on with it given the arc that is introduced in the epilogue. I think that’ll ratchet the story up for me by giving something else to focus on besides how silly the main characters act.
I received a copy of this story for free from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
I am so happy that this author reached out to me to request I read and review this newer story of hers. I was surprised, given that I gave the last book I read of hers 3 stars, but was ultimately very happy to see an author that wasn’t afraid to get feedback that didn’t result in just straight 5 star reviews. Unfortunately, this one also falls into the 3 star read for me. The writing was well done for the most part, but this whole story basically revolved around insta-love. In full grown adults. Not something I would typically choose to read for myself. So I already had a hard time with this book from the get go because I didn’t really understand the H and h’s instant attraction and love for each other. Just felt a little too YA high school-ish for my taste.
However, there is a nice little epilogue at the end that furthers another part of Shervon’s (h) story that I kind of wished had been introduced and moved along a little bit earlier. Just to add some angst and drama. It felt like the H and h’s relationship was just moving too quickly and too smoothly for me to fully get on board with. Especially considering we know that the ‘h’ has been sexually abused as a child from early on in the story. That made it very hard for me to get on board with the relationship as I didn’t feel like her emotional and mental hang-ups could’ve been “fixed” so quickly by just meeting this one man and their one week together.
I didn’t know this was going to be a series when I started it, but I may decide to continue on with it given the arc that is introduced in the epilogue. I think that’ll ratchet the story up for me by giving something else to focus on besides how silly the main characters act.
I received a copy of this story for free from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2016
This one wasn't for me I'm afraid. The blurb seemed right up my street so I'm quite disappointed.
I wasn't fond of the writing style, I didn't click with the characters at all and I ultimately just didn't care. I read about a third of the way through and then just skimmed the rest.
I felt the interactions between the main characters were rushed and awkward and I just wasn't feeling this relationship.
**I received a review copy of this book from the BDSM group on Goodreads.**
I wasn't fond of the writing style, I didn't click with the characters at all and I ultimately just didn't care. I read about a third of the way through and then just skimmed the rest.
I felt the interactions between the main characters were rushed and awkward and I just wasn't feeling this relationship.
**I received a review copy of this book from the BDSM group on Goodreads.**
January 31, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Third attempt to write this review because I felt terrible with the previous two attempts. Why did I feel so bad? Because I allowed one of the most fundamental issues in writing to detract from what I felt was a rather decent and well-considered story. So, rather than ruining another attempt. please allow me to get the issue out into the open first.
The book needed an editor. Oh dear lord did this book need an editor. Grammatical errors ran into the triple-digits, verb tense and conjugation errors that should never have gotten through a single proof-read, and syntax errors that repeatedly caused me to stop and re-read sentences and even paragraphs because the likely-intended meaning was obscured. These issues, on two previous, robbed the story of plural stars. But I reached the conclusion that I am judging content by non-content issues, so rather than deprive it of deserved credit, I am simply cautioning the reader that the errors are fierce and be prepared.
I adored the narrative. While at times, I sincerely felt points being belabored about Shervon, I genuinely enjoyed watching her grow. Part of the appeal, for me, was that it took what has become a staple of erotic romance (the external threat) and made it dire enough, dark enough, and of sufficient imminence that the reader wants to get the sequel and watch Sean and Shervon rise above it...because the reader knows they will.
Characters are not what the reader thinks they are. Sean is a sort of "Christian Gray" without being the jerk or the kinky beast (sorry, had to make that comparison). I appreciated that the author introduced his family in such a positive light. Shervon's mother (readers will know who I mean) is probably my favorite secondary character because of how she became her mother. No spoilers, but I adore her. But Sean and Shervon are our core and the author goes to great lengths to present a man who loves a woman and a woman who loves a man.
What can I say? I am going to track down and read the sequel, and if its a series, I have my work cut out for me. Ms. Downey has a knack for making characters and that alone makes up for the editorial issues.
Wow. Third attempt to write this review because I felt terrible with the previous two attempts. Why did I feel so bad? Because I allowed one of the most fundamental issues in writing to detract from what I felt was a rather decent and well-considered story. So, rather than ruining another attempt. please allow me to get the issue out into the open first.
The book needed an editor. Oh dear lord did this book need an editor. Grammatical errors ran into the triple-digits, verb tense and conjugation errors that should never have gotten through a single proof-read, and syntax errors that repeatedly caused me to stop and re-read sentences and even paragraphs because the likely-intended meaning was obscured. These issues, on two previous, robbed the story of plural stars. But I reached the conclusion that I am judging content by non-content issues, so rather than deprive it of deserved credit, I am simply cautioning the reader that the errors are fierce and be prepared.
I adored the narrative. While at times, I sincerely felt points being belabored about Shervon, I genuinely enjoyed watching her grow. Part of the appeal, for me, was that it took what has become a staple of erotic romance (the external threat) and made it dire enough, dark enough, and of sufficient imminence that the reader wants to get the sequel and watch Sean and Shervon rise above it...because the reader knows they will.
Characters are not what the reader thinks they are. Sean is a sort of "Christian Gray" without being the jerk or the kinky beast (sorry, had to make that comparison). I appreciated that the author introduced his family in such a positive light. Shervon's mother (readers will know who I mean) is probably my favorite secondary character because of how she became her mother. No spoilers, but I adore her. But Sean and Shervon are our core and the author goes to great lengths to present a man who loves a woman and a woman who loves a man.
What can I say? I am going to track down and read the sequel, and if its a series, I have my work cut out for me. Ms. Downey has a knack for making characters and that alone makes up for the editorial issues.
September 19, 2016
“I’ve fallen in love, head over heels for a man I’ve just met.”
Shervon Jones is a beautiful woman – inside and out. She’s very likable, smart and hard working. But she’s also damaged by a man who was supposted to protect her. When she meets her new boss, Sean Harris, the mutual attraction is palpable. But can she really trust a man?
I received this book from the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads in return for a honest review.
The first part of the book scared me on behalf of Shervon. She is very naïve when it comes to men. And Sean Harris shows little restraints, which isn't what a Dom should do. First by giving her the cold shoulder at their initial meeting. Later by kissing her on her first day at work. But he eases Shervon into the lifestyle and doesn't pull out the whips and chains on their first encounter :-) So I care for Shervon, but I don't like Sean very much. I don't hate him and he treats her well after his first mistakes. But I would rather have seen him more composed and patience.
Both Sean and Shervon keep saying this is too fast and that's my feeling as well. Especially since Shervon has suffered sexual abuse and never had any other experience with men.
If you like an emotional read, with people so madly in love they can't think straight. Then you should read this book. And there's more to come, because the story ends with a cliffhanger.
Shervon Jones is a beautiful woman – inside and out. She’s very likable, smart and hard working. But she’s also damaged by a man who was supposted to protect her. When she meets her new boss, Sean Harris, the mutual attraction is palpable. But can she really trust a man?
I received this book from the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads in return for a honest review.
The first part of the book scared me on behalf of Shervon. She is very naïve when it comes to men. And Sean Harris shows little restraints, which isn't what a Dom should do. First by giving her the cold shoulder at their initial meeting. Later by kissing her on her first day at work. But he eases Shervon into the lifestyle and doesn't pull out the whips and chains on their first encounter :-) So I care for Shervon, but I don't like Sean very much. I don't hate him and he treats her well after his first mistakes. But I would rather have seen him more composed and patience.
Both Sean and Shervon keep saying this is too fast and that's my feeling as well. Especially since Shervon has suffered sexual abuse and never had any other experience with men.
If you like an emotional read, with people so madly in love they can't think straight. Then you should read this book. And there's more to come, because the story ends with a cliffhanger.
January 9, 2017
*Provided by the author through the BDSM group on Goodreads*
Overall, this story has a good meaty plot/background but it fell short for me. There were several things that irked me about it.
Ummm...first, it's highly unlikely that a woman is going to go on a job interview start the following Monday and be in love dating and having sex on their first official date that same Friday, especially with the heroines background of abuse. And yes, I do understand that this is just a book.
Ugh! The over use of the word love. I'm all for a good story that actually depicts love between the main characters, but c'mon. In one paragraph alone I counted its use at six times, six times! Also there were several grammatical errors and misspellings, sentences that felt like they were shoved in there as fillers or afterthoughts.
For me, this book is a 1.5 star read. Good plot, but rapidly fell short from there.
Overall, this story has a good meaty plot/background but it fell short for me. There were several things that irked me about it.
Ummm...first, it's highly unlikely that a woman is going to go on a job interview start the following Monday and be in love dating and having sex on their first official date that same Friday, especially with the heroines background of abuse. And yes, I do understand that this is just a book.
Ugh! The over use of the word love. I'm all for a good story that actually depicts love between the main characters, but c'mon. In one paragraph alone I counted its use at six times, six times! Also there were several grammatical errors and misspellings, sentences that felt like they were shoved in there as fillers or afterthoughts.
For me, this book is a 1.5 star read. Good plot, but rapidly fell short from there.
June 9, 2017
** Review by Gayle from Bloggers From Down Under **
Okay this review is a little hard for me because as a reader/blogger there is nothing worse than having to write a review for a novel that you just couldn’t connect to.
This novel for me was written well, but based on the subject matter, to me it felt quite rushed. I would have loved for the author to have delved more into Shevron’s past. For me it felt skimmed through and it was hard to feel any emotion, especially based on the subject at hand.
Insta-love. I have read many a novel based around this, and yes I don’t mind them at all. But the struggle for me in this case was due to Shevron’s past and the ordeal as a child and into teenage-hood that she had faced. For me it was an unbelievable scenario that a woman who had been through so much trauma in her life would ultimately fall head over heels for a man she knew nothing about. It just didn’t convince me at all.
I will say the epilogue did pique my interest. Written perfectly it left me wanting to know what happens next.
Overall I think the story line was great especially when reading the blurb, it just simply wasn’t for me.
3 stars
Okay this review is a little hard for me because as a reader/blogger there is nothing worse than having to write a review for a novel that you just couldn’t connect to.
This novel for me was written well, but based on the subject matter, to me it felt quite rushed. I would have loved for the author to have delved more into Shevron’s past. For me it felt skimmed through and it was hard to feel any emotion, especially based on the subject at hand.
Insta-love. I have read many a novel based around this, and yes I don’t mind them at all. But the struggle for me in this case was due to Shevron’s past and the ordeal as a child and into teenage-hood that she had faced. For me it was an unbelievable scenario that a woman who had been through so much trauma in her life would ultimately fall head over heels for a man she knew nothing about. It just didn’t convince me at all.
I will say the epilogue did pique my interest. Written perfectly it left me wanting to know what happens next.
Overall I think the story line was great especially when reading the blurb, it just simply wasn’t for me.
3 stars
February 2, 2017
I hate giving low ratings, but this story wasn't right for me. It wasn't what I expected. I thought it was going to be dark. The only thing that was dark was Shervon's abusive history, which was told to us. Everything else was butterflies and rainbows. It lacked conflict or inner struggles. Things move too fast. I'm not a stranger to reading about insta-love, but characters confessed their love almost immeditately. Yes, Shervon questioned how quickly things were moving, but Sean didn't. I wasn't even sure how old he was. I don't think it's even mentioned in the book. The epilogue was interesting, though. I wish it was at the very end.
** I received the book in exchange for review from BDSM on Goodreads TPE BAR Program.**
** I received the book in exchange for review from BDSM on Goodreads TPE BAR Program.**
August 10, 2017
"Saved" was really not for me. It felt like 50 shades with less plot/character development. There are also a lot of grammatical errors throughout, which suggests that it needs further editing. It's a pretty short book, more of a novella, and the main characters are right into the action within a few pages/no build up. It felt pretty out of the blue to me and like a sexual harassment/assault type situation. Most encounters felt equally awkward and stilted. Overall, I think it just wasn't really up my alley. Please note that I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
April 26, 2022
A short erotic romances and a bit of thriller. I guess it's hard to write this type of story plot.
January 13, 2017
To me, this story was meh was ok. It was slow and hard to keep interested in. Yes, this is a love story but there seemed to be more rambling than story. Towards the end there were events that made me think "ok, now we are getting somewhere", but then the book ended and I have to wait for book 2 to see where things go. Shervon was abused in the past, but instantly falls in love with Sean and he with her. There was just something missing to this story that I hope comes out in book two.
Even though this is rated a 3 star I am looking forward to seeing how the story plays out.
Even though this is rated a 3 star I am looking forward to seeing how the story plays out.
October 1, 2016
This was a good story. Shevron is a sweet naive girl who falls deeply in love with her boss Sean. He introduces her to his lifestyle and way of doing things. The story seems to be just the tip of the iceberg for these two main characters. I feel like there is so much more there to be told. Hoping there is a second book as this one ends with a cliffhanger.
*provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
*provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
October 10, 2016
One of the two erotica books I read this month was Saved, penned by the young indie author Cara Downey. Literotica is difficult to critique, because the genre is primarily intended to arouse you. Since each of us have a principal literary style, some erotica books aren’t a “perfect” match. I prefer LOL humor, rich description, and literary prose to transport me to a sensual world – one in which the characters organically bond (not immediately based on superficial beauty) and eventually become physically intimate.
I give Saved a 3.5 star. It was a “grey-esque” book (think 50 Shades of Grey, interracial romantica). It was a fast read, but to be honest I had trouble getting into it; the prologue was jarring – the female protagonist, Shevron (Shiv), recollects the trauma/abuse she endured at the hands of her adoptive father, Mike. Fortunately, things got more upbeat. We find Shiv, years later, readying herself for a job interview. Almost immediately, the businessman, Sean Harris, hires her to become a research assistant and head of foundation/charity to fight sex trafficking.
I felt the author didn’t deliver according to my taste (description thin, humor minimal, dialogue on the nose); HOWEVER, she did arouse me. There was plenty of dirty talk over the phone, sex in the boardroom, in his home, even in her dreams. The author also weaved in romantic scenes at the movie theatre and café.
I wish the author developed the secondary characters and the subplots; there wasn’t enough tension in the family dinners and a charity function; not even a fight scene of an adopted father who escapes from jail; Shiv goes to the hospital, but not much happens afterward either. Shiv tells her mom about sex and loving Sean and although her mom is encouraging, we don’t know anything about her guilt. I also wonder if Shiv really is in love with Sean, or does so because says he does.
I give Saved a 3.5 star. It was a “grey-esque” book (think 50 Shades of Grey, interracial romantica). It was a fast read, but to be honest I had trouble getting into it; the prologue was jarring – the female protagonist, Shevron (Shiv), recollects the trauma/abuse she endured at the hands of her adoptive father, Mike. Fortunately, things got more upbeat. We find Shiv, years later, readying herself for a job interview. Almost immediately, the businessman, Sean Harris, hires her to become a research assistant and head of foundation/charity to fight sex trafficking.
I felt the author didn’t deliver according to my taste (description thin, humor minimal, dialogue on the nose); HOWEVER, she did arouse me. There was plenty of dirty talk over the phone, sex in the boardroom, in his home, even in her dreams. The author also weaved in romantic scenes at the movie theatre and café.
I wish the author developed the secondary characters and the subplots; there wasn’t enough tension in the family dinners and a charity function; not even a fight scene of an adopted father who escapes from jail; Shiv goes to the hospital, but not much happens afterward either. Shiv tells her mom about sex and loving Sean and although her mom is encouraging, we don’t know anything about her guilt. I also wonder if Shiv really is in love with Sean, or does so because says he does.
January 8, 2017
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4.50 stars
What spectacular story written with so much compassion. The characters will enthrall you into a world of enchantment, intimacy and leave you breathless.
Shervon has overcome the tragedy of her youth. She is on a path of discovery and will learn who she is, how her strength will keep her from being overtaken by the past.
Sean is taken aback when he meets Shervon. The electric zap he feels towards Shervon are hard and fast. Nothing can keep her from his thoughts.
Both Shervon and Sean are both shocked with how their feelings towards one another is instantaneously felt the first time they meet. Neither can explain it, neither want it to go away, but both are hesitant to follow as they surely feel their connection is way too much and to quick to just ignore. Their faith in what is and what can be is a scary but enthralling adventure.
Written with care, Cara leads us through an emotional story of overcoming the hardships of an abusive childhood, loss and a strength of never going back, only moving forward. Instant attraction will turn fast into a blooming love that will take your breath away. Being loved unconditionally will lead both Sean and Shervon to a place of continment but when the past threatens the present and future, you will be unable to stop reading.
4.50 stars
What spectacular story written with so much compassion. The characters will enthrall you into a world of enchantment, intimacy and leave you breathless.
Shervon has overcome the tragedy of her youth. She is on a path of discovery and will learn who she is, how her strength will keep her from being overtaken by the past.
Sean is taken aback when he meets Shervon. The electric zap he feels towards Shervon are hard and fast. Nothing can keep her from his thoughts.
Both Shervon and Sean are both shocked with how their feelings towards one another is instantaneously felt the first time they meet. Neither can explain it, neither want it to go away, but both are hesitant to follow as they surely feel their connection is way too much and to quick to just ignore. Their faith in what is and what can be is a scary but enthralling adventure.
Written with care, Cara leads us through an emotional story of overcoming the hardships of an abusive childhood, loss and a strength of never going back, only moving forward. Instant attraction will turn fast into a blooming love that will take your breath away. Being loved unconditionally will lead both Sean and Shervon to a place of continment but when the past threatens the present and future, you will be unable to stop reading.
February 3, 2017
It took me a long time to read this book...way too long.
The first reason being that the story would have benefited from a good proofreader and an editor...the mistakes were glaring and I had to keep putting the book aside.
The writing style was jerky (lots of short sentences) and the dialogue was stilted.
The storyline was intriguing in the blurb but the characters didn't carry it off. The Insta love didn't work in this context....Sean and Shervon overcame her issues incredibly easily.
And finally....there was no sign or notice that the story was going to end on a cliffhanger...sigh...
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The first reason being that the story would have benefited from a good proofreader and an editor...the mistakes were glaring and I had to keep putting the book aside.
The writing style was jerky (lots of short sentences) and the dialogue was stilted.
The storyline was intriguing in the blurb but the characters didn't carry it off. The Insta love didn't work in this context....Sean and Shervon overcame her issues incredibly easily.
And finally....there was no sign or notice that the story was going to end on a cliffhanger...sigh...
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 1, 2017
**I received a review copy of this book from the BDSM group on Goodreads.**
I found this book really hard to get along with when I read the blurb about the book i though this would be my type of book.
Not far into the book I realised that it was very hard for me to read and I couldn't connect with the characters. The story line for me was very hard to get along with and maybe just because of the aspect of love at first sight and how quickly things moved and how they didn't even as characters connect with each other really made this book one I didn't like.
I found this book really hard to get along with when I read the blurb about the book i though this would be my type of book.
Not far into the book I realised that it was very hard for me to read and I couldn't connect with the characters. The story line for me was very hard to get along with and maybe just because of the aspect of love at first sight and how quickly things moved and how they didn't even as characters connect with each other really made this book one I didn't like.
January 14, 2017
This book has way too many mistakes, grammar, punctuation a lot of rambling. She needs to send this back to her editor because there were way too many. Some sentences I had to go back over because it just did not make sense. What the book is about is interesting but I just don't think this book was executed correctly...
February 1, 2017
*Provided by the author through the BDSM group on Goodreads*
It felt like the beginning of 50 Shades: a bit rushed, not entirely realistic how quick everything comes.
There were quite some typo's, and sometimes a dreamsequence was not separated from the rest, so I had to reread a few times, before I figured it out.
It felt like the beginning of 50 Shades: a bit rushed, not entirely realistic how quick everything comes.
There were quite some typo's, and sometimes a dreamsequence was not separated from the rest, so I had to reread a few times, before I figured it out.
March 30, 2017
I really dislike writing bad reviews. But I am trying to review EVERY book I read, starting this month. So apologies in advance to the author.
So in Saved, by Cara Downey, Shervon suffered a traumatic childhood but has powered through it. She starts her first job and it's a good one! She and her boss fall in love, and he helps her heal from her past.
First, let me start out by saying what was good.
I think the author writes her characters very tenderly, especially the female character. She obviously loves her characters - and that is a good thing.
I like the fact that the author is willing to tackle real trauma in her character's lives. All too often authors are too scared to do that.
But.....there was far more wrong than right.
I despise first person, but that is a personal preference. Even so, there is a good way and a bad way to do first person, especially if you are swapping narrators. There was a lot of swapping done here, but sometimes the transitions were lacking. I distinctly remember one that really puzzled me, a transition between Shervon's mother and Shervon herself had no transition clues at all. Not even a name at the start of the new narration.
I get it's a romance book, but there needs to be a reason for the romance. Buildup is nice. This was literally love at first sight, and though Sean (the male lead) mentions that romantic relationships at the office are forbidden, that doesn't seem to slow these two down at all.
As a matter of fact, there was nothing to slow to them down at all. Everyone seemed blissfully happy they were getting together except one character that never did anything about it. Yet. There were no obstructions to their relationship except her past - and that was treated as more of a low curb than a hurdle.
Both main characters seemed...colorless. I never bonded to either of them. They seemed like paperdolls cut out by the author and forced into interacting with each other. A socially awkward Barbie and Ken with plastic, strained smiles and stiff resistant movements. They had no life, no fire, no passion. Not even for each other.
And there was a lot of telling the story rather than showing it. "Sean and I have gotten closer than I thought we could ever be." "When I'm released, I tell Sean that ....." Some of this is unavoidable due to the first person narration, that naturally leads to more telling than showing. But it was more an issue in this book than many other first person stories I have read.
So in Saved, by Cara Downey, Shervon suffered a traumatic childhood but has powered through it. She starts her first job and it's a good one! She and her boss fall in love, and he helps her heal from her past.
First, let me start out by saying what was good.
I think the author writes her characters very tenderly, especially the female character. She obviously loves her characters - and that is a good thing.
I like the fact that the author is willing to tackle real trauma in her character's lives. All too often authors are too scared to do that.
But.....there was far more wrong than right.
I despise first person, but that is a personal preference. Even so, there is a good way and a bad way to do first person, especially if you are swapping narrators. There was a lot of swapping done here, but sometimes the transitions were lacking. I distinctly remember one that really puzzled me, a transition between Shervon's mother and Shervon herself had no transition clues at all. Not even a name at the start of the new narration.
I get it's a romance book, but there needs to be a reason for the romance. Buildup is nice. This was literally love at first sight, and though Sean (the male lead) mentions that romantic relationships at the office are forbidden, that doesn't seem to slow these two down at all.
As a matter of fact, there was nothing to slow to them down at all. Everyone seemed blissfully happy they were getting together except one character that never did anything about it. Yet. There were no obstructions to their relationship except her past - and that was treated as more of a low curb than a hurdle.
Both main characters seemed...colorless. I never bonded to either of them. They seemed like paperdolls cut out by the author and forced into interacting with each other. A socially awkward Barbie and Ken with plastic, strained smiles and stiff resistant movements. They had no life, no fire, no passion. Not even for each other.
And there was a lot of telling the story rather than showing it. "Sean and I have gotten closer than I thought we could ever be." "When I'm released, I tell Sean that ....." Some of this is unavoidable due to the first person narration, that naturally leads to more telling than showing. But it was more an issue in this book than many other first person stories I have read.
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