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Soul Tracing: TABOO
THIS BOOK IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. This is the glorious haram version of Soul Tracing Taboo!
Yasmin Khan is everything an imam's daughter should faithful, respectful, and veiled. Behind the cloth lies nothing but darkness and loneliness. She longs for the freedom to speak her own mind and escape her mundane life, but above anything else, she wants to be just like her friend, Noor.
Dean Thynne-Edwards Walker is battling his own demons from the past. Abandoned on the doorstep of a Catholic orphanage at birth, he endured years of unspeakable abuse and cruelty. He now blames God for the nightmares of his stolen childhood and will stop at nothing to seek his revenge against religion.
He doesn't see her face on that fateful day, but he does see her beautiful eyes. An instant desire sparks within him, a desire to corrupt this woman and sever her ties with God.
Can he do it? Can he seduce a devout Muslim and add her to his list?
As for Yasmin, could this silver-eyed, beautiful stranger be her salvation? Might he be a savior that will release her from the shackles of her cultural obligations? Or will he be the cause of her damnation?
Yasmin Khan is everything an imam's daughter should faithful, respectful, and veiled. Behind the cloth lies nothing but darkness and loneliness. She longs for the freedom to speak her own mind and escape her mundane life, but above anything else, she wants to be just like her friend, Noor.
Dean Thynne-Edwards Walker is battling his own demons from the past. Abandoned on the doorstep of a Catholic orphanage at birth, he endured years of unspeakable abuse and cruelty. He now blames God for the nightmares of his stolen childhood and will stop at nothing to seek his revenge against religion.
He doesn't see her face on that fateful day, but he does see her beautiful eyes. An instant desire sparks within him, a desire to corrupt this woman and sever her ties with God.
Can he do it? Can he seduce a devout Muslim and add her to his list?
As for Yasmin, could this silver-eyed, beautiful stranger be her salvation? Might he be a savior that will release her from the shackles of her cultural obligations? Or will he be the cause of her damnation?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2017
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 8, 2018
Wow, just wow.
I absolutely adored this book. This story centers around a shy, quiet girl named Yasmin who is dedicated to her family and her culture. She doesn’t want to get married as is expected of her and instead clings to the hope of an education and making something of her life. She’s envious of her educated, strong friend, Noor, and wishes she could be more like her. That is, until she meets Dean and her entire world is flipped upside down.
This is a powerful, powerful read. Even after finishing the book, I just can’t stop thinking about it. That ending had me in tears and it was the most realistic epilogue I think I’ve ever encountered in a book. I loved poor Yasmin’s character from the start to the finish and the way the author developed her from a quiet, girl to a strong girl, to a broken girl all over again. It’s not very often that I read books that go into so much detail about the Islamic culture but this book was so realistic that I felt as if I was reading someone’s memoir.
Heartbreaking and captivating, I recommend this book for all readers.
I absolutely adored this book. This story centers around a shy, quiet girl named Yasmin who is dedicated to her family and her culture. She doesn’t want to get married as is expected of her and instead clings to the hope of an education and making something of her life. She’s envious of her educated, strong friend, Noor, and wishes she could be more like her. That is, until she meets Dean and her entire world is flipped upside down.
This is a powerful, powerful read. Even after finishing the book, I just can’t stop thinking about it. That ending had me in tears and it was the most realistic epilogue I think I’ve ever encountered in a book. I loved poor Yasmin’s character from the start to the finish and the way the author developed her from a quiet, girl to a strong girl, to a broken girl all over again. It’s not very often that I read books that go into so much detail about the Islamic culture but this book was so realistic that I felt as if I was reading someone’s memoir.
Heartbreaking and captivating, I recommend this book for all readers.
June 22, 2018
What a twisted ending, I did not expect that.
I am not going to say too much about the story its self. I would hate to have this review contain any spoilers. This book is filled with emotion, but could be triggerings for some, but could also be a learning experience for all.
Yasmin AKA Bambi is a young Muslim woman born and raised in England. She lives with her parents and an older brother who is overly strict Muslims. Yasmin meets a young man named Dean. Dean had a rough childhood before he was saved and adopted by a wealthy loving family. He went from nothing to everything and had a lot of emotional issues of his own.
To write a book about two cultures and religions with an open mind is incredible. Author Ifraah Samatar is bold and brave for writing about these not so easy topics.
I am not going to say too much about the story its self. I would hate to have this review contain any spoilers. This book is filled with emotion, but could be triggerings for some, but could also be a learning experience for all.
Yasmin AKA Bambi is a young Muslim woman born and raised in England. She lives with her parents and an older brother who is overly strict Muslims. Yasmin meets a young man named Dean. Dean had a rough childhood before he was saved and adopted by a wealthy loving family. He went from nothing to everything and had a lot of emotional issues of his own.
To write a book about two cultures and religions with an open mind is incredible. Author Ifraah Samatar is bold and brave for writing about these not so easy topics.
October 21, 2020
Soul tracing affected me at various levels. It’s a story with some powerful writing that you cannot ignore irrespective of your agreement or disagreement with the narrative.
To begin with, it’s a typical love story with quite a predictable plot. What kept me going was the curiosity to know how the authors will choose to end it and it was CLEVER.
I applaud the authors for this singular way of telling the story of a naïve, hopeless girl full of dreams. And, because this topic is so close to my heart, and because I loved the authors’ take on this whole scenario, I felt huge disappointments along the story as well.
At most occasions throughout the book, the story sounded like a fantasy and rightly so… I kept on wondering (rather bickering) how could the authors approach such a sensitive subject with such insensitivity. At first, the novel sounded like another M&B with a religious tarka.
And that's exactly where the story takes upon the controversy!
The novel takes an apologetic approach that many well-meaning Muslims do take - Shift the blame to culture and individuals in order to relieve the religion off of any blame.
And, this novel blames the both. However, culture (mostly Pakistani) remains the focal point. True! Pakistani culture is a complex religiocultural mishmash; however, not quite the way authors have portrayed it.
I felt angry and then sad by the wrong suggestion that our culture is oppressive and somehow true practice and understanding of religion will liberate us and even allow us the practices that are otherwise looked down upon by our culture as well as religion.
If Yasmin was a single person, the readers who could relate to Yasmin would have felt understood and those who couldn't relate to her, would still be able to connect with her on a human level. But by generalizing, the authors have imposed the realities of a small segment (if we look at the bigger picture) on a large section of society who understand their religion better than Yasmin’s father, who take pride in their rich culture and who don’t impose the disgusting double standards and ridiculous restrictions as vehemently as the characters in this story.
This wrong generalization did certainly rub me the wrong way. I had to struggle to relate and sympathize with Yasmin. Yasmin’s discussion with Faiza about marriage is disturbing because the idea was (again) wrongly generalized. It also raises a question on the understanding of the authors of the culture they’re opinionating about.
Soul Tracing: Taboo is disturbing at many levels.
Perhaps the most important question it raises is:
What is liberation?
Is wearing revealing clothes and undergoing the ultimate Taboo (as the authors put it) an epitome of liberation? OR is it a mere defiance?
What’s the difference between Abbas and Dean?
And how can Yasmin decide that Dean isn’t a monster despite all but Amir and Abbas are?
Shifting the blame from religion to culture is an ever increasing narrative because it allows common people to easily dissociate from the crimes committed in the name of religion. But isn’t it a bigger lie than the lies told by Yasmin?
For a more detailed review, visit https://business.facebook.com/benslip...
To begin with, it’s a typical love story with quite a predictable plot. What kept me going was the curiosity to know how the authors will choose to end it and it was CLEVER.
I applaud the authors for this singular way of telling the story of a naïve, hopeless girl full of dreams. And, because this topic is so close to my heart, and because I loved the authors’ take on this whole scenario, I felt huge disappointments along the story as well.
At most occasions throughout the book, the story sounded like a fantasy and rightly so… I kept on wondering (rather bickering) how could the authors approach such a sensitive subject with such insensitivity. At first, the novel sounded like another M&B with a religious tarka.
And that's exactly where the story takes upon the controversy!
The novel takes an apologetic approach that many well-meaning Muslims do take - Shift the blame to culture and individuals in order to relieve the religion off of any blame.
And, this novel blames the both. However, culture (mostly Pakistani) remains the focal point. True! Pakistani culture is a complex religiocultural mishmash; however, not quite the way authors have portrayed it.
I felt angry and then sad by the wrong suggestion that our culture is oppressive and somehow true practice and understanding of religion will liberate us and even allow us the practices that are otherwise looked down upon by our culture as well as religion.
If Yasmin was a single person, the readers who could relate to Yasmin would have felt understood and those who couldn't relate to her, would still be able to connect with her on a human level. But by generalizing, the authors have imposed the realities of a small segment (if we look at the bigger picture) on a large section of society who understand their religion better than Yasmin’s father, who take pride in their rich culture and who don’t impose the disgusting double standards and ridiculous restrictions as vehemently as the characters in this story.
This wrong generalization did certainly rub me the wrong way. I had to struggle to relate and sympathize with Yasmin. Yasmin’s discussion with Faiza about marriage is disturbing because the idea was (again) wrongly generalized. It also raises a question on the understanding of the authors of the culture they’re opinionating about.
Soul Tracing: Taboo is disturbing at many levels.
Perhaps the most important question it raises is:
What is liberation?
Is wearing revealing clothes and undergoing the ultimate Taboo (as the authors put it) an epitome of liberation? OR is it a mere defiance?
What’s the difference between Abbas and Dean?
And how can Yasmin decide that Dean isn’t a monster despite all but Amir and Abbas are?
Shifting the blame from religion to culture is an ever increasing narrative because it allows common people to easily dissociate from the crimes committed in the name of religion. But isn’t it a bigger lie than the lies told by Yasmin?
For a more detailed review, visit https://business.facebook.com/benslip...
January 24, 2018
It has been more than a week since I finished reading “Soul Tracing Taboo” and it is only now that I feel stable enough to put pen to paper. Debutant co-authors Irsha Akbar & Ifraah Samatar have created an elaborate yet relatable narrative, addressing many pressing social issues while staying true to the story’s romantic core.
Yasmin is your average shy girl-next-door twenty something protagonist of the story. With one small twist. She wears a niqab, the Islamic face-veil. Her Pakistani immigrant parents, her chauvinist brother - “prodigal son of the Imam”, her patronising frenemies from her university’s Islamic Society (whom she terms the “ninjas”), all push her around. Her only respite is Noor, her fellow niqabi “warrior-princess” friend who is more mentor than soul sister.
Also, there’s Dean, the playboy with a rags-to-riches story. His Christian orphanage upbringing robbed him of a childhood, leaving him with permanent scars that all the wealth, love and companionship, courtesy of his “old money” adoptive family, cannot remove. Dean is on the quest to avenge his nightmare childhood by “breaking holier than thou” women and indulging them in the “ultimate taboo”.
When the pair literally bump into each other one busy morning, a thrilling and intriguing journey unfolds. The events that follow, at times, might feel a bit of a stretch on reality, but there is plenty to justify every incident. Elements of Yasmin’s home life too might feel alien to the readers but the writers infuse enough emotion to make the experience real.
The writers, however, take great care to separate culture and age-old practices masquerading as religion. The conversation where Yasmin fact-checks her mother’s racism towards “Aunt Bushra's daughter” who “has gone and married a black man!” [sic] is really well-constructed and represents a sad reality prevalent in the ‘traditional’ South Asian older generations. The writers also highlight the hypocrisy and resultant misogyny that has seeped in the young men as a result of their toxic upbringing. Yasmin’s brother, Amir, mirrors many of the supposedly ‘good’ young men the readers would recognise, be it from real-life or their Instagram DMs.
Another positive is that the characters all have arcs of their own, and while the focus is on Yasmin’s internal voice for nearly two-thirds of the book, secondary characters like Feryal, Porsche, Jack and Leo all get to tell their own stories through the voices of the two protagonists. Feryal had some of the best lines in the story, making me laugh out loud, while cheering for her.
For a story with such potential, the sexual scenes made me feel distant from the protagonists. While the scenes, particularly the ones from Dean’s perspective play important roles in characterisation, the frequency became tiring after a point, for me at least. The scenes themselves though, are written respectfully enough, with focus on emotions rather than the actions.
The winning factor, though, is the final twist, which will make you want to re-read the whole book again, with new eyes. It also stays with you for a long time, as unlike most fiction, this is a story we are all too aware of, be it through personal experience of its various elements or through harrowing stories in the news.
Ultimately, the writers have created a world that is as honest as is it imaginative, based on solid research and experience of culture and religion while emotionally driven to tell the ultimate underdog’s story. Read the full version if you don’t mind a bit of 18+ action, read the full version, otherwise opt for the clean version. But read it nevertheless.
Yasmin is your average shy girl-next-door twenty something protagonist of the story. With one small twist. She wears a niqab, the Islamic face-veil. Her Pakistani immigrant parents, her chauvinist brother - “prodigal son of the Imam”, her patronising frenemies from her university’s Islamic Society (whom she terms the “ninjas”), all push her around. Her only respite is Noor, her fellow niqabi “warrior-princess” friend who is more mentor than soul sister.
Also, there’s Dean, the playboy with a rags-to-riches story. His Christian orphanage upbringing robbed him of a childhood, leaving him with permanent scars that all the wealth, love and companionship, courtesy of his “old money” adoptive family, cannot remove. Dean is on the quest to avenge his nightmare childhood by “breaking holier than thou” women and indulging them in the “ultimate taboo”.
When the pair literally bump into each other one busy morning, a thrilling and intriguing journey unfolds. The events that follow, at times, might feel a bit of a stretch on reality, but there is plenty to justify every incident. Elements of Yasmin’s home life too might feel alien to the readers but the writers infuse enough emotion to make the experience real.
The writers, however, take great care to separate culture and age-old practices masquerading as religion. The conversation where Yasmin fact-checks her mother’s racism towards “Aunt Bushra's daughter” who “has gone and married a black man!” [sic] is really well-constructed and represents a sad reality prevalent in the ‘traditional’ South Asian older generations. The writers also highlight the hypocrisy and resultant misogyny that has seeped in the young men as a result of their toxic upbringing. Yasmin’s brother, Amir, mirrors many of the supposedly ‘good’ young men the readers would recognise, be it from real-life or their Instagram DMs.
Another positive is that the characters all have arcs of their own, and while the focus is on Yasmin’s internal voice for nearly two-thirds of the book, secondary characters like Feryal, Porsche, Jack and Leo all get to tell their own stories through the voices of the two protagonists. Feryal had some of the best lines in the story, making me laugh out loud, while cheering for her.
For a story with such potential, the sexual scenes made me feel distant from the protagonists. While the scenes, particularly the ones from Dean’s perspective play important roles in characterisation, the frequency became tiring after a point, for me at least. The scenes themselves though, are written respectfully enough, with focus on emotions rather than the actions.
The winning factor, though, is the final twist, which will make you want to re-read the whole book again, with new eyes. It also stays with you for a long time, as unlike most fiction, this is a story we are all too aware of, be it through personal experience of its various elements or through harrowing stories in the news.
Ultimately, the writers have created a world that is as honest as is it imaginative, based on solid research and experience of culture and religion while emotionally driven to tell the ultimate underdog’s story. Read the full version if you don’t mind a bit of 18+ action, read the full version, otherwise opt for the clean version. But read it nevertheless.
November 4, 2018
Wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve read something this good. I’m captivated, moved, bursting with questions and ready to cry, all at once. For what seems like ages, I’ve been trying to process this story, and I’m sure it will continue to haunt me for much longer.
I’m finding it hard to know how to begin. For one, this book defies genres. My first thought was that it seemed to jump from genre to genre, yet I knew that wasn’t right. This book is so much more than that. It balances delicately between them, blending tropes and ideas into a tangible, soul-gripping story of love, prejudices and the human spirit.
It starts off very erotic, when we meet Dean, a man who appears to be heartless and empty, who is using a woman for sex simply because he can. Then the perspective shifts to Yasmin, a young, Muslim woman who is suffocating under the harsh, ultra-conservative rules of her Pakistani family. Although both story lines take place in London, Yasmin’s intriguing narrative made me feel like we were thrown into a completely different universe. I go from hating Dean, to feeling curiousity about his situation, to hoping he will overcome his past. Then there is Yasmin, and her lonely life is gut-wrenching. The mild girl slowly finds her voice through the book, although her family, rather than listen to and love her, would much rather cow and silence her. As the perspective shifts back and forth, I’m caught up in both Yasmin’s and Dean’s lives, their histories, and my heart breaks for each of them. Immersing myself into the book, I find I’m swept into a precarious romance story—one with insurmountable obstacles—that had me loving and dreading every page. Yet beyond the story of impossible love, there is so much more going on too. The book takes a harsh look at deep-rooted chauvinism, ingrained bigotry, ignorance and intolerance. Yet it also transcends those themes. There is such beauty as the characters slowly heal each other, where they learn to face their own demons and come to terms with themselves.
And then… there was the ending. I can’t say what it was, but I was taken completely by surprise. I’m still feeling thrown off-kilter from it. This was one of those endings that changes a book from being simply a great book into one that utterly stuns you.
Recommend.
I’m finding it hard to know how to begin. For one, this book defies genres. My first thought was that it seemed to jump from genre to genre, yet I knew that wasn’t right. This book is so much more than that. It balances delicately between them, blending tropes and ideas into a tangible, soul-gripping story of love, prejudices and the human spirit.
It starts off very erotic, when we meet Dean, a man who appears to be heartless and empty, who is using a woman for sex simply because he can. Then the perspective shifts to Yasmin, a young, Muslim woman who is suffocating under the harsh, ultra-conservative rules of her Pakistani family. Although both story lines take place in London, Yasmin’s intriguing narrative made me feel like we were thrown into a completely different universe. I go from hating Dean, to feeling curiousity about his situation, to hoping he will overcome his past. Then there is Yasmin, and her lonely life is gut-wrenching. The mild girl slowly finds her voice through the book, although her family, rather than listen to and love her, would much rather cow and silence her. As the perspective shifts back and forth, I’m caught up in both Yasmin’s and Dean’s lives, their histories, and my heart breaks for each of them. Immersing myself into the book, I find I’m swept into a precarious romance story—one with insurmountable obstacles—that had me loving and dreading every page. Yet beyond the story of impossible love, there is so much more going on too. The book takes a harsh look at deep-rooted chauvinism, ingrained bigotry, ignorance and intolerance. Yet it also transcends those themes. There is such beauty as the characters slowly heal each other, where they learn to face their own demons and come to terms with themselves.
And then… there was the ending. I can’t say what it was, but I was taken completely by surprise. I’m still feeling thrown off-kilter from it. This was one of those endings that changes a book from being simply a great book into one that utterly stuns you.
Recommend.
September 24, 2018
I don't even know where to begin.
This is an INCREDIBLE read. Definitely one of my new favorites, but fair warning: it can be a difficult read due to subject matter and THE EXCRUCIATING TWIST ENDING.
The reader follows the life of Yasmine and her growth as a character is just phenomenal, like truly watching a small dainty rosebud become a full-fledged flower. I have never read a story that dealt with culture and religion of this nature and i was utterly captivated as i was catapulted into this unfamiliar territory. Yasmine is just a normal girl trapped in a situation she can't quite escape. It was amazing to watch her blossom into something more and strive to become more than her circumstances.
Dean had an amazing transformation as a character as well. He went from being a completely cookie cutter player to someone with emmense depth and substance and I fell for him too, rooting for he and Yasmine's romance. He has a complicated backstory and the authors did an amazing job bringing his story to light.
The authors are brilliant. I loved their writing style and how they were ever so patient with their readers, fleshing out their story and providing such detail that painted a glorious view into their vision of their story. I am more than stunned with the ending and wonder seriously why they chose to end the book the way they did. Would leaving the epilogue out have been so bad? It would could have led to an amazing opportunity to see Yasmine become the rebel she was meant to be, fulfill the career she so desperately worked hard for, continue the romance she cultivated, and so much more. So. Much. More. So many questions left unanswered. I'm both extremely pleased (because i love twists and non-traditional endings [aka non-happy/unexpected]) and tragically depressed after finishing this book. I am adding it to my favorites and will read it again (when i recover from the first go around.)
This novel was more than worth the read. I am better for having read it.
This is an INCREDIBLE read. Definitely one of my new favorites, but fair warning: it can be a difficult read due to subject matter and THE EXCRUCIATING TWIST ENDING.
The reader follows the life of Yasmine and her growth as a character is just phenomenal, like truly watching a small dainty rosebud become a full-fledged flower. I have never read a story that dealt with culture and religion of this nature and i was utterly captivated as i was catapulted into this unfamiliar territory. Yasmine is just a normal girl trapped in a situation she can't quite escape. It was amazing to watch her blossom into something more and strive to become more than her circumstances.
Dean had an amazing transformation as a character as well. He went from being a completely cookie cutter player to someone with emmense depth and substance and I fell for him too, rooting for he and Yasmine's romance. He has a complicated backstory and the authors did an amazing job bringing his story to light.
The authors are brilliant. I loved their writing style and how they were ever so patient with their readers, fleshing out their story and providing such detail that painted a glorious view into their vision of their story. I am more than stunned with the ending and wonder seriously why they chose to end the book the way they did. Would leaving the epilogue out have been so bad? It would could have led to an amazing opportunity to see Yasmine become the rebel she was meant to be, fulfill the career she so desperately worked hard for, continue the romance she cultivated, and so much more. So. Much. More. So many questions left unanswered. I'm both extremely pleased (because i love twists and non-traditional endings [aka non-happy/unexpected]) and tragically depressed after finishing this book. I am adding it to my favorites and will read it again (when i recover from the first go around.)
This novel was more than worth the read. I am better for having read it.
November 21, 2018
Okay. Wow. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that ending. After reading the epilogue, I had to go back and look at this book with a whole other set of eyes. I thought it was going to end one way, the twist threw me entirely -- I did NOT expect that -- and now I don't know what to think. As tragic as this book ended, I still hope for a happy ending and I can't wait to see what happens in Seb's book.
From the first racy scene where we learn about Dean, it was a pleasure watching him grow and mature and fall in love. There were hints of the man he was in the beginning -- the man who made bets about purposely bedding virgins -- all the way through, though he's also better by the end for having known Yasmin. I'm in particular thinking of the scene with Porsche toward the end. Just falling in love didn't change him -- having Yasmin point out his behavior did. And since he had the chance to go back and prove to her where she had her own misconceptions and prejudices, it really showed how different they were while, at the same time, being perfect together. I loved that.
The authors had a wonderful grasp of storytelling. From the characters to the dialogue, even they way they showed the two different cultures without appearing as if they were trying to educate -- which they did, at least in my case. I enjoyed all of it. They didn't shy from highlighting the positives and negatives in both Christianity and Islam. God was a main theme throughout this book, as was love, and I highly enjoyed it.
Even the tragedy of the ending was beautifully done. It left me with so many questions and a lot of hope, though I felt terribly for the narrator. Which, of course, means that the authors did their job and they did it very well!
From the first racy scene where we learn about Dean, it was a pleasure watching him grow and mature and fall in love. There were hints of the man he was in the beginning -- the man who made bets about purposely bedding virgins -- all the way through, though he's also better by the end for having known Yasmin. I'm in particular thinking of the scene with Porsche toward the end. Just falling in love didn't change him -- having Yasmin point out his behavior did. And since he had the chance to go back and prove to her where she had her own misconceptions and prejudices, it really showed how different they were while, at the same time, being perfect together. I loved that.
The authors had a wonderful grasp of storytelling. From the characters to the dialogue, even they way they showed the two different cultures without appearing as if they were trying to educate -- which they did, at least in my case. I enjoyed all of it. They didn't shy from highlighting the positives and negatives in both Christianity and Islam. God was a main theme throughout this book, as was love, and I highly enjoyed it.
Even the tragedy of the ending was beautifully done. It left me with so many questions and a lot of hope, though I felt terribly for the narrator. Which, of course, means that the authors did their job and they did it very well!
May 11, 2018
This is an enjoyable book to read. It is not your typical star-crossed lovers. Dean is a ladies man, using them just for sex then dumping them, but he has an agenda. There is a hidden mystery to his past that keeps the reader intrigued. You should hate him for the way he treats women, but you don’t. He is a realistic and believable character. Yasmine is from a devout Pakistani Muslim family who is not even allowed to talk to boys. Whether her character is realistic or not I can’t say as I know very little about the culture, but to me she is believable. Her conflict between what she should do and what she wants to do is portrayed well.
The author does a good job of making these two very different characters complete and whole, giving them strong personalities and backgrounds. The book is written from both of their points of views, with different chapters being dedicated to each character. It works well. However, it is slanted too much towards Yasmine’s side of the story. I would have liked to hear more from Dean.
There is a nice twist, which I never saw coming. I won’t say what or where, as I don’t believe in spoilers, but it was very good. This book leaves you thinking about it long after you have finished reading it.
There are sex scenes in this book. They are not necessary for the story, but, for me, they do enhance it. They are not over-the-top. There are two versions of this book. If you prefer cleaner stories, read the other version. I am sure you will enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed this one.
The author does a good job of making these two very different characters complete and whole, giving them strong personalities and backgrounds. The book is written from both of their points of views, with different chapters being dedicated to each character. It works well. However, it is slanted too much towards Yasmine’s side of the story. I would have liked to hear more from Dean.
There is a nice twist, which I never saw coming. I won’t say what or where, as I don’t believe in spoilers, but it was very good. This book leaves you thinking about it long after you have finished reading it.
There are sex scenes in this book. They are not necessary for the story, but, for me, they do enhance it. They are not over-the-top. There are two versions of this book. If you prefer cleaner stories, read the other version. I am sure you will enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed this one.
April 23, 2018
I had to wait couple of days before I could write this review because I was still processing what happened in the story. Usually, I’m pretty good at not being surprised at any twists because I typically expect them. But, I did NOT expect that ending. I’m still shocked.
I love reading stories about different cultures. I think it helps to understand the world better, and definitely to raise awareness. The author does a fantastic job at bringing a very traditional Muslim culture into Dean’s westernized and modern world. The two characters in the story are complete opposite, but I enjoyed how they eventually tried to understand the other’s values. I really loved how the author was able to show how the characters were able to help one another find themselves and figure out who they truly were.
In my opinion, this is so much more than a romance story. I think when an author makes you think about things from their stories, he or she has done their job. Through the story, so many massages were conveyed. I don’t consider myself a religious person (I probably relate more to Dean who also wasn’t religious), but I did like reading about how Yasmin was raised and why she believed what she was taught.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re looking for a completely different type of read that makes you think about what’s going on in many parts of the world, I recommend you give this one a try. Plus, the hot hero is an added bonus! Can’t go wrong with that!
I love reading stories about different cultures. I think it helps to understand the world better, and definitely to raise awareness. The author does a fantastic job at bringing a very traditional Muslim culture into Dean’s westernized and modern world. The two characters in the story are complete opposite, but I enjoyed how they eventually tried to understand the other’s values. I really loved how the author was able to show how the characters were able to help one another find themselves and figure out who they truly were.
In my opinion, this is so much more than a romance story. I think when an author makes you think about things from their stories, he or she has done their job. Through the story, so many massages were conveyed. I don’t consider myself a religious person (I probably relate more to Dean who also wasn’t religious), but I did like reading about how Yasmin was raised and why she believed what she was taught.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re looking for a completely different type of read that makes you think about what’s going on in many parts of the world, I recommend you give this one a try. Plus, the hot hero is an added bonus! Can’t go wrong with that!
May 8, 2018
Yasmin is what you would term as a very orthodox Muslim. She's born and raised in England by a Pakastani family from the dark ages. She wears the burka everywhere she goes including university. There she meets a student named Dean who is a son of a prominent family of old money. Long story short a love interest occurs. Dean is riddled with demons from his childhood. He was physical, mentally and sexually abused as a child in a Catholic orphanage and he carries deep scars, which manifest themselves by being abusive toward women. What I mean by that is he uses them as sexual conquests. All this changes when he meets Yasmin and begins to fall in love with her. Their relationship changes both of their lives perspectives. Trouble is none of it is real. I can't go any further sharing the story because the ending rips you apart as a reader. This is definitely not an HEA. I really liked the story and the way the author matured both characters through their growing love for each other, but the ending just sucked the wind from my sails and the joy from the story. I guess if you like an unpredictable story with a lot of passion you'd like this because it definitely shocked me. What I can say is there was very much true to life issues and the author was very knowledgeable about the Islam culture. All in all I like the book. The writing was good except for a few typos, but the ending sucked.
February 27, 2018
"Soul tracing is the art behind our own prejudice and judgement."
In spite of a number of editing issues I'm giving this novel 5 stars as I found it completely engrossing and hard to put down. Yes, this is a romance novel, however, it is also insight into the minds and hearts of the main characters as well as secrets of Muslim culture.
Yasmin Khan is the product of this culture - following the rules imposed on her by her parents and the society in which they are enmeshed. She would no more think of going against anything taught in her upbringing than she would try to fly after jumping off the roof of a 20 story building. That begins to change when she accidentally bumps into Dean Thynne-Edwards Walker and her thoughts and her life begins to shift dramatically.
Dean started life as an abused orphan. He's now a VERY wealthy young man. However, he's never been able to really let go of the scars of his childhood. His intention for Yasmin is the same fate as every other female he's ever encountered - use and toss. His plans do not go as expected. He learns that in addition to her beauty, there is so much more hidden under Yasmin's veil. Somehow she is able to reach a part of him that none have before.
I hope this author continues to write as, in my opinion, she has true talent.
In spite of a number of editing issues I'm giving this novel 5 stars as I found it completely engrossing and hard to put down. Yes, this is a romance novel, however, it is also insight into the minds and hearts of the main characters as well as secrets of Muslim culture.
Yasmin Khan is the product of this culture - following the rules imposed on her by her parents and the society in which they are enmeshed. She would no more think of going against anything taught in her upbringing than she would try to fly after jumping off the roof of a 20 story building. That begins to change when she accidentally bumps into Dean Thynne-Edwards Walker and her thoughts and her life begins to shift dramatically.
Dean started life as an abused orphan. He's now a VERY wealthy young man. However, he's never been able to really let go of the scars of his childhood. His intention for Yasmin is the same fate as every other female he's ever encountered - use and toss. His plans do not go as expected. He learns that in addition to her beauty, there is so much more hidden under Yasmin's veil. Somehow she is able to reach a part of him that none have before.
I hope this author continues to write as, in my opinion, she has true talent.
June 13, 2018
I must admit, “Soul Tracing Taboo” is one of those books that aren’t easy to read due to the subject matter but which are so powerful that they will stay with you long after the last page is turned. The two main characters - Yasmin and Dean - couldn’t be further from each other from both religious and cultural perspectives; yet they fall in love against all odds and slowly discover themselves and undergo a healing process through opening up to each other. Dean is your typical bad boy, spoiled rotten by women’s affection. Yasmin is a sheltered young Muslim girl, who isn’t even allowed to leave her house unaccompanied. But as their carefully hidden relationship progresses, both blossom into stronger and better people than they used to be, and I couldn’t help but applaud such wonderfully presented character development. Cultural aspect was also masterfully woven into the narration, and I discovered a lot of new things about Islam, its culture and traditions. Women’s issues (and particularly Muslim women’s issues) were presented with brutal honesty, showing everything that is wrong not only with Eastern, but Western cultures as well. The ending was extremely unexpected and had me in tears, but I won’t say anything else so as not to spoil it for you. Read this beautiful and tragic story - you will love every second of it, I promise!
March 8, 2019
The story pulls you in from the first pages. I was hooked immediately. The writing is excellent, the narration on point, I love that it’s both from Dean and Yasmin’s points of view, it enriches the story so much.
Dean and Yasmin are an unlikely couple. The old cliché of “night and day” totally applies to them. Dean is a formerly abused orphan who’s been adopted by an affluent family and is a vengeful, entitled little brat. Yasmin is a devout Muslim brought up in a restrictive and oppressive household with no freedom whatsoever. They don’t seem like a love match at all.
They become friends of a sort and feelings quickly develop. Yasmin helps to tame the beast in Dean that seeks vengeance for his childhood abuse inside a Catholic orphanage, while Dean’s influence seems to embolden Yasmin to speak up for herself and find confidence.
We find that Yasmin’s parents are hell-bent on marrying her off after she graduates from University. The novel shows the helplessness of Yasmin’s situation and the lack of control over her life, destiny, and choice of life partner. It shows the restrictiveness of her culture and her religion, and it also makes her question everything she’s been taught.
There’s a significant twist in the narrative, and it is pure brilliance by the authors! Unexpected, surprising and emotional. This book is so worth the read.
Dean and Yasmin are an unlikely couple. The old cliché of “night and day” totally applies to them. Dean is a formerly abused orphan who’s been adopted by an affluent family and is a vengeful, entitled little brat. Yasmin is a devout Muslim brought up in a restrictive and oppressive household with no freedom whatsoever. They don’t seem like a love match at all.
They become friends of a sort and feelings quickly develop. Yasmin helps to tame the beast in Dean that seeks vengeance for his childhood abuse inside a Catholic orphanage, while Dean’s influence seems to embolden Yasmin to speak up for herself and find confidence.
We find that Yasmin’s parents are hell-bent on marrying her off after she graduates from University. The novel shows the helplessness of Yasmin’s situation and the lack of control over her life, destiny, and choice of life partner. It shows the restrictiveness of her culture and her religion, and it also makes her question everything she’s been taught.
There’s a significant twist in the narrative, and it is pure brilliance by the authors! Unexpected, surprising and emotional. This book is so worth the read.
July 31, 2018
This romance story is slightly different than the typically romance I choose to read. It's very deep and offers an insight into a culture and religion I am unfamiliar with. However, the Anthropologist in me enjoyed it very much.
Yasmin is a devout Pakistani Muslim and Dean is Irish and a typical male; both are presently living in England. When Dean runs into Yasmin he makes it a mission to make her his. He already has quite a few notches on his bedpost and is making it an effort to add Yasmin to it. What Dean doesn't expect is to actually fall for Yasmin. Yasmin however, follows her culture's strict rules; cover her face, hair, and body, no talking to boys, no talking out of place, etc. So, when she meets Dean, she begins feeling things that are quite alien to her. She wants to ignore what she's feeling yet, a part of her feels rebellious, sending her down a path to self-discovery even though it breaks many of her culture's and religion's rules.
Soul Tracing had me turning the pages, eager to see more of the story and anxious to find out what happens to both Dean and Yasmin. It's quite heartbreaking, yet powerful and wonderfully written. A book I would recommend!
Yasmin is a devout Pakistani Muslim and Dean is Irish and a typical male; both are presently living in England. When Dean runs into Yasmin he makes it a mission to make her his. He already has quite a few notches on his bedpost and is making it an effort to add Yasmin to it. What Dean doesn't expect is to actually fall for Yasmin. Yasmin however, follows her culture's strict rules; cover her face, hair, and body, no talking to boys, no talking out of place, etc. So, when she meets Dean, she begins feeling things that are quite alien to her. She wants to ignore what she's feeling yet, a part of her feels rebellious, sending her down a path to self-discovery even though it breaks many of her culture's and religion's rules.
Soul Tracing had me turning the pages, eager to see more of the story and anxious to find out what happens to both Dean and Yasmin. It's quite heartbreaking, yet powerful and wonderfully written. A book I would recommend!
February 9, 2019
Love has no religion
This book was intriguing, different and with an unexpected ending. It wasn’t just the romance between Dean, the rich boy who suffered physical abuse for the first six years of his life in a Catholic orphanage, and Yasmin, the devoted Muslim girl who was longing for freedom. This wasn’t just a forbidden love story between two young people from different cultures, different religions, and different worlds; it was much more than that. The Authors have done a magnificent job in describing the main characters, their motives, demons, and hopes. Although Dean and Yasmin suffered a different kind of abuse from religious figures, the authors managed to distinguish between religion and evil persons who use religion for their own sick purposes. I am not very well acquainted with the Pakistani culture but I’ve been in few Islamic countries and I’ve seen men like Yasmin’s father and brother, who think because they are men, they can do anything. They aren’t the majority but this stupid mentality does exist. This is a really great read that has much more to offer than entertainment which I would highly recommend.
This book was intriguing, different and with an unexpected ending. It wasn’t just the romance between Dean, the rich boy who suffered physical abuse for the first six years of his life in a Catholic orphanage, and Yasmin, the devoted Muslim girl who was longing for freedom. This wasn’t just a forbidden love story between two young people from different cultures, different religions, and different worlds; it was much more than that. The Authors have done a magnificent job in describing the main characters, their motives, demons, and hopes. Although Dean and Yasmin suffered a different kind of abuse from religious figures, the authors managed to distinguish between religion and evil persons who use religion for their own sick purposes. I am not very well acquainted with the Pakistani culture but I’ve been in few Islamic countries and I’ve seen men like Yasmin’s father and brother, who think because they are men, they can do anything. They aren’t the majority but this stupid mentality does exist. This is a really great read that has much more to offer than entertainment which I would highly recommend.
April 2, 2018
Oh my! how was I not aware of this book before? It is by far my new favourite. I read the uncensored version but completely understand the authors need for a clean version. Hopefully, the clean version gets as much exposure as it will appeal to a particularly influential group. The version I read was extra steamy and I loved it for it. A love story that wasn't afraid to pull any punches.
I fear my review will not do it justice. I was drawn in from the get-go reluctantly putting my kindle down as I needed to sleep. eagerly picking it up again the next morning so I could continue the story. A fantastically told tale which will expose the reader to cultures they may not be familiar with. whilst I consider myself excepting of all cultures, the authors helped me to understand the subtle difference better, in particular, the religious and cultural differences between some faiths.
The twist! what can I say? I did not see it coming. do I wish it was different? YES ...but still an amazing love story.
I fear my review will not do it justice. I was drawn in from the get-go reluctantly putting my kindle down as I needed to sleep. eagerly picking it up again the next morning so I could continue the story. A fantastically told tale which will expose the reader to cultures they may not be familiar with. whilst I consider myself excepting of all cultures, the authors helped me to understand the subtle difference better, in particular, the religious and cultural differences between some faiths.
The twist! what can I say? I did not see it coming. do I wish it was different? YES ...but still an amazing love story.
August 23, 2018
Just read this book - you will not be disappointed, though you might be left gasping at the formidable twist.
I have wanted to write a review for this book for days now but I wasn't sure how to begin, nor how to explain the intricate way in which this story works to draw you in. I loved the way it treats the reader to a very different perspective from the normal romance books and I also loved how it manages to bring focus on relationships and culture whilst debugging the idea that religion is to be blamed for everything. This story has a real human aspect that you do not normally find in other books of this genre and the twist will set you reeling in a way that only a good plot is able! I admit I am torn over the number of stars to offer because in many aspects it deserves 5 + and I would wholeheartedly tell anyone to just read it! However, the frequent swop between tenses in the narrative did jar the flow of the read for me personally and it distracted at odd times, so hence the 4 stars. Still... what a great story! What an insight! A must read!
I have wanted to write a review for this book for days now but I wasn't sure how to begin, nor how to explain the intricate way in which this story works to draw you in. I loved the way it treats the reader to a very different perspective from the normal romance books and I also loved how it manages to bring focus on relationships and culture whilst debugging the idea that religion is to be blamed for everything. This story has a real human aspect that you do not normally find in other books of this genre and the twist will set you reeling in a way that only a good plot is able! I admit I am torn over the number of stars to offer because in many aspects it deserves 5 + and I would wholeheartedly tell anyone to just read it! However, the frequent swop between tenses in the narrative did jar the flow of the read for me personally and it distracted at odd times, so hence the 4 stars. Still... what a great story! What an insight! A must read!
September 14, 2018
A Sweet, Steamy Romance Where Cultures Clash
This story of the romance between an economically challenged young female law student of Pakistani heritage who is a devout Muslim and an economically privileged fellow law student who shares neither her culture nor her faith flows like a sensuous river. Yasmin, the main character, is very appealing and easy to relate to, and her feelings of vulnerability, confusion and conflict ring true, as do the details of her family life and Pakistani culture. Dean, the man who steals her heart, starts out as a typical a**hole to women, but morphs into a more complex character as dark secrets from his past are revealed.
This beautifully written novel explores some important social, cultural and religious issues, while always moving at a fast pace and being vastly entertaining. I found it hard to put down and gobbled up big chunks at a time, constantly wanting to see what Yasmin would do next, what scary taboos she would overcome, and rooting for her happiness. When I got to the end, I wished there was more to read... but what a killer ending!
This story of the romance between an economically challenged young female law student of Pakistani heritage who is a devout Muslim and an economically privileged fellow law student who shares neither her culture nor her faith flows like a sensuous river. Yasmin, the main character, is very appealing and easy to relate to, and her feelings of vulnerability, confusion and conflict ring true, as do the details of her family life and Pakistani culture. Dean, the man who steals her heart, starts out as a typical a**hole to women, but morphs into a more complex character as dark secrets from his past are revealed.
This beautifully written novel explores some important social, cultural and religious issues, while always moving at a fast pace and being vastly entertaining. I found it hard to put down and gobbled up big chunks at a time, constantly wanting to see what Yasmin would do next, what scary taboos she would overcome, and rooting for her happiness. When I got to the end, I wished there was more to read... but what a killer ending!
April 19, 2019
It’s an account of a young woman living in a strict Muslim Pakistani family that’s relocated to London. Yasmin is a star student in law school, but other than for school, she basically doesn’t get out – and never, never appears without her niqab or the like.
Then, through a fortuitous accident, she begins a relationship with the richest, most attractive man in her class. The relationship leads both of them, from opposite directions, to love and to a relationship that is forbidden in her world and could be almost as difficult in his.
There are really two endings in this book. One is the ending that, as it draws near, is never hinted at but is seen as probable to most readers. The subsequent surprise ... is a real surprise. I can honestly say I never saw it coming.
Taboo is a book that pulls the reader in and makes the reader genuinely care about the characters, no matter how distasteful they appear when you first meet them. I really, really enjoyed reading it and was sorry it had to end.
Then, through a fortuitous accident, she begins a relationship with the richest, most attractive man in her class. The relationship leads both of them, from opposite directions, to love and to a relationship that is forbidden in her world and could be almost as difficult in his.
There are really two endings in this book. One is the ending that, as it draws near, is never hinted at but is seen as probable to most readers. The subsequent surprise ... is a real surprise. I can honestly say I never saw it coming.
Taboo is a book that pulls the reader in and makes the reader genuinely care about the characters, no matter how distasteful they appear when you first meet them. I really, really enjoyed reading it and was sorry it had to end.
September 7, 2019
Dean and Yasmin are complete opposites. He grew up in a Catholic orphanage but was later adopted by a rich family and became a typical playboy ladies’ man. She is a Pakistani Muslim law student in London from a very strict family and an Iman for a father. She is required to wear a niqab Her parents want to arrange her marriage to a good Muslim man, but Yasmin unexpectedly runs into Dean and sparks begin to fly.
Dean starts off as an entitled jerk who treats women badly. You can’t help but hate him. Yasmin helps him become a better man, and Dean helps her waken her sexual longings.
The narrative of Muslim and Western worlds coming together for this forbidden love was done beautifully.
This is more of a literary erotic romance than your typical romance genre story with a HEA. You should know that going into it, but it is well worth it. The prose is beautiful, and the story line is too, but the ending is a tragic tear-jerker that I still can’t get out of my mind after reading it.
Dean starts off as an entitled jerk who treats women badly. You can’t help but hate him. Yasmin helps him become a better man, and Dean helps her waken her sexual longings.
The narrative of Muslim and Western worlds coming together for this forbidden love was done beautifully.
This is more of a literary erotic romance than your typical romance genre story with a HEA. You should know that going into it, but it is well worth it. The prose is beautiful, and the story line is too, but the ending is a tragic tear-jerker that I still can’t get out of my mind after reading it.
April 14, 2018
This was a beautiful and deep love story. From page one I was drawn in by the evocative writing, and it certainly starts with a bang. At first, I didn’t care for Dean, though I believe that was intended and actually made for a great character since his starting point allowed for a lot of growth. Yasmin was such a wonderful heroine. Her path of self-discovery was interesting to for a lot of reasons. I had no real understanding of her culture or their beliefs going in and enjoyed hearing about it from point of view of female. There was a real innocence to her as well as a desire know more that made her quite a complex woman.
There was a real steamy chemistry between Yasmin and Dean. More than that there was a slow unfolding of something deeper between them as the story progressed. I enjoyed the back and forth and that both of their perspectives were presented.
But that end! Oh my. I’ll be thinking about this story for a while. It’s so much more than a romance. A powerful read.
There was a real steamy chemistry between Yasmin and Dean. More than that there was a slow unfolding of something deeper between them as the story progressed. I enjoyed the back and forth and that both of their perspectives were presented.
But that end! Oh my. I’ll be thinking about this story for a while. It’s so much more than a romance. A powerful read.
June 25, 2018
The Golden Rule
A look inside a Muslim house from a daughter’s perspective, this story pulls at the heartstrings to see how Yasmin struggles to find her voice in a culture which tells her it’s not wanted. From feeling free of social pressures by the wearing of her garments to feeling conflicted about having her life dictated by her father who she no longer respects, this story breaks through the silence to expose the injustices both within the family as well as outside in society.
Throughout all of the years growing up, Yasmin knew exactly how her life would play out, her mother’s example was a powerful eye-opener. Thinking she would never know a loving relationship, she discovers a love so powerful it will change everything for her. Writing becomes her only outlet for her emotions in a house where those feelings are shunned, she never expects where her stories will take her.
A look inside a Muslim house from a daughter’s perspective, this story pulls at the heartstrings to see how Yasmin struggles to find her voice in a culture which tells her it’s not wanted. From feeling free of social pressures by the wearing of her garments to feeling conflicted about having her life dictated by her father who she no longer respects, this story breaks through the silence to expose the injustices both within the family as well as outside in society.
Throughout all of the years growing up, Yasmin knew exactly how her life would play out, her mother’s example was a powerful eye-opener. Thinking she would never know a loving relationship, she discovers a love so powerful it will change everything for her. Writing becomes her only outlet for her emotions in a house where those feelings are shunned, she never expects where her stories will take her.
August 14, 2018
As a Muslim woman, I had quite high expectations for this book and maybe this is why I haven't rated it as high as some others have.
I was hoping I would read more about the struggles of a Muslim, Pakistani, woman in an interracial relationship, but rather, I read a story riddled with cliches and at times absurdity (like falling into the arms of the hottest guy at university who is rich, good looking and with a troubled past).
There were, however, some real gems of paragraphs. Some paragraphs that were absolutely beautifully written - written in a way that they resonated and just made you think.
I would have rated it lower if it were not for the ending. THE ENDING. Those last few pages redeem the book beyond no end and maybe even give excuse to all the cliches (but then again is there any excuse to this? Is there am excuse to the whole makeover and then walking down the stairs scene?)
I was hoping I would read more about the struggles of a Muslim, Pakistani, woman in an interracial relationship, but rather, I read a story riddled with cliches and at times absurdity (like falling into the arms of the hottest guy at university who is rich, good looking and with a troubled past).
There were, however, some real gems of paragraphs. Some paragraphs that were absolutely beautifully written - written in a way that they resonated and just made you think.
I would have rated it lower if it were not for the ending. THE ENDING. Those last few pages redeem the book beyond no end and maybe even give excuse to all the cliches (but then again is there any excuse to this? Is there am excuse to the whole makeover and then walking down the stairs scene?)
August 14, 2018
I must say, this book started with a bang! However, it quickly develops into a well-crafted hunt-and-chase between two very different people, a rich playboy intent on conquests, and a sheltered Muslim woman, intent upon her law degree but feeling exposed despite the full cover of her niqab. Yasmin is an extremely relatable character. She wants to succeed in her passion while working within the constraints of her faith and family. I truly enjoyed the details of her faith, and appreciated the window into this world where I’ve previously had little exposure. The details of Dean’s shift from lust to true affection are well-paced and nicely described. I did love the shock when Yasmin thought Abbas wasn’t as traditional as she’d thought, and then the destruction of that idea. Noor was a fantastic character, a true warrior against injustice.
May 13, 2018
Love that comes with a price.....
An interesting read to say the least. The story revolves around Dean, a young man with a scarred past and grudge against God, and Yasmin, the meek, boring Muslim girl who is not seen as anything but a burden in her family's eyes. As Dean sets out on his conquest of religious women, to prove that they are nothing but hypocrites, he has a chance encounter with Yasmin. Things become complicated for the both of them, especially for Yasmin as she's been promised to another man to marry once she finishes uni. There's a lot of tension and passion between these two but to avoid giving away too, all I can say is this: this kind of forbidden love comes with a heavy price. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and highly recommend it!
An interesting read to say the least. The story revolves around Dean, a young man with a scarred past and grudge against God, and Yasmin, the meek, boring Muslim girl who is not seen as anything but a burden in her family's eyes. As Dean sets out on his conquest of religious women, to prove that they are nothing but hypocrites, he has a chance encounter with Yasmin. Things become complicated for the both of them, especially for Yasmin as she's been promised to another man to marry once she finishes uni. There's a lot of tension and passion between these two but to avoid giving away too, all I can say is this: this kind of forbidden love comes with a heavy price. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and highly recommend it!
July 13, 2018
Powerful! It takes a lot for a book to make my tears flow. With that said, you had me hooked from the time you apologized to your mom- before I started reading the actually book, I knew this would be a great one! I'm not sure what encouraged you two to write, but I'm pleased that you took that chance.
Yaz's and Dean's tale isn't uncommon and it does happen in many different cultures. Your story was heartfelt and so believable. I wish it had an alternative ending, though, but I fully understand to outcome. I will be waiting for your next book and I hope y'all bring up book one in some way or fashion in it.
Well done ladies!
Yaz's and Dean's tale isn't uncommon and it does happen in many different cultures. Your story was heartfelt and so believable. I wish it had an alternative ending, though, but I fully understand to outcome. I will be waiting for your next book and I hope y'all bring up book one in some way or fashion in it.
Well done ladies!
October 12, 2018
Intriguing and powerfully written.
Wow, this was a great book but very difficult to read at times due to the subject matter. The writing quality was excellent, descriptive, and detailed. I was rooting for Yasmin and was hoping she’d break away from the constraints of her life. Meeting Dean really threw her for a loop. I did not much care for him at first, but at the same time I could understand how he became the way he was due to his childhood. He did grow on me as the story progressed. Not an easy ending, but I think it was probably a pretty realistic one. Very gripping storyline and well worth reading.
Wow, this was a great book but very difficult to read at times due to the subject matter. The writing quality was excellent, descriptive, and detailed. I was rooting for Yasmin and was hoping she’d break away from the constraints of her life. Meeting Dean really threw her for a loop. I did not much care for him at first, but at the same time I could understand how he became the way he was due to his childhood. He did grow on me as the story progressed. Not an easy ending, but I think it was probably a pretty realistic one. Very gripping storyline and well worth reading.
September 30, 2018
Powerful and complex romance!
The story and characters really grip you, and I found I couldn’t help but continue on to find out what would happen next. Dean is a “bad boy” with a dark past, whille Yasmine is a product of her devout upbringing. Bringing them together, the author has presented a fascinating conflict that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The writing is excellent, and story moving. I loved the twist, shocking as it was, and found the characters and plot stayed with me long after I read the last page.
Beautiful book that I highly recommend!
The story and characters really grip you, and I found I couldn’t help but continue on to find out what would happen next. Dean is a “bad boy” with a dark past, whille Yasmine is a product of her devout upbringing. Bringing them together, the author has presented a fascinating conflict that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The writing is excellent, and story moving. I loved the twist, shocking as it was, and found the characters and plot stayed with me long after I read the last page.
Beautiful book that I highly recommend!
November 14, 2018
OMG!
This book left me shook. I did not see that ending coming but it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. I loved getting to read a book about interracial and multicultural love! The writers did a fabulous job in my opinion representing the different perspectives. Everything seemed and felt authentic and realistic. The writing and the story was also incredible. Y’all should read this! It’s good!
This book left me shook. I did not see that ending coming but it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. I loved getting to read a book about interracial and multicultural love! The writers did a fabulous job in my opinion representing the different perspectives. Everything seemed and felt authentic and realistic. The writing and the story was also incredible. Y’all should read this! It’s good!
June 7, 2018
I highly recommend this different type of romance. I wanted to dislike Dean, but I ended up feeling for him and what he'd been through and found myself liking him. I'm sure that was the author's intention. I enjoyed the character of Yasmin and found myself rooting for her and Dean's romance. The ending was not at all what I expected but it was very well written.
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