Redemption of the Heart

by Moni Boyce

After surviving an abusive relationship that landed her in prison, Gemma Peyton, just wants a fresh start once she is released. Her focus is to create a new life for herself and put men and relationships on the back burner so she can rebuild.

Alex Chambers hasn’t felt anything for another woman since his wife died a few years ago. His life is his restaurant until the moment he meets his new waitress. Something stirs within him that’s been dormant for a long time.

Despite the baggage each of them is carrying, neither of them can fight the attraction they feel for one another, even though they try to resist. As they fall harder and deeper in love a shocking incident from their past that they unknowingly share, threatens to tear their newfound love apart.

Once the truth is revealed, will their relationship be able to survive? Or will the revelation shatter the love that’s grown between them?

Genres: Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Death, Suspense

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2018

About the author

Moni Boyce is an USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance, a filmmaker and a poet. She spent fifteen years working in the film industry and now creates characters of her own, bringing to life on the page. She considers herself a bookworm, film buff, foodie, music lover and an avid world traveler having visited 34 countries, 5 continents and 27 US states so far. She currently lives in Virginia, but considers Los Angeles home.

Reviews

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gut wrenching REDEMPTION tale that will stay with you because of what the H/h endured in order to have their HEA but the title says it all!

To me, this heartfelt story is most definitely a must read with very strong and memorable primary and secondary characters. You will find yourself truly rooting hard for Gemma and Alex throughout "Redemption of the Heart." But you will find yourself crying throughout the story too because you could feel the hurt and brokenness of Gemma and Alex!


5+ memorable and heartfelt stars !

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS!

A cruel twist of fate brings two lonely souls together connected by a night that destroyed and will ultimately resurrect the shattered pieces of their lives.

Gemma is a killer! She pleads guilty and is sentenced to prison for a death, caused by her actions. When Gemma is released, she's given a job at a restaurant owned by the dead woman's husband, Alex. When they meet there is a spark of awareness between them. However, neither one of them are aware of their macabre connection. The heroes busybody and annoying sister Rachel (who doesn't know how to use a phone) susses out Alex's burgeoning attraction and decides to play matchmaker. Gemma is reticent and Alex hasn't been interested in a woman since the death of his wife.

Another (near) tragedy brings them together and is the start of their romance. Alex is happier than he's ever been and he decides to introduce Gemma (too soon) to his dad. Thomas immediately feels like he's seen her before and he can't let it go after meeting her for a second time. He searches Google for information on her identity and it yields no results. At this (nor any) point in the story are there red flags, he's simply trying to satisfy his nagging curiosity. Gemma never displays suspicious behavior or actions, yet Thomas cannot let it go, so he hires a private investigator.

After receiving the PI's findings and confronting Gemma, Thomas realizes too late that Gemma had no idea. He is sorrowful, but unrepentant and firm in his belief that he did it all to protect his son. I understood the anger that both Alex and Rachel had for their father over his actions. It's honest and it's a very real and human emotion. I understood Thomas's concerns, though I don't know if it warranted hiring a PI versus just asking Gemma about her past. Better yet, sharing his concerns with Alex and letting Alex handle it. By virtue of his actions, it sent the message that neither of his children nor granddaughter were a good judge of character.

Gemma showed remarkable strength and courage by immediately telling Alex of their morbid connection. As you may expect, it doesn't go well, and they go their separate ways. This story is really about healing, truth, love and forgiveness so you know that it will take work for this couple to have a second chance at salvaging their newfound love. Highly Recommended: Read It!

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm...
Overall, this was an okay read. I found some of the characters' actions unbelievable like the whole 'forgiving Thomas' for doing what any parent would have done, for example, and Gemma's crying and nibbling on her lips annoying.
The book's writing is what really rubbed me the wrong way though. There were a lot of instances, but I'll only mention two:
1. Repetitive and/or drawn-out shit, like So many people attended the event. She had no idea so many people would turn up for the event.
2. What's the deal with adding 'his head' or 'her head' after the use of the word nod? It's understood that if someone nods, it means that his/her head is in motion. Does anyone 'nod' their elbow? Foot? No. Only one's head. There was a lot of nodding in this story.
Note that it took me awhile to finish this, and that it didn't have anything to do with me being bone tired/sleepy from work. Meh.

[Chanda Foucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler free review*

I think the book summary gives a solid expectation for the plot, so I won't share any additional details but I will say I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was written in a way that makes you really care about the characters and want to know what's going to happen and how they ended up where we find them in this story. A juicy, compelling story with developed characters that's well written by a black author gets a SOLID 5 stars.

[Fashionista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesomely inspiring story!

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHY???

This could have been a 5 star rating. But for me, I was so sick of the h crying about everything. Her indecisiveness of everything. It really got on my nerves after awhile. The book was a little long. A lot of phrases were just saying the same thing over and over. The saving grace for me was that everything didn't happen in a week. It took time , which I like in a story

[Savannah- Quad Motherin' Book Readin' Diva · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't think of anything less romantic than a woman OR man living in a halfway house.

[Averie]

TW: past trauma from an abusive relationship

[Nelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a basic Booooooooorrrrring story.

This book had the mechanics to be a heartfelt and emotional read. However the style it was written simply turned it into a disjointed hot mess.

It’s really discouraging when a synopsis of a story doesn’t match the physical structure of the book. The slow tempo, the lackluster characters all contributed to the disinterest of continuing with this book.

The plot of a woman (Gemma) seeking redemption after accidentally killing some other person in a horrific accident, going to jail, then falling for the man (Brandon) whom she left without a spouse should be more meaty and more in-depth. But in this case, it just did not.

It has been just a cringe composition and I actually skimmed pages because the characters were flat and uninspiring.

I have absolutely no interest, or intention of reading anything written by this writer.

I don't necessarily recommend it.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too bad

The book is well written and I was really looking forward to see how such a complex issue was going to get dealt with and unfortunately I was sorely disappointed. How dare they (Gemma, Rachel and Alex) be upset with Thomas? All he did was tell the truth. Once he realized she didn’t know, he didn’t humiliate her in anyway. They’re behaving like he ruined their happiness. Rachel behavior was appalling to me. I understand that her brother was happy and she’s upset but to dare tell him that his marriage wasn’t that great? So what she still died and was killed and she was still his wife, not a puppy. What did she expect? That he would say “oh well, pass the salt?”. This all nonsense about how he had to apologize to Gemma because of the terrible circumstances leading to the accident. I’m sorry what she had to live through was awful but she killed someone. Her pain is an extenuating circumstance but it still happened. I’m not too sure what they expected from him. Gemma in my opinion was the one who had to let him cool off and then go back and apologize and explain everything. I understand her difficulties but he didn’t abandoned her, he just reacted to horrible news. Alex’s behavior with his dad was ridiculous. Classic case of shooting the messenger. I would have preferred it if they had therapy before for him/them to deal with this situation. It would have been more realistic, because however much you love someone, I am sure that there’s some guilt to basically sleep with their killer, even if it was an accident. It a lost opportunity for a truly great book.

[LaKisha Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book made me smile, shake head, cry, and finally cheer. I loved the message of hope, resilience, forgiveness, and love.

[Gia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took a year to get through and most of that was forcing myself to get through this book. Regrettably it took me getting the audiobook to be able to tolerate getting through the rest of the story.

I think that it’s great that the author created a story that had some layers to it.But t I couldn’t get over the clichés in the story; particularly when it came to Alex and Gemma’s relationship.

The elephant in the room is the the fact that he comes off as the white savior and martyr in the story all at the same time. Alex is white, has money, helps her with a job when she’s released—is her boss—helps her get into school. Practically moves her into his house after they sleep together. Doesn’t share things about his past or welcome anything she might want to share about her life.😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶(did I mention her traumatic foster system back story or her abusive ex??)

And regardless of the fact that he continuously for claims his emphatic, undying love for her and passion for her, that was something that really just stuck with me throughout the entire store.

Likewise, I thought their relationship was rushed and the “connection” they had came off as non-believable. Kudos for to the main characters for talking about this exact thing three thirds of the book.

Alex and Gemma actually point this out and the two of them to have a conversation that focused on this And other aspect as to why they broke up the weather they did and how their relationship and how much they knew each other maybe was missing a bit from the very beginning.

But at the same time—- that’s 3/3 of the book where we see them having this conversation. Another thing that bothered me while reading this book is the fact that there were a lot of summarization. When it came to scenes, specific details of what was happening, they were abruptly concluded with quick little sentence-synopsis as to what happens

It was during conversations, passing of time, and etc. If I’m going to be invested in a story or rooting character’s relationship I need to feel it while I’m reading the story.

The little summary points here and there that require me to fill in the context and emotional element along the way? I’m not a fan of it.

With all of that said, I continued to try to get through this book because it’s a long book. I enjoy long books that give you room to get to know the characters in the story over a passage of time.

However, it seemed that was not the actual affect with this book, so I was just appointed. It felt that by the end from where Gemma and Alex began they were both more mature at the end of the book and their relationship seemed like it resembled something a little stronger(something that I felt was needed in the beginning).

Having had a break from each other and having a real conversation at length with out hitting the sheets, it finally seemed believable.

I found the supporting characters to be fun, and thought out. And if this were redone or a new edition were released and somethings were changed, yes I would go back to reread.

But if you read this review please go in to the book with eyes wide open and I hope your interpretation is different than mine.

[Emma L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was written well and I liked the premise initially and even though you are able to see how the story pans out very early on between Gemma & Alex. The author for me delivered this in a sensitive & emotional way. I was really rooting for Gemma and Alex and loved how their love conquers their very difficult circumstances.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the chance to read this story in exchange for a honest review.

[Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story

A sweet love story, overshadowed by the troubles of the main character’s pasts. A romance book to curl up in a cozy corner with on a rainy day.

[Layeshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story of redemption! Lovely story ❤️

[C.M. Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so this is a good story. It's not an action-packed read, but it's good. I liked how cute the characters were with each other and I liked their back and forth. The story had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. From the start, you know that the main character killed the wife of the main male in the story (on accident.) The secret drives the plot. I did find myself turning pages to see how such a big problem would be worked out. If you like happy endings, don't worry there is one.
The only reason I had a hard time giving this book more stars is because of the ellipsis. Seriously. They are everywhere. Those drove me banana's about halfway through. The author LOVES them. Just so you know. Be prepared for that.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just absolutely love love loved this story

OMG, this story had me all in my feelings. My heart just went out to poor Gemma Peyton. The woman had been dealt a raw deal in life from birth. She was a ward of the state for as long as she could remember. She was forced at an early age to build a wall around her emotions and heart. When she ran for her life to get away from her abusive husband Jason, she had no intentions on what happened to happen. She paid the ultimate price for her crime.

What she did not figure on happening was the cruelty life's fate had to happen next. She opened her heart and fell in love for the first time in her life. She became part of a loving family, something she wanted all of her life, a place to belong and somebody to want her to belong. Alex Chambers, the head chef and owner of Umbria Ristuarante was the love of her life and she was his. Gemma was the reason why Alex wanted to live again after the death of his wife three years prior. When he first saw Gemma, he knew it was time for him to move on. He would still love Sam all of his life but he knew that she would want him to move on. To Gemma, he was the man who gave her hope.

Fate had a way of throwing bombs in Gemma's life and that is just want happened to Gemma and Alex. It threw Gemma back into the closed off person and cause Alex to experience a rage worst that the one he felt when his Sam died. He was caught up between wanting to tear Gemma apart and wanting to hug her and forgive her at the same time.

This was my first read by Moni Boyce. Even though I could figure out the plot of the story and what would happen, I just loved how Moni wrote this story. Her use of words making the reader actually feel the intense emotions the main characters were feeling was on point. I felt the pain that Gemma and Alex felt. I cried like a big baby when the plot blew up. I loved the relationship that Alex had with his big sister Rachel and her daughter Chloe. It was free and easy and light hearted. This story shows how men, both Alex and his father Thomas, deal with death. It also shows the extinct of the love a father has for his children and what he would do to protect those children even though said children would hate him for it. It was a lesson that Alex would learn when he first laid eyes on his daughter Catherine Hoppe. I am so glad that true love won out over hate and rage and the family was able to put their pieces back together for and Alex and Gemma to get their hard earned HEA.

[Ann-marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the author's first novel and what an impression as a debut novel. Gemma has been handed a rough life from since birth. Many foster homes and abuse later she ends up marrying a man who continued her abuse by beating her and raping her. One night she decided to leave him after he beat her and rape her for the last time. While driving intoxicated she hits another car and the woman is pronounced dead. She is charged with manslaughter and is sent to prison for only three years after the doctor pleads her case to court about her abuse. The novel flashes three years later as she comes out of jail and goes to live in a halfway house. She is immediately referred by the probation officer to a waitress job. Unbeknownst to her and the owner(Alex) she was responsible for her his wife's death. It is immediately noted that Gemma and Alex are attracted to each other. Alex hasn't been involved with any woman since his wife died and Gemma has made a vow to stay away from men. I love how the author shows the slow process of them getting enamored with each other and both especially Gemma feeling fearful of starting a relationship. Of course its eventually revealed to them both who she killed and they part ways(only for a moment). The author realistic process of the break up of the couple and the time spent apart is very believable as each individual comes to term with what happened. This novel although romance is very current in that life throws us some hard blows at times but with some love and persevering you can overcome. Arc from netgalley.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Payton has a good opportunity start again. She was fortunate to survive an abusive relationship, but ended up in a situation that resulted in her going to prison. Alex Chambers offers her a job in his restaurant. He cares not one whit about her past, but is is concerned that he is so drawn to her. After his wife died a few years ago, he was just not interested in any relationship. Why things have changed now, he has no idea.

The hardest battle they have ahead of them is that there is an incident from their past, something absolutely horrible, that they share and will no doubt test the bounds of their newfound love of another. Gemma and Alex unknowingly enter a difficult relationship to begin with. Now, when facts are revealed, it is very hard to imagine them finding a happy future together.

Despite it all, Alex's sister Rachel plays the long-suffering matchmaker. She is bound and determined that Alex and Gemma are just perfect for one another. One person not so happy about them is Alex's father Thomas. There is just something bothering Thomas and just cannot let it go.

What a wonderful story of accepting someone despite impossible circumstances. This was a great debut novel by Moni Boyce and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The cover of the book was what drew me to it initially. I am a fan of BWWM stories and the description of the storyline was intriguing. While the story as a whole was predictable and everything was wrapped up in a nice neat package, the main point I wondered about what how the impending conflict was going to be handled. How was Alex going to react when he found out that Gemma had killed his wife? It left me wondering what I would do if I was in this situation. Would I be able to fight the hurt and anger and be able to forgive?

There were segments of the book that were a touch long and the pace could have been picked up to keep the story flowing. That said, overall, I enjoyed the book. I would love to hear an audiobook version of the story where the story could come to life more.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Gemma and Alex their time together starts with a little electricity. Or did it really start there. It all could have started much earlier than either of them could have imagined. The reality of their coming together was just love for each other nothing more. No plan. There was a bond built between Gemma and several of the main characters. One bad decision lead to a life changing event that lead to another life changing event.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Valenciya Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story introduces us to Gemma, a woman who has been in foster care, has no family, and is abused by her husband, Jason. He comes home from work while she's vacuuming and wants to go to the bar. She changed clothing "four times" until she "met Jason's approval." He made her drink cocktails and once they'd gotten home, he raped her. Once he'd fallen asleep, she grabbed what she could and got out of the house. Her goal was to start over in a new town away from him. She had some alcohol in her system but "she didn't think she was that impaired." She and another vehicle crashed into each other.
The driver of the other vehicle died and Gemma was sent to prison. While in prison, Jason served her divorce papers. After she is released, she is sent to a halfway house and given a job as a waitress at Alex Chambers restaurant.
Even though his wife has been deceased for several years, he still wears his wedding band. Instead of dating, he immerses himself into his work at his restaurant. Alex's sister, Rachel takes to Gemma and can tell that her brother and Gemma both like each other. Rachel has tried in the past to convince her brother to go out on a date but he doesn't listen to her. Slowly but surely he and Gemma start falling for each other, but each is apprehensive because they don't want to get hurt.

This story is very touching and heartfelt. At the start of this book, I was rooting for Gemma to leave her abusive husband. I did not like Jason one bit. No man or woman should have to suffer abuse from a spouse. Abuse does not equal love. While I do not condone drinking and driving, Gemma had extenuating circumstances. It is hard to imagine what someone would do in a situation like that. I felt as if she had reached her breaking point, and she just wanted to get away from him.
When she starts working at Alex's restaurant, they begin falling for each other. I don't want to say more because I don't want to give away too much of the story.
If you love a good romance story, I'd highly recommend this book Moni Boyce to you.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I'm not sure how to rate this book, and that's a first for me. After reading the synopsis of the book,you basically know the whole story without even reading it. That left no excitement, drama, or tears to be shed.

Gemma Johnson finally got the nerve to leave her abusive husband of 5 years. After he plied her with alcohol and then beat and raped her, she took the car after he passed out. She was still a little drunk, but this was her only opportunity to run from the hell she's been living. After living her life passed around in the foster system, getting beaten by foster dad's and the other kids living in the house, she's seen her share of hospitals.

Driving in the rain, she accidentally swerved into oncoming traffic and killed someone. While being treated at the hospital, her doctor sees her beatings and rape and he puts the two together. With her doctor testifying on her behalf, Gemma got a 3 year prison sentence.

Alex Chambers was sitting at home waiting for his wife to come from her day, when a police officer informs him that his wife was killed in an accident. Alex stopped living that day.

Three years later, Gemma is released and she's a free woman --her husband divorced her while she was in prison. Now she needs to start over. Her parole officer, Shelby, helps her get a job at an Italian restaurant and a place to stay.

Not knowing that she was working with the same Alex who's wife she killed, the couple have sparks. They start a relationship that was great, until his dad, Thomas, hires a P.I. to see why she looks familiar. That becomes the downfall of her relationship with Alex.

[Carole Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn in by the premise of the story and the cover is lovely.



The story follows Gemma and Alex. Gemma finds herself causing a horrible accident while trying to run from her abusive husband. This lands her in jail. She gets out and just wants a new life. Alex lost his wife and he meets Gemma. They both have tragedy and secrets. Can they find love?



I was intrigued to see how this romance would work and how they could forgive themselves and each other. I had a lot of doubts and worries.



Poor Gemma. I felt so bad for her. She had a terrible childhood and married herself to a terrible man. I felt for Alex too. I wanted them to be happy.



Spoiler but not really a spoiler...but I'll cover it up just to be safe.



*SPOILER*Gemma caused an accident that killed Alex's wife. Alex never went to the court case so he didn't know it was her years later. They find out, as they would, and they have to figure out if it'll work. *END OF SPOILER* Just so unrealistic. I don't think the guilt and the anger will ever fully go away. I don't think so. So many doubts. I want them to be happy but not with each other. Is that bad of me to say?



This was super unrealistic and it took me a while to dive back in after a certain part, but I was invested in the characters so I had to finish this. Had to know how this was going to end. The ending was not bad. It made me smile...but again so unrealistic.



Overall, I was mainly invested the characters. The story was unrealistic but it is interesting to see these characters find love even after the reveals. I would recommend it if you need something new. I'll give this 3 stars.

[Alex Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption of the Heart is an emotional journey. Author Moni Boyce does an amazing job of telling the tale of heartbreak, forgiveness, and love. I highly recommend this book.

Starting with page one, the author pulls you into the story. Gemma, the heroine, is drunk and causes an accident in which the other driver is killed. I immediately started to question how I was supposed to be rooting for Gemma to find love. How was the author going to change my views of this character? Let me tell you, Boyce does it so wonderfully, that I began to internally scold myself for being so judgemental. Gemma’s life leading up to the night of the accident is full of hardship. Upon her release, she meets Alex. Alex is the owner of the restaurant where Gemma will be working. This begins the start of Gemma’s next chapter in her life.

Alex is a wounded man. He is dealing with the loss of his wife and is not open to being vulnerable in a relationship. Alex has poured all of his effort and energy into making his restaurant a success. Until he meets Gemma. Gemma awakens something in Alex. He tries to avoid her but is continually drawn back to Gemma. Once he realizes that the attraction won’t go away, Alex begins to show Gemma love and help her find her confidence.

After Alex’s father shares information with Alex, regarding Gemma, things hit a sour note between the two. Both Gemma and Alex must reconcile their pasts before they can progress with their future. The emotions that each must experience before finding their happily ever after results in a beautiful tale for the reader.

[PAMELA L MOORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the most part. This book was pretty good. I loved reading about Gemma and Alex story. Rachel got on my nerves always showing to Alex’s apartment all the time unannounced. Always meddling in Alex’s Love Life instead of paying attention to her own. Finding a man of her own. Look like if Rachel had four some companionship of her own. She wouldn’t have been so busy trying to get Alex a woman.

Now with Thomas l can understand his concerns about Gemma. You can’t blame the man for looking out for his son. What I was upset with Thomas about is the fact he didn’t take the time to read Gemma’s file completely. Thomas just read about the accident involving Gemma and Sam and thought that’s all he needed to know. That was unfair to Gemma.

But l loved the fact that Thomas was a big enough man to see he was wrong at BB least in part about Gemma. Thomas went and talked with Gemma. Got to know Gemma and got her forgiveness about the situation. Gemma in turn ask that Alex forgive his father too. I’m just happy in the end. Everything worked out for everyone.

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.00 Stars. (BW/WM). An Audible audiobook narrated by Mari in the repetitive droning cadence of a round song like, Row Your Boat. After years as an ornament and punching bag, Gemma Johnson, a few mixed drinks convinces Gemma to leave her abusive husband by driving a car while stumbling drunk; as a result, she's involved in an accident and is incarcerated for involuntary man slaughter. Alex Chambers is a successful restauranteur and unbeknownst to him, he hires his deceased wife's murderer, Gemma. He and Gemma are immediately attracted to each other and start a sexual relationship. Gemma is an annoying, pathetic crying immature adult, Alex is loving, protective, and patient with Gemma until he learns that she killed his wife. Rachel, Alex's sister is the gem of the story and tries to befriend Gemma and get Alex and Gemma together as a couple. The storyline is predictable, long, slow moving with tons of nonsensical dialogue and behavior between Gemma and Alex and Thomas, Alex's father and conveyor of the info about Gemma and the auto accident that killed his daughter-in-law.

[Lorice DeBlanc-Brim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first with the author and she didn't disappoint. Gemma was dealt a wrong beginning in life. Her mother was a drug addict and her father couldn’t seem to stay out of jail. She went to foster home after foster home, fending for herself and later enduring an abusive marriage. She had no indication that Alex and herself had a connection. A connection in which resulted in Alex’s grief. I adored his sister, Rachel, she may be meddlesome, but she cared about her brother wellbeing. Chloe is in a class all by herself. She’s a sweetheart. You can’t help but enjoy the brother and sister banter throughout the story. Alex has such a goofy persona to Rachel’s rambunctious persona, it just blends. The author’s creativity in each character generally flows page after page. The characters were captivating and realistic. I look forward to this author's future works.

[Travis Peak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story

I really enjoyed the roller coaster ride of this book. These two people really needed a win. They only problem I have is that I lied to both of the characters tremendously until the end. After the inevitable break up and getting back together the guy just becomes too focused on having sex with her after she repeatedly tells him she wants to go slow and that she's not ready. Given all that she had been through in her life it just felt like he didn't show her any respect in that regard. He also had a problem with manhandling his sister. There are several times where he literally drags her to the front door.