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Whatever It Takes
War in Syria has devastated Zain’s country, destroyed his family and broken his heart. When there is nothing left to stay for, he journeys to England, determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and train as a doctor in London. He might be a refugee with no money, no friends and no qualifications but he still has his dreams and he’ll do whatever it takes to ensure his future turns out to be the one he wants.
Roman is a world away from the naïve Russian boy who lost everything, one devastating day. Now he’s a fixer for a wealthy Russian, keeping the guy’s business dealings away from the attention of the British authorities. Roman is balanced on a moral tightrope which grows more unsteady by the day. The last thing he needs is to become emotionally involved with a young Syrian, especially when he can’t afford to trust anyone.
A chance discovery in Roman’s car by Zain sets off a violent chain reaction and Zain is thrown into a world that threatens not just his dreams but his life. Roman has difficult decisions to make. He’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep Zain safe. But lingering shadows from their pasts as well as prominent figures from Roman’s present need to be eliminated if they’re to have a chance together.
As lies and danger escalate, are they doomed before they’ve even begun?
Roman is a world away from the naïve Russian boy who lost everything, one devastating day. Now he’s a fixer for a wealthy Russian, keeping the guy’s business dealings away from the attention of the British authorities. Roman is balanced on a moral tightrope which grows more unsteady by the day. The last thing he needs is to become emotionally involved with a young Syrian, especially when he can’t afford to trust anyone.
A chance discovery in Roman’s car by Zain sets off a violent chain reaction and Zain is thrown into a world that threatens not just his dreams but his life. Roman has difficult decisions to make. He’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep Zain safe. But lingering shadows from their pasts as well as prominent figures from Roman’s present need to be eliminated if they’re to have a chance together.
As lies and danger escalate, are they doomed before they’ve even begun?
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2019
36 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
100 books1,677 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 30, 2019
One thing I love about Barbara Elsborg's books is the journey her characters go on.I love getting their back stories and this is no exception.Starting when Zain and Roman are teenage boys this story isn't always easy to read. but both men's characters were shown at a young age.The terrible things they had to endure shaped them into the men they turned out to be.I loved them both equally.
From the war torn streets of Syria to a life changed in the blink of an eye in Russia,Zain and Roman's paths cross in London and their struggles were real....
Zain has a dream he wants to fulfil but will his involvement with Roman threaten everything and will Roman be worth the risk?
Their romance is cleverly woven into a ,at times,complex plot and even up to the last 20% I had no idea how things would play out.
These two had great chemistry and I was routing for them all the way.
As usual with this Author the story is quite gritty but her quirky humour is present mainly from Zain and I loved him even more for it.
Loved the epilogue!!
Recommended.
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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January 11, 2020
I have a GR shelf "love how they loved" and this book goes right at the top because if even two people needed to be loved hard it's my Zain and Roman. I said in an update that Zain was fast becoming one of my all time favourite characters even though his story is breaking my heart, and he sure did. He's the lad that looked for that silver lining, you know? No matter what was thrown at him, and my god did he have everything thrown at him, he still fought his way back up to the surface and kept on striving to fulfil his dream. At times this is by no way an easy read, war and its casualties never is but Zain was there to lighten an brighten things. Even after he hits the UK and the realities of being a refugee with nothing and no-one to call his, he still didn't give up. The statement he had to write for his Uni application had me in tears.
I wasn't too sure about Roman at first, but oh man did I ever do a 180 over my feelings about him and ended up loving him. He has a story and a half too, and for me the way he fell for Zain .... sah-woon! The chemistry between these two is just fabulous, as is the banter.
I was a teeny tiny bit concerned when this started to teeter on BDSMdom because just no. I'm sorry but I am not a fan at all, but this was definitely more of a toe in the water BDSMdom thank goodness. Each to their own but for me? No thank you.
There's hurt/comfort. suspense, twists and turns and woven in to this is the most gorgeous romance ending with a fabulous epilogue. I just wish that Helen didn't get away with the moves she pulled, I really wanted to see that cow PAY!
I wasn't too sure about Roman at first, but oh man did I ever do a 180 over my feelings about him and ended up loving him. He has a story and a half too, and for me the way he fell for Zain .... sah-woon! The chemistry between these two is just fabulous, as is the banter.
I was a teeny tiny bit concerned when this started to teeter on BDSMdom because just no. I'm sorry but I am not a fan at all, but this was definitely more of a toe in the water BDSMdom thank goodness. Each to their own but for me? No thank you.
There's hurt/comfort. suspense, twists and turns and woven in to this is the most gorgeous romance ending with a fabulous epilogue. I just wish that Helen didn't get away with the moves she pulled, I really wanted to see that cow PAY!
November 23, 2019
4,5 stars
I really enjoyed this book by Barbara Elsborg. I loved the writing!
I will start by saying I love angst and drama in my books, and this story punches you in the heart from the very start. We get the main characters' background and it was painful to read some scenes at times. They come from such different settings and they both suffered great losses. Roman was born in Russia, Zain was born in Syria. I guess I don't need to develop this more, you'll discover on your own how traumatizing it was for them to lose the ones they loved.
When Roman and Zain meet, the story changes from super sad to super hot. I can't say I enjoyed Roman's transformation, but this is the man he became.
Zain did what he had to do to survive and meeting Roman saved him. It wasn't easy, but they were exactly what they needed.
Their road was not easy, they are both hunted, they had to hide, to lie, to fight for what they had, but I loved their strength and hope. We get many hot scenes, I loved them together! I enjoyed the action here, and I was glad we get some suspense and unexpected turns.
Overall this was a great read! Loved the epilogue and I am looking forward to reading more from this author!!
Oh and while reading this one I had the song Whatever It Takes by Imagine Dragons on my mind.
I really enjoyed this book by Barbara Elsborg. I loved the writing!
I will start by saying I love angst and drama in my books, and this story punches you in the heart from the very start. We get the main characters' background and it was painful to read some scenes at times. They come from such different settings and they both suffered great losses. Roman was born in Russia, Zain was born in Syria. I guess I don't need to develop this more, you'll discover on your own how traumatizing it was for them to lose the ones they loved.
When Roman and Zain meet, the story changes from super sad to super hot. I can't say I enjoyed Roman's transformation, but this is the man he became.
Zain did what he had to do to survive and meeting Roman saved him. It wasn't easy, but they were exactly what they needed.
Their road was not easy, they are both hunted, they had to hide, to lie, to fight for what they had, but I loved their strength and hope. We get many hot scenes, I loved them together! I enjoyed the action here, and I was glad we get some suspense and unexpected turns.
Overall this was a great read! Loved the epilogue and I am looking forward to reading more from this author!!
Oh and while reading this one I had the song Whatever It Takes by Imagine Dragons on my mind.
December 23, 2019
If there’s one thing I’ve come to expect with any…experience from Elsborg, it’s her ability to put me under her spell. And I do mean experience because she does more than pen stories. My pace slows and I spend days working my way through her words as if the pages are laced with quicksand. My heart often gallops as if I’m running a race and I clench my teeth between gasps of forgetting to breathe. I want to finish within the first day but find myself unhurried. Afterward, I mull over particular parts and return to the pages to relive striking scenes. Then it takes me weeks to digest everything. Whatever it Takes is a dramatic and angst-riddled tale that gripped my heart from the very beginning and has yet to let go.
What's to like: We meet both Roman and Zain during their childhood and as much as it gutted me, I found this history critical. Zain and his family are simply trying to survive the war in Syria. Sadly, there is nothing simple about this. It’s real, in your face…and it broke my heart. I became his biggest cheerleader and longed for him to achieve his goal of practicing medicine. Dreams and hope kept him alive. I held onto this thread of faith, willing him to keep going. Roman did not fare much better during his younger years. When tragedy struck his life I cried with him. For him. He took another path to endure and did what he needed to do. I felt there was more to his story than he was sharing with us and was willing to be patient and wait. I was rewarded….although my fingernails may beg to differ! It’s emotional, exciting and exhausting!
What's to love: So much. I loved Zain and I loved Roman just as much by the final pages. There is darkness but there is also blinding light. I loved how deeply fleshed both Zain and Roman were. I felt confident that I knew them, even when they questioned things themselves. Zain is a refugee in London desperately trying to stay true to his path. Roman takes care of things for his boss. Leaving Russia wasn’t part of his plan until his plans scattered one tragic birthday. Fate brings them together and knocks both off their equilibrium. They live polar lives but can’t deny the magnetism that buzzes between them. Whew! Talk about crazy chemistry. They are smoking hot but they are also surprisingly tender. I loved Zain’s witty humor. I loved Roman’s protected secrets and special rocks. I loved how they found pure joy in the simplest things. I loved how they loved one another. And I absolutely adored the epilogue.
Beware of: War…it’s gritty and gruesome. Adrenaline rush…they flee and they fight. But the essence of their thrilling tale is that even damaged hearts have a perfect match!
This book is for: Not the faint of heart. But! If you like action-packed thrillers with your romance, this riveting ride will take you as far as needed…for they will do whatever it takes.
Book UNfunk
What's to like: We meet both Roman and Zain during their childhood and as much as it gutted me, I found this history critical. Zain and his family are simply trying to survive the war in Syria. Sadly, there is nothing simple about this. It’s real, in your face…and it broke my heart. I became his biggest cheerleader and longed for him to achieve his goal of practicing medicine. Dreams and hope kept him alive. I held onto this thread of faith, willing him to keep going. Roman did not fare much better during his younger years. When tragedy struck his life I cried with him. For him. He took another path to endure and did what he needed to do. I felt there was more to his story than he was sharing with us and was willing to be patient and wait. I was rewarded….although my fingernails may beg to differ! It’s emotional, exciting and exhausting!
What's to love: So much. I loved Zain and I loved Roman just as much by the final pages. There is darkness but there is also blinding light. I loved how deeply fleshed both Zain and Roman were. I felt confident that I knew them, even when they questioned things themselves. Zain is a refugee in London desperately trying to stay true to his path. Roman takes care of things for his boss. Leaving Russia wasn’t part of his plan until his plans scattered one tragic birthday. Fate brings them together and knocks both off their equilibrium. They live polar lives but can’t deny the magnetism that buzzes between them. Whew! Talk about crazy chemistry. They are smoking hot but they are also surprisingly tender. I loved Zain’s witty humor. I loved Roman’s protected secrets and special rocks. I loved how they found pure joy in the simplest things. I loved how they loved one another. And I absolutely adored the epilogue.
Beware of: War…it’s gritty and gruesome. Adrenaline rush…they flee and they fight. But the essence of their thrilling tale is that even damaged hearts have a perfect match!
This book is for: Not the faint of heart. But! If you like action-packed thrillers with your romance, this riveting ride will take you as far as needed…for they will do whatever it takes.
Book UNfunk
December 9, 2019
4.5 stars from me, and a much better read for me than A Faerie Story.
I adored Zain, and yes, a more dreadfully difficult background could not be imagined. A refugee from Syria, drawn to London to study to be a doctor like his father, he'd had to suffer unimaginable horrors just to get to his final destination. Zain actually reminded me of Pasha [whom I also adored] from Edge of Forever with his jokey approach to life...covering up his true feelings and much better than tears, which I suspect is what he wanted to cry most of the time.
Roman...well, I took a little longer to warm to him, although the violent death of his father was distressing to anyone with a heart. I realise I'm probably a little biased in my attitude towards Russian people with money, as it would appear that most of them have probably made their millions from money laundering [Roman Abramovich and numerous others, take a bow 🤬...], racketeering and all sorts of other nefarious crimes. How else do people from a former Communist country where the State supposedly has all the wealth get to be billionaires unless they and everyone further up the pecking order are crooked??
Anyhoo, my little rant is over...the story did keep me on the edge on my seat as I waited for creepy Quashim and crazy Dima to discover where Roman and Zain were hiding out, and having seen plenty of spy dramas in my time, I was still completely ticked off at the way 'Helen' never did anything without wanting something in return, even though I know that's the way things work. Thank goodness I got my HEA with both of them safe and healthy. 🎉🎉🎉
I adored Zain, and yes, a more dreadfully difficult background could not be imagined. A refugee from Syria, drawn to London to study to be a doctor like his father, he'd had to suffer unimaginable horrors just to get to his final destination. Zain actually reminded me of Pasha [whom I also adored] from Edge of Forever with his jokey approach to life...covering up his true feelings and much better than tears, which I suspect is what he wanted to cry most of the time.
Roman...well, I took a little longer to warm to him, although the violent death of his father was distressing to anyone with a heart. I realise I'm probably a little biased in my attitude towards Russian people with money, as it would appear that most of them have probably made their millions from money laundering [Roman Abramovich and numerous others, take a bow 🤬...], racketeering and all sorts of other nefarious crimes. How else do people from a former Communist country where the State supposedly has all the wealth get to be billionaires unless they and everyone further up the pecking order are crooked??
Anyhoo, my little rant is over...the story did keep me on the edge on my seat as I waited for creepy Quashim and crazy Dima to discover where Roman and Zain were hiding out, and having seen plenty of spy dramas in my time, I was still completely ticked off at the way 'Helen' never did anything without wanting something in return, even though I know that's the way things work. Thank goodness I got my HEA with both of them safe and healthy. 🎉🎉🎉
September 5, 2021
It was so good. I thought it would more about things that happened before, like Zain's life in Syria and how he escaped and reached England but there was actually little about that and more about Roman and Zain which I really loved. They were so cute. I especially loved Zain and his sometimes dark sense of humor. The way he fought for Roman at the end though. My absolute favorite part. Hated Helen, the bitch that she was.
I did remember wondering why the author used a bit too many medical terms for body parts in the sex scenes, which was very weird while reading lol. I had few expectations going in but the book totally blew my mind.
I did remember wondering why the author used a bit too many medical terms for body parts in the sex scenes, which was very weird while reading lol. I had few expectations going in but the book totally blew my mind.
March 21, 2022
Barbara, you owe me at least a therapy session!
November 9, 2019
Barbara Elsborg knows how to take you on an emotional journey with characters you want to hug or slap or do both to.
Dear, scarred, brave Zain. Damaged, sometimes infuriating and other times amazing, Roman. Two more memorable characters with emotionally difficult stories from this author.
Don't get me started on the destruction of Syria. How gut-wrenching it's been. Displaced and anguished people seen as an imposition by many, used politically. That war takes such a toll on many people, whether from within your own home or the outside, is well written. The lengths some people have to go to just trying to exist and be safe - a relative term -and forge a new life, if they can, is something no one should have to do.
The romance develops over the course of the book. I wasn't sure how I felt initially and then Roman and Zain just clicked and felt so right together.
The humour between Zain and Roman is a safety net for them both and works so well.
The thriller plot is built well. I was tense, always waiting for the hammer to fall. Money laundering, people with shady deals, trafficking. Russian money and power an undercurrent.
Blog review closer to release date
I'm only at the 3% mark and I'm already like...
Then I'm all...
God... I have a heart problem.
Definitely a storm, complete with all kinds of electrical currents, and a forecast of plenty more to come. I can feel it in my bones...
Dear, scarred, brave Zain. Damaged, sometimes infuriating and other times amazing, Roman. Two more memorable characters with emotionally difficult stories from this author.
Don't get me started on the destruction of Syria. How gut-wrenching it's been. Displaced and anguished people seen as an imposition by many, used politically. That war takes such a toll on many people, whether from within your own home or the outside, is well written. The lengths some people have to go to just trying to exist and be safe - a relative term -and forge a new life, if they can, is something no one should have to do.
The romance develops over the course of the book. I wasn't sure how I felt initially and then Roman and Zain just clicked and felt so right together.
The humour between Zain and Roman is a safety net for them both and works so well.
The thriller plot is built well. I was tense, always waiting for the hammer to fall. Money laundering, people with shady deals, trafficking. Russian money and power an undercurrent.
Blog review closer to release date
I'm only at the 3% mark and I'm already like...
Then I'm all...
God... I have a heart problem.
Definitely a storm, complete with all kinds of electrical currents, and a forecast of plenty more to come. I can feel it in my bones...
June 21, 2022
I loved these guys so hard! (And I could have easily read another 300 pages.) A fascinating mystery wrapped up in such a beautiful romance, Barbara Elsborg's Whatever It Takes is another five star winner for me.
Zain's story is completely devastating. The details of his early life, surviving day-to-day in war torn Syria, and his journey to freedom in the UK, is just the start of his difficult tale.
Roman’s life has been tough as well, and the changes this guy makes over the course of the novel are stupendous.
A completely thrilling adventure, and a gorgeous love story! I can’t wait to read it again.
Zain's story is completely devastating. The details of his early life, surviving day-to-day in war torn Syria, and his journey to freedom in the UK, is just the start of his difficult tale.
Roman’s life has been tough as well, and the changes this guy makes over the course of the novel are stupendous.
A completely thrilling adventure, and a gorgeous love story! I can’t wait to read it again.
March 13, 2020
Update: I am rounding down to 2 stars. I got pulled out of the story too many times because of stupid little mistakes in Russian. Not just “oh, she misspelled this or that, how quaint”. No. Those mistakes seriously messed up my ability to stay focused on the events and on the characters.
I even gave BE a benefit of a doubt a couple of times and checked several equivalents of Urban Dictionary in Russian, including criminal slang. Nope, it was not me. It’s all on the author. My impression of the book is seriously fractured. Frustration is the only way I can describe my feeling about the whole mess.
Here is "Ask An Expert" link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group... . There is Regional Experts thread. USE IT.
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Kudos to the author for appealing Russian and Syrian characters. There have been so many books out lately with the same old "mean Russian" stereotype! Honestly, sick and tired of it. So - thanks (and a star) for that.
However, I am absolutely baffled by the fact that the author refuses to ask a native speaker to help with her Russian phrases. It's especially puzzling, considering that BE consistently uses Russian characters in her books. But same can be said for other writers and other languages: Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Japanese, you name it! Here, I don't know if I can trust any of the Arabic words and phrases either. Shame.
There were times when I was rudely jerked out of the book, an intense or even tragic scene, by a wrong Russian phrase or word. I ended up laughing where I should be biting my nails and crossing my fingers hoping for MCs escape. I am tempted to take 2 stars off for that, but whatever, 1 is enough, I guess.
On the whole, I did enjoy this story, like so many others by BE. That said, the longest lull, where MCs just took off frolicking in the sunshine (so to speak) while I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for something nasty to happen, did nothing for me at all. I could not relax enough to enjoy the budding romance. There was no suspense, no real awareness of the fact that someone is always watching or listening. Quite sloppy on Roman's side. No surprise that MCs landed where they did, in Dima's clutches (no big spoiler here). Another star off for that.
In the end, tho disappointed, yet glad I read the book.
3 stars.
I even gave BE a benefit of a doubt a couple of times and checked several equivalents of Urban Dictionary in Russian, including criminal slang. Nope, it was not me. It’s all on the author. My impression of the book is seriously fractured. Frustration is the only way I can describe my feeling about the whole mess.
Here is "Ask An Expert" link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group... . There is Regional Experts thread. USE IT.
---------
Kudos to the author for appealing Russian and Syrian characters. There have been so many books out lately with the same old "mean Russian" stereotype! Honestly, sick and tired of it. So - thanks (and a star) for that.
However, I am absolutely baffled by the fact that the author refuses to ask a native speaker to help with her Russian phrases. It's especially puzzling, considering that BE consistently uses Russian characters in her books. But same can be said for other writers and other languages: Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Japanese, you name it! Here, I don't know if I can trust any of the Arabic words and phrases either. Shame.
There were times when I was rudely jerked out of the book, an intense or even tragic scene, by a wrong Russian phrase or word. I ended up laughing where I should be biting my nails and crossing my fingers hoping for MCs escape. I am tempted to take 2 stars off for that, but whatever, 1 is enough, I guess.
On the whole, I did enjoy this story, like so many others by BE. That said, the longest lull, where MCs just took off frolicking in the sunshine (so to speak) while I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for something nasty to happen, did nothing for me at all. I could not relax enough to enjoy the budding romance. There was no suspense, no real awareness of the fact that someone is always watching or listening. Quite sloppy on Roman's side. No surprise that MCs landed where they did, in Dima's clutches (no big spoiler here). Another star off for that.
In the end, tho disappointed, yet glad I read the book.
3 stars.
November 22, 2019
So originally my rating here was 3.5 stars and I was going to round down but upon further reflection and writing my review I realized that I'm more comfortable with just leaving this one at 3 stars.
It was good...just not the great that I was hoping for but...maybe, that's on me...
While I haven't read a lot of books by Barbara Elsborg, I have very much enjoyed the 3 that I have read by this author with 2 of them being 5 star reads.
"Edge of Forever" was the last book that I read by Ms Elsborg and I really loved that one with it's Russian setting. So, when I read the blurb and once again it was a story set, at least partially in Russia, I was all in for this one and so excited to read it and maybe that was part of my problem and I was setting my expectations too high. While 3 stars isn't a bad rating by any means I have to admit I was expecting to give this more than what for me is a slightly above average rating.
Overall I enjoyed ‘Whatever It Takes’ but I just didn’t love it the way I did ‘Edge of Forever’ or ‘Dirty Angel’. For me it seemed to hold a touch of predictability that ultimately tended to be a bit distracting at times, as my brain wandered through book titles trying to decide if this story was reminiscent of another book or books that I’ve read what they were and I have to admit I never really came to any solid conclusions about this…it simply proved to be a distracting thought that I couldn’t shake.
For me the bigger issue was that I didn’t find myself feeling overly connected to the characters. Other than Zain and Roman there really weren’t any characters in the story that were even likable and at that even Zain and Roman were only likeable…at best.
As for any characters who held my attention let alone had me interested in finding out more about them…there just weren’t any and while this isn’t a prerequisite, I think that it only stands to reason that...the more I like a character or the more characters that I like, either or both scenarios are good...the more I'll enjoy a story.
Another sticking point that I had were that some of the parallels between Zain and Roman turned out to be just a bit much for me to totally buy into and I have to admit this is where I also think it’s as much me or more so than the story. I’ve read books that have had some really over the top stuff in them. Things that make the coincidences in this story seem like they could be just that…coincidences but for whatever reason that wasn’t the case here and they became things that just didn’t work for me.
The thing that I enjoyed the most about this story was the way the author presented it to us. The author started out giving us a chapter that was just Roman’s background and then we were given a chapter about Zain’s background before being brought into the present starting with events and circumstances that lead to Roman and Zain’s first meeting. While there were occasional dips into the past as the story progressed and this also gave us a bit more background on both characters I really enjoyed that originally we were introduced to them individually allowing the reader to meet each man on an individual basis and get of sense of who they each were at the beginning of their relationship as opposed to how they grew and changed as individuals and as a couple.
I truly do think at the end of the day this was more than anything a case of reading the wrong book on the wrong day. I’ve quite enjoyed this author’s books in the past and I’m sure that at some future date I’ll be writing a review about some amazing story of hers that I’ve read and how you all need to read it, it’s just not this day or this story but I do know that a number of my friends felt differently about this one so check them out because what doesn’t work for one often works for another and this may be that one for you.
*************************
An ARC of “Whatever It Takes” was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It was good...just not the great that I was hoping for but...maybe, that's on me...
While I haven't read a lot of books by Barbara Elsborg, I have very much enjoyed the 3 that I have read by this author with 2 of them being 5 star reads.
"Edge of Forever" was the last book that I read by Ms Elsborg and I really loved that one with it's Russian setting. So, when I read the blurb and once again it was a story set, at least partially in Russia, I was all in for this one and so excited to read it and maybe that was part of my problem and I was setting my expectations too high. While 3 stars isn't a bad rating by any means I have to admit I was expecting to give this more than what for me is a slightly above average rating.
Overall I enjoyed ‘Whatever It Takes’ but I just didn’t love it the way I did ‘Edge of Forever’ or ‘Dirty Angel’. For me it seemed to hold a touch of predictability that ultimately tended to be a bit distracting at times, as my brain wandered through book titles trying to decide if this story was reminiscent of another book or books that I’ve read what they were and I have to admit I never really came to any solid conclusions about this…it simply proved to be a distracting thought that I couldn’t shake.
For me the bigger issue was that I didn’t find myself feeling overly connected to the characters. Other than Zain and Roman there really weren’t any characters in the story that were even likable and at that even Zain and Roman were only likeable…at best.
As for any characters who held my attention let alone had me interested in finding out more about them…there just weren’t any and while this isn’t a prerequisite, I think that it only stands to reason that...the more I like a character or the more characters that I like, either or both scenarios are good...the more I'll enjoy a story.
Another sticking point that I had were that some of the parallels between Zain and Roman turned out to be just a bit much for me to totally buy into and I have to admit this is where I also think it’s as much me or more so than the story. I’ve read books that have had some really over the top stuff in them. Things that make the coincidences in this story seem like they could be just that…coincidences but for whatever reason that wasn’t the case here and they became things that just didn’t work for me.
The thing that I enjoyed the most about this story was the way the author presented it to us. The author started out giving us a chapter that was just Roman’s background and then we were given a chapter about Zain’s background before being brought into the present starting with events and circumstances that lead to Roman and Zain’s first meeting. While there were occasional dips into the past as the story progressed and this also gave us a bit more background on both characters I really enjoyed that originally we were introduced to them individually allowing the reader to meet each man on an individual basis and get of sense of who they each were at the beginning of their relationship as opposed to how they grew and changed as individuals and as a couple.
I truly do think at the end of the day this was more than anything a case of reading the wrong book on the wrong day. I’ve quite enjoyed this author’s books in the past and I’m sure that at some future date I’ll be writing a review about some amazing story of hers that I’ve read and how you all need to read it, it’s just not this day or this story but I do know that a number of my friends felt differently about this one so check them out because what doesn’t work for one often works for another and this may be that one for you.
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An ARC of “Whatever It Takes” was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2019
I am kinda stumped for words after just finishing this book. Barbara has become an author I will read any book she writes and I don’t need a blurb
What a ride Barbara takes us on with Zain and Roman. We meet them when they are just young boys. Zain living through the heart ache of the devastation that Syrians lived through. Roman losing it all in one day. We watch these
Boys survive into adulthood and meet under dangerous circumstances but it was the best day of their lives. The day they met
This book made me cry several times for these guys, laugh ( I loved how funny one of the guys was- no I’m not saying who), and there were a lot of omg moments. Barbara wrote in some awesome twists I never saw coming.
I highly recommend this book along with Barbara’s other books. She is so detailed and knows how to pull the Emotions out of you. I wish I could give this book more than five stars.
What a ride Barbara takes us on with Zain and Roman. We meet them when they are just young boys. Zain living through the heart ache of the devastation that Syrians lived through. Roman losing it all in one day. We watch these
Boys survive into adulthood and meet under dangerous circumstances but it was the best day of their lives. The day they met
This book made me cry several times for these guys, laugh ( I loved how funny one of the guys was- no I’m not saying who), and there were a lot of omg moments. Barbara wrote in some awesome twists I never saw coming.
I highly recommend this book along with Barbara’s other books. She is so detailed and knows how to pull the Emotions out of you. I wish I could give this book more than five stars.
December 5, 2019
Whatever It Takes was Barbara Elsborg's classic, full of emotional and gut wrenching feeling (at least for me). This book closed to my heart, and I can't helped my self except felt like I was there with Zain and Roman.
Though it was a tough situation at war zone, they managed to fall in love and stay strong for each other.
Being Muslim and and in Syria was a scary thing. I am Muslim, and I know how hard of being Muslim with all rules of Qur'an while all he needed was to love freely.
I loved the epilogue, and that was finally made me happy!
Recommended!
Though it was a tough situation at war zone, they managed to fall in love and stay strong for each other.
Being Muslim and and in Syria was a scary thing. I am Muslim, and I know how hard of being Muslim with all rules of Qur'an while all he needed was to love freely.
I loved the epilogue, and that was finally made me happy!
Recommended!
December 2, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Whatever It Takes by Barbara Elsborg is a novel of intrigue, espionage, and romance. Mired in a world he never wanted, Roman was a fixer for the man who tried to do his best by him after Roman’s father was murdered. But all things come at a price and looking after the twisted and loathsome Dima was just one of the price tags Roman would have to live with. However, when a car cleanup brings Zain into Roman’s life, things change and Roman feels his grasp on remaining free of any emotional attachments slipping through his fingers. For Zain, the idea that he can love freely and be sexual when his Muslim religion denies and condemns men such as himself is a revelation that brings incredible joy to the younger man. Roman is everything Zain wants—even if he is caught in a web of violence and crime.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Whatever It Takes by Barbara Elsborg is a novel of intrigue, espionage, and romance. Mired in a world he never wanted, Roman was a fixer for the man who tried to do his best by him after Roman’s father was murdered. But all things come at a price and looking after the twisted and loathsome Dima was just one of the price tags Roman would have to live with. However, when a car cleanup brings Zain into Roman’s life, things change and Roman feels his grasp on remaining free of any emotional attachments slipping through his fingers. For Zain, the idea that he can love freely and be sexual when his Muslim religion denies and condemns men such as himself is a revelation that brings incredible joy to the younger man. Roman is everything Zain wants—even if he is caught in a web of violence and crime.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
December 24, 2022
Writing is okay. Don’t like the rest.
December 13, 2019
I almost feel ungrateful for giving this one 'only' four stars. But Barbara Elsborg has set the bar insanely high with some of her past books.
And Whatever It Takes almost had everything I need; two very different, likeable MCs, both broken with horrible pasts.
There was plenty of angst and suspense and the buildup to the final showdown with the bad guys had me on edge all the way. It was the very last part of the book that let me down a bit. When shit finally hit the fan it was over too quickly and the 'good' guys turned out to be not all that good which tarnished Roman and Zain's HEA a bit for me even if they didn't see it that way.
And Whatever It Takes almost had everything I need; two very different, likeable MCs, both broken with horrible pasts.
There was plenty of angst and suspense and the buildup to the final showdown with the bad guys had me on edge all the way. It was the very last part of the book that let me down a bit. When shit finally hit the fan it was over too quickly and the 'good' guys turned out to be not all that good which tarnished Roman and Zain's HEA a bit for me even if they didn't see it that way.
December 16, 2019
1. Автор подаёт трагичный бэкграунд героев так, что им действительно сочувствуешь.
2. Меня сильно возмутило то, как Роман вёл себя с Зейном в начале их «романа». Понятно, что его самого жизнь потрепала и такое отношение к людям возникло не на пустом месте, но за солнышко Зейна всё равно обидно.
3. Однако через пару глав Роман полностью себя реабилитировал. В чувства верю. Эти двое созданы друг для друга.
4. Автор опять немного напортачила с русским языком. Роман постоянно называет Зейна «bratkin». Это вообще, что? А однажды назвал его «залупой»)))
2. Меня сильно возмутило то, как Роман вёл себя с Зейном в начале их «романа». Понятно, что его самого жизнь потрепала и такое отношение к людям возникло не на пустом месте, но за солнышко Зейна всё равно обидно.
3. Однако через пару глав Роман полностью себя реабилитировал. В чувства верю. Эти двое созданы друг для друга.
4. Автор опять немного напортачила с русским языком. Роман постоянно называет Зейна «bratkin». Это вообще, что? А однажды назвал его «залупой»)))
January 22, 2020
La historia podía ser interesante, pero los personajes no están tratados por igual, por lo que un protagonista tiene mucha más voz que el otro.
Por Lo demás, es super entretenido
Por Lo demás, es super entretenido
December 7, 2019
Whatever It Takes is my first book by this author, and although it took me a while to get into the story, I did enjoy it. This definitely falls under the hurt-comfort category, detailing the struggles of two orphans who have taken very different paths in an attempt to make a good life for themselves.
The characters in Whatever it Takes were well developed with a good amount of depth. I liked the details included from Roman and Zain's pasts because they provided great backgrounds to understand what drove both men. I thought the struggles Zain faced as a Syrian refugee were very honest and well done. I also quite liked the banter between the men. Not only does it round out the characters, but it also offered levity amidst a fairly heavy plot. That said, the dirty jokes, play on words, and Zain's general silliness did not seem to match the initial way his character was portrayed. I thought his willingness to jump into sexual jokes, dirty talk, etc were also inconsistent given his inexperience and history at the start of the story. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all these elements, it simply gave me pause and made it more difficult to connect to the story initially. Whatever it Takes has a complex plot, and as such takes a while to get going, but once things began clicking into place, I was completely caught up in the story and eager to see how Zain and Roman would get their happily ever after.
*eARC received via LesCourt Author Services. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
The characters in Whatever it Takes were well developed with a good amount of depth. I liked the details included from Roman and Zain's pasts because they provided great backgrounds to understand what drove both men. I thought the struggles Zain faced as a Syrian refugee were very honest and well done. I also quite liked the banter between the men. Not only does it round out the characters, but it also offered levity amidst a fairly heavy plot. That said, the dirty jokes, play on words, and Zain's general silliness did not seem to match the initial way his character was portrayed. I thought his willingness to jump into sexual jokes, dirty talk, etc were also inconsistent given his inexperience and history at the start of the story. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all these elements, it simply gave me pause and made it more difficult to connect to the story initially. Whatever it Takes has a complex plot, and as such takes a while to get going, but once things began clicking into place, I was completely caught up in the story and eager to see how Zain and Roman would get their happily ever after.
*eARC received via LesCourt Author Services. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
January 9, 2020
Anyone familiar with Barbara Elsborg's books knows that she doesn't write fluffy or sunshiny,and that most of her characters have some hard pasts to overcome.
There's nothing fluffy about 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀. In fact,it's all about survival and the difficult choices Roman and Zain had to make in order to achieve it. After his father was killed when was 14,Roman was sent to study in England. A grand opportunity, if only it were not with the condition to keep out of trouble Dima,the son of a Russian mafia man. To Roman,it felt like being thrown into a shark tank. Humiliated,beaten,used,he's powered through the years,although not without becoming immune to feelings and with a solid shield around his heart. Zain's is the harrowing story of the Syrian civil war and the journey towards England. Through his eyes I've been a witness to destruction, to useless violence and to the fear of not making it another day. It was heartbreaking to see his grief and despair after all his family is killed and he has to take the dangerous road out of his hometown and country.
I appreciated the way Barbara Elsborg chose to begin the book with two chapters, each depicting Roman and Zain' s younger years,with more details from their past added throughout the story line. And nowadays, Roman is still living amongst the shark,only the tank is now full of them. And poor Zain,after all he's been through to reach London, the city isn't welcoming. Rejected and blocked each day, he's loosin faith and hope of making his dreams of becoming a doctor a reality.
A wallet, proof to a murder,brings them together,and it's an immediate spark if attraction between them. Usually I'm not a believer in insta-love,but it does work for them. I found their chemistry and the way they are with each other absolutely delightful. Full of banter,snark and laughter. Yes,there's a lot of sex,but the amazing thing is that they talk,they reveal hidden scars and secrets,they trust...
Better said,they entrust their hearts into each other's hands,and it's beautiful. As Zain tells Roman: "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝒉𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝒉𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝒉𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑐𝒉𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒’𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝒉𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡𝒉𝑒𝑟." Their love is the strongest,the fiercest, the kind they're ready to do 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 in order to protect it.
I loved the book. The author did a realistic treading of the heartbreaking war situation in Syria,integrating sensitive subjects into a gripping and emotional plot line. An engaging spy/mafia like story,with twists,turns and surprises,while Roman and Zain's touching romance develops. Two men that meet by chance,but create an all-encompassing,deeply rooted love that can survive everything live throws at it.
There's nothing fluffy about 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀. In fact,it's all about survival and the difficult choices Roman and Zain had to make in order to achieve it. After his father was killed when was 14,Roman was sent to study in England. A grand opportunity, if only it were not with the condition to keep out of trouble Dima,the son of a Russian mafia man. To Roman,it felt like being thrown into a shark tank. Humiliated,beaten,used,he's powered through the years,although not without becoming immune to feelings and with a solid shield around his heart. Zain's is the harrowing story of the Syrian civil war and the journey towards England. Through his eyes I've been a witness to destruction, to useless violence and to the fear of not making it another day. It was heartbreaking to see his grief and despair after all his family is killed and he has to take the dangerous road out of his hometown and country.
I appreciated the way Barbara Elsborg chose to begin the book with two chapters, each depicting Roman and Zain' s younger years,with more details from their past added throughout the story line. And nowadays, Roman is still living amongst the shark,only the tank is now full of them. And poor Zain,after all he's been through to reach London, the city isn't welcoming. Rejected and blocked each day, he's loosin faith and hope of making his dreams of becoming a doctor a reality.
A wallet, proof to a murder,brings them together,and it's an immediate spark if attraction between them. Usually I'm not a believer in insta-love,but it does work for them. I found their chemistry and the way they are with each other absolutely delightful. Full of banter,snark and laughter. Yes,there's a lot of sex,but the amazing thing is that they talk,they reveal hidden scars and secrets,they trust...
Better said,they entrust their hearts into each other's hands,and it's beautiful. As Zain tells Roman: "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝒉𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝒉𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝒉𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑐𝒉𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒’𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝒉𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡𝒉𝑒𝑟." Their love is the strongest,the fiercest, the kind they're ready to do 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 in order to protect it.
I loved the book. The author did a realistic treading of the heartbreaking war situation in Syria,integrating sensitive subjects into a gripping and emotional plot line. An engaging spy/mafia like story,with twists,turns and surprises,while Roman and Zain's touching romance develops. Two men that meet by chance,but create an all-encompassing,deeply rooted love that can survive everything live throws at it.
December 5, 2019
Zain escaped war torn Syria to (eventually) London. He wants to be a doctor like his dead father. Roman’s father was killed by a car bomb in Russia. His fathers gangster boss offers Roman a way out of Russia by sending him to school in London. The cost is very high though, he must see that the son of his benefactor stays out of trouble, and the man is Trouble.
A simple wallet irrevocably changes the course of both their lives.
This was not a feel good kind of story. Zain’s life was harrowing. His pain was so well written I could feel it. Romans pain was different but just as real. I got about half way through the book then put it down for a few days. I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish it but decided to read again from the beginning. There is an abundance of words to describe this book. I could list them all but I think the one that says it best is Excellent.
I received an arc of this book.
A simple wallet irrevocably changes the course of both their lives.
This was not a feel good kind of story. Zain’s life was harrowing. His pain was so well written I could feel it. Romans pain was different but just as real. I got about half way through the book then put it down for a few days. I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish it but decided to read again from the beginning. There is an abundance of words to describe this book. I could list them all but I think the one that says it best is Excellent.
I received an arc of this book.
February 27, 2020
Maybe I need to create a new shelf called "I wanted to like this more than I did". The premise sounded good, but I wasn't really feeling the romance and didn't care for the characters as much as I'd have liked to. Or maybe Elsborg's penchant for overdoing it with the terribly tortured pasts and overblown angst is the problem? Both, probably. The BDSM bit felt kinda superfluous, but maybe's that's just because it's not really my thing.
December 6, 2019
Wow
This book absolutely surpassed my expectations. I have devoured everything I’ve read from this author, and this s was no different. Gritty and powerful, this is not a light and fluffy read. The trials Zain and Roman faced started in their childhood. My emotions were all over the place from about ten pages in. This book is a definite recommend, you won’t be sorry.
This book absolutely surpassed my expectations. I have devoured everything I’ve read from this author, and this s was no different. Gritty and powerful, this is not a light and fluffy read. The trials Zain and Roman faced started in their childhood. My emotions were all over the place from about ten pages in. This book is a definite recommend, you won’t be sorry.
December 7, 2019
Wow, what a beginning... it hooks you it right away and doesn't let go.
I was drawn into the lives of Roman and Zain. Their teenage year were tough and shaped them into the men they are today.
The lives of Roman and Zain become intertwined and thus begins and exciting, action packed, emotional journey.
It was a riveting story I couldn't put down. I had to know what would happen to these men.
I loved the interactions between Roman and Zain. They went from sweet to funny and witty and also super hot. Zain had a great sense of humor that managed to lighten the mood many times.
This is a fantastic, angsty story I highly recommend!
I was drawn into the lives of Roman and Zain. Their teenage year were tough and shaped them into the men they are today.
The lives of Roman and Zain become intertwined and thus begins and exciting, action packed, emotional journey.
It was a riveting story I couldn't put down. I had to know what would happen to these men.
I loved the interactions between Roman and Zain. They went from sweet to funny and witty and also super hot. Zain had a great sense of humor that managed to lighten the mood many times.
This is a fantastic, angsty story I highly recommend!
March 12, 2020
I finally finished this book! It took a long time because life got in the way. I really enjoyed this story and loved Roman and Zain's relationship. They were hot/ sexy together and were so funny with their dry humor.
Read
November 7, 2024What a satisfying ending 😍I didn’t like how Roman approached Zain but he made up for it in the following chapters. Zain’s sense of humor came as a surprise and aawww what a sweetie he was. The beginning chapters were crushing and Qash was scary
December 5, 2019
Roman and Zain have both been through horrific ordeals. Both have overcome adversity in very different ways.
When they meet, there is an almost instant connection. Roman’s heart and head are at odds though. Which direction will he take??
This book is a twisty tale.
I thought I could guess how it would end and I was wrong!
Lots of surprises BUT ultimately there is an HEA.
It was a truly wonderful story.
December 6, 2019
4.5 stars.
Barbara Elsborg took me on a mission! This was so much more then a romance. Multilayered with non stop action and angst. I loved the intricate plot of underground crime, murder and romance. Think a modern day gay James Bond. Whatever it Takes is a completely different read then what I am used to and I loved it.
It deals with modern day issues...
A Syrian refugee and a Russian immigrant. An unlikely pair that form an unbreakable bond. I found each of their stories fascinating. As an American, I will admit to putting myself in a bubble. This book took me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the horrors around the world. It's a story about human perseverance, determination.... and ultimately the power of love! Two men determined to be together no matter what, against all odds.
Zain and Roman were so unexpected, admirable and resolute! We first met them as children in different countries under very different circumstances.
Zain is in Syria. Living in a war zone. Devastation surrounding him daily until he ultimately looses it all.... Roman was in Russia. Living a decent life until his world exploded. Two young boys with the will to survive. As they got older they only had goals in mind. No time for anything else. Being gay was taboo for both of them. Coming out could have severe consequences. Before the met they were merely surviving. Living in solitude. Their chance meeting changed it all. Their lives would forever be derailed. A love so strong it defied everything!
Whatever It Takes is my first book by Barbara Elsborg. I loved her detailed and in depth writing. She didn't just tell a story, she made me live it with her vivid and expressive writing. Some parts were a bit wordy, but I throughly enjoyed this convoluted storyline. It totally had me on the edge of my seat and gave me the feels. Zain and Roman are truly special. Their love story is like nothing I have read before!
Barbara Elsborg took me on a mission! This was so much more then a romance. Multilayered with non stop action and angst. I loved the intricate plot of underground crime, murder and romance. Think a modern day gay James Bond. Whatever it Takes is a completely different read then what I am used to and I loved it.
It deals with modern day issues...
A Syrian refugee and a Russian immigrant. An unlikely pair that form an unbreakable bond. I found each of their stories fascinating. As an American, I will admit to putting myself in a bubble. This book took me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the horrors around the world. It's a story about human perseverance, determination.... and ultimately the power of love! Two men determined to be together no matter what, against all odds.
Zain and Roman were so unexpected, admirable and resolute! We first met them as children in different countries under very different circumstances.
Zain is in Syria. Living in a war zone. Devastation surrounding him daily until he ultimately looses it all.... Roman was in Russia. Living a decent life until his world exploded. Two young boys with the will to survive. As they got older they only had goals in mind. No time for anything else. Being gay was taboo for both of them. Coming out could have severe consequences. Before the met they were merely surviving. Living in solitude. Their chance meeting changed it all. Their lives would forever be derailed. A love so strong it defied everything!
Whatever It Takes is my first book by Barbara Elsborg. I loved her detailed and in depth writing. She didn't just tell a story, she made me live it with her vivid and expressive writing. Some parts were a bit wordy, but I throughly enjoyed this convoluted storyline. It totally had me on the edge of my seat and gave me the feels. Zain and Roman are truly special. Their love story is like nothing I have read before!
December 9, 2019
3.5 stars Wild ride
I always know to expect something heavy and sort of dark yet engrossing from Ms. Elsborg. This one had a lot of pain and sorrow, mostly for Zain but more than enough left over for Roman. Very hard to read about Syria and what Zain went through. I’ve really liked so many of her books and her writing is absorbing. I felt like this was too much for me this time. It felt very long and very confusing at points around the wrap up. I didn’t enjoy how it was ended, it just didn’t feel right to me. I also would have preferred less sex, although the author writes scenes well but that’s just my perspective.
I always know to expect something heavy and sort of dark yet engrossing from Ms. Elsborg. This one had a lot of pain and sorrow, mostly for Zain but more than enough left over for Roman. Very hard to read about Syria and what Zain went through. I’ve really liked so many of her books and her writing is absorbing. I felt like this was too much for me this time. It felt very long and very confusing at points around the wrap up. I didn’t enjoy how it was ended, it just didn’t feel right to me. I also would have preferred less sex, although the author writes scenes well but that’s just my perspective.
December 28, 2020
It would be 2.5, but the prologues about the MCs' past push it to 3.
What did I like? Two things mostly:
- the beginning. The two flashbacks of Roman and Zain's lives were OMG. I liked them so much that I thought this book was going to be heart-wrenching. Beautiful writing for both characters, it carried me straight into two different worlds, inside the mind of two very different people with very distinct voices. Brilliant.
- Zain's sense of humour. He made me laugh. He was cute. Ok.
- the very very very last paragraph, when
What I didn't like:
- everything else.
The love story was insta-lovey: like, Roman sees Zain once and omg he knows his life is going to change, he's the one. Sure. And in general, I didn't like Roman. I felt so connected to him when he was a boy. I adored his flashback. And then what? This is what you give me, Barbara Elsborg? Nah. He was written like the prototype of an alpha man that never asks that eventually CHANGES BECAUSE OF LOVE, which a trope I hate if it's not delivered well. This is not well delivered: it's too quick, too sudden. Roman is smitten with Zain, that's fine. But he has so much going on in his life (like ) and still the only thing about him that really matters in the novel is his new-found stupidity over Zain.
I liked Zain a bit more, but not a lot. He's a much better rounder character, that's true. But the resolution he had with was really bad, and I really couldn't appreciate that sometimes he was just so whiny and immature even after going through hell. How does that happen.
These two have a lot of sex together but all of the sex is bad, imho. Like, you can't write sexual chemistry, Barbara, and that's fine. I accept that. But throwing BDSM into that already quite shitty mix was a bit of an overkill. Totally unnecessary, so unsexy, and kinda read OOC for both of them even when ideally could have been totally fine? Uh, weird.
It was the first book I read from this author. I doubt I'll pick another one soon. Goodbye.
What did I like? Two things mostly:
- the beginning. The two flashbacks of Roman and Zain's lives were OMG. I liked them so much that I thought this book was going to be heart-wrenching. Beautiful writing for both characters, it carried me straight into two different worlds, inside the mind of two very different people with very distinct voices. Brilliant.
- Zain's sense of humour. He made me laugh. He was cute. Ok.
- the very very very last paragraph, when
What I didn't like:
- everything else.
The love story was insta-lovey: like, Roman sees Zain once and omg he knows his life is going to change, he's the one. Sure. And in general, I didn't like Roman. I felt so connected to him when he was a boy. I adored his flashback. And then what? This is what you give me, Barbara Elsborg? Nah. He was written like the prototype of an alpha man that never asks that eventually CHANGES BECAUSE OF LOVE, which a trope I hate if it's not delivered well. This is not well delivered: it's too quick, too sudden. Roman is smitten with Zain, that's fine. But he has so much going on in his life (like ) and still the only thing about him that really matters in the novel is his new-found stupidity over Zain.
I liked Zain a bit more, but not a lot. He's a much better rounder character, that's true. But the resolution he had with was really bad, and I really couldn't appreciate that sometimes he was just so whiny and immature even after going through hell. How does that happen.
These two have a lot of sex together but all of the sex is bad, imho. Like, you can't write sexual chemistry, Barbara, and that's fine. I accept that. But throwing BDSM into that already quite shitty mix was a bit of an overkill. Totally unnecessary, so unsexy, and kinda read OOC for both of them even when ideally could have been totally fine? Uh, weird.
It was the first book I read from this author. I doubt I'll pick another one soon. Goodbye.
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