I would like to thank Brynn Ford for providing an ARC to #Blue via #NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review
Blue by Brynn Ford centers around three people: Desi/Blue, wife to Vaughn and suffering from an unimaginable loss, Vaughn, Desi's incredibly loving husband, who is struggling watching his wife and marriage circle the drain, and Law, Desi's friend and a dominant who is suffering in his own way.
I will start this out by admitting that after reading the first few chapters, I wasn't convinced I was going to like this book. I honestly think because the prologue starts off so happy. Falling in love, getting pregnant, marriage ... it was kind of perfect. Then they lose their baby. Lately, I try to stay away from spoilers, but the trigger warning says it all, so I hope you don't mind. Understandably, Desi spirals. I'm a mother. I'm a mother who has gone through preterm labor. I was lucky. My babies survived. And although Desi and Vaughn are fictional characters, I was broken-hearted for them. As someone who has suffered from severe depression, it was relate-able in a way that made it hard to read. I was unsure if I could finish.
I am SOOOOO glad I continued though. Brynn Ford is a great writer, and I couldn't pay attention to any of the other books I am reading until I finished this one. While parts of it were predictable, I was riveted. The BDSM is not like fifty shades, which I blame for romanticizing it, and not showing a true portrayal of BDSM. It's raw, and honest, and I can tell Brynn Ford took her time to try to portray a controversial world. Were there some parts of the story I wasn't crazy about? Sure! But I couldn't put the book down.
The characters are really well written, and their emotions are clearly expressed in the book. While it was hard to read about Desi's depression, it was realistic. It was triggering. I was crying before the first chapter. I understood Desi's character. Perhaps not her masochism, because I am not one. Brynn Ford's writing made her feel real, which is impressive. Now Vaughn ...oh my god. Read this book and tell me you don't love him. Someone so devoted to his wife ... ugh. My heart. Swoon. Swoon. Swoon.
And let's talk about Law. We should hate the "side-guy", right? BUT I COULDN'T!!! Sure, he wanted a married woman. He respected her boundaries. And while morally in a grey ... close to black area ... he helped bring Desi back to life. Despite his feelings for her, his desire to see her happy, he HELPS her and Vaughn. Again. Swoon. The other characters were great too, including Desi's new best friend Ris.
The ending of book 1 ends on quite a cliffhanger, and I can't help myself. I'm invested enough in this story and the characters to purchase the second book. Especially after reading the sneak peek. If you like slightly dark erotica, or BDSM, you will love Blue. The story is kind of beautiful, in a twisted way. The sex is hot if that is what you are into. You won't regret it.