Romance Schmomance
Written on Nov 10, 2013
Where to begin?! Let me start with how nervous I was to read this book, after reading the first book in the series, Marigny Street. With the way that book ended, I was left confused, wanting more, and quite heart-broken. And when I found the next book wasn't going to be a continuation of the main characters in the first book, I was slightly devastated. Even though I heard there would be connections (more on that later) in this book, I felt somewhat better. BUT, with all of that being said, I wasn't too eager to jump into Red Dirt Road... I wanted to take a little mental break because my heart was having trouble settling what I learned about book two.
Now that you heard my little bit about that, I did love this book, so very much! It is said that it could be read as a standalone, but I disagree, I think everyone should read Marigny Street before they dive into this one. Trust me, you'll want to, you'll just miss the connections completely and possibly be confused. The story was very different from the first one and the characters are very easy to love.
Layla ... when does my heart not break for a character?! It definitely did for her and all of the losses she has suffered. She has so much healing to do and Michael helps her get there. Just like me, she can be a moody one and it change rather quickly. She's just "sunshine & rainbows". She thinks that death will always come those she love, so she constantly fights to stay clear of Michael. She cares about him too much, to lose him.
What is there to say about Michael? Literally, there's so much, I don't even know where to start! He's a fierce, yet a gentle man. And a boxer, what's not to love about this guy?! Don't worry, there's more to love about this guy. He genuinely cares about Layla and yes, the whole "love at first sight" concept, happened for the both of them. But the feeling is really strong and quite believable. He has a constant need to protect Layla, no matter how hard she tries to push him away. And she will just have to accept that!
I loved all the other characters as well, they're like their own little family and it's funny, when they're altogether. My favorite would have to be Madam Catalina, who was Layla's fill-in grandmother and "spiritual advisor" (sure, why not? She just knows things!). And I would love to get a reading done by her and learn what my "mothering flower" is! That whole aspect was extremely intriguing and I loved what it did for the story.
I just want to take a brief moment to discuss something. There's a part in the book, where he talks about boxing and why he does it. I was so in awe of the way it was described, almost like it's a form of art. And most would never see it like that. Annie, you did an amazing job writing that. I have no idea what actual boxers think of their sport, but I love the way you described it. All I ever think about, is the brutality of it is, and pain. For Michael, it's something completely different. And I wish, I could share that whole little dialogue, but I want to everyone to experience it for themselves.
The ending ... I definitely won't give it away, but I was seriously walking on egg shells with anxiety, hoping it wouldn't be the same as the first book. That would have seriously killed me ... I was like, "I can't go through another heartbreak so soon". THANKFULLY, that wasn't the case! THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I don't think what I just said gives anything away, you'll see!
I love this book and I really encourage everyone to read this series, I definitely can't wait for the next book to come and see how the previous characters will show up!