stacey_is_sassy
Written on Nov 24, 2018
Why does A. Zavarelli insist on reminding me that the world really is an ugly place sometimes? In my own little narrow world, my biggest problems centre around balancing my busy schedule with my families busy schedules. I didn’t have to overcome a rough childhood, my boys and I are fairly healthy, and we have enough money to provide ourselves with the essentials and a few treats. Every so often, these reminders make me see that my own little narrow world is pretty bloody awesome. Confess turned my squinty-eyed, moral high-ground judgement into admiration for characters determined to beat and survive their ugly pasts.
I always find it a little weird to say that I “enjoyed” a dark and gritty romance. There is absolutely no way I could say that I was bouncing up and down with joy while reading. I did not end my read with a big goofy smile on my face which is normally my gauge for enjoyment. Completely sucked in, knocked for a sixer, and drowning in tears were some of the emotions I felt. A. Zavarelli manages to bombard me with negative emotions that somehow make me enjoy (again, that weird word) the story even more. How the hell she does this every time, I have no bloody idea…Mad Skills!?!?
I started Confess and after reading the first page I was convinced that it wasn’t going to work for me. I don’t like characters starting off bad because it means I have to get past their evil ways to fall in love with them. After a few chapters, my scowl turned into a contemplative squint that added a few wrinkle lines to my face. I guess real life can get ugly and sometimes bad things are what makes you stronger and helps lead you to become a better person. There were a few times the scowl returned but it was more about assessing what was happening than anything. Again, I keep asking myself, how does all this negativity equal enjoyment??? Should I call it dark enjoyment?
Anyways, Confess was gripping. There were plenty of up and downs to deal with along the way but I managed to weather them all and come out the other side satisfied. Plenty of tropes that would normally have me running for the hills. By starting oblivious to them, I allowed the story to guide me through the rough waters without preconceived judgements ruling. I think by not slamming a trope in our face and then guiding us to the answers for the rest of the book, we can wade through to understanding better. Sometimes, I don’t have the patience, stomach or discipline to wait for the answers. I become judge and juror within the first whiff of scandal, abuse or broken trust. A. Zavarelli seamlessly helps you pass the hurdle and you suddenly realise that what was behind you, was something you normally can’t tolerate. She’s good…damn good.
If you’re looking for a story that will play with your emotions, Confess is definitely worth a try. Heads up...This is not an overly religious story and no priest was ruined in the making of Confess. Honestly, with that title, I was a little worried that it would be the priest who was going to "save" Gypsy and they'd fall in love. I was happy we didn't go there.
#Darkenjoyment
#Imustlovecrying
#scowlingforthewin