The Token

by Marata Eros

[Angie]

The Token opens up with a punch to the gut. Faren’s doctor just said the two words that no one wants to hear, especially at twenty-two years old. From there, Faren’s life goes from bad to worse and we witness it all. This is not a happy story, but it is a compelling one. While I really don’t like the choices that she makes, it was interesting to read why she makes them. Sometimes life causes you to make tough decisions.

I liked Faren. She’s not the typical romance heroine. She’s damaged inside and out. It’s rare to have characters who aren’t physically perfect, so I liked that Faren had a slight disability that she has to learn to live with. It’s nothing huge, but it is something that sets her apart and makes her train wreck of a life just that much more difficult. Coincidentally, she’s working as a physical therapist, helping others work past their own physical boundaries. But, it doesn’t pay the bills, and Faren has a lot of debt since her mother is on life support. When her best friend offers her a way to make her weekly paycheck in just one night, she takes it. It’s not a decision Faren takes lightly, but she enters the world of exotic dancing…and beyond.

The Token does focus on Faren’s transition into her new job, but I definitely wouldn’t say this is an erotic novel, or even that graphic. There are brief descriptions of some actions that take place, but no details. I think this was intentional, since Faren tries to distance herself from what she’s doing. It’s not arousing to her, so there’s no need to get into descriptions of the men’s responses to her.

The one thing that I didn’t like about The Token was the budding romance. Faren meets billionaire Jard McKenna when he nearly runs her over with his motorcycle just moments after her diagnosis. She’s immediately attracted to him, because he’s super hot, and she plans to take life by the reins. He takes her out to make up for the accident and they share some steamy kisses. Other than that, I found their interactions awkward to read, since I couldn’t really tell how Faren felt about him. She’s clearly physically attracted to him, and she says she wants him, but she pushes him away. He clearly wants her, but he’s also a bit overbearing. I just wasn’t into it.

That ending though? Holy crap! The Token ends on a huge cliffhanger, and Faren’s life has seriously taken a turn for the worst. I think my heart stopped for a moment at that. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.