Tinsel (Lark Cove, #4)

by Devney Perry

[stacey_is_sassy]

When the sparkle is gone…

I don’t think being rich and famous is all it’s cracked up to be. It’s kind of depressing to think that with all the money in the world, you still have to get up at the crack of dawn to exercise. I was a wee bit disappointed that Sophia’s chef mainly made her healthy food. I’d have to wear heels and couldn’t walk out of my house without full makeup and hair styled?!?! Being rich sounds like a nightmare. I’m lucky I was pre-warned of the disadvantages, so I might just have to donate my millions of dollars to charity instead…if I had millions.

I started Tinsel a little hesitantly. Sophia did not leave me with a great first impression…or second for that matter. I couldn’t even say I warmed up to her once I heard her full story, to be honest. She’s just that wee bit too self-absorbed and flighty. Again, like most of Devney Perry’s less likable characters, you can’t help but warm up to them as they go along. Sophia is definitely someone I warmed up to and eventually loved. When her reputation is soured by an article showing her in a less than favourable light, it’s time for a reassessment. What better place for a bit of self-reflection, than Lark Cove. To get herself on track, Sophia puts her trust in Thea to distract her from her problems. Trust is all about sweeping up the nut shells.

Poor Dakota, he definitely earned his wages on the first day Sophia comes to work in the bar. Even I was surprised at her lack of general life-skills. I do not think her parents did her any favour by excusing Sophia of chores. Not knowing how to cook or clean up after yourself is not a good way to be a strong and independent person. Luckily, Dakota is a very patient person and he is willing to show her how to hold his stick...I mean broomstick.

I had quite a few epiphanies as I was reading Tinsel. One of the biggest ones was that we are guided by our parents in the choices we make. Approval or disapproval of a potential partner CAN make or break a relationship. Being brought up in a certain way with your parent’s beliefs, religion or views imparted on you, it’s almost assumed that you will follow that path forever. Sure, I get that our parents are trying to teach us values and hope that we will live bright and prosperous lives, but, we also have to be able to find our own path. Dakota’s issues with culture, history and carrying on the family’s lineage, really felt like he had no choice. I hope that I will remember this in years to come and guide my boys with a helping hand instead of an ultimatum.

I really enjoyed Tinsel a lot more than I expected. Sophia and Dakota do not take the easy road in their relationship and it felt like they had an end date in sight nearly the whole way through. I’m glad they eventually made their way to happiness but, geez, they put each other through the wringer with all of their separations.

The storyline kept me entertained from start to finish, the characters were original, far from perfect but perfect for each other, and the steamy times definitely made my heart beat harder. There were a couple of times that I was frustrated with Dakota and Sophia for not putting their love for each other first. I was fascinated by getting a glimpse of life on the Reservation and learning about how a Tribe lives together as a community. Sophia’s extravagant lifestyle wasn’t that appealing to me and I've decided that I would definitely live a different life if I had millions. Sure, I would love more money in my bank account but it’s obvious to me that money doesn’t buy you happiness.

If you haven’t read a Devney Perry story yet, DO IT!! Lucky for you, she’s got a stack out now so you are spoilt for choice. I highly recommend the Lark Cove series and Tinsel was a great addition.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.