Reviewed by whisperingchapters on
If I had read this book before becoming a book blogger, I probably would have loved it but that's not the case. My biggest issue with this book is the insta-love. When I say insta, I mean as soon as they meet...so it is love at first sight. Let me explain. Iris is engaged to Trip Dunnavin, a man that abuses her physically and mentally and emotionally, doesn't love her, manipulates her and is downright mean BUT this doesn't give Iris the right to just...fall in love instantly especially with a guy she just met...literally, just met! I'm glad she didn't instantly act upon these feelings and she really did try to leave Trip before she got with Zo, so for that, kudos.
I had mixed feelings with Iris. I would get so frustrated with her. She should have just woman up, leave Trip (should have done it a long time ago) and start slowly with Zo, the new guy she met. You see, Zo is a wanted man for committing a murder he didn't do. Trip finds out who he is and blackmails Iris, telling her that if she doesn't marry him, he will go to the authorities so they can arrest Zo. What does Iris does? She accepts. I would have gone to Zo, hire the best lawyers I could afford and fight it head on.
Aside from those two things that bothered me with this novel, I enjoyed the story, especially Buddy and Ella. Buddy is Zo's little brother and Ella is Iris' best friend. Those two characters were funny and amazing and I love them. They got a lot of spotlight in this book and for that, I am grateful because these two characters saved the story for me. Ella is the kind of friend I would love to have. She is strong, has a good head on her shoulders, knows what she wants and is realistic, whereas Iris lives more in la-la land and lets others walk all over her.
There were times that I wished Zo had forgotten about Iris but that man really was in love. I believe he would have let her go if Iris had said so but Zo knew that Iris wasn't going to last with Trip. She wasn't happy at all but with Zo she was a whole new person, filled with life. In the end, I'm glad everything worked out for these two souls that were destined to be together. I wish the ending hadn't been rushed but it was still good.
This story is raw and filled with emotions that tests true love and each character's decisions. After the aspect of the insta-love passed, I enjoyed the romance. I honestly would have liked more with Iris and Zo. Their feelings got to be so strong for one another and Zo was forever the perfect gentleman, always saying the right things and meaning them, always taking care of Iris...his feelings were so true and deep.
Once again, the story was good and I do recommend it to those that love the idea of an insta-love story because you will get it and I'm pretty sure you will love it, especially the beautiful romance.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 8 February, 2015: Finished reading
- 8 February, 2015: Reviewed