Before I being this review, I would like to point out that I wish it was Friday. The Friday before a very long weekend. I know I just got back from vacation but I could sure use one.
And now my review.
Abbie Gough, the heroine, is a physical and emotional abuse survivor who has locked herself into a routine in her own little world. Ivan lives across "The Courtyard" in Abbie's apartment "complex" and as you get further into the book, you find out just how complicated Ivan is.
This is my first book/novella by Charlotte Stein. The first thing that struck me is that I couldn't tell exactly where this story was taking place, which overall is not a bad thing. It allowed me to imagine it could be taking place in any city, in any country. Also adding to that is Miss Stein's use of British English...which I will admit took me a bit to get used to. My mind screamed "TYPO" while the less pedestrian part of my brain told be to shut up.
The story is deliciously drawn out with voyeurism and mutual masturbation as heavy themes in the beginning of the story. It almost got to the point where it was too drawn out, but it is almost like the author sensed it and fed you the details you needed to keep the story going at a good pace. I can appreciate that talent.
Abbie and Ivan, for all intents and purposes, are fucked up characters. But I loved their story because as cheesy as this sounds, she completed him. And he did the same for her. They gave each other what was missing, what their pasts had destroyed.
And the sex! If you ever had a voyeuristic fantasy, ever wanted to catch your neighbor doing naked housecleaning, the window scenes will appeal to you. But the sex scene that did it for me was the one when all their barriers were broken down and it was just Abbie and Ivan... with none of their past sharing their bed with them. Very poignant and hot. Fair warning, there is also some brief m/m action, so if that isn't your bag...I would skip that part.
I look forward to reading more of Miss Stein's writing...and I will be keeping this one on my bookshelf. I suggest giving Deep Desires a read if something beyond the typical love story appeals to you.
I was lucky enough to get a review copy for this book in exchange for an honest review.
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