REVIEW - Never Too Far by Abbi Glines

I was so excited to get my hands on Never Too Far by Abbi Glines! I really enjoyed Fallen Too Far, the first book in the series, and while it was what I could consider an “indulgent” read, the ending hooked me in and made me consider the book as more than just a basic romance.  When Never Too Far came out, I was hoping for an extension of that ending and a fight for true love.  While I believe this was the intent of the author, for me the book just fell flat.

I totally fell for cocky and hot Rush in book one, and he just didn’t have that same appeal in Never Too Far. He was tamer, more complacent, and without the drive that attracted me in the first place.  Now don’t get me wrong, he had drive and motivation in book two as well, but it just wasn't as intense and fiery as it was before - or maybe intense but for a different reason and in an entirely different way?  I’m finding it hard to explain, but the bottom line is he just didn’t grab me in like he did in the first book. I didn’t have that “Rush Crush”.

Blaire, now where can I start with her? At the end of book one I saw a change in her. She made a decision that intrigued me and I wanted to see more of that strong and determined woman and watch Rush fight for her. I wanted to see her intense reaction to that fight, I wanted to see her inner struggle and growth.  Instead I found her regressing almost – she came across as immature, closed minded and wishy washy. I got annoyed with her too many times to count, and not in a good way either.  It was just a feeling of “enough already!”

Maybe the fault lies in me for expecting too much from this book. The ending of book one gave me high hopes for Never Too Far, I could see a direction for it to go and Abbi Glines just didn’t take it there.  Instead I got some cookie cutter unimaginative problems, quick fix reasons for the main characters to interact, and unsatisfying results.  *SPOILER ALERT* When Blaire finally lets Rush close because she was horny (yes, that’s why),  I nearly gave up on the book.  There was no fight for love, Rush didn’t have to convince her, she wanted sex and so got back with him.  Up until that point, Blaire had convictions – and while I did not agree with them, I had to respect her for them.  Well. Until she just threw them all away to get laid. It was incredibly disappointing, to say the least, almost as if Abbi Glines couldn’t figure out a way or reason for Rush and Blaire to get back together. 

I honestly have to wonder if this book was hurriedly churned out after the success of book one. It just didn’t have the feel, depth or insight that I was expecting. Unfortunately, I just can’t give this book any more than 2.5 stars. It was a basic, somewhat bland romance that could have been much, much more.

Review - Betrayed: Days of the Rogue by Nicky Charles

If you haven’t read Nicky Charles’ Laws of the Lycans series,  go start it now! All her books are available FREE for download from her website, and they are too good to miss! Her latest instalment is Betrayed: Days of the Rogue, and oh, did I ever enjoy this one! I’d have to say it is my favourite so far.

When I started this book, I thought it would be more centred around Damien, the werewolf who has gone rogue after the loss of his mate.  While it is in fact a continuation of Damien’s story, the book belongs truly to Eve – a young woman who not only recently discovered that she is part Fae, but also has begun to come into her gift as an empath.  Escaping the busy city and all the noisy minds there, she finds herself in Grassy Hills, renting a cabin in the woods from the gorgeous Rafe McCrae.  As far as she knows,  Rafe is an impossibly frustrating man busy fixing up a series of cabins in the woods to rent – when in reality he has taken a sabbatical from his work rehabilitating rogue werewolves. When he realizes the rogue Damien is sniffing around Eve,  Rafe immediately takes action to both protect her and get to the bottom of what Damien is up to – but can he do it without falling for Eve, a dangerous prospect for more than one reason,  in the process?

 

As I said, this is my favourite book of the Laws of the Lycans series. It was very involved with many twists and turns, varied connections between characters, and a story line that kept me guessing everyone’s motives right up to the end.  Not only did it have great suspense,  this book in particular I found had me feeling deeply for many of the characters as I hoped they made the choices I *knew* were in them.  The romance, as always from Nicky Charles, is top notch with lots of build up and steamy scenes.  (I will never look at a front entrance wall the same way again. ;) )

Even if this book was regularly priced I would be recommending it,  but since it is free, you have absolutely nothing to lose! Give the whole series a go – while it is heavy on the romance,  it is more than just an indulgent read.  Four solid stars from me, for both the book Betrayed and the entire series. Click on the book below to be taken to Nicky Charles' website and get downloading!