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.