It needed to be longer
I love the cover and the title, and it's Lisa Henry's so I was sold.
Her style is there, and I love it. She knows what she's writing and she knows what she wants to achieve.
The problem is... this is too rushed. In every sense of the word.
Too "insta-lovey" for my taste.
I liked the characters together but I had the sensation they both need more development, not only from the author's part, but also of themselves.
It's a way too soon, Aidan needs some growing-up, more healing. I'm not referring to the chronological aspect. He's too vulnerable, his mental fragility is obvious. He had been abused for years and years, and his mother left him behind. Also, he dropped out of school when he was 15 because of his dyslexia and is too dependent of Cole. I felt he was not ready for a sentimental relationship of this magnitude. I wasn't feeling comfortable with the sexual sphere here, and it was nothing to do with the age gap but with the emotional growth.
Cole is also too unstable, he's a veteran and he comes with his own baggage. He's supposedly the confident one, the one who provides safeness and protection. I'm not saying he's unable of such things, but I do believe he's still not prepared for what's to come.
I can understand Aiden's crush on Cole, as he saved Aiden's life and is the first person who has ever behaved well with Aiden. What I cannot buy is Cole's instant feelings.
What I meant to say is not that this story doesn't work, just that it needed more time in order to be really complete and solid.
The mystery part was unexpected. It comes in the very end and took me by surprise. I didn't see that coming, but makes a lot of sense.
*****
You can read this book for free here.
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