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Monday, March 31, 2014

Hell Without You by Ranae Rose


Time changes everything, except what’s meant to be.

Seven years is a long time – long enough to transform Clementine from a small-town teenager with a broken heart into a woman ready to take on the world, but not long enough to make her forget about the man she was never supposed to see again. A temporary return to tiny Willow Heights thrusts her back into Donovan’s life and home, unearthing heartbreak and obsession that have stood the test of time.

He left seven years ago too, for war and other things Clementine can only imagine. Coming back to the town where he grew up in the shadow of poverty and drug addiction makes no sense, and neither do Clementine’s feelings for him. He could never forgive her for leaving, could he? Even if she had no choice.

Now, she has the freedom to choose … and so does he. Every day in Willow Heights makes it clearer: all he ever really wanted was her, and nothing will change that. Not even a taste of the hell that drove them apart in the first place.

***Received an ARC of this book from the Publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review***

Overall Rating:  3 Rockin’ ★★★

This book’s beginning was really good.  It started strong and fizzled in the second half of the book. There were too many events that weren’t defined leaving the reader bereft and longing for more explanation or interaction.  On the positive side, Donovan is sweet and sexy.  Clementine is a feisty, head-strong heroine.  They were high school sweethearts that believed nothing would separate them.  When Clementine chooses to go away to college, Donovan joins the military.  

Donovan is dealing with post-military issues that are gripping and the situation is convincing to the reader.  He chooses to deal with the stress by burning himself.  This seems a little too crazy of a behavior for me.  I realize the author is trying to develop a tormented hero, but it didn’t progress. All things considered, I would recommend this book.

Hero:  3 stars
Heroine:  3 stars
Plot:  3
Steam level: 3 stars

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