Title: Oliver
Author: FG Adams
Series: This Is Your Life #3
Genre: Adult ContemporaryRomance
Publisher: Createspace
Release Date: April 3, 2017
Format: E-Arc
Pages: 320
Source: Author via L.Woods PR
Reading Challenges: 2017 New Release
Soulmates destined to collide.
Six years after surviving a tragic loss, a photograph of a young woman turns Oliver Bishop’s world upside down. He’s on a mission, tracking her from state to state. Each stop bringing him closer to finding her. Will
After fourteen years of running from a nightmare, Fallyn Blackwood barely escaped her stalker’s clutches in Washington. When a sexy stranger walks into Ray’s Diner, her entire world shifts on its axis. Scared and determined, she finds herself fighting his protective nature—and her desire. The problem is, she’s not looking to be saved.
He’s come too far to back down. He found her, and he won’t let go. Freedom from the past is within his grasp, and he’ll fight for her love
When deciding to read a book there are three things I take into consideration, the cover, the synopsis and the author. Now when this book came on my radar, the things that grabbed me was the cover and the synopsis as it would be my first time reading the author’s work. At the time I made my decision I did not realise that it was a part of a series, I guess that happens when book covers are distracting. However, assurance provided by the provider of the book indicated that it was a stand-alone read. To be honest, it can be read in that manner, but, I felt like I was missing something, which probably would be revealed by reading the previous books.
This belief stemmed from my inability to connect with the main characters. Seeing that the story was told from both their POVs, I was expecting to connect with them on a deep level. This, however, was not the case. Oliver Bishop is in mourning and has been this way for six years until the photograph of a woman had him believing in second chances. He is determined to rescue her, even if it meant she felt she did not need rescuing. Fallyn Blackwood, the young woman in the photo has been on the run for the past fifteen years. She escaped an abusive relationship and her main concern was protecting her daughter, who was a product of that union. Therefore, a stranger coming to her rescue is not something she will entertain in spite of their sizzling chemistry. Sounds good right? Well from the perspective of the premise, I would say yes, but that is where it ends.
I could not wrap my head around several things. First, I found it strange that it took the photograph of a beautiful woman to make the Oliver cease mourning the loss of his fiancée. Second, he never knew her, yet he fell in love with her even before he met her in person. Third, I had issues with how Fallyn placed her trust in Oliver so soon after meeting him. Mind you, this was before she knew his agenda. Given her situation, I would expect her to be wary, especially as it relates to her daughter. Then what I found even more disturbing is the speed in which she fell in love. After her experience with her ex, I would have expected her to be cautious in the relationship department.
Another issue I had was that details about the demons that plagued them both were not mentioned until around 70% of the story. By that time it was too late for me to empathise with them. I felt that having this information earlier would have helped me to understand their pain and suffering allowing me to connect with them.
The writing style was good, and it played a role in my completing the story in spite of the noted issues. I found the dialogue between Oliver and his friend entertaining. The pacing was fine for the most part, however after the main aspect of the story was resolved it became painfully slow. I found the dialogue between Oliver and Fallyn cheesy at times. There were times when I could not help but roll my eyes at their interaction.
Verdict
This story had potential. A great storyline and characters who had the potential to make an impact. The romance lacked adequate development. The instant love connection did not work in this scenario and it played a part in the characters not making an impact. However, if you want to take a chance on this book, don’t let my views sway you from doing so. Who knows you may just find a gem.
About the Authors:
F.G. Adams writes contemporary and paranormal romance about sexy alpha heroes and feisty-mouthed heroines. The wonder twins forming F.G. enjoy
When not writing, you can find them on a beach with their significant other enjoying the waves or riding a Harley on a country road somewhere in the USA.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.authorfgadams.com
Email: fgadams@authorfgadams.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorFGAdams/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorfgadams
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Website: https://www.authorfgadams.com
Email: fgadams@authorfgadams.com
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Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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I’ll admit the book covers could sway me more so than other factors hahaha
it’s too bad about the lack of development and all but I understand. Anyway it’s a nice cover
I am not sure that this would be a book for me. I do get distracted by covers more than I want to admit but the whole falling in love with a photo is strange.
Haha, I am easily distracted by a pretty cover too and it drives me crazy when I buy a book only to discover it’s smack in the middle of a series.
Yes, it happens to me a lot, you think I would learn by now. 🙂
He fell in love with a photo…ok but what if she would have been a crazy bitchy person
I, guess because he knew she needed rescuing, it would be safe. Just saying.
Sorry you didn’t enjoy this, Nadene. I can see why. I would feel the same. Awesome review, anyway. The cover is yummy, though. 🙂
Thanks Geybie. It had too many issues.
Sometimes I really feel you need to read these in order. I am curious as to if they were mentioned in previous books giving you a sense of them. I can see what kept you from loving this.
Yes, so am I Kim. I am considering reading the previous books to see if this is the case.
Great cover! Sorry that you could not connect but your review is awesome!
Thanks Cindy. It is one of those things. I guess connecting with each book we read may not always occur.
umm yeah.. I don’t know about the whole falling in love and stopping grief over a picture of someone
I did not get it either.