Our Monthly Discussion
On our monthly Book Nook Review, 3 other people turned up to discuss the book, all that had read it and enjoyed it, spoke about how much they thought it was a good book. What parts they liked best, and what rating they would give the book.
What Everyone Thought
Letty
Enjoyed the book, had the same opinion as me that she wouldn’t call it dark romance just because of the primal prey, but that she did think it was a really good read, she just expected more from it.
Sheridan
She had only just started it, so had only got a few chapters done, but she said she enjoyed what she had read and couldn’t wait to finish the book.
Tara
She mentioned How she had it reading out loud whilst she was in the bath, and one of her male friends could also hear it. Well… For her first time listening to that genre she was shocked, and so was her friend. Definitely made for a good story though for the rest of us listening.
Another Creator
Another creator who unfortunately couldn’t make it due to a migraine, had also only just started the book but mentioned that she liked what she had heard so far.
Genre Thoughts
This book is in the genre of dark romance, but for me personally I wouldn’t personally have put it in that genre, due to how tame it was in my opinion.
Plot Setup
So it starts off with the main female character being newly divorced after finding out her husband has been cheating on her with a newer model.
Her husband, not much to route home about, too honest about their sex life in a room full of people.
The main male character is first shown as a brooding, mysterious character that listens in on a colleagues story about his sex life, learning about primal play.
Character Development
I enjoyed how both the male and female main characters personal identities developed over time. Claire became more empowered and a strong character, realising she was worth much more than what she previously had.
Shane’s character developed from dark and mysterious, to romantic and empathetic towards his partner. From practicing primal with random people, to chasing his forever in the woods.
What I Loved Most
I loved how Claire learned to love herself for who she was, rather than stuck in the trauma that her ex husband caused her. Shane appreciated her for who she was, which helped empower her. It also helped her fall in love with him, as he was able to see her for who she was rather than what he wanted her to be like her ex did.
Shane’s development was one of wonders, a bit like Christian grey from Fifty shades, he opted for a contract to start off their relationship. But before long he soon regretted that part of things, often wishing he had just asked her out. This was the start of his development, he went from no aftercare to realising that a girl needs that affection after intimacy, otherwise they feel used and unloved.
Themes
The themes of the book were normal characteristics of a dark romance, trauma, self-loathing, but also just the hints of a normal romance, with that being contract to lovers, empathy and empowerment outweighing the negative.
My Rating
If I had to rate this book on the genre, Id give it a 2. But overall since it was a cutesy little thing, I’d give it a 3 as I did enjoy the way the characters grew together, I just wouldn’t personally call it a dark romance.
