Overall, Anna and Rafe's journey is compelling. I finished it in nearly one sitting. This book is a good fit for those who enjoy a dark romance. The story-line, however, could have an adverse effect on those sensitive to sexual violence. Both main characters are victims, with the subject matter described in full.
While attending a vocational college, Anna feels like an outsider. She begins dating Matt Preston, and he makes her feel less like an outcast. Six months after their relationship begins, the couple attends a rave with Matt's brother Jason. Dosing Anna with an aphrodisiac date drug, the Preston brothers rape her, take her home, and continue the act with their father.
The assault on Anna comes out of nowhere. The scene begins to play out like an exhibitionist threesome. When it is clear the brothers drugged, and are violating Anna, the sensuality still lingers. I don't mind erotica, I prefer it to the euphemisms in other novels, but the narrative here was uncomfortable. If the author's purpose was to place the reader in the lead's shoes, bravo to the method, it worked well. I understand how making the reader experience both passion, and degradation in the act could help them empathize. I know taboo fantasies exist, but a deed this far from the safe zone isn't anything but distressing.
Anna isolates herself for weeks. Hoping to coax her out of the house, her mother takes Anna to see some old family friends. During the outing, Anna and Rafe reconnect. Her behavior indicates to him she is an abuse survivor. When questioned, Anna shares with him details of her attack. Rafe promises to help her receive legal justice, something he never had after his sexual violation.
Tess, who heads the police investigation, treats Anna like she doesn't deserve support or due process. She doesn't care about Anna, which draws Anna deeper into her anguish. Even though Rafe has no interest in her, Tess acts like a jealous girlfriend. If nothing else, the way Tess treats Anna is unprofessional. When not behaving like Anna is a threat to her romance, Tess belittles her. It is infuriating, and her character's actions are appalling.
Hired on at a military school several hours away, Rafe asks Anna go with him to make a new start. She agrees, eager to put her ordeal behind her. Anna, with Rafe close by, feels safe as she learns to defend herself. From the beginning, it is clear Anna and Rafe have strong feelings for one another. The lust Anna continues to have for the Prestons prevents her from being honest with Rafe.
A few weeks later, Matt and Jason enroll in the military school. Anna rushes to Rafe, explaining her belief that if they are together, she will no longer feel any desire for the Prestons. Anna's thoughts on the matter are reasonable, but perhaps not healthy. Rafe is in no position to give her the mental peace she needs. He can barely keep his own emotions in check. They begin a string of sexual encounters as angry as they are passionate.
Rafe's abuser arrives at the school as well. His superior during his tour in Syria, Eric seems determined to keep Rafe under his thrall. Eric desires Rafe, and he won't give him up peacefully. With Eric's declaration of this to Anna, the book ends.
Written in a third person omniscient point of view, it is insightful seeing inside Anna and Rafe's psyche. However, at times, their thoughts become jumbled, and it is hard to tell one from the other. I was still able to enjoy the book, despite the occasional confusion. The Heartache novels contain a continuing narrative. I find myself curious to see how the relationship turns out, and anticipate continuing with the series.
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