Oh, boy. This was slightly less than 3.5 stars for me. This is a first for a Kristen Ashley book. I usually love them completely. However, there were a few things in the story that really turned me off. First, I found Gwen to completely lacking in substance. She was flighty and shallow and I couldn't figure out why so many men were falling at her feet. (view spoiler)[ I hated the way she kept having tingles and shivers over other men just because they were "hot". I hated that she kissed other men and went running to Tack every single time something with Hawk went wrong. The same thing happened inJagged with Violet and Joe, but I understood Violet's actions more. She was a single mother, looking for some stability and Joe was making it clear that he wasn't in it for the long term. (hide spoiler)]. I actually like a romance where there are some rivals for the lady's affections. I think it is rare that you meet someone when you are completely single and not involved with anyone else at all. I definitely look for fantasy and escape from my romance novel, but a little injection of reality makes the story one that I can actually relate to. But I think this story took it too far. I ended skimming (something I NEVER do with KA) at some points and I wanted to slap Gwen several times. Hawk saved and elevated the book for me. Yes, his behavior for the first 18 months of their relationship was total crap. But, they were equally responsible for creating that dynamic. And he was gorgeous. And sweet. As soon as he decided he could handle more, he was committed. Yes, there were moments of weakness, but he was SO human. What a good man. He was an Alpha, but he never did anything that Gwen didn't want. I finished this story and knew that I would never want to read it again. Although I felt compelled to get to the end and read the amazing epilogue that other reviewers raved about, I struggled to keep going at times. The epilogue was really great. But, I still couldn't give this more than the 3.5 stars. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, which I have heard are really good.
