3 out of 4 stars
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First and foremost it is tremendously important to note that the content in this book deals with mature subject matter; thus, I strongly recommend this book to an adult audience. The content consists of abuse (physical and mental), sexual violence and drug deals in a critical nature. The author very skilfully uses love as a tool to heal broken hearts; with a twist of strong bonds formed over friendship, to give out a fascinating reading experience to the reader.
Heartaches 2 by H. M. Irwing is the second book of its trilogy series which bring out the raw honesty of its victims. The book consists of 262 standard pages divided into 13 chapters with a prologue used as a beginning tool to keep up the continuous flow from its earlier book. Heartaches 2 belong to the romance genre; but with a twist of betrayal, hard-core and vengeance.
The novel speaks about the shy and naive, Anna Simmons who learned about the sweet and the bitterness of love, and the depth of hate through the hard way by losing something valuable. Haunted by her past Anna encounters a man who also had to endure so much in life that his dark past haunts him in his dreams. Through him, Anna recognized a reason to fight back what she had lost and to live for him.
What I enjoyed throughout this book is the descriptive detail given about love and pain. A pain centered around sexual violence (abuse) in which it influences the victim and the people involved in the victim's life physically and mentally. With all these emotions revolving around such a tedious act, there lies the hidden innocence of a person still believing the idea of a happily ever after.
Many may consider this book a Chick Lit as there is romance, passion and copious scenes of steamy erotica, all written very well indeed. What I found fascinating is the fact that Irwing's protagonists suffer from their bruised past. Rape (sole and gang) plays a significant role in this book, but that is not the drive: the point is finding solace and overcoming the past by finding a mate who will have a forgiving and an understanding heart. Through Anna, Irwing shows that people are not perpetually who they seem: who we adore the most may choose to abandon us in an unforgivable way.
Characters give a whole new meaning to this exciting and passionate, suspenseful read. The love between Anna and Rafael is beautiful which is growing strong as the two protect each other. Unfortunately, absurd dramas and extreme emotions demean the standard of the book. Yes! Ardent love exists with fearsome hate, and these characters know how to show it, but one has to wonder if the emotions displayed are above limitations. The scenario is the same when Anna and Rafael are dealing with the dramas of their loved one’s relationships throughout the plot making it extremely vague.
The plot is a well written read developed by including the perspective of multiple characters. The language used is simple and easy-going without any hindrance. This book is not a stand-alone read; thus, it is essential to read as it is otherwise there is a high chance of getting lost (with experience). I believe the social – political comments about gay marriage, the victim – blaming and rape stated in this book were favorable in maintaining my interest. It offers an emotional and a psychological complex read which is important in maintaining the reader's attention towards the book. Considering the above experience that I got from this book, I award it a 3 out of 4 stars.
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Heartaches 2
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