4 out of 4 stars
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Heartaches 2 is the second novel of the Bad Vibes series by H. M. Irwing, set in the
Upper Strata of Australian society, or else, of the Upper Middle of that social hierarchy. Two down-trodden souls sort out their lives, in the hope to retain their self-respect and learn some lessons therefrom, but now with the resolve to extract vengeance on those responsible for their misfortunes. Anna Simmons and Rafael Brown found themselves victims of the same group of people, or of interrelated events, that made them spiteful of their past, while now struggling to build a future together, in love and understanding, despite the odds hurled against them by the adverse circumstances in their lives.
Firstly, Rafe has to fight, against his family, against his superior officer, and against himself. He has that dark side in him that he has to contend with. And Anna is still perturbed by a past relationship that has left its imprint, so unsettling for the one at present. Will they be able to breeze out of their troubles without adding more harm to themselves? Will they ever get the vengeance that their hearts desire?
It is interesting to note how the author created a semblance of reality in this intriguing drama of love, of even dark or perverted love, amidst an era of revolution in social consciousness. This is a coming-of-age novel depicting bisexuality, homosexuality, sadism, and other perversions to adulterate the usual heterosexual experience. However, the treatment of familiarity towards these topics is striking, how casually everything just comes to pass. This leads to the sex scenes coming out so naturally without much fanfare, so as not to be a distraction from the main storyline.
I was first tempted to assume that the title Heartaches 2 would necessarily mean all sufferings for the main characters, but as the story advances, I was delighted to come across little triumphs achieved by the good guys, progressing towards an expected vindication that, I presume, any reader would wish to see. And that could add to the enjoyment.
Heartaches 2 would impress anyone with the clarity of its writing style, thorough editing, and relevance to the present-day reality. The manner by which the characters were developed, relates of emboldened females and empowered men of wealth and influence, so rampant in this modern times. The characters of Rafe and Anna may have physical attributes that could endow them some power of sorts, but they will be pitted against an organized, formidable foe, making the sequences of the novel more interesting to read. And the side plots could be said as complementary to the achievement of the climactic point in the novel.
I readily give Heartaches 2 a rating of 4 out of 4 stars with the recommendation for the reading pleasure of romance novel fans who are no longer of minor age.
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Heartaches 2
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