Author: T.R. Graves
Release Date: March 1st, 2013
Publisher: Create Space
Pages: 348
Source: Received for review from ATOMR Tours
Synopsis:
When Emily learns her father has promised her to Lorenzo, a perverted man who has plans for her that extend well beyond marriage and kids, she rebels. Regardless of the consequences, she refuses to marry someone who'd rather beat her than caress her.
A day of hooky that starts out as a tiny act of defiance - sneaking out of the commune for a swim - turns into a day filled with hope. After spending time with Levi, a man camping near the lake, she finds what true romance looks like and catches a glimpse into a future that's filled with love and admiration rather than hate and submission.
That tiny peek is enough to change the course of Emily's existence and makes it nearly impossible for her to go back to the commune and pretend she'll ever be able to tolerate the life chosen for her instead of the life she longs for. One that includes Levi.
Fighting to escape the commune, its leaders, and her fiancé proves to be more dangerous than Emily expected. The secrets she knows, as the leader's daughter, will either follow her to the grave or send her - and Levi - there.
My Thoughts:
Emily lives in a Community where the men rule and women are second class creatures. The men instill fear and the possibility of being beaten in their women. In fact, the men can do anything they want. For example, a man can cheat on his wife and the wife has to ok with it but if a woman was to do it, she would be killed. The women in the commune or Community have to be submissive to their husband or father. I was drawn to this book because it sounded unique. I liked the fact that even though Emily has had years of mental abuse (that woman are nothing), she is outspoken at times and can think for herself. Emily knows her place in the Community and does not show to others that she is defiant in any way. It is not until she meets Levi, is where she realizes that woman can have a say in their lives and ultimately have hopes and dreams other than in the Community for the future. To me, this book is a coming of age story for Emily, defying conformity.
Levi is the ultimate alpha male. He is so protective of Emily when they first meet: making sure she gets home safely, giving her his cell phone so they can talk, trying to protect her from Lorenzo. I am not a fan of insta-love and this book is no exception. On the other hand, I can understand after meeting and spending time with Levi why she would fall for him so quickly. For her, he is like a breath of fresh air from the stuffy commune.
The story started a little slow but the last half of the book I thought was great. I found the storyline to be developed really well and I finished the last half of the book in one sitting. This books reminds me a little of one of my favourite shows called Game of Thrones. You never know who the main characters are so everything is a surprise with twists and turns. The same can be said about this book. What am I talking about you might ask? You will just have to read it, if you have not done so, to know what happens. I am very interested to find out what is going to happen in the second book, Underground, which comes out in October 2013. I am excited to see how everything will play out. I recommend this book for ages 18+, who is looking for an interesting and exciting read.
My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars!
