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Merissa (12055 KP) rated Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1) in Books

Apr 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)  
Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1)
Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1)
Jennifer Cody | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FORREST'S #WIN is the first book in the Recovery Road series, and WOW! Just, WOW! This story deals with the (on-page) rape of one of the main characters, and the healing process both of them undertake following that.

Okay, so first things first. The rape scene. Yes, it's on-page and yes, it's horrible. However, I felt it was written exceptionally well, giving the horror of the situation without sensationalising it. It is over fairly quickly and then the focus is on the recovery. If rape is a trigger for you, then I would think exceedingly carefully about whether this is the book for you.

Right then, moving on. Blake and Forrest are best friends first and foremost. Blake jokes about being Forrest's house-husband before he even realises he is attracted to him. For me, one of the best bits of the book is when Blake is there for Forrest, no matter what. Forrest needs a hug? He gets one. He needs to hold Blake's hand during therapy? Consider it done. Only once does he pull away from Forrest, and that is because of questions raised by the therapist.

I loved how these two worked through the therapy, their relationship growing and changing in the process. Forrest with his schedules cracked me up, but it worked for him. Faith throws a whole new aspect to the story, but once again, our main two deal with it by pulling together and communicating! Ahh, what a refreshing change!

One of the things that jarred me, to begin with, was how Forrest and Blake spoke to each other at times, but it quickly just became part of them. Plus, they were using and implementing tools given to them in therapy, which made me happy.

Overall, this is a beautiful, heartwarming story about something horrible and the recovery process, culminating in a HEA so much brighter than the two main characters could have envisaged. I loved every word and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. I can't wait to see what comes next. Just make sure you take heed of the Trigger Warning.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 8, 2021
  
Two Forces (Crescentwood #2)
Two Forces (Crescentwood #2)
R.A. Smyth | 2021 | Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Darker, dirtier and a damn sight more dangerous!

Spoilers/warning : Please be aware there is an attempted rape scene/a rape and sex trafficking which includes reference to underage girls which could be a trigger for some readers.
    Also a few graphic descriptions of violence and sex.

Chapter one starts us on the same day we left off, only with Sophie, not Preston.
    I'm so happy that we've not jumped ahead weeks, especially after the cliffhanger of the first book. It's pretty seamless too, no subtle character discrepancies and no questions about what's happened since we were last enveloped in Crescentwood.

Sophie is as strong and sassy as ever but we get to see a more vulnerable side too. A side that puts cracks in tough exteriors of four smoking hot guys.

Each page I read makes me want a reverse harem so bad! Hot, gorgeous bad boys with tattoos and a soft spot for Sophie and some mind blowing sex.....lucky girl! I love how the boys characters are growing, how each of them is showing traits that explain why Sophie is so drawn to them.

Yet again we're left with questions and a bit of a cliffhanger but I wouldn't have it any other way, it just has me impatiently waiting for the next installment!

The epilogue is grim, twisted and puts a lot of the pieces together. It confirmed some of my theories, made me uncomfortable, oddly satisfied and quite honestly anxious about what's ahead for Sophie and the boys.