Book Descripton:
Maryanne Torres is a compassionate nurse who fails at relationships. After a string of losers, she swears off sex to land a marrying man. But a party she attends turns into a drinking binge, and she is raped.
Lucas Knight is a biracial athlete intent on winning the Ironman Triathlon. He finds Maryanne the next morning bloody and unconscious. Since Maryanne cannot identify her attacker, he becomes the prime suspect.
When Maryanne finds herself pregnant, she plans to abort, but the identity of her rapist is hidden in the baby's DNA.
A trap is set. Lucas races to clear his name, but the secret Maryanne hides threatens to drown their chance for true love.
[Content Advisory: This book has a pro-life slant. There are a few swear words. The rape is not shown, but there is one mild sex scene between Maryanne and her boyfriend.]
My Review:
★★★★☆
While I really love Rachelle Ayala's book, this was not one of my favorites. Don't get me wrong, the writing is a good as ever, the characters are very complex and realistic, and the story line is great. The reason it isn't my favorite is that it made me so emotional! I found myself so irritated at the main characters that I would have thrown the book across the room several times if I hadn't been reading it on my iPhone! Maryanne is so absolutely frustrating at times. She is determined to ruin any relationship she has with her distrust and insecurity. Lucas has a huge chip on his shoulder about both his color and the fact that an ex-girlfriend had done something he considered unforgivable. Both of them really knew how to make the worse of every good situation it seemed.
The book also made me cry. The story is at times completely heart wrenching. Reading this story was like being there at times. If I could have held Maryanne in a tight hug through parts of the book, I would have. She goes through a lot in the story, often alone, and really is so helpless at times. Lucas, while stronger in some ways, is just as needy as she is. They are actually perfect for each other, even if it does seem like it would be a totally co dependant relationship.
The topic of abortion is the main theme throughout the book and I think it was handled well. Rape, depression, suicide, and love are also topics that are handled beautifully in this well written, thought provoking book. If you think that these topics would be too hard for you to read about, I would suggest you think carefully before reading this book. There are some really emotional scenes that might disturb some people
I recommend this book to anyone that can handle the topics, and that enjoy a sometimes frustrating but all together heart touching and romantic story.
About the author
Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.Rachelle is an active member of online critique group, Critique Circle, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.
Other books in the Chance For Love Series
When a woman wrongs a man… can a man forgive and love?
Jen Jones wasn't a criminal. She just made a few bad choices and ruined a few lives, primarily that of her boss, CEO Dave Jewell. When her blackmailer is murdered, she becomes the next target.
Dave Jewell protects Jen because she holds the key to his company's code. What he doesn't expect is love, lies, and a link to his past. Jen must solve the mystery and thwart a ruthless killer while keeping her heart from being broken.
Vera Custodio has never fallen in love, though she really cares for Zach. Long-forgotten memories resurface when Vera discovers Zach’s mother was the woman her father supposedly murdered many years ago.
After losing his leg, former triathlete Zach Spencer reevaluates his life—and realizes he’s falling in love with Vera. Zach is determined to prove his love and follows her to Australia in search of the killer.
Caught between a web of family secrets and a deranged adversary, Vera and Zach must depend on each other for survival.
Thanks Amanda for your review. I'm glad the book was thought provoking and emotional. :)
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