Book Review: Raine's Haven by Shari J. Ryan

~ Haven ~ I felt like I was living in a prison while watching Raine Carson from my window, studying his sexy, tanned, and muscular physique for six long months. From inside of my house, he was perfect.

Then I found out everything looked different from afar. Raine, a blunt and hot tempered man was living a life he wasn't proud of, and I found myself oddly attracted to the sickening reality he opened my eyes to.

~ Raine ~ She thought I'd fall for her seductive ploy and scarlet-glossed lips. She was right. Every person in this small town had something negative to say about Haven Leigh's life—the girl who had been handed everything on a silver platter. I ignored the rumors, and instead, searched for her truths.

While struggling with disabling side-effects left behind by my coke-addict mother, Haven became the hope I needed. She was the good I wanted to be.

But, as it turns out, she was the trouble I should have stayed away from.

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My Review:

I’m finding it really difficult to put my feelings about this book into words. I adore Shari Ryan’s work and it kills me to say this one didn’t work for me. I think it might have something to do with how many years there are between my age and that of the leading couple, but I didn’t connect with story the way I expected I would. Raine, I pretty much loved for the whole book. He’s an old soul in a young man’s body and he’s endured so many things that he had no control over. However, I found Haven to be a spoiled, manipulative brat. And, while I saw some growth in her character from the first part to the second, I didn’t feel like it was enough for who she was at the beginning of the book. I also wasn’t a fan of the way the villain got away with his crimes. I appreciate that the balance was restored, but I don’t feel like justice was served. The writing is brilliant, and I will continue to read everything Shari Ryan publishes. I received a complimentary copy of this book thought Booksprout.