I have had mixed feelings about this story from the very beginning.
From the "Taboo" occurrences that put Tax & Mia's story in motion, to the beyond dark, heart shattering moments that explain, fuel, & show the reasons & points behind their story. I must say that with all of the emotions & thoughts I experienced across the spectrum reading this story, I have to say it was excellent.
In the beginning the first 25-30% of the story, I had wondered what was so great about this book? I mean at this point there was nothing new that I hadn't already read in a dark erotic romance before. it was hot but nothing new. I mean, sure, the "Choice" Mia made that set these events in motion was beyond "out of the box". I was like, "Who does this sh*t?" But I was able to get past that, once the meat of this story, the layers it contained, began to be pulled back. This one pulled me in & kept me there. It broke my heart. It got me hot. It got me angry. But most importantly, it got me to feel, understand, & sympathize with the plight & circumstances of ALL these people. Not just the main characters.
The chain of events & outcomes were mind boggling to me. But you realize & understand that when it came to certain outcomes, it couldn't have gone another way without ruining or giving a lighter, fluffier feel to an otherwise dark tale. I'm glad the author took the risks she did with certain occurrences. It was ballsy. But it was raw & real. I love that.
Mia I respect her. She caught me off guard with her "desires" but she's a solid character. I love her compassion. Her strength in being able to be so open knowing that she may regret it, but going against her fear of hurt, & doing what her heart dictates to her. I can so relate to Mia on so many levels. So I love the way she was written here.
Tax What can I say about this man? He had me going from..
To...
And back again.
What can I say? The man is a complete contradiction. He's completely jacked up. But you get him. And if you're truly paying attention, looking at what lies beneath in his heart of hearts, you can't help but feel for him. I cried so hard for him when his past became more clear to me & I saw how that shaped his present. I have nothing but love for this dude. And what he did for Mia? WOW.. Messed. Me. Up. But as I said before, I couldn't really see it going any other way.
This book had me riveted from beginning to end. It truly took me on the emotional ride that I had not anticipated with this story. It's so much more than the Taboo matters you find here. It's a dark, brutal but beautiful tale of betrayal, love, lust, consequences of choices & redemption. I love that this is a standalone read cos nothing else needs to be said once it's over.
If you are still a bit hesitant or unsure about this book, I would still recommend that you read this. Just be VERY prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone.
