A Brighter, Darker Art (Ask Me for Fire, #2) by Halli Starling

A Brighter, Darker Art (Ask Me for Fire, #2) Reviews

• 
  Anniek

  Reading this, I felt like I was being wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket. I loved that there was little conflict, and I thought the story was so loving. The writing flowed very well, making this a quick read. I do kind of wish I'd read the first book first, because in the beginning it took me a little while to get into this, but I ended up really enjoying this, and I could always read the first book another time. I would definitely read from this author again!
• 
  Anna

  Thank you BookSprout and Halli Starling for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review:
  
  “A Brighter, Darker Art” by Halli Starling
  
  5⭐️/5⭐️
  2.5🌶/5🌶
  
  “You must know I adore you. Beyond anything physical. You…speak to me in a way I’ve never experienced. It makes me want more, all the time.”
  
  A soulfully beautiful story about two men falling in love. Silvan is newly unemployed after an abrupt termination. He decides to spend the evening decompressing in a bar. While sitting at the counter he meets Raf, a local art gallery owner. Raf is getting ready to open his last location, and wants every detail to be perfect. What starts as a mild flirtation turns into a potential job offer for Silvan: work for Raf as his new marketing manager, and help him open his last art gallery. The two men work perfectly together, it’s as if they’ve known each other their whole lives and are able to seamlessly complete project after project. But the initial attraction continues to deepen, and soon Silvan and Raf must confront their feelings. They don’t want their working relationship to be compromised, so they form a plan: after the gallery opens, they explore a physical relationship. Can the two make it until the finish line, or will the attraction spill over and prove too strong to ignore?
  
  -I’d like to start this review by being completely transparent: I was a beta reader for this book, and I have read Halli’s books before as ARCs. I’m a huge fan, and I was so honored when she asked me to beta read this book. I first read this story in October 2022, and it has remained with me every day.
  
  -Halli is such a talented writer, and I think the stories and characters she has created are so original and unique. It is so rare to find an author that writes entertaining low angst stories. There are numerous popular romance novels that have been published within the last five-ish years that simply don’t appeal to me. I have read them, and by the end I’m really struggling to finish. The characters are either completely unrealistic, and therefore unrelatable, or the miscommunication between the characters is too ridiculous to believe. It’s almost insulting at times how immature these books can be. But Halli’s books are different. The characters are mature, thoughtful, level headed, and always communicate how they feel. They may not bring the totality of their emotions to the forefront immediately, but they always respect the other character(s). I find Halli’s stories to be so refreshing, and a welcomed addition to the collective romance book community.
  
  -This story’s pacing differs slightly from “Ask Me For Fire”. I would definitely define this as a slow burn romance. While there is immediate attraction between Silvan and Raf, they agree to not act on their feelings until after the opening of the gallery. This ‘deadline’ creates so much sexual tension, and even though there is no spice until the very end of the book, there will be moments that leave the reader blushing. This thread of tension is weaved so perfectly in every interaction between Silvan and Raf. Going back to what I said about Halli writing characters who openly communicate in a mature manner, Silvan and Raf are very upfront about their attraction and what they want to do together.
  
  -I’m someone who knows next to nothing about fine art. I like visiting art museums, but I don’t have a strong connection with the art that I view. I can appreciate the art and the artists, and the process of creating the artwork. “A Brighter, Darker Art” really does show the reader how an art gallery functions, what goes into creating an exhibit, and how one can admire various types of art. I really appreciate reading about something I have little knowledge about, and I finished the book with a newfound respect for the fine art community.
  
  -Now, just because this book is low angst doesn’t mean there isn’t conflict. What’s important to note is where the conflict originates from, and how it affects Raf and Silvan. I won’t say anything more, I think if I were to elaborate further it would spoil too much of the story.
  
  -This book is perfect for anyone who wants to read about two people who have off the charts compatibility and chemistry, without compromising their relationship with unnecessary dramatics. If you’re looking for a story with a calming presence and tone, this is the book for you. “A Brighter, Darker Art” will be available on Kindle Unlimited February 8, 2023.
• 
  Sarah

  I enjoyed this authors first book and found Raf an interesting character so I was keen to read his story. I love reading about characters in my age range, and who actually act their age - Raf here is in his 30’s and Silvan 40’s. These two communicate and begin their relationship in a refreshingly mature way. I don’t normally love the boss/employee trope but it’s a nice change here having Raf as the younger boss figure. There is a lot of talk about art; naturally as Raf is an art gallery owner and this centres around him opening an art gallery. Sadly, prior to reading this I thought I was cultured and into art but I found my mind drifting or dozing off whenever we came to the art talk, which was quite often. This is purely a reflection of my lack of culture however and not the book itself. I found this whole story to have a quiet, understated feel to it and it was a nice change to the falsified dramatics that I often read. I’d certainly try other books by this author.
  
  
  I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
• 
  Denise

  What's (even) better than discovering an amazing author by taking a chance on a promising sounding novel? When you not only fall deeply in love with said novel, but its sequel proves to be just as wonderful!
  This was absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. The instant spark of attraction between the protagonists is palpable, and the undercurrent of sexual tension perfectly maintained throughout an expertly crafted, engaging slowburn romance that I felt deeply invested in from the moment these characters first locked eyes. Starling's writing is exquisite, as is the character development, from the protagonists to minor side characters. I cared for each and every one of them. (Also: Camilla! Nonbinary representation done perfectly, I love them and would happily read a whole book about them.)
  In short: 10/10, would like to marry this book, please keep 'em coming!
  
  *** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
• 
  Laura

  Thank you pridebooktours and hallistarling the #gifted arc of this book and including me on this tour.
  
  I like a good age gap as long as they aren't taking advantage of the younger one in the couple. And in this book the silver fox Silvan was definitely concerned with consent and taking their relationship slow. Since they met in a bar and Raf offered him a job the same day he lost his long standing one. (It always helps to throw things out in the universe sometimes the person next to you has the answer. My motto is it never hurts to ask. I have gotten a lot of freebies that way lol)
  Silvan is a single Dad of a college aged daughter and Raf is a gallery owner in need of a marketing manager. The age gap between these is about 10 years but 37 to 50, doesn't seem that bad.
  This was a very slow burn but it was thoughtful in its execution. The two were focusing on the gallery opening and if they still had feelings for eachother by the time the gallery opened they would discuss a relationship. Work and personal relationships grow and take time so this felt realistic even though they were both driving each other a little crazy with their attraction.
  The descriptions of their clothing style and the way they carried themselves was really in line with the cover art, which I adore!
  Appreciated the co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife and how healthy their relationship was with them asking for advice from each other. Friendship first so if it does fall apart you aren't left with nothing. His daughter who is visiting is also pretty awesome and takes to his new workplace and friends quickly.
• 
  Anna

  A refreshingly different approach to the romance novel genre.
  
  Loved the focus being on older main characters finding love. Also, don’t often see the employee/boss trope where the boss is the younger character, so that’s a nice switch up.
  
  A real highlight of this for me was the emphasis on communication and consent. It was such a slow burn! They don’t really do more than kiss until right near the end. Was great to read a book that shows a couple maturely figuring out their relationship without misunderstandings or silly break ups.
  
  Plus, there’s fun side characters, flirty dialogue, lots of funky art and a trip to a cat cafe. A really lovely romance read that’s a little different.
• 
  Alex (soulfullyalex)

  Thank you so much to the author for an eARC of this book.
  
  I am going to give you a warning now but this review is probably going to be unhinged and completely incoherent.
  
  I don’t even know where to start with this book. How do I review a book that was incredibly hot while being incredibly tame and actually made me cry? Like, how do you talk about a book that was the most delicious kind of emotional rollercoaster.
  
  For starters, I loved meeting Raf in Ask Me For Fire. His relationship with Ambrose is absolutely lovely. I adored seeing the two of them be so incredibly supportive of each other and happy for each other. In A Brighter, Darker Art we get to see more of their relationship through their phone calls and facetimes. I adored seeing how they interact and talk to each other. It felt exactly like how two best friends would talk to each other. I can’t say enough how much I love that Starling makes all the characters feel like real people.
  
  Now, on to Silvan. I really loved getting to know Silvan. He is smart and witty and careful, which I loved. I really enjoyed the single father angle as well, he has a college age daughter and an incredible relationship with his ex, his daughters mom. I adored that the relationship between Silvan and his ex was so caring and loving, and that the whole explanation of their relationship and situation wasn’t all about the drama but just two people growing apart and being better as friends.
  
  Okay, here is where I get incredibly unhinged. Raf and Silvan meeting for the first time was weird and hilarious. They meet at a bar, intending to flirt with each other, but end up with Raf offering him a job. I mean… how does that even happen? From there they have to figure out how to navigate their obvious attraction for each other while working together to open Raf’s new art gallery. If you think it was a wild ride it was! They are flirty and teasing and obviously can’t stick to just being coworkers, because that interest is there and too strong. Enter smart Silvan with a plan, but also his major Daddy vibes and Raf is done for. I was absolutely LIVING for the teasing that man did to poor Raf. Like lock him up and throw away the key for the level of teasing those two did. Also, keeping it all a little bit secret and Mr. Older Dad Silvan taking care of Raf! I can’t. Honestly, the teasing in this alone is a reason to read the book. If you like teasing in your books, this one is full of it. And I mean FULL. Silvan is one of those characters that just knows who he is and is confident in himself completely and I LOVED it.
  
  I just want to scream about these two. I don’t even know how to talk about the two of them together without collapsing. It was hot and sweet and lovely and I loved how they complimented each other. Raf being a bit wild and Silvan being more practical. It’s just… perfect. I loved how they cared for each other and supported each other. I just can’t get enough of the casual intimacy and affection they have for each other. It was all so sweet and soft.
  
  Also, the ending made me cry. It was just so SWEET. I can’t say anything without spoilers, but it was the nicest and sweetest thing and I loved how all the little details were tied up. It literally put tears in my eyes from how sweet it was.
  
  If you take nothing from this review other than that Silvan is the best service daddy Raf could ever have, that’s all you need to know and you should read it.
• 
  Genevieve Stiles

  I am reviewing this after having received a free Reviewer copy from Book Sirens.
  
  From start to finish, A Brighter, Darker Art is about finding the beauty and art in everything around us. It’s about two professional perfectionists who are glorious disasters in private, and all the people around them that just want to see them happy and cared for. And it is about the sizzling chemistry immediately evident between these two men.
  
  Once again, Halli creates characters who resonate with either ourselves or people we know. I found myself, more than once, thinking I was either just like a character or wanted to be friends with them.
  
  It’s refreshing and enjoyable to have the characters of a book be in their mid to late 30s or older instead of the young 20 somethings you get with other mainstream novels. Nothing against them, but I really personally enjoy reading about people who I could identify more with. I don’t have anything in common with someone who is in their early 20s or still in college.
  
  It’s fun to read books that are more realistic while still holding that magic of love and setting that romance novels do. The main characters are attracted to each other, but they don’t just instantly fall into each other, and the fact that they have other people in their lives does not detract from how intense it is when they finally come together and stay that way. And it is always a blessing to see the little bits of Ambrose and Barrett pop up from the first book.
  
  Their chemistry, and what they will become to each other, is palpable in every step of the book leading up to a Very satisfying and steamy ending.
  
  TL;DR:
  
  Halli has once again hit it out of the park with characters that feel real, with emotions and personalities that are dual parts Wonderful and Disaster, but in the best ways. You want to be friends with these people and cheer them on.
  
  The books is steamy and fun and a joy to read from start to finish. Get yourself a Lavender Latte and settle in for a good time.
  
  I can't wait to buy the hardcover and stick it on my queer shelf of love.
  
• 
  Tyler

  I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving this review.
  
  Wow! That is the first word that came to mind when I finished this book. Raf is sweet, kind, capable, and a little bit depraved in the best sort of way. Silvan is devilish, exceedingly good at what he does, dominant in the caring sort of way, and gives of strong Daddy vibes. The two of them together was so freaking good. The slow build up of their romance was so incredibly well written that I wish it had continued.
  
  I dont always enjoy boss employee relationships in books because it can feel like the power balance is too skewed to one parter. That is not how I felt about this book though. While Raf may be the boss in the office, he does not abuse that power and is happy to acquiesce that to Silvan. Silvan does not take advantage of Raf to try to get ahead. The delicate push and pull that was written into this couple was simply amazing.
  
  The spice was teased at in this book which I enjoyed, however, with the amount of teasing of what he was going to do to Raf I would have expected more but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book and the story.
  
  Last, the story itself was well written. The side characters were engaging and the relationships that they have or built with the main characters made for a very enjoyable read. The way the galleries were explained was great as well. I personally love art but regrettably have not been to many galleries like this. It has given me a want to visit these in my own town and surrounding areas.
  
  For all those reasons I would highly recommend this book.
• 
  Lorna

  “He stared up at Raf and saw art, living and breathing and looking at him like he needed to be cared for.”
  
  _____________________
  
  
  This is the easiest five star rating I’ve given in a hot minute.
  
  I absolutely adored this book. The writing seems effortless and often so poetic that I can only compare it to how I felt reading Henry and Alex’s story in Red, White & Royal Blue.
  
  Starling has such a unique writing style and I cannot wait to read their other books. I have to give massive credit to any author that can write a book with his much feeling and build up that does so without relying on a third act breakup, I for one am so bored of reading those and so it was a blissful relief when it didn’t happen in this. Raf and Silvan’s story is just a beautiful tale of two people meeting and falling in love; it made me feel like doing little happy kicks.
  
  The almost found family vibes of everyone from their lives melding together into this unit of solidarity was wonderful to read.
  
  And the slow burn? PERFECTLY DONE. I think there’s an art to writing a build up where you’re almost as desperate as the characters and Starling has smashed it, leaving just enough moments of *almost* that when it finally happened, I damn swooned. It was so tasteful too and awfully romantic. But there was enough cheekiness and teasing that it was never boring!
  
  I also love any book that puts consent and it’s importance into world. Too many books forget this when it comes to romance and open-door scenes.
  
  I think I’ll be recommending (and forcing) this on my friends from this moment on.
• 
  Emily Pennington

  A Good Match . . .
  
  Raphael Lutz (“Raf”) is a creative perfectionist stressed out over the impending opening of a 5th art gallery in a very short period of time. He is exhausted and recognizes that he desperately needs a marketing manager if this gallery is to launch successfully. He has arranged for a special set of illustrations to be the highlight introducing the new gallery and it has to be absolutely perfect.
  
  Raf goes to a bar and is delighted to learn that Silvan Diedrich is a senior marketing executive who, despite a wealth of experience, has just lost his job. Raf is ready to interview him as soon as possible and hires him to work his magic in the new gallery. The two of them are attracted to each other, but this project is too important to risk romance or any other kind of distraction. It’s not easy for them to ignore the obvious chemistry between them, but this new launch means the world to Raf.
  
  Despite the slow burn of this story line, the characters are delightful, both the main characters and side characters who support the direction of the story line. Raf and Silvan seemed to really understand each other and were an excellent working combination who valued what they were doing enough to put their strong feelings aside for a brief time. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.
  
  
  
• 
  Mags Dares

  I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
  
  I really enjoyed Ask Me For Fire, so I was super excited when I had the opportunity to read its sequel; A Brighter, Darker Art. We met Raf briefly in the first book and I remember liking his character, though he wasn't actually in the story much. A Brighter, Darker Art may have been even better than the first. A little less hurt/comfort trope and more 'I'm super into my boss' trope, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The sequel was also a little less intense than the first book, with no arson or accidents, but lots of art, quirky characters, and a sprinkle of a slightly taboo romance (a very consensual boss/employee romance). A Brighter, Darker Art was a slow-burn, queer romance with lovable characters and a story that kept me interested from cover to cover (I finished this in two sittings). I look forward to Starling's next book!
• 
  i ma read it

  This is my second book by Halli Starling and I have to say that I really appreciate reading low angst stories with older MCs. Raf is in his 30s and Silvan in his 40s.
  
  This story is so "pretty". Just like it's cover. It's about colleagues to lovers, family, communication, boundaries, consent and lots and lots of grown up mutual pining. These 2 deserve each other and the slow burn killed me. I almost screamed at the book that they need to FINALLY kiss each other another. Their inner monolgues were such a tease!
  
  I am not a very artsy person, but I very much enjoyed the descriptions and details that were put into the story. I am also not much of a fashionista and had my problems imagining the different styles of clothing, but even I could picture white cut out pants with pink mesh to fill in the gaps and the matching pink mesh top!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  D.L. Lewellyn

  I enjoyed Ambrose and Barrett's story so much in Ask Me For Fire that I couldn't wait to dive into A Brighter, Darker Art to find out how Ambrose's best friend Raf finds his match and handles the art show for Barrett's friend's art. I wasn't disappointed!
  
  The art scene and putting together a unique show was done with care and insight and fascinating every step of the way. I truly felt I was experiencing the excitement along with the characters and working right alongside the team as they brought Raf's dream to life.
  
  Starling's characters are rich in personality with layers of complexity and that only gets stronger when the two MCs start digging each other and sparks fly (which happens from the start but then builds into something super significant at a nice, satisfying pace). As I noted in Ask Me For Fire, it was almost like reading two separate novels because the two MCs are self-contained with their own cast of side characters, real, and fascinating separately, and then grow even more as they come together and bridge their connection. You get three stories in one.
  
  Thanks go to the author for another satisfying read.
• 
  Annabel

  In A BRIGHTER, DARKER ART, Raf is about to open his fifth art gallery. Because he wants everything to be perfect, he gets very exhausted and stressed out, so he decides he needs a marketing manager. And that’s where Silvan comes in. Silvan starts working for Raf, but there is an attraction between the two they can’t deny. Not wanting to ruin everything, they make a deal to keep their hands off each other, but that turns out to a pretty difficult task.
  
  This book is a very nice slow-burn queer romance. I think the plot was good, but it were the characters that made it really interesting. They’re all likeable and well-written, especially Raf. I also liked that Raf and Silvan actually knew how to communicate, which was kind of refreshing. And don’t let the fact that it’s a second book in a series stop you, because you can very easily read it as a standalone. Recommended!
  
• 
  Babara-Anne

  SLOW BURN WORK MATES TO LOVERS!
  
  The companion novel to Ask me For Fire was a slow burn with little flames igniting at times when the characters couldn’t keep their hands to themselves, but had a lot of restraint or were they both fans of edging?
  
  A chance meeting in a bar led Silvan Dietrich’s and Raphael Lutz’s paths to entwine for something they both never expected!
  
  I loved how Silvan showed Raf how to communicate and uplift someone where consent is concerned and how he de stresses Raf just with his calming presence with a darker tone underneath….
  
  They both have the love of art in common and are compatible in and outside the bedroom ( when they eventually get there) and are always on the same wavelength where work is concerned!
  
  The three month no sex arrangement they agree on will benefit both parties unless one or both’s feelings changes before the grand opening…
  
  The end result can either leave them as beautiful sweet lovers or good friends….
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  stardragon

  Raf is the owner of four art galleries soon to be five. His life revolves around his businesses and family. Some days he is overwhelmed by all the work that goes into opening a new location. He goes to his cousins bar to relax and have a cocktail, where he meets a marketing executive who recently got laid off. Silvan had worked for the marketing agency for years and was one of the best before they reorganized. Silvan is older, a father and wondering what to do next. Raf starts a conversation with Silvan and ends up with a new marketing executive. This takes a lot of pressure off Raf with the opening coming up. Silvan and Raf become a dynamic force working jointly to make this latest opening happen. The prequel to this book is Ask Me For Fire also a great book which gives you the reason for the special gallery opening. Plus a happily ever after ending.
• 
  Juniper

  Raf and Silvan’s story feels like a treat on a number of levels. I loved the characters’ maturity (I’m not just talking about literal age, I mean their clear communication and mutual respect, a nice supplement to their chemistry and emotional compatibility). It’s a fun spin on the boss/employee trope (not usually one of my favorites, but here, I did actually like it) to have the boss be the younger man. It helps too that both characters are interesting in and of themselves– it’s easy to like, and want to spend time with, both of them, and for people who’ve read Ask Me For Fire, Raf will be a familiar face. So I liked both characters as people, liked them together, and enjoyed their story– it’s sweet and witty and gets where it’s going on its own terms. Well worth a read.
  
  I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
• 
  Jenny Michelle

  This is the companion novel to Aks Me For Fire (another amazing read btw)
  In this story, there is a constant push and pull between Silvan and Raf.
  Raf learning to be able to let go, to trust, to give in to his desires and Silvan taking control.
  There is deep mutual admiration and respect. Both of them let the other one be their own person.
  Halli writes an incredible slow burn....Taking their time to develop a relationship, getting to know each other is the main topic. As usual with Halli the main characters act very grown up and develop a mature relationship.
  Both men make the deliberate choice of trying to be together, making it work without losing theirselves in their relationship.
  The light d/s subtones fit them perfectly.
  Halli's writing is very descriptive, she's painting pictures with words and manages the mood to transpire through the pages.
• 
  D.M. Winters

  A delightful queer romance with delicious sex appeal (though not as much as I'd personally prefer) and a wonderfully likable pairing. This is a new author to me and I had to adjust to their style of writing and voice. Not because it's bad, but new. By the halfway point of the book I found myself pretty invested in the relationship that the two MC's were fighting against. The chemistry is there, that is for sure. As a first read I probably missed quite a few things, so I'll likely go back and reread at a later time and update my review. If this review sounds lackluster it's because of IRL stuff and is not a representation of this book.
  
  I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
• 
  CatOnABlueBackground

  This is a nice slow burn romance between Raf & Silvan - 2 side characters we first met in Ask Me For Fire. You don't NEED to read the first book in order to understand this one, but you SHOULD because it's just as good. Her characters are all well-written & extremely interesting. This book is set in the art world, and revolves around the opening of a new gallery. The romance is slow burn and free from angst or misunderstandings or jealousy - just 2 adults who know what they want & recognize it when they see it. It is pretty much 'sex-lite' - what sex there is isn't very explicit. Overall it's just a really NICE story that I couldn't put down!
• 
  Ashley

  I love a good boss/employee story. But I hate when that’s the trope and the authors are like “well, it’s not a true age gap bc the boss is still young but crazy successful!” There aren’t any “VPs at 24” 🙄 here. Age difference is also not a big deal because everyone is fully in adulthood. It’s a great boss/employee story here playing with the tension.
  
  I love how Halli drops you in the middle of her characters’ lives and lets them reveal themselves just as they would in real life.
  
  Def read this AFTER Ask Me For Fire bc there are a few spoilers and that story is worth checking out too- I downloaded this after finishing that one and searching for more books by Halli.
  
  
• 
  Jennifer Parke-Marriner

  Once again I have to thank Pride Book Tours for introducing me to queer authors and stories I may not have otherwise found. A Brighter, Darker Art by Halli Starling is the sequel to last year's Ask Me For Fire. And although this second book can technically be read as a standalone, I urge you to read Ambrose and Barrett's beautiful love story first.
  
  This book brings the spotlight to Raf, who we met in book one as Ambrose's funny and fashionable best friend. Raf is the owner of several art galleries, and with his newest one opening soon, he needs a marketing manager. Enter Silvan, who just happens to be newly unemployed and ready for a challenge. Despite their initial (and continued) attraction to each other, they make a pact to be friends only, at least until the new gallery is open.
  
  If you like slow burns, this book is for you. Raf and Silvan's age gap romance is the slowest of slow burns, wringing every bit of pining and desire out of both characters. And those characters are so beautifully developed, showing all of the little nuances I want in my romantic leads. I love it when an author gives us mature characters who act like real adults and not overly-dramatic teenagers. The plot was low-angst but very engaging, and I was quite fond of the supporting cast, especially Bonnie and Camilla. I really would love to see their burgeoning love story explored in a future book.
  
  Having read the two books in this series, I have definitely become a fan of Starling's writing, and am planning to take a dive into her back catalog. Fans of the genre should be sure to have this author on their radar!
  
  Thank you to Pride Book Tours for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Tashyka

  From beginning to end, this was breathtaking. From the minute the protagonists first laid eyes on each other, I was completely immersed in their story. The initial spark of desire between them is apparent, and the undercurrent of sexual tension was brilliantly maintained throughout the whole story. Starling's writing is wonderful, and her character development is superb across the board. All of them had my undivided attention.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.