I had the chance to read this book for review this week and I have to say that this story has a very interesting twist to it that I was not expecting. The story is a combination of a romance and a story on the human psyche. It is tough to read about the healing of damaged people and this book is full of insight into the struggles that many people have with relationships.
Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting
Publisher: Gallery Books
March 4, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1476764290
Synopsis: Their body art is hot. Their chemistry is even hotter.
From her dark hair sweeping below her waist to her soft, sexy curves, Tenley Page intrigues tattoo artist Hayden Stryker in a way no one else ever has…especially when she asks him to ink a gorgeous, intricate design on her back. Yet for all her beauty, there is something darkly tragic and damaged about Tenley that to Hayden is everything.
Covered in ink and steel, Hayden is everything Tenley has never dared to want, awakening a desire to explore more than the art adorning his stunning body. Trapped by a past that leaves her screaming from nightmares, Tenley sees Hayden as the perfect escape. Although he has secrets too, if they both keep themselves guarded perhaps their intense physical connection will remain only that. But nothing, not even passion, can keep them safe from their pasts…
My Thoughts: I am torn on this book. On one hand, the author has done an amazing job on creating characters that are looking to heal from issues that have damaged their emotional state. Both Hayden and Tenley have been through more trauma than most people ever have in their lifetime and yet they want to move forward. Finding each other has a complex yet soothing and calming effect on both and you hope that they can make it through together.
On the other hand, the story was lacking in parts for me. While there was depth to the characters, there was not a lot of depth to the overall story. Their romance, while powerful on Hayden’s side, seemed a lot more lacking on her side. There was no explosive writing that sucked you in but the story line is solid and very unique. That is what kept me reading. I wanted to know what would happen since the story was different that any other I have read in this genre. That is a big plus! But it could have been developed just a bit more.
One major frustration is this book has a cliffhanger. I hate those. I want closure at the end of a book. I hate waiting to find out what happens next unless I can buy the next book along with the first. Just a quirk of mine, I guess.
I love the writing style of the author. She did a great job keeping the book interesting and the story moving! I definitely am going to pick up the next book to finish the story and hope that the cliffhanger is solved. So like I said, torn but overall worth the read.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
THank you for your honest review. I hate cliffhanger endings, so this is not a book for me, even if it had been the best written book and developed both charaacters fully.
Good, honest review. You really helped us get a feel on it without giving away the story. Thanks for the heads up on the cliffhanger. My daughter and I aren’t fans either. She tries to avoid series because of them unless she can read them all together, like you said. The characters sound multi-faceted but I also want a story with depth. It is interesting how you talk about the romance being more lacking on her side…not often the case.
I know, right? I think coz she has a lot of guilt. I didn’t really want to go in depth as it will give away the storyline. The book is good overall. I just wished for more passion – from the characters and the author.
I LOVE that you write an honest review. Sooooo many bloggers just write that a book was “So great” and you know it wasn’t. I too hate a cliffhanger ending or when they try to make the story so twisted that you can’t even follow what is going on. I have been so into audio books because I drive a lot and if they can’t capture my attention half way through the first disk I’m done with it and back to the Library it goes. Sounds like this one would be a no go for me.
Thank you for your honest review! I think I will give this one a pass….. too many good books out there and too little time!