Back to our regular scheduled "fatchick" romantica reviews (^.^)Breaking the Silence (from publisher):
After enduring a horrific childhood, William Jackson lives a solitary existence working as a computer programmer from his Minnesota home. His safe routine is blown to pieces when the daily sight of an unknown woman walking her dog sends his heart into a tailspin. Jenny Fitzgerald’s love life is at a definite low. Her only potential date in sight is her annoying and creepy coworker, Evan—until a stunning man appears before her like a gift from some kindly sex god. Who is she to turn down what’s offered to her on a hunky blond platter? Will and Jenny’s friendship develops as their hunger grows into love. Meanwhile, a jealous Evan watches, his rage building until it explodes in a brutal act of violence that tears Jenny’s life apart. Will struggles to help her rebuild her courage and sense of self as his own demons and fragile memories threaten their chance at happiness—but perhaps they can learn to heal each other.
Caution: If you have been through sexual trauma recently or at anytime, then you may want to steer clear of this story. The attempted rape scene is realistic and violent and may trigger flashbacks or strong emotions. I just want you to be aware that this book contains this material, which could be hard to handle if you feel emotional vulnerable.
Review: Wow, I started back to my normal reviews with a whopper. This is an excellent book with a great depth of emotion. The sex scenes were, yes, hot but so, so much more than that. It all becomes even more poignant when you look back as things about Will's past are revealed and after Jenny's assault and attempted rape. Wonderful book. Katie Allen gets it as close to right for the reader on everything Jenny feels after her assault as she can. Unless you have been through it personally, you can never truly understand those emotions. When Jenny describes her rape exam, I was flooded with memories of my own. She talks of screaming. Yes, I get that: forty hairs from your head and pelvic area, plucked not cut because they need your skin attached. The cold, clinical and painful exam can be just as much like rape (left feeling vulnerable, violated and little dignity) and I got Jenny. Will and Jenny along with Christian are some of the best characters I have come across in awhile, especially Will. I loved Will, especially how he loves Jenny's curves. I love how Jenny does not worry about her size, although we never know exactly. For once, the never exactly knowing, is fine by me. This is an excellent book, that you must read and keep and reread again.BTW, as this author has written m/m content books, it would not be overly surprising if she wrote a Christian follow-up. Those interested might want to keep an eye out. Don't know if will happen, but Allen doesn't seem adverse to writing m/m stories.
