Conceal - Ava Harrison

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a romance that is so character driven that sexy takes a backseat to story. This was one of them. I picked up Conceal on a whim. I didn't know what it was about. I hadn't even seen the cover. Just dove straight into Ava Harrison's words and I was taken aback at how quickly I sunk. Penning a heroine bursting with determination to stay a step ahead and fiercely protective of her anonymity, even when recalling memories, she intrigued me.

Add to the mystery, a chance encounter with a beautiful-eyed, clever and arrogant stranger, and you have the recipe for a book simply asking to be devoured. Willow made me so deeply curious. Pulling me along for the ride with vivid, specific details and running commentary. Then, enter Jaxson Price. He reminded me of someone I used to know. Arrogant, self-assured, unshakable, and talented with a very specific yet obscure skill set. But under the polish and shine, was simply a man who wanted to be needed. Not for what he could do, but for who he was. And Willow? She saw him. Not his status or his talent (though that helped nudge her along), but the fibre he was composed of.

"He’s like the sun. His presence brings me warmth, but if I allow it, it will set me ablaze. Burn me." - Willow

A story of perseverance and connection. An adamantly protective hero and a heroine convinced she needs to be the one to save herself. I loved Jaxson and Willow. Their dynamic was practically pulled straight out of a fairy tale, and I was so here for it. He bolsters her strength while she brings him down to earth and cracks open his facade. This book reminded me of why I started reading romantic stories in the first place. I also didn't expect it to re-center me like it did. But it pulled character development to the forefront of my mind helping me connect to them better than I have in a while. Even upon picking up my next read, I found myself seeking out pieces of personality.

I need to recommend this book, if for nothing else than to meet these characters. Their development is beautiful and it was a privilege to have met them.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 10/10 (he was everything. my heart had a desperate need to hug him, but my mind wanted to dissect his. you'll see what i mean)

Flow: 9/10 (there were a couple places I had to backtrack, as I wasn't sure if i missed details)

Plot: 8/10 (with some holes in Willow's backstory, i felt it could have been developed more. but honestly, its a work of fiction.. it doesn't need to be flawless to tell the story successfully)

Overall: 8.5/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

I ran.
Escaped the man who wanted to hurt me.

I got in my car and drove.
No destination. No direction. No help.

I hid in the one place I would never be found.
Now in New York with no job, I didn't know what to do.

Then I met him.
Jaxson Price.
The enigmatic devil who wasn't only above the law, but played it like a puppet.

He might be the answer to all my problems.
Too bad he's asking for something in return for his help....

My heart.