REVIEW: CONNECTED (CONNECTIONS #1) by KIM kARR

Series: Connections #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: 2/4/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 322
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars

What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

First Impression... I've never had intentions to read Connected, but... my best friend Autumn read Connected and Torn when she visited last Fall. She's a very reactive reader, and the sounds she made while reading the books made me laugh. On the way to the airport, I made her tell me what they were all about. I was intrigued by what she told me, but still never added it to my list. When Connected came up on a list of books for review, I remembered my friend's reactions, and decided to give it a try.

So yes, I took Connected for review knowing pretty much everything that would happen and am totally okay with that.

The Story... The blurb paints a very good picture of exactly what Connected is about. An intriguing connection cut short, only to reignite years later. River and Dahlia quickly fall in love, but secrets are everywhere.

The Characters... River and Dahlia really made Connected, for me. I absolutely loved their first encounter, and I truly believe that an instant and intense connection is absolutely possible. When they reconnect, it's like they pick right back up to those magic moments and I loved it.

River was simply the best. A talented singer/musician who could have anything, but simply wants to live a peaceful life and make his music. I love how much he cares about Dahlia and that he never forgot her. I love that he balanced pushing Dahlia to see how much he wants to be with her, with backing away when it was clear she needed some space.

I enjoyed Dahlia as well. She was heartbroken and unsteady due to tragedy, and I could feel her pain. She was also brave and forward when she finally decided to live again. I like that she embraced her connection with River. I like that she also made sure that things moved ahead on her terms.

The Writing... I can't quite pinpoint exactly why, but for the most part I really enjoyed the writing. Karr grabbed my attention very quickly, when this pair connected from across a crowded bar. There were little hints throughout that the characters were all connected at a deeper level, and I loved that small sense of foreboding. There were times the prose felt a bit off to me, and a few minor irks along the way (see below), but overall, I found the story to be very compelling.

Any Dislikes? Pssst, Dahlia's hair is supposed to be blonde. Why, oh why does the female cover model have dark hair? I know, it's no big deal, but why? The guy is hot, though, and very River-like.

The dialogue was very repetitive at times. The phrases "You're so hot." "Do you have any idea what you do to me?" and "I watched River walk away. He turned and caught me checking out his ass." all seemed to be on a steady loop.

Also, there's a scene between Dahlia and Xander (River's brother) in which he drops this supposedly big bomb about something bad that happens the night River and Dahlia meet. It's intended to be all tragic and partially Dahlia's fault (in Xander's eyes). Dahlia overreacts, like, big-time, which can be attributed to being drunk. But the whole scene just felt forced. I didn't get it.

In the End... I'm very glad I gave Connected a chance. Even knowing how it all plays out, I found myself totally gripped by the characters and their magical love story. Even though the end wasn't a bombshell to me (I'm glad I knew that was coming!) I still felt a bit crazed. I'm definitely going to continue the series.

Oh, and thanks to my bestie for reading it first. I'm really glad you prepared me!

Favorite Quote:

  I watch him and remember that it wasn't too long ago that I thought happiness was only for those who believed in fairy tales, that my future held nothing but sadness and a stoic existence. Yet, in this moment, as he juggles our phones, I think that maybe it's our time to be happy together.
  As River sets my phone back on the coffee table, he picks his up and turns to face me. "Smile, beautiful girl," and just like that, I melt at his heartfelt words; and for the first time in a long while, I feel hopeful.

The Connections Series

 

     

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Purchase Links

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About the author

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I've always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don't need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There's nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore--it's time I love and cherish.

I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart. <3

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