Xander by Anna Ambrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Xander (ARC) was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review.
A Fated and Welcomed Love
Whenever I come across a story that is heavily infused with emotions, addicting characters, gripping and disconcerting and yet sexy and erotic moments, I know I’ve come across something good. That would be a pretty accurate way of describing my most recent read. There was something about this story, one that could considered to be a cross between a short and a regular length story, one that definitely had me wishing for it to be longer. Either way, it was written somewhat differently than the first book of the series, but, regardless, it was a great read. As this has been my second story read by this author, having very recently read Lucy, and, loved it, I was eager and excited to delve right into the second book of the series, and, I am so glad that I did.
Xander, by Anna Ambrose, as briefly mentioned, is a somewhat differently written story, in this readers opinion, to that of the first story of the series. It was heavily laden with emotions, all kinds of emotions, that actually had directed its main characters, Xander and Liam through their new and unknown journey, but, as certain inconceivable actions took over, these slowly and strangely developing feelings and emotions soon took the reign, and, it was this kind of direction and development that had me glued-to-my-seat as I read this welcomed story.
Xander, is an overall riveting, heart-breaking, and beautifully heart-warming story about two men, dedicated long-time friends, who despite their hidden and underlying feelings for the other, through numerous empty and insufficient ways, who find their way towards the other as they manage to continue their way through the ongoing battle between their hearts and their minds through this journey. Both men having unequaled times of acceptance, one hitting rock bottom through numerous emotional barriers and the other having to live through each of them, all the while desperately attempting to save the other, despite his own delicate feelings. The only way both men initially found peace and comfort was through the privacy of their own home, but, in reality, only found a temporary-type-of-fix to this confusing and insatiable need. But, despite this ever-growing need, this moment of tranquility, was all that had existed until they both were able to reach that summit-of-acceptance at the same time. It was absolutely heart-breaking to read about the after-affects of someone who was battling a developing addiction, as well as various inner demons, all the while desperately attempting to follow his heart rather than follow empty actions, in order to reach his true acceptance.
Gah..I loved Xander and Liam.. What had begun as a simple friendship had naturally developed into something more, and, it was not easy for them, as attraction ran into uncertainty and uncertainty ran into fear..but, luckily, their hearts made the ultimate decision for them. And..it was at that point that I might have melted just a bit more for the two of them because it was such a beautiful and heart-warming moment.
Regardless of the overall emotionally beautiful storyline, I had to stop a couple of times to actually ponder the actual plot, however, that which had existed had actually worked. As it may not have been smoothly evident and clear as the previous one, I had wished for more of one because the emotions really drew me in as they were extremely realistic and powerful in nature. Even though I had to surmise the plot, having been developed from a super storyline, and had welcomed it, I had greatly wished for more development not only for the storyline as a whole, but also for more character background as well as for more development as well, as I really needed to know about the complete thoughts and feelings for both of the characters consistently throughout the entire storyline.
I loved Xander by Anna Ambrose, with its beautiful, tender, and, emotional moments, with characters who were not only dedicated loving individuals, but who were also flawed and forgiving in nature. Despite a need for more character background and development, in addition for more of a clearly-understandable plot, and a need for more of an overall storyline because I really did enjoy this one, I ultimately am so glad to have read it. 🙂
*star rating: 4.0 ‘I really liked it’ stars*
