SPOILER ALERT – I try to review without spoilers while still giving potential readers a good feel for the book. In this instance I don't think it's possible to discuss the story without giving away important plot information. My apologies, but readers beware of this review.
Book Scorecard
**Stars**
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||
Overall
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3.5
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Angst duels with lust for the future of Beth and Ayden's romance. Are they destined to be together forever or can they not escape tragic destinies? Their characters make a very emotional journey together, and take you along for an operatic ride. |
Fantasy
World
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3
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It's almost too much. Every location is so over the top fabulous, every meal so special, every single thing is Super Sized. The author eventually reveals a good reason for that, but it can still be a little overwhelming. |
Tingle
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3
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BDSM elements recede. The sex is still explosive, but more metaphysical than previous installments. |
Characters
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3
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Beth remainds the focus. Ayden is not himself, and I missed reading about a character I enjoyed instead of one I didn't particularly like. |
Story
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4
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Feels less like a conclusion to a trilogy and more like an adventure of its own. Lots of spirituality, fate, and introspection on the true nature of love. |
“TouchStone
for ever” by Sydney
Jamesson is a big departure from the storyline of the previous
two The Story of Us books. “TouchStone
for play” reminded me of Fifty
Shades of Grey. “TouchStone
for giving” reminded me of a James
Patterson novel only with a lot more romance. I was simply not
prepared for where “TouchStone
for ever” took me. The closest I can come is a mixture of “Tale
of the Body Thief” and “Meet
Joe Black”. I often criticize books for being too stereotypical
or using too many cliches, and I have to compliment Sydney
Jamesson for doing something completely different. It was
creative and I had no idea what was going to happen next. This was
absolutely a stunning conclusion to The Story of Us Trilogy.
What didn't click for me was the
strong, spiritual tone with multiple, unsubtle life lessons. I felt a
little like I was reading a dirty version “Left
Behind”. This is probably just me as I'm not a spiritual person
at all, and most people will instead find it beautiful. I did have to
put this
I recommend this book to everyone
who has followed Beth and Ayden's story from day one. I have to say
the second book, “TouchStone
for giving” was my favorite of the three, but “TouchStone
for ever” comes in a strong second.
*ARC
provided in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Margo for this detailed and thought provoking review. I appreciate it. Sydney Jamesson
ReplyDeleteDare I say that you got me semi-intrigued in the series (which I had to check and realize that no, it wasn't the first in a series you were referring to), and I'd love to know if you would recommend it or not. You know, for someone whose main exposure to sexy, sexy books has been mostly fanfiction at this point, I kid you not on that.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, just wanted to send a really really really really belated thank you for following and taking notice of my crappy little blog (so sorry for being so late with it!). I also wanted to say congratulations! You have been nominated by me (unfortunately) for a Liebster award! You may be wondering, what the bloody hell is that? Reasonable enough, to which I recommend you check out my blog post and have fun with it! :D
I do recommend this series. I liked the first book, and loved the second one. The third one was totally not what I was expecting. People either love it or hate it. I thought it was well written and understood what the author was trying to do, but it didn't work very well for me. I'm not religious, spiritual, etc. so the main theme didn't resonate. If you are spiritual or like books about angels, demons, etc. then you'll like the third book as well.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't think the first sexy book I ever read was fan fiction, but it certainly started me on quite the sexy book rampage. I read Fifty Shades of Grey and many others while they were still fan fiction. They were more fun than anything I could buy off the shelf at B&N, and often better written. I know many people sneer at fan fiction, but I sure don't. If there's a particular genre in which you're interested, I'd be happy to make recommendations. I'm on Goodreads as Margo (http://redlightfictiondistrict.blogspot.com) and would be happy to be friends.
Your blog isn't crappy! I think it's cute! Hey, we all have to start somewhere. Over time you'll keep changing it until you're happy with it. Thanks for the Liebster award! It sounds fun. :)