Tough to Love: Saving Avery

Author: Ava Catori

Publish: Ava Catori Books, May 2013

Type: EBook, Novella

Pages: 87

Rate: 2

Synopsis: Hardened from past hurts, can Avery West and Steel Brickman find the strength to heal one another? Steel’s intensity is overbearing and strong, crushing Avery’s ability to breathe. Avery’s wall is so thick – it seems almost impenetrable. Tangled in a mess of pain and desire, the two must learn to trust one another to find their own salvation.

Avery is broken and needs saving. Professional football player, Steel Brickman, is a white knight ready to save the day, but once the rescue is complete his interest wanes. Can Avery keep his focus on her, and help them get beyond their relationship struggles?

My Review

This was my first time reading an Ava Catori book. I liked the idea that two people in different places in their lives falling in love despite past experiences. However, while I like the idea, I thought the two characters were slightly unrealistic in how they approached the whole “save me” theme. A pro athlete (Steel) hangs around a bar every now and then to gain the interest of the tough fronted bartender (Avery), but the story didn't offer vivid descriptions.

Avery has experienced a life changing event, but the details are choppy and her dialogue is repetitive. Steel is a control freak that falls in love with Avery. He’s the savior to someone that’s supposed to be broken but because of the lack of time reference in the story, it seems that her wall is being penetrated awfully quickly as well as their relationship.

Moreover, there is a line in the story where Avery comments but the reader can only infer what Steel is responding to because words or line is missing. Additionally, I would have liked differentiation in verbage and more in-depth detail to create images throughout the story in regards to the events and characters in order to bring the story to life. I rate this story at a 2, and would not recommend it. 

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Ava Catori