Snapdragon
Adult; Romance; (Market)
The rules are simple: unattached companionship, toe-curling sex and a clean break whenever it ends. Darby’s groundbreaking medical research will launch her into career stardom. Michael’s status as an architectural wunderkind will send him to a far-flung locale. Either one can say the single word that will break it off: Snapdragon.
But soul-deep sex is just the beginning. Michael becomes a fierce ally against her misogynist boss, a light to chase away the shadow of her notorious father, and the antidote to her crushing loneliness. Choosing love over ambition is the one thing she said she’d never do. And Darby must fight hard not to fall in love.
Semi Finalist
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 7 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 7 out of 10
Overall: 7.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: The narrative is well constructed, but could use a bit more meat than Darby and Michael's no strings attached arrangement and the tensions of Darby's job at Northwestern. The arrangement comes with familiar complications, but the book is enjoyable.
Prose: The prose is solid, but doesn't do much to take the plot beyond its familiar elements.
Originality: While not groundbreaking, the details of the relationship the arrangement created are somewhat fresh and there is a reveal towards the end that is surprising.
Character Development: Darby is a well rendered character, but Michael feels a bit flat -- he comes off as too perfect -- and could be further developed. The villains of the book are imore caricatures than fully developed characters.
Date Submitted: March 27, 2017
