AL Jackson: Pulled

Pulled
A. L. Jackson
Published: April 5, 2012 by Sapphire Star
ISBN: 1938404009
350 Pages

Synopsis
Melanie and Daniel met in high-school and, from that moment, they knew they were all there would ever be for each other. Two halves of the same soul. The tragic loss of their daughter separated them at a young age, but they never stopped craving or loving each other.  They stayed apart, thinking it was what the other wanted. Nine years pass, and through fate or kismet, they are brought back together – but circumstances are not favorable for a reunion. She’s in a loveless marriage, and he is going through his own troubles with another woman, and has poured himself into a meaningless existence at work. They can only hope that love conquers all and will help them, not only get out of their present situations, but get over the tragic past that separated them - so they can finally be together.


Musings
To get into this book you have to be able to accept that the following is real:

               1) True love
               2) Fate/Destiny/Kismet
               3) Soul mates
               4) Intangible connection between people, allowing them to sense each other/share feelings.

Sounds romantic, right?  This book is filled with angst, forgiveness, acceptance, stupidity, emotion… Ahhh!!! The list goes on. This is one of the most emotional books I’ve read in a while. The strangest (and yes, romantic – if you like that) part was this connection between Melanie and Daniel. You know how there are stories of twins that can just sense each other?  They can feel when the other is happy or sad, and communicate without words?  Or loved ones who can tell across great distances when the other has died or been hurt? Well, the connection between our lovers is much stronger, almost verging on paranormal.

I liked that the characters were developed – real fears, real insecurities, and real hardship. The way the story was laid out was really cool. We are in the present, following the current timeline as events unfold, but are given tidbits to build the past through the characters’ memories. By the mid-point of the book, we finally have the whole picture and are able to plunge deeper into the story.

The swapping from Melanie’s to Daniel’s point of view was great for the advancement of the story, but was occasionally sloppy. A couple of times I had to go back a page to figure out whose thoughts I was reading.  Also, some of their angst, reasons for separating, and assumptions were a little weak – verging on non-believable. But then, I can’t put myself into the headspace to understand the emotions Melanie was feeling after losing her daughter.

The conflict in the story was great, and it had some truth and sadness to it about abuse people inflict on themselves and each other. It enforces the importance of communication and forgiveness. It was also not all bubbles and clouds, “we broke up and now we’re back together.” It was real life pushing them apart. Experiences, misfortune, family…

I enjoyed the intenseness of their romance. Sappy love yes, but physical love was just as important -that rough need to touch, taste, own, brand. This book had it all. The only thing it lacked was a logical beginning to their relationship. It was love at first sight, devotion at first meeting, and forever ever after. Once you get past that it was pretty awesome.

3.5 Stars. I really liked it, and will recommend it to those interested in the genre.

-Rita

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