Full disclosure, I work for the Italian translation division of Dreamspinner, that's why I won't rate it.This book is not perfect, there are a few things I found odd or too... sketched, but it's ok. The best thing of this book is that it talks about powerful emotions in a way that is not sappy or romantic. It's kind of raw. Theo, the main character, is someone I could know, he's "me" now and then, because I lost someone important like that. The feeling of confusion, losing track of time and people is normal, as keeping the memory of someone you love alive.But life goes on. You just have to try and open yourself up again to appreciate that you're still alive and memories are to be cherished, they're not there to keep you down. Theo heals and he is especially ready to heal. He has to rebuild and lean on part of his past, but he also has to meet new people to be able to appreciate life again. It's a complicated process and Theo stumbles and he fails and then he mends what he did wrong. He has to change his ways, to borrow from his dead lover and from his prospective one, and this process requires courage.As I said before, the book is not perfect, but it moves something like a musician trying out chords and then creating music. I came to love Theo, and Ben through his words, and all the cast of characters who are not secondary, in fact they're necessary and solid.I don't know whom to recommend this book to, I don't really think it's for everyone, but if you like emotions, older characters and life as it is, it might be the book for you. I was a bit hesitant reading this books since I learned from previous reviews that the MCs only met towards the end of the story. Well, I'm sooooo glad that I finally decided to read it. It was wonderful!! Con Riley has such a way with words that I was breathing this book. I couldn't put it down; and the fact that there's no meet until the end is not a turn off, AT ALL!! The on-line teasing between the two is actually one of the best foreplay scenes I've read :P I also want to mention that due to the amazing witting, Ben was an integral part of the story and I could almost feel Theo's sorrow (it made me cry my eyes out). I could go on and on about the wonderfulness of this novel but I have to get back to reading the third installment of this series. (Btw the other two are just as beautiful readings)Love Con Riley!!!Cheers! p.s. English is not my native language so please forgive any grammar or spelling errors.
What do You think about After Ben (2012)?
Amazing!!! Masterfully written and strongly resounds.
—Marie
