I read the revamped version, so have no idea what the first one was like.I gather as Dev's writing has developed and with some good suggestions from a new editor, she has fleshed the relationship and plot out.The setting, the plot, the characters are great. If you're hesitant to tackle this book because of shortcomings pointed out by other readers, don't. Chances are those are the things that were addressed in the rewrite.And for those who aren't interested in the detail of the setting, that's like saying the Lord of the Rings movie was okay, Orlando and Viggo were hotties, but they could have spent less time on the scenery and world building.The setting and professions and the research that goes into both is what makes Dev Bentham's books five stars for me. I went into this story a bit leery. I tend to like my romance novels on the sunnier, fluffier side, and added to the mix, addiction tends to be a dealbreaker for me in fiction because it hits too close to home. (I'm closely related to enough alcoholics that I never touched the stuff until I was in my mid-thirties.) So August Ice sounded like maybe a bit more than I generally like to bite off. But I was very impressed with the writing, and I really look forward to trying more stories by this author.When I finished reading this book, I was left with a strong sense of a place I will never see, and some nicely drawn characterization, as well. The pacing could have used some work, but I found that less of an issue than it normally would have been because this book was a genuine page turner for me, which can sometimes be a rare state of affairs these days. All in all, I found this a highly enjoyable novella. If I could give it four and a half stars here, I absolutely would.
What do You think about August Ice (2012)?
My first book by this author, I really enjoyed it.
—Mia
