What do You think about Saving Rain (2013)?
From the very beginning Stewart almost has me in tears when the book opens up to six year old Raina learning that her mother has died and she will never again see her. Just even thinking about losing my mother has me in tears and to lose her at six years old would be absolutely devastating like it was for Raina."I want to go passed away and go with mommy to the better place, too."I am sure that whatever is in this review will just not do it justice! Saving Rain is in my top books of all time and has got to definitely be my favorite book of 2013 for sure!When Kas and Raina start working together within the FBI to take down the growing number of sex trafficking rings within the United States, they immediately take to each other and thier feelings quickly blossom. Because Kas is afraid Rain isn't ready, and Raina's self esteem is so low she doesn't think she is even on Kas's radar, they both try to deny their feelings for one another. They are so good together though! Kas takes care of Rain while she is recovering from a beating of a lifetime from her wannabe boyfriend, Chris. Gah, he treats her like a princess...opening doors for her, assuring she wants for nothing, and helping her cook breakfast every morning. With a little help from Kas's friend, Chase, and Kas himself, Raina begins to bloom like a rose in spring time! She starts to see that not every many hits, that a guy can get angry (because Kas and Rain do get into some doosies) and NOT hurt her physicall, emotionally, or sexually. Something, unfortunately, Raina has discovered isn't true with every man. Even those close to her.Kas, at first, let's Raina try and work through things on her own but when she doesn't open up to him so that he can protect her, things heat up. He isn't naturally overbearing but can be sometimes...all in good intentions of course! Raina, because she is really coming into her own and learning to think for herself, she doesn't take Kas's practically ordering to not do something laying down. When their tempers collide so do their desires for one another, and they are both tempted to throw their morals away and become one!Betrayal pretty much forces Raina to tells her story. About the abuse, the loneliness, and despair. Stewart had me crying my eyes out! I cannot believe what Rain has experienced and she is still standing! Not only that, but she still has this lovable innocence that you wouldn't expect from someone from her situation!The climax of Saving Rain had me speechless!I literally put the book down and had to prepare myself for what was about to happen! I cannot wait to read the second book in the series! Saving Rain is a MUST READ! Raina is the strongest female character I have ever come across!
—Jovon Tucker
Wow what an amazing 1st book! Please do take note of the disclaimer. This book touches on some really heavy topics that may not be suitable for all. It addresses human trafficking, child abuse, abuse, and rape. I can't believe I had not heard of this series before. I signed up for a blog tour after reading and really liking the synopsis of a book. When I came to add it on goodreads I realized that it was actually the 3rd book in a series, so I had to pick up the first two books. And boy I am glad I did. This book probably wins the award for making me cry as much as possible in such a short time. By the prologue and first chapter I was already in tears. The story is about a 19 year old girl who is working as an translator on a Human Trafficking case for the FBI. Even though she faces some terrifying and brutal cases as she works as a translator and computer hacker, the real tragedy is what you find in past. Kas in a mid-twenties lead agent in the FBI, from the second he meets Raina he is immediately drawn to her. One day Raina is brutally beaten by her Boy friend Chris. As Kas takes care of her, he soon finds out that this was not the first time that she had been abused, but in fact the doctor finds evidence of repeated untreated old scars. Kas is determined to find out what happened to Raina, while Raina is trying to come to terms with her past and her new found feelings for Kas. Kas is she gentle and sweet and makes her feel safe, but thanks to a history of men who blamed her for things that were not her fault and made her self esteem so low, she is unable to see the treasure that she actually is. This book ends with a cliff hanger that will make you want to dive in to book 2.I believe I found this book at the right time in my life. I am currently doing my Psych Nursing rotation and just recently I had the privileged of working and speaking with someone who was seeking help from wife abuse. After speaking with this brave lady I was able to prepare myself for this series. As mentioned above this book is not for everyone. Some of the scenes are very graphic and hard to digest. But the sad reality of this, that even though this story is a work of fiction, situations similar to this are occurring daily.But don't let this persuade you against reading this book. Seeing Raina thrive and learn to love herself was absolutely amazing. And to have strong men on her side such as Kas and his bestfriend/clincial psychologist Chase is phenomenal. Also the suspenseful action packed mystery is also enough to keep you turning from page to page.
—Anasheh Satoorian
First let me tell you that I'm a lawyer who specializes in child and woman abuse.Why did I started with this? Because this is the central theme of this book. But it is treated in a gentle and light way that while the theme might shock some, it isn't written in the dark tones that could make one cringe. On the opposite, it's very sensitively treated. There is no explicit sex scene, no explicit rape scene. The violent scenes are very well done. The author did a great job in expressing the feelings without spilling blood all over the book, but there is no escape. The violent scenes are there - if they weren't the book would be flawed. For those who have experienced this or have a weak stomach, it might cause discomfort. And although the theme is hard, the book can fit in a YA or a NA. The author informs on the blurb that this is for 18 and up, but considering that 14 year old girls are reading 50things of very horrible messages, as a lawyer and a teacher, I would recommend those who read the 50horrible shades of dirtiness this book without a second thought. But, as a mother, I would say 16 and up. But you should be the judge.The heroine, Raina is the victim here and the hero, Kas, is a FBI officer and her friend and then saves her from an attack, hence the name Saving Rain. Raina is not what you would expect from an usual abused child and teenager. She's a dear. Determinate, strong and gentle. No clumsy or dumbness for Rain. A hurray for you, Rain, and another for you, Karen-Anne. I've been sick with so many female weakness and clumsiness.Kas is not one of those typical hard, mind-torturing, alpha male I have seen recently. Sometimes, I miss a little of hardness in him - he is a FBI officer - that has too much self-control, but then, there have been so many bad examples in the literature recently that that it makes you want to kiss him for all his self-control. He is a gentleman, strong, and sensitive. This is what a woman should want in a boyfriend!!I got catch by the plot, despite it's not what I usually read (I prefer adult romances, thrillers, historical romances, poetry or philosophy) and I can say: Good job!
—Poet Gentleness
