Hi All
Today I am bringing you a review of a book which I was sent by the author, Elliott Morreau. I am always happy to receive work from fairly unknown authors; knowing that I am in the bracket of some of the first to read it before it becomes popular. And let me tell you; this book should and will become popular. The story is so inventive and I was drawn in all directions emotions-wise as I read through each page.
Let me introduce you to Valentine, Act I
About the Author
Elliott Morreau – the following was taken from his Wattpad account https://www.wattpad.com/user/ElliottMorreau
I’ve always been one to dream big.
And I’ve always been one to chase what I want, even when I’ve been told it’s out of reach
A little fun fact about me? I wear green and use guns.
I love writing, and editing, and enjoy pushing limits and crossing lines. It’s in my human nature to challenge the norm, and I always enjoy a good debate.
I don’t take things very personally, and if you’re offended with any of my work, I understand. You’re not the first.
Feel free to message me if you have any concerns or questions. I answer to everyone and everything, even Pickle Rick.
I don’t take life too seriously, often times I go to work, hit the gym, write, and drink. A lot.
I’m Canadian.
About the Book
Welcome to Coalfields.
A Town where everyone fits in. From murderers to rapists to paedophiles. And you. Yes, you.
What? You think you’re so much different from them? That’s what Jack and Lia thought too. After all, what do two high school lovebirds have in common with a place like that?
Nothing.
Until one of them commits murder. But even then, who am I to Judge? After all, I’m merely an observer in the stars—a spectator. God.
So out of all the people in the world, why observe the life of two teenagers? Because it’s simple: They’re special.
One is the greatest high school quarterback in North America who’s slept with as many girls as the hairs on his head. The other? A child-like teenager who was abused by her now-dead father.
But it wasn’t the murder of Lia’s father, or the fact that Jack had fallen head over heals for a virgin, that interested me.
It was because of the fateful day that Lia looked me dead in the eyes. A mere mortal, looked upon me, God. It was then, for the first time I felt fear. In the reflection of her eyes—the dark figure. A manifestation. An It.
Something I hadn’t created.
And with his cherry red lips, It smiled back.
(This is the first part of a two-part story that will conclude in Valentine: Act II)
My Review
One of these days I would love to be sent a book that is so terrible that I can write a scathing review and really write out what I don’t like about it! But so far, its not happened. Every book I am coming across is as good as the last; and some of the best ones are from seemingly new authors. This book is no exception.
When Elliott approached me to request a review in exchange for a copy of his book I was more than happy to take a look; the sound of the story intrigued me and I found the illustrated cover interesting. This story was so well written, I was shocked that this guy hadn’t been heard of before now! The wording was very easy to take in and the flow was brilliantly done. I loved the many angles the book read from; from Lia, to Jack and even from the Author/God character which added an extra element of intrigue to the whole of the story.
This book wasn’t just a strait-laced romance book; this story was more than that. It was inventive with the idea that there was an area which housed criminals who had been on the run; people who have killed or raped are living a tiring existence; avoiding jail or the death-penalty and filling their days with hard labour and ‘repetitive’ lifestyles. It almost seems too good to be true; there are rules to abide by and as long as you stick by them then you will forever be hidden away.
The relationship between Lia and Jack is both loving and complicated. They have only been together for a matter of months but within that time they have gone through some traumatic changes; some of which are hard for them to put behind them. They are trying everyday to live a normal life and to build a future, but every step forward is a struggle, especially as Lia’s mental state isn’t the best. She has been through a lot in her short life and at times Jack sees her as someone he has to take care of; like a toddler, rather than that of a partner.
The struggle between these two is raw at times and I feel the tension that rises between the both of them as they try to be on an even keel in their relationship. Not everyone in the town is a friend and not everyone means them well.
I love the character interactions within this book; the easy flowing dialogue helps build a brilliant picture and we see deep into each character. The ending was left open for the 2nd book in the series, which I cant wait to get my hands on! This book was a really enjoyable read and I am so glad that Elliott invited me to read it.
Conclusion
The first thing I did after finishing this book was to see if the 2nd in the series was out. I really cant wait to see what happens next. This is a really good book; it is a gritty romance with a dramatic kick! This was entertaining from the very first page! And I doubt that this series will be the last we hear from this new author!
Rating – 4 out of 5
S x
Writing from the Heart 