Monday, May 9, 2016

BOOK REVIEW: The Space Between (The Walshes #2) by Kate Canterbary

3.5/ 4 Stars

Patrick Walsh runs a preservation architecture firm with his siblings. Andi Asani is their new apprentice working a six month internship.  She’s admired Patrick’s work all through college and working for their company has been her number one goal.

Told via Andi and Patrick’s first person point of view, as the story unfolds Patrick turns out to be quite a keeper.
“‘The only reason I’ll ever kick you out of bed is to fuck you on the floor.’”
Though on the surface Patrick can be grumpy and he certainly has his share of frustrations, under it all he is a dedicated, hard working, guy, loyal to his family and the woman in his life.

Andi, on the other hand, initially came off confident, intelligent, and strong, but she also tended to run a bit cold, keeping people at a distance. In the beginning she acts like a tease to Patrick, and then later her behavior turns immature and entitled.  The scenes with her whining about making partner left a sour taste in my mouth.  While her character was primed to learn a lesson that doing what you love while surrounded by the people who matter most to you is more rewarding that a prestigious job title on paper,  I never felt that truly happened.  In the end, I wasn’t sure Andi deserved Patrick. That was disappointing because the premise of this story—two adults with similar backgrounds, interests, and careers developing a romantic relationship while working alongside each other—held potential.

Had the story stayed focused on Andi and Patrick making their relationship work alongside the back story of the old Walsh family home it might have avoided the angsty climax that drug on.  For all the sibling discussions about the house, the will, and the father, (which honestly I suspect you need to read book one to follow when it’s first introduced in this story,) that sub plot is never used to its full potential.  None the less, I did enjoy the little bit of intrigue it provided.

All in all, what the story has going for it is no cheating, no OW/OM drama, a non-manwhore hero, and plenty of sexy times.
“…I spend most of the day wondering whether you’ll let me fuck you in the printer room…”
But the story execution could be tighter and the heroine’s character growth is minimal. A bit more communication between educated adults would have gone a long way in making their relationship something to really root for. None the less, it's a sexy, safe story worth checking out.

GOODREADS     AMAZON    B&N

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