A Date with the Devil by Kira Adams

[CardinalsLuvBooks]

I don't get it. There are more than a bundle of readers raving about this book, gushing about how strong the protagonist was and how profoundly the story impacted them. For me, I was simply exhausted by its conclusion as a result of copious irritating decisions the main character makes, and how horribly naïve she could be at times.

"A Date with the Devil" revolves around an adult named Bryce, whose underwent a traumatic event that has left her physically, mentally, and emotionally scathed. Her abusive ex-boyfriend, Robbie, had put a lit match to her skin after she attempts to leave him. She is luckily rescued by her charming, heroically handsome next-door neighbor, Tyson. Nonetheless, in consequence of the incident, 40% of her body is covered in severe burns and thus, Bryce is extremely insincere. She's also awfully fearful of leaving her household, for Robbie was never found, and reluctant to go beyond her comfort zone. The plotline focuses primarily on Bryce conquering her fears and growing up.

From this point forward, there are going to be major spoilers. You have been warned.

I'll admit, initially, I was fiercely enjoying "A Date with the Devil." The flashbacks of Bryce and Robbie's relationship were utterly engrossing as well as repugnant. Robbie was an abominable character, striking Bryce whenever she did something that didn't sit well with him. Although I haven't been involved in a brutal romance such as this, I understand how difficult it'd be to let go. Bryce held onto Robbie in hopes that he would change, that he would treat her more fairly, that he'd return to being the kind guy she met and shared a book with. One cannot simply abandon someone they've become accustomed to, but ultimately Bryce came to the realization that their relationship was exceedingly unhealthy. She was not safe, and therefore she endeavored to flee.

It was because of these past actions that I routed for Bryce in present day. I'd admired the willpower she retained in spite of Robbie's degradation, and I wanted her to regain her confidence. She was actually doing relatively well for a time, especially with the support of her savior. Bryce managed to step outside, to obtain a book, to rejuvenate some social skills, and to make new friends at the Side Bar. Go Bryce! Go Bryce!

Unfortunately, things began to waver once Tyson revealed that he had deep feelings for Bryce. At the beginning, I liked Tyson. He was considerate of Bryce's limits, yet he still encouraged her to surpass them. However, after Bryce refuses to take the next step with him, he wants to distance himself. It is somewhat understandable because unrequited love can be a real dagger to the stomach, but Tyson had claimed that he would still be around when she needed him. Oh yes, that is why you ignored her many phone calls and text messages, and stopped visiting. Suddenly, you "have a life" that excludes Bryce's presence altogether. Tyson, you little sh*t.

Moreover, I was exasperated by Bryce's reaction to his affections. I can accept the fact that she was not ready to cross that line, for Tyson was her best friend and she didn't want to risk losing him. Due to her traumas, she isn't stable and the idea of being deprived of a sturdy comfort is unpleasant. On the other hand, she believes that pushing him away and giving him space is going to amend whatever complications that'd arose. In addition, it was inexplicably frustrating how oblivious Bryce was to her own emotions. She thinks about Tyson constantly and yearns to communicate with him on the successes and hardships of her life. A day devoid of his attendance makes her mind and heart sore. She gets butterflies and begins to overanalyze the statement "That's the Bryce that I love" which, generally, doesn't possess any true emotional attachment. Seriously, how foolish can one be? What's more is that, by withdrawing herself from Tyson, he is entirely susceptible to Robbie's vile schemes.

I especially disliked is how, in the middle of the book, Bryce reverted back to her old habits. She sees Robbie exactly once on Halloween night, and that's enough for her to totally backpedal. She deserts her job, neglects all the friends she made, and builds herself a chrysalis in her bed. She disregards all practicality, resistant to inform anybody about what or who encountered, or even notify the damn police! Honestly, if I was confronted by my potential killer, I'd think to tell the cops and put them on guard. Apparently though, that isn't the way Bryce roles. She places her faith in the belief that the four walls of her bedroom will substantially keep out an absolute sociopath. As long as Bryce remains isolated, she won't have to face her problems. That is her adamant mindset. And then she has the gall to whine over and over "Why can't I be normal?" Because you don't have the backbone to deal with your plights and overcome your fears!

There were a couple entertaining and powerful aspects through the course of the book, such as Bryce's trips to the bar where she befriended a couple of interesting townsfolk, especially the so-to-be-bride, and the dramatic climax. The few action sequences were frightening, raw, and enrapturing. Robbie carried zero redeeming qualities, and so the audience will be delighted when he gets what he deserves in the end. Bryce took back what he'd stolen from her, and you look forward to hearing about following months.

Surprisingly, the resolution was the moment I lost my patience. I've highlighted the two lines that lessened my opinion of Bryce:

1. "I didn't understand at the time that pulling someone's hair until it bleeds and spitting in their face was not normal." Really?! Who is their right mind would think that such inflictions were okay? Bryce was not always damaged, but she is stating here that she thought brute violence was a traditional part of a relationship.

2. "No matter what he put me through, no one deserves to die. I whole-heartedly believe that." And that is why you waited until Robbie bled out and had taken his final breath before calling 911, right? Hypocrite.

Finally, Kira Adams concludes the book with Bryce and Tyson having sex in the shower, which was definitely the most descriptive scene of this whole book, and a court trial where Bryce reiterates the torture she withstood and compels the jury into tears. I'm sorry, but I perceived this ending as intolerably corny, and uncommendable.

All in all, the sequence of "A Date with the Devil" is realistic and I am sure that people who've had a hand in a savage relationship like Bryce and Robbie's will appreciate this book for its rendition of such a daring topic. I just found that my sympathy for Bryce slipping away and well, as soon as your forbearance for the protagonist depletes, and there are no other characters to make up for it, the story becomes irrelevant.

[Ealasaid]

Huh? Is this really an "official review"?