Review by Gathoni1991 -- Heartaches 2 by H.M. Irwing

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Gathoni1991
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Review by Gathoni1991 -- Heartaches 2 by H.M. Irwing

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Heartaches 2" by H.M. Irwing.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Heartaches 2: Bad Boy Vibes is a sequel to 'Heartaches: Bad Boy Vibes', written by H. M Irwing. Anna Simmons and her lover Rafael Russo, continue their search for justice against the people who drugged them and raped them. These were the Prestons who had raped Anna, and Eric Dayton who raped Rafael. But fate keeps sucking them into a black hole. Every time a ray of light shone their way, each time there seemed to be a glimpse of hope, fate threw up all over them. This is a contemporary dark romance novel, whose setting is Melbourne Australia.

The book opens with Rafael having a nightmare so intense, he almost hurts Anna in the process. He had a fight to prepare, having challenged Eric Dayton to a fight. When he won, Eric was livid and promised Rafael revenge. One day, Rafael was subdued in a gymnasium by Eric and his men. When Anna saw that he is almost killed, she promised to drop charges against the Prestons. This of course angered Rafael putting a strain in their relationship. Instead of pushing her away, he planned to propose to her. But even that did not stop fate from ridiculing their relationship. Will their relationship survive the strain of the shocking revelation?

It is the drama after drama in the story that kept me glued to the book. Though the plot started with a drag, the pace picked up with the several twists and turns. To add onto that, there were many jaw-dropping revelations and major dilemmas that maintained the tension in the story. Narrated from the first person's point of view the author, could get poetic in some parts of the book. This is definitely not your average, everyday romance book. It is for these reasons I rate the book a perfect 4 out of 4 stars .

While the author uses a simple language to pen down the story, he addresses heavy themes, not often talked about. From the story one would appreciate the challenges the members of LGBTQ face. Another heavy subject, was the effects of rape and drugging on individuals both male and female. But also, I must appreciate the author demonstrating how one can rise above the hate, the trauma and toxic relationships ,when they have the right support system. The author also shed light on sexual predators, who prey on both men and women.

I read this sequel with relish. Partly because of how the characters grew from the prequel. They chose to be strong rather than be victims of circumstances. Also, I really was so invested in their struggles and I wanted to see them finally getting justice. The story was well thought out, that is why it is able to evoke a myriad of emotions within the reader.

The book was professionally edited. I recommend the book to lovers of dark romance. I strongly advise people with post-traumatic syndrome not to read it, because the story triggers deep emotions. There is no aspect of the book I disliked. I would love to read the sequel.

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Heartaches 2
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