In the third book of the Marked Men series, Jay
Crownover
finally gives Cora Lewis and Rome Archer their story. This
is one of the books I was most looking forward to because
not only was I interested in Rome's broody character, but I
was also genuinely interested in Cora as well.
Both are no strangers to days filled with angst. However, I
think it is safe to say that Rome has received a far more
tougher hand to be dealt. As a solider returning from
Afghanistan, Rome has seen the worst of what the world has
offered. As a result, he can be mean and vicious. Everyone
else is willing to let that slide, but not Cora.
Cora is a strong, confident woman who has had her heart
broken once and is determined never to allow anyone the
chance to do it again. Though much of the book emphasizes
Rome's PTSD, Cora's past is also engaging and unique.
Surprisingly, their emotional baggage does not bog down the
storyline, but further enhances it. As a series that is
strongly character driven, it's no surprise that Jay
Crownover spends a lot of time developing her characters and
creating multifaceted attitudes that will hook readers right
in.
Though ROME can be read as a standalone novel, I emphasize
the fact that there is more to be had if one reads the
series in order. Not only would you better understand the
characters, but the overall storylines will come across as
much more developed and defined.
ROME is my favourite of the series so far. Who ever thought
that mixing two broken souls would become so inspiring and
sexy at the same time?
Cora Lewis is a whole lot of fun, and she knows how to keep
her tattooed bad boy friends in line. But all that flash and
sass hide the fact that she’s never gotten over the way her
first love broke her heart. Now she has a plan to make sure
that never happens again: She’s only going to fall in love
with someone perfect.
Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He’s
stubborn and rigid, he’s bossy and has come back from his
final tour of duty fundamentally broken. Rome’s used to
filling a role: big brother, doting son, super soldier; and
now none of these fit anymore. Now he’s just a man trying to
figure out what to do with the rest of his life while
keeping the demons of war and loss at bay. He would have
been glad to suffer it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into
his life and becomes the only color on his bleak horizon.
Perfect isn’t in the cards for these two, but imperfect
might forever . . .