Reading Write Now: Raw by Belle Aurora

Synopsis

*Author Note: This is not a love story. This is a story of love gone wrong.*

Growing up the way I did, you’d think I’d be more screwed up than what I actually am. Soon as I turned sixteen, I left that bump in the road I called home and took my chances on the street. Best decision I ever made. Now, at the age of twenty six, I’m educated, employed and damn good at my job. My friends have become my family. Like me, they know what it’s like to grow up unloved. But the saying is true. The world makes way for those who know where they are going. That’s me. I know where I’m going and I’ll get there eventually. On my own terms and at my own pace. But then there’s him. I feel his eyes on me. I see him hiding in plain sight. He watches me. He makes me feel. It’s unconventional. But it’s real. I’m sure you’re wondering how a person falls in love with their stalker. So am I. This isn’t a story. This is my life.

Kota's Review

Raw is just that a Raw story, that is a little bit twisted, a lot dark, yet a love story all the same. If you are trying to decide if Raw is something you would read – I liken it to Kristen Ashley’s unfinished Hero’s series, so if you are a fan of Knight or Creed – you should surely like Raw.

Belle has created a character in Twitch that hold no pretence about who and what he is, and while his journey started out on one path, his connection with Alexa certainly threw a spanner in his plan. But ultimately he is a business man who never holds back when matters require his attention.

Alexa is a strong independent woman who works in the welfare system with street kids. Alexa has her own issues that have led her to where is currently is – which is a compassionate advocate for ‘her’ kids and someone who loves fiercely. Alexa and Twitch have a past, but it was so long ago it doesn’t register on Alexa’s agenda. Alexa however, after a traumatic event, develops a further attraction to Twitch that is all consuming and a whole lot of phhhoaaaarrrr. I say further, because Alexa knows that Twitch watches her, and is for all intents and purposes her stalker, she hadn't met him until this event.

This story is graphic, violent, sexy, and loving – with an ending that breaks your heart and gives you hope at the very same time!

I enjoy Belle’s work, her style and tone are easy to read and keep the pages turning. This story, had elements that I did not expect which made me gasp before drowning in a sense of sadness, and other moments that made my heart soar. Her secondary characters were well developed and fulfilled their role well. I am excited to see where Belle progresses as an Author, because with each release her she is finessing her art.

There were some elements of the story that I had issue with, however I am not putting those in this review, because ultimately they do not affect the quality of this as a fictional tale, but because of these issues, this was not a perfect book so I am rating Raw with 4 hearts…. I hope to read more about these characters!

About Belle Aurora

Belle Aurora is twenty six years old and was born in the land down under. At an early age she fell in love with reading. Boredom one summer had her scouring the bookshelves at home. She stumbled across Sandra Brown’s Breath of Scandal and fell in love with romance. Having been brought up in a loud and boisterous family of Croatian descent, she developed a natural love for dramatics and humor. Only some years ago had she discovered a new love. Humorous romance novels. Kristen Ashley and R.L. Mathewson had opened a brand new world where she could lose herself yet feel safe and at home in their stories. Belle has been known to become a screeching banshee while anxiously awaiting their newest titles. Belle never thought she would write. It had never interested her until recently. Friend-Zoned began to form and in February this year Belle typed the words Chapter One. And she fell in love. With words. With writing. With a creative imagination she never knew she harbored.