Rough Around The Edges - Crystal Chard
Updated: May 5, 2020
BLURB
Roxanne Mackenzie is not exactly living her best life. After moving to London to follow her dream of becoming a writer, she thought things would be different - better. Instead, they're a whole lot worse.
Metting Josie Calhoun - the woman who has everything together, including the top button of her shirt - makes Roxy question how she's been living her life.
Josie can't bear lies and values trust above all else, so what will she make of Roxy's scandalous truth?
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The only thing that disappointed me with this book was when I saw those two little words appear on my Kindle's screen... The End.
Crystal Chard's debut novel will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions; from intrigue to sadness, to laugh-out-loud, to romance, self-discovery and life experience, and snippets of hope and reassuring advice for all along the way. And let's not forget those wonderful moments of flirtation and desire that crop up throughout. This story has it all.
Needless to say, I was hooked from the onset. Chard's intriguing prologue makes you instantly want to know everything about the protagonist. Her writing is engaging and leaves you desperate for more with every turn of the page. (Or swipe, depending on your preferred platform.)
The characters are well-written and exude realness, which made them a pleasure to read. The journeys they go through as individuals, as well as their combined relationships with other characters, delve deep, provide humour and make you want to know more about them all and what led them to this point in their lives.
Even the friend who was a little 'in your face' was a pleasant read, despite her crude persona.
My favourite character was Josie; she's caring, romantic, full of good energy and bravery, and I liked her cute-but-sexy flirtatious side.
Roxy was also an all-round great character - possibly even joint-favourite with Josie - in fact, I resonated with Roxy the most, what with her apparent issues seeping out in the form of low self-esteem and a lack of belief in herself, that's what made this story feel so real to me, despite our differing circumstances in leading us to this conclusion.
What made Josie a great character was that she helped push Roxy in the right direction to find the resolve she so desperately needed, the reassurance, that longing belief... and she also made me, as a reader, think about my own insecurities and doubts, providing me with some encouragement and comfort in the process.
On a lighter note, it would be downright terrible of me if I failed to mention... the sex scene.
It was HOT. The build-up made me tingle and I was fully engrossed in their passion.
In an unexpected turn of events, the author chose to highlight the thing we all dread after a sexual encounter... morning breath. My OCD and I appreciated that she didn't glorify it like they do in the movies. I don't know about you, but it makes me cringe when I see this on-screen. Who really wants to kiss stagnant breath of a morning?
The final chapter was beautiful. It made my heart skip a beat and an unstoppable grin smeared across my face with joy. It made me envisage a Hollywood movie ending... but that's all I'm going to say as I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. Just trust me on this one, it's good.
If you're a fan of angst, romance, heartache and feelings, then this is the book for you.
Favourite funny line:
"Anyway, why didn't you tell me about her? She seems to know the ins and outs of a duck's arse about me, and you've never once mentioned her, not once."
Favourite romantic line:
"...even though I couldn't bear the thought of seeing you again, the thought of not seeing you tore me up inside."
Overall, a very satisfying 'could-not-put-it-down', 'do I really have to go to work instead of carrying on with this book' read.
