Review: The Softer Side of Texas by Sai Marie Johnson

Synopsis

Since her brother's death, Ivanka Jessup, known to her family and friends as Ivy, has struggled to help her family keep their ranch running. Enduring harassment from a certain customer in the bar she works in, she works late hours, in addition to working on the ranch. Defending herself lands her without a job and she is rescued by a stranger, Aaron Kilpatrick, who just happens to be on his way to talk to Ivy's father about a job. He lands a job as a ranch hand, Ivy finds new work, and things seem to be on the upswing.

At just about the time Aaron and Ivy both realize they have feelings for each other, Ivy goes missing. The race is on to find her before it is too late, as foul play is suspected.

What Ivy endures at the hands of a madman is horrendous, but the thought of reuniting with Aaron keeps her going. Will she escape in time to find her happy ending?

Publisher's Note: This suspenseful story contains graphic sexual scenes. If that offends you, please do not purchase.

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Review

About the first half of the story is quite sweet and cute. I loved the characters. There was a certain small town charm to them. Ivy lives on a farm with her parents and works in a bar. She had lost her brother to war and now she is all her parents have. The family is struggling with financial problems too. Her workplace is not so fun either. She has to deal with troublesome customers all the time, one, in particular, doesn't see to take the hint when she thwarts his advances. Even with all these problems, life is good. Until it isn't...

I think the story is well written. I can't say that it was a dark one but definitely touched some sensitive issues so probably not everyone's cup of tea. It surely has its dark moments, but it also has many sweet moments. The best thing about the books is the author's writing style, it's unique and it's interesting. The way all the characters interact with each other, the dialogue, and presentation, it is all very good. I don't think that I've read a book like this before so that is definitely an aspect I enjoyed. For a reader like me, who reads around 200 books every year coming across originality of style is rare and I always admire this quality. However, I do think that the romantic side of the story was downplayed. I would've loved to see more romantic scenes between Ivy and Aaron.