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Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
The Brute and I, by Suzanne Smith, sweeps you into a relationship full of emotion, heart, and redemption. Drama is what drives this strong, poignant story involving Alex and Marco, a couple with painful pasts and reasons not to trust. Alex's father is an alcoholic, and denial is her choice of coping. She simply acts like it isn't happening. Her stunted emotions serve their purpose for a while, but then she meets a man named Marco and falls for him. He isn't like the other men she may have known. He's different in that he's soulful and sensuous, and this turns Alex's life upside down. But Marco has problems of his own. He has trouble coming to terms with his past, full of pain, death, and grief, which has left him bitter and mad. Being in love and feeling joy again are impossible dreams for him, but maybe Alex is the one to change that for him. The future seems promising, but there are obstacles. They are inexperienced when it comes to real love, and ignore the damage each other can bring. They have passion, but that may be destroyed by infidelity and violence.
Smith brings intensity and raw emotion to this romantic drama. Both leading characters are flawed, yet perfectly suited to pursue a relationship with each other. Alex and Marco are a unique couple--fire and ice. They have their differences, but a sensual and emotional bond that is undeniable. The question is, do they have what it takes to make it, or will they undermine it? The author has crafted characters you can fall in love with. From the first time Alex and Marco meet, sparks fly, and you wonder if what they start will ever last. It seems that there should be a personality clash, but there is a connection that overpowers any differences they have. I enjoyed the dialogue, the conflict, inner turmoil, tension, relationship dynamics, and yes, even the flaws that show up. Realism is something you don't find in every romance novel, but you'll find it in this one, and the drama resonates with a sonic boom. If you like contemporary romance novels with emotional roller coasters and characters you can invest in, make The Brute and I, by Suzanne Smith, your next can't-miss read.
