Olivia's Awakening

I really enjoyed this new book from Ronica Black. The characters were developed very well from the beginning. There is an immediate attraction between Olivia and Eve from the first time they met, but once they agree to a business relationship (Eve helping Olivia with workouts and getting into shape), the relationship option is off the table. Olivia has never been with another woman before and was taught as a child that romantic feelings between same-sex people were wrong. So she is constantly battling her feelings for Eve. Eve has her own issues, not wanting to commit to a long-term relationship.

I thought the building of their relationship was paced pretty good at the beginning, but around the middle of the book it started to drag a little. Maybe it was my own impatience, but I wanted the couple to get together finally and it seemed that the smallest obstacles turned into major mountains to overcome for them. I did enjoy the building of Olivia from a woman who was broken by what others told her into a fit, confident woman who finally stood up for what she wanted. It takes a long time for that to happen, but in the end, I found her to be a stronger woman than Eve.

There is one character I particularly despise, Olivia's mother. Her tight religious beliefs have driven a wedge between her and her daughter (as well as others in the family) and she just doesn't seem to care. Unfortunately, it is a very realistic portrayal of how some people are. It is difficult to read a story where a parent will shut out one of their children for being gay. It is reality, but still very difficult for me to read.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book and one I would recommend to those looking for a good coming-out story.

I was provided with an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.