SUNNY: BOOK REVIEW "Real" by Katy Evans

SUMMARY from Goodreads: 
A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?


REVIEW:

Things I Liked: 

My recommendation for this book is largely based on the importance of the subject matter. As a reader, we get insight into the world of a person with a bipolar disorder.  According to the NIMH, 1 in 4 adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.  This is what it looks like.  We see the impact of how this mental illness affects not only the individual, but their family members, their friends, and the person who loves them. For those who have never experienced it, this is but a glimpse, albeit an important one, into their world.

Music is hugely important in this story and it had an impact on me as well.  I appreciate that I  recognized most the songs and the lyrics and it adds a layer that brought color and vibrancy to the narrative. 

Not So Much:

It pains me to say this but although I liked the story, I had a problem with the storytelling.  The pacing in the beginning was slow and repetitive.  The dialogue in Brooke's  head was like a iPod on repeat mode - Brooke wants Remy. Brooks body is yearning for Remy.  Brooke is wound tight because she wants to have sex with Remy. Again and again. 

Having said this, Remy is memorable and the way Katy Evans characterizes him is irresistible.  He's strong; he's handsome; he's "all-in"; and he has DIMPLES!  Remy, not soon forgotten. 

IN A NUTSHELL:
Although the flow was sometimes slow, I don't regret reading this book.  In fact, I'm going to go check to see when the next book, Mine, is scheduled for released!