Paper Soul

Summary: Alicia never wanted to return to her hometown but she only did to help her mother. She never knew she would run into her ex-friend and crush while working as a hostess. But when Jeff walks back into her life, can she forgive him for what he did all those years ago? Jeff regrets how he treated Alicia and wishes he could change the past. Even though that is impossible, he will try the next best thing; changing the future.

Pro:

• Alicia was a very pleasant protagonist. She had enough flaws and struggles that the reader could connect with her and her emotions. Her relationship with her mother was flawed and strained which added to the complexity of the plot and Alicia herself. We have all felt the urge to make our own lives while at the same time the pull of responsibilities to family. Alicia is in constant battle with her life and her heart.
• The book was a pretty face paced and short. Even with the story being a short story rather than a whole novel, Moore was able to keep them connected. This made a good fast read. It is also a good clean romance that focuses on the relationship and not the sexuality of a couples dynamics. There are some PG situations that make the story a little steamy.

Con:

• This being a short story, a lot of interactions are speed up and don't really get to fully developed. This is the same for the development of the characters. Alicia and Jeff’s past are briefly described, so that i disliked him enough to side with Alicia. I would have liked a lot more explanation both between them and Alicia’s parents. That way I could better relate with Alicia. Jeff is the typical romance counterpart. He is successful, handsome and popular. I feel he was a bland template of a man with no real depth. I also feel that this depth was lost because of the shortness of the book.
• For a short story, it is a pleasant and entertaining read, I would have like a little more development and surprises.