Official Review: A Separate Heaven by Alex Disanti
Posted: 16 Dec 2019, 13:28
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Separate Heaven" by Alex Disanti.]
A Separate Heaven by Alex Disanti is a character-driven romance novel that chronicles the first two years of the relationship between Paige and Dominic. Twenty-year-old Paige Hamilton is a marketing prodigy. Strong, smart, and shy, Paige likes her newfound independence. Forty-seven-year-old Dominic Gianelli is an established mogul who never married. His tall, dark, and mysterious demeanor doesn’t intimidate Paige. When they meet, there is an instant attraction and connection. However, the age difference concerns friends and family, especially Paige’s father. They also need to address Dominic’s high-powered and mysterious business dealings and Paige’s repressed past. Paige and Dominic must decide if their love is strong enough to withstand life’s challenges.
Paige’s character is fascinating. My favorite part of the novel is the flashbacks that explore Paige’s childhood. The author skillfully and seamlessly switches between the past and the present by having Dominic read a file on Paige. As he learns about her past, so does the reader. The integration of letters, hospital reports, and educational notes from Paige’s file add interesting perspectives on Paige and her family while deepening the story and developing the plot. The flashbacks also expose the reason behind Paige’s strained relationship with her mother, her close relationship with her brother, and her personality in the present.
I love how immersed Dominic and Page were with each other. Their love and desire for each other are palpable. However, I didn’t like the possessiveness of Dominic. Though he explains his reasoning, his ways are antiquated, controlling, and abusive. Paige’s needs always come second to him. She changes everything in her life to please him. Dominic is caring and doting, and he is very demonstrative in how he feels. However, his overbearing, overprotective, and domineering demeanor squelches the little sense of identity that Paige gained when she moved out of her parents’ house.
Another part of the book that I don't like occurs at the end of the story. I don’t want to say too much and give any spoilers away, but I am shocked and greatly disturbed by the events that unfold. They seem completely out of character and inconsistent with the rest of the story.
I rate A Separate Heaven 3 out of 4 stars. The book is impeccably edited and will appeal to adults who enjoy character-driven stories. Readers should be aware that this is a sexually explicit novel that contains vulgarity. The author labels it as a dark, sexy thriller. However, I see this book more as a well-developed narrative of a woman who endures a lifetime of abuse at the hands of those she loves.
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A Separate Heaven
View: on Bookshelves
A Separate Heaven by Alex Disanti is a character-driven romance novel that chronicles the first two years of the relationship between Paige and Dominic. Twenty-year-old Paige Hamilton is a marketing prodigy. Strong, smart, and shy, Paige likes her newfound independence. Forty-seven-year-old Dominic Gianelli is an established mogul who never married. His tall, dark, and mysterious demeanor doesn’t intimidate Paige. When they meet, there is an instant attraction and connection. However, the age difference concerns friends and family, especially Paige’s father. They also need to address Dominic’s high-powered and mysterious business dealings and Paige’s repressed past. Paige and Dominic must decide if their love is strong enough to withstand life’s challenges.
Paige’s character is fascinating. My favorite part of the novel is the flashbacks that explore Paige’s childhood. The author skillfully and seamlessly switches between the past and the present by having Dominic read a file on Paige. As he learns about her past, so does the reader. The integration of letters, hospital reports, and educational notes from Paige’s file add interesting perspectives on Paige and her family while deepening the story and developing the plot. The flashbacks also expose the reason behind Paige’s strained relationship with her mother, her close relationship with her brother, and her personality in the present.
I love how immersed Dominic and Page were with each other. Their love and desire for each other are palpable. However, I didn’t like the possessiveness of Dominic. Though he explains his reasoning, his ways are antiquated, controlling, and abusive. Paige’s needs always come second to him. She changes everything in her life to please him. Dominic is caring and doting, and he is very demonstrative in how he feels. However, his overbearing, overprotective, and domineering demeanor squelches the little sense of identity that Paige gained when she moved out of her parents’ house.
Another part of the book that I don't like occurs at the end of the story. I don’t want to say too much and give any spoilers away, but I am shocked and greatly disturbed by the events that unfold. They seem completely out of character and inconsistent with the rest of the story.
I rate A Separate Heaven 3 out of 4 stars. The book is impeccably edited and will appeal to adults who enjoy character-driven stories. Readers should be aware that this is a sexually explicit novel that contains vulgarity. The author labels it as a dark, sexy thriller. However, I see this book more as a well-developed narrative of a woman who endures a lifetime of abuse at the hands of those she loves.
******
A Separate Heaven
View: on Bookshelves