Official Review: A Separate Heaven by Alex Disanti

Julie Petitbon · Post by **Julie Petitbon** » 16 Dec 2019, 13:28

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Separate Heaven" by Alex Disanti.]

3 out of 4 stars

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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
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Post by **Alice Heritage** » 18 Dec 2019, 09:21

Wow, I was most intrigued by this one until I came across the part about the controlling and abusive man, because it seems the author portrays this as if it were fine? Not another one who believes our ideal romance is "Fifty Shades of Grey"-style? It is not! Thanks for your superb review, though.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 18 Dec 2019, 14:55

Thanks for the review. I don't think this is one I would enjoy. I would catch myself getting angry over the controlling and abusive man. I would also be frustrated that Paige loses her identity by being with this person.

LauraLeeWasHere · Post by **LauraLeeWasHere** » 20 Dec 2019, 06:27

At first glance I didn't think this book was for me but as I read your review I thought I might have been wrong. But I think I was mistaking your writing talents for his. At any rate, your efforts have helped me make up my mind and I'm grateful.

LLR

Julie Petitbon · Post by **Julie Petitbon** » 07 Jan 2020, 20:36

ButterscotchCherrie wrote: ↑18 Dec 2019, 09:21 Wow, I was most intrigued by this one until I came across the part about the controlling and abusive man, because it seems the author portrays this as if it were fine? Not another one who believes our ideal romance is "Fifty Shades of Grey"-style? It is not! Thanks for your superb review, though.

I felt the same way. He was possessive throughout, which I didn't love, but the violent scenes? That is not romance or love!

Julie Petitbon · Post by **Julie Petitbon** » 07 Jan 2020, 20:37

Miller56 wrote: ↑18 Dec 2019, 14:55 Thanks for the review. I don't think this is one I would enjoy. I would catch myself getting angry over the controlling and abusive man. I would also be frustrated that Paige loses her identity by being with this person.

Those are both issues I struggled with, especially as the story progressed.