Voyeur

Swoon Sister's Book Club Pick - April 2021

I had a good time reading this book especially in the beginning because the concept is amazing. The conflict and misunderstandings went on a little too long for my taste and I started to get bored with it. Overall, a solid read but definitely could have cut back on the angst a little bit.

Fiona Cole is quickly becoming a one-click author for me. After reading Shame and Make it to the Altar last week and enjoying them so thoroughly, I figured why not? When I was tagged in the sign up for an ARC of Voyeur, however, I had my doubts as to whether I'd enjoy it as much. Maybe it was just Kevin and Ana that I loved so much, nothing could compete with them and maybe it was the author at the top of her game and anything else was downhill. Erm, yeah, that's not true. Fiona Cole's writing continues to captivate me in a way that is shocking and perfect. I literally (and I use that in the literal sense, not in the exaggerated sense) stayed up all night reading this book. I could not put it down. It made me swoon, it made me laugh, it made me tear up, and full out sob, it was everything I'd imagined and a million things I didn't. Fiona takes difficult subjects and embeds them so perfectly with the romance that you can't help but get lost and enamoured by the story. If I thought Kevin and Ana had carved a spot in my heart and soul, well, Oaklyn and Callum have made the hole bigger. Their story is beautiful and heartbreaking.

These characters have become embedded within my soul. I cried for them, I cheered for them, I swooned for them, and I got angry for them. I cannot help the connection I formed with them and I loved every second of it. Callum Pierce is the professor everybody wants; he's young, he's sexy, he's smart, and he's charming. He's a complete sweetheart with secrets, and a difficult past. The reveal will make your heart hurt. Oaklyn Derringer is a student on a mission; she will do whatever it takes to become successful, she's determined, she's independent, she's sweet, and she's smart. She's knows what she wants and isn't afraid to fight for it. The way this couple are together is beautiful. The understanding and acceptance is a big part of this story and makes the characters that much more likeable. It's angsty but not too much. It has the element of forbidden since their teacher-student relationship is frowned upon. The age gap isn't too big, it felt extremely realistic, as did the issues and feelings they faced. The sex scenes, my god, can FC write a super hot sex scene. It's enough to melt the kindle. They all fit well with the story and didn't feel misplaced or used to fill a void in the story. I loved the idea of the club, and it worked really well within the story. The progression of the relationship between Cal and Oak was timed perfectly and never felt rush, or drawn out. It was just everything!

Fiona Cole somehow managed to break my heart and piece it back together again. She broke me in the most beautiful way, and once again, I have this urge to get on my knees and thank her.