“I forgot where I was or who was watching. That was what happened when I was with Melissa, the world faded and nothing else mattered but us.”

This novel has left me an emotional wreck. It is filled with so many relevant issues that are brilliantly addressed, but I just wasn’t prepared.  Our author, Lym Cruz, packs this story FULL. Andrew and Melissa’s attraction to each other can only be recognized as fate.  The experience of this novel was wild. You get everything in this book, and I mean EVERYTHING. Sex, lies, pregnancy scandals, sex trafficking, racist, sexism, jealousy, betrayal…I could go on. As much as I could write about how this journey made me feel, I’d like to focus on the scary reality of sex trafficking. This issue plays a huge role in this novel.

Now, I’m sure most of you guys have read romance novels that involve sex trafficking in some way or another.  Usually the woman is sold to a man and she ends up falling in love with him, or she’s sold but then saved by an equally abusive man who she then falls for (she always falls for someone). Regardless, the story is usually about the woman’s experience while being trafficked. Cruz took a new spin on this – she wrote a book about the aftermath of sex trafficking. 

Our heroine, Melissa, was trafficked when she was 17, and was saved by Andrew, our leading man. Years later they run into each other and everything unfolds. They fall in love. Melissa shares the secrets of her time as a sex slave, something she’s never shared with anyone before.  We, as the audience, get to learn about where Melissa’s strength and confidence comes from. Although her family is insanely wealthy, she doesn’t take much for granted. Andrew also comes from a wealthy family, but his experience is drastically different than hers. As you read, you’ll understand what I mean.

Cruz has a very crafty way of building up tension in her novel. I was at the edge of my seat, waiting for the other shoe to drop, starting about half way through the novel. Really great job with the suspense factor.  Very interesting story…you can tell that Cruz intended to write separate books about the other friends we meet during this journey. 

Honestly, I can’t wait to read Robert’s story. As you read Flawed, you’ll meet Robert…get ready…I’m a huge fan already. He is a REALLY fascinating character. Cruz hints at a possible relationship for Robert during this story and I really hope it plays out in another book!  Needless to say, there’s a lot of potential for a great series to come out of this. Stay tuned, friends!

“My life is meaningless without you.”