One with You by Sylvia Day
My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars
Worthy Conclusion to the Crossfire Series
FINAL DECISION: Finally, the story of Eva and Gideon comes to a conclusion, but there is a lot of external drama to get through before this couple is ready to move on to their happy ending. Bringing the series to a satisfying close, their relationship shows a stability and maturity that they have been working towards.
THE STORY: Continuing right where CAPTIVATED BY YOU ended, the book opens with Eva and Gideon meeting after Eva’s ultimatum regarding Gideon’s interference with her job and Eva’s revealing Gideon’s abuse to his stepfather. The two continue to navigate their relationship as they deal with the aftermath of their respective childhood abuse. Married now, the two are committed to one another and yet continue to have problems with communicating with one another rather than keeping secrets. As this book begins, Gideon has finally opened up regarding his abuse. Now the two need to resolve all the external issues threatening them.
OPINION: In a finale worth waiting for, this novel wraps up most of the pressing issues from the series. Most importantly, it shows the depth of the relationship between Gideon and Eva and demonstrates how much their relationship has grown and matured. The problems the two face are even larger now, but they have learned to trust one another, defy their own instinctive reactions and turn to one another. The action in this book is more external as most of the emotional conflicts have finally been resolved by Gideon and Eva.
Gideon finally made a breakthrough at the end of CAPTURED BY YOU and he continues his development after acknowledging the sexual abuse he suffered. He finally begins to work with Eva instead of working around her.
These books have portrayed interesting takes on people who have suffered abuse. Gideon and Eva reacted differently to their abuse and the effects continue to be what the two have to work through. This book isn’t all sweetness and light, however. There are some tough moments for these two to get through. By the end, however, I really got the sense that these two would make it.
WORTH MENTIONING: Not everything is resolved in this book. Not everything is tied up neatly rather this book makes it clear that Gideon and Eva will make it but leaves the supporting characters’ stories somewhat unresolved. People who want everything spelled out will be disappointed.
CONNECTED BOOKS: ONE WITH YOU is the fifth book in the Crossfire series. It should be read as part of the series as the series follows one couple through their relationship.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.