Review: Side Swiped by Lia Riley

Image from Goodreads

Title: Side Swiped
Series: Of the Map #2
Author: Lia Riley
Publisher: Grand Central/Forever
Publication Date:
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 4/5

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Synopsis from Goodreads

It was only meant to last the summer . . .

Talia Stolfi has seen more than her share of loss in her twenty-one years. But then fate brought her Bran Lockhart, and her dark world was suddenly and spectacularly illuminated. So if being with Bran means leaving her colorless NorCal life for rugged and wild Australia, then that’s what she’ll do. But as much as Talia longs to give herself over completely to a new beginning, the fears of her past are still lurking in the shadows.

Bran Lockhart knows that living without the beautiful girl who stole his heart will be torment, so he’ll take whatever time with her he can. But even though she has packed up her life in California and is back in his arms for the time being, she can’t stay forever. And the remaining time they have together is ticking by way too fast. Though fate seems determined to tear them apart, they won’t give up without a fight—because while time may have limits, their love is infinite . .

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REVIEW

Firstly, I have to say I enjoyed the second book more than the first. The character development went from strength to strength The dual first person narrative captures the raw emotion beautifully enhanced by the ingenious use of metaphor within the narrative. Lia Riley uses such brilliant turn-of-phrase incorporating a fair amount of sarcasm, exactly my sort of story

I especially liked the way in which Lia captured the feeling of one door closing only for another to open. Initially the plot has a fairly pessimistic feel to it, each character struggles with decisions regarding their future as an individual and as a couple – the idea that fate is a bitch providing opportunities at the wrong time making for difficult decisions is a recurring theme throughout. Add in the fact Bran and Talia’s time together is on a deadline due to he visa status, and you can feel the pressure of their choices like a ticking time bomb.

I liked Bran far more in this book, I felt as if I got to know him much better as his barriers lowered due to his deeper relationship with Talia. His vulnerability and issues due to his upbringing endeared him further to me. The depth of emotion he felt within his thoughts added a further dimension to the story, acting as a contradiction to some of his actions. His absolute terror of being without Talia was overshadowed by his utter reluctance to consider a long distance relationship. I did feel as if the solution to the visa was a little predictable. However, Bran explanation to himself and Talia only served to fuel negativity between the couple.

Both Talia and Bran are so caught up in focusing on the future that it overshadows their enjoyment of the present.

I loved being inside Talia’s head, her quirky reaction to things made me smile and want to protect her all at the same time. I absolutely hated the way she was treated by Bran’s family and the subsequent effect it had on her psyche. Talia’s OCD is a constant battle for her, I felt as if it was a physical manifestation of her subconscious worries. Times of stress obviously increase it’s occurrence. Talia is far stronger than she realizes; recognizing her triggers she does remarkable well at managing her symptoms.

The outstanding feature in Side Swiped is the character development. While we were able to understand Bran a lot better, it is Talia’s growth within the story that makes it exceptional.

Be warned there is a humongous cliffhanger at the end of this book that will make you want to beg Lia to know what happens immediately