When Author Abby Vegas contacted me and asked me if I wanted to read and review her book, I already had a lot of books lined up. But the book description sounded intriguing and the Author seemed lovely. (Hint, I’m always more likely to agree to review if you ask nicely). So, I read the book, and after just finishing it, I want to write this review straight away, because I really enjoyed the book. Let me tell you why below….
Description:
Lane Haviland can’t seem to catch a break. She’s dead broke, barely functioning as an adult, and completely alone in New York City. Her so-called “apartment” is a six-by-nine cell in a Brooklyn basement. And her new boss hasn’t ever met a personal or professional boundary she can’t bulldoze through.
Still, Lane’s determined to at least attempt to claw her way back to respectability. But she can’t seem to get her mysterious handyman, Viktor, out of her apartment – or her headspace. Maybe that’s a good thing: Viktor’s easy on the eyes, and that deep-voiced Russian accent is beyond sexy. But as he and Lane grow closer, he can no longer hide his connections with a dangerous criminal underworld – where secrets can be deadly.
My Thoughts:
The title and description of this book didn’t give me a strong idea of the story line to come. Sometimes, I prefer this as I can be pleasantly surprised. Lane has been through some very tough times, and is looking for a ‘Clean Break’. (I wonder if this title is a play on Lane’s fresh start and what happens at the end of the book?)
The two main characters in this book Lane and Viktor come together coincidentally as Lane finds somewhere to stay. Her ‘accommodation’ sounds pretty awful, but its better than on the streets. To give you a brief idea of Lane’s situation, she lives on Ramen noodles for the most of the book!
Both characters are rough around the edges, both have baggage, problems and things they are keeping to themselves. As soon as we are introduced to Viktor, the intrigue arises about him.
Lane is a great character, she describes herself as ‘self destructive’, but I see the strong side in her, even from the start.
The book has modern themes to it, and made me smile in places.
“Emily concluded ‘Hashtag just saying’ “.
The unexpected twist towards the end of the book is brilliant, I did not see it coming at all. Through the book we are left wondering who to trust, and who is hiding something sinister and who is just being private.
I’m not going to give away much of the storyline, so if you read it you can enjoy finding out what happens page by page. And, you will want to. It is a brilliant book, with strong developed characters and a twist at the end which will leave you surprised and satisfied at the same time.
At the end of the book, the Author shares a Russian translation guide for the few Russian words used in he story, which was really interesting, as I didn’t know it was there until I had finished the book. This worked out better, as it made me imagine what the words meant.
There is also a link for Viktor’s playlist. This may give you a theme for the book..
If you have read ‘Clean Break’ I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Does my review and the playlist make the book stand out to you? I hope so. The links are above if you are interested in the book or the Author.
I thought the sound track was a great idea too, unfortunately I didn’t see the link until I had finished the book. I would suggest other readers listen to it while reading.
I totally get you – if you’re asked nicely, it is more likely you’d agree to review a book.
My main rule is that whoever wants me to review a book, has to know my name.
If someone starts an email without even a “Hi Irena” or starts with “Hi, -“(yes, I even got those kind) I won’t even bother to read an email, if it’s clear to me it’s just copy/paste, sent to bunch of other bloggers without even checking my review policy.
I really like how you say that there’s a strong character development. That is one of the most important things for me in books.
Tbh, I don’t even know when was the last time I read a book about russian ppl, and even if there was one but that was not classic set in Russia or ww2 book.
Ahh how fun that the author includes at the end the translation of those words in Russian. It sounds like a good story to me. I like the idea of a soundtrack too. It is different. Definitely an interesting read. Thanks so much lovely for sharing this at #KCACOLS. It is great to have you, 🙂 xx
ChocolatePages 
anxiousgeek
July 10, 2016 at 8:26 pm
I like that it comes with a soundtrack. Definitely will have to check this book out. #kcacols
chocolatepages
July 10, 2016 at 9:17 pm
I thought the sound track was a great idea too, unfortunately I didn’t see the link until I had finished the book. I would suggest other readers listen to it while reading.
irena_bookdustmagic
July 12, 2016 at 11:41 am
I totally get you – if you’re asked nicely, it is more likely you’d agree to review a book.
My main rule is that whoever wants me to review a book, has to know my name.
If someone starts an email without even a “Hi Irena” or starts with “Hi, -“(yes, I even got those kind) I won’t even bother to read an email, if it’s clear to me it’s just copy/paste, sent to bunch of other bloggers without even checking my review policy.
I really like how you say that there’s a strong character development. That is one of the most important things for me in books.
Tbh, I don’t even know when was the last time I read a book about russian ppl, and even if there was one but that was not classic set in Russia or ww2 book.
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi)
July 13, 2016 at 8:10 pm
This sounds like a great read, and I love the idea of learning a few words of Russian too! x #KCACOLS
Over Heaven's Hill
July 14, 2016 at 9:07 pm
Sounds quite interesting. Might have a look #KCACOLS
A Moment with Franca
July 15, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Ahh how fun that the author includes at the end the translation of those words in Russian. It sounds like a good story to me. I like the idea of a soundtrack too. It is different. Definitely an interesting read. Thanks so much lovely for sharing this at #KCACOLS. It is great to have you, 🙂 xx
chocolatepages
July 15, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Thank you, I like to think I bring you quite a range of book reviews. From a bookbloggers eclectic taste. Thanks for having me.
Tracey Bowden
July 15, 2016 at 7:42 pm
Interesting. I like the sound of this book and like that there is a translation guide at the back too #kcacols