Reading “Spider” by Ilsa Madden-Mills was not my first “rodeo” with this author … I already read several of her “British” spiced novels …. And I adored each and every story (which makes me think it would be the perfect time by now to go back and check on some of her older works which I did not read so far)

I am sitting here now staring at the screen and wonder how I should write a review without spoilers on this book. It is really kind of hard because there are no actual surprises with which I could tease the reader – no dark secrets hidden – no this author simply works with the natural dynamic between the leading characters. She adds the British accent that sends shivers down the spines of all readers and toys with tiny details that make her stories special.

The dialogues between all “attending” characters is well balanced and you know at all times where you are standing. Usually when a book sounds like that you would think it is predictable or boring. But with this author I never had that feeling. My kind of novel is usally the one where the male lead is darker and tortured hiding in secrets. Ms. Madden-Mills’ characters are non of that really but still they feel partly broken or bent. For me her books are a welcome relief when I need something with less pressure on my nerves but still require feed a certain appetite for “broken”.

The introduction of the characters was just perfect… the first time around as well as the second and third time … (yeah you are reading right no mistake here)

I loved their banter and dialogues.

I liked that both of them where not weak but strong , bent maybe but never broken. At all times they were well aware of their mistakes. Yes they were still making them but the reader never felt like they were simply foolish – there was always more to it.

There were one or two side characters I could have done without and there is I have to admit cheating involved which is the only thing I did not like because I usually avoid that at all costs in a book. BUT I have to admit also that the situation is “sold” to the reader in a way that made at least make me feel that it was not that serious between the concerned characters.  (Or shall I say “they were already on the way out of the relationship even before that”) Doesn’t make it right I know but somehow in this story – as an exception to my rule – it worked). The “scorned” character was from the beginning on to me as a reader always placed as a “filler” and never as a real competition maybe that is why it felt ok for me.

Having said my piece – I still loved this story to pieces … from beginning to end and I hope you will do too – and if you do – don’t forget to return to this author and read her other books especially those that feature “British” characters – you will love them all