The Medium of Desire

The writing is the real MVP in The Medium of Desire. Alex McGlothlin possesses an incredible beauty in their writing, with flowy prose and incredible imagery. I've never been to Virginia, but I felt like I was smack dab in the middle of Richmond, familiar with all the different neighborhoods and streets that were described in thorough detail throughout the book.

Now, this isn't your typical contemporary romance; things get messy. After reading so many books that follow the same formula in their plots, this book was a refreshing find of something different. It was like a real-life account of what would actually happen in the real world instead of some fictionalized telling of Mr. Perfect wooing Miss I'm-Really-Difficult-And-Confused-About-My-Feelings. I was a little shocked that Brett moved on when Olivia wanted to act juvenile and "test" him. I liked that he didn't turn into a groveling mess trying to get back into her good graces when he did nothing wrong. So yeah, it varies quite a bit from your typical romance, but in the best way.

Three paragraphs in and everything is sunshine and roses so far. But we must speak about the characters and their relationship. Olivia isn't the most likable character. She's not best friend material and she spends an awful lot of time sabotaging things and feeling sorry for herself. I was like, "Get your shit together, Olivia! Stop listening to mommy and forge your own path!"

Brett wasn't amazingly wonderful, nor was he a bumbling idiot. I liked that he knew who he was and stayed true to that. I did not like how condescending he sounded at times, almost like he carried this air of superiority because he was an artist and therefore knew the ways of the world. So he had faults and at times he wasn't super likable, but his character was realistic and true to himself.

This book really had the potential to be a 5-star find, but that annoying little thing called insta-love snuck in and had me shaking my fist in frustration.

No matter how magnetic the attraction or deep the connection, I don't want to read about characters falling in love with each other after a few days. So although I loved one aspect of Brett and Olivia's relationship, I majorly disliked this one. It was almost like the author wanted to counterbalance the realistic messiness of a relationship with this fictional fairytale of INSTA-LOVE. Bleh.

Minus that (biggest) pet peeve of mine, this book is spectacular. If you love insta-love and artistic guys, this book is 100% perfect for you. But even if you're like me and the thought of insta-love makes you cringe, I think you still might find a lot to love in The Medium of Desire.

*I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Very enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this book. You will enjoy the story very much. Thank you Alex McGlothlin.

Thank you to Netgalley & the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I'd probably give this 3.8 if I could - but I can't so 4 it is!
I picked it due to its cover, I have a tenancy to go for crime and thriller and wanted to try something different. This didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the characters, at times I was annoyed and frustrated with how the story played out, but like watching a film, it's because I wanted him to have Olivia! I don't like giving spoilers in my reviews so I won't.
A really lovely read, perfect holiday read!

An interesting,fun,fast paced and helpful story.I like the writing and the concept was unique!I haven't read anything like this!