Review: Wrong To Need You by Alisha Rai

WRONG TO NEED YOU
Series: Forbidden Hearts #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Alisha Rai
Release Date: November 28, 2017

He wasn’t supposed to fall in love with his brother’s widow…

Accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Jackson Kane fled his home, his name, and his family. Ten years later, he’s come back to town: older, wiser, richer, tougher—and still helpless to turn away the one woman he could never stop loving, even after she married his brother.

Sadia Ahmed can’t deal with the feelings her mysterious former brother-in-law stirs, but she also can’t turn down his offer of help with the cafe she’s inherited.

While he heats up her kitchen, she slowly discovers that the boy she adored has grown into a man she’s simply unable to resist.

An affair is unthinkable, but their desire is undeniable. As secrets and lies are stripped away, Sadia and Jackson must decide if they’re strong enough to face the past…and step into a future together.

AMAZON | iBOOKS

What did you call your brother’s widow?
Off-limits.

It’s rare these days to find a romance novel with characters that are so authentic and real. Characters that are imperfect, but not for the sake of angst and drama. Characters that you feel like you may already know or run into on the street. This story, while slow paced, felt so vivid and genuine, that even though it took a bit to get into, I couldn’t put it down for even a second.

Sadia Ahmed has been through heartbreak in her life. The black sheep in her family, her shotgun wedding to her husband forced a rift with her very traditional parents. But she never regretted the choices she’s made. And while she lost her husband to a tragic accident, she has a beautiful son to remember him by.

Jackson Kane has been running from his past for years. Accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he left the town he grew up in and his family and hasn’t looked back since. But it’s been a year since his estranged brother has passed, and he can’t fight the urge to check up on his widow that he’s always fought his feelings for.

This isn’t right.”
“You always do what’s right?”
“Lately, yes.”
“I’d be the safest wrong thing you could do.”

This is a character driven story, and with that, the character development is truly incredible. Jackson isn’t your stereotypical alpha. He’s shy, reserved, not good with words, and doesn’t shy away from putting his feelings right in the open. Ridden with guilt for his feelings for Sadia or not, he can’t stay away from her anymore. Not when the pull is this strong.

I have to admit, set ups like this always make me hesitant. Is the hero going to play second fiddle to the husband? Is he going to feel like a consolation prize. And the answer is a giant resounding no. The author did such an incredible job painting a picture of two people that share something that defines most boundaries, but feels real and authentic.

She wanted him. It was unwise and complicated, but she didn’t know how she’d survive if she couldn’t have him. She’d regret it forever, and she lived with enough regrets.

I loved that Sadia was primarily the aggressor in a lot of their interactions. She’s not shy, and that goes twofold in bed. The woman isn’t afraid to take the reins and Jackson is man enough to do her bidding eagerly. This was such an interesting dynamic that really fit the characters and I couldn’t get enough of it.

My shoulders are strong. I’ll help you carry your baggage.”

I love romances with interracial romance, and the mix that these characters had was so rare, it made me appreciate it all the more.

There’s quite a bit of the family dynamic that played a role in this story, that admittedly I was a little lost on at times and wondered if it was more discussed in the previous book. I have every intention of going back and reading the first book because I completely fell in love with this author’s writing style.
It wasn’t just a romance, there’s a slew of secondary characters that you can’t help but connect with as well. This is particularly true with Sadia’s adorable son. The Kane and Chandler ties were a touch confusing at times, but I have a feeling reading the first book will clear a lot of that up for me.

If you’re looking for a nice change of pace and a romance that’s full of depth and emotion, this is a book you need to check out. This author has gone straight to my auto-buy list.

THE SERIES

HATE TO WANT YOU | WRONG TO NEED YOU | HURTS TO LOVE YOU