The Avid Book Collector: Book Review ~ Leon's Way by Sunniva Dee

Leon’s Way

Sunniva Dee

Publication date: December 19th 2014

Genres: New Adult, Romance

I’m Leon , number one object of Deepsilver’s rumor mill. Owner of student hotspot, Smother.

Since I was sixteen, the world has been mine. I do everything—
My way.

Every co-ed in town clenches her thighs over me, but most don’t fit the bill. See, I like my girls broken . Once I detect my shade of don’t-give-a-fuck damaged, I fight hard, I fight dirty, and I don’t give up until—
I conquer.

Drunk fathers and frequent beatings don’t merit attention, but when my despicable dad starts the process of croaking, I’m forced to remember. Thus, the downward spiral begins: my latest broken-girl turns the tables on me and splits. My hot-as-hell employee, Arriane, throws me the curve ball of a lifetime. And suddenly—
I’m out of control.

But at the center of my chaos, she exists. Always close, always sweet, and so beautifully fucking… wholesome. She represents everything I’ve shied from in a woman. Still—
I crave her.

I’m Leon, and I don’t deny my cravings. Just—this girl is not surrendering. So here I am, fighting harder. Fighting dirtier. And goddammit all, I will—
Conquer.

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Before I start on my thoughts, let’s just take a moment to look at the cover. Those eyes….sigh. I could just drown in those eyes. Such agony and deep suffering within the depths of those pretty blues. Makes a person just want to reach inside and give that sexy man a hug. You get the feeling that you are about to embark on an emotional roller coaster ride of emotions - and you would be correct. So, let’s give a big round of applause for the Cover Designer!

Okay, now for the nitty, gritty. I have loved every single book that Sunniva Dee has written, so when she asked me if I would like to read and review Leon’s Way, it was a total no-brainer for me to say yes. I am so glad I did, because this story was great! I was warned that this was a dark read, but it's about Leon, so it was expected somewhat. I became very intrigued with Leon’s character while reading Pandora Wild Child, and have wanted to know more about him ever since. Leon is a total control freak, from his business to his women. And Lord does he have his demons.

“Leon is not boyfriend material. Leon is heartbreak waiting to happen, in one stunning package.”

Any smart woman would stay clear of Leon, but one woman, Arriane, does dare to love this man, and has for several years, watching the love of her life with his ‘broken’ girlfriends – never saying a word. It’s during the New Year’s Eve party that Arriane is there to calm Leon down after Pandora left with Dominc. Because he is God’s gift to women after all (or so he thinks!), Leon just can’t comprehend how this could have happened. How could Pandora leave HIM?

“….missing Pandora, missing the bitches I fucked before her, every one of them so deserving of me, of what I had to offer.”

That one night though, and one little miscalculation, Leon’s life is changed forever and he is no longer in control. The reader gets to see a new side of Leon - a gentler side, a more caring side – but he still fights the inner demon that is his father, a.k.a the Sperm Donor. He also learns that in a healthy relationship, sometimes it's better to compromise.

This story is more than just your typical romance. This is a story of one man fighting his demons and trying to be a better man. It’s also a story of one woman going with her heart when her brain says to run away. It’s a gut-wrenching emotional story that is dark and at times disturbing. It is a story that captivated me completely, left me feeling emotionally drained at some points and had me laughing my butt off throughout. And that people is the sign of a great novel – one that provokes so many feels throughout. I would highly recommend Leon’s Way to anyone but I will leave off with one warning: have tissues ready for Chapter 35, because you will need them.

*Note: Quotes taken from an Uncorrected Advanced Reading Copy and may have changed.

5 stars

Originally from Norway, I moved to the United States twelve years ago. I hold a Master’s degree in languages and taught Spanish at college level before settling in at the Savannah College of Art and Design as an adviser.

I write New Adult fiction, sometimes with a paranormal twist—like in “Shattering Halos,” published by The Wild Rose Press in February 24th 2014 and in “Stargazer,” estimated release date, November 2014. The first book I’m self-publishing is the New Adult Contemporary novel “Pandora Wild Child,” which will make me a proud indie author in October 28th 2014!

I specialize in impulsive heroines, bad-boys, and good-boys running amok. Then, there’s the intense love, physical and emotional attraction beyond reason—sensory overload for the reader as well as for the characters. Like in real life, I hope you’re unable to predict what comes next in my stories.

Yes, so I write what I love to read, and depending on the reader, you’ll find my books to be a fast-paced emotional rollercoaster—or disturbing because the struggles of love aren’t your thing. Here’s to hoping you have the same reading vice as me!