Lee’s Review of: IMPACT! The Second Novel of the Roll Models Saga by D.A. Charles
Back Cover Synopsis:
You’ve probably heard the common phrase “lightning never strikes the same place twice,” but for neurologist Steven Chandler, tragedy strikes again sixteen years after the car accident that claimed the lives of his parents and left him paralyzed. Fate, the cruel mistress that she is, decides to turn his life upside down once more, but she softens the blow by bringing a brunette beauty back into his life.
Currently, in the US, 5.3 million people are dealing with a severe form of paralysis. Over 61 million people in the US self-identify as a person with a disability. One hundred percent of everyone you’ve ever met would like to fall in love.
For Steven Chandler, Abigail Harris could be his one-in-a-million.
Lee’s Review: A beautifully realized love story between a paraplegic man and a woman with MS, this novel is both realistic and enthralling.
WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW
What I Liked:
The central romance between Steven and Abby delivers in every way. Both characters are written with both excellent qualities and believable flaws. The attraction (hinted at in the first book, Shattered), is expanded upon in this book, when Steven and Abby find themselves recovering in the same hospital. As Steven and Abby get to know each other, the writing makes it clear that both inner and outer qualities are what both characters find attractive in each other. As Steven moves to rehab and Abby goes home, their relationship develops into a slow-burn romance. Abby and Steven genuinely and deeply care for each other and have some deep, serious conversations while also enjoying each other’s company. I loved their relationship and I definitely wanted them to be together in the end.
The character’s flaws lead to terrible but understandable consequences. Steven’s negative view of himself nearly derails the relationship before it starts, but counsel from family and trusted friends puts the relationship back on track. Steven’s impulsiveness coupled with his desire to be independent, results in a drunken night on the town with two friends while he is still at rehab. Meanwhile, when Abby ignores the warning signs of her body, she suffers an episode that knocks her both physically and emotionally.
The supporting characters, Logan and Sophie, Steven’s adoptive parents are well-written and I enjoyed their appearance again in this book, along with Sydney, a nurse and relative of Steven who is excellent and her job and a welcome confidant. Jill, a tough-love rehab doctor, is another interesting character who doesn’t let Steven get away with avoiding any much-needed progress. Luke, Abby’s father, also provides a wonderful example of a father who loves and only wants the best for his daughter.
The descriptions of Steve’s life as a paraplegic and Abby’s life dealing with MS - are incredibly realistic. D.A. Charles did her research and it shows. Sometimes the descriptions felt like a medical documentary or a textbook - and that’s a good thing! Steven’s treatment by some police officers is touched upon, and their ignorant treatment of him highlights the importance of treating paraplegics and their unique situation with respect.
The introduction of Alec, a young man who becomes Steven’s roommate at the rehab facility, is another exciting part of the story. Sullen and withdrawn, he initially resists Steven’s attempts to counsel him but begins to open up when Steven helps him in a critical moment. It was so awesome to read Alec’s change throughout the book.
And don’t worry if you haven’t read Book 1, Shattered, the characters recap the events of the first book so you can jump right in if you want to with IMPACT!
Constructive Comments for future works for this author:
I wish that Steven’s sometimes tension-filled relationship with his Uncle, now adoptive father Logan was written consistently. Logan sometimes makes decisions in Steven’s best interest without Steven’s approval, even though Steven is in his 30s. An early scene has Steven reacting angrily to a time Logan made one such decision, and in the next scene Logan appears, their relationship seems to be fine, as if the whole argument was dropped. (To be fair, Steven and Logan do address this tension later in the book. But early in the story, I was disappointed that Logan and Steven’s disagreement was dropped from the narrative.)
There are a few grammatical errors - nothing too bad but enough to point it out. Most of the time, the errors were words without spaces in between.
A great quote:
Sophie, Stephen’s adoptive mom: “But how do you even known if she wants children of her own? And what if she does? If you can’t produce a biological family, you could adopt.”
Stephen: “That’s not good enough.”
Sophie: “Not good enough for whom? It was good enough for me. You are my world, Steven. You are my son, as surely, as if I’d carried you for nine months.”
“Movie” Rating: PG-13 for a frank sexual discussion and some realistic medical discussion about bathroom use for a paraplegic.
Overall Review: IMPACT! is fantastic! I was rooting for Steven and Abby the whole time, and I loved the building of their romance throughout the book. D.A. Charles wrote a wonderful, realistic, heartfelt romance with excellent disability representation. If you’re an older teenager or an adult, read IMPACT!
Purchase IMPACT! here on Amazon: IMPACT!: The Second Novel of The Roll Models Saga: Charles, D.A.: 9798218318680: Amazon.com: Books
Disclaimer: *Our reviews are solely our opinions and not swayed by any outside factors. The reviews are for fun and not meant to be taken as a professional book endorsement, review, or advice.
Note: I was gifted the book by the author.