All of the people who love the same books as me loved The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher. I didn’t. I found myself on facebook, twitter & goodreads more than usual while reading this book. When I really love a book, I forget all social media and get nothing done (unless I go online to squee!). Because I was stopping and starting more than usual, I had some trouble mixing up the past and present. On top of all that, the ending, though it kept me engrossed, sucked! {update! This is now a 3 part series. The end is no longer the end so this does not apply} But, it seems from all of the 5 star ratings that I missed something. I am going to sleep on it and see if my opinion changes tomorrow. I should say straight up, that I looked at this book many times because of its great ratings, and never really liked the description. The Opportunist reminded me of Beautiful Disaster (which I loved) mixed with How To Kill a Rock Star (which I didn’t love at all but many of my friends did).
Olivia bumps into her ex boyfriend, Caleb, who she finds out has amnesia and doesn’t even remember her. He is engaged, but she pretends she has never met him, and they strike up a new relationship with the same sparks they originally had. The book then weaves between past and present, and goes through all of the lies, deceit and trickery she goes through to win him both times. Olivia’s self loathing was a self-fulfilling prophecy that she couldn’t get past. She was disgusted with herself, but kept doing it. The thing is, I get her. She is real, and more like real people I know than most books I read. (I can actually see my son’s girlfriend doing these things–scary) Maybe that is the problem. I read to escape, and this made me need an escape more.
I feel like I need to read a Kristen Ashley book quick to snap me out of this!
Caleb, he is another story. I loved him, but then I realized he didn’t deserve my love. I didn’t like Olivia’s best friend and hated Caleb’s fiancé. Too many characters I didn’t like. Again, perhaps it was too real. While I rooted for Olivia & Caleb, I really just rooted for honesty. A web of lies traps you.
I am exhausted and going to find a happy book. Perhaps I will update this tomorrow with different feelings, but as of now…..2.5 for story, 1 for heat. Based on how I felt. I just didn’t enjoy the read.
6/2/12 Update
I slept on it. I wanted to change my mind. I tried to remove the end and see if I enjoyed it while I read it. It just wasn’t for me. But the author doesn’t write books for ME. I like happy, sexy, sometimes suspenseful, books. I don’t mind angst, but I like to feel good after I read a book. That isn’t what The Opportunist was meant to be. If you like books that tug your emotions, (not always in a good way), have a realistic feel, and enjoy being glued to train wrecks this may be for you. If you ask me what kind of movie I really don’t like, it’s psychological thrillers. This was kind of like one. To quote Tarryn Fisher’s goodreads bio:
I would like to write a novel that every, single person loves, but not even J.K. Rowling could do that. Instead, I try to write stories that pull on people’s emotions. I believe that sadness is the most powerful emotion, and swirled with regret the two become a dominating force. I love villains. Three of my favorites are Mother Gothel, Gaston and the Evil Queen who all suffered from a pretty wicked case of vanity (like me). I like to make these personality types the center of my stories.
Well there you have it!!! She is totally not my type of author, and that’s OK. (I have no desire to read Jodi Picoult books either). But if you like this type of story, according to most other bloggers I trust, you must read it.
Some additional notes:
I read this on the kindle app on my phone. There seemed to be some formatting issues. Because the book skipped back and forth in time (and because I put the book down mid-chapter often) I had trouble sometimes knowing if I was reading past or present. If I was on my iPad or a paper book I probably would have gone back to see where I was, it’s too hard with the phone. Also, since it switches back and forth while still leaving holes in the story, having several blank pages between chapters made me feel like I actually was missing some pages in between.
Also, from what I understand, there may be a sequel coming. I would be most curious to find out what happened to Noah, the only character I liked! ***Update: see the Love Me with Lies series order here
Have you read this? What are your thoughts?
Purchase The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
Amazon | BN.com
Update: The Opportunist is the first in the Love Me With Lies Series, and much of my rating had to do with the ending. It was really well written, but I didn’t like the characters and I didn’t enjoy reading it. I may feel differently if I read the whole series. But, since the name of the series is Love Me with Lies, and I really don’t enjoy books with liars and cheaters, I won’t continue the series.
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