The gorgeous golden cover was just irresistible that I had to request it off NetGalley. Refuge is straight out YA romance with a touch of the paranormal. There is that instant love moment, the denial & realisation followed by a little trouble in paradise prior to the conclusion. It seems to follow the usual romantic formula with not much else.I’m romantic enough to tolerate the ‘instant love’ bit but I don’t think the characters put that much effort in denying what they feel, no matter what they are actually saying, it felt that they just gave in way too easily. I think it’s great that you can feel a connection with someone at the first meeting and I do believe this kind of thing do happen in real life.“…When I love everything, I fell apart. But it’s as if our jagged edges somehow fit together and they unbelievably, incredibly, somehow make both of us whole. Two people with so many broken parts, but together we’re better – stronger than we are apart.”The writing itself I can appreciate. I like the way grief was handled (somehow, the last few books I’ve read got something to do with grief?!?) – it was described so well, I could feel the devastation and my heart was broken for Laney. There really isn’t much else to talk about as there isn’t anything else in this book. There was a potential mystery but that’s all it is, potential.The paranormal side of things also weren’t explored to its full potential. I know what type of paranormal and a little bit of how things become so but that’s about it. There were no further aspects of the paranormal expounded. I understand this is the first book of a series however it seems either to be very very slow going or only meant to be mostly romance with a very slight touch of the paranormal.Overall, a tad disappointing and predictable… If you’re looking for a brain-fluff (ie. no thinking required) feel good kind of read, this may fit the bill. Psst, if you're a fan of The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater, you may like this tooThank you Cedar Fort Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read & review
