Monday, May 25, 2015

Benjo by Shira Ohayon ~Randi's Review~




Excerpt:

So there they were, spending a Saturday night at Budapest's hottest club, or so a crewman swore to them. Not that she cared; she hated dancing and had no intention of doing so. Benjamin, on his end, was having a great time on the dance floor, drawing looks from every woman in the club – and some of the men as well. He was dancing – quite intimately – with Cara, while Jordan stared at them from her seat, taking a sip from the… well, whatever the fuck it was, this was her third glass already. Cara had confessed to her earlier that she found Benjamin to be extremely attractive and asked her if she would mind if she tried something with him.

"Cara, I have a boyfriend. I believe you've met?" Jordan sighed, rolling her eyes.

"I know Jo, but you and Ben… whatever's going on there, it makes me uncomfortable to do something without asking you first," Cara explained herself.

So Jordan waved her hand, dismissing her. She could go ahead and make her move. Benjamin was literally the sexiest man alive, he had the magazine cover to vouch for that.



*****


I don't, as a general rule, read novellas. Usually I find them to be lacking something, as if the story is left unfinished, or rushed.

But...

I was asked if I would like to read Benjo, and after I read the summary that goes along with it something about it caught my attention, so I decided to do something I never do, and I agreed to read the novella.

And I'm so glad that I did.

I started the book out with what I hope was an open mind, because while I normally don't read novellas, I also don't like to make snap judgments that might lead me to missing out on a really great read.

Which is what would have happened here, because right from the first page I felt drawn to the characters.
I find this amazing story to be a true show of talent by the writer for taking just a fraction of a full length novel, and delivering such a well rounded, complete story that left me completely satisfied in the end.

I got to know the main characters well and I looked forward to finding out where their story ended. But what really surprised me about this story, was the supporting characters. The friends and family. I feel like we really get to know them and find out who they are and how they fit into the main characters lives. This is something that many authors have trouble with when writing full length books, even whole series, I've seen, won't delve into the side characters enough to make them seem like more than just a means to propel to lead characters somewhere.
Again, I have to credit this to the wonderful talent of the writer.

Do I wish the story had been longer?

Yes, for the simple fact that I loved it so much I didn't want to leave them.

Am I glad that I broke my own rule and read this novella?

Most definitely.

Do I recommend this short but awesome story to others?

You better believe it.

Try it, you won't be disappointed, I promise. You have my very own seal of approval, and that's not something I pass out easily.


5 out of 5 stars




Shira Ohayon was born and raised in Rishon le Zion, central Israel. She is 30 years old and although English is not her native language, she's been reading and writing in it since she was 12. She is (still) a fangirl, which is reflected in her debut novella, Benjo.



benjobook.tumblr.com

twitter: @benjobook

https://www.facebook.com/benjobook

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25115530-benjo

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