Review: The Silver Chain by Primula Bond

From Goodreads.com One dark evening in London, photographer Serena Folkes is indulging her impulsive side with a night-time shoot. But someone is watching her – mysterious entrepreneur Gustav Levi. Serena doesn’t know it yet, but this handsome stranger will change her life forever...

Serena is fascinated by Gustav, the enigmatic owner of the Levi Gallery, and she soon feels an irresistible pull of attraction. The interest is mutual, and Gustav promises to launch Serena’s photographic career at his gallery, but only if Serena agrees to become his exclusive companion.

To mark their agreement, Gustav gives Serena a bracelet to wear at all times. Attached to it is a silver chain of which he is the keeper. With the chain Gustav controls Serena physically and symbolically – a sign that she is under his power.

As their passionate relationship intensifies, Gustav’s hold on the silver chain grows stronger. But will Gustav’s dark past tear them apart?

                                                      ********************

 My Rating: 2 stars out of 5

My very first thought when I was only 6% into this novel was "Oh my goodness I hope this is not another Twilight fanfiction gone to print". And while I'm still not sure if this is the case, Serena's referral to Gustav as "vampric" will forever stand out in my mind when I think of this novel. 

This novel is set in London - where aspiring photographer Serena Folkes has gone in search of not only "getting away" from her "troubled" past, but also in search of making it on her own. The location was refreshing - the gallery concept was the same -  the characters - not so much. 

There never seemed to be any real depth to the characters. They seemed to be very 1 dimensional (well maybe I'll give Gustav 2 dimensions due to his "past"). For example - Serena seems to be very self centered.. Gustav invites her to come with him to "exorcise the demons of his ex wife" at one of their old homes. During what could be a very romantic outing - she spots the chapel they were married in and rides off in a fit. Later - she actually goes to the ex-wife's room and dresses in her leather S&M clothes - thinking that Gustav will be able to think of anything BUT his ex-wife and his sordid past. It just never added up to much more than an older man who should know better chasing after a younger woman who doesn't know herself. 

There were also a lot of inconsistencies within this novel, and while I won't drag them them all out, I will say they are noticeable enough if you pay attention (slicked back versus free falling hair, an almost lust like fantasy versus a disgusted thought), it just goes on an on. 

I'm pretty sure I could continue with all the things I didn't like about this book, but I will admit the ending (like the last two pages) were really good and (almost) make me want to read the next novel in this series. 

DISCLAIMER:   I received an advanced copy of The Silver Chain in exchange for my honest review. This has not reflected on my review in any way.

********************

The Silver Chain is available for purchase from Amazon.com