I’ve only read one other book by Bliss (earlier this summer actually) and it had a bit of a different feel than this one. With Never Too Soon, the characters had an initial connection but they spend some time deciding whether they want to act on it. Cinder on the other hand is very much an insta-love story and then we see how that plays out.

Asher runs into Olive in a parking lot after not seeing each other for about a decade. While they were in the same circle as kids, Olive moved away at 16 but is now back to go to graduate school. His grandma, in all of her meddling glory apparently, pushes him to invite her to a get together they are having that day and … well, the rest is history. Before the party breaks up they’ve pretty much have decided to live happily ever after together. Not having read the rest of the series, I’m not sure if this is normal for this group but from the reviews I think that it might have been surprising to some readers. So just a warning in case that isn’t your kinda of thing :)

I liked the characters, individually and together, so I didn’t mind so much. I just went “oh-kay” and then accepted it. It’s not overly realistic but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. There are a few bumps in the road but for the most part their relationship is drama free, sweet, and enjoyable.

While the book can stand on its own, I kinda wish I’d read more in the series because I would have liked to have known Asher a bit better going in and his whole clan is fantastic together so I would have loved to have more of that. Their interactions are full of love and humor, teasing and support, and the occasional butt-kicking when it’s needed. Olive didn’t have that growing up and I’m happy that she finally gets that with Asher’s family.

I get the idea (granted it’s based on a whopping two book of her’s that I’ve read) that Bliss might be for a particular audience. Not everyone is going to enjoy a slow burn romance, whether it starts with insta-love or a little more caution, but I think that if that’s your thing her characters will be enough to keep you coming back.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**