Book Review: Rare and Precious Things

Where is MY Ethan Blackstone?!?!? I had to get that out.

Initially, I thought this book was going to be nothing but sex–and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I just knew Raine Miller would provide so much more, and she didn’t disappoint. What an incredibly lovely story. There were some stressful moments, I won’t lie. But overall, it was so refreshing to read about the deep-seated love two people have for each other, without a lot of drama thrown in just to beef up the plot.

In a nutshell:
Rare and Precious Things is the conclusion to the Blackstone series. (Though I read Miller’s acknowledgements and we could very well see The Blackstone’s again in the future, yeah!) Ethan and Brynne are anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child. Dealing, finally, with Ethan’s post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his having been in Afghanistan serving in the British Army’s Special Forces.

Brynne hasn’t seen the last of her past in the physical, nor has Ethan for that matter–character reappearances from books’ past. But the overarching theme is the loving and committed relationship that Brynne and Ethan have. Her pregnancy is relatively smooth. Ethan’s business as a security specialist is not without excitement, but for the most part is ‘normal.’ I don’t think I’m giving anything away by saying The Blackstone’s get their happily ever after, and so do some other people.

Tara’s Take:
One of the primary things I loved right off the bat with this series is that it didn’t involve a billionaire and a naive 20-year old. Ethan is successful and money is never an issue, but he’s not totally over the top filling closets with designer clothes especially made for Brynne. And while Brynne does model nude to make ends meet, she has a full-time job and doesn’t need to be coddled.

Ethan’s PTSD is something more people can relate to in this day and age than we may realize. Coupled with Brynne learning how to deal with it as well, along with her own past demons–it’s reminiscent of real life couples dealing with the struggles and tragedies that affect so many.

Brynne is managing hormones that bring about insecurities related to her ever-changing body as a result of pregnancy. Ethan is trying to be the best man he can possibly be in the face of becoming a father for the first time. Honestly, I really think this series could be a tv mini-series. Then again, I’m admittedly biased and I’m not sure any actor could ever do these characters justice in my eyes–Miller has written them just that well.