Review: Hiding in the Smoke by Ofelia Martinez

Rating: 4/5
Series: Industrial November on Tour, # 1
Tropes: One-night stand, rockstar romance, love/hate at first sight.

Hiding in the Smoke is a powerful story. The intensity of these two characters will leave you desperate for more.

Sofia might be one of the most dynamic characters I have read in a very long time. She is strong and resourceful. She remains true to who she is through the whole story. Sofia’s strength and determination is very sexy.   I loved that her passion and focus never wavered even as her life changed. She remained steadfast and very clearly articulated her needs. She is a powerful character with a very clear feminine side to her. I enjoyed the balance the author created for the character.  Often, we expect female characters to be less powerful or to waiver and some how that takes away the feminine aspects of who they are. That is not Sofia, from the beginning she is breaking through the stereotypes and pushing for what she desires.  She is a strong woman who embraces all aspects of herself. 

Bren lead singer of the widely popular Industrial November rock band.  Being a front man with millions of fans he does lead his life a bit in the shadows.  He is broody and headstrong sometimes to his own failing. Claiming to be a poet words are not always his friend. Often, he speaks and reacts with out thinking.   His artistic temperament is one of passion and not always restraint. 

Bren and Sofia together are pure combustion. The chemistry flies off the pages when they are together. The attractions and sexual desire between them were enough to catch my kindle on fire. As the reader their connection and their chemistry were tangible.  There are some hazy edges to their story that don’t fully come into focus for the characters until they both realize that they get to decide their course.  That with love comes acceptance and understanding.  I do feel like Bren still has a lot of growing to do as a man, but I think Sofia will help him get there. 

My only complaint for the book is that I do feel like the last 5 chapters were not as needed. It made the story feel drawn out. I understand why they are there I am just not sure they are necessary.

This is a very angsty chemistry driven Rockstar romance.  The angst makes sense for these two very headstrong and stubborn characters. The characters are complex but so enjoyable.  If you like a strong female lead, whose power comes from her drive and determination you will want to read this book.  This passion filled HEA is everything I needed and wanted.