Review: The Girl He Loves by Roya Carmen (Orchard Heights #1)


Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Enticing Journey Book Promotions.

Roya Carmen kicks off her new Orchard Heights series with the story of a woman who seems to have it all...if only that were true. The Girl He Loves is about Mischa Lombardi, who at thirty-six has a husband, Brian, whom she adores, two sons, Trevor and Tristan, both of whom are the light of her life, a good group of friends, and work that she enjoys. Diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at eleven, Mischa has been able to keep her life neatly organized and under control with the help of much-needed therapy and prescribed medication. All is well for as long as nothing disturbs her perfectly ordered world. And then she stumbles upon Ava. She's a beautiful girl who also happens to be the secret her husband has been hiding, for how long Mischa has no idea. She needs to know everything, and that means each and every detail about Ava and what's been going on between this girl and Brian. Mischa becomes unsurprisingly obsessed with Ava, going so far as to become just as obsessed with Ava's life and family. Whether it's plain obsession or outright jealousy, Mischa isn't letting this go, no matter what it may cost her.

This was an intriguing story, one where Mischa's OCD may lead to bad choices and disastrous consequences. The discovery of Ava is what sets everything in motion. Who is she, how long has Briand been keeping her a secret, and how deeply is he involved with her? With Mischa being obsessive, knowing every single detail isn't just a desire but a bone-deep need, and as she unravels each bit of information, the more Mischa herself begins to unravel. There was no unraveling story-wise, thanks to Roya Carmen's keeping everything running smoothly. Her character development has been something she's always shown prowess in, and the same goes for this newest release of hers. Each series and book she publishes manages to stand out because she produces original stories that make readers like me want to sink our teeth into. Mischa is a flawed main character, and even if you don't suffer from OCD, empathizing with what she's going through isn't all that difficult. The fact that she's only one of a whole cast of interesting characters highlights just how multi-layered of a read this book is. The Girl He Loves garners 4.5 stars. ♥

Date Read: 30 November 2019

Learn more about Roya Carmen.

Purchase The Girl He Loves on Amazon.

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