by Erin (link)
Genre het, romance
Pairings Isaac/OFC, Taylor/OFC, Zac/OFC
Length 32 chapters
Status Unfinished
Although I didn’t realize it when I picked this story, I have read a few of this author’s works, and I will admit, her interpretation of her characters is not always my favorite. Still, her writing is solid enough that I’m willing to give Raking The Coals a chance.
Her writing here isn’t as solid as I remember, full of little mistakes and clunky phrases that make it difficult to stayed focused on what I’m reading. Whether it’s the sloppy writing, Erin’s rather childish interpretation of Taylor, or both, I’m having a really hard time connecting to this story.
There’s an interesting backstory in Raking The Coals that doesn’t get explored much. The breaking apart of the band and Isaac’s daughter with his ex-girlfriend interest me more than Taylor’s inability to relate to other human beings (especially female ones). While he and the story aren’t entirely lacking in substance, what they do have doesn’t ring true enough for me to be fully invested.
Rather than the serious plot the title Raking The Coals implies, the story largely focuses on Taylor’s love life. Still, I like the little insights he has and the way he’s slowly coming to love music again. In spite of the sloppy writing and moments of cheesiness in his relationship with Harper, I do enjoy the general trajectory the story was on before Erin ceased writing it. With a little more substance, editing and longer chapters, she might have been onto something good here.
Review by Bethany (website)