It would be hard to start this review with anything other than saying that 'Called to You' is a truly beautiful story about healing. I found every moment of reading this carefully written tale to be a rush of emotions that overwhelmed me with each passing sentence. Thus far, Mai has been the only author here who has broken me down into tears, made my ribs hurt with laughter, caused me to fume with frustration, and itch with agitation...and all of those within a few chapter spread of 'Called to You'!

To begin, Aika's story broke my heart. It was a tale we know well, but to see the pain and abuse brought to life here only made it more powerful and heartbreaking to observe. A tale opposite of what we are used to, Aika goes from riches to rags as she makes herself a social pariah in hopes of becoming invisible. We follow her daily life, one of mundanity, where she slings coffee and takes up strays, and at the very least, this reader hoped immediately for something more for her. Caleb, a rising star who also doesn't want fame, moves in and notices her. His life is one of the cloth, destined to be a man of God, but from the moment he first lays eyes on Aika, the readers immediately know that his destiny was not set in stone.

Showing their relationships develop slowly, Mai does an excellent job of handling trauma and healing. She writes the characters in such a way that doesn't rush romanticism, reminding the characters and the reader that abuse is a scar that isn't easily forgotten. This leaves the reader yearning for more. I found myself itching to have them just touch each other's hands, let alone kiss. The dance around divine devotion and terrible trauma is written as a beautiful and heartbreaking waltz that kept me engaged all the way to the end.

And, being a spotlight romance, Mai does an amazing job showing the harsh reality of fame and the internet. There is no sugarcoating or held punches. She shows the horror of being seen and judged by the masses who know nothing of a person's past struggles. It is truly heartbreaking to read and filled me with so much frustration that I thought about it for days after I had moved on from the chapter. More than that, the rich understanding of religion brought into the story is amazing to behold. Filled with respect, reverence and allegory, the tale eases the reader into the pastoral duties and even touches on how the greed of man can sometimes overshadow the word of God, but that there are still those who hold their faith in everything they do.

I've given 'Called To You' 5/5 stars because it was an amazing story that I don't think I can properly put into words how much I loved reading. I would advise the reader to be prepared for strong emotions and a healthy dosage of teasing intimacy that will keep them glued to the page, waiting for it to finally happen. Cuddle your favourite kitty, grab a handkerchief in case of tears (or kisses) and be ready to experience the world of fame that only a small, rural village could provide.