Climbing Stories

Sequels are overrated, especially after the bandwagon cliffhanger
The antagonists of the hero are his parents, yet the conflict & resolution is not fully developed, and this is the second book! Why are these authors dragging stories out? There is just the game of miscommunication and superficial character communion that doesn't offer great poignancy considering the issues of abuse, rape, redemption & self esteem that are swimming around. At least the heroine finally told her secret; the hero sort of did too, but sadly I wasn't impressed.