A liar…
Three weeks ago, James Maxwell’s wife died in a car accident, but he hasn’t been able to tell his five-year old daughter the heartbreaking truth behind her mother's death. Instead, he packs them up and leaves for a summer resort in upstate New York to spend a few peaceful weeks and to gradually break the news. But a spirited and outspoken maid at the resort has figured out his secret.
A hater…
After witnessing her mother’s violent death at the hands of her stepfather, Madison Smith has turned aimless and bitter toward the world—men, in particular. Her dead-end job at the local resort and her convenient girlfriend barely keep Madison from falling apart. When she meets James, however, she’s driven to protect his child from the darkness she sees inside him.
A forbidden kiss…
But Madison doesn’t expect to find that very darkness irresistible. Drowning in guilt and memories, neither does James expect to be drawn to the sharp-witted woman who has made his life miserable. When their tempers flare, a brutal kiss triggers a need that blurs the lines of hate and desire. As their lust spins out of control, they must decide if their attraction is worth fighting for or if love is the real enemy.
** Author's Note: This book is intended for mature audience. It has trigger elements: Abuse, self harm, death. 18+ ONLY. Despite having an HEA, this story doesn't follow the usual or conventional rules. It's rough, edgy and yes, difficult to read in places. The characters are broken and jagged and so is their descent in love. Please proceed with caution. Thank you!
REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Why the fuck were we so fucked up?"
What in the hell did I just read!!?? Yes, I said that! I don't read a lot of dark and I don't read a lot of psychological intensity. I don't ever push those boundaries -- at least not willingly. But reading this book, it made me glad I dipped my toe into those proverbial waters. So, I have already read Saffron's second book, The Unrequited, but I hadn't read this one, so it was like going back in 'writing time' for me and I must say, while I could definitely see the improvement she had from her first book to her second, one thing she does well is INTENSITY. Without a doubt, she has a knack for head turning curiosity.
This entire book was one big mind game. I felt like I was watching for the shock and awe, like I couldn't look away and I felt like I was peering into the insanity....and really enjoying it. There was a lot of unknown, some confusion, and a whole lot of curiosity. Now, sometimes we read a book with a twist and sometimes we can even figure out the twist, but it's usually a storyline we can settle into. I could NOT settle into this one. You know why? She changed it up at every.single.turn. The depravity and depth these characters had always kept me on the edge of my seat. They weren't right in the head! But, I'm going to say this....I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. It was so damn good!!! Weird....so weird, right?? But man! So good. There were some parts that were a little disjointed, some things that didn't make sense to me, but they worked with this story, and I think that is a true testament to how different and addicting Saffron's words are.
Madison and James had a profound pull towards each other, but the push was so unyielding at times as well. The book felt like it was this thick sludge of murkiness that I had to wade through to get to the other side. So many shadows covering the light, so much dank in such a vibrant world. I honestly couldn't tell which way was up. They wanted, but denied. They sought, but fought. They pushed, but pulled. So many contradictory things going on in this story, it truly kept me on my toes.
Above all, I will say this book may not be for everyone. It may rub some the wrong way because of actions and dialogue. It probably wont bring out the warm and fuzzies in others either. But you know what? That's what I felt was so great about this book. The depth, the inner workings of the characters, the meanings behind the words, the actions/reactions of everything that went on; it was such a different read. So much so that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really like Saffron's voice. I like the way she tells a story. I like how different and quirky she is and it's without apology. She is not 'by the book' and that is what makes her stand out to me. This one, you could tell she was a little unrefined, but her voice has that artsy rasp to it that feels gritty and I love that about her stories.
"I know that I love you, Madison, with every inch of my insanity and darkness."
~BEE
Three weeks ago, James Maxwell’s wife died in a car accident, but he hasn’t been able to tell his five-year old daughter the heartbreaking truth behind her mother's death. Instead, he packs them up and leaves for a summer resort in upstate New York to spend a few peaceful weeks and to gradually break the news. But a spirited and outspoken maid at the resort has figured out his secret.
A hater…
After witnessing her mother’s violent death at the hands of her stepfather, Madison Smith has turned aimless and bitter toward the world—men, in particular. Her dead-end job at the local resort and her convenient girlfriend barely keep Madison from falling apart. When she meets James, however, she’s driven to protect his child from the darkness she sees inside him.
A forbidden kiss…
But Madison doesn’t expect to find that very darkness irresistible. Drowning in guilt and memories, neither does James expect to be drawn to the sharp-witted woman who has made his life miserable. When their tempers flare, a brutal kiss triggers a need that blurs the lines of hate and desire. As their lust spins out of control, they must decide if their attraction is worth fighting for or if love is the real enemy.
** Author's Note: This book is intended for mature audience. It has trigger elements: Abuse, self harm, death. 18+ ONLY. Despite having an HEA, this story doesn't follow the usual or conventional rules. It's rough, edgy and yes, difficult to read in places. The characters are broken and jagged and so is their descent in love. Please proceed with caution. Thank you!
"Why the fuck were we so fucked up?"
What in the hell did I just read!!?? Yes, I said that! I don't read a lot of dark and I don't read a lot of psychological intensity. I don't ever push those boundaries -- at least not willingly. But reading this book, it made me glad I dipped my toe into those proverbial waters. So, I have already read Saffron's second book, The Unrequited, but I hadn't read this one, so it was like going back in 'writing time' for me and I must say, while I could definitely see the improvement she had from her first book to her second, one thing she does well is INTENSITY. Without a doubt, she has a knack for head turning curiosity.
This entire book was one big mind game. I felt like I was watching for the shock and awe, like I couldn't look away and I felt like I was peering into the insanity....and really enjoying it. There was a lot of unknown, some confusion, and a whole lot of curiosity. Now, sometimes we read a book with a twist and sometimes we can even figure out the twist, but it's usually a storyline we can settle into. I could NOT settle into this one. You know why? She changed it up at every.single.turn. The depravity and depth these characters had always kept me on the edge of my seat. They weren't right in the head! But, I'm going to say this....I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. It was so damn good!!! Weird....so weird, right?? But man! So good. There were some parts that were a little disjointed, some things that didn't make sense to me, but they worked with this story, and I think that is a true testament to how different and addicting Saffron's words are.
Madison and James had a profound pull towards each other, but the push was so unyielding at times as well. The book felt like it was this thick sludge of murkiness that I had to wade through to get to the other side. So many shadows covering the light, so much dank in such a vibrant world. I honestly couldn't tell which way was up. They wanted, but denied. They sought, but fought. They pushed, but pulled. So many contradictory things going on in this story, it truly kept me on my toes.
Above all, I will say this book may not be for everyone. It may rub some the wrong way because of actions and dialogue. It probably wont bring out the warm and fuzzies in others either. But you know what? That's what I felt was so great about this book. The depth, the inner workings of the characters, the meanings behind the words, the actions/reactions of everything that went on; it was such a different read. So much so that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really like Saffron's voice. I like the way she tells a story. I like how different and quirky she is and it's without apology. She is not 'by the book' and that is what makes her stand out to me. This one, you could tell she was a little unrefined, but her voice has that artsy rasp to it that feels gritty and I love that about her stories.
"I know that I love you, Madison, with every inch of my insanity and darkness."
~BEE
PURCHASE
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2CQwGs8
~MEET SAFFRON A KENT~
Writer of bad romances. Coffee Addict. White Russian Drinker. Imaginary Ballet Dancer and poetess. Aspiring Lana Del Ray of the book world.
I'm a big believer in love (obviously). I believe in happily ever after, the butterflies and the tingling. But I also believe in edgy, rough and gutsy kind of love. I believe in pushing the boundaries, darker (sometimes morally ambiguous) emotions and imperfections.
The kind of love I write about is flawed just like my characters. And I hope by the end of it, you'll come to root for them just as much as me. Because love, no matter where it comes from, is always pure and beautiful.
If you ever get a hankering to talk about books or love, you can find me here:
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~CONNECT WITH SAFFRON~
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