by ALY MARTINEZ
When I was fifteen, a single bullet changed my life. I spent the next decade trying to outrun the devastation of my past, building an empire that would shield me from whatever life could throw at me.
But all the money in the world couldn’t help me when I found a screaming newborn abandoned on my doorstep.
I’d never wanted to be a father. Passing the sludge that ran through my veins down to an innocent child seemed like a tragedy. But there she was—pink cheeks, red hair, and mine.
Somehow, against all logic, that little girl became the best thing that ever happened to me. It was impossible to stay lost in the past when I was the only one who could protect her future.
Which is exactly why, when her mother came back four years later, I was ready for battle.
If only I could stop myself from falling in love with her during the war.
But all the money in the world couldn’t help me when I found a screaming newborn abandoned on my doorstep.
I’d never wanted to be a father. Passing the sludge that ran through my veins down to an innocent child seemed like a tragedy. But there she was—pink cheeks, red hair, and mine.
Somehow, against all logic, that little girl became the best thing that ever happened to me. It was impossible to stay lost in the past when I was the only one who could protect her future.
Which is exactly why, when her mother came back four years later, I was ready for battle.
If only I could stop myself from falling in love with her during the war.
SPOILER FREE REVIEW!!!
Please try to avoid spoilers as this book's surprise element is dependent on them.
"She kissed me like she was drowning in us."
I don't hide any truths that Aly Martinez is one of my favorite authors. She sits in my Top 5 because I know she will always give me a story that I cannot find anywhere else. It's never the same yet there is always an underlying emotional current that causes my emotions to ramp up. I may want to hate it, but I just can't look away from it at the same time. She can definitely test my patience while telling a magnanimous story because the heaviness is not to be outdone by the brilliance in her writing. She's a master manipulator with her words, and I am always her willing manipulat....ee? I dunno, but I keep coming back for more of her manipulations.
So when that opening scene played out before my very eyes, I was shook. There was an audible gasp while I tried to come to terms with the tragedy unfolding. I mean, lives were forever changed on many, many different levels. Beyond anything I would ever want to begin to process, but to happen to someone so young? My gosh....I'm still shaking my head at the anguish that played out on the pages, but I inhaled the words as it set the stage for a very emotion-laden book.
In the opposite corner of my shock, the face of reality, the giggles coming out of me, were rapt and sharp. I am sure laughing this much after head surgery will most certainly be frowned upon by my surgeon....I'll be sure to send Aly the bill. I couldn't help but giggle at so many parts, even though the heaviness of the situation was a glaring one. It brought a much needed levity to the situation at hand, but it also gave me a better look into the characters' personalities. I think it goes without saying, the underlying sexual tensity between Caven and Hadley was very obvious and well balanced, but I still had a chip on my shoulder.
"She moaned while I whispered blessed curses, the licking of our flesh playing the bassline to our erotic symphony."
Given that synopsis, you're already predisposed to some pretty putrid anger directed at the mom for abandoning her child, but damn that Aly Martinez throwing in that backstory and lining it all up for me. She provided just the right emotion and sorrowful truth that forced my cold heart to feel something and recognize that there's always another side - even though I wanted to refuse her any sympathy, because I certainly had no empathy for her. Everyone's story isn't the same and it takes a lot to make me change my mind on an already closed subject, but of course - that darn impressive writing.
Having said all that, the weird thing was, this was the first time I can remember not knowing what I was going to rate an Aly book. I was conflicted throughout much of the book. I was in love with Caven's heart but I was angry at his lack of staying power to stay angry towards Hadley. What a conundrum, I know. I’m a bitch when it comes to messing with kids. So she left, we all know this - but he gave in too quickly for my bitter bitty tastes. But, on the other hand, I can also see why he did. Dammit. I mean, the reasons were all there. So I’m conflicted. Rare occurrence, obviously. But, again...this is a true testament to the strength of Aly Martinez's writing. I had to talk myself through my emotions....walk the paces myself. It was just....weird bouncing back and forth between anger and hope. But, I finished reading and need to know more. I need to know how this all works out, and that cliffhanger jacked me up!!
Because when I got to that end, I freakin' gasped.
"There is a reason time only marches in one direction."
~BEE
PURCHASE: AMAZON
~MEET ALY MARTINEZ~
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.
After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.
~CONNECT WITH ALY~
Beautiful review!! This duet is truly amazing!!
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