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.
REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Because love is an impossible game. Especially when only one person knows the rules."
Warning: With as many twists and turns with this one, the amount that can be discussed without ruining book one, or taking away any element of surprise with the discoveries in this one, this review will be short and sweet. (I mean, hopefully. I never really manage to do that....) With the twist at the end of the first one, I knew going into this one was going to lead to a very emotionally charged Hero and almost scared heroine.
The weird thing is, I think this was the first time I didn't know what I was going to rate an Aly Martinez book. I was so conflicted. Martinez is most definitely a master manipulator with her words and this story was no different. What could be probably wasn't, but what I was for sure wasn't...most definitely was. I loved the growth this couple shared, but I also loved the individuality she gave them as well. I fell in love with his heart but I was angry at his lack of anger. I’m a bitch when it comes to messing with kids. So she left-we all know this, but he gave in quickly - but I can also see why he did. I mean, the reasons were all there, they really were - but I personally had a hard time with how some things went down because I obviously didn't have the full picture. I'm glad Martinez made me look within myself for not only calmness and forgiveness, but also at how I really should try to see the "other side" to things. So...I’m conflicted. Rare occurrence.
To sum it up, this book showcased the brilliance of Aly's words and storytelling capabilities. She can clearly test my patience while telling a magnanimous story as she strings me along a very thin line with my emotions. The heaviness was not to be outdone by the brilliance in her writing. I had to talk myself through my emotions. - walk the paces myself and work through my anger issues, as well as my empathy for both sides - evidence of her brilliance. It was just weird in that aspect for me, but oh-so-good. But, again...this is a true testament to the strength of her writing. She will always keep me reading and wanting to know more with each page turn, with each new book, and I can't wait to read more by her.
The weird thing is, I think this was the first time I didn't know what I was going to rate an Aly Martinez book. I was so conflicted. Martinez is most definitely a master manipulator with her words and this story was no different. What could be probably wasn't, but what I was for sure wasn't...most definitely was. I loved the growth this couple shared, but I also loved the individuality she gave them as well. I fell in love with his heart but I was angry at his lack of anger. I’m a bitch when it comes to messing with kids. So she left-we all know this, but he gave in quickly - but I can also see why he did. I mean, the reasons were all there, they really were - but I personally had a hard time with how some things went down because I obviously didn't have the full picture. I'm glad Martinez made me look within myself for not only calmness and forgiveness, but also at how I really should try to see the "other side" to things. So...I’m conflicted. Rare occurrence.
I think the only thing that I felt with this finale was that it wasn't as climactic as I was hoping for. Not in a bad way, and as Martinez does so well - I was smiling at the end and pleased with the outcome, but I just imagined a little more "fixing" at the end. But in true AM fashion, she gives a glimpse of the possibility for more character stories, and I love that lead-in and tease.
To sum it up, this book showcased the brilliance of Aly's words and storytelling capabilities. She can clearly test my patience while telling a magnanimous story as she strings me along a very thin line with my emotions. The heaviness was not to be outdone by the brilliance in her writing. I had to talk myself through my emotions. - walk the paces myself and work through my anger issues, as well as my empathy for both sides - evidence of her brilliance. It was just weird in that aspect for me, but oh-so-good. But, again...this is a true testament to the strength of her writing. She will always keep me reading and wanting to know more with each page turn, with each new book, and I can't wait to read more by her.
"The only reason I hate you is because I can't figure out how to fucking hate you at all."
~BEE
WRITTEN WITH YOU: AMAZON - Kindle Unlimited
~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~
Sounds like something I want to read.
ReplyDeleteHhhhmmm when I first heard about this I was intrigued. Then I totally forgot about it, sorry hehe. But after reading your review, I got interested again. I would to chat with you about this. I need to read book one first.
ReplyDelete