Friday, September 27, 2013

The Darkest Part by Trisha Wolfe ~ Review

Source: Received eBook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

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Pressing the boundaries of both the psyche and the heart, Sam and Holden embark on a dangerous journey that will test the limits of love.

Sam Wintry’s life used to be almost perfect. She was engaged to her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler Marks, planning an amazing cross-country honeymoon during her college break. But after a hit-and-run leaves her in ruin, she begins seeing Tyler’s fractured, ghostly presence, and her family believes she’s losing her mind. Not until she completes their journey, stopping along the way to scatter Tyler's remains, will Tyler be able cross over. Only...is Sam ready for him to leave her?

When the black sheep of the Marks' family, Holden Marks, returns to check on Tyler's case, Sam convinces him to give her his brother's ashes. Despite their shaky history, she needs him...plus, he owes it to Sam and his brother. What she doesn’t count on is Holden’s relentlessness to go on the trip.

On the road, Holden realizes just how unhinged Sam has become. Dealing with her psychosis forces him to confront his dark past, making it harder to keep secrets hidden that should remain buried. Especially from Sam, the only woman he’s ever loved. And as Sam starts to unravel the truth, she begins to question if the brother she's unwillingly falling for again is in an even darker place than her. 



 
 My Thoughts:




5 stars - Brilliant writing & unique storyline makes this one a must read!

I have loved everything I have ever read by Trisha Wolfe and this books was no exception.  I was a little nervous with the topic but I shouldn't have worried.  Instead, I should have trusted Trisha's writing and her character development.  Her characters make choices that make sense with who they are.  Love that.

Perhaps I shouldn't have started this on a school night - because I had to force myself to put it down and try and sleep - heavy on the try part.  This book was devoured quickly despite the interruptions that sleep tried to claim.  It's for sure I would have read it straight through if my schedule had allowed.

The characters are the best part of this story.  I love great characters.  Sam is struggling with the death of her boyfriend, Tyler.  She's can't let go of Tyler and her reactions make sense for what she's going through.  She's tough but this experience is ripping her apart.  Hiding in her room at her parents house for days on end and pulling away from her life and friends is exactly what someone like this would do.  As she tries to deal with her perception of what is happening to her, her family tries to help her to no end.  Instead she finds her own way.  And that way is not easy or quick.  She must come to terms with not only what happened to Tyler but things from her past.  What I really loved about Sam was that she proves the point that changes don't happen until you decide you want them.  Watching her work through that process was emotional but not hopeless.  I wasn't ever sad reading this book.  I never thought I couldn't deal with it.  No, I was on her side hoping she would find her way.  She got to me.  I loved her.  I hoped for her.

Even more than Sam, I loved Holden.  He has condemned himself as the bad guy.  He has loved Sam since he was in high school but he broke her heart.  It wasn't his idea to do that but Holden has always tried to protect those he loves.  He tried to protect his mother and his brother but no matter how hard he tried or how much he scarifies, he loses them both.  He blames himself.  He doesn't feel like he deserves Sam but he is so wrong there.  He is was she needs.  She is what he needs.  But their journey isn't easy or quick.  It's real.  When all the secrets are revealed, I loved Holden so much.

The ending was perfect.  I worried some that there would be no way for things to work for these two but a few surprises brought the story to exactly where I hoped it would go.  While I did figure out one of the twists, others were complete shocks.  And when I turned the last page, I was happy.

If you love NA but wonder if they will all be the same, then this book needs your attention because this NA is unique.  If you love romance that is emotional and real, then this book needs your attention.  If you just love a good story, then this book needs your attention.  Don't miss this one!



About the author:

I’m the author of the YA Steampunk DESTINY'S FIRE (Omnific Publishing), ASTARTE'S WRATH NA Historical/Supernatural, and the upcoming YA Utopian FIREBLOOD from Spencer Hill Press, October 2013. My NA Dark Fantasy OF SILVER AND BEASTS available May 2013.

I’m the creator of YA Bound, a promotional site for the Young Adult genre. Also a member of SCWW and The Apocalypsies.

A proud business owner, I'm partnered with my partner, my husband. When I’m not busy doing all of the above, I’m a wife and the mother of a gorgeous teen boy who's the sounding board for my male characters.



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7 comments:

  1. I so agree with your review. I loved how you put it "Even more than Sam, I loved Holden. He has condemned himself as the bad guy. " He so did!

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  2. I have this one waiting for me on my kindle and I cannot wait to read it. I have heard nothing but good things about this book. Great review!

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  3. Thanks for the great review. Looking forward to reading this.

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  4. It's so clear TDP truly affected you. I can't wait to read it. Awesome job, Pal!

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  5. This sounds amazing!! I am glad it's not the typical same NA (thought I love them even when they are similar). I definitely want to read this. Even more now after reading your review.

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  6. I think I bought this a while ago but haven't read it yet. Sounds like I should drink heavily when I do lol! Great review Val!

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  7. I'm likely going to have to get this one. Nice review and I'm glad you loved it!

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