4.5 STARS!
Welcome back to the Devilbend Dynasty- I’m loving this series and loved Donna and Hendrix’s story. We saw Queen Donna make grown men proverbially pee their pants in Book 1, so I knew we were in for a treat with Like Your Hurt. And, I knew Kaydence would have to create a pretty fantastic male lead to match Donna’s fire. Like Donna, this story is fiery and passionate, complicated and gritty.
This time we spend our story with the prep school kids- Donna is queen of the school, and new kid Hendrix intrigues her. Too bad he isn’t interested in being friends- he’s hiding secrets and just wants to skate by unnoticed. Donna notices him though, and his disinterest ruffles her feathers. Thus begins an angsty push-pull, love-hate journey between these two characters who are so similar and so in need of truly being seen but also so threatened by what they see in each other. Their paths keep crossing- an every time it is fireworks.
Donna- she’s a FORCE. She’s complicated. I vacillated between adoring her and being frustrated with her- which I think is the point. Donna is trying to figure herself out- she’s living two personality realities, but the central thread is that she needs control in both of her realities. Hendrix threatens her control- because he sees her for who she really is, he challenges her. Donna doesn’t do well when her control is threatened, and, thus, she often acts with resistance and denial, and at times, jerkiness. Hendrix brings out the best and worst in her. At her best, she’s smart, bold, fierce, independent, loyal, and driven. But, she’s trapped within the perfectionist facade, the Queen Bee persona, that she’s created for herself. Her “dark Donna” alternate life is her way of breaking out of that mold, a self destructive therapy that leaves her feeling alive, subverting expectations of herself. Dark Donna owns her desires, her needs- and she likes the risk that goes with it. I loved these parts of Donna, but as she’s trying to go through a metamorphosis to marry both sides of her identity, she frustrates me some- she’s not always kind (she says some very hurtful things to Hendrix, which she feels bad for), she’s defensive and combative, and she’s stubborn- refusing to see beyond herself. Again, this is part of the journey- she has to reconcile these negative coping strategies to realize she doesn’t like that version of herself- and she gets there...but that means there are times when we don’t like her (a few moments in particular).
Hendrix is a dreamboat the entire book- what wonderful and compelling characters. His journey mirrors Donna’s, but he’s ahead of her- he’s already battled the different versions of himself, suffered the consequences of giving into the parts of himself he liked less, and has learned his lesson. He’s evolved and grown- and he recognizes aspects of himself in Donna. So, when they aren’t bugging each other, he’s trying to help her- she just doesn’t always want it. I loved Hendrix so much- he’s made terrible mistakes, but he’s owned them, has suffered for them. He’s self-aware, selfless, and kind. And when he opens up- my heart exploded. He’s somehow this tough, stoic guy that is also a bleeding heart, vulnerable and raw and exposed.
The romance is rocky and challenging, imperfect like our characters- both characters are stubborn and both are hiding huge secrets. The attraction is immediate, the physical chemistry is SCORCHING, but it takes a minute for the emotional connection to evolve as neither Donna or Hendrix are very trusting. The action at the end was surprising and fast paced, and I’m still so curious where KS is going with all this Bestlyfe intrigue.
Fans of Mena and Hunter will be elated to find them happy and wonderful here. Kaydence smartly juxtaposes their personalities, and their story, with Hendrix and Donna’s- here we have more gritty, edgier characters, and a darker, more gritty romance with it. Mena and Hunter’s roles in this story made me love them even more- especially Mena, who is more and more embracing her strength.
Donna and Hendrix have an angsty, complicated love story that is emotionally gripping and complex. Both characters are so layered, so compellingly imperfect, that you’ll find yourself reading this is one sitting. I’m loving how Kaydence is exploring the theme of identity in this series- here in this book, the trappings of self-imposed facades and the liberating experience of self-acceptance. The character growth in Like Your Hurt is what really shines- the growth that can be found when someone truly sees you, and helps you see yourself. Looking forward to what’s next in this series!
Welcome back to the Devilbend Dynasty- I’m loving this series and loved Donna and Hendrix’s story. We saw Queen Donna make grown men proverbially pee their pants in Book 1, so I knew we were in for a treat with Like Your Hurt. And, I knew Kaydence would have to create a pretty fantastic male lead to match Donna’s fire. Like Donna, this story is fiery and passionate, complicated and gritty.
This time we spend our story with the prep school kids- Donna is queen of the school, and new kid Hendrix intrigues her. Too bad he isn’t interested in being friends- he’s hiding secrets and just wants to skate by unnoticed. Donna notices him though, and his disinterest ruffles her feathers. Thus begins an angsty push-pull, love-hate journey between these two characters who are so similar and so in need of truly being seen but also so threatened by what they see in each other. Their paths keep crossing- an every time it is fireworks.
Donna- she’s a FORCE. She’s complicated. I vacillated between adoring her and being frustrated with her- which I think is the point. Donna is trying to figure herself out- she’s living two personality realities, but the central thread is that she needs control in both of her realities. Hendrix threatens her control- because he sees her for who she really is, he challenges her. Donna doesn’t do well when her control is threatened, and, thus, she often acts with resistance and denial, and at times, jerkiness. Hendrix brings out the best and worst in her. At her best, she’s smart, bold, fierce, independent, loyal, and driven. But, she’s trapped within the perfectionist facade, the Queen Bee persona, that she’s created for herself. Her “dark Donna” alternate life is her way of breaking out of that mold, a self destructive therapy that leaves her feeling alive, subverting expectations of herself. Dark Donna owns her desires, her needs- and she likes the risk that goes with it. I loved these parts of Donna, but as she’s trying to go through a metamorphosis to marry both sides of her identity, she frustrates me some- she’s not always kind (she says some very hurtful things to Hendrix, which she feels bad for), she’s defensive and combative, and she’s stubborn- refusing to see beyond herself. Again, this is part of the journey- she has to reconcile these negative coping strategies to realize she doesn’t like that version of herself- and she gets there...but that means there are times when we don’t like her (a few moments in particular).
Hendrix is a dreamboat the entire book- what wonderful and compelling characters. His journey mirrors Donna’s, but he’s ahead of her- he’s already battled the different versions of himself, suffered the consequences of giving into the parts of himself he liked less, and has learned his lesson. He’s evolved and grown- and he recognizes aspects of himself in Donna. So, when they aren’t bugging each other, he’s trying to help her- she just doesn’t always want it. I loved Hendrix so much- he’s made terrible mistakes, but he’s owned them, has suffered for them. He’s self-aware, selfless, and kind. And when he opens up- my heart exploded. He’s somehow this tough, stoic guy that is also a bleeding heart, vulnerable and raw and exposed.
The romance is rocky and challenging, imperfect like our characters- both characters are stubborn and both are hiding huge secrets. The attraction is immediate, the physical chemistry is SCORCHING, but it takes a minute for the emotional connection to evolve as neither Donna or Hendrix are very trusting. The action at the end was surprising and fast paced, and I’m still so curious where KS is going with all this Bestlyfe intrigue.
Fans of Mena and Hunter will be elated to find them happy and wonderful here. Kaydence smartly juxtaposes their personalities, and their story, with Hendrix and Donna’s- here we have more gritty, edgier characters, and a darker, more gritty romance with it. Mena and Hunter’s roles in this story made me love them even more- especially Mena, who is more and more embracing her strength.
Donna and Hendrix have an angsty, complicated love story that is emotionally gripping and complex. Both characters are so layered, so compellingly imperfect, that you’ll find yourself reading this is one sitting. I’m loving how Kaydence is exploring the theme of identity in this series- here in this book, the trappings of self-imposed facades and the liberating experience of self-acceptance. The character growth in Like Your Hurt is what really shines- the growth that can be found when someone truly sees you, and helps you see yourself. Looking forward to what’s next in this series!
Truth be told, I have such a kinship with Marley that I knew immediately I’d love this book. We’re the same age, I too have had to “restart” elements of my life at a age much later than I ever intended, like so many of us my high school years were also less than stellar, and like Marley I’ve felt like a stranger in my own life- in this stasis just waiting for it to begin when I’ve already lived it halfway through. I think we’ve all felt a bit “rock bottom” at some point- and that solidarity filled my heart with empathy for her. Sure, at times she’s drowning in her own self-pity, but how could she not? Her entire life has been redirected, and she’s found herself in the very last place she ever wanted to be. Marley just wants to be happy- to find fulfillment, and the greatest irony is that she finds it in the very place that made her so unhappy to begin with.
Unlike Marley, I didn’t find my Jake (or at least not yet)- but dang is he dreamy. But also flawed- a bit full of himself, but also so incredibly charming. And, underneath his bachelor ways, he’s a kind and thoughtful and incredibly caring man. And his fond memories of Marley kick off a delightfully fun and sexy romance. And I loved that our hero is the one who is resolved to finally find his “one” while our heroine is the one who flounders a bit- who has to realize just how special the relationship she has already truly is- how perfect they are for each other.
Lucy never fails to delight- this is quirky, funny, and chock full of romantic chemistry, and as always, Lucy brings all the provincial charm of the small town romance. Really loved how our story also centers around two older characters, who find themselves back in high school in a totally new way. Back to where it all began. Sweet, sassy, and charming- everything I’ve come to love about Lucy Score!
Unlike Marley, I didn’t find my Jake (or at least not yet)- but dang is he dreamy. But also flawed- a bit full of himself, but also so incredibly charming. And, underneath his bachelor ways, he’s a kind and thoughtful and incredibly caring man. And his fond memories of Marley kick off a delightfully fun and sexy romance. And I loved that our hero is the one who is resolved to finally find his “one” while our heroine is the one who flounders a bit- who has to realize just how special the relationship she has already truly is- how perfect they are for each other.
Lucy never fails to delight- this is quirky, funny, and chock full of romantic chemistry, and as always, Lucy brings all the provincial charm of the small town romance. Really loved how our story also centers around two older characters, who find themselves back in high school in a totally new way. Back to where it all began. Sweet, sassy, and charming- everything I’ve come to love about Lucy Score!
Forever Never was a totally unexpected story- a enemies to lovers second chance story with more suspense and thrilling mystery than I anticipated. But, with all the same Lucy Score charm I’ve come to expect- the emotional tug, the sweet, and the sexy.
Remi and Brick had the perfect enemies with a history vibe- a palpable tension between them that we can tell is rooted in a complicated history, unexpressed emotions, and the festering longing of a love that will never die. Sparring and tension stemming from deeply buried affection that manifests as a passionate hostility makes for that angsty, magical push-pull. And, given that our story cleverly unfolds over different time frames, we get to experience different phases of their connection, which adds so much complexity to their current chemistry and gives us all the anxiety as we try to figure out just what has happened between them.
Remi is a unique heroine- free spirited, creative, but so caring. Though I wanted her to push on Brick’s squirreliness more, I also can appreciate who she is - because underneath her big heart and artistic bravado, she’s got layers of insecurities. And Brick, well he has some insecurities, too- deeply nestled under his dependable, protective, broody persona. When we uncover the why of some of their past, I wanted to bang my head on his, it makes for such intensity and drama as they work through it in the present. These two have so much buried and unsaid- and our story captivates us as we try to find out just what needs to be said- and who is going to say it. All that dynamic romantic tension!
We get a nice slow burn, and then all of a sudden, this couple is on fire. I think this is definitely the steamiest Lucy Score book I’ve read. After all these two have been through to find their way to each other- heartache and pain and the loss of each other-, it’s a sweet and sexy reward. And to round out our story, we have a strong cast of secondary characters that add all the small town flair and help add even more dimension to our leading characters.
This is on the longer side- but there is so much story to tell- about this place and these people. Remi and Brick have to not only get over their feelings towards each other in the now, but they have to break down the walls they have by also confronting the baggage they have from the past. Honest, communication, and trust- the basics, and lessons Remi and Break have to learn. It’s an emotional journey- one with ample heartache and frustrations, but one with a sweet sincerity and passionate connection. This book felt more meta than Lucy books before- truly exposing the hearts and minds of these two intricate characters, and I really appreciated the approach. This made these two characters so richly realized- and so emotionally resonant. Add in the mystery and suspense and a hearty helping of steam, and you’ve got a total page turner. Lucy Score never fails to delight- and Forever Never is a new favorite!
Remi and Brick had the perfect enemies with a history vibe- a palpable tension between them that we can tell is rooted in a complicated history, unexpressed emotions, and the festering longing of a love that will never die. Sparring and tension stemming from deeply buried affection that manifests as a passionate hostility makes for that angsty, magical push-pull. And, given that our story cleverly unfolds over different time frames, we get to experience different phases of their connection, which adds so much complexity to their current chemistry and gives us all the anxiety as we try to figure out just what has happened between them.
Remi is a unique heroine- free spirited, creative, but so caring. Though I wanted her to push on Brick’s squirreliness more, I also can appreciate who she is - because underneath her big heart and artistic bravado, she’s got layers of insecurities. And Brick, well he has some insecurities, too- deeply nestled under his dependable, protective, broody persona. When we uncover the why of some of their past, I wanted to bang my head on his, it makes for such intensity and drama as they work through it in the present. These two have so much buried and unsaid- and our story captivates us as we try to find out just what needs to be said- and who is going to say it. All that dynamic romantic tension!
We get a nice slow burn, and then all of a sudden, this couple is on fire. I think this is definitely the steamiest Lucy Score book I’ve read. After all these two have been through to find their way to each other- heartache and pain and the loss of each other-, it’s a sweet and sexy reward. And to round out our story, we have a strong cast of secondary characters that add all the small town flair and help add even more dimension to our leading characters.
This is on the longer side- but there is so much story to tell- about this place and these people. Remi and Brick have to not only get over their feelings towards each other in the now, but they have to break down the walls they have by also confronting the baggage they have from the past. Honest, communication, and trust- the basics, and lessons Remi and Break have to learn. It’s an emotional journey- one with ample heartache and frustrations, but one with a sweet sincerity and passionate connection. This book felt more meta than Lucy books before- truly exposing the hearts and minds of these two intricate characters, and I really appreciated the approach. This made these two characters so richly realized- and so emotionally resonant. Add in the mystery and suspense and a hearty helping of steam, and you’ve got a total page turner. Lucy Score never fails to delight- and Forever Never is a new favorite!
I love nothing more than finding a new author that I’m going to obsess over- and then, to find out that Fragile Things is Samantha Lovelock’s DEBUT novel! Well, I’m just floored. I could not put this story down. The mystery, the sexuual and emotional tension, and the enigmatic characters all made for an ADDICTIVE first half of this duet. I flew through this in one sitting- and I’m thirsty for more!
From page one, I was captured. We begin with the opening of a literal Pandora’s box, as our heroine Stella receives a mysterious package with an invitation to visit an aunt she didn’t even know she had. Stella has been on her own from the ripe old age of fifteen- abandoned by her mother, a fugitive of the foster care system, and now surviving on her own under a different identity. Not only is the invitation a mystery, but Stella’s own understanding of her history is, too- a missing mother and missing memories and bouts of anxiety have long since left her perplexed. Impoverished and relatively alone, she doesn’t have much to lose and only answers to gain, so she travels across the country to stay with her aunt, thrusting her squarely in the middle of an elite world foreign to her. A chance encounter and an elite inner circle connects her to Poe, the rich golden boy. Stella soon finds herself smack in the middle of a tangled web of secrets, mystery, deceit, and treachery- all part of some mysterious history amongst the town’s most elite. But just where does Stella fit into all of this?
Stella is one of my favorite heroines I’ve read in a good while. She’s so admirably resilient and self-assured. She’s just STRONG- unwilling to be pushed around or live outside of her values. But, she’s also got layers- she’s kind and empathetic, and profoundly patient for all that she’s endured. She’s a heroine you can respect, the heroine you desperately root for. And Poe is the dreamy alpha elite bully- son of a founding family and the defacto leader of the crew. He’s cocky, charming, and smug, but he’s also complex, he’s emotionally aware and understanding. He has a sweet and protective streak a mile long- he sucked me right into his orbit and I never want to leave. And their chemistry is scorching. We get some insta-love, sure- but Samantha really develops their emotional connection- she gives these characters a chance to be open and vulnerable, to invest in each other, and the emotional and sexual tension between them is consuming.
What I loved most about this story, though, was how cleverly Samantha creates two leads who subvert your normal expectations for the bully trope. Both leads don’t exactly play into the normal “rich bully” and bullied types. Poe isn’t your typical alpha bully- in fact, he resents his privilege, would rebuke it if he could. He abhors cruelty and high school hierarchy BS. In fact, none of the elite really play into the whole “rule the school trope”- they just want to exist, be with their friends. And, when he finds himself having to be cruel to Stella, he’s wracked with guilt and remorse. He’s got such a deep soul, such an emotional consciousness that is truly refreshing. And Stella, despite her painful history, isn’t bitter or hostile. She’s strong, but she’s also got an uncertainty and vulnerability to her. She opens up to people, she’s not closed off to others. And best of all, both characters are so self-aware- they understand their own psyche, recognize their own patterns and baggage, and are actively trying to address them as best they can. They accept responsibility for their actions, and they are thoughtful in what they do. It feels so much more grounded and mature- and way more emotionally complex.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t celebrate the QUALITY OF writing here- this reads like a novel by a veteran writer. From the basic mechanics (word choice, syntax, etc) to adept world building and characterization, Samantha Lovelock is clearly a gifted writer. The prose flowed, the characters are dynamic and captivating, and pacing was perfectly balanced and builds a fantastic crescendo to the finale. There’s a real nuance to the story telling- a descriptive quality in both character and place that is really encompassing. And, Samantha masterfully scaffolds and weaves the chemistry and the mystery to create both intensity and intimacy, which kept the pages turning but also kept me emotionally invested. If this is the kind of writing Samantha produces on her debut, then she’s clearly an author to watch.
I’m loving the themes of belonging- this is a story about a girl just trying to figure out just where she belongs. And a thoughtful exploration of just how much where you belong, and where you came from, influences who you are, and who you are meant to be. I can’t wait to see where this goes next in the second half of the duet- I NEED IT NOW!
From page one, I was captured. We begin with the opening of a literal Pandora’s box, as our heroine Stella receives a mysterious package with an invitation to visit an aunt she didn’t even know she had. Stella has been on her own from the ripe old age of fifteen- abandoned by her mother, a fugitive of the foster care system, and now surviving on her own under a different identity. Not only is the invitation a mystery, but Stella’s own understanding of her history is, too- a missing mother and missing memories and bouts of anxiety have long since left her perplexed. Impoverished and relatively alone, she doesn’t have much to lose and only answers to gain, so she travels across the country to stay with her aunt, thrusting her squarely in the middle of an elite world foreign to her. A chance encounter and an elite inner circle connects her to Poe, the rich golden boy. Stella soon finds herself smack in the middle of a tangled web of secrets, mystery, deceit, and treachery- all part of some mysterious history amongst the town’s most elite. But just where does Stella fit into all of this?
Stella is one of my favorite heroines I’ve read in a good while. She’s so admirably resilient and self-assured. She’s just STRONG- unwilling to be pushed around or live outside of her values. But, she’s also got layers- she’s kind and empathetic, and profoundly patient for all that she’s endured. She’s a heroine you can respect, the heroine you desperately root for. And Poe is the dreamy alpha elite bully- son of a founding family and the defacto leader of the crew. He’s cocky, charming, and smug, but he’s also complex, he’s emotionally aware and understanding. He has a sweet and protective streak a mile long- he sucked me right into his orbit and I never want to leave. And their chemistry is scorching. We get some insta-love, sure- but Samantha really develops their emotional connection- she gives these characters a chance to be open and vulnerable, to invest in each other, and the emotional and sexual tension between them is consuming.
What I loved most about this story, though, was how cleverly Samantha creates two leads who subvert your normal expectations for the bully trope. Both leads don’t exactly play into the normal “rich bully” and bullied types. Poe isn’t your typical alpha bully- in fact, he resents his privilege, would rebuke it if he could. He abhors cruelty and high school hierarchy BS. In fact, none of the elite really play into the whole “rule the school trope”- they just want to exist, be with their friends. And, when he finds himself having to be cruel to Stella, he’s wracked with guilt and remorse. He’s got such a deep soul, such an emotional consciousness that is truly refreshing. And Stella, despite her painful history, isn’t bitter or hostile. She’s strong, but she’s also got an uncertainty and vulnerability to her. She opens up to people, she’s not closed off to others. And best of all, both characters are so self-aware- they understand their own psyche, recognize their own patterns and baggage, and are actively trying to address them as best they can. They accept responsibility for their actions, and they are thoughtful in what they do. It feels so much more grounded and mature- and way more emotionally complex.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t celebrate the QUALITY OF writing here- this reads like a novel by a veteran writer. From the basic mechanics (word choice, syntax, etc) to adept world building and characterization, Samantha Lovelock is clearly a gifted writer. The prose flowed, the characters are dynamic and captivating, and pacing was perfectly balanced and builds a fantastic crescendo to the finale. There’s a real nuance to the story telling- a descriptive quality in both character and place that is really encompassing. And, Samantha masterfully scaffolds and weaves the chemistry and the mystery to create both intensity and intimacy, which kept the pages turning but also kept me emotionally invested. If this is the kind of writing Samantha produces on her debut, then she’s clearly an author to watch.
I’m loving the themes of belonging- this is a story about a girl just trying to figure out just where she belongs. And a thoughtful exploration of just how much where you belong, and where you came from, influences who you are, and who you are meant to be. I can’t wait to see where this goes next in the second half of the duet- I NEED IT NOW!
Poe and Stella are finally back! And Fractured Things has the same magic as Fragile Things. Sexy, emotionally complex, suspenseful, and angsty- this story is every bit as full of twists and drama. But this story also has its own vibe- an insular focus that makes it even more emotionally resonant and makes the stakes feel higher- because Fractured Things is about fixing what is broken, and there is no one more broken by the revelations of book one than Stella.
After the jaw dropping ending of Fragile Things, I’ve been anxiously awaiting our next book to figure out how these characters can move forward from the life changing revelations and scarring violence. Stella, with the support of the best ride or die bestie ever in Sunday, has left Folkestone behind- not ready, or perhaps unwilling- to confront the horrific truths she learned about her family and the Heirs. Poe, meanwhile, is devastated and lost- he broke his own rules to love another, and now she’s gone. Can he find a way to repair Stella’s fractured heart? And what secrets yet remain in Folkstone?
Samantha really changed up what I expected from this story- in a way that I find really clever. Fragile Things moves at a frantic pace- the unraveling of secrets and the powder keg collisions of characters. Fragile Thing was about a cacophonous breaking of our characters. Fractured Things feels entirely different- because the catalyzing focus of this story isn’t about Stella figuring out the mystery of her background or adjusting to the elite and volatile world she finds herself in like in book 1- no, this is more about her existential reconciliation of all she learned. And Poe and others trying to repair the fractures in their relationships with Stella as the result of the depravity and secrets of the Heirs. Of course, there are still secrets and twists at every turn- just when Stella thinks she has all the information she inevitably finds out she doesn’t- but the plot is slower here, the secrets and twists more steadily meted, and the focus is more emotional: Stella’s journey to try to make sense of all she’s learned about her life and where that means she needs to be, all while trying to figure out what transgressions and mistakes are forgivable, and those that are not, for those she trusted and loved. That’s a quieter character journey, but one that is equally as captivating as book one. But that does give the story a different feel- because the focus is no longer on revelations (even though we still have them), the focus is on reparations.
This book made me fall even deeper in love with Poe. We get to see how much he’s changed, we get to see his sweet and tender heart, and we feel so much for him as he faces impossible decisions. This story softens him, gives him vulnerability. Whereas Stella, we get to see her emerge stronger, harder, more resilient and more empowered. She gets hurt, A LOT, and she spends a lot of this story in an emotional vornando, but she finds the right nexus of courage and kindness, and she finds her place. She finally belongs. But she has to learn to forgive, to trust- and Poe? Well he has to find a way to be worthy of both.
I said it before, and I’ll say it again- it still SHOCKS me that Samantha is a newer writer. Not only is she a technically accomplished writer- the prose is polished, engaging, and beautifully scribed- but she has created such a captivating world and characters. Characters who touch our hearts, whose stories pull at our emotions. A world about escaping the burdens of your past, of letting go of the pains and mistakes of your parents. A story about finding who YOU are...about belonging. Not only am I impressed, I am ADDICTED. I want to live in this world and with these characters forever.
Of course, just when we think things are all peachy, Samantha gives us a hint of what is to come. And I for one as SHOCKED but also overjoyed with the possibilities. I’m so ready for Restless Things- and our heroine?! Oh my- she’s going to steal the whole show.
After the jaw dropping ending of Fragile Things, I’ve been anxiously awaiting our next book to figure out how these characters can move forward from the life changing revelations and scarring violence. Stella, with the support of the best ride or die bestie ever in Sunday, has left Folkestone behind- not ready, or perhaps unwilling- to confront the horrific truths she learned about her family and the Heirs. Poe, meanwhile, is devastated and lost- he broke his own rules to love another, and now she’s gone. Can he find a way to repair Stella’s fractured heart? And what secrets yet remain in Folkstone?
Samantha really changed up what I expected from this story- in a way that I find really clever. Fragile Things moves at a frantic pace- the unraveling of secrets and the powder keg collisions of characters. Fragile Thing was about a cacophonous breaking of our characters. Fractured Things feels entirely different- because the catalyzing focus of this story isn’t about Stella figuring out the mystery of her background or adjusting to the elite and volatile world she finds herself in like in book 1- no, this is more about her existential reconciliation of all she learned. And Poe and others trying to repair the fractures in their relationships with Stella as the result of the depravity and secrets of the Heirs. Of course, there are still secrets and twists at every turn- just when Stella thinks she has all the information she inevitably finds out she doesn’t- but the plot is slower here, the secrets and twists more steadily meted, and the focus is more emotional: Stella’s journey to try to make sense of all she’s learned about her life and where that means she needs to be, all while trying to figure out what transgressions and mistakes are forgivable, and those that are not, for those she trusted and loved. That’s a quieter character journey, but one that is equally as captivating as book one. But that does give the story a different feel- because the focus is no longer on revelations (even though we still have them), the focus is on reparations.
This book made me fall even deeper in love with Poe. We get to see how much he’s changed, we get to see his sweet and tender heart, and we feel so much for him as he faces impossible decisions. This story softens him, gives him vulnerability. Whereas Stella, we get to see her emerge stronger, harder, more resilient and more empowered. She gets hurt, A LOT, and she spends a lot of this story in an emotional vornando, but she finds the right nexus of courage and kindness, and she finds her place. She finally belongs. But she has to learn to forgive, to trust- and Poe? Well he has to find a way to be worthy of both.
I said it before, and I’ll say it again- it still SHOCKS me that Samantha is a newer writer. Not only is she a technically accomplished writer- the prose is polished, engaging, and beautifully scribed- but she has created such a captivating world and characters. Characters who touch our hearts, whose stories pull at our emotions. A world about escaping the burdens of your past, of letting go of the pains and mistakes of your parents. A story about finding who YOU are...about belonging. Not only am I impressed, I am ADDICTED. I want to live in this world and with these characters forever.
Of course, just when we think things are all peachy, Samantha gives us a hint of what is to come. And I for one as SHOCKED but also overjoyed with the possibilities. I’m so ready for Restless Things- and our heroine?! Oh my- she’s going to steal the whole show.
The formation of this relationship was really touching- we have a little Cyrano de Bergerac vibes going on as they connect emotionally long before they lay eyes on each other physically. We see two souls, both weighed down by their own troubles, find peace and connection with a stranger- finally feeling seen and understood, even though they don’t actually SEE each other right away. We knew trouble was brewing once Mena’s real identity came out, and Kaydence left us with that epic cliffhanger- where we witness the painful truth that bystanding hurts just as much as the actual bullying- and makes you just as culpable. These moments were beautifully written- tenderly and delicately conveyed, tugging at my heart and soul for Mena in what she experienced- even the small moments of bullying struck me, which is a sign of Kaydence’s character building- I felt so personally connected to Mena. I remember what it felt like to be so insecure within your own skin, the need to hide in plain sight to protect yourself. The shield of resilience and disconnection you put on everyday.
The first one half was a 5 star read- I immediately one-clicked a pre-order for the entire story and anxiously awaited. The second one half was more a a 3.5 read- the story telling felt a bitrushed, even though we still had the same uncurrent of sweetness in the slow burn romance, and the plot itself almost seemed distracted- taking focus off the romance (though this is still the core) and delving into some somewhat far fetched side plots/side characters, and doing so pretty quickly. We knew Turner had something going on- I was surprised by what it was, and I didn’t feel emotionally connected to it, either (again, perhaps because it felt a bit rushed). To be fair, I did read this in two one halves- with a month between them, so perhaps my feelings might be different with one fluid experience. One win of the second half, however, was the depiction of female friendships- this was refreshing, and so rare in bully books. I needed that optimism, and it created a beautiful juxtaposition that just reinforced the themes of the randomness and futility of bullying.
The resolution was definitely my least favorite part of the book- it seemed a bit over the top and incredibly abrupt- two pretty intense situations (one the focus of this book-the bullying and another the side-plot with Turner’s family) were wrapped with a neat bow SO quickly that it made these very epic moments (two huge climaxes) feel anticlimactic and non-impactful. And, I’m still not sure what the whole BestLyf stuff was about- wasn’t resolved and didn’t feel necessary, perhaps in future books?
The book is a full length novel but on the shorter side (about 200 pages), so I think a few more chapters (or a tighter focus) would have made it a perfect read….plus, I’m all for insta love, but I wanted to swim around in Turner and Mena’s relationship a bit more in the 2nd half (and I feel like we don’t know Turner as well as we know Mena- the book is entirely from her POV), after that Bully Me cliffhanger that left me reeling., I needed a it more repairing and a bit more HEA.
Overall, though, I liked it- and I’ll read the next in the series (Donna’s story). The character connection was there, the bully darkness, and a sweetness I don’t always get in NA romances- even if the back half didn’t wow me like the first.