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A Dark Road
Not every friendship is as harmless as it seems.
Loner James McKay wants nothing to do with Hadley Grayson. After all, the last thing a drug dealer needs is the pretty, new girl trying to be friends. Walking distractions like her lead to trouble, the kind that can get you 10 to 15 behind bars.
Likewise, fencing champion Hadley Grayson isn’t thrilled about her family uprooting her during her senior year of high school. At least there’s James McKay, the quiet, mad scientist who is as adorable as he is mysterious.
Though McKay may reject the idea of friendship, he gets one whether he wants it or not. But once the lies are told and the rumors spread, the dangers of meth making and dealing are impossible to avoid. Between secrets and overdosing classmates, McKay and Hadley will learn that loneliness can be a two-way street, changing both of their lives forever.
Loner James McKay wants nothing to do with Hadley Grayson. After all, the last thing a drug dealer needs is the pretty, new girl trying to be friends. Walking distractions like her lead to trouble, the kind that can get you 10 to 15 behind bars.
Likewise, fencing champion Hadley Grayson isn’t thrilled about her family uprooting her during her senior year of high school. At least there’s James McKay, the quiet, mad scientist who is as adorable as he is mysterious.
Though McKay may reject the idea of friendship, he gets one whether he wants it or not. But once the lies are told and the rumors spread, the dangers of meth making and dealing are impossible to avoid. Between secrets and overdosing classmates, McKay and Hadley will learn that loneliness can be a two-way street, changing both of their lives forever.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2013
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992 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 23, 2015
3,5
This book pretty much shows why I love reading YA books. No, it wasn't one of the best I read, but I genuinely enjoyed it. I can't remember when was the last time I read such a CLEAN book. Not just YA, but in generally. Lately, and sadly, I would rather pick some book that has darker elements, and that is for adult audience, before I would pick YA book that is literally YA book. I must admit that I forgot why I really love reading YA books. This book reminded me why.
This book has pretty slow pace. Which was such a delight to read, because lately all books have insta everything. I think that first kiss happens around 70% and that is pretty much everything you will read about that type of action here. Here you will read how 2 kids become friends before anything else. Yes, they do have a crush on each other, but more important is how Hadley is determined to become, not his girlfriend, but his friend. They are both so unsure sometimes that it's just adorable to read. And even though he keeps pushing her from himself to protect her, she just won't give up. They just click, they get each other, they want to know each other more than anything. McKay is all alone, has no real friends, he is something like "rainman" and since he was 14 he has his own meth lab. First he did it because of his father, but then he started making it to sell and get enough money to leave for college. He never cared about others and what is that doing to them, until he met Hadley. Because before Hadley, he didn't have anybody except his dog, that trully cared for him. Before Hadley he didn't care because he never wanted to please and make somebody happy. Even though some parts were unrealistic, I didn't care. And even though I expected the ending to be and pretty much guessed what would happen, I trully liked it. I liked how his thoughts ran abouth her, and how he was simply content to just be next to her as a friend, how he rarely made any physical contact becuase he didn't know would she liked it, and how he blushed. I loved how they were awkwardly sweet together. I liked how she didn't gave up on him, when he was a partial reason why some things happened and when he told her everything.
This isn't typical YA book warped with angst and discovered lust and abused pasts. This book is about how 2 strangers became each other everything in the most purest and cleanest way possible in YA.
This book pretty much shows why I love reading YA books. No, it wasn't one of the best I read, but I genuinely enjoyed it. I can't remember when was the last time I read such a CLEAN book. Not just YA, but in generally. Lately, and sadly, I would rather pick some book that has darker elements, and that is for adult audience, before I would pick YA book that is literally YA book. I must admit that I forgot why I really love reading YA books. This book reminded me why.
This book has pretty slow pace. Which was such a delight to read, because lately all books have insta everything. I think that first kiss happens around 70% and that is pretty much everything you will read about that type of action here. Here you will read how 2 kids become friends before anything else. Yes, they do have a crush on each other, but more important is how Hadley is determined to become, not his girlfriend, but his friend. They are both so unsure sometimes that it's just adorable to read. And even though he keeps pushing her from himself to protect her, she just won't give up. They just click, they get each other, they want to know each other more than anything. McKay is all alone, has no real friends, he is something like "rainman" and since he was 14 he has his own meth lab. First he did it because of his father, but then he started making it to sell and get enough money to leave for college. He never cared about others and what is that doing to them, until he met Hadley. Because before Hadley, he didn't have anybody except his dog, that trully cared for him. Before Hadley he didn't care because he never wanted to please and make somebody happy. Even though some parts were unrealistic, I didn't care. And even though I expected the ending to be and pretty much guessed what would happen, I trully liked it. I liked how his thoughts ran abouth her, and how he was simply content to just be next to her as a friend, how he rarely made any physical contact becuase he didn't know would she liked it, and how he blushed. I loved how they were awkwardly sweet together. I liked how she didn't gave up on him, when he was a partial reason why some things happened and when he told her everything.
This isn't typical YA book warped with angst and discovered lust and abused pasts. This book is about how 2 strangers became each other everything in the most purest and cleanest way possible in YA.
"Why? What does she have on you?”
- "Nothing. Everything. My whole heart."
August 30, 2013
NO!!!! It can't end like that. My stomach is in knots and my heart is hurting. I can't believe it. Say it isn't so!!!!! Why? Why? Why? Amanda, can you please rewrite the last couple of chapters and make it end differently so I don't have to hurt as much as I'm hurting right now?
August 26, 2013
A phenomenal story that is definitely NOT for the faint of heart. Part love story, part cautionary tale, get your Kleenex ready people...
August 30, 2013
A short, thought-provoking novel, A Dark Road is about a high school kid making and selling drugs to earn money for college. When a new girl comes into town he reconsiders his ways, but the plot doesn’t completely follow the “good girl saves bad boy” formula. I won’t give too much away, but let’s say the ending doesn't cop out with some happily-ever-after sludge, making you think about the long-term consequences of even the most well planned crimes. I’m recommending this to everyone.
August 28, 2013
I haven't cried this hard over a book since TFIOS. What a wonderful and heartbreaking read.
September 4, 2013
This book should have a disclaimer: "Don't read in public because it will make you cry like a baby and look completely crazy."
Amanda Lance wrote a great book here, the characters were well structured and interesting. With alpha males being the trendy thing in YA/NA lit, it was nice to read a novel with a swoon worthy beta male. I could definitely go for another one.
Amanda Lance wrote a great book here, the characters were well structured and interesting. With alpha males being the trendy thing in YA/NA lit, it was nice to read a novel with a swoon worthy beta male. I could definitely go for another one.
August 30, 2013
Such a great read! James is a sweetheart and the relationship he has with his dog is adorable. This book definitely traumatized me though. I think I'll have have a book hangover for at least a week. :)
August 30, 2013
Beautiful...
August 30, 2013
I didn't think this one would be much of a romance when I first started it (more focused on the drug aspect in the beginning), but this one had me 'aww-ing' before long. The author doesn't disappoint.
September 15, 2013
Ok, I'm finally finished crying and can formulate a sentence!!!
A Dark Road was recommended to me by a friend. The synopsis sounded intriguing.. but led me to believe this would be a bit of a darker read. James McKay is a drug dealer! Mystery, secrets, overdose, meth making... but it wasn't.
The story was rather sweet, easy going, and funny.
At times though, I found it a little slow. Other times, there was a lot of rambling.. very descriptive.. about meth making!! How to make it, what meds to buy, what the chemicals do to your body, how to counteract the reactions and side effects.
Throughout I was enjoying the light read, very YA, even with the meth. I kept thinking, Ok.. this is cute and it's sweet, but nothing WOW, how was I going to rate it? Then I got to the end and BOOM!!! The ending. WTF??? Are you serious?? I cried and cried! I was shocked!
I enjoyed the closeness of the twins Hadley and Simon.
Hadley was funny and sarcastic. The interactions with "Dog" were very sweet and loving.
I felt bad for James. He'd been making meth since he was 14 and figured staying away from people and friends was the best way to not let on about his meth making. In doing so, he's alienated himself from everybody. He was lonely.
I'm not happy with how it ended, so I can't say that I loved the book. Like I said, it was a light easy going read until the end and then I was way too distraught by the shock!
A Dark Road was recommended to me by a friend. The synopsis sounded intriguing.. but led me to believe this would be a bit of a darker read. James McKay is a drug dealer! Mystery, secrets, overdose, meth making... but it wasn't.
The story was rather sweet, easy going, and funny.
At times though, I found it a little slow. Other times, there was a lot of rambling.. very descriptive.. about meth making!! How to make it, what meds to buy, what the chemicals do to your body, how to counteract the reactions and side effects.
Throughout I was enjoying the light read, very YA, even with the meth. I kept thinking, Ok.. this is cute and it's sweet, but nothing WOW, how was I going to rate it? Then I got to the end and BOOM!!! The ending. WTF??? Are you serious?? I cried and cried! I was shocked!
I enjoyed the closeness of the twins Hadley and Simon.
Hadley was funny and sarcastic. The interactions with "Dog" were very sweet and loving.
I felt bad for James. He'd been making meth since he was 14 and figured staying away from people and friends was the best way to not let on about his meth making. In doing so, he's alienated himself from everybody. He was lonely.
I'm not happy with how it ended, so I can't say that I loved the book. Like I said, it was a light easy going read until the end and then I was way too distraught by the shock!
September 1, 2013
A Dark Road by Amanda Lance is a ver touching, true to life story. James McKay is a very lonely confused boy trying to survive the best way he knows how. Hadley Grayson is a very lonely confused girl looking for friends in a new town and school. They are instantly drawn to each other. Although James tries to avoid it, he and Hadley become good friends. She is leading him down the right road for his future. Unfortunately, James has been cooking Meth for his father and some students at school. With one student overdosing James is sure to be found out. It is truly a warm touching story that most people can relate to. A must read.
January 8, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is told from the point-of-views of Hadley and McKay; that is how the chapters are divided. Hadley is new in town and a good girl. McKay is a meth manufacturer and supplier. Some how they fall for each other.
The concept for the book is different and it is not the usual book that I would read. I don't like to read books with drug use in them. It is difficult to like a main character who is a meth manufacturer even if he has a difficult family life. But I give the book a chance and read it.
The writing is okay although sometimes it jumps around and leaves parts out. I get caught up in the story hoping that McKay will change and Hadley and he will have a happy ending. Boy was I wrong! The ending is awful and I am so mad that I wasted my time reading this book. If you like happy endings, stay away from this book. I gave it two stars instead of one because the whole book wasn't horrible.
The concept for the book is different and it is not the usual book that I would read. I don't like to read books with drug use in them. It is difficult to like a main character who is a meth manufacturer even if he has a difficult family life. But I give the book a chance and read it.
The writing is okay although sometimes it jumps around and leaves parts out. I get caught up in the story hoping that McKay will change and Hadley and he will have a happy ending. Boy was I wrong! The ending is awful and I am so mad that I wasted my time reading this book. If you like happy endings, stay away from this book. I gave it two stars instead of one because the whole book wasn't horrible.
September 13, 2013
This was an awesome read!!!!! Not what I expected at all. I was hooked from the beginning. Loved the emotional rollercoaster,even though it had me crying my eyes out. And the ending WOW.....just wow, totally took me by surprise. Loved it amazing storytelling at its best.
September 8, 2013
Fans of Breaking Bad definitely might like this read. The characters are well-rounded and sympathetic. Even the 'villains' are likeable.
September 3, 2013
Amanda has created an emotional roller-coaster and an amazing book that I couldn't put down! Great job, Amanda!
August 23, 2014
What. The. Fuck???????
The last chapter SUCKED and ruined the whole book.
That is all.
The last chapter SUCKED and ruined the whole book.
That is all.
September 15, 2013
I HATED THE ENDING!!!!
but other than that it was a cool book:)
but other than that it was a cool book:)
September 17, 2013
whhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyy???!!!
February 25, 2015
Holy Smokes! Really?!
This book seemed soo promising based on the book description, however I did not feel it lived up to it's potential until the end and then . . . IT FREAKING THREW ME!! This book was rather hard to get into and kind of strange at times, But it was the end that made it memorable book. Now grant it this book is not one I'd pick up again, but if you want a mind blown "what the heck?!" then this'll do.
The story is told in dual narrative form to help a read better understand and know the main characters, who are Hadley Grayson and James McKay. Now a reader can either love dual perspective or hate it, I liked it, but found Mckay point of view at times to be too immature and less appealing to read than Grayson's at times. But I still believe both perspectives were a good idea for this book.
Hadley Grayson and her family move from a relatively nice place in Connecticut to a nowheresville of Ravel, Pennsylvania. She was settled in Connecticut being the captain of her high school fencing team she knew who her friends were and was ready to start her senior year, but her mom got a new job and the family moved. Her twin brother Simon easily fits into the new school in Ravel and makes friends but Hadley finds it hard and finds herself more alone even when surrounded by people.
James Mckay the resident nobody somebody that everyone knows is just a little off but never gets to know. He goes by Mckay and lets no one near, because if he did he might get caught. Only few know that he is the resident "cook" or supplier in town for illicit drug. The problem is he isn't in it for the fame, riches, drugs, adrenaline, no its all in ends to a means for him. He wasn't out of the town and uses it as his only way to get enough cash to save up to pay for college.
Not the kingpin one would assume and not the sweet brainless beauty queen people would think, Mckay and Hadley find themselves drawn to each other. Their loneliness is the connection that pulls them together and it's their relationship that could bring trouble, because when you deal in drugs no one is safe.
Overall, Interesting story and concept, I just couldn't get into the story until maybe halfway though it, mostly because I just couldn't connect with Mckay. He was sooo strange and I understand that he was written in a certain way, but he was so far out there at times. And Hadley the girl latches onto Mckay fast. Their relationship is love, but not and it's hard to really retell, so you just go with how the author put it from Hadley's words, "I felt sorry for him but I didn't understand why, there was no specific reason to pity him, but my gut told me he needed sympathy." I always felt like Hadley fell into the relationship out of pity, or as she said sympathy, because she found a kindred lonely spirit in Mckay, rather than it being love. Well, I suppose ultimately the author must have done a good in getting me little wrapped up, because that ending it's a bit abrupt but DANG! Din't see it ending that way and can only say read this if your okay with spending free time on a story you may or may not regret reading, cause I'm still on the fence.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
This book seemed soo promising based on the book description, however I did not feel it lived up to it's potential until the end and then . . . IT FREAKING THREW ME!! This book was rather hard to get into and kind of strange at times, But it was the end that made it memorable book. Now grant it this book is not one I'd pick up again, but if you want a mind blown "what the heck?!" then this'll do.
The story is told in dual narrative form to help a read better understand and know the main characters, who are Hadley Grayson and James McKay. Now a reader can either love dual perspective or hate it, I liked it, but found Mckay point of view at times to be too immature and less appealing to read than Grayson's at times. But I still believe both perspectives were a good idea for this book.
Hadley Grayson and her family move from a relatively nice place in Connecticut to a nowheresville of Ravel, Pennsylvania. She was settled in Connecticut being the captain of her high school fencing team she knew who her friends were and was ready to start her senior year, but her mom got a new job and the family moved. Her twin brother Simon easily fits into the new school in Ravel and makes friends but Hadley finds it hard and finds herself more alone even when surrounded by people.
James Mckay the resident nobody somebody that everyone knows is just a little off but never gets to know. He goes by Mckay and lets no one near, because if he did he might get caught. Only few know that he is the resident "cook" or supplier in town for illicit drug. The problem is he isn't in it for the fame, riches, drugs, adrenaline, no its all in ends to a means for him. He wasn't out of the town and uses it as his only way to get enough cash to save up to pay for college.
Not the kingpin one would assume and not the sweet brainless beauty queen people would think, Mckay and Hadley find themselves drawn to each other. Their loneliness is the connection that pulls them together and it's their relationship that could bring trouble, because when you deal in drugs no one is safe.
Overall, Interesting story and concept, I just couldn't get into the story until maybe halfway though it, mostly because I just couldn't connect with Mckay. He was sooo strange and I understand that he was written in a certain way, but he was so far out there at times. And Hadley the girl latches onto Mckay fast. Their relationship is love, but not and it's hard to really retell, so you just go with how the author put it from Hadley's words, "I felt sorry for him but I didn't understand why, there was no specific reason to pity him, but my gut told me he needed sympathy." I always felt like Hadley fell into the relationship out of pity, or as she said sympathy, because she found a kindred lonely spirit in Mckay, rather than it being love. Well, I suppose ultimately the author must have done a good in getting me little wrapped up, because that ending it's a bit abrupt but DANG! Din't see it ending that way and can only say read this if your okay with spending free time on a story you may or may not regret reading, cause I'm still on the fence.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
January 16, 2015
My first read by Amanda Lance and I did enjoy her writing and the story. This is different from what I would normally read but the synop was intriguing and I love reading new authors any chance I can get !! It was very easy for me to relate to Hadley because I was moved out of my hometown 2 months into freshman year in high school , it was hard but I survived and salvaged my wonderful high school years !! Hadley didn't have it as easy as I did , she was a senior and very established in the student body so this was devastating to move to a small town that didn't offer as much as she was used to. On top of that the kids were kind of different and the one she wants to befriend is not typically a friendly type. McKay grabs her attention just hours into living in town when she spots him on the side of the road. Very quickly realizing he is a loner and not always present in school he of course becomes more intriguing to her. During a chance meeting late at night she discovers he lives close to her. It really doesn't take much for her to convince him to be friends. McKay is not used to anyone wanting close to him but he is taken by Hadley and finds himself putting his lifestyle at risk to be with her and help her out. We the readers obviously know that McKay is a supplier of drugs to some dealers and he also sells to a select few people at school , which is a big no no , but also his secret way of saving up money to get out of dodge. What Hadley knows of McKay is that his dad drives truck and his mom is not around. It is obvious he doesn't have much money or much family life , he is super smart but not into going to school , he is quite the mystery and she just enjoys being around him. Hadley's twin Simon is trying his hardest to be with one girl that likes McKays supply a little too much. This ends badly one night and not only does Hadley finally figure out all the weird things she was noticing but this puts McKay on Simon's list and this is not a good thing for anyone. Now with the truth is out in the open between Hadley and James(McKay) their relationship takes a turn for more. It is sweet and heartwarming to read both POV's I can't help but feel for James and enjoy his excitement in being with Hadley. Wanting to give him more than he has ever had Hadley decides to invite James over for a holiday. Simon is not happy about this and in the end all secrets come out and James is faced with telling the truth and suffering whatever consequences Hadley's parents decide. Before the rug is pulled out from underneath him some of his regulars pay him a visit and not accepting his choice to no longer COOK things go haywire and I was just like WTF OMG NO YOU DID NOT. I will admit I HATED the ending , it was vague and I was sad and pissed but couldn't really feel a connection tot he way it just ENDED. I needed more and wanted more , it would have been torture but I am one that needs the torture to feel complete !! I am glad I was able to read this story and I will definitely add this author to my list for future reads !!
September 11, 2013
Whether it was his unhappiness I was picking up on or just trying to deflect my own, I knew that if I could squeeze that loneliness out of him, then I could help us both.
When Amanda Lance first contacted me about reviewing A Dark Road, it didn't take me long to say yes. It sounded dark and gritty. And since I have just started watching Breaking Bad I was incredibly intrigued by the premise of the story. This is the exact type of book that I'm drawn to.
Hadley Grayson is new in town. And she's not happy about it. Uprooted from her old school and the one thing that kept her sane. Hadley is a champion fencer and her new school doesn't offer the sport. There's nothing whatsoever appealing about her new hometown. But then Hadley lays eyes on James McKay and maybe, just maybe, he may make it all worthwhile.
James McKay, although no one calls him James, is incredibly intelligent, a loner and the town's resident meth cook and supplier, also doing the occasional deal. McKay doesn't let anyone into his world. That leaves yourself open to people discovering your secrets. But then Hadley Grayson comes to town. And she could quite possibly be just as alone as he is.
Sometimes, actions speak much more loudly than anything we can ever say, or any shrug we can ever shrug. When he slammed his lips into mine, I knew he wasn't just speaking to me, he was screaming to me.
I closed my eyes and screamed back.
Right from the time we get to meet McKay I was drawn to him. Coming from a broken family, he is so alone in the world. No mother to care for him, an almost completely absent father and only his dog for company. It took me a little longer to connect with Hadley and I cant even really put my finger on why, but as her friendship with McKay grew, so did my connection with her. She was so loyal and caring when it came to McKay. She provided some goodness in his bleak existence.
A Dark Road is told from the point of view of both Hadley and McKay, with each chapter labelled as such so that there's never any confusion. At about the seventy five percent mark it switches from McKay to James and for me that was when McKay really started letting Hadley into his world and their friendship kicked up a notch. You see Hadley is the person who gets him the most and she calls him James not McKay. For me it really highlighted the before Hadley McKay and the after Hadley James, because there was definitely a change in him as she had more of an impact on his life.
This book turned out to be everything that I was looking for. It was well written with characters that I really cared about. It had that sense of darkness that I was after. And then there was that ending that completely caught me by surprise. My poor, aching heart!!!
"What does she have on you?"
Nothing. Everything. My Whole Heart.
4.5/5 Stars.
When Amanda Lance first contacted me about reviewing A Dark Road, it didn't take me long to say yes. It sounded dark and gritty. And since I have just started watching Breaking Bad I was incredibly intrigued by the premise of the story. This is the exact type of book that I'm drawn to.
Hadley Grayson is new in town. And she's not happy about it. Uprooted from her old school and the one thing that kept her sane. Hadley is a champion fencer and her new school doesn't offer the sport. There's nothing whatsoever appealing about her new hometown. But then Hadley lays eyes on James McKay and maybe, just maybe, he may make it all worthwhile.
James McKay, although no one calls him James, is incredibly intelligent, a loner and the town's resident meth cook and supplier, also doing the occasional deal. McKay doesn't let anyone into his world. That leaves yourself open to people discovering your secrets. But then Hadley Grayson comes to town. And she could quite possibly be just as alone as he is.
Sometimes, actions speak much more loudly than anything we can ever say, or any shrug we can ever shrug. When he slammed his lips into mine, I knew he wasn't just speaking to me, he was screaming to me.
I closed my eyes and screamed back.
Right from the time we get to meet McKay I was drawn to him. Coming from a broken family, he is so alone in the world. No mother to care for him, an almost completely absent father and only his dog for company. It took me a little longer to connect with Hadley and I cant even really put my finger on why, but as her friendship with McKay grew, so did my connection with her. She was so loyal and caring when it came to McKay. She provided some goodness in his bleak existence.
A Dark Road is told from the point of view of both Hadley and McKay, with each chapter labelled as such so that there's never any confusion. At about the seventy five percent mark it switches from McKay to James and for me that was when McKay really started letting Hadley into his world and their friendship kicked up a notch. You see Hadley is the person who gets him the most and she calls him James not McKay. For me it really highlighted the before Hadley McKay and the after Hadley James, because there was definitely a change in him as she had more of an impact on his life.
This book turned out to be everything that I was looking for. It was well written with characters that I really cared about. It had that sense of darkness that I was after. And then there was that ending that completely caught me by surprise. My poor, aching heart!!!
"What does she have on you?"
Nothing. Everything. My Whole Heart.
4.5/5 Stars.
January 11, 2015
Although this is a YA book, there is nothing light or easygoing about it. The world can be a cold dark place, especially in high school, as this story clearly points out, and I needed a bloody box of tissues at one point- ARGH! But kudos to the author for not taking the easy out with the storyline.
There is plenty of teenage angst and drama for the usual reasons before adding in any of the heavier issues of drug use, dealing, or overdoses. Being uprooted from all her friends as she starts her senior year of high school makes Hadley more than a bit unhappy in the Podunk town they move to. Her twin brother Simon is a bit more accepting of the move, looking for a chance to put the moves on a new group of female student bodies.
James McKay tries to stay on the fringes mostly unnoticed until he can get far away from the town. James is very intelligent and seems almost autistic at times, but he has not had an easy life and I believe that his behavior stems more from his solitude than anything else. He has always been an outsider to an extent, and he just wants to make enough money to pay for a college education as his father won't win any Father of the Year awards anytime soon and wouldn't help him out. Hadley catches his eye by virtue of being different from the rest of the "normals" and "sheep" in the school as he refers to them. Something about this strange and beautiful boy calls to her, and she is determined to be his friend whether he wants it or not.
Little by little, Hadley gets under his skin and slips past the walls he has built up, making him rethink his future plans to an extent. But it only takes one mistake for the house of cards to crumble as he says, and it seems likely that the house may collapse at any time.
Of all the characters in the story, I disliked Simon the most. His actions and decisions were less than stellar at times even for a teenage boy, and his level of hatred for James was hypocritical at best. As much as he didn't want to see or admit it, James went to great lengths to try to keep Hadley away from him and the business- and, when that failed, to keep her safe. Simon just acted by lashing out as a typical adolescent boy and certainly didn't seem concerned over his twin sister's feelings in the least.
So, at the end of the day, the big question is: does remorse and a decision to change make up for the bad things that have been done in the past? That point is up for debate right until the end of the book- and I might add, the end was not necessarily what I expected and left me looking for more, wondering WT-everloving-F just happened.
After reading Breakdown by this author a few months ago, I feel that she has a talent for writing stories with characters that operate outside the social norms (and the law) that make us question how much gray area we are OK with. This isn't a book that I will likely re-read but I am glad I did give it a chance in the first place.
There is plenty of teenage angst and drama for the usual reasons before adding in any of the heavier issues of drug use, dealing, or overdoses. Being uprooted from all her friends as she starts her senior year of high school makes Hadley more than a bit unhappy in the Podunk town they move to. Her twin brother Simon is a bit more accepting of the move, looking for a chance to put the moves on a new group of female student bodies.
James McKay tries to stay on the fringes mostly unnoticed until he can get far away from the town. James is very intelligent and seems almost autistic at times, but he has not had an easy life and I believe that his behavior stems more from his solitude than anything else. He has always been an outsider to an extent, and he just wants to make enough money to pay for a college education as his father won't win any Father of the Year awards anytime soon and wouldn't help him out. Hadley catches his eye by virtue of being different from the rest of the "normals" and "sheep" in the school as he refers to them. Something about this strange and beautiful boy calls to her, and she is determined to be his friend whether he wants it or not.
Little by little, Hadley gets under his skin and slips past the walls he has built up, making him rethink his future plans to an extent. But it only takes one mistake for the house of cards to crumble as he says, and it seems likely that the house may collapse at any time.
Of all the characters in the story, I disliked Simon the most. His actions and decisions were less than stellar at times even for a teenage boy, and his level of hatred for James was hypocritical at best. As much as he didn't want to see or admit it, James went to great lengths to try to keep Hadley away from him and the business- and, when that failed, to keep her safe. Simon just acted by lashing out as a typical adolescent boy and certainly didn't seem concerned over his twin sister's feelings in the least.
So, at the end of the day, the big question is: does remorse and a decision to change make up for the bad things that have been done in the past? That point is up for debate right until the end of the book- and I might add, the end was not necessarily what I expected and left me looking for more, wondering WT-everloving-F just happened.
After reading Breakdown by this author a few months ago, I feel that she has a talent for writing stories with characters that operate outside the social norms (and the law) that make us question how much gray area we are OK with. This isn't a book that I will likely re-read but I am glad I did give it a chance in the first place.
January 16, 2015
Hadley was forced to move her senior year from Connecticut to Pennsylvania. She was the caption of the girls fencing team; she had friends, now she feels like she has nothing. If feels like she is a freshman all over again. McKay does everything he can to stay under the radar. He doesn’t have any friends. He makes Meth and X. They both feel so alone and like there is no one out there who could understand how they feel or want to be with them, either as a friend or more. James McKay is attracted to Hadley he thinks that she would never want anything to do with him and that he should stay away from him. After all he makes drugs. Hadley is intrigued by James. She wants to get to know him; she is attracted to him also but figures he must have his choice of girls. Hadley goes after what she wants and what she wants is a friendship with James. Once she and James start a friendship they both find something they have never felt before. Once Hadley figures out what James does he thinks she is angry at him and why wouldn’t she be. Except she isn’t she is worried for him. She lets him know that and James is shocked, he can’t remember that last person who worried about him. Hadley and her twin came to a compromise that she wouldn’t talk to James if Simon wouldn’t do anymore recreational drugs. It is driving Hadley nuts. She finds a way around this compromise by taking him his homework. They begin a friendship/relationship of sorts after this. Will they be able to have something? Will James spot making drugs like Hadley wants? Will James get caught and get in trouble?
I really liked this book. It was a little different than most books I read. I felt like from the beginning it was building up to something big, what is was I wasn’t sure but I knew it would be good. I was totally drawn in by James and Hadley. They both are so lonely. Hadley’s twin Simon can make friendships and adapt almost immediately, Hadley not so much. Fencing was her life. She is frustrated with her mom and feels like she doesn’t understand her at all. If she did maybe she wouldn’t have made them move. McKay never intended to start making drugs. His mom left, so his dad went back to trucking. Except he was as young as he was the last time, he started with energy drinks/pills and then eventually wound up taking meth to stay away. He was getting sick from it, so James started making it to help him. There was just something about this book. It’s hard to put into words but I just connected with it and loved it. It is emotional. It’s amazing how these two people find each other and make a connection they couldn’t make with anyone else. I never thought it would end the way it did. I feel so bad for Hadley. I wanted to crawl inside the book and comfort her. I was pulling for them the whole book. Fantastic book Amanda.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I really liked this book. It was a little different than most books I read. I felt like from the beginning it was building up to something big, what is was I wasn’t sure but I knew it would be good. I was totally drawn in by James and Hadley. They both are so lonely. Hadley’s twin Simon can make friendships and adapt almost immediately, Hadley not so much. Fencing was her life. She is frustrated with her mom and feels like she doesn’t understand her at all. If she did maybe she wouldn’t have made them move. McKay never intended to start making drugs. His mom left, so his dad went back to trucking. Except he was as young as he was the last time, he started with energy drinks/pills and then eventually wound up taking meth to stay away. He was getting sick from it, so James started making it to help him. There was just something about this book. It’s hard to put into words but I just connected with it and loved it. It is emotional. It’s amazing how these two people find each other and make a connection they couldn’t make with anyone else. I never thought it would end the way it did. I feel so bad for Hadley. I wanted to crawl inside the book and comfort her. I was pulling for them the whole book. Fantastic book Amanda.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
February 17, 2015
Review Originally Posted On: Twenty Three Owls
Visit my blog for more reviews and interviews with authors
When I was offered the chance to review this book, I immediately dropped everything to start reading it simply because it is an Amanda Lance book and after having read and loved Breakdown, I just had to read more from her. I'd also read a lot of the reviews about this book and nearly everyone said that they cried and that they hated the ending. And I love a good book that can make me cry.
However, thanks to all the reviews, I pretty much guessed the ending before I even started reading the book. I mean when people say that they hated the ending and that they cried, it can really mean only one or two thing. But I won't spoil it.
So this book, which switches points of view, follows the life of Hadley Greyson and James McKay. Hadley has just moved to a new town with her twin brother, Simon and her family. She is a good girl with a great family and fantastic grades. James lives with an abusive father and his dog (who is named Dog). James also cooks Meth and Ecstasy. So at first sight, they are polar opposites.
However, one day, McKay strikes the curiosity of Hadley and despite the warnings from her brother, James and Hadley go one to have one hell of a special relationship. That is, until the illegal life James has been leading begins to catch up with him.
I absolutely adored this book. I loved Hadley and James together. I loved how they were so different yet somehow they had the perfect chemistry. This book just made me feel very mushy-gushy inside.
I also loved how detailed Amanda was when it came to describing the drug making process. She obviously did her research with this one and I ended up learning a lot more about making Meth then I ever thought I would in my entire life. I also learnt even more about why I don't want to take drugs ever. I think that was a really good thing that Amanda did. She included the drug element but she did so very responsibly and she didn't glorify the making or taking of it.
The only problem I had with the book was the names. Amanda seemed to have a bit of an issue with naming her characters. Or maybe it was just me. I thought Hadley was a guy for a good part of the first chapter. And Hadley's best (girl) friend from her old home is named Jordan. Okay maybe it's just me.
Anyway, good job Amanda Lance. You deserved my 5 stars!
Visit my blog for more reviews and interviews with authors
When I was offered the chance to review this book, I immediately dropped everything to start reading it simply because it is an Amanda Lance book and after having read and loved Breakdown, I just had to read more from her. I'd also read a lot of the reviews about this book and nearly everyone said that they cried and that they hated the ending. And I love a good book that can make me cry.
However, thanks to all the reviews, I pretty much guessed the ending before I even started reading the book. I mean when people say that they hated the ending and that they cried, it can really mean only one or two thing. But I won't spoil it.
So this book, which switches points of view, follows the life of Hadley Greyson and James McKay. Hadley has just moved to a new town with her twin brother, Simon and her family. She is a good girl with a great family and fantastic grades. James lives with an abusive father and his dog (who is named Dog). James also cooks Meth and Ecstasy. So at first sight, they are polar opposites.
However, one day, McKay strikes the curiosity of Hadley and despite the warnings from her brother, James and Hadley go one to have one hell of a special relationship. That is, until the illegal life James has been leading begins to catch up with him.
I absolutely adored this book. I loved Hadley and James together. I loved how they were so different yet somehow they had the perfect chemistry. This book just made me feel very mushy-gushy inside.
I also loved how detailed Amanda was when it came to describing the drug making process. She obviously did her research with this one and I ended up learning a lot more about making Meth then I ever thought I would in my entire life. I also learnt even more about why I don't want to take drugs ever. I think that was a really good thing that Amanda did. She included the drug element but she did so very responsibly and she didn't glorify the making or taking of it.
The only problem I had with the book was the names. Amanda seemed to have a bit of an issue with naming her characters. Or maybe it was just me. I thought Hadley was a guy for a good part of the first chapter. And Hadley's best (girl) friend from her old home is named Jordan. Okay maybe it's just me.
Anyway, good job Amanda Lance. You deserved my 5 stars!
January 12, 2015
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
I don’t know where to begin this review. A Dark Road is a very powerful book. It has a very strong and very real life problem in its pages. This book deals with life. When parents get the call that they are going to have to up root their family and move somewhere else, it disrupts the normal that you know. But it also make you learn about new people. New places. Ways of life that people lead. It also opens you up to the unknown.
Hadley is the captain of the fencing team back in Connecticut. When her mom gets a job at a dealership in Ravel, Pennsylvania, Hadley and her twin brother Simon, along with their father up and move from what they know to the unknown. Hadley doesn’t like the change. She misses her old friends, and she misses fencing. What this move does do though, it brings her to McKay.
McKay is a loner. He watches the sheep at the school every day, wishing he could leave and never look back. He only needs to cook a few more times, then he will have enough money to do just that. He doesn’t want to do this forever, just until he has enough money. That is, until he sees her. Hadley Greyson. She is everything wonderful and bright to him in his dismal life. He doesn’t want her to get too close. He has to be careful.
This book is nothing like I ever read before. You think you know what is going on, them BAM, a curveball is actually a floater with a twist on it. I never saw the twists and turns that Amanda took with this book. This isn’t your HEA, if that is what you are thinking. I am giving this book 5 wonderful bright stars. I am not going to sit here and type out the entire book for you, you need to purchase it. This book makes you look at things differently. It makes that one special person in your life more special now than it did before you started reading this book. The book is a wonderful book that will leave you speechless. It took me 24 plus hours to get this review written because I am still re-reading it in my mind. This is the kind of book that will stick with you for a while. The people that Amanda has in this book are only out for themselves. At least a few people in this book are. I cried at the end of this book. I didn’t realize what was going on until it was over. I re-read the last chapter at least 5 times. This is a beautiful book that is about real life (this is a book of fiction, but what goes on it this book is real life). The trials and the hardships. The friendships and the loves that we have along the way.
I don’t know where to begin this review. A Dark Road is a very powerful book. It has a very strong and very real life problem in its pages. This book deals with life. When parents get the call that they are going to have to up root their family and move somewhere else, it disrupts the normal that you know. But it also make you learn about new people. New places. Ways of life that people lead. It also opens you up to the unknown.
Hadley is the captain of the fencing team back in Connecticut. When her mom gets a job at a dealership in Ravel, Pennsylvania, Hadley and her twin brother Simon, along with their father up and move from what they know to the unknown. Hadley doesn’t like the change. She misses her old friends, and she misses fencing. What this move does do though, it brings her to McKay.
McKay is a loner. He watches the sheep at the school every day, wishing he could leave and never look back. He only needs to cook a few more times, then he will have enough money to do just that. He doesn’t want to do this forever, just until he has enough money. That is, until he sees her. Hadley Greyson. She is everything wonderful and bright to him in his dismal life. He doesn’t want her to get too close. He has to be careful.
This book is nothing like I ever read before. You think you know what is going on, them BAM, a curveball is actually a floater with a twist on it. I never saw the twists and turns that Amanda took with this book. This isn’t your HEA, if that is what you are thinking. I am giving this book 5 wonderful bright stars. I am not going to sit here and type out the entire book for you, you need to purchase it. This book makes you look at things differently. It makes that one special person in your life more special now than it did before you started reading this book. The book is a wonderful book that will leave you speechless. It took me 24 plus hours to get this review written because I am still re-reading it in my mind. This is the kind of book that will stick with you for a while. The people that Amanda has in this book are only out for themselves. At least a few people in this book are. I cried at the end of this book. I didn’t realize what was going on until it was over. I re-read the last chapter at least 5 times. This is a beautiful book that is about real life (this is a book of fiction, but what goes on it this book is real life). The trials and the hardships. The friendships and the loves that we have along the way.
September 25, 2015
I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out kinda slow. But picked up towards the middle. It was dark and realistic. You could tell the author did her homework when she wrote this. It is not a story of two people meeting from opposite sides of the tracks and falling madly in love. No, it was a slow simmering of friendship that blossomed and grew steadily. If you are looking for a love story, move along. This went so much deeper than that, I feel. This book had no sex and no cliffhanger ending. I don't feel comfortable pegging it in any genre class either. It was really fricking good. So if you like good books, buy this one.
Characters:
Mckay is a drug manufacturer. He is saving up to go to college. He is meticulous and careful in his dealings. He isolates himself from everyone. Much prefering his dog to live interactions. The way the author described his drug manufacturing was on point. Cautious, quiet and selfless are not generally qualities I associate with a drug manufacturer. But I think they describe him to a tee.
Hadley's life was filled with fencing, leaving no time for real friends. After her family moved, she found she was quite lonely for companionship and her twin brother and his friends couldn't provide it. Her personality seemed very stand offish and straight edge. The opposite of her brother Simon. She didn't drink or do drugs. She wasn't popular and really just tagged along with Simon's friends. Inquisitive comes to mind when I think of her. Innocent and ignored also. But boy when she really wants something, her determination shines through.
Favorite quote:
Yet, as grateful as I was to be considered attractive, I didn't want it to be my only feature and hated when people acknowledged it, as though my physicality was the best thing about me.
This book started out kinda slow. But picked up towards the middle. It was dark and realistic. You could tell the author did her homework when she wrote this. It is not a story of two people meeting from opposite sides of the tracks and falling madly in love. No, it was a slow simmering of friendship that blossomed and grew steadily. If you are looking for a love story, move along. This went so much deeper than that, I feel. This book had no sex and no cliffhanger ending. I don't feel comfortable pegging it in any genre class either. It was really fricking good. So if you like good books, buy this one.
Characters:
Mckay is a drug manufacturer. He is saving up to go to college. He is meticulous and careful in his dealings. He isolates himself from everyone. Much prefering his dog to live interactions. The way the author described his drug manufacturing was on point. Cautious, quiet and selfless are not generally qualities I associate with a drug manufacturer. But I think they describe him to a tee.
Hadley's life was filled with fencing, leaving no time for real friends. After her family moved, she found she was quite lonely for companionship and her twin brother and his friends couldn't provide it. Her personality seemed very stand offish and straight edge. The opposite of her brother Simon. She didn't drink or do drugs. She wasn't popular and really just tagged along with Simon's friends. Inquisitive comes to mind when I think of her. Innocent and ignored also. But boy when she really wants something, her determination shines through.
Favorite quote:
Yet, as grateful as I was to be considered attractive, I didn't want it to be my only feature and hated when people acknowledged it, as though my physicality was the best thing about me.
November 23, 2014
This book was dark and sad but different. It was dark because it touched on some nasty things. Emotional abuse and neglect from a parent. Making and selling drugs. Addiction to meth. And some serious depression from both of the main characters.
I liked that the dark and gritty aspects were different and weren't just a copy of pre-existing stories with different details.
The only reason I did not rate this higher is the wording often left me confused. I would have to go back and re-read certain parts before they made sense.
Also there is a fine line in dark reads where it becomes too much for me. In this book it was the level of depression and self-hatred McKay had. I understand the why and felt he was justified...but it was so sad. I figured about halfway through this would not end well. It just wouldn't fit, but I need a HEA!
I liked that the dark and gritty aspects were different and weren't just a copy of pre-existing stories with different details.
The only reason I did not rate this higher is the wording often left me confused. I would have to go back and re-read certain parts before they made sense.
Also there is a fine line in dark reads where it becomes too much for me. In this book it was the level of depression and self-hatred McKay had. I understand the why and felt he was justified...but it was so sad. I figured about halfway through this would not end well. It just wouldn't fit, but I need a HEA!
January 31, 2015
REVIEW POSTED ON AUDIBLE
I really enjoyed this story. I found it to be written extremely well. I found the story to be almost real. I connected with the story and the characters. I felt my heart ache for Hadley and James McKay especially at the end. Life for Hadley Grayson will never be the same. Stories like this seem so real, they touch you in ways some might not understand. I LOVED the story Amanda Lance.
I listened to the audio of A Dark Road and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator Hollie Jackson did a great job with her performance of this story. She made it easy for me to connect with the story and all the characters. I found it breathtaking and it touched my heart. A story that was written extremely well and Hollie's performance was perfect.
I really enjoyed this story. I found it to be written extremely well. I found the story to be almost real. I connected with the story and the characters. I felt my heart ache for Hadley and James McKay especially at the end. Life for Hadley Grayson will never be the same. Stories like this seem so real, they touch you in ways some might not understand. I LOVED the story Amanda Lance.
I listened to the audio of A Dark Road and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator Hollie Jackson did a great job with her performance of this story. She made it easy for me to connect with the story and all the characters. I found it breathtaking and it touched my heart. A story that was written extremely well and Hollie's performance was perfect.
January 14, 2015
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book. The story line was good, the characters were well developed. I like how McKay is not your typical perfect male but yet Hadley sees him that way. The friendship that evolves between these two is unique, since there are circumstances that keep McKay from being too open with people. Hadley doesn't give up in her quest to know him. Even when things go bad and her twin is dead set against her being anywhere around McKay. The ending was good but I did feel it was a bit quick. I was left at the end saying, "that's it?". But all in all this is a good read. Maybe there will be more on Hadley and Simon and Jenna.
I enjoyed this book. The story line was good, the characters were well developed. I like how McKay is not your typical perfect male but yet Hadley sees him that way. The friendship that evolves between these two is unique, since there are circumstances that keep McKay from being too open with people. Hadley doesn't give up in her quest to know him. Even when things go bad and her twin is dead set against her being anywhere around McKay. The ending was good but I did feel it was a bit quick. I was left at the end saying, "that's it?". But all in all this is a good read. Maybe there will be more on Hadley and Simon and Jenna.
December 12, 2014
Ok now that I'm done crying how is this a romance I will say I did love the book right up to the end that ending was heart wrenching and had my crying how can it end that way if you like sappy endings then this is not the book for you but even though this end was not what I wanted it is realistic as to the horror of what really goes wrong when dealing and making drugs so young adults should read this I hope there is a second book and that they put him in a protection program I can not say much more about the ending as to not ruin the story
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