Drowning

Tears of Sin #1

by Rachel Firasek

*Drowning is a New Adult Contemporary Romance suited for 18+ due to some violence, language, and sexual content* "I dare you." Those words would change adrenaline junkie, Alice Harrison's life forever. She's a party girl that doesn't believe in love until she meets a man that only writes about it. Seth James escaped his overbearing father and moved into one of the James family's vacant condos, hoping to create the music he loves in peace. But the fragile calm he's envisioned shatters when a tiny woman with a world full of energy bounces out of the elevator and nearly takes him out. With the patience of a saint, Seth seeks the dark that keeps Alice from enjoying life. He challenges her to exorcise the demons in her past in order to discover the true meaning of love. But when the walls fall down, the hidden deceptions will bare the ugly truth about a woman drowning in sorrow and a man who may not know how to be her hero.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Abuse, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Emotional

268 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2013

About the author

Rachel Firasek spends her days daydreaming of stories and her nights putting the ideas to ink. She has spent a dull life following the rules, meeting deadlines, and toeing the line, but in her made up worlds, she can let the wild side loose. Her wonderful husband and three children support her love of the written word and only ask for the occasional American Idol or Swamp People quality hour.



She has a philosophy about love. It must devastate or it isn’t truly worth loving. She hopes that you all find your devastating love and cling to it with all your heart! http://www.rachelfirasek.com/

Reviews

[Maayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT ! Really Dark book. EPIC Couple. EPIC Bandmates. A Really evil Character .. There were a lot of elements that I liked in the book .. Especially that the girl can sing and play an instrument and surprises everyone;)

[katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories aren't black and white."

Just like some lives.

Secrets can often be more harm then good. But for those keeping them - Life must go on.

Scars aren't always shown on the outside - often it takes longer for the ones on the inside to heal longer. This story tells of dark, dirty secrets but how love can be found despite the past. It shows how light can be found within the darkness......

Drowning was certainly one of the most intense books I have read of this authors, she touches bases with so many real issues in life within this story, as dark as they may seem, yet so very realistic and heartbreaking.

A rollercoaster of emotions is put forth, giving the reader a lot of depth into the lives of the characters within the storyline.

Drowning is an Unpredictable story, and at times intense and edgy, with a haunting and dark storyline yet filled with light at the end of that dark tunnel.

It will pull you along at a very fast pace. This book is the first of this series - a fascinating read, filled with unbelievable heat, tasteful yet tantalizing smexy moments, and filled with an array of in-depth characters.

You will feel the heartache, love and hurt within the pages and the author has done a superb job of portraying all her characters in there dark and light moments. Showing us true emotion and strong character traits.

Drowning is not for the timid with the reference to certain moments and scenes during the storyline. (No spoilers) But it will certainly have you intrigued till no end.

I love all this authors work - this is her darkest story yet, but behind the pages you will find light in the darkness.

[Pragya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read more reviews at Reviewing Shelf.

Having read The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek (and having liked it okay - read my review here), I was of the opinion, this book would fare the same if not better. Woah, was I wrong? And let me get this straight, going by GR reviews, I am probably the only one who didn't like this book.

I dived in with a lot of expectations, considering the author. But I figure I might have a problem with New Adult because all those books seem like a copy of one another to me. A guy with a problematic past. A girl with past troubles. They meet, fall in love, want to make each other's life better. Oh, please. I am so done with these. Alright, even if you want to bring the same idea again and again, better make it innovative but realistic. Most authors lose me there. It's either the same, boring thing all over again or something different but way off the reality mark for it to be believable.

I would applaud the author for the fact that the sexual scenes don't enter the book for the first half, which is a major feat in itself in a New Adult book. Well done, Ms. Firasek. But apart from that, everything else is a mumbo-jumbo.

The book showed some promise to begin with and I was hoping for good things to follow. But nope. Guy sees girl and vice versa and they fall in love. They know something just clicks. I am so pissed with this. This does not happen in real life (atleast not that I know of). You are writing a 300 page book, devote 10 to let them fall in love. But no, that doesn't happen. It's love at first sight, you see.

And then some things just fall in place - James' family and friends love Alice from the very beginning, even his father likes her. While some keeps on repeating - Alice's father, for instance, will be after her life for something he wants from her but will not tell her what it is ('You know what you took. Give it back!). Are you kidding me? And this happens not once but twice. I just lost my nerve there.

Also, the fact that the main characters would try and stay away from each other (because they are idiots) and find themselves in each other's arms again and again. Are you serious? Like Whaaatt??

The only reason I kept going on with the book was my adamant self that refuses to leave books unfinished. I struggled so much for it to finish and was glad when it did. This book was a mess for me. Nothing made sense, some things were unbelievable, the characters unpredictable (read inconsistent).

Perhaps you should check out the 4-5 star reviews on GR before deciding if or not you want to read it. I, most likely, am an anomaly in this case.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

With his own demons to confront, Seth James has started anew trying to prove to his judgmental father that he knows what he is doing with his life. His first big step is moving out and booking gigs with his band. Seth doesn't expect his new neighbor Alice Harrison to blow his mind though. Seth knows she is about to become something special in his life, but Alice has walls erected so high that even he is not sure he can break them down.

Alice has lived her life carefully guarding her secrets, but after another incident of her need for adrenaline left her sister blind Alice is trying to change. Even though her sister does not blame her, Alice feels it deep within and when her father reengages in her life, Alice finds herself spiraling but Seth seems determined to conquer every hurdle she is up against.

Powerful story. Alice is a wounded soul and her pain is so raw throughout the story. Trust doesn't come easily for her and she opens that tiny door and lets Seth slip in. Seth tries his best to prove to her that he is worthy of every ounce of trust she gives him, but outside interference has a way of complicating a new relationship and they both will need to decide if they are willing to weather the storm.

[Susan ...relish every word!!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like...to have your whole life a complete mess...and wonder if you can ever get out of it...and have the hope of finding something better...to hopefully find...a reason for living... Well...that is what Alice...has had to do her entire life...wonder...and hope for something good to come into her life...and luckily...while bumping into someone while coming out of an elevator...she finds it...or should I say him...Seth James...

Rachel Firasek...has written one hell of a story...from beginning to end...with many twists and bumps...it leaves you wondering what is going to happen in the end... I will say that this story is not pretty...at least not the life of Alice...and some of her story may make you cringe...but you have to read it from cover to cover!!! Her life does have a happy ending...and much like Alice's life in Wonderland...this Alice needs to go through her rabbit whole of a life...to come out smiling in the end...

And I will say...if those words don't get you to want to read the book...oooooooh those very HAWT...very hot love scenes...will surely get you wanting to read more...and more...and more...oooooooh yeah!!!

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story just tore me up, sucked me in and spat me out.
How can a Father be so dam sick.

Something happens where the two sisters have to be together, one causing an accident that left her sister blind, she's riddled with guilt. Seth comes into her life with so many hang ups and problems that they are a magnet to each other. A hand to a glove, they fit perfectly. Pain, hurt, raw emotion and as for Agnes she is a bitch.
I was given this as an ARC by the author for an honest and open review.

Great start to a series. Can't wait for book 2!
What? You've not read it yet?

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One glance at the cover and I thought just another cookie cutter NA novel. I honestly dont know why I signed up for this review. But I did. In a way it was your cookie cutter NA novel, but where it counts it sure as feck wasnt.
Alice Harrison is an adrenaline junkie. She thrives on it. She gives it all up after she coaxed her older sister, Molly, into jumping from a cliff into a body of water (I probably shouldve paid attention to said body of water, but it me its really not that important). Only Molly jumped wrong, she didnt get a good start and as a result is left blind. Riddled with guilt Alice put her life on hold to take care of her sister. She swore off her old ways. She now lives with Molly in a condo, taking care of all her needs. Much to the dismay of her parents.
Alice and Molly share a dad. Alice is the product of an affair. Rowena, Mollys mother basically hates Alice and is always willing to let that be known which is fine because the feelings are mutual. E. Harrison, their dad is a sadistic SOB. No seriously he abuses Alice he ties her up cuts her and sweet jesus he does a lot of unbearable things. Hes left her alone for 2 years but now hes under the impression Alice has something that belongs to him and he will stop at nothing to get it back.
Seth James owns the building and just moved across the hall from the girls.. Right away hes taken with Alice. Sweet and Innocent Alice. Hes lived the life of spoiled rich kid his whole life. While Alice has been in the real world. Hes in a band with his brother Gabe, and his two friends Evan and Deacon. Oh and some ratchet chick. Seth and Alice both know they arent good for each other but like moth to a flame they cant stay away from one an other. Seth slightly gets caught up in all the stuff with Alice and her dad.
I think for me what tears this book apart from allllll the other NA boy saves girl novels is the characters are so incredible real. Like each and every character, I found myself thinking omg I know that person. Okay save for the sadistic dad that one im not so sure of but really how could I know. I feel like my faves were the band. The interactions between them felt like ones i’ve had with my friends. A bunch of jokesters but when it came to the important stuff they were honest and true friends to the MC’s. Oh I should perhaps mention the book is written in Dual POV one of my faves.
Seth is AH-MAZING! Seriously AH-MAZING. I did have a few issues with Seth though im not going to lie. But before I state them I want to remind you, incase you dont know im weird and I obsess over the most ridiculous things so please feel free to take this (and just this part) with a grain of salt. 1. Seth on the cover and Seth in my head DO NOT MATCH! The guy on the cover lacks all the muscles ive heard about. And though hes head is down he looks to be in his mid thirties instead of 24. I honestly think the cover would be better without the peoples but to each their own. (I apologizes for my ridiculousness, and trust and believe im in NO WAY bashing the book or cover, im just opinionated.) 2. DID HE EVER GO TO THE LITTLE GIRLS PARTY?! That ones going to eat me alive. I like to think he kept his promise and perhaps played a tune for her.
Alice was a strong and amazing character herself. To live through the things she did just makes me so ecstatic she is fictional. And I feel its important to say if you are being abused or know someone who is theres help out there. PLEASE do yourself a favor and call.
I love this book. I LOVE Firasek’s writing. I NEED to own this in paperback and just hug it.. Just give it a big ol bear hug. Book lovers im sure you can relate on some level.

[ysar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soon-to-be twenty-year-old Alice Harrison is, on the surface, an uninhibited adrenaline junkie who's always chasing her next thrill.  But beneath it all, she's haunted by a horrific childhood and overwhelming guilt over the plight of her half-sister Molly.  To make up for the accident that took Molly's sight, not to mention be near the one person in the world who's ever loved her, Alice has taken up residence in Molly's condo, helping her as she learns to navigate the world without vision.  The last thing she needs right now is a complication, especially when it comes in the form of a drop dead gorgeous musician moving in across the hall.

Seth draws inspiration from the darkness he sees in other people, using it to give words to his music.  His father may not support his dreams, but with his best friends and his brother in the band, he has the support system he needs to pursue his dreams.  What he doesn't need, though, is a girl to distract him and complicate things.  Especially the sweet girl with the haunted eyes who lives across the hall.  If only she wasn't so in need of saving.

Every time The Basement was mentioned, all I could picture was that gay club down on Congress.  And then I started trying to figure out if the Harrison house was over in Westlake.  And then I wondered why a gunshot victim would be at Seton instead of Brackenridge.  None of those are really problems with the story at all; I just didn't realize when I picked up the book that it's set in Austin, and once I did, I couldn't shut that part of my brain off.  It makes perfect sense that Rowena would shop at the Domain, but with the band being such a large part of the story, I'm surprised Dirty 6th didn't garner more of a mention.  See?  I shouldn't read stories set here.  I end up questioning everything for no good reason.

I hesitated to grab this book, since it promised to be a little more angsty than I normally go for, but I can't say I regret it.  It hooked me from the very beginning, and before I knew it, I'd read through it all in one sitting.

Alice is a really interesting character, a bit wild, definitely damaged, but with a sort of confidence and free spirit I wouldn't normally expect from someone who's been burdened with her life.  Her inner strength and somewhat normal façade keep the story from going straight into dark, and that's what kept me reading.  Despite the suffering she's endured, she's not altogether closed off.  She understandably has trust issues, but her goodness shines through, and while she may not be a saint, she's impossible not to like.  As Seth can attest.  Speaking of Seth...

Damn.  Easily one of the hottest men I've read in romance, he's multi-dimensional and not your typical knight in shining armor.  He practically oozes sex appeal, and while he's no stranger to the mirror, he's not so cocky about his looks that I want to slap him.  Unless he's into that.  Ahem...

Watching Alice and Seth give into and fight against their feelings for each other makes for an incredibly entertaining and emotional read, and while I did want to shake some sense into each of them a few times, they didn't fall into that cliched mess normally found in romance books.  They disagree, misunderstand, fail to communicate, and somehow find their way back, and when things take a turn for the truly dark, they make it worth surviving.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I downloaded this when it was free. First read for me by this author. There were some issues with chapters starting in the middle of a page or a chapter ending too early etc but that's more a formatting issue. The product description does warn this is not for the faint hearted.

Alice is 19, she's a tough girl. She's into free falling off the edges of cliffs etc. The book starts where she is living and caring for her 24 year old half sister Molly. Molly has been blinded and Alice holds herself responsible. They are living in an apartment paid for by Alice and Molly's father. Alice hates her father but for the last two years he had left her alone but now he is back and Alice's old demons are also back.

Seth is 24 and has moved into the apartment opposite. His father own the apartment complex. Seth has a band, he plays the drums and writes most of the songs but this is not a book about a rock star (thank god!). These two meet and have an instant attraction but Alice doesn't want to get involved but they both find it hard to fight their attraction.

The story is told from both their POV's. The pacing of their romance is good, they take their time but through this time we slowly learn of what Alice has gone through at the hands of her father. It's not sexual abuse, but it is horrific abuse. Then we learn that Molly went blind after Alice encouraged her to free fall. Molly is a sweet character. We then meet Seth's brother Gabe who I loved (I think I preferred him to Seth!) and the other members of the band. I was hoping the story would have a secondary romance and it did, but will it end well?

Seth has some issues from his mother leaving but he realises Alice has far more issues and he wants to be there for her. I think the plot was a little weak in some aspects plus a little far fetched at times but it still held my attention. The sex scenes were a bit lacking. There is never any foreplay, just straight to it and over very quickly! I did feel the connection between Seth and Alice though.

Luckily a certain character gets his just desserts but I felt a little cheated that we never really understood why he did what he did. I feel the ending was a tad rushed and would have liked an epilogue but then I realised this is a Series of books. This story is complete and has an HEA but I'm hoping we will read more about Alice and Seth in the next book. Also, she told Seth something that had happened to her through her father's abuse and he just sort of brushed it aside. I would think that would have quite an impact on a couple so was surprised it wasn't mentioned again or discussed more. I expected Alice to feel sadness that she would not be able to give Seth something he may have wanted. He never mentioned it, so that all seemed a bit odd to me but like I say, some of the plot was a bit weak but that's a small criticism as I did like these two together.

Now about the next book...I've just looked it up and it's about Gabe but I was a bit shocked to read the product description...you'll know what I mean once you read this book.

I will be reading Gabe's book as I liked his character. For a freebie, this was a pleasant surprise and well worth reading.

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

Rating: 4.5 Stars

READ THIS. I DARE YOU.

I LOVED IT. I loved the cover, the chapter headings, and everything inside the book. I wasn’t expecting myself to go gaga over this one – but I did. Finishing this with my heart intact was a miracle.

How in the world did you survive, Alice?

My hands were shaking, I was afraid for her, terrified, I wanted her suffering to end. It was terrible to watching her be afraid, watching her experiencing pain and trying to put a brave front in front of everyone when all she desperately needed was a hero to save her from the villain. Don’t get me wrong, this girl is TOUGH, and when I say tough, I really mean sturdy tough, one that can really shame men. But watching her suffer alone was tiring, and all I wanted for her was to go find that prince charming and swoop her off her feet, and slay that effin dragon. Gaaaahd. I so hate THAT DRAGON. I don’t think any villain can match him.

She was an adrenaline junkie, until THAT accident. It put leash on her search for that rush she always wanted. She didn’t believe in love, until she meets someone.

Seth James – he’s hot, then he’s cold. He’s got his own problems and baggage, and one look at this girl – he just knew she’s got more on her back. He had bad relationship experience, and was often drawn to women who needed him. He was supposed to be on hiatus, creating music in peace. But seeing her, just brought about anything but peace. He tries to fight it, tried to stop whatever it was burning between the two of them but the attraction and the intense curiosity about this girl with an intense look of sadness and suffering in her eyes made him pursue her more. So, he tries to destroy the walls that surround her heart, only when it did, he wasn’t THAT sure if he was ready to face her demons…

So much for prince charming… he had that moment of ‘doubt’ and he had to have that great big wake up call from his side kicks to finally realize that indeed, he was ready to become her hero and was ready to fight off the big demons for her.

WOW. Some novels will have that power to provoke and poke your emotions, will make you want to stop reading, but its powerful enough to glue your eyes on each pages, your heart desperately aching to find the happy ending you wanted badly to happen. There were twists that had my jaws dropping and my heads shaking in disbelief (yeah, a WTF moment), some scenes that made my heart break so badly I can hear the pieces falling into the ground clearly, and scenes that brought relief, mending my heart and soothing the pain that it had caused.

This is a great book to start off the series, enough for me to anticipate for the next one!



★Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

“I ease back into our apartment with one last glance at his closed door. He pisses me off and intrigues me more than I’d like. Both could be lethal to my sanity. And with Molly, I don’t have time to find out why my heart still beats like a hummingbird dance the Cupid Shuffle on it.”

“I gasp. He spoke so eloquently. Bold and rich. I’d have never thought he had it in him if I hadn’t just witnessed it! And no one has ever come to my defense. Never. Seth James was ten feet tall and made of blue bubble gum right now. I’d chew him, blow him, and make him pop. Vulgar, I know, but there it is.”


My Review:

While well written, the reader should be aware that this story deals with dark and disturbing themes involving child abuse, neglect, sadism, corruption, guilt, and unprotected sex… in other words – it gets a bit intense at times. Although I did not find these issues to be heavy handed. The author handled these topics well, so when the violent incidents occur or are discussed, I did not find it unbearable or extremely uncomfortable, and was more focused on feeling empathy for the victim than being disturbed by the cruelty, neglect, or the damage caused. Rather than focusing on the intimate details of the abuse, we are given glimpses of what occurred to better understand the main character’s (Alice’s) history. Writing with/about/around these themes requires a delicate balance and Ms. Firasek handled it well. I enjoyed the love story and banter among all the characters and felt satisfied with the total package, although I did find myself holding my breath at times. I read it in a day and was glad I didn’t have to put it down for long as I found myself continuing to think about the story while doing other things. The perspective switches back and forth between the two main characters, which I tend to enjoy. I hope to see more from this author and will be watching.

[Erin McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drowning is an incredibly powerful story of strength, trust and love. Rachel Firasek does an amazing job making the reader feel Alice's pain and Seth's determination to show Alice that it's ok to love and more importantly, to trust.

Alice, by all outward appearances, seems the strong, take no prisoners type but it's a mask. She herself, is held prisoner by a sadistic father, her own feeling that she is not worthy and an overwhelming need to protect her sister from the evil's their father bestows on her. Her love of cliff diving led to a horrible accident that left her sister, Molly, blind, a fact Molly's mother never lets her live down. And when she moves in to help Molly, she never expected to fall for the guy across the hall.

Seth struggles with his own issues of living up to expectations and being there for his younger brother when their father checked out after losing his wife. The dynamics of the James family are turned upside down from her death and Seth does what every "good son" does, steps up. The fact that his father tried buying their love fuels his need for independence and helps him in his own discovery of what love truly means.

Alice and Seth together are explosive. Alice's habit of pushing people away only makes Seth want her more. She is a mystery to him. Determined to find her secret and heal her wounds, he sticks by her side through everything. He proves to her over and over again that no matter what she does, he will be there. Now, if only she will see this, if only she will open her heart to him and let him in. Will Alice finally be free? Can she finally let go of the guilt from her sister's accident? Will Seth be the one to tear down the wall? One of my all time favorite stories and Alice and Seth certainly hold a special place in this reader's heart.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and again, a cover catches my eye and makes me want to stare at it for hours on end and the cover of Drowning by Rachel Firasek is one of those covers. It is one of two reasons that drew me to wanting to participate on the tour. The other was the blurb of this book. Drowning by Rachel Firasek is one of those challenging and edgy content books , that I have to warn you if you are not one to read about child abuse and fathers abusing their daughters for enjoyment or the fact that they hold all the power - the fathers that is. Then I would strongly advise you not to read Drowning. If you have however read Rebecca Donovan's series Reason to Breathe and was able to handle the content and stay strong with the main character throughout that novel, then Drowning will be similar and you probably will cope. As someone who has been there , but not in this kind of level but bits of pieces were familiar -my heart tore for Alice. Alice is the illegitimate child of E.Harrison and he will do anything to prove she is unworthy and trash and he gets off hurting her in any way he can including physically. When next door neighbour Seth James moves in next door, we readers wonder if Alice has finally met her saviour but he is a bit odd and so is his brother to put it nicely- they were funny characters . Can Seth however help save Alice from drowning in her own tears and pain ? Can he pull her up before it's too late and what will happen to Alice when her father one last time takes it a little too far ?
Find out in this edgy and powerful emotion-filled novel by Rachel Firasek and after reading Drowning, I am looking forward to what other edgy and hard topics or directions she will take the other books in this series.

[GraceMyBookSnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 – 4 Stars

It's a meeting between two artistic souls when Alice Harrison literally runs into Seth James. Although there is great mutual attraction, neither one wants any distractions. Ahhh, but this is romance, right? Pretty soon there's no doubt that friendship turns into something more! I found both Seth and Alice to be both beautifully damaged characters. They each have their own flaws...Alice more so than Seth. He is an aspiring musician. Creating music is his life, and he's trying to do good for his band. There's a reason why Alice keeps things hidden deep inside. She guards such painful truth and needs someone to believe.

“I'll be your anchor when the fear creeps in. I'll hold your hand and promise to listen. And when you dare to take on life, I'll be here to watch you survive. Cause I'm drowning in you.”

If I could describe this story in a few words, I would say that Drowning is exhilarating, dark and totally unexpected. Don't get me wrong, I liked this story, in fact, I found it completely engrossing. I enjoyed the alternating POV very much. I just wasn't expecting it to go down such a twisted path. The main antagonist in this story is pure EVIL!!! I have no words to describe this sick monster. There were scenes that made me cringe and squirm and left me in a state of high anxiety.

Although I felt things wrapped up too quickly, Drowning ends on a good note and leaves you feeling like a brand new journey is about to begin. I hope there will be more. I'm curious to see where Ms. Firasek takes this series.

*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the most intense book I've ever read. Rachel brought me to my knees with some of the scenes in this book. I wanted to scream with Alice, wanted to kick the living shit out of her father and her step-mother for how they treated her, wanted her to find some peace in her life. The characters in this book will make you feel things so deeply, I loved them all. Alice is so fucked up - not her fault, but she's trying to be someone new. Seth is fucked up, but in a completely different way - a different kind of pain, a different kind of loss. They are drawn to each other like bees to honey. From their encounter in the hallway until the last page, I wanted them to find a way to be with each other. I loved that Deacon and Evan were so supportive of Seth, Alice and Gabe. I loved the relationship that Seth and Gabe had that continued to grow. These characters will keep me coming back again and again. I will want every book that has them in it. I am so all over the place with what happened in this book to the characters, and I'm so looking forward to hearing more ( a lot more, please!) about them in future books. Rachel had me hooked from the first page, her writing is so intense and real, I loved it.

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another awesome read by Rachel Firasek! Drowning is a highly addictive story that gives it to you straight and real. A very intense, emotional, gripping and sensual read that any fans of the genre will enjoy!

Alice LOVES a good rush! Hopping off cliffs, making out with boys, anything that gets her heart pumping overdrive will do. She loves to feel…in control and alive. To lose herself to anything other than what she truly lives with.

Seth’s one main focus in his life is his music. He has no time for games, relationships or anything that proves to be a distraction. That’s why when he finds these…feelings he has for his new neighbor as something new and a distraction. He’ll do what he can to avoid her and his feelings (love this guy!)

This was my second time reading anything by this author and I once again find myself wanting much more!

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Had Me

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was hooked from the very beginning and read straight thru, except for a sleep break!!

Damaged but not broken. Alice has had to endure so much in her life. And it killed me slowly reading how no one ever helped her. Until she met Seth, her hero.
Seth James was absolutely a swoonworthy.

4.5 Huge Stars for this pleaser!
I am hoping that there is more depth with Alice & Seth in the future from the Tears Of Sin series.

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog]

Amazon freebie 03.19.14
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G8JAQFQ/r...

[Elena Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And when you dare to take on life
I'll be here to watch you survive
Cause I'm drowning in you
Waiting in the deep of this never ending blue."

Alice's life has never been easy.And it has been anything but peaceful and happy.The darkness that surrounds her won't let her rest and enjoy life.And the demon itself tortures her every day,with memories she can't forget and thoughts she can't get out of her mind.

"I need to wash away the tears falling from my face.I need to cleanse the ugly thoughts from my body.Remove the memories from my mind."

She didn't have a childhood and her father won't rest until he gets what he wants.She's never felt love and her father scarred her for life.Inside and out.

"This would be my life until E.Harrison died.He'd want me,take me and I'd fight the only way I knew how to...by surviving."

And that's exactly what she's doing.But then she meets Seth.She smacks into him in the elevator and both their lives change.Seth is everything Alice has ever wanted and everything she knows she can't have.She doesn't want to become part of other peoples' lives and hurt them in the process.And it's not easy for Seth either.He wants to show her how to be happy and help her get away from the unbearable pain she's living with.

"No one can look into those sweet eyes and not see her pain.Just be sure it's her you want and not the pain."

"I won't let the evil taint of my life touch those that I love.Not even those that don't want to love me back."

But when the times comes for the truth to come out,and Alice's past is revealed,Seth might not be able to help her.He might not be able to be her hero.And he might give up...

"I don't need a hero.I didn't need one before you and I won't need one now.I'll save myself.I'm pretty good at that."

Will Alice finally find the peace and freedom she's been after for her whole life?And will Seth decide to risk everything for love?

"I may have risked everything for love,but in the end,love risked everything for me."

When I started reading Drowning I didn't know what to expect.At first I felt like everything was a bit slow paced but then I really got into it and couldn't stop reading.This was such a heartbreaking story.What Alice went through really got to me and I couldn't stop thinking about it.I felt really depressed when she revealed what happened to her and how others treated her.How can anyone stand to know that a girl was tortured since she was a child and do nothing about it?That is what angers me and frustrates me the most.

Moving on to the characters.I really loved Alice as a character.She was such a brave,loyal,caring and selfless person.The list goes on and on.She cared about people,she helped people and most importantly,she managed to escape the darkness that surrounded her and find love,happiness and people that cared for her and were determined to set her free.She developed so much as a character and I loved how she handled certain situations.She was such a strong and determined character and that's what really made an impression.She went through so much but she kept going.

Moving on to Seth...I really liked him as a character but sometimes,it was really hard to connect with him and accept his decisions.Everybody makes mistakes and what he did was understandable because nobody is perfect.There's that moment in someone's life when he'll screw up or do something other people won't approve of.And maybe I couldn't connect with him as much as I wanted to because I didn't agree with the things he said or did which really affected other people.I think he really helped Alice to heal and during the process,he developed as a character too.After everything that happened,I'm really satisfied by the fact that he learned from those experiences,good and bad.Alice did too.

And let's not forget about the secondary characters who I loved with all my heart and I can't wait to read their stories.Especially Gabe.He was such an overprotective and caring guy.I fell in love with him from the beginning.I liked Molly as a character but what she did was unacceptable.She could have save Alice but I felt like she didn't care enough to do so.

The story is told by both their perspectives which of course made everything much more enjoyable since we got to read what both of the characters went through and thought about.I think the author could have explained a bit more about their backgrounds and what happened in both their lives.It would certainly explain some things about their pasts which would make these questions running through my mind disappear.The plot was realistic and believable and I really enjoyed the writing.This was a great New Adult story and I can't wait to read more of the author's work.

"I may have been drowning all my life but this man will be my lifeline.I'll be his anchor.Together we'll fucking conquer the world."

Drowning was a quick,enjoyable read.A heartbreaking story about sacrifices,the need a woman has to love and be love and a man who's willing to be her hero.Highly recommend it!

[Jillian Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can also find my review on my blog:
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/11...

Drowning is the newest work from author Rachel Firasek. I have read most of Rachel’s’ earlier works, and really enjoyed them, but nothing comes close to what she has done with Drowning. This book was remarkable.


To say that Alice Harrison has had a pretty heavy cross to bear would be a huge understatement. Feeling responsible for the recent accident that happened to her older sister is just the latest scar left on her emotions. Those emotional scars add another layer to the physical scars left by a person who was supposed to love and care for her. That combo has left her hardened and swearing off love and emotions for good. It was the only way she knew how to survive. That all changed when she meets her new neighbor, Seth. He refuses to let something like a slammed door to the face turn him away. The scariest part is, Alice knows he may be the one that can crumble her resolve and lead her to believe there may be some good left in the world. Will he have what it takes to love someone as scarred as she is?


Seth James hasn’t really had the best childhood. One of the things that has helped him through it, besides his brother, was his love for music. Now that’s his main focus. Well, it was until he sees Alice, the new neighbor. Funny that just a little conversation in the elevator can have him dying to know more about her. She’s going to be a tough nut to crack, but he’s up for the challenge. Seth soon finds out that there’s more to the challenge than just a tough exterior when he finds her crying in the stairwell and realizes she needs more than just a hot boy toy….she needs a knight in shining armor and damn if he wants to be that for her.
Seth and Alice have so much from their pasts that needs to be healed. Working on their own really hasn’t gone so well for them. Will working together finally be the balm they need to heal the wounds they both have?


Talk about an emotional story. We are given a peek into Alice’s story in the beginning and ever so slowly, the pieces are revealed and the puzzle that starts to take shape is so utterly heartbreaking. From the day she was born, she never stood a chance at happiness in the life she was brought into. Alice is truly a survivor though. She is finally free from the hell she called home and is now out on her own and is doing her best to live and be normal. Then she meets Seth and she gains be a sliver of hope that she could be loved….scars and all. Seth is amazing. He’s a man’s man with a huge heart and the love he has for his brother is evident from the first chapter. That made me love him even more and I knew if anyone can save Alice, he was it. Regardless of his own personal and family issues, he has a good head on his shoulders and is a delicious balance between hard and soft. The delicate dance between Alice and Seth was fabulous to read. There was a slow build of trust and caring between them. The attraction was instant but the progress into a relationship was done really well. Especially as we learn about Alice’s past and what she has endured. I can’t give anything away, but have some tissues handy.

Another fantastic addition to the story were the band members….besides brothers Seth and Gabe we meet Deacon and Evan. Those two boys are a terrific addition to the entire dynamic and make the whole gang have a real family feel. Albeit a slightly dysfunctional one, a family nonetheless, with all the teasing, bickering and caring that comes with it.

Rachel takes the reader on an emotional voyage with love, loss, angst, tenderness, anger, lust and so much more. Thank you, Rachel, for Alice and Seth and for all of the rest of these memorable characters. I can’t wait to see what you have planned form them all next!

[Anna McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to Itching For Books who provided me with a copy of this book as part of its Blog Hop*

Amazing! This is a heartbreaking book which keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The author cleverly keeps the reader in the dark which allows them to stay up at night desperate to find out what will happen next. ‘Drowning’ is a dark, emotional and romantic book that keeps you on the edge of your seats. Rachel Firasek is a fantastic author who as created a brilliant book that keeps the reader interested and determined to find out what will happen. Through her emotional writing and the gripping plot the author has written a novel which will stay with you long after you have finished.

Betrayals, heartbreak, torture and secrets are all Alice has ever known. She wears deep scars each with their own story on both the inside and outside. To protect herself she keeps everyone at a distance, until Seth comes along and turns her world upside down. But is loving someone always a good thing? This novel is full of raw emotions which allow the reader to become enthralled by this book. The author keeps the pace reasonably fast and even at times when it slowed down it simply allowed the reader to enjoy the characters they grow to love. Throughout her life Alice has had to deal with a lot of suffering and to add to it she carries around masses of guilt everyday. Alice cares for her blind sister Molly who after a life changing accident needs full time support. Due to her reckless behaviour Alice often blamed herself during the book when things went wrong including the accident which caused Molly to become blind. The only reason I could not give this brilliant book a full five stars is because when you compare Seth’s problems to the issues Alice faces his problems seem quite minor and easily fixable. Apart from this incredibly small thing I thought this was a fantastic book which contained great characters.

Although Rachel Firasek has created a brilliant plot the thing that made this book so enjoyable was the phenomenal characters she has developed. The two main characters are extremely well developed and the reader can’t help but become attached to them. These two broken people bring the book together and allow it to be an emotional roller coaster. This book is full of dark and pure emotions that draw the reader in and build up tension. Alice is a very strong character who has to deal with a lot during her lifetime. The author has made it incredibly easy for the reader to emotionally connect with both Alice and Seth. Alice and Seth are honest characters which makes them even more likeable. They both grow throughout the course of the novel and their relationship becomes stronger as the book goes on. Together they had to deal with many problems which arose during the novel. This brought them closer as the book progressed. The author has created memorable characters that stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Overall this was a great book which is worth every minuet of your time. I can't wait to see what Rachel Firasek writes next as I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend romance lovers give this novel a chance.

[Katie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel lucky that the author provided me with an ARC for my honest review. I'm so glad I got to read it early - except that it kept me up and reading way, way too late...

This book kept me up late into the night and early morning hours, unwilling to walk away from the sexual tension and roller coaster plot line. The well-written if mercurial characters kept me on my toes, as each new situation arose to challenge them. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark contemporary romances.

Alice Harrison is a 19-year-old thrill-seeking life-of-the-party girl with a dark and secret past. She lives in a condo with her half-sister who is recovering from an accident that Alice blames herself for. When she literally runs into the landlord’s oldest son, she has no idea what to make of him, or her reaction to him.

Twenty two year old Seth James seems like a stereotypical rich boy with an absentee workaholic for a father and a past he’s rebelling against. He’s a musician who’s drawn to dark emotions in others which he uses in his music, but he doesn’t let himself get emotionally involved with anyone. He doesn’t want to be anyone’s hero. Until Alice. Even then, he fights against the honest emotions he feels, trying to keep his thoughts shallow and sex-driven until he is forced to face his emotional fears head on.

When the past Alice is running from rears its ugly head back into her present, both she and Seth have to decide whether to fight for what they’ve found in each other, and the truths they have revealed about themselves in the process.

The author tells the story with first person narration that alternates between the two main characters, with the chapters marked by narrator. It’s easy to tell who’s point of view the chapter is from even without the subtitles, as Seth refers often to his near constant state of arousal, which I found amusing at first, but felt like it was a hallmark of immature thinking that he should have grown out of it much sooner in the story arc.

Although the ages of the characters are firmly in the New Adult range, I’m not sure if I agree with this book being in this category. This is a dark and violent book, even though much of the violence is emotional. The physical violence is alluded to almost from the beginning, although there are very few actual scenes of physical torture (no rape.) Parts of the story reminded me strongly of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, minus the confusing Swedish names and places. Having read that series of books and a few others that included victims of childhood abuse, I wasn’t bothered by Alice’s wild mood shifts or some of her inconsistencies as they seemed in character for what she had been through in her life.

All in all, a dark and completely absorbing story. And I feel compelled to seek out more books by this author really soon. Kudos to Ms. Firasek – you’ve just earned another fan.

[Obsession Is A Book - Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

26. There are 26 letters in the alphabet. Those 26 little letters arranged in such a way that I’ve been left dumbstruck.

Drowning it the story of Alice and Seth. The book is told in dual POV’s and I fell in love with both of these characters as well as the secondary characters. Rachel has done a great job of creating characters that you easily fall in love with as well as characters that you have no option but to fear and hate all at the same time. I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to be coming down off this book for a while, the emotional grip it had me in, well it’s just gonna take some time to recover.

Alice is a born survivor, she’s had a rough life and even though she has been deeply affected by the lessons life has taught her she still gets up in the morning and lives her life as best she can. The inner strength she has shines from her and she can’t even see it.
Seth is abloke that is not good with his emotions and is fumbling his way through this thing with Alice the best he can. He is described as being physically beautiful but like Alice his inner beauty shines through, in the face of everything. I connected to these two characters deeper than I have with any other characters in quite some time.

The secondary characters all have a place and a purpose and I fell in love with some of them while other scared the life outta me and I just wanted to run and hide in a corner.

This is a suspense filled emotional book. This is not one of those emotional roller coasters; it doesn’t have you up and down. It has you in a constant state of anxiety as the book builds the suspense; heart racing, edge of your seat, chewing on your fingers, unable to put it down, praying it all turns out the way you want it to because it just has to! It can’t not…….. can it? There are a few twists and turns in the book. There’s not many and I really like that about this book because it doesn’t need the unexpected to jump up and grab you because the plot already has you griped in a vice like hold.

The only downside to the book and it’s not even a big deal but for me it feels like a part of the story has been left unfinished and it doesn’t appear intentional. There is a scene and character that needed to be elaborated on. It wasn’t until I was reflecting on the book that I realised that this particular character needed a bit more of explanation. Not that the book needed more drama but it feels like they were kinda forgotten about. Even if it was a quick ‘such a person stormed off’, I just feel it needed something.

I feel extremely honoured to have been asked to read this book for review purposes. This is a book that will stay with me for a while yet.

I’m hoping that the secondary characters will get their own voices in their own books (hint, hint). The groundwork has been laid and let me tell you I’ll be first in the que for one!

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

DROWNING is a fascinating story that will keep you captivated throughout the book. The type of captivation where you don’t want to put the book down. In all honesty, you will experience a range of different emotions when you read this story. You will experience Alice Harrison’s roller coaster ride of emotions and you might find yourself getting a little teary eyed when you read this book. Intrigued? Let me tell you a little about Alice Harrison.
Alice Harrison is a young adult who has been drowning in the memories of pain she endured; and her guilt of ruining Molly’s (half sister) life. Alice was tortured in ways you cannot imagine and she endured this cruelty by a very powerful man. Her guilt stems from Molly’s accident. Alice challenged Molly to jump off a cliff, which left her disabled and she can’t seem to forgive herself for the incident. Alice needs to feel the rush of being on the edge. The need to avoid the memories and pain she endured. She has been running from her past, but this all changes when she meets Seth James.

Alice and Seth happen to live in the same swanky condo building. Both have experienced pain and turmoil, but in different ways. Neither one of them is looking for love, but their chemistry and connection is undeniable. It’s almost as if they know each other’s anguish and guilt. They guard their emotions and resist showing any vulnerability. They both know what pain can do to your soul and fear what will happen if they allow their feelings to take over. Alice also has it in her mind that she destroys everything good in her life, while Seth does not want the added stress of a relationship.

Although Alice and Seth are not looking for love, they cannot deny the bond and sexual desire. Will they knock down their walls, learn to trust, and allow each other to fall in love? Alice Harrison may have been drowning all her life, but will Seth James be her lifeline? You will just have to read this fascinating story to find out (wink).

Rachel Firasek provides an attention grabbing story. She does a remarkable job depicting the characters. The content is deep, so you might find yourself getting a little teary eyed. I’m looking forward to Rachel Firasek’s next book and I guarantee you will as well.


Reviewed by Shirah for Cocktails and Books

[Fidah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drowning is the first book in the Tears of Sin series. This book is told in the POV of Alice and Seth.

Alice was a party girl that didn't believe in love. She loved to be high in adrenaline because it helped her forget about her memories and past. That was before she caused caused her one and only loved one to lose her eyesight and she struggles with the guilt and pain.

Seth was a stubborn man who grew up in a house of men since his mum left. His dream was to pursue music which his absentee father disagreed on. Hence, he decided to move to one of the condos owned by his family in hopes of creating music in peace with his band.

The two met each other when Alice crashed into him on the day he moved into the condo. The banter between the two was hilarious. I really adored Alice and Seth. The relationship between the two was just amazing.

The secondary characters were really great and really added to the whole story. I fell in love with some of them. I felt like the bond between Seth's band and Alice was really beautiful. I've never felt so attached. For a few of them, they were really horrendous. One of them was really messed up. However, it helped to develop the characters.

Talking about character development...the characters really grew throughout the whole book especially Alice. I really enjoyed seeing her become so strong. Alice is my favorite character and the one I connected with the most. I respected her so much in the story.

The plot was really great. I was so invested in the story and I thought that the words flowed really well together.

This book was so addicting! I read it one sitting. I read it even while I was eating. That's how amazing this story was.

I really don't have that many bad things to say other than there were certain parts that were unnecessary to me and some characters made some stupid decisions. But hey, no one is perfect. Overall, it was a brilliant piece of writing and I enjoyed it a lot. I became so attached to a lot of the characters that I'm looking forward to reading the next book, as well as other books written by Rachel Firasek.

Originally posted on Met In Eleven

[Anne Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read this story. Just do it.
The story of Seth and Alice draws the reader in right from the beginning. I applaud the author for this and I love the fact that she gave us both points of view. I often feel like I’m missing something when I only get to see inside one character’s head. In Drowning, both Seth and Alice have suffered in different ways, and yet they are inexplicably drawn to each other because of their pasts. For two so young, they are incredibly mature. Circumstances, sad that they were, forced them to fast forward through their childhoods. Now, as young adults, they feel the need to comfort each other as well as to draw comfort from each other, but they’re not quite sure how to do it. They keep screwing up. They want to fix each other, but don’t want to fix themselves, or rather; they feel they are so broken they can no longer be fixed.
The story of Seth and Alice is dark, it’s light, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s utterly fantastic. Their pain is palpable. Their capacity to love is overwhelming. They don’t want to admit they need to love each other. They’re more comfortable fixing other people then fixing themselves. But they’re not broken. Damaged, yes. Hurting, most definitely. Not worth saving? Not. On. Your. Life. Or in this case, theirs. They just need people in their corner. They need to trust.
I smiled. I cursed. Not at them, but at their circumstances. I cheered for them. I cried for them. I felt their pain. I felt their heartbreak. I felt their loneliness and it utterly broke my heart. Their story is a one step forward, two steps back kind of thing. Until they finally leap, rather than step.
I highly recommend this story. There’s a couple of lessons here too. First, nobody’s perfect, we all have things we don’t like about ourselves, perhaps secrets to hide. That doesn’t mean we’re not worthy of love. And second, no matter how dire it may seem, there’s always, always somebody there ready to hold your hand, to keep your head above water, to keep you from going under.
Read the story of Seth and Alice. You know you want to. Just do it. I dare you.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

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Drowning is an experience rather than a story. Written in the first person from Alice and Seth's perspectives it charts their emotional journey towards happiness and fulfilment. Their happy ever after comes at a price which at many times in the story you believe is too high for either to pay.

Alice is an adrenaline junkie who seeks thrills to gain control of her life. Past abuse and present guilt damage her chance of happiness. Hard and brittle she knows little of love.

Seth and his younger brother Gabe although materially rich have little emotional wealth in their lives. Seth's mother left when he was twelve and his father distanced himself from his sons to cope with grief of losing her.

Alice and Seth are edgy and real characters aware of their problems and flaws but unable to move on from them. Viewed through their eyes the reader engagement is strong and empathy with two heroic souls inevitable.Well-crafted support characters enhance the story and make me keen to see what happens next in the Tears of Sin series.

An interesting plot full of twists blurs the lines between good and evil and delivers surprises. Torture and violence feature but they are not graphic. It is the emotional effect on the characters which makes them shocking and memorable. This said it definitely an adult read.

I would recommend this if you enjoy your romance without flowers and violins. A lasting love built from broken lives makes it remarkable and worth reading.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.



Rachel Firasek

[Ange from Cover to Cover Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two dark souls step into the light together to find a beacon of hope.

Alice lives a life, if you can call it that, riddled with guilt and darkness. Her past has literally left scars all over her body and soul. That darkness fills every aspect of her life. She used adrenalin rush activities to help deal with the dark stains on her soul. Until the accident....that is where the guilt comes in. Her half-sister Molly is left blind due to an unfortunate accident. Alice lives with this daily guilt and tries her best to make up for it by being the sole care taker of Molly. She leads a mundane life taking care of her sister and dealing with her tragic past.

Queue hot broody rocker named Seth James! He moves into the apartment across the hall from sister combo. His father owns the building that they now reside. He has his own demons to face. He dropped out of college to concentrate on his true love, music. Along with his brother, Gabe (also dreamy) and two friends, they have a rock band with a not so talented singer, Lillith (she'll make your skin crawl).

Both Seth and Alice have dealt with the lose of their mothers. Alice by death, and Seth by abandonment. They were both left at the mercy of their fathers in very different ways. Alice did have a stepmother but not a loving one.

The attraction between Seth and Alice is tangible. You can almost taste it. They fight the attraction because they both think they are no good for the other. They still flirt though and that will leave you with a silly grin on your face. When they finally succumb to their passion, it is hot and steamy! They have a long and hard battle to overcome but it only makes their bond stronger.

The author puts you right in the middle of these two with her words. She is amazing. You feel their pain, their joy, their anger, and their fear. This is a definite must read. I will surely check out more of Rachel Firasek's works!

[Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Rachel Firasek’s Drowning, not truly knowing what it was about….It grabbed me and drew me in right from the start. It is told in the first person alternating between both main characters’ voices, Alice and Seth. Alice and Seth are each sticking to themselves until they inadvertently crash into each other in the hall and have an instant and inevitable connection and chemistry. As they begin to get to know each other the past comes crashing to the present and Seth truly rises to the occasion.

This book is truly what I would call an emotional read! It is a dark, painful, gripping yet beautiful story. It was definitely a bit heavier and darker than I had anticipated – there is violence (although not too graphic) involved that tears your heart because it is so well written. However, it is also countered by the tender loving moments in the book that restore your faith in humanity, love and family.

Rachel Firasek does a phenomenal job in creating her characters. I quickly became emotionally invested in them and found myself rooting for them, hurting for them (or with them), cheering them on and sometimes yelling at them! While the main characters in Drowning are Alice Harrison and Seth James even her secondary characters packed a punch! Particularly Alice’s sister Molly (boy does she end up surprising you!), Seth’s brother Gabe (adore him), and Deacon and Evan (the guys who round out Seth and Gabe’s band). I cannot wait to see them in upcoming books!

This was the first book that I read by Rachel Firasek and I am thrilled that I was given the opportunity to be introduced to her emotionally riveting work. I definitely recommend Drowning (Tears of Sin, #1) and eagerly await the next book in this series.

I received an ARC of Drowning from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Sassy Moms Say Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drowning is an incredibly powerful story of strength, trust and love. Rachel Firasek does an amazing job making the reader feel Alice's pain and Seth's determination to show Alice that it's ok to love and more importantly, to trust.

Alice, by all outward appearances, seems the strong, take no prisoners type but it's a mask. She herself, is held prisoner by a sadistic father, her own feeling that she is not worthy and an overwhelming need to protect her sister from the evil's their father bestows on her. Her love of cliff diving led to a horrible accident that left her sister, Molly, blind, a fact Molly's mother never lets her live down. And when she moves in to help Molly, she never expected to fall for the guy across the hall.

Seth struggles with his own issues of living up to expectations and being there for his younger brother when their father checked out after losing his wife. The dynamics of the James family are turned upside down from her death and Seth does what every "good son" does, steps up. The fact that his father tried buying their love fuels his need for independence and helps him in his own discovery of what love truly means.

Alice and Seth together are explosive. Alice's habit of pushing people away only makes Seth want her more. She is a mystery to him. Determined to find her secret and heal her wounds, he sticks by her side through everything. He proves to her over and over again that no matter what she does, he will be there. Now, if only she will see this, if only she will open her heart to him and let him in. Will Alice finally be free? Can she finally let go of the guilt from her sister's accident? Will Seth be the one to tear down the wall? One of my all time favorite stories and Alice and Seth certainly hold a special place in this reader's heart.