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Them Bones
Right guy, wrong time.
Laney Hawton has a difficult life. She takes care of her younger brother, Dustin, because honestly? Who else will? Her mother is a menace, more interested in chasing unavailable men than raising children. And her older brother Cary is... Well. Anyway. When Laney meets Shane, her whole world is turned upside down. But what do you do when your soul mate is the one person you were never supposed to meet?
Right girl, wrong life.
Shane Mathers is chronically between couches, scraping by on the unexpected charity of a ten-year-old boy named Dustin. Through a violent twist of fate, Shane meets Laney and can't decide if the universe has finally given him a break, or just offered him his total demise all wrapped up in an irresistible four-foot-something package that makes his knees buckle.
Fate is a cruel mistress, and she has it in for Shane. He knows that nothing this good comes without a price. The question is, will he survive it?
This is a gritty, slow-burn, passionate romance that takes place over several years in the late nineties.
Laney Hawton has a difficult life. She takes care of her younger brother, Dustin, because honestly? Who else will? Her mother is a menace, more interested in chasing unavailable men than raising children. And her older brother Cary is... Well. Anyway. When Laney meets Shane, her whole world is turned upside down. But what do you do when your soul mate is the one person you were never supposed to meet?
Right girl, wrong life.
Shane Mathers is chronically between couches, scraping by on the unexpected charity of a ten-year-old boy named Dustin. Through a violent twist of fate, Shane meets Laney and can't decide if the universe has finally given him a break, or just offered him his total demise all wrapped up in an irresistible four-foot-something package that makes his knees buckle.
Fate is a cruel mistress, and she has it in for Shane. He knows that nothing this good comes without a price. The question is, will he survive it?
This is a gritty, slow-burn, passionate romance that takes place over several years in the late nineties.
- GenresAudiobookDark Romance
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2024
27 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
A. Atkins
3 books43 followersIf Penelope Douglas and Karin Slaughter had a threesome with Kurt Cobain
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
July 17, 2024
Loooovveeedd!! If you’re looking for a heart wrenching, dark family centered story with a twist of forbidden love, you’ve come to the right place. I couldn’t help but feel for Laney and Dustin whose lives were made so hard by a drug dealing, feared by everyone brother and a mother who is just looking for her next escape. My heart went out to Shane and the way the novel ended was just jaw dropping. Well done!! Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review!
July 8, 2024
WOW. 🤯🤯 this book was addictive and the writing was incredible. This book had be pried out of my hands the last 24 hours.
Okay first of all the characters in this story. 10/10. All of them. Good, bad and ugly. They were beautifully written.
Second, the love story. Shane made me want to rip my fucking hair out half the time because he was so damn stubborn but holy fuck him and Laney are soul mates. Like REAL soul mates. so precious and raw. Their “meet cute” is absolutely hilarious and my favorite of all time. And their banter was everything. They might have been teenagers but argued like an old married couple 🤣
Third, the setting. It’s 1997 and it’s 90s grunge to a T. Drugs, sex, parties, Pontiacs, MSN, corded phones band tee’s and grunge rock. 10000/10. Take me back.
Fourth, THE MURDER MYSTERY. between the unidentified autopsy report, the cop interview transcripts and the ominous newspaper articles. 10000/10. So creative and different.
The ending… me and you, Alex, we need to talk because WHAT THE FUCK.
Okay first of all the characters in this story. 10/10. All of them. Good, bad and ugly. They were beautifully written.
Second, the love story. Shane made me want to rip my fucking hair out half the time because he was so damn stubborn but holy fuck him and Laney are soul mates. Like REAL soul mates. so precious and raw. Their “meet cute” is absolutely hilarious and my favorite of all time. And their banter was everything. They might have been teenagers but argued like an old married couple 🤣
Third, the setting. It’s 1997 and it’s 90s grunge to a T. Drugs, sex, parties, Pontiacs, MSN, corded phones band tee’s and grunge rock. 10000/10. Take me back.
Fourth, THE MURDER MYSTERY. between the unidentified autopsy report, the cop interview transcripts and the ominous newspaper articles. 10000/10. So creative and different.
The ending… me and you, Alex, we need to talk because WHAT THE FUCK.
August 8, 2024
I’ll be honest, I requested a copy of this audiobook because I thought it was written by another A. Atkins, forename Ace. However, I quickly ascertained that the mood of this novel was distinctly different, in both pace and tone, to what I’d expected. That said, I still initially found this tale featuring a young cast battling sexual frustration and angst to be engaging enough to hold my interest.
Shane is 17, and he’s drawn to Laney, who is only 14, when the story begins. Gradually, their interest in each other becomes sexual, though Shane is defiantly determined not to consummate their relationship until it’s legal to do so. In many ways, this is the story, pretty much the whole story it seemed to me. There are side issues concerning Laney’s flighty mother and bullying elder brother, and also a sub-plot built around a group of seedy drug dealers, but really the focus keeps coming back to Shane and Laney – will they or won’t they?
It’s a lengthy story, which I found to be repetitive to the extent that the same scene of temptation and denial just seemed to play over and over again. I pulled the plug on it at around the 70% mark, unable to take any more.
I’d normally give any book I fail to finish one star, but there are some mitigations here.
1. I truly believe that I stumbled into a story that really didn’t suit my tastes or my age bracket – it really feels like this is one written for a YA audience.
2. The audiobook is competently narrated by Jessie Elwyn.
I’m therefore going to award two stars. Sorry, it just really wasn’t for me.
My thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Shane is 17, and he’s drawn to Laney, who is only 14, when the story begins. Gradually, their interest in each other becomes sexual, though Shane is defiantly determined not to consummate their relationship until it’s legal to do so. In many ways, this is the story, pretty much the whole story it seemed to me. There are side issues concerning Laney’s flighty mother and bullying elder brother, and also a sub-plot built around a group of seedy drug dealers, but really the focus keeps coming back to Shane and Laney – will they or won’t they?
It’s a lengthy story, which I found to be repetitive to the extent that the same scene of temptation and denial just seemed to play over and over again. I pulled the plug on it at around the 70% mark, unable to take any more.
I’d normally give any book I fail to finish one star, but there are some mitigations here.
1. I truly believe that I stumbled into a story that really didn’t suit my tastes or my age bracket – it really feels like this is one written for a YA audience.
2. The audiobook is competently narrated by Jessie Elwyn.
I’m therefore going to award two stars. Sorry, it just really wasn’t for me.
My thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2024
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review.
When I tell you my jaw is still on the floor!!!
Romeo and Juliet meets 90s nostalgia is the most accurate way I could describe this.
This heart wrenching book will leave you staring at the wall! All the 90s nostalgia, found family, forbidden romance, right person/wrong time, and a tragically accurate depiction of drug abuse.
I don’t even know where to start! Laney and Shane grew up in a rough environment to say the least. Drug abuse/ and attempted SA are involved (not by the MMC) so check your triggers. They basically survive disaster after heartbreaking disaster. One Christmas Eve everything comes to a head and ends in tragedy.
The multiple POV and third person took me a little bit to catch on to, but the characters are so well depicted that I was able to keep track of them quickly. Absolutely loved getting little bits of everyone’s thoughts and life. The relationship building was so well done! I truly felt for every single character. I feel like everyone needs a Jerry in their lives!
The ending, boyyyyyy *heavy sigh* it was like a roller coaster ride that made me want to vomit and jump off in the best of ways. I absolutely did not see that coming. I don’t even know if it was a HEA, while my heart hurts over it, I can without a doubt say it feels like the main characters found piece and I’m happy with that. I am really hoping for a second book because this will live rent free in my mind for a long while
When I tell you my jaw is still on the floor!!!
Romeo and Juliet meets 90s nostalgia is the most accurate way I could describe this.
This heart wrenching book will leave you staring at the wall! All the 90s nostalgia, found family, forbidden romance, right person/wrong time, and a tragically accurate depiction of drug abuse.
I don’t even know where to start! Laney and Shane grew up in a rough environment to say the least. Drug abuse/ and attempted SA are involved (not by the MMC) so check your triggers. They basically survive disaster after heartbreaking disaster. One Christmas Eve everything comes to a head and ends in tragedy.
The multiple POV and third person took me a little bit to catch on to, but the characters are so well depicted that I was able to keep track of them quickly. Absolutely loved getting little bits of everyone’s thoughts and life. The relationship building was so well done! I truly felt for every single character. I feel like everyone needs a Jerry in their lives!
The ending, boyyyyyy *heavy sigh* it was like a roller coaster ride that made me want to vomit and jump off in the best of ways. I absolutely did not see that coming. I don’t even know if it was a HEA, while my heart hurts over it, I can without a doubt say it feels like the main characters found piece and I’m happy with that. I am really hoping for a second book because this will live rent free in my mind for a long while
July 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ x a million/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
"He always looked like he was right on the verge of hanging himself or taking you to bed."
THIS BOOK THIS BOOK THIS BOOK. ahhh it was PHENOMENAL. It deserves a million stars all the time & I will die on that hill 🤺
It has angst, mystery, 90's nostalgia...the slow burn was sooo good and the outcome was HOT. this book follows Shane who is homeless and eventually meets Dustin who starts to give him food regularly until one day he doesn't show enter LANEY "the mean one" HAWTON...my freakin girillill. She takes Shane home, gives him a place to live and food. Their connection is forbidden and steamy and ughhhh. I can't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything so this is literally all word vomit 🤣
this story has multiple POVs, police interviews, newspaper articles, forensic reports...it was so much fun. THE MYSTERY WAS EVERYTHING, and you can guess it was one person and then it wasn't that person at all. It has you guessing all the way to the end. I will never not recommend this book, & the ending had me wanting to RIOT. A. Atkins is AMAZING at what she does and girlill you got yourself a forever hype man outta me. I WILL SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS FOR YOU UNTIL THE END OF TIME.
🌶️🌶️.5/5
"He always looked like he was right on the verge of hanging himself or taking you to bed."
THIS BOOK THIS BOOK THIS BOOK. ahhh it was PHENOMENAL. It deserves a million stars all the time & I will die on that hill 🤺
It has angst, mystery, 90's nostalgia...the slow burn was sooo good and the outcome was HOT. this book follows Shane who is homeless and eventually meets Dustin who starts to give him food regularly until one day he doesn't show enter LANEY "the mean one" HAWTON...my freakin girillill. She takes Shane home, gives him a place to live and food. Their connection is forbidden and steamy and ughhhh. I can't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything so this is literally all word vomit 🤣
this story has multiple POVs, police interviews, newspaper articles, forensic reports...it was so much fun. THE MYSTERY WAS EVERYTHING, and you can guess it was one person and then it wasn't that person at all. It has you guessing all the way to the end. I will never not recommend this book, & the ending had me wanting to RIOT. A. Atkins is AMAZING at what she does and girlill you got yourself a forever hype man outta me. I WILL SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS FOR YOU UNTIL THE END OF TIME.
July 9, 2024
Dark, emotional, and potentially triggering. This book pulls you in with its emotional depth and the complex characters. To be honest, I struggled with the age of the FMC and the sexuality that surrounded her and her relationship(s). I do understand that was the point of the book, but for me that was a difficult thing to get past, and ultimately it kept me from fully connecting. The deep seeded issues of each family member, and darkness that was the life they had no choice but to live, was sad and eye opening. Mental illness, drug abuse, sexual assault, and violence were all subjects of this book so please be advised. I think there are things in the book that I thought were done well. The yearning for true love and connection, the youngest sibling needing someone to support and believe in him as he looks for his place in the world, both offering tender moments and glimpses of what could be.
I am interested to see where the next book leads their story. It ends on a cliff hanger, which I generally am not a fan of, but there is promise - yet so much history that could lead to a very interesting sequel. I think there is a good possibility that I would enjoy the next book even more considering that the characters will be older and I may find them more relatable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, A. Atkins, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I am interested to see where the next book leads their story. It ends on a cliff hanger, which I generally am not a fan of, but there is promise - yet so much history that could lead to a very interesting sequel. I think there is a good possibility that I would enjoy the next book even more considering that the characters will be older and I may find them more relatable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, A. Atkins, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2024
I requested this audiobook through Netgalley! Thank you for allowing me to read and review!
This is a story about Laney and Shane (our main characters) who are 14 and 17 when they meet. (16 and 18 for the majority of the story)
It’s a hard story of their 2 lives that have not been easy and they find refuge in each other. They know they can’t be together, not to mention her older brother Cary is a very dangerous person so there is a lot of back and forth tension between them.
We figure out fast that Laney had to grow up well before she should’ve had to, and this is part of who her character was made out to be. Having said that, I was a a bit uncomfortable with some of the detailed scenes between Shane and Laney being that the FMC was 16 for most of the book.
But I was really impressed with the authors writing and how we got a well rounded story from multiple points of view. The author went through some difficult topics, and that’s not an easy thing to do.
The mystery aspect of the book was interesting too. From the first page you know a murder takes place and throughout the book you have no idea who it involves, so as you get closer to it, you are trying to guess and I loved that.
The ending was definitely unexpected.
Altogether this was written very well and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. It was narrated beautifully! I also liked the newspaper articles and interviews here and there. It really gave the book a unique take while listening.
This is a story about Laney and Shane (our main characters) who are 14 and 17 when they meet. (16 and 18 for the majority of the story)
It’s a hard story of their 2 lives that have not been easy and they find refuge in each other. They know they can’t be together, not to mention her older brother Cary is a very dangerous person so there is a lot of back and forth tension between them.
We figure out fast that Laney had to grow up well before she should’ve had to, and this is part of who her character was made out to be. Having said that, I was a a bit uncomfortable with some of the detailed scenes between Shane and Laney being that the FMC was 16 for most of the book.
But I was really impressed with the authors writing and how we got a well rounded story from multiple points of view. The author went through some difficult topics, and that’s not an easy thing to do.
The mystery aspect of the book was interesting too. From the first page you know a murder takes place and throughout the book you have no idea who it involves, so as you get closer to it, you are trying to guess and I loved that.
The ending was definitely unexpected.
Altogether this was written very well and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. It was narrated beautifully! I also liked the newspaper articles and interviews here and there. It really gave the book a unique take while listening.
July 10, 2024
If I could give an example of my favorite kind of story, this would be it, aside from the ending.
I was sucked into this audio from the first chapter. The writing and narration were both incredible. I finish the audio in less than 24 hours. I could not stop listening.
I love how we got a point of view from all of the character. All of the characters were written perfectly. There isn't a single thing I would change about any of the characters.
I wanted to smack Shane more than once a long the way but I still loved everything about his character. He was super stubborn that's for sure. The love between him and Laney was absolutely amazing. You could feel it from the first second. They are literal soul mates. They need each other to be the best that they can be.
I was definitely shocked at the murder part of the story. I can not believe that Cary did what he did for Laney. I hated him through out the entire story until that point.
NOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW let's talk about the only thing I did not like.......... THE ENDING!!!!!! Come on Alex!!!! JK it just makes me want the next one even more!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Victor Editting for a copy of this audiobook (:
I was sucked into this audio from the first chapter. The writing and narration were both incredible. I finish the audio in less than 24 hours. I could not stop listening.
I love how we got a point of view from all of the character. All of the characters were written perfectly. There isn't a single thing I would change about any of the characters.
I wanted to smack Shane more than once a long the way but I still loved everything about his character. He was super stubborn that's for sure. The love between him and Laney was absolutely amazing. You could feel it from the first second. They are literal soul mates. They need each other to be the best that they can be.
I was definitely shocked at the murder part of the story. I can not believe that Cary did what he did for Laney. I hated him through out the entire story until that point.
NOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW let's talk about the only thing I did not like.......... THE ENDING!!!!!! Come on Alex!!!! JK it just makes me want the next one even more!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Victor Editting for a copy of this audiobook (:
July 16, 2024
Holy smokes what did I just read?? This one is going to stick with me for awhile. This was set in 1997. I couldn’t put it down and I love how the characters were written so well. The love story we witnessed was freaking amazing and the murder mystery was mind blowing 🤯 I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes 90’s grunge, drugs sex parties band Ts and corded phones .
July 8, 2024
GO READ THIS IMMEDIATELY!! Multiple POVs and I mean like multiple (random neighbor,teacher etc) which I absolutely loved. The way this was written 🤌🏼🤌🏼 perfection. I ate this up!! Someone I follow on TikTok recommended it, I downloaded it then I stayed up all night reading it. Laney and Shane 😮💨😮💨 This is a love story that takes place over several years. The nostalgia of the 90’s, the angst, the slow burn, it just all hit so perfect. Boyyyy did it wreck me though, put me back together just to do it all over again. I just really loved this book!! The mystery and the way it is presented throughout the book (autopsy report, interviews and news paper articles) I’ve never read a book like this. I can’t believe this is the authors debut novel!! 10/10 recommend. The cliffhanger has me beyond ready for book 2!!
July 6, 2024
Wow! This novel was amazing! Dark, gritty, messy, drugs, sex, poverty, unconditional love, redemption and a whole lot more. A fresh coming of age story! Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to listen.
April 15, 2024
thank you for allowing me to participate in my first ARC! I loved the multiple POVs, the interviews, the newspaper clipping at the beginning & the pop culture references.
I know some people don’t mind it but i was super uncomfy w the FMC’s age.
I know some people don’t mind it but i was super uncomfy w the FMC’s age.
August 13, 2024
90’s Grunge, Teenage-GRIT, Totally GUTTING…
Unputdownable tale of FORBIDDEN, young LOVE, ANGST, and real life that looks different from most of what we see on TV or in the movies… A. Atkins devises a singularly intricate plot. She not only outlines to readers the the various characters’ perspectives from as far away as a fly on the wall, but she also eventually briefly details the impact of global events on her very human characters’ lives.
This book kept me on edge (in one way or another) until I finished it. When the narrator said “The End,” I instantly thought there was NO WAY it just turned out like THAT. I even replayed the last chapters to ensure I understood. WOW! SO UNPREDICTABLE! And it honestly ends on a cliffhanger because this is BOOK 1, and there’s no chance BOOK 2 won’t pick up the thread. At least give us some for crying out loud! 😉
#ThemBones #netgalley #romanticsuspense #suspense #thriller #mystery #anticipation @ALEXATKINSWRITES @BookShell_F
Unputdownable tale of FORBIDDEN, young LOVE, ANGST, and real life that looks different from most of what we see on TV or in the movies… A. Atkins devises a singularly intricate plot. She not only outlines to readers the the various characters’ perspectives from as far away as a fly on the wall, but she also eventually briefly details the impact of global events on her very human characters’ lives.
This book kept me on edge (in one way or another) until I finished it. When the narrator said “The End,” I instantly thought there was NO WAY it just turned out like THAT. I even replayed the last chapters to ensure I understood. WOW! SO UNPREDICTABLE! And it honestly ends on a cliffhanger because this is BOOK 1, and there’s no chance BOOK 2 won’t pick up the thread. At least give us some for crying out loud! 😉
#ThemBones #netgalley #romanticsuspense #suspense #thriller #mystery #anticipation @ALEXATKINSWRITES @BookShell_F
October 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ loved, except for the last 5 words
August 14, 2024
*Them Bones* by A. Atkins is a dark and deeply emotional novel that captures the essence of the cozy '90s era. The story unfolds with a haunting intensity, blending nostalgia with a powerful emotional depth. Atkins' writing pulls you into a world that feels both familiar and unsettling, making this a compelling read for those who appreciate a mix of warmth and darkness.
March 14, 2024
Okay!! Listen, I have read a LOT of romance in the last little bit, while leaving my GoodReads account to languish a good long while. But I needed to review this one! I’m seeing the word “gritty” a lot and *yes* but what I need readers to understand is it’s gritty in the true Canadian 90s teen angst sense of the word. Vibe wise (not necessarily plot) I’m thinking GO with Sarah Polley, I’m thinking the more obscure Catwalk with Neve Campbell. It’s like My So Called Life meets Trainspotting meets . . . idk an alt rock 90s music video, but again, unabashedly Canadian in a way that feels natural and real.
There are certainly passages that are trigger-warning-worthy, but what’s important to me is that the story reads accurately for its time. It’s set before “trigger-warning” or even “consent” were the buzz words they are today. That’s the world I grew up in, for better or worse. Yes, there’s an age gap–2.5 years between two teens but still, I hear you–and actually the older MMC cares a lot more about that than the average guy did when I was a young teen, so much that it drives quite a bit of the “forbidden” romance plot. But I won’t be clutching my pearls about it when I remember which relationships were romanticized when I was watching TV in the 90s and early aughts, and the fact that romantic and sexual relationships with this kind of age gap did and do exist and can even be healthy if handled correctly. Which brings me to my next point: Is their relationship healthy? Like, not really? It is certainly compelling. But this is a book full of broken messed up people. That’s kind of the point. There’s ton of fucked up relationships, but also a handful of good people, and raw beautiful emotion. There’s drugs, violence, and sex. The “spice” as people call it is definitely hot, though I understand people being uncomfortable about the MC ages. But again, even today–if you’re watching any number of popular shows made featuring teenage relationships, you’ll see the same stuff in living colour.
The writing is on POINT (do people still say that lol). It stands out because it manages to be concise, yet empathetic. It’s somewhat detached because it’s written in 3rd person for every POV, but that distance is necessary. It’s not that you don’t get drawn in or feel with the characters–I did very much, but it’s more that you know you’re watching a trainwreck. It keeps you unsettled but unquestionably invested. The multiple POVs are handled very well.
Overall I think this is just the thing if you’re looking for something different from the typical romance genres. I don’t even know how to classify it exactly, but that’s a plus for me. It’s truly in a class of its own.
There are certainly passages that are trigger-warning-worthy, but what’s important to me is that the story reads accurately for its time. It’s set before “trigger-warning” or even “consent” were the buzz words they are today. That’s the world I grew up in, for better or worse. Yes, there’s an age gap–2.5 years between two teens but still, I hear you–and actually the older MMC cares a lot more about that than the average guy did when I was a young teen, so much that it drives quite a bit of the “forbidden” romance plot. But I won’t be clutching my pearls about it when I remember which relationships were romanticized when I was watching TV in the 90s and early aughts, and the fact that romantic and sexual relationships with this kind of age gap did and do exist and can even be healthy if handled correctly. Which brings me to my next point: Is their relationship healthy? Like, not really? It is certainly compelling. But this is a book full of broken messed up people. That’s kind of the point. There’s ton of fucked up relationships, but also a handful of good people, and raw beautiful emotion. There’s drugs, violence, and sex. The “spice” as people call it is definitely hot, though I understand people being uncomfortable about the MC ages. But again, even today–if you’re watching any number of popular shows made featuring teenage relationships, you’ll see the same stuff in living colour.
The writing is on POINT (do people still say that lol). It stands out because it manages to be concise, yet empathetic. It’s somewhat detached because it’s written in 3rd person for every POV, but that distance is necessary. It’s not that you don’t get drawn in or feel with the characters–I did very much, but it’s more that you know you’re watching a trainwreck. It keeps you unsettled but unquestionably invested. The multiple POVs are handled very well.
Overall I think this is just the thing if you’re looking for something different from the typical romance genres. I don’t even know how to classify it exactly, but that’s a plus for me. It’s truly in a class of its own.
April 2, 2024
PLOT:4⭐️
Romance:4❤️
Angst: 4😅
Spicy: a reasonable 1.5🌶
Overall: 4🌟
(Ratings are always outta 5)
I just finished... and I'm ANNOYED🤣🤣🤣 cause thats what a good book & a fukn cliffhanger does😫
Prologue Lines that shouldn't hit so hard but DO=
" He always looked like he was right on the verge of hanging himself or taking you to bed"
Well paced making for a smooth read - but pay attention
Bit of whirlwind of characters to track but not in an overwhelming way. The multiple POVs help you get a feel for the characters, and how everything comes together.
90s references are on point👌
Gritty, sketchy 90s nostalgia flows in the description and writing style
Story takes place over 3 years, set in late 90s, with a mysterious streetkid MMC Shane meeting a mouthy stubborn FMC Laney (my favorite!) And accidentally assaulting her but trying to defend himself. Its a knee jerk impulse reaction okay listen go read the book. Just do that.
Characters also start off as KIDS 14 &17 having story develop sweet, tense, unresolved feelings for a bit but plot did not drag with how Atkins weaved the words and the POVs thoughts/ feelings.
Shane is the teenage Boy trying to do the best he can and boy does it tear at the heartstrings.. esp knowing exactly how this feels to Laney. OOOF I'll say it again so I don't spoiler- Go Read The Book.
2 Things that I struggled with but how it was covered helped since it was done in an overcast way
1) Drugs / teens doing drugs
2) teen sex
I cannot get over how well she wrote.. what feels like my life🤣🤣 exact shit I would have pulled in those Years so I assume it's the cause being a 90s kid.
I instantly connected with the characters the sass, the banter, the troubled youth. It was a book i could not and did not want to put down.
One last piece I will say.. It was immensely interesting and unique how Alex chose to describe certain energy shifts of characters, the images it conquered, and the feeling of otherworldlybess or magic.. especially when the characters first meet each other and at tense situations. I've never read anything like it before.
Ms @Alexhit it outta the park👌👏👏👏👏
On KU. On Paperback sooon. Support a Canadian author!!!
Romance:4❤️
Angst: 4😅
Spicy: a reasonable 1.5🌶
Overall: 4🌟
(Ratings are always outta 5)
I just finished... and I'm ANNOYED🤣🤣🤣 cause thats what a good book & a fukn cliffhanger does😫
Prologue Lines that shouldn't hit so hard but DO=
" He always looked like he was right on the verge of hanging himself or taking you to bed"
Well paced making for a smooth read - but pay attention
Bit of whirlwind of characters to track but not in an overwhelming way. The multiple POVs help you get a feel for the characters, and how everything comes together.
90s references are on point👌
Gritty, sketchy 90s nostalgia flows in the description and writing style
Story takes place over 3 years, set in late 90s, with a mysterious streetkid MMC Shane meeting a mouthy stubborn FMC Laney (my favorite!) And accidentally assaulting her but trying to defend himself. Its a knee jerk impulse reaction okay listen go read the book. Just do that.
Characters also start off as KIDS 14 &17 having story develop sweet, tense, unresolved feelings for a bit but plot did not drag with how Atkins weaved the words and the POVs thoughts/ feelings.
Shane is the teenage Boy trying to do the best he can and boy does it tear at the heartstrings.. esp knowing exactly how this feels to Laney. OOOF I'll say it again so I don't spoiler- Go Read The Book.
2 Things that I struggled with but how it was covered helped since it was done in an overcast way
1) Drugs / teens doing drugs
2) teen sex
I cannot get over how well she wrote.. what feels like my life🤣🤣 exact shit I would have pulled in those Years so I assume it's the cause being a 90s kid.
I instantly connected with the characters the sass, the banter, the troubled youth. It was a book i could not and did not want to put down.
One last piece I will say.. It was immensely interesting and unique how Alex chose to describe certain energy shifts of characters, the images it conquered, and the feeling of otherworldlybess or magic.. especially when the characters first meet each other and at tense situations. I've never read anything like it before.
Ms @Alexhit it outta the park👌👏👏👏👏
On KU. On Paperback sooon. Support a Canadian author!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
DNF at 30% so I'm aware that I did not complete the book.
The story behind the "romance" is very interesting, but I am VEHEMENTLY uncomfortable with the blatant sexualization of a 14-year-old. The FMC starts off at the age of 14, and the MC is 17. So I guess the justification is that they're both minors but the way they empathize adult men's reactions to Laney was awful. AND THEN IT WAS JUSTIFIED??? BECAUSE LANEY 'ACTS LIKE AN ADULT'??? No way. I just absolutely do not want to read about a 17-year-old almost c*mming in his jeans over this child and people looking at the FMC like she's a 'b*tch in heat.'
My only positive is that the writing style is super easy to comprehend and flows very nicely between the multiple POVs. If the ages of the main characters were much older, maybe I would go back to it.
DNF at 30% so I'm aware that I did not complete the book.
The story behind the "romance" is very interesting, but I am VEHEMENTLY uncomfortable with the blatant sexualization of a 14-year-old. The FMC starts off at the age of 14, and the MC is 17. So I guess the justification is that they're both minors but the way they empathize adult men's reactions to Laney was awful. AND THEN IT WAS JUSTIFIED??? BECAUSE LANEY 'ACTS LIKE AN ADULT'??? No way. I just absolutely do not want to read about a 17-year-old almost c*mming in his jeans over this child and people looking at the FMC like she's a 'b*tch in heat.'
My only positive is that the writing style is super easy to comprehend and flows very nicely between the multiple POVs. If the ages of the main characters were much older, maybe I would go back to it.
July 8, 2024
I don’t really know what to say except I loved every tense angsty minute of this book except [redacted]. When I say I want a book to devour and destroy me this is what I mean. I just wish it had the decency to [redacted]. How unfortunate that this is the authors debut novel. I’d give it all up to read more especially when the male main character [redacted]!!!!!!
March 18, 2024
This is one of those books that leaves you reeling even after you put it down. From page one, you are sucked into a rich and poignant story of two troubled individuals whose lives end up colliding. I didn't know what to expect, but my heart ached for these characters and I cried a lot.
It's not a typical romance novel, but the love depicted is visceral and compelling. Also, it was really fun to have 90s Canada depicted so well in a book, the nostalgia for me added a whole other level of emotion.
I highly recommend Them Bones and I will be watching for more books from A. Atkins, who is a definite must-read author.
It's not a typical romance novel, but the love depicted is visceral and compelling. Also, it was really fun to have 90s Canada depicted so well in a book, the nostalgia for me added a whole other level of emotion.
I highly recommend Them Bones and I will be watching for more books from A. Atkins, who is a definite must-read author.
April 13, 2024
Whelp that was crushing. When is the next one coming?
January 19, 2025
“𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
💿 Grunge-inspired
💿 Set in Canada in the 90s
💿 Music References
💿 Doomed Love
💿 Teen Angst
💿 90s Nostalgia
💿 Buffy the Vampire Slayer References
💿 Heart-wrenching Suspense
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰-𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥.”
Laney’s personality was like looking in a mirror and seeing my teenage self staring back.
This book had my heart in my throat reading it. It takes a hell of a lot for a book to make me cry but this did it. There is so much passion, heart, sadness, and love in this story. This is the kind of story you can enter and just keep sinking into, until you feel like you’re down in a hole of this book. (I initially wanted to write this review sneaking in as many AIC songs as I could, but decided it deserved something more heartfelt. I couldn’t resist at least one though.)
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.“
A. Atkins does an amazing job keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout, with teasers of the future ramping up the anxiety and anticipation. The multimedia news clippings, interviews, & autopsy reports were such a cool inclusion!
I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy of this - I know it’s going to be one that is added into my reread rotation again and again.
💿 Grunge-inspired
💿 Set in Canada in the 90s
💿 Music References
💿 Doomed Love
💿 Teen Angst
💿 90s Nostalgia
💿 Buffy the Vampire Slayer References
💿 Heart-wrenching Suspense
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰-𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥.”
Laney’s personality was like looking in a mirror and seeing my teenage self staring back.
This book had my heart in my throat reading it. It takes a hell of a lot for a book to make me cry but this did it. There is so much passion, heart, sadness, and love in this story. This is the kind of story you can enter and just keep sinking into, until you feel like you’re down in a hole of this book. (I initially wanted to write this review sneaking in as many AIC songs as I could, but decided it deserved something more heartfelt. I couldn’t resist at least one though.)
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.“
A. Atkins does an amazing job keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout, with teasers of the future ramping up the anxiety and anticipation. The multimedia news clippings, interviews, & autopsy reports were such a cool inclusion!
I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy of this - I know it’s going to be one that is added into my reread rotation again and again.
July 24, 2024
This was so good, but I'm so annoyed at the ending!! Whyyy :(
The audiobook was beautifully narrated, I was so engrossed in it- I didn't want to stop, ever. I had to finish it, to know how it ended.
I loved our main characters, and the age gap didn't irk me (they meet when they're 14-17; and are together when they're 16-19). I guess, because I remember being that age and don't think she did anything before she was ready for it. I wasn't uncomfortable because I could see how he trully cared for her, and kept holding her back from doing anything he didn't think she was ready for.
I was, of course, rooting for them. Especially because almost all the men in Laney's life are creeps who find a 14 year-old hot and wanted her, including her brother-ew. And Shane, at least, protected her from unwanted attention. But that's a big thing about this book, most characters suck. Except Shane, Laney, Dustin, and the men who takes them in. That's it. Don't get me wrong, they still did stupid things that annoyed me, but they're very loveable.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity of immersing myself in this story in exchange for an honest review; and thank you to the author and editor as well! I can't wait to read a sequel to this, and they better end up together or my heart won't make it<33
The audiobook was beautifully narrated, I was so engrossed in it- I didn't want to stop, ever. I had to finish it, to know how it ended.
I loved our main characters, and the age gap didn't irk me (they meet when they're 14-17; and are together when they're 16-19). I guess, because I remember being that age and don't think she did anything before she was ready for it. I wasn't uncomfortable because I could see how he trully cared for her, and kept holding her back from doing anything he didn't think she was ready for.
I was, of course, rooting for them. Especially because almost all the men in Laney's life are creeps who find a 14 year-old hot and wanted her, including her brother-ew. And Shane, at least, protected her from unwanted attention. But that's a big thing about this book, most characters suck. Except Shane, Laney, Dustin, and the men who takes them in. That's it. Don't get me wrong, they still did stupid things that annoyed me, but they're very loveable.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity of immersing myself in this story in exchange for an honest review; and thank you to the author and editor as well! I can't wait to read a sequel to this, and they better end up together or my heart won't make it<33
July 4, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook.
In this Romeo & Juliet-esque story, two kids (yes, kids - the FMC is 14-17 and the MMC is 16-18 throughout the story) are magnetically drawn to one another but resist their urges to be together because of their age difference and the threat of Laney’s dangerous older brother, Cary. This was very much a coming of age story in addition to a romance. I loved the 90s nostalgia thrown in and I adored the little brother Dustin.
This is being marketed at a mystery/thriller romance (at least per NetGalley) and it did not feel like mystery/thriller by any stretch of the imagination in my opinion. It has some very adult themes (CSA, drug use, sexual content, and murder just to name a few) but still feels like it should be marketed as YA and maybe toned down just a bit due to the ages of the characters, particularly Laney. The audio format was great and the narrator did a wonderful job.
In this Romeo & Juliet-esque story, two kids (yes, kids - the FMC is 14-17 and the MMC is 16-18 throughout the story) are magnetically drawn to one another but resist their urges to be together because of their age difference and the threat of Laney’s dangerous older brother, Cary. This was very much a coming of age story in addition to a romance. I loved the 90s nostalgia thrown in and I adored the little brother Dustin.
This is being marketed at a mystery/thriller romance (at least per NetGalley) and it did not feel like mystery/thriller by any stretch of the imagination in my opinion. It has some very adult themes (CSA, drug use, sexual content, and murder just to name a few) but still feels like it should be marketed as YA and maybe toned down just a bit due to the ages of the characters, particularly Laney. The audio format was great and the narrator did a wonderful job.
December 10, 2024
“Better to break her heart and save her, than save her heart and break her.”
There is something inherently Canadian about this book (aside from the fact that it takes place in Canada…) that is hard to describe it but, it’s a vibe. Like a feeling of displacement and having to carve out a space for all your jagged edges with whatever you can find in the landscape. You find comfort, but the edges are still raw.
I loved the additional POVs. It offered more than just clarity; they really added to the heavy energy and sense of foreboding. Knowing it wasn’t just these two star-crossed lovers being sucked into their own little world - their gravity pulled everyone in. This story is about a young couple in love and the odds are against them, but it’s also so much bigger than that and I can’t say enough good things about it.
I can’t wait to see what you do next.
There is something inherently Canadian about this book (aside from the fact that it takes place in Canada…) that is hard to describe it but, it’s a vibe. Like a feeling of displacement and having to carve out a space for all your jagged edges with whatever you can find in the landscape. You find comfort, but the edges are still raw.
I loved the additional POVs. It offered more than just clarity; they really added to the heavy energy and sense of foreboding. Knowing it wasn’t just these two star-crossed lovers being sucked into their own little world - their gravity pulled everyone in. This story is about a young couple in love and the odds are against them, but it’s also so much bigger than that and I can’t say enough good things about it.
I can’t wait to see what you do next.
July 4, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars. Dnf at 40% but I did listen to the last two chapters. I understand that my review doesn’t include the entire book
I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and I did like some of the characters. I felt the book was well written. I just couldn’t get over the age difference between the two main characters and how basically very single adult male looked at 14 year old Laney and wanted to f$ck her. Even the one adult who looked out for Laney and Dustin made a comment to Shane that she is basically an adult and it’s ok for the adult to sexualize her.
2 stars. Dnf at 40% but I did listen to the last two chapters. I understand that my review doesn’t include the entire book
I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and I did like some of the characters. I felt the book was well written. I just couldn’t get over the age difference between the two main characters and how basically very single adult male looked at 14 year old Laney and wanted to f$ck her. Even the one adult who looked out for Laney and Dustin made a comment to Shane that she is basically an adult and it’s ok for the adult to sexualize her.
October 4, 2024
The way the tension and uneasiness of the whole situation and home life was set was excellent. I was anxious the whole time but had no idea which way things would go. Knowing up front that there is a violent crime involved only added to my nerves. I’m not usually a fan of underage relationships now that I’m significantly beyond that stage of my life but this one was done well and I was rooting for Shane and Laney before long. The end has me shook though. I know there’s a duet novel coming but I don’t want to wait to know what happens! Overall, excellent book and I will definitely be reading the next one!
August 12, 2024
Let me say that I loved this book but that ending? Ma'am, how dare you. Straight to jail.
This book has really dark, gritty, 90s grunge vibes and being a teen in the late 90s, the nostalgia vibes were 100% there for me. I know it's not for everyone but I really loved the multiple POVs - even if you only got that's person's POV only once in the book. I also loved the addition of the police reports and news articles. This is definitely a book you'll want to read. I really wanted to listen to the audiobook but glad I read it instead cos I would've missed out on that.
I loved that Shane and Lainey's story isn't all hearts and flowers. I wouldn't exactly say this was a mystery/thriller but maybe mystery/thriller lite? I definitely kept wondering throughout the book who died and who did the killing (assuming it wasn't an accident) so that aspect is definitely there but this isn't your typical romance and isn't your typical mystery/thriller.
I do have a small critique about the reviews that I've seen on TikTok and how this book shows up on Goodreads - people haven't been talking about this book as a duet and it isn't referenced as a duet here like most series so I was SUPER thrown by the ending - like more than just the blown away at the ending. I get that it's a me issue cos most people are getting this off the zon and it's referenced as a duet there but still, it was a shock to my system when I was plowing through to the end at 2 am and finding out that I'm gonna have to wait for book 2 for what I *hope* will be an HEA and who knows when that's coming. That said, I will be 100% be there for book 2.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
This book has really dark, gritty, 90s grunge vibes and being a teen in the late 90s, the nostalgia vibes were 100% there for me. I know it's not for everyone but I really loved the multiple POVs - even if you only got that's person's POV only once in the book. I also loved the addition of the police reports and news articles. This is definitely a book you'll want to read. I really wanted to listen to the audiobook but glad I read it instead cos I would've missed out on that.
I loved that Shane and Lainey's story isn't all hearts and flowers. I wouldn't exactly say this was a mystery/thriller but maybe mystery/thriller lite? I definitely kept wondering throughout the book who died and who did the killing (assuming it wasn't an accident) so that aspect is definitely there but this isn't your typical romance and isn't your typical mystery/thriller.
I do have a small critique about the reviews that I've seen on TikTok and how this book shows up on Goodreads - people haven't been talking about this book as a duet and it isn't referenced as a duet here like most series so I was SUPER thrown by the ending - like more than just the blown away at the ending. I get that it's a me issue cos most people are getting this off the zon and it's referenced as a duet there but still, it was a shock to my system when I was plowing through to the end at 2 am and finding out that I'm gonna have to wait for book 2 for what I *hope* will be an HEA and who knows when that's coming. That said, I will be 100% be there for book 2.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
August 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ very entertaining and lots of drama but hated the age gap.
July 24, 2024
Unfortunately I couldn’t stay connected to this story, the multiple pov threw me off and I kind of felt lost through it. I think if you like Several POV you would like this one. I did enjoy the fake news articles that the author put into the book. And the ending wasn’t what I expected.
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