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Burn & Break Duet #1
When August Burns: Burn & Break Duet Book 1
Tragedy struck the girl I promised to protect.Too bad she needs protection from me.
I’m just looking to survive.High school.Graduation.The overwhelming guilt I carry from a dark secret.
Sky Winters is looking for self-discovery—a way to uncover the brave girl she was always meant to be.
In only two months, she strips away my defenses and reveals the selfish guy underneath.No matter how much I fight the feelings, fight the desires, I crumble, falling for the one girl I can never have.
Love is what she gave me.Lies are what I gave her.
As secrets unravel and hearts shatter, I’m given no choice but to walk away and never return.
I’m just looking to survive.High school.Graduation.The overwhelming guilt I carry from a dark secret.
Sky Winters is looking for self-discovery—a way to uncover the brave girl she was always meant to be.
In only two months, she strips away my defenses and reveals the selfish guy underneath.No matter how much I fight the feelings, fight the desires, I crumble, falling for the one girl I can never have.
Love is what she gave me.Lies are what I gave her.
As secrets unravel and hearts shatter, I’m given no choice but to walk away and never return.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2024
18 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Alexander
7 books20 followersHi!!! Welcome to my Goodreads Account!!
If you don't know me, I used to write under Ashley Kay, A. Kay, and I've finally settled on Ashley Alexander.
I also use a pen name, Penn Wilder for anything that isn't small town contemporary!
I love iced coffee, house plants, cats, and spending time with my husband and three kids! Oh and reading. LOTS of reading and writing, of course!
Author also writes under A. Kay
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 22, 2024
Amazing High School Romance Book !!!
I really loved this book. I was instantly drawn into the book from chapter one! I fell head over heels in love with Sky and the storyline. I was totally all in my feelings while reading this book! I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends and family! I can't wait for book two to be released!
Outstanding job, Ashley!!!
I really loved this book. I was instantly drawn into the book from chapter one! I fell head over heels in love with Sky and the storyline. I was totally all in my feelings while reading this book! I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends and family! I can't wait for book two to be released!
Outstanding job, Ashley!!!
April 25, 2024
My poor heart. My goodness I was not ready for this heart ache!
But don’t let that deter you away from this book, it needs to be read! Just know going in your heart will break and be left on a cliffhanger.
Right away you get hit with such heartache. Poor little Sky, my gosh this little girl has been through so much. I was happy when August made his way into her life. Made my heart happy she had SOMEONE out there that wanted to be around her. I just loved getting the glimpses of how their story began. Taking those few trips back in time really helped you see just how much they truly meant to each other!
I will say I was shocked that they lost touch with each other, even though they still went to the same high school and all. I was chomping at the bits just wanting them to at least be friends again and to find out the story behind their fallout. But what I got was even better!!
Then comes the part that just ripped my heart out. That ending, you get all the truths but I was not expecting all of what comes out. Holy moly was that a twist I did not see and it broke me.
Needless to say this story was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. I cannot wait for part 2 to come out of this duet!
.
.
.
4️⃣.5️⃣⭐️
🌶️🌶️(both MC’s are virgins but they will give you a little bit of shockingly good spice!)
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
9/10 recommendation
But don’t let that deter you away from this book, it needs to be read! Just know going in your heart will break and be left on a cliffhanger.
Right away you get hit with such heartache. Poor little Sky, my gosh this little girl has been through so much. I was happy when August made his way into her life. Made my heart happy she had SOMEONE out there that wanted to be around her. I just loved getting the glimpses of how their story began. Taking those few trips back in time really helped you see just how much they truly meant to each other!
I will say I was shocked that they lost touch with each other, even though they still went to the same high school and all. I was chomping at the bits just wanting them to at least be friends again and to find out the story behind their fallout. But what I got was even better!!
Then comes the part that just ripped my heart out. That ending, you get all the truths but I was not expecting all of what comes out. Holy moly was that a twist I did not see and it broke me.
Needless to say this story was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. I cannot wait for part 2 to come out of this duet!
.
.
.
4️⃣.5️⃣⭐️
🌶️🌶️(both MC’s are virgins but they will give you a little bit of shockingly good spice!)
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
9/10 recommendation
April 21, 2024
Thank you to the author for this ARC to read and review!
✨ When August Burns is book 1 in the Burn & Break Duet.
When August met Sky, she was young and vulnerable. He took it on himself to become her friend and protect her as much as he could. They grew up together before being torn apart and brought back together years later.
Now August is keeping a dark secret and he needs to stay away from Sky. After being paired together for a school project, they are forced to work together. But can August work with Sky without getting too close?
Favourite Quotes:
🩷 “She’s the girl you’d drop anything and everything for.”
🩷 “When August burns, he blazes bright, and I’d gladly incinerate just to see it.”
🩷 “I tilt her chin with my finger so she can read the determination on my face. ‘One day, we’ll be free.’ I promise.”
This book is equally heartbreaking and beautiful. My heart ached for all these characters were put through and the story of how their lives have intertwined for so long.
While the layout was a little confusing at first because it is dual POV and also told in a mix of flashbacks and present time, the chapters are well labeled and the pieces fall together as you read, which ultimately creates a beautiful story of loss, secrets, first love, and more 💜
💕 When August Burns will be released this week on April 26, 2024!
✨ When August Burns is book 1 in the Burn & Break Duet.
When August met Sky, she was young and vulnerable. He took it on himself to become her friend and protect her as much as he could. They grew up together before being torn apart and brought back together years later.
Now August is keeping a dark secret and he needs to stay away from Sky. After being paired together for a school project, they are forced to work together. But can August work with Sky without getting too close?
Favourite Quotes:
🩷 “She’s the girl you’d drop anything and everything for.”
🩷 “When August burns, he blazes bright, and I’d gladly incinerate just to see it.”
🩷 “I tilt her chin with my finger so she can read the determination on my face. ‘One day, we’ll be free.’ I promise.”
This book is equally heartbreaking and beautiful. My heart ached for all these characters were put through and the story of how their lives have intertwined for so long.
While the layout was a little confusing at first because it is dual POV and also told in a mix of flashbacks and present time, the chapters are well labeled and the pieces fall together as you read, which ultimately creates a beautiful story of loss, secrets, first love, and more 💜
💕 When August Burns will be released this week on April 26, 2024!
April 25, 2024
It’s such a good book, it is a lovely slowburn but I’ve read it in one sitting bevause, it completely sucks you in! Deff a recomendation!
April 15, 2024
This story had me emotionally invested from the beginning. If two people ever needed to be loved is Sky and August. Their backstory was heartbreaking at times especially with all the flashback scenes but the way they found each other was beyond beautiful. For such an emotional story is was beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. This does finish on a cliffhanger and I personally cannot wait to read it. I received a complementary copy from the author.
April 13, 2024
My heart is broken and fully in love with this story. It is slow burn, angsty perfection. I felt every emotion possible right along with these characters. Just beautifully done. So thankful I won't have to wait long for that second book!
April 21, 2024
Wow I cannot stop thinking about this book! This book took me through so many emotions. The storyline and characters were well developed. I enjoyed how Sky’s and August’s story was told with their history and present intertwined eventually coming full circle.
Making it through high school is hard enough but with all the obstacles throughout their lives and dark secret looming I was unable to put this book down.
I am anxiously awaiting the second book and so glad it won’t be long!!
Overall brilliant story and excellent writing from this author.
Thank you to the author! It was truly a pleasure to be an ARC reader for this book. ♥️
Making it through high school is hard enough but with all the obstacles throughout their lives and dark secret looming I was unable to put this book down.
I am anxiously awaiting the second book and so glad it won’t be long!!
Overall brilliant story and excellent writing from this author.
Thank you to the author! It was truly a pleasure to be an ARC reader for this book. ♥️
July 21, 2024
It’s a heart-wrenching rollercoaster of emotions. This one pulled me in. The slow burn romance between Sky and August is beautifully portrayed, and their personal history adds layers of heartache and resilience. Ashley’s storytelling pace is perfect, allowing the emotions to seep through every page. But beware—the cliffhanger at the end will leave you breathless! I’m eagerly awaiting book two to find out what happens next. 📚❤️
April 22, 2024
When August Burns is the first book in Alexander's Burn & Break Duet. The conclusion of this story, When Sky Breaks, releases May 2024.
The story features Sky Winters and August Moore. Both have endured difficult childhoods. Sky was abused by her father and mostly ignored by her mother. She was unofficially home schooled, and told to stay in their house. She didn't really know anyone or have any friends... until August. They met when Sky was nine and August was 11. As soon as August saw her, he was drawn to her. They became secret friends, until tragedy tore them apart.
Eight years ago, Sky was adopted by Foster Berry, a large man with an even larger heart. Foster's son, Trek, became her brother, and together they became the loving family she never had. Today her life is very different. She attends high school, she has a best friend named Phoebe Farris, and while she no longer lives in fear of being struck, her trauma endures.
August, her best (and only) friend when she was nine, won't even acknowledge her now. She doesn't fully understand why, only knowing that he and Trek, who were best friends back then, had a falling out. August is now a social outcast. Everyone gossips about him and he keeps to himself. Unfortunately even though he won't give her the time of day, Sky still sees him as the little boy who taught her to whistle and shared his secret refuge with her. While she yearns for him, she would be happy if he would be her friend once again.
This book flips back and forth between present and past, telling their story through dual POVs. We see how these two damaged souls come together to try to heal one another. They offer each other something everyone needs and deserves to have - love. Wishing they could do more for each other, they recognize that, as children there are certain limitations. And then as (almost) adults, there is the possibility of a second chance, but can they put aside the past to embrace the present recognizing there is no chance for a future?
This was the first of Alexander's books I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was quickly captivated by the storyline and these beautiful and damaged characters. The strength these two little souls demonstrate while weathering terrible childhoods is inspiring. They try their best not to let their circumstances harden their hearts. While never having experienced love, they inately know how to demonstrate it, and shine brightest when sharing moments of joy and connection.
We know something happened, and that this something has brought about a huge rift in their relationship, but we don't learn what that something was until the very end. *Heads up - this book ends with a heart wrenching cliffhanger!* As readers, we hunger for a HEA, but instead we get a short term HFN, until the truth is revealed, and the pain the character experiences is heartbreaking.
I am glad I won't have to wait too long to read the conclusion of this story. I'm hoping the author heals my aching heart, but time will tell.
Before I conclude my review, I'd like to share a few of my favourite lines:
But what do I know about love? Only that it hurts. And when you're the one who's done the hurting? Then there's no amount of forgiveness left in the world to absolve you.
For far too long, my days were dark and full of misery. Living with abusive parents dime anything resembling happiness. It's a facade capable of disappearing after your next breath. My therapist at the group home would likely say I'm making my problems, and that's why I still have nightmares. That may be true, but she also said I'm the one in charge of my destiny.
When August burns, he blazes bright, and I'd gladly incinerate just to see it.
I encourage you to check this one out. It is a beautiful story of loss and love, secrets and lies.
The story features Sky Winters and August Moore. Both have endured difficult childhoods. Sky was abused by her father and mostly ignored by her mother. She was unofficially home schooled, and told to stay in their house. She didn't really know anyone or have any friends... until August. They met when Sky was nine and August was 11. As soon as August saw her, he was drawn to her. They became secret friends, until tragedy tore them apart.
Eight years ago, Sky was adopted by Foster Berry, a large man with an even larger heart. Foster's son, Trek, became her brother, and together they became the loving family she never had. Today her life is very different. She attends high school, she has a best friend named Phoebe Farris, and while she no longer lives in fear of being struck, her trauma endures.
August, her best (and only) friend when she was nine, won't even acknowledge her now. She doesn't fully understand why, only knowing that he and Trek, who were best friends back then, had a falling out. August is now a social outcast. Everyone gossips about him and he keeps to himself. Unfortunately even though he won't give her the time of day, Sky still sees him as the little boy who taught her to whistle and shared his secret refuge with her. While she yearns for him, she would be happy if he would be her friend once again.
This book flips back and forth between present and past, telling their story through dual POVs. We see how these two damaged souls come together to try to heal one another. They offer each other something everyone needs and deserves to have - love. Wishing they could do more for each other, they recognize that, as children there are certain limitations. And then as (almost) adults, there is the possibility of a second chance, but can they put aside the past to embrace the present recognizing there is no chance for a future?
This was the first of Alexander's books I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was quickly captivated by the storyline and these beautiful and damaged characters. The strength these two little souls demonstrate while weathering terrible childhoods is inspiring. They try their best not to let their circumstances harden their hearts. While never having experienced love, they inately know how to demonstrate it, and shine brightest when sharing moments of joy and connection.
We know something happened, and that this something has brought about a huge rift in their relationship, but we don't learn what that something was until the very end. *Heads up - this book ends with a heart wrenching cliffhanger!* As readers, we hunger for a HEA, but instead we get a short term HFN, until the truth is revealed, and the pain the character experiences is heartbreaking.
I am glad I won't have to wait too long to read the conclusion of this story. I'm hoping the author heals my aching heart, but time will tell.
Before I conclude my review, I'd like to share a few of my favourite lines:
But what do I know about love? Only that it hurts. And when you're the one who's done the hurting? Then there's no amount of forgiveness left in the world to absolve you.
For far too long, my days were dark and full of misery. Living with abusive parents dime anything resembling happiness. It's a facade capable of disappearing after your next breath. My therapist at the group home would likely say I'm making my problems, and that's why I still have nightmares. That may be true, but she also said I'm the one in charge of my destiny.
When August burns, he blazes bright, and I'd gladly incinerate just to see it.
I encourage you to check this one out. It is a beautiful story of loss and love, secrets and lies.
April 26, 2024
"When August burns, he blazes bright, and I'd gladly incinerate just to see it."
This story between Sky and August was truly beautiful but also, tragic and heartbreaking. This was an incredibly emotional book, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I just cried throughout but it was so worth it in the end. It was written so beautifully that every second felt real. It drags you in from the very beginning to the very end and that cliff-hanger?! I definitely cannot wait for book 2 because I need to know what happens next.
Sky and August went through so much in their childhoods and were there to support each other when they could but then they lost touch in high school?! Um, what?! I was eagerly waiting to find out what happened and why they had a falling out but it got so much better and I loved every second.
That ending though, that cliffhanger, agh! My heart was ripped out of my chest and thrown to another world because I was not prepared. The second part of this duet is something I'll be *not so patiently* waiting for because I need answers!!
This story between Sky and August was truly beautiful but also, tragic and heartbreaking. This was an incredibly emotional book, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I just cried throughout but it was so worth it in the end. It was written so beautifully that every second felt real. It drags you in from the very beginning to the very end and that cliff-hanger?! I definitely cannot wait for book 2 because I need to know what happens next.
Sky and August went through so much in their childhoods and were there to support each other when they could but then they lost touch in high school?! Um, what?! I was eagerly waiting to find out what happened and why they had a falling out but it got so much better and I loved every second.
That ending though, that cliffhanger, agh! My heart was ripped out of my chest and thrown to another world because I was not prepared. The second part of this duet is something I'll be *not so patiently* waiting for because I need answers!!
April 28, 2024
For someone who doesn’t like books that make me cry WHY OH WHY is this my third book in a row where my emotions feel so raw and my eyes are stinging from crying. Most of all, why do I love all of them.
This book, it’s lucky I love angst because I got dished a load of it. August and Sky both suffer through trauma with terrible parents. August befriends Sky and they try to be that healing force for each other. Keep in mind they are children at this point. Years later they reconnect but things have changed for August and he’s a loner at school with no time for Sky. Things slowly evolve for them, and what follows is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story where lies and secrets stand centre stage waiting to erupt.
Told in dual timeline, this story will draw you in and break your heart, especially the cliffhanger. Luckily, the second book comes out in May so not too long a wait. I have recently seen people asking for tearjerker recommendations and I am glad to say I’ve found this one for them.
Thank you to Ashley Alexander for the arc. A new to me author, you have blown
This book, it’s lucky I love angst because I got dished a load of it. August and Sky both suffer through trauma with terrible parents. August befriends Sky and they try to be that healing force for each other. Keep in mind they are children at this point. Years later they reconnect but things have changed for August and he’s a loner at school with no time for Sky. Things slowly evolve for them, and what follows is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story where lies and secrets stand centre stage waiting to erupt.
Told in dual timeline, this story will draw you in and break your heart, especially the cliffhanger. Luckily, the second book comes out in May so not too long a wait. I have recently seen people asking for tearjerker recommendations and I am glad to say I’ve found this one for them.
Thank you to Ashley Alexander for the arc. A new to me author, you have blown
April 21, 2024
When August Burns by Ashley Alexander
Burn and Break Duet book 1
389 Pages
Release date 26th April 2024
Where do I even start, I cannot begin to describe the feelings I had throughout reading this book!
I really struggled to put this book down it was such a rollercoaster of a journey, full of love and angst, and I ate it all up!
They may have shared traumatic pasts and bond over the said trauma but there chemistry... damn it's thick and you could cut it with a knife.
He promised to keep away from her but he couldn't especially when they get paired together for their final project, knowing that he is leaving in a couple of months getting close to her is the last thing on his mind, especially when that means hurting her.
I cannot wait for book 2 and explore what's next for Sky and August, her relationship with Trek, ahh I will be onto he edge until then!
For fans of Small Town Romance, Slow Burn, I would highly recommend you give this a read!
Burn and Break Duet book 1
389 Pages
Release date 26th April 2024
Where do I even start, I cannot begin to describe the feelings I had throughout reading this book!
I really struggled to put this book down it was such a rollercoaster of a journey, full of love and angst, and I ate it all up!
They may have shared traumatic pasts and bond over the said trauma but there chemistry... damn it's thick and you could cut it with a knife.
He promised to keep away from her but he couldn't especially when they get paired together for their final project, knowing that he is leaving in a couple of months getting close to her is the last thing on his mind, especially when that means hurting her.
I cannot wait for book 2 and explore what's next for Sky and August, her relationship with Trek, ahh I will be onto he edge until then!
For fans of Small Town Romance, Slow Burn, I would highly recommend you give this a read!
April 21, 2024
⭐️ I received this amazing book as an ARC. ⭐️
First of all; thank you so, so much to Ashley Alexander for letting me read this. I’m very grateful!
TW: death of a parent, death of a sibling, abuse against a child, alcoholism and child abandonment.
Second…. That cliffhanger 😭😭😭 wow!
The history between August and Sky are probably the saddest one I have read in a long time. They bonded because of their shitty parents.
I gotta say I love Foster and I think he is an amazing father and person.. but I kinda hate Trek. What a shitty friend he is towards August!
I was hooked with story from the beginning and all my emotion came in to play throughout this story. Both sad, happy, angry, frustrated etc.
I cannot wait to see if August and Sky are going to get through this. Absolutely loved this story!!
April 25, 2024
“When August Burns” is a love story that begins when two small children meet during distressing circumstances and reconnect during their last year in high school. Though time has passed, August holds a secret that could be detrimental to Sky and how she feels about August. But his time in the small town is short-lived, and they both agree to be together until the end of the school year.
“When August Burns” is a tragic story. August and Sky have such a special relationship. The slow build-up that is established early on conveys August’s protective side. So much of the story is emotional, whether it’s the character’s history, their love for each other, the decisions that they’ve made, and ultimately, the cliffhanger. I felt everything. Book 2 will be released in May. I enjoyed every part of the story and am eager to read on.
“When August Burns” is a tragic story. August and Sky have such a special relationship. The slow build-up that is established early on conveys August’s protective side. So much of the story is emotional, whether it’s the character’s history, their love for each other, the decisions that they’ve made, and ultimately, the cliffhanger. I felt everything. Book 2 will be released in May. I enjoyed every part of the story and am eager to read on.
May 1, 2024
This book follows August and Sky who both have terrible childhoods and have never had the love of a parent and they are drawn to each from a very young age forming a beautiful friendship where they both feel safe but August pulls away from Sky after she is taken into care and fostered by his best friend’s dad and Sky just doesn’t know why, and when they are thrown back together she is desperate to understand why because she has always been in love with him but the truth could break them both.
I loved this new adult novel and as it is a duet I felt we got enough background and build up to understand each character and their growth and development the flashbacks were a perfect addition allowing us to set the scene and imagine how everything played out - and the ending I need book 2 because I refuse to think that is where these 2 end!
I loved this new adult novel and as it is a duet I felt we got enough background and build up to understand each character and their growth and development the flashbacks were a perfect addition allowing us to set the scene and imagine how everything played out - and the ending I need book 2 because I refuse to think that is where these 2 end!
May 4, 2024
This is book one in a duet and ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you heartbroken. However, I'm looking forward to book two! This book was so good! If you love angst and tension, then you'll love this! Sky and August come from broken homes and find solace in each other. They lose their friendship growing up going to the same school because of something that happened in their past. In their senior year, one of their classes, they find they have been partnered to do a project. Reconnecting their friendship and developing real feelings for each other is inevitable. August tries to deny his feelings but can't resist Sky. They fall in love knowing they don't have much time until graduation, and they part ways. The tension, spice, and character growth were all amazing! It truly gave me all the feels!
I can't wait for book two!
I can't wait for book two!
April 24, 2024
5 stars is not nearly enough for a story like this. Ashley knows how to take that knife and carve out every inch of your beating heart tear it in two and place it back together or in this case leave your broken gutted heart on the floor waiting for book 2!
This story is utterly beautiful the poetic way it was written.
The sweatshirt, the friendship, the whistle, the mystery until the very end. The powerful words spoken from a broken soul will have you in tears. A story of forgiveness amongst secrets and lies!
I’m utterly destroyed and cannot wait for part 2 of this duet August is EVERYTHING AND MORE he tops all book-boyfriends and will forever stay number one on my list! This is a MUST read!
I highly recommend this duet!! 🍫❤️💔😭🌶️🥵
This story is utterly beautiful the poetic way it was written.
The sweatshirt, the friendship, the whistle, the mystery until the very end. The powerful words spoken from a broken soul will have you in tears. A story of forgiveness amongst secrets and lies!
I’m utterly destroyed and cannot wait for part 2 of this duet August is EVERYTHING AND MORE he tops all book-boyfriends and will forever stay number one on my list! This is a MUST read!
I highly recommend this duet!! 🍫❤️💔😭🌶️🥵
April 29, 2024
Title: When August Burns (Burn & Break Duet Book 1)
Author: Ashley Alexander
Hero/Heroine: August & Sky
Tropes: Small Town, Opposites Attract, First Loves, Virgin MCs, Brothers Former Best Friend, New Adult, Friends to Enemies to Lovers (sort of)
tw/cw: death of a parent, death of a sibling, abusive familial relationship, alcohol abuse, parental abandonment, main character in foster care,
✨the good ✨
That cliffhanger though! I mean, all throughout this story I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it didn’t just drop, it got yeeted across the room. August and Sky had so much history and it helped build such a strong connection between them, I was praying for their happy ending.
When August discovered Sky at her most vulnerable, he made it his mission to become her friend and protect her as much as he could. The flashbacks to these points were truly heartbreaking, for both characters, yet it formed a solid foundation for the story to build upon, and I found myself constantly guessing what would happen.
When I say that this story had me hooked, I’m not lying. There was a point where I had to put my kindle down to go outside and speak to people, and it pissed me off as I just wanted to keep reading. Seeing the progression of these characters throughout the story was a thing of beauty, and I can’t wait to read the last book in the duet. I’m seriously wondering how August and Sky will recover from the events of this book.
✨ the bad ✨
Rider. August’s parents. I like to refer to these as the trio of dickheads.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: angsty, emotional and thought provoking, this first in a duet was a seriously addictive read
✨ 3rd act break up: yes
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Ashley Alexander
Hero/Heroine: August & Sky
Tropes: Small Town, Opposites Attract, First Loves, Virgin MCs, Brothers Former Best Friend, New Adult, Friends to Enemies to Lovers (sort of)
tw/cw: death of a parent, death of a sibling, abusive familial relationship, alcohol abuse, parental abandonment, main character in foster care,
✨the good ✨
That cliffhanger though! I mean, all throughout this story I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it didn’t just drop, it got yeeted across the room. August and Sky had so much history and it helped build such a strong connection between them, I was praying for their happy ending.
When August discovered Sky at her most vulnerable, he made it his mission to become her friend and protect her as much as he could. The flashbacks to these points were truly heartbreaking, for both characters, yet it formed a solid foundation for the story to build upon, and I found myself constantly guessing what would happen.
When I say that this story had me hooked, I’m not lying. There was a point where I had to put my kindle down to go outside and speak to people, and it pissed me off as I just wanted to keep reading. Seeing the progression of these characters throughout the story was a thing of beauty, and I can’t wait to read the last book in the duet. I’m seriously wondering how August and Sky will recover from the events of this book.
✨ the bad ✨
Rider. August’s parents. I like to refer to these as the trio of dickheads.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: angsty, emotional and thought provoking, this first in a duet was a seriously addictive read
✨ 3rd act break up: yes
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 26, 2024
This High School romance is full of angst, heartache and hope. The story flits between the present day where August is a sullen unpopular teenager repeating his graduation year and Sky surrounded by friends but misses her first friend, and the tragic start of their friendship in the past.
Sky is drawn to August at every opportunity but he acts as if their pasts mean nothing until they’re thrown together and he can’t fight the pull to her any longer. August finally gives in and their connection, their bond grows and although they both know their time is temporary their feelings grow too. But the past catches up with them and it shatters everything.
The ending left me desperate to reach for book 2, I cannot wait for the concluding part of August and Sky’s story.
Sky is drawn to August at every opportunity but he acts as if their pasts mean nothing until they’re thrown together and he can’t fight the pull to her any longer. August finally gives in and their connection, their bond grows and although they both know their time is temporary their feelings grow too. But the past catches up with them and it shatters everything.
The ending left me desperate to reach for book 2, I cannot wait for the concluding part of August and Sky’s story.
April 21, 2024
This was a really cute small town contemporary romance. Both main characters are in high school trying to navigate their big feelings and love for each other while it being “forbidden” by big brother. You also have a good little twist at the end that you can kind of seeing coming. Not the exact event that happens but that he did something unforgivable. The cliffhanger at the end does have me wanting more.
April 26, 2024
This book was truly beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I enjoyed every minute of reading August and Sky’s story, even though the book is set up for impending devastation, there were no lulls in the story. It was easy to read and flowed really well. Ashley Alexander is so good at portraying the emotions the characters are feeling on the page. I could really feel Sky’s deep connection to August, and I also felt every excited butterfly, anxious moment, and of course the heartbreak.
April 21, 2024
I had the honor of beta reading this incredible story! The first half of the story of August and Sky RIPPED ME APART 😭 August and Sky met when they were kids in a little hideout in the woods. Both had a rough time growing up and leaned on each other. Then suddenly things just ended. When they have to work on a project together, there’s tension, lust, and so much more.
I love these two characters with all my heart! The cliffhanger is just unspeakable. August is the perfect book boyfriend and I just love him so much. Ashley did an incredible job on this story 🩷
I love these two characters with all my heart! The cliffhanger is just unspeakable. August is the perfect book boyfriend and I just love him so much. Ashley did an incredible job on this story 🩷
April 21, 2024
Wow this book checked off SO many of the things I love about reading!
I devoured this one in a day that’s how good it is! 🤯😍 Sky and August have this pull towards each other that’s indescribable. The depth of both characters is simply amazing!
I devoured this one in a day that’s how good it is! 🤯😍 Sky and August have this pull towards each other that’s indescribable. The depth of both characters is simply amazing!
April 21, 2024
Five stars, five stars all around (even tho I'm a little upset about that cliff hanger Ashley!). It is seriously so good i could put it down. I read it in 3 days because it was SO GOOD!! So everyone, go check out this awesome small town book!
April 26, 2024
Ashley Alexander just ripped my heart out and left it laying there on the concrete sidewalk beside Sky Winters.
I KNEW what was coming and I am still UNWELL.
Reading how August and Sky found each other again after so many years of longing for one another over a school project they were paired together on was such an emotional roller coaster. I adored how August stood up for her when an entitled brat thought he could say awful things to such a loving person. And I loved how Sky stood up for herself when her brother thought he could meddle in her relationship with the broken boy from her past. But when the shoe dropped it came in like a freaking tornado and I will not be okay until I get my hands on the second book in the duet.
I loved Alexander’s writing style and can’t wait for book 2!
I KNEW what was coming and I am still UNWELL.
Reading how August and Sky found each other again after so many years of longing for one another over a school project they were paired together on was such an emotional roller coaster. I adored how August stood up for her when an entitled brat thought he could say awful things to such a loving person. And I loved how Sky stood up for herself when her brother thought he could meddle in her relationship with the broken boy from her past. But when the shoe dropped it came in like a freaking tornado and I will not be okay until I get my hands on the second book in the duet.
I loved Alexander’s writing style and can’t wait for book 2!
April 22, 2024
This book is filled with sadness, laughter, sorrow, regret and incredible love! You won't put this book down even when it's ripping your heart out!
April 23, 2024
This love story just ripped my heart out in the best way.
Book two cannot come soon enough.
Even just going back through my highlights made me want to cry both happy and sad tears.
🥹🩷🥺
If you need something emotional, here's your story.
Book two cannot come soon enough.
Even just going back through my highlights made me want to cry both happy and sad tears.
🥹🩷🥺
If you need something emotional, here's your story.
April 17, 2024
Omg, Omg! This is such a beautifully written book. I absolutely adore all the main characters. Every twist and turn. The love between Sky and August. So much heartbreak had me keeping the tissues close. I didn't see that cliffhanger coming, though. I will be going crazy for book #2 of this series.
April 14, 2024
This book was so good. It shows two people who have tragic painful pasts can still find love thru second chances. I thought August’s scavenger hunt date was a cute idea. The dark secret that gets revealed in the end was slightly unexpected, I had guessed some of it but not the heartbreak it would cause Sky.
April 26, 2024
4.75/5 this freaking book!!! I am seriously so in love with this story, with Sky, with August. The cliffhanger though!! I honestly do not know how to move on right now until book 2. They are both so beautifully broken. Their trauma, their bond...it was just perfect. But my poor heart...
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