Burdened is a beautiful, entertaining, dark, deep, smart, and funny paranormal romance novel. The prologue is the best I've ever read and just perfect for this novel. Here it is:
The love I have can last a lifetime alone, in the darkness waiting for the mate of love to return to the side of a lonely heart. But I cannot wait long past tomorrow to hold you, hear you, and see you in my arms. Without my arms wrapped around you, our bodies wound within one another. There is no darkness emptier then I at that exact moment. There is no depth lower than the empty feeling I have from longing for you. For this love is greater than any I have had the pleasure of feeling. For this love is you.
- Nathan
That prologue was read countless times and had me thinking I was about to read a modern, paranormal, version of Romeo & Juliet. After reading a few chapters I befriended the author on Goodreads and discovered one of her author influences is Shakespeare. The author's writing style continues to show that influence...and it's worth highlighting.
Nathan and Tracey's relationship is strong, unforgettable, and deep. Nathan is the ultimate, sexy, smart, hot, bad boy...and a great boyfriend. Tracey is strong, smart, brave, loyal to a fault, beautiful, and an amazing girlfriend. What they endure throughout the beginning of their relationship is astounding. It is reminscent of a Stephen King novel with paranormal elements. Most couples wouldn't last. Do they?
Here is the blurb:
Tracey Warren has everything an eighteen year old girl should. She lives a life of expectancies; go to school, please her parents, party with friends, and revel in life as a young adult. That is until she experiences an unexpected life changing accident caused by Nathan Newcomb; an illegally attractive yet perplexed guy who has her fumbling over her words and cracking her head on the concrete. In being enthralled by his overwhelming existence, Tracey neglects his promise of death (which never falls short of Nathan) and in ignoring his guarantee, she chooses to give into love over sanity and risks her life for the opportunity of being with him.
Nathan, knowing the risks gives into this want to have Tracey presuming it may be better to jeopardize their possible ending, than to allow her to endure the pain of his devoid. Nonetheless, with him being a burdened Sephlem, not only are they burdened by their adversaries who will risk everything but the exposure of their existence to see Nathan fall. But Nathan and Tracey come to find that their most sinister enemies lie under their same roof and regrettably share the same bloodline.
Love the writing style, characters, secondary characters, humor, horror, plot development, suspense, thrills, and surprises.
However, I only recommend Burdened to readers 18-up. The subject matter, in my opinion, is not suitable for those under 18. Nathan and Tracey's relationship is also, in my opinion, not suitable for anyone under 18. If you're over 18, I strongly urge you to read this novel.