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Fractals
From award-winning author Alicia Anthony comes a gripping novel of redemption and revenge, fueled by the traumas that shape us.
Seventeen-year-old Carly Dalton should’ve known Asher Thompson had secrets. Why else would he be in a truck stop bar in the middle of a school night? And she definitely shouldn’t have accepted his offer. But here she was, new school, new friends, same old problems. Now she sat in the police station, keeping secrets of her own, with nowhere to go and only one person left to care.
High school science teacher Asher Thompson only wanted to help. He first told himself that the night he pulled Carly, a rain-soaked teenager, from the floor of the local truck stop bar. Now, with the girl’s father dead and sister missing, he was doing it again, opening his home to her as a temporary guardian. But as Carly’s brutal present begins to crack open a door to Asher’s own painful past, he’s forced to choose … protect his student or save himself.
And Asher already knows … no good deed goes unpunished.
***
Fractals is an emotionally intense psychological thriller that explores the impact of trauma on our perception of right versus wrong. Readers of Lisa Unger, Ruth Ware, and Alice Feeney will delight in the edge of your seat twists in this complex thriller.
Content Warning: This book contains elements of human trafficking which may be difficult for sensitive readers.
Seventeen-year-old Carly Dalton should’ve known Asher Thompson had secrets. Why else would he be in a truck stop bar in the middle of a school night? And she definitely shouldn’t have accepted his offer. But here she was, new school, new friends, same old problems. Now she sat in the police station, keeping secrets of her own, with nowhere to go and only one person left to care.
High school science teacher Asher Thompson only wanted to help. He first told himself that the night he pulled Carly, a rain-soaked teenager, from the floor of the local truck stop bar. Now, with the girl’s father dead and sister missing, he was doing it again, opening his home to her as a temporary guardian. But as Carly’s brutal present begins to crack open a door to Asher’s own painful past, he’s forced to choose … protect his student or save himself.
And Asher already knows … no good deed goes unpunished.
***
Fractals is an emotionally intense psychological thriller that explores the impact of trauma on our perception of right versus wrong. Readers of Lisa Unger, Ruth Ware, and Alice Feeney will delight in the edge of your seat twists in this complex thriller.
Content Warning: This book contains elements of human trafficking which may be difficult for sensitive readers.
Paperback
First published March 16, 2021
3 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Anthony
4 books599 followersAlicia Anthony is the award-winning author of the Blood Secrets psychological suspense series. Although her first novels were illegible scribbles on the back of her truck driver father's logbook trip tickets, she’s since graduated from scribbles to laptop, and now pens novels of suspense in the quiet of the wee morning hours. A full-time elementary school Literacy Specialist, Alicia hopes to pass on her passion for books and writing to the students she teaches.
A Silver Quill Award winner and two time finalist for both the Claymore and Golden Heart®, Alicia finds her inspiration in exploring the dark, dusty corners of the human experience. She is a graduate of Spalding University's School of Creative & Professional Writing (MFA), Ashland University (M.Ed.) and THE Ohio State University (BA). Go Bucks! She lives in rural south-central Ohio with her amazing family, two dogs, and three horses.
When she's not writing or teaching, Alicia loves to travel and experience new places. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.AliciaAnthonyBooks.com. She’d love to hear from you.
A Silver Quill Award winner and two time finalist for both the Claymore and Golden Heart®, Alicia finds her inspiration in exploring the dark, dusty corners of the human experience. She is a graduate of Spalding University's School of Creative & Professional Writing (MFA), Ashland University (M.Ed.) and THE Ohio State University (BA). Go Bucks! She lives in rural south-central Ohio with her amazing family, two dogs, and three horses.
When she's not writing or teaching, Alicia loves to travel and experience new places. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.AliciaAnthonyBooks.com. She’d love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 27, 2021
Genre: Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: Shifting
Rating:
For years Asher Thompson worked hard to avoid having his past defining his future. When he saw a student, Carly Dalton was in trouble, he did his best to give her the chance to thrive. But as his carefully crafted world started to crumble down, monsters from his past might destroy everything he held dear.
What I loved the most about this story is how the characters skirted the blurred line between right and wrong. Even though some of the parts felt disjointed, I enjoyed the overall storyline that was made interesting by a couple of unexpected developments and especially the ending.
Fractals is a story of choosing between what’s right and what’s best. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a dark thriller.
Note: Contrary to the cover and what the blurb might sound like, this is not a student-teacher Dark Romance.
♦️➕♦️. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . ♦️➕♦️
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: Shifting
Rating:
For years Asher Thompson worked hard to avoid having his past defining his future. When he saw a student, Carly Dalton was in trouble, he did his best to give her the chance to thrive. But as his carefully crafted world started to crumble down, monsters from his past might destroy everything he held dear.
What I loved the most about this story is how the characters skirted the blurred line between right and wrong. Even though some of the parts felt disjointed, I enjoyed the overall storyline that was made interesting by a couple of unexpected developments and especially the ending.
I’d chosen this life, however asinine that sounded. And I couldn’t risk the fallout of total truth.
Fractals is a story of choosing between what’s right and what’s best. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a dark thriller.
Note: Contrary to the cover and what the blurb might sound like, this is not a student-teacher Dark Romance.
♦️➕♦️. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . ♦️➕♦️
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
December 21, 2020
*Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
This book was not what I was expecting. And that was a good thing and a bad thing.
First off, the cover and the category that this book was in led me to believe this was a romance. And those of you who follow my reviews would think this probably is one too when you see it as "read" by me. So I want to say up front that this is definitely not a student/teacher romance like I was expecting. Which really through me off, because with the set up and the New Adult tag, that was what I was expecting.
So, that being said, I feel a little bad because I would NOT have chosen to review this book if I had read that it was a thriller with no romance. I was looking for romance to happen. It had 2 POVs, one was the teacher Asher (24), and one was the student Carly (17). And after the death of her father, she ends up staying with him. They already have a history together as he helped get her into the school that he teaches at and has been keeping an eye on her.
That being said, while I was waiting (fruitlessly, I might add) for the romance to start, I was really sucked into the first half of the book. The things happening and the struggles that Carly has lived through are really heart-wrenching.
I thought it had really good pacing and I was engrossed strongly until around 50% when I started to realize nothing was going to happen between our 2 leads. Then I honestly was kind of hate reading it for the second half. I don't read thrillers because without a romance, they are too dark for me to handle. I need some levity and lightness through human connection.
I was surprised by how the mystery played out, but I was disengaged form everything by that point. So this was just not for me.
3/5 stars.
Right after finishing:
So.....
This was not a romance.
.
.
I did not enjoy it.
.
.
Full review to come.
.
I feel deceived.
.
But it was my own fault.
This book was not what I was expecting. And that was a good thing and a bad thing.
First off, the cover and the category that this book was in led me to believe this was a romance. And those of you who follow my reviews would think this probably is one too when you see it as "read" by me. So I want to say up front that this is definitely not a student/teacher romance like I was expecting. Which really through me off, because with the set up and the New Adult tag, that was what I was expecting.
So, that being said, I feel a little bad because I would NOT have chosen to review this book if I had read that it was a thriller with no romance. I was looking for romance to happen. It had 2 POVs, one was the teacher Asher (24), and one was the student Carly (17). And after the death of her father, she ends up staying with him. They already have a history together as he helped get her into the school that he teaches at and has been keeping an eye on her.
That being said, while I was waiting (fruitlessly, I might add) for the romance to start, I was really sucked into the first half of the book. The things happening and the struggles that Carly has lived through are really heart-wrenching.
I thought it had really good pacing and I was engrossed strongly until around 50% when I started to realize nothing was going to happen between our 2 leads. Then I honestly was kind of hate reading it for the second half. I don't read thrillers because without a romance, they are too dark for me to handle. I need some levity and lightness through human connection.
I was surprised by how the mystery played out, but I was disengaged form everything by that point. So this was just not for me.
3/5 stars.
Right after finishing:
So.....
This was not a romance.
.
.
I did not enjoy it.
.
.
Full review to come.
.
I feel deceived.
.
But it was my own fault.
March 12, 2021
4.5 ★
Years ago, Asher Thompson learned how morality can shift and the painful consequences of such choices. Living with regret, Asher has a chance for redemption when Carly Dalton, a student, needs a safe haven. But as the past resurfaces for Asher, certain truths are undeniable.
Narrated in shifting POVs, the juxtaposition between the lives of Asher and Carly becomes evident. At different phases in their lives, the need to fight for what is right is a shared sentiment.
There are many elements in this book that propelled the plot and character development into a tightly executed book. With complex layers and unexpected twists, I remained intrigued from start to finish. I definitely sympathized with the plights of these characters and liked how they skirted the lines of right and wrong.
Fractals is a dark thriller steeped in the emotion of trauma, survival and redemption. This book would appeal to those seeking a suspenseful story with depth.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Years ago, Asher Thompson learned how morality can shift and the painful consequences of such choices. Living with regret, Asher has a chance for redemption when Carly Dalton, a student, needs a safe haven. But as the past resurfaces for Asher, certain truths are undeniable.
“Only the privileged have a choice. The rest of us have to settle for a chance.”
Narrated in shifting POVs, the juxtaposition between the lives of Asher and Carly becomes evident. At different phases in their lives, the need to fight for what is right is a shared sentiment.
There are many elements in this book that propelled the plot and character development into a tightly executed book. With complex layers and unexpected twists, I remained intrigued from start to finish. I definitely sympathized with the plights of these characters and liked how they skirted the lines of right and wrong.
Fractals is a dark thriller steeped in the emotion of trauma, survival and redemption. This book would appeal to those seeking a suspenseful story with depth.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 21, 2021
I really enjoyed the way this story was developed. You were given pieces of information gradually and eventually you saw how they all fit together. It was quite impressive. Going into this book, it wasn't at all the story that I initially expected. I thought there would be more of a student/teacher romance. The cover gave me the impression there was romance involved. That was my incorrect perception.
What this book did have was suspense, well developed characters, a detailed plot line and some surprises. The topics being dealt with are harsh and cruel. The people in this book often weren't nice. They were opportunistic, sadistic and violent. It was brutal and frighteningly real. The main characters, Carly and Asher find each other by accident. They are each weighed down by the burden of guilt and regret, for completely different reasons. This book will handle these topics as delicately as possible while keeping them realistic.
There were some scenes in this book that could be triggering. Please approach reading with caution and be prepared. This story definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It's real and gritty. It's also timely and feels authentic. I really invested in these characters and wanted to see them each work through their difficulties and conquer their demons.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
What this book did have was suspense, well developed characters, a detailed plot line and some surprises. The topics being dealt with are harsh and cruel. The people in this book often weren't nice. They were opportunistic, sadistic and violent. It was brutal and frighteningly real. The main characters, Carly and Asher find each other by accident. They are each weighed down by the burden of guilt and regret, for completely different reasons. This book will handle these topics as delicately as possible while keeping them realistic.
There were some scenes in this book that could be triggering. Please approach reading with caution and be prepared. This story definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It's real and gritty. It's also timely and feels authentic. I really invested in these characters and wanted to see them each work through their difficulties and conquer their demons.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
April 9, 2021
The interesting dynamic between these two characters from page one will have readers hooked and unable to put it down.
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 16, 2021
Fractals by Alicia Anthony
From first page to last I was immersed in the story. I could not stop reading until I found out how the story would play out. I was invested in the outcome as if I were involved and could change what would happen. I knew who I cared about, who I despised, and who I was on the fence about. Not a romance in the general sense of the word but there was love and caring and deep abiding affection along with other emotions that played a huge part in the behavior of the characters. The pasts of many impacted their behavior. I wanted to hug some of the characters and give them a safe harbor while others…I won’t tell you what I wanted to do with them! This was dark, gritty, and difficult to read at times…but it was so worth reading.
What I liked:
* That the story made me think and care.
* Looking up fractals and tears…intriguing what I learned.
* Asher: a complex man, a teacher, a man who loved deeply, a good person, someone I admired and rooted for throughout the story.
* Carly: damaged, cares deeply, loved her life before her mother died, has seen more than anyone should have. She is one I wanted to hug and help.
* Moreno: homicide detective, husband, father, has a purpose, a good man – I grew to truly like and admire him.
* Jo: department of child services employee – someone I was on the fence about for most of the story.
* The way the topic was covered with compassion and eyes wide open.
* That there were (and are) some people that stand up for right and do what they can to help.
* The unexpected twist(s) at the end and the sense of hope I was left with.
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that human trafficking is real and how people are coerced or groomed into it.
* The people in the story that I was meant not to like – they were wicked, evil, loathsome creatures.
* Realizing that there is little hope of ever eradicating this type of crime.
Did I like this story? I did
Would I read more by this author? Definitely.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aurora Publicity and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
From first page to last I was immersed in the story. I could not stop reading until I found out how the story would play out. I was invested in the outcome as if I were involved and could change what would happen. I knew who I cared about, who I despised, and who I was on the fence about. Not a romance in the general sense of the word but there was love and caring and deep abiding affection along with other emotions that played a huge part in the behavior of the characters. The pasts of many impacted their behavior. I wanted to hug some of the characters and give them a safe harbor while others…I won’t tell you what I wanted to do with them! This was dark, gritty, and difficult to read at times…but it was so worth reading.
What I liked:
* That the story made me think and care.
* Looking up fractals and tears…intriguing what I learned.
* Asher: a complex man, a teacher, a man who loved deeply, a good person, someone I admired and rooted for throughout the story.
* Carly: damaged, cares deeply, loved her life before her mother died, has seen more than anyone should have. She is one I wanted to hug and help.
* Moreno: homicide detective, husband, father, has a purpose, a good man – I grew to truly like and admire him.
* Jo: department of child services employee – someone I was on the fence about for most of the story.
* The way the topic was covered with compassion and eyes wide open.
* That there were (and are) some people that stand up for right and do what they can to help.
* The unexpected twist(s) at the end and the sense of hope I was left with.
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that human trafficking is real and how people are coerced or groomed into it.
* The people in the story that I was meant not to like – they were wicked, evil, loathsome creatures.
* Realizing that there is little hope of ever eradicating this type of crime.
Did I like this story? I did
Would I read more by this author? Definitely.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aurora Publicity and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
May 27, 2021
Okayy
This took sometime because the theme is a heavy pain in the heart. I'm glad that this book had short chapters and that the character pov's were consistent. Writing this review is hard, this topic is something that has destroyed lives and it still is, this book reminds me of the movie "Taken" in a new light.
This story of Carly, a victim hurt my heart a lot, I felt so helpless while reading and the author has done a fine job of portraying emotions ad well as she can. The struggle in every page, every chapter is real and the circumstances are shitty but though it's a book it hurts no less. I felt anger, sadness, hopeless, scared, disgusted and tearful while reading this book. I loved the ending though and the dark side which is exposed here is a look into the dark side of our real human world. The inhumane acts of our society dredge up the fear in us, such people who are victims need out and help but like some of the characters we are just as lost because of our unwillingness to face the darkness to fight it.
The characters had this uniqueness about them which I appreciate, the book honestly was too heavy with mighty trigger warnings, so I would definitely warn people with a sensitive heart to stay away from this book. It's fast paced and has good chapter length.
Prostitution and human trafficking are not something that is openly spoken about. People fear being judged even for thinking about them and reading books like these just leads them to be judged by others. I think that is the reason why most people don't read such heavy books also taking into fact that it's painful as hell. Thankyou for the ARC netgalley.
This took sometime because the theme is a heavy pain in the heart. I'm glad that this book had short chapters and that the character pov's were consistent. Writing this review is hard, this topic is something that has destroyed lives and it still is, this book reminds me of the movie "Taken" in a new light.
This story of Carly, a victim hurt my heart a lot, I felt so helpless while reading and the author has done a fine job of portraying emotions ad well as she can. The struggle in every page, every chapter is real and the circumstances are shitty but though it's a book it hurts no less. I felt anger, sadness, hopeless, scared, disgusted and tearful while reading this book. I loved the ending though and the dark side which is exposed here is a look into the dark side of our real human world. The inhumane acts of our society dredge up the fear in us, such people who are victims need out and help but like some of the characters we are just as lost because of our unwillingness to face the darkness to fight it.
The characters had this uniqueness about them which I appreciate, the book honestly was too heavy with mighty trigger warnings, so I would definitely warn people with a sensitive heart to stay away from this book. It's fast paced and has good chapter length.
Prostitution and human trafficking are not something that is openly spoken about. People fear being judged even for thinking about them and reading books like these just leads them to be judged by others. I think that is the reason why most people don't read such heavy books also taking into fact that it's painful as hell. Thankyou for the ARC netgalley.
March 13, 2021
Let me just say that looks can be deceiving, I was expecting something different when I saw the cover. BUT I'm glad I read this book! It captivated me right from the beginning. You will be so consumed with Carly and her story you won't be able to focus on anything else! Thank you to NetGalley for my arc this review is voluntary
February 19, 2021
My stupid self thought this is a dark taboo romance since it's shelved under the New Adult genre. Turns out this book is not it, and focus on a very heavy topic.
Trigger warning: human trafficking, underage prostitution, rape, aggravated assault to minors, drugs, abuse.
Asher, a 24-year-old teacher finds Carly, a 17-year-old, late at night at a trucker bar having a fight with her dad. In an instinct, he helps her, even find a scholarship for her in the school he teaches. Until one day police and a social worker show up at the school to pick Carly, letting her know that her dad is dead, overdosed.
His ex-girlfriend who is also the social worker asked him to be Carly's guardian and let her stays at his house for a while. He agrees. But then all hell breaks loose since Carly still trying to find out about her missing sister Caroline, who she assumed is dead.
Honestly, the whole story about minors selling themselves because the adult forced them to is really bothering me. But that's the whole point of this book, to let us know that thousands of young kids are vulnerable. The author even put the statistic about human trafficking at the end of the book, to let us know how serious this situation is.
As for the story, the pace is pretty slow and the characters acting pretty dumb in my opinion. I can't relate to their state of mind, but maybe the reason they do what they do is that the whole traumatic experience made them hard to trust and be honest with people who are willing to help them. Also, the authority is not helping. I'm frustrated ngl.
I hope irl this doesn't happen but the authority in this book is driving me nuts (except Moreno). I mean they easily jumped to conclusions and make their own scenarios without gathering enough evidence. Don't SVU suppose to be more delicate surrounded by this kind of case? Why they're not taken what Carly said more seriously? I feel like they sweep it all under the rug, but believe what Phoebe said just like that.
Anyway, I genuinely don't see the twists coming! That's pretty surprising, and made my jaw dropped! Overall the book is great, and I wish I were more on edge while reading a thriller book but it doesn't really give me that feeling. I'm worried about what will happen to Carly and Asher but doesn't make me feel anxious, which I always wanted to feel while reading a book like this.
❗Thank you to the publisher for giving me the arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review❗
Trigger warning: human trafficking, underage prostitution, rape, aggravated assault to minors, drugs, abuse.
Asher, a 24-year-old teacher finds Carly, a 17-year-old, late at night at a trucker bar having a fight with her dad. In an instinct, he helps her, even find a scholarship for her in the school he teaches. Until one day police and a social worker show up at the school to pick Carly, letting her know that her dad is dead, overdosed.
His ex-girlfriend who is also the social worker asked him to be Carly's guardian and let her stays at his house for a while. He agrees. But then all hell breaks loose since Carly still trying to find out about her missing sister Caroline, who she assumed is dead.
Honestly, the whole story about minors selling themselves because the adult forced them to is really bothering me. But that's the whole point of this book, to let us know that thousands of young kids are vulnerable. The author even put the statistic about human trafficking at the end of the book, to let us know how serious this situation is.
As for the story, the pace is pretty slow and the characters acting pretty dumb in my opinion. I can't relate to their state of mind, but maybe the reason they do what they do is that the whole traumatic experience made them hard to trust and be honest with people who are willing to help them. Also, the authority is not helping. I'm frustrated ngl.
I hope irl this doesn't happen but the authority in this book is driving me nuts (except Moreno). I mean they easily jumped to conclusions and make their own scenarios without gathering enough evidence. Don't SVU suppose to be more delicate surrounded by this kind of case? Why they're not taken what Carly said more seriously? I feel like they sweep it all under the rug, but believe what Phoebe said just like that.
Anyway, I genuinely don't see the twists coming! That's pretty surprising, and made my jaw dropped! Overall the book is great, and I wish I were more on edge while reading a thriller book but it doesn't really give me that feeling. I'm worried about what will happen to Carly and Asher but doesn't make me feel anxious, which I always wanted to feel while reading a book like this.
❗Thank you to the publisher for giving me the arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review❗
March 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC of this book.
So I had a similar problem to Jenn (The Book Refuge). I was expecting something from the book that wasn't there, and it totally distracted me from the actual book.
I tried to curb my expectations regarding romance after a while, but I just felt sort of "ahh" about the whole thing. I'm not really sure whether that's beacuse I just finished ACOSF and nothing could compare to my excitement about that or maybe I just wasn't in the right mood.
Carly's experiences and story are truly heart-breaking, and I had a hard time reading a lot of the passages regarding that. Anthony obviously has researched this topic, and portrays it starkly. but respectfully.
I struggled to keep going in this one, as the topics were so heavy, and there were seldom moments of levity from it. Hard trigger warnings here for human trafficking, abuse, sexual situations, drugs, and prostitution.
If you're looking for a dark thriller examining some of humanity's worst, I would reccomend this to you. But for me, it wasn't what I was expecting and I wasn't prepared.
So I had a similar problem to Jenn (The Book Refuge). I was expecting something from the book that wasn't there, and it totally distracted me from the actual book.
I tried to curb my expectations regarding romance after a while, but I just felt sort of "ahh" about the whole thing. I'm not really sure whether that's beacuse I just finished ACOSF and nothing could compare to my excitement about that or maybe I just wasn't in the right mood.
Carly's experiences and story are truly heart-breaking, and I had a hard time reading a lot of the passages regarding that. Anthony obviously has researched this topic, and portrays it starkly. but respectfully.
I struggled to keep going in this one, as the topics were so heavy, and there were seldom moments of levity from it. Hard trigger warnings here for human trafficking, abuse, sexual situations, drugs, and prostitution.
If you're looking for a dark thriller examining some of humanity's worst, I would reccomend this to you. But for me, it wasn't what I was expecting and I wasn't prepared.
March 10, 2021
I went into this book thinking it was a thriller dark romance with a student/teacher relationship. It was not, that however did not take away from the book. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I have never read anything from this author before but I will now after reading this book.
This story was truly heartbreaking. It deals with everything from human trafficking, rape, drugs... you name it, it’s there.
Carly’s story really kept me in this book. Everything she goes through/went through and trying to find her sister through all of this. Asher trying to help her the best that he can. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that I didn’t see coming.
This book is worth the read but don’t go in expecting romance.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Alicia Anthony and Drury Lane Books Publishing through Net Galley for an honest review.
This story was truly heartbreaking. It deals with everything from human trafficking, rape, drugs... you name it, it’s there.
Carly’s story really kept me in this book. Everything she goes through/went through and trying to find her sister through all of this. Asher trying to help her the best that he can. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that I didn’t see coming.
This book is worth the read but don’t go in expecting romance.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Alicia Anthony and Drury Lane Books Publishing through Net Galley for an honest review.
March 7, 2021
A young girl is desperately searching for her elder sister involved in an underage prostitution business for truckers. Befriended by an emotionally unstable teacher needing to come to terms with his perceived failure to save a girl that lost her life to child predators he seeks redemption if he can help her turn her life around.
Alicia Anthony takes this as the starting point with a hard-hitting story concerning love, trust, poverty, the system, hope, and the edge of your seat thriller.
This is the story of our time with a subject that is cringe-worthy and confronting written with no-holds-barred taking us into dark places scratching the scabs off and revealing another side of life.
An independent review for NetGalley / Drury Lane books
Alicia Anthony takes this as the starting point with a hard-hitting story concerning love, trust, poverty, the system, hope, and the edge of your seat thriller.
This is the story of our time with a subject that is cringe-worthy and confronting written with no-holds-barred taking us into dark places scratching the scabs off and revealing another side of life.
An independent review for NetGalley / Drury Lane books
March 17, 2021
This book is very hard to read. But, be warned, once you start it, you won't be able to put it down. I had to finish it in one setting. And its not a short read!
"Tears of survival." The final words in the book. Yes Carly survives, but how? She is brought into prostitution by her sister. Her mother and father are dead. Her sister is missing. Asher, a high school teacher, wants to help her. But he has similar history he is dealing with. A very deep, complex, violent, tragic story that just keeps getting worse as it progresses.
I'm calling this my favorite read of the year!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
"Tears of survival." The final words in the book. Yes Carly survives, but how? She is brought into prostitution by her sister. Her mother and father are dead. Her sister is missing. Asher, a high school teacher, wants to help her. But he has similar history he is dealing with. A very deep, complex, violent, tragic story that just keeps getting worse as it progresses.
I'm calling this my favorite read of the year!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
April 4, 2021
4.5 ⭐️ Yes, I thought there might be a taboo relationship in this book, and in some ways there was. I’m just glad it didn’t happen. The characters were well developed and sometimes too realistic. I liked that the leads were flawed people, because we all are. I don’t believe in giving bad reviews because the powers that be decide the category for the book. It was a hard book to read, but we all need to get our heads out of the sand. Human trafficking and human slavery is real and growing drastically. I thought the topic was very well done in this book. It shines a light on the darkness of our country. Not enough is being done to deal with this scourge.
July 3, 2021
This is not a book I typically pick up, but I'm so glad I did. Alicia has written amazingly in her blood secret series and I couldn't wait to read another one of her books. I know Fractals was not going to be anything like the series and was well warned of the hard topic that this book was going to have. With that in mind I still wanted to read it and from the first page the story had me sucked in. The characters were very well made and the pain each of them had could be easily felt as a reader by the way Alicia tells this story. There were a few times I didn't see parts coming and at other parts you will be hoping not to be right. No matter what type of books you like pick this one up.
March 17, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. I can't wait to see what is next for this author. This is a well written story that is fast paced, engaging and just a great story. I had no problems connecting with the characters as they brought the story to life. This is a story of revenge and trama that changes life. I enjoyed what the characters brought to the story. They made it feel as if I was right there with them. The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I highly recommend this book.
March 18, 2021
Not the first time this author has given me something to ponder and turn those pages. She has done it again with this one. In this young Carly finds her acquaintance Asher in a unusual place. Then again why was she? She will get into some hot water for that. Anyways secrets are a biggie in this too which I delight in the intrigue that comes from them. She also is a newbie in a police station with those secrets. We do see Asher helping but now after he does this will unravel going in a different shape and direction.
January 19, 2021
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
As a whole, this book wasn't for me. I'm not big into the whole teenage girl selling herself just so she can have a roof over her head. This book had a lot of content involving drugs, prostitution, human trafficking and even rape. For a split second, it even had the male teacher feeling something more for his teenage student, wanting to kiss her and then all of a sudden everything was fine again and he was concerned with her welfare. 🤔
As a whole, this book wasn't for me. I'm not big into the whole teenage girl selling herself just so she can have a roof over her head. This book had a lot of content involving drugs, prostitution, human trafficking and even rape. For a split second, it even had the male teacher feeling something more for his teenage student, wanting to kiss her and then all of a sudden everything was fine again and he was concerned with her welfare. 🤔
March 16, 2021
Wow. I’m not sure exactly what to say. This story is really dark and has triggers. The plot was different. The topic is very dark and sad. The blurb made this book more interesting than I found it to be. There were parts that were confusing and hard to follow at certain times. Lots of things going on at the same time. I found the storyline to be choppy and I really couldn’t relate to the characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book.
January 6, 2021
Love the cover of this book it's what drew me in. The beginning started off good then kinda lost my attention in between. The ending ended up being surprising and very good. Overall an ok read. 3.5 stars
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
December 27, 2020
Review to come
February 16, 2021
I really was interested in this book and while some of it held my attention, it just wasn't enough. Awesome ending though.. I would certainly give the author a second chance on book two.
April 7, 2021
Unfortunately I struggled with this book and didn't finish it - I hate not finishing what I started but it really didn't hold my attention, it was the subject matter more than the style of writing.
May 12, 2021
This was an okay read. I had a hard time caring about the characters even though there was some very dark topics. It did not completely hold my attention but I did finish it
March 18, 2021
You know I never like to say anything bad about a book. That being said I just didn’t care for this book.
Some subjects are just to dark for me.
My Mother always told me if you can’t say something good don’t say anything at all.
Some subjects are just to dark for me.
My Mother always told me if you can’t say something good don’t say anything at all.
April 24, 2025
*The ARC copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*
My Rating - 3.5/5
Asher met Carly in a bar. From then, he helped her to get a scholarship on the same school he worked in. But one day, when her father was found dead, detective Moreno took Carly to the Police Station for investigation. Carly lied to the detective about her sister, Caroline who went missing from the night her father died. Jo, Asher's ex-fiancée asked Asher to take Carly in for temporary care. Because of Carly's devotion to find her sister without anyone's help, she got into trouble again and again. Also, she got Asher into trouble too. Carly got mixed with the wrong crowd because of her sister who introduced Carly to prostitution instead of protecting her from that life. Anyway, Asher wanted to save Carly from that life because he couldn't save a girl just like Carly from his past. His own father and ex-friend, Reed were raped that girl. Reed was also Carly's dealer. Things got escalated quickly for the worst when Carly went snooping around to find if her sister was alive or dead. But a person like Reed would never let her go just like that. Hell, he did human trafficking. Alot happened since then. Carly faced betrayal from the last person she ever expected but then again, got helped from someone she didn't even expect would help her. I'm talking about Eli. Eli tried to come clean at the end. Anyway, she was safe but lost her sister forever. Only because of Moreno, Jo, Asher and even his brother, Ethan, Carly got a chance for a fresh start as they never gave up on her.
My Feelings -
- Asher and Carly both had daddy issues.
- Phoebe really creeped me out. She's a fucking psychopath.
- I would've given this book a five star. Because where I don't mind the dark aspect of this book, what I do mind is the way the author wrote the relationship between Asher and Carly. I didn't mind the fact of not having any romantic relationship between Carly and Asher. But the way the author wrote, the attraction between them was impossible to ignore. There was something. Because I couldn't find it between Asher and Jo. So, this was the only reason I couldn't love this book or give it a five star. Otherwise, I loved how realistic the book was. Damn it! The author should've written it like I dunno without the chemistry or something. Ugh!😠
- I felt bad for Asher. I still do. He went through a lot. He still blamed himself from what happened to Emily, Jo and Carly too.
- I wanted to throttle Carly for her unconditional devotion towards her sister. The same sister who didn't protect her from prostitution and trafficking. And Carly didn't even see it. Heck, she knew that her sister couldn't be alive and yet she went looking for them knowing how dangerous Reed was. She didn't even care about the people who's doing everything to help her.
- The last twist though I admit I wasn't really expecting it at all. Wow!😮
We have to make our own way, Carly. Sometimes that means doing things that hurt. You just have to distance yourself. I promise, Car, it will all be worth it one day.
My Rating - 3.5/5
Asher met Carly in a bar. From then, he helped her to get a scholarship on the same school he worked in. But one day, when her father was found dead, detective Moreno took Carly to the Police Station for investigation. Carly lied to the detective about her sister, Caroline who went missing from the night her father died. Jo, Asher's ex-fiancée asked Asher to take Carly in for temporary care. Because of Carly's devotion to find her sister without anyone's help, she got into trouble again and again. Also, she got Asher into trouble too. Carly got mixed with the wrong crowd because of her sister who introduced Carly to prostitution instead of protecting her from that life. Anyway, Asher wanted to save Carly from that life because he couldn't save a girl just like Carly from his past. His own father and ex-friend, Reed were raped that girl. Reed was also Carly's dealer. Things got escalated quickly for the worst when Carly went snooping around to find if her sister was alive or dead. But a person like Reed would never let her go just like that. Hell, he did human trafficking. Alot happened since then. Carly faced betrayal from the last person she ever expected but then again, got helped from someone she didn't even expect would help her. I'm talking about Eli. Eli tried to come clean at the end. Anyway, she was safe but lost her sister forever. Only because of Moreno, Jo, Asher and even his brother, Ethan, Carly got a chance for a fresh start as they never gave up on her.
My Feelings -
- Asher and Carly both had daddy issues.
- Phoebe really creeped me out. She's a fucking psychopath.
- I would've given this book a five star. Because where I don't mind the dark aspect of this book, what I do mind is the way the author wrote the relationship between Asher and Carly. I didn't mind the fact of not having any romantic relationship between Carly and Asher. But the way the author wrote, the attraction between them was impossible to ignore. There was something. Because I couldn't find it between Asher and Jo. So, this was the only reason I couldn't love this book or give it a five star. Otherwise, I loved how realistic the book was. Damn it! The author should've written it like I dunno without the chemistry or something. Ugh!😠
- I felt bad for Asher. I still do. He went through a lot. He still blamed himself from what happened to Emily, Jo and Carly too.
- I wanted to throttle Carly for her unconditional devotion towards her sister. The same sister who didn't protect her from prostitution and trafficking. And Carly didn't even see it. Heck, she knew that her sister couldn't be alive and yet she went looking for them knowing how dangerous Reed was. She didn't even care about the people who's doing everything to help her.
- The last twist though I admit I wasn't really expecting it at all. Wow!😮
We have to make our own way, Carly. Sometimes that means doing things that hurt. You just have to distance yourself. I promise, Car, it will all be worth it one day.
March 7, 2021
A young girl is desperately searching for her elder sister involved in an underage prostitution business for truckers. Befriended by an emotionally unstable teacher needing to come to terms with his perceived failure to save a girl that lost her life to child predators he seeks redemption if he can help her turn her life around.
Alicia Anthony takes this as the starting point with a hard-hitting story concerning love, trust, poverty, the system, hope, and the edge of your seat thriller.
This is the story of our time with a subject that is cringe-worthy and confronting written with no-holds-barred taking us into dark places scratching the scabs off and revealing another side of life.
An independent review for NetGalley / Drury Lane books
Alicia Anthony takes this as the starting point with a hard-hitting story concerning love, trust, poverty, the system, hope, and the edge of your seat thriller.
This is the story of our time with a subject that is cringe-worthy and confronting written with no-holds-barred taking us into dark places scratching the scabs off and revealing another side of life.
An independent review for NetGalley / Drury Lane books
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews