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Razorblade Kisses
Her name is Emery Shaw...Emily Sanders...Emma Simpson. Her family was well off, she ran. They looked for her, she hid. They found her, she ran again. Tragedy strikes, she gets even. The fact is, she doesn't know who she is, she tried to run, to hide and make a life for herself, but that backfired. No one knows her except her best friend, Rachel, if that's even an adequate word for what they are to each other. Rachel helps her build a life for herself below the radar, which is fine until the unthinkable happens, knocking Em out of her unfeeling cocoon. When her house of cards comes tumbling down she runs again, until the one person who can change her mind finds her. **Due to adult situations, language and possible scenarios that may be difficult for some readers to take...take a breath before you start this one. It's gritty and not pretty. Nothing is pretty here. Whiskey is a good thing.**
412 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2014
13 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Griffin
14 books470 followersR.L. lives in the Atlanta area with her husband, son, and two dogs. After going to law school at American University, Washington College of Law, she settled back in the state in which she grew up but only after she fell in love with D.C. She worked in the Senate during the impeachment trial and the Department of Justice.
She loves reading all sorts of books and rarely has free time.
She loves reading all sorts of books and rarely has free time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
January 10, 2015
3.5 Stars
”You are braver than you seem and stronger than you think.”
This was a well written story that has one hell of a prologue and first few chapters. The story did lose it’s pacing for me but did regain it with a lot of hard to take outcomes in which the main character, Emery has to come to terms with.
Sixteen year old Emery Shaw runs away with the assistance of her ‘click’ Rachel from her family because of years of sexual abuse. She leaves her young sister and doesn’t tell a sole why she left. Emery takes on several new names during this story. She grows up and always has the best intentions and her best friend helps her every step of the way. Their relationship was amazing and everyone should have a Rachel in their life.
”Em, your monsters are my monsters. So yeah, I have monsters and I’m coming up with ways to save you on a daily basis.”
Emery has a few relationships but always struggles with the lies she tells.
”I’ll never be able to have anything real because I’m not real.”
Her fears for her young sister which she has limited contact with through her friend Rachel made me nuts because after all of her schooling and career path chosen I hoped that she would face her past and bring justice. A shout out has to be made to Derrick who was the man with the plan and Rachel’s guy.
There is a few love connections and I would spoil the story by saying who she ends up with but he is just wonderful!
"I want to show you there are things that will allow you to live again. I want to be one of those things."
Overall, the writing was strong and the bond of friendship displayed was awe inspiring as was the love she finds in a wonderful man.
”She felt everything.”
However, I truly wasn't happy with how things played out with her family. These feelings prevented me from fully standing by the main character.
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”You are braver than you seem and stronger than you think.”
This was a well written story that has one hell of a prologue and first few chapters. The story did lose it’s pacing for me but did regain it with a lot of hard to take outcomes in which the main character, Emery has to come to terms with.
Sixteen year old Emery Shaw runs away with the assistance of her ‘click’ Rachel from her family because of years of sexual abuse. She leaves her young sister and doesn’t tell a sole why she left. Emery takes on several new names during this story. She grows up and always has the best intentions and her best friend helps her every step of the way. Their relationship was amazing and everyone should have a Rachel in their life.
”Em, your monsters are my monsters. So yeah, I have monsters and I’m coming up with ways to save you on a daily basis.”
Emery has a few relationships but always struggles with the lies she tells.
”I’ll never be able to have anything real because I’m not real.”
Her fears for her young sister which she has limited contact with through her friend Rachel made me nuts because after all of her schooling and career path chosen I hoped that she would face her past and bring justice. A shout out has to be made to Derrick who was the man with the plan and Rachel’s guy.
There is a few love connections and I would spoil the story by saying who she ends up with but he is just wonderful!
"I want to show you there are things that will allow you to live again. I want to be one of those things."
Overall, the writing was strong and the bond of friendship displayed was awe inspiring as was the love she finds in a wonderful man.
”She felt everything.”
However, I truly wasn't happy with how things played out with her family. These feelings prevented me from fully standing by the main character.
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January 10, 2015DNF at 20%
I'm sorry, but the plot was just too ridiculous and quickly escalated to the I'm-done-with-this-BS level by the time I got to the 20% mark. I have a never ending reading list and can't afford to waste time on a book I'm so not enjoying.
FYI: As a courtesy, I don't rate books I DNF before the 50% mark. But this is one of those times I want to smack a 2 star.
I'm sorry, but the plot was just too ridiculous and quickly escalated to the I'm-done-with-this-BS level by the time I got to the 20% mark. I have a never ending reading list and can't afford to waste time on a book I'm so not enjoying.
FYI: As a courtesy, I don't rate books I DNF before the 50% mark. But this is one of those times I want to smack a 2 star.
January 1, 2019
Razorblade Kisses by RL Griffin
5 stars!!
This is going to be one of the hardest reviews I have ever written. There are times when you read a book and that book totally and utterly consumes you, it takes over your thought processes, your soul, your emotions, your heart, everything. One of those books that you continually think about for days and weeks after and for me, this was one of those books, I lived and breathed this book.
RL Griffin’s previous series, By A Thread was more a romantic suspense, and Razorblade Kisses is far from her normal. This is a book that screams the author has put their heart and soul onto the pages, if books could bleed, this one would be oozing. I felt everything, confusion, hurt, pain, anguish, hope, devastation and love, yes this book will put your emotions through their paces but this is so much more than a book, it is a work of art on paper.
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book; I have seen it grow from strength to strength. It covers some extremely hard hitting subjects but they are dealt with sensitively, thoughtfully and emotionally. There is nothing gratuitous, just heartfelt, beautiful penmanship that creates an ugly yet beautiful story. A story about leaving a painful past behind and trying to live for the now, a story of rebirth in the direst of circumstances, when all hope is lost and you are afraid for yourself and your sanity, clawing back from the pits of despair, making the most of the situations that you find yourself in, trying to forget and be that person you want to be rather than being the person that your past has dictated you be.
Yes there are a lot of lows but this is balanced with some fantastic highs, your heart will be ripped apart several times but will be slowly pieced back together, this is a journey, a voyage, yes it is not pretty in places but what life is? We all have our dark and sad times, we are all different but life is an experience and one that we only get one chance at. Sometimes we have to make decisions we don’t want to, or feel we can’t do, but self-preservation is important. Sometimes our circumstances dictate the paths that need to be taken, give you that nudge in the perceived right direction, we can only follow and hope that it is the right choice. Most importantly, life is what you make it and this book hammers that point home. You can wallow, or you can live, you can be destroyed or you can fight, you can hate or you can love and be loved. But most of all, make those choices for you, always be you.
Emery was a gutsy character, when most are weak, she was strong, she was a survivor, a fighter. She was damaged, she was frightened and she felt that she couldn’t tell a soul. She bottled everything up and had her coping mechanisms. She coped the only way she knew how and this it seems was a godsend as this little godsend came in the form of a bubbly bundle called Rachel. While the circumstances under which they met were not the best, it proved to be the turning point for Emery and a friendship that would last a life time. A friendship so strong and infallible, a partnership, a best friend that goes above and beyond, this was hitting the best friend lottery and these two were perfect for each other. They saved each other.
This is not your hearts and flowers romance, obviously, but this is a lesson, a lesson that we all embark on but was made that entire bit harder for Emery. Learning that not all men are the same, that some relationships you embark on may not be “the one” but are important none the less. That love can heal, love can make you forget, love can make you be that better person, love can save you, but also that giving and receiving love is the greatest gift we are given and it should be embraced and treasured with both hands.
I will not say anything about the plot as it needs to be read blind, you need to experience it first hand for yourself. All I will say is that this is by far RL Griffin’s most accomplished book to date. It is raw, it is gritty, it is not pretty but it is more than a book, it is an experience and one that you feel all the better for reading. It makes you want to be a better person, to be the better friend.
I cannot convey how much I loved this book; it was the surprises of all surprises. RL Griffin was unsure as to whether to publish this book or not, but this is a book that screams “read me.” It deserves the accolades that I am sure it will garner; it is one of my all-time favourite reads and one that I will read time and time again. If you have never read this author, please take the time to pick up this book, you will not be disappointed. RL Griffin, all I can say, is WOW; this is one book that I will never, ever forget! Kudos to you, allay those fears, this book is the shit!
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!
“There is not a person out there who is just good or just bad, we all have layers and scars and graveyards.”
This is going to be one of the hardest reviews I have ever written. There are times when you read a book and that book totally and utterly consumes you, it takes over your thought processes, your soul, your emotions, your heart, everything. One of those books that you continually think about for days and weeks after and for me, this was one of those books, I lived and breathed this book.
“You are braver than you seem and stronger than you think.”
RL Griffin’s previous series, By A Thread was more a romantic suspense, and Razorblade Kisses is far from her normal. This is a book that screams the author has put their heart and soul onto the pages, if books could bleed, this one would be oozing. I felt everything, confusion, hurt, pain, anguish, hope, devastation and love, yes this book will put your emotions through their paces but this is so much more than a book, it is a work of art on paper.
“Hope. It had tempted her with its beauty and suffocated her with is reality.”
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book; I have seen it grow from strength to strength. It covers some extremely hard hitting subjects but they are dealt with sensitively, thoughtfully and emotionally. There is nothing gratuitous, just heartfelt, beautiful penmanship that creates an ugly yet beautiful story. A story about leaving a painful past behind and trying to live for the now, a story of rebirth in the direst of circumstances, when all hope is lost and you are afraid for yourself and your sanity, clawing back from the pits of despair, making the most of the situations that you find yourself in, trying to forget and be that person you want to be rather than being the person that your past has dictated you be.
“My heart is broken and my head is barely inhabitable.”
Yes there are a lot of lows but this is balanced with some fantastic highs, your heart will be ripped apart several times but will be slowly pieced back together, this is a journey, a voyage, yes it is not pretty in places but what life is? We all have our dark and sad times, we are all different but life is an experience and one that we only get one chance at. Sometimes we have to make decisions we don’t want to, or feel we can’t do, but self-preservation is important. Sometimes our circumstances dictate the paths that need to be taken, give you that nudge in the perceived right direction, we can only follow and hope that it is the right choice. Most importantly, life is what you make it and this book hammers that point home. You can wallow, or you can live, you can be destroyed or you can fight, you can hate or you can love and be loved. But most of all, make those choices for you, always be you.
“She’ll get through it…You see fragile, I see a survivor. She may not be loud or hostile, but she survived…”
Emery was a gutsy character, when most are weak, she was strong, she was a survivor, a fighter. She was damaged, she was frightened and she felt that she couldn’t tell a soul. She bottled everything up and had her coping mechanisms. She coped the only way she knew how and this it seems was a godsend as this little godsend came in the form of a bubbly bundle called Rachel. While the circumstances under which they met were not the best, it proved to be the turning point for Emery and a friendship that would last a life time. A friendship so strong and infallible, a partnership, a best friend that goes above and beyond, this was hitting the best friend lottery and these two were perfect for each other. They saved each other.
“There was light at the end of her never ending tunnel. It was unexpected and it was named Rachel.”
This is not your hearts and flowers romance, obviously, but this is a lesson, a lesson that we all embark on but was made that entire bit harder for Emery. Learning that not all men are the same, that some relationships you embark on may not be “the one” but are important none the less. That love can heal, love can make you forget, love can make you be that better person, love can save you, but also that giving and receiving love is the greatest gift we are given and it should be embraced and treasured with both hands.
“I promise I won’t hurt you.”
“I can’t promise you the same thing.”
I will not say anything about the plot as it needs to be read blind, you need to experience it first hand for yourself. All I will say is that this is by far RL Griffin’s most accomplished book to date. It is raw, it is gritty, it is not pretty but it is more than a book, it is an experience and one that you feel all the better for reading. It makes you want to be a better person, to be the better friend.
“The problem with being a good liar is you forget who you are under all those layers of deceit.”
I cannot convey how much I loved this book; it was the surprises of all surprises. RL Griffin was unsure as to whether to publish this book or not, but this is a book that screams “read me.” It deserves the accolades that I am sure it will garner; it is one of my all-time favourite reads and one that I will read time and time again. If you have never read this author, please take the time to pick up this book, you will not be disappointed. RL Griffin, all I can say, is WOW; this is one book that I will never, ever forget! Kudos to you, allay those fears, this book is the shit!
www.theromancecover.com
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November 20, 2014Super nervous to let this one go.
February 20, 2015
***3.5 Wholehearted Stars***
(ARC courtesy of Netgalley)
Any story you read about abuse is going to be hard to enjoy, but in this case there was more to the tale than a victim trying to cope with a horrible situation. There was friendship and love that served as saviors to someone who had lost all hope in life and human kind.
Emery Shaw was being sexually abused by her step-father from age thirteen till sixteen, he was also always terrorizing her with hurting her little sister if Emery ever said anything to anyone, so Emery started hiding behind baggy clothes and fake smiles and also compliance to protect her baby sister. Emery was using drugs to cope with her dark life and one faithful day she gets arrested with another girl while trying to purchase marihuana; that day was what changed the course of her life, forever. Rachel heard a click the minute she met Emery in the back of the cop's car and a few days after her new friend confessed her hardships she knew she would do anything to save Emery from her step-father.
Emery runs away from home with the help of her best friend , she moves in with Noah; Rachel's cousin in Nashville. In this city Emery finds a new identity and a fresh start but it won't be easy. Years will go by and she will be force to run away again, changing her name several times and always carrying a heavy heart after learning to feel beautiful things she never knew she could feel. When Emery is finally trying to piece her life back together, tragedy strikes, taking once again something very precious to her and now she is seeking revenge.
Razorblade Kisses was one very compelling story, but there were several factors that got in the way of me fully connecting with the characters. Sometimes the focus of the story was too much on the friendship between Rachel and Amery and the details about Rachel's life were just too conveniently placed to always help Amery in everything she needed. I also didn't like that Emery was so detached to leave important people behind I loved Noah's character and the part he played in Emery's recovery, I was very invested in them as a couple so of course it bothered me when
I enjoyed this author's writing style, I can't imagine it was easy writing this story so I'm very interested in checking out her other books.
(ARC courtesy of Netgalley)
Any story you read about abuse is going to be hard to enjoy, but in this case there was more to the tale than a victim trying to cope with a horrible situation. There was friendship and love that served as saviors to someone who had lost all hope in life and human kind.
Emery Shaw was being sexually abused by her step-father from age thirteen till sixteen, he was also always terrorizing her with hurting her little sister if Emery ever said anything to anyone, so Emery started hiding behind baggy clothes and fake smiles and also compliance to protect her baby sister. Emery was using drugs to cope with her dark life and one faithful day she gets arrested with another girl while trying to purchase marihuana; that day was what changed the course of her life, forever. Rachel heard a click the minute she met Emery in the back of the cop's car and a few days after her new friend confessed her hardships she knew she would do anything to save Emery from her step-father.
Emery runs away from home with the help of her best friend , she moves in with Noah; Rachel's cousin in Nashville. In this city Emery finds a new identity and a fresh start but it won't be easy. Years will go by and she will be force to run away again, changing her name several times and always carrying a heavy heart after learning to feel beautiful things she never knew she could feel. When Emery is finally trying to piece her life back together, tragedy strikes, taking once again something very precious to her and now she is seeking revenge.
Razorblade Kisses was one very compelling story, but there were several factors that got in the way of me fully connecting with the characters. Sometimes the focus of the story was too much on the friendship between Rachel and Amery and the details about Rachel's life were just too conveniently placed to always help Amery in everything she needed. I also didn't like that Emery was so detached to leave important people behind I loved Noah's character and the part he played in Emery's recovery, I was very invested in them as a couple so of course it bothered me when
I enjoyed this author's writing style, I can't imagine it was easy writing this story so I'm very interested in checking out her other books.
January 10, 2015
Em has been dealt an awful hand of cards in her young life. As if the untimely death of her father wasn’t hard enough, the agonising situation that she is dragged into following his death is even more unbearable for her to cope with.
A chance encounter with the vibrant and feisty Rachel results in the two girls forming a bond akin to soul mates. They have ’the click’. After Em confides in Rachel, the two girls mastermind Em’s escape from hell and suddenly she finds herself a young girl on the run from her horrific past, forging a new life under the radar in a new city, with a new identity.
Em doesn’t know who she is, yet her inner strength and resolve demonstrates that she is a strong young woman. Her past has chewed her up and spat her out, yet she pushes on, forging a new present with the tentative promise of a future. Even though she can’t see it, she is a born survivor.
‘Hope is a funny thing, because the feeling is unmatched, like nothing else, but when it’s dashed it leaves your empty.’
I’ll be honest, I didn’t agree with every decision Em made in her journey, but Griffin’s writing allowed her the freedom to make mistakes and to live with the mistakes she made. It is classic Griffin to create realistic life lessons in perfectly flawed characters.
‘I felt like poison and it would be best for everyone if I just left.’
Griffin has a fantastic way of creating lead and supporting characters that you fall in love with and want to be friends with, people who you can relate to.
Rachel is the light to Em’s darkness. Her unlikely hero in tough times.
Noah is a breath of fresh air. Not your stereotypical sporting hottie, he gives Em the space she needs to grow in her new surroundings.
Tim… well he really is a knight in shining armour (and I know Griffin will hate me for saying that) but he’s the whole package. Honest, honourable, strong, wise, loving and swoon-worthy. He had me at his first appearance in the book.
The subject matter in Razorblade Kisses is tough. I won’t lie, at times my stomach lurched and my chest tightened as the storyline unfolded, yet Griffin’s mastery with words cushioned the blow somewhat and kept me turning page after page. RBK is not all dark. Interlaced throughout the story Griffin creates light moments of comedy, a light escape for Em and the reader from her reality.
As is typical of me, I never delve too deep into the storyline of books in my reviews for fear of ruining the plot or colouring your opinion of the story. What I will say is this:
Razorblade Kisses is a stunning tale.
It is Em’s story of her escape from hell and her fight for survival.
It is a tale of rebirth.
It's heart-breaking, it's beautiful, it leaves you feeling raw, yet hopeful... optimistic even.
Razorblade kisses is RL Griffin's most accomplished work to date.
It's simply a MUST READ for your 2015 TBR list!
5++ hearts
Emma
A chance encounter with the vibrant and feisty Rachel results in the two girls forming a bond akin to soul mates. They have ’the click’. After Em confides in Rachel, the two girls mastermind Em’s escape from hell and suddenly she finds herself a young girl on the run from her horrific past, forging a new life under the radar in a new city, with a new identity.
Em doesn’t know who she is, yet her inner strength and resolve demonstrates that she is a strong young woman. Her past has chewed her up and spat her out, yet she pushes on, forging a new present with the tentative promise of a future. Even though she can’t see it, she is a born survivor.
‘Hope is a funny thing, because the feeling is unmatched, like nothing else, but when it’s dashed it leaves your empty.’
I’ll be honest, I didn’t agree with every decision Em made in her journey, but Griffin’s writing allowed her the freedom to make mistakes and to live with the mistakes she made. It is classic Griffin to create realistic life lessons in perfectly flawed characters.
‘I felt like poison and it would be best for everyone if I just left.’
Griffin has a fantastic way of creating lead and supporting characters that you fall in love with and want to be friends with, people who you can relate to.
Rachel is the light to Em’s darkness. Her unlikely hero in tough times.
Noah is a breath of fresh air. Not your stereotypical sporting hottie, he gives Em the space she needs to grow in her new surroundings.
Tim… well he really is a knight in shining armour (and I know Griffin will hate me for saying that) but he’s the whole package. Honest, honourable, strong, wise, loving and swoon-worthy. He had me at his first appearance in the book.
The subject matter in Razorblade Kisses is tough. I won’t lie, at times my stomach lurched and my chest tightened as the storyline unfolded, yet Griffin’s mastery with words cushioned the blow somewhat and kept me turning page after page. RBK is not all dark. Interlaced throughout the story Griffin creates light moments of comedy, a light escape for Em and the reader from her reality.
As is typical of me, I never delve too deep into the storyline of books in my reviews for fear of ruining the plot or colouring your opinion of the story. What I will say is this:
Razorblade Kisses is a stunning tale.
It is Em’s story of her escape from hell and her fight for survival.
It is a tale of rebirth.
It's heart-breaking, it's beautiful, it leaves you feeling raw, yet hopeful... optimistic even.
Razorblade kisses is RL Griffin's most accomplished work to date.
It's simply a MUST READ for your 2015 TBR list!
5++ hearts
Emma
January 13, 2015
TITLE: Razorblade Kisses
AUTHOR: R.L. Griffin
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE: January 8th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★
God this book put me through the paces, such a heartfelt story, I connected with all characters on all different levels, it was a wee bit drawn out but I think it needed all that to show us that life throws alot of punches and they do take alot of time to get over so all her running, trying to hide from all that was done to her was a healing process though slow had to happen for her to become who she was at the end of the story..
She's trained herself not to think..Not to hurt..Not to feel
The decisions she made were soley based on a youths mindset, a product of the terror and abuse at the hands of her step father which she lived through night after night..
FEAR WAS HER CONSTANT COMPANION
EMMA SHAW IS A SURVIVOR
I mark on a piece of paper I hide in my bible, one hundred and fifty six times
SCARS
Bite marks = There were over 50 marks where she's bitten into the flesh of her arm to stop herself from screaming, the marks ran up and down her forearm and served as a constant reminder of him and what he did.
I loved Noah but fell in love with Tim
He peeled away all my protective layers with a razorblade, slowly and carefully. I owe Noah for peeling away her walls with the razorblade that was his kisses, confidence and love
VENGEANCE
This is the first book I've read of this authors, love her writing style, just draws you in slowly and holds you in her hand as the whole story unfolds..Love the cover chosen to portray the book, the title, the blurb it all just works..
HOPE
January 3, 2015
Review: surj 3.5-4 Stars
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This has got to be one of the hardest reviews for me to write because honestly, this book has left me so completely torn. Don't get me wrong, it had so many of the right ingredients that made it a really good read but there were a couple of things that niggled at me, that were like an itch that wouldn't go away that stopped R.L Griffin's "Razorblades Kisses" being the five hearts read I really wanted it to be. Now before I have to start ducking as missiles are thrown my way, hear me out.
The prologue and the first chapter absolutely had the wow factor, with enough there to grab my attention, suck me in and leave me desperate for more. I needed the gaps filled in between the two time points I was given... I needed the why's, how's, who's, when's and where's and very early on, I knew that I needed a HEA. Yes I know what you're thinking... of course there'll be a HEA... this is a romance novel after all. OK so I'll just put it out there. This for me was not a romance novel, not in the conventional sense of the word anyway. Yes of course it featured but this was absolutely secondary to other themes that ran core to Amery's story. "Razorblades Kisses" was about survival and self discovery. It was about friendship, hope and unconditional love and it was difficult not to be affected by what I was reading.
"Razorblade Kisses" told the story of a child's fight for survival and a woman's battle for freedom. Emery shaw was a victim. She was a survivor and she was a fighter.. but she saw none of that. She didn't know who she was anymore, the lies told over the years suffocating any chance of finding her own identity. She was always on the run. She was always someone else but who was she under that carefully constructed mask? The only person who knew that was her best friend Rachel. Now this was a girl who showed unconditional love, who had been a pillar of support for a girl she barely knew, who had become more than a friend... she had become a parent, a guardian, a sister, a protector. she had sacrificed so much. This had become more than a friendship. What these girls shared was a bond that could never be broken and that was something that touched my soul.
Tim and Noah both played their parts in how Emery's story would unravel. Both were beautiful, beautiful people each of them for their own reasons which you will become apparent when you read this book. There are no teams, there's no cheating ... only victims of circumstance and each of them I'm sure will find a place in your heart.
OK, so now to the nitty gritty.. why not 5 hearts? This is more personal preference but I honestly wished "Razorblades Kisses" had been written in first person. I wanted Emery's POV. I wanted inside her head. I wanted her to tell me how she felt through body language, inner thoughts and voice. I didn't want to hear it third hand and because of this I felt somewhat detached from her character and the story lost some of it's sparkle (so to speak). On a second note, there were a couple of situations towards the end of the book that didn't necessarily fit right in my mind. A couple of things that were said and also how everything was wrapped up just had me questioning how realistic or believable it was. But again, that's me and my personal opinion and I know there are so many readers out there who had no issues at all.
"Razorblade Kisses" isn't a conventional story... not by a long shot but if you're looking for something different, then take the risk and dive in. Go and experience the heart breaking lows but equally, the beautiful, heart felt uplifting highs that Emery's story has to offer. This is definitely one of those books that will stay with you and have you thinking for days to come. I rated it ❤️❤️❤️.5 to ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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This has got to be one of the hardest reviews for me to write because honestly, this book has left me so completely torn. Don't get me wrong, it had so many of the right ingredients that made it a really good read but there were a couple of things that niggled at me, that were like an itch that wouldn't go away that stopped R.L Griffin's "Razorblades Kisses" being the five hearts read I really wanted it to be. Now before I have to start ducking as missiles are thrown my way, hear me out.
... you're broken. You're eyes are broken. Your soul is in pieces and your heart is wrecked.So let's start with all the amazing things that had me gripped ... because let's face it, once I started reading Emery Shaw's story, there was no way in hell I was going to put it down. This was a compelling, hard hitting, emotional read that was a breath of fresh air. The story line was unique and very much unpredictable (although there were times I could have kicked the author for not taking the plot down the avenue I wanted it to go)... let's just say... expect the unexpected... lol.
The prologue and the first chapter absolutely had the wow factor, with enough there to grab my attention, suck me in and leave me desperate for more. I needed the gaps filled in between the two time points I was given... I needed the why's, how's, who's, when's and where's and very early on, I knew that I needed a HEA. Yes I know what you're thinking... of course there'll be a HEA... this is a romance novel after all. OK so I'll just put it out there. This for me was not a romance novel, not in the conventional sense of the word anyway. Yes of course it featured but this was absolutely secondary to other themes that ran core to Amery's story. "Razorblades Kisses" was about survival and self discovery. It was about friendship, hope and unconditional love and it was difficult not to be affected by what I was reading.
Hope was like ivy, it spread at a rapid speed and killed everything in its path.The subject matters covered weren't easy to read but I take my hat off to the author firstly, for the warning that was given at the start of the book but secondly, for the way in which she handled the topics covered. Yes there were times I felt sick to my stomach and yes there were times I had to put my kindle down and walk away but the situations I witnessed were handled with the due care and attention they deserved... definitely not for the faint hearted but absolutely worth the risk.
"Razorblade Kisses" told the story of a child's fight for survival and a woman's battle for freedom. Emery shaw was a victim. She was a survivor and she was a fighter.. but she saw none of that. She didn't know who she was anymore, the lies told over the years suffocating any chance of finding her own identity. She was always on the run. She was always someone else but who was she under that carefully constructed mask? The only person who knew that was her best friend Rachel. Now this was a girl who showed unconditional love, who had been a pillar of support for a girl she barely knew, who had become more than a friend... she had become a parent, a guardian, a sister, a protector. she had sacrificed so much. This had become more than a friendship. What these girls shared was a bond that could never be broken and that was something that touched my soul.
The problem with being a good liar is you forget who you are under all those layers of deceit.
Tim and Noah both played their parts in how Emery's story would unravel. Both were beautiful, beautiful people each of them for their own reasons which you will become apparent when you read this book. There are no teams, there's no cheating ... only victims of circumstance and each of them I'm sure will find a place in your heart.
OK, so now to the nitty gritty.. why not 5 hearts? This is more personal preference but I honestly wished "Razorblades Kisses" had been written in first person. I wanted Emery's POV. I wanted inside her head. I wanted her to tell me how she felt through body language, inner thoughts and voice. I didn't want to hear it third hand and because of this I felt somewhat detached from her character and the story lost some of it's sparkle (so to speak). On a second note, there were a couple of situations towards the end of the book that didn't necessarily fit right in my mind. A couple of things that were said and also how everything was wrapped up just had me questioning how realistic or believable it was. But again, that's me and my personal opinion and I know there are so many readers out there who had no issues at all.
People are so complex. There's not a person out there who is just good or just bad. We all have layers and scars and graveyards.
"Razorblade Kisses" isn't a conventional story... not by a long shot but if you're looking for something different, then take the risk and dive in. Go and experience the heart breaking lows but equally, the beautiful, heart felt uplifting highs that Emery's story has to offer. This is definitely one of those books that will stay with you and have you thinking for days to come. I rated it ❤️❤️❤️.5 to ❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 7, 2015
ARC graciously received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Razorblade Kisses (RBK) is an all consuming, heart in throat type of read. It's actually the second time this year that a story has completely floored me. Leaving me utterly speechless and with such a hangover that I feel lost. It's the type of story that I crave and live for. When the author generously allowed me an opportunity to read an advanced copy I jumped in feet first and OH MY GOD!! From the prologue right up until the last word, I felt such a heavy weight on my chest. I was filled with anxiety, excitement and such a tug on my emotions.
RBK tells the story of a Emerson. Emerson is a 16 year old who makes a decision that will change her life. She is holding on to a heartbreaking secret that haunts her every day. Immediately I felt disgust for what this poor girl has had to endure. She makes the tough decision for her sanity, but this will not only affect her, but also the one person who is her light and that she loves dearly.
This is a story that you must experience first hand without too much information, so I can't go any further into the plot. But what I will say is that this story will consume your mind, body and soul because that is it's purpose. It's meant to rock you to the core. It's a journey with lots of lows but sprinkled with some highs that melts and repairs your heart. RBK is a tough read, but so well worth it. It's mentally exhausting but in such a good way.
RBK showed me how it feels to have my heart ripped in two, in slow motion. You will experience Emerson's hurts and pains and then cheer her on for her will to survive. This story is different and unique. It touched me in so many ways and goes on my 6 star reads shelf! It's absolutely brilliant and one that I'll never forget.
Razorblade Kisses (RBK) is an all consuming, heart in throat type of read. It's actually the second time this year that a story has completely floored me. Leaving me utterly speechless and with such a hangover that I feel lost. It's the type of story that I crave and live for. When the author generously allowed me an opportunity to read an advanced copy I jumped in feet first and OH MY GOD!! From the prologue right up until the last word, I felt such a heavy weight on my chest. I was filled with anxiety, excitement and such a tug on my emotions.
RBK tells the story of a Emerson. Emerson is a 16 year old who makes a decision that will change her life. She is holding on to a heartbreaking secret that haunts her every day. Immediately I felt disgust for what this poor girl has had to endure. She makes the tough decision for her sanity, but this will not only affect her, but also the one person who is her light and that she loves dearly.
This is a story that you must experience first hand without too much information, so I can't go any further into the plot. But what I will say is that this story will consume your mind, body and soul because that is it's purpose. It's meant to rock you to the core. It's a journey with lots of lows but sprinkled with some highs that melts and repairs your heart. RBK is a tough read, but so well worth it. It's mentally exhausting but in such a good way.
RBK showed me how it feels to have my heart ripped in two, in slow motion. You will experience Emerson's hurts and pains and then cheer her on for her will to survive. This story is different and unique. It touched me in so many ways and goes on my 6 star reads shelf! It's absolutely brilliant and one that I'll never forget.
February 4, 2016
Why did I wait so long to read this book? This book consumed me for the last 2 days when I was able to read. It definitely is not for everyone, but I will say if it is your kind of book then you should grab it up and read it NOW.
I loved the characters in this book. Emery was Amazing. Rachel was Awesome. Noah was the sweetest man. AND Tim MY GOD he was just a beautiful loving character.
This book pulled out many emotions from me. I was sad, hurt, angry, frustrated, and I would do it all again just to experience this book for the first time again.
Emery going through what she went through and then all she had to go through after the fact had me rooting for her to finally get her HEA after all she totally deserved one. I cheered for her, felt sad for her, held my breath for her. I felt it ALL.
I'm leaving you will some of my favorite quotes.
“There is not a person out there who is just good or just bad, we all have layers and scars and graveyards.”
“The problem with being a good liar is you forget who you are under all those layers of deceit.”
“Hope is a funny thing, because the feeling is unmatched, like nothing else, but when it’s dashed, it leaves you empty. When the world crushed the hope she had now, the promise of tomorrow whispered “try again” in her ear.”
“I hope you never have to worry like I worry every day. It destroys faith and hope and everything good.”
“I believe in myself. I believe in Rachel. I believe that if there is a God, I don’t know how he could allow things to happen that happen on this earth. I walk amongst evil every day and I believe that the monsters sometimes win.”
I loved the characters in this book. Emery was Amazing. Rachel was Awesome. Noah was the sweetest man. AND Tim MY GOD he was just a beautiful loving character.
This book pulled out many emotions from me. I was sad, hurt, angry, frustrated, and I would do it all again just to experience this book for the first time again.
Emery going through what she went through and then all she had to go through after the fact had me rooting for her to finally get her HEA after all she totally deserved one. I cheered for her, felt sad for her, held my breath for her. I felt it ALL.
I'm leaving you will some of my favorite quotes.
“There is not a person out there who is just good or just bad, we all have layers and scars and graveyards.”
“The problem with being a good liar is you forget who you are under all those layers of deceit.”
“Hope is a funny thing, because the feeling is unmatched, like nothing else, but when it’s dashed, it leaves you empty. When the world crushed the hope she had now, the promise of tomorrow whispered “try again” in her ear.”
“I hope you never have to worry like I worry every day. It destroys faith and hope and everything good.”
“I believe in myself. I believe in Rachel. I believe that if there is a God, I don’t know how he could allow things to happen that happen on this earth. I walk amongst evil every day and I believe that the monsters sometimes win.”
January 8, 2015
Have you ever read a book that was so hauntingly beautiful, that it touched your soul, made you feel, really feel and think. Think, what would I do, or would I have done something differently.Touched you so deeply that there's no coming back? Razorblade kisses did that for me.
I found myself completely immersed in RL Griffins world of words. So brilliantly written that I lost track of all concept of time and reality. Feeling as if I knew the characters intimately and rooting for them every step of the way. Falling in love with them, crying for them and with them. Unbelievable friendships with a bond so strong that could withstand any force, and heartbreak and loss so deep that you're left with invisible scars that will never be erased.
I don't want to divulge as to what happens in this book. I want you to experience it first hand. Expect the unexpected, imagine, dream and go along with Emery on her journey.
You will be touched in ways you never thought possible. I feel that I'd be doing Emery and RL an injustice by even trying to sum up the story line and characters, it was that sensational.
This book is real, and In my personal opinion, probably the best book that RL Griffen has written. I was lucky enough to be there from the beginning of this journey with RL, and watching this masterpiece unfold with its twists and turns, not always pretty and sometimes dark, was hard and so rewarding at the same time. Even after reading it countless times, I was still touched.
5 stars is just not enough for this one.
I found myself completely immersed in RL Griffins world of words. So brilliantly written that I lost track of all concept of time and reality. Feeling as if I knew the characters intimately and rooting for them every step of the way. Falling in love with them, crying for them and with them. Unbelievable friendships with a bond so strong that could withstand any force, and heartbreak and loss so deep that you're left with invisible scars that will never be erased.
I don't want to divulge as to what happens in this book. I want you to experience it first hand. Expect the unexpected, imagine, dream and go along with Emery on her journey.
You will be touched in ways you never thought possible. I feel that I'd be doing Emery and RL an injustice by even trying to sum up the story line and characters, it was that sensational.
This book is real, and In my personal opinion, probably the best book that RL Griffen has written. I was lucky enough to be there from the beginning of this journey with RL, and watching this masterpiece unfold with its twists and turns, not always pretty and sometimes dark, was hard and so rewarding at the same time. Even after reading it countless times, I was still touched.
5 stars is just not enough for this one.
October 26, 2020
My second book by Griffin and boy, does she make my heart pound right outta my chest!!
Psychological thrillers seems to be the Griffin-zone. She's very comfortable and flawless in her narration. She maintains the pace and the dread steady and fast. Her twists and turns are perfectly inserted, hence as a reader my gaze never strayed from the story. The subject matter is a bit dark and controversial. In the sense that there's a heinous crime being committed in the background and we see the scars and scabs of it in the forefront. Those alone made my stomach churn and the monster hiding in plain sight reminded me that I've personally heard of such sins committed in real life too.
So that being one of the reasons this story resonated with me and the fact that Griffin writes with a lot of heart, makes her my new fave author.
Sweet, adorable, nubile & Perfectly Polite Emery Shaw is a girl living in constant fear
"Fear was her constant companion. It drove her decisions, her withdrawal from life, and filled her nights."
She's logging her Days of Torture in her scarred soul #156. She's been robbed of One hundred and fifty six days from her life. I could only imagine her anguish and indescribable pain, wish I could have alleviated some of it. Maybe some prayers might've worked cause her saviour comes from unexpected quarters in an unexpected place.
Rachel Helms is a girl with a heart of gold. (I'm dying to read her story, Griffin) they both just click at their first meet.
"I’m talking about a click. Where you meet someone right away and know that person is going to mean something to you—lover, friend, whatever. You click.”
I was in awe of her unconditional support and steadfast loyalty towards Emery. She goes above and beyond in being a steadfast rock in her chaotic life.
Emery is in perpetual run for her life, her nemesis close on her heels
I have to mention something here, although I had a hard time understanding her flight rather than fight stance, I can somewhat understand why Emery ran from city to city with fear biting her ankles throughout the book. I wish she'd have trusted herself and some people in her life more, but hindsight is 20:20 so I allow that, albeit reluctantly.
Her anonymous life has more impact on her as a human being than what I realized at first. Her Armour is her cloak of lies she hides under, where she drifts with a borrowed name, can never be close to anyone, with a warrant on her heart which is never allowed to feel.
"She was a pile of lies on top of deceit with a cherry bullshit on top"
That is the most pathetic existence a person can live and THAT is the highlight of the story. Her changing of identities is as uneventful as change of clothes and the fact that she gets very comfortable doing it, is scary. What damage it leaves behind in its wake is catastrophic.
It simply made me cry! 😭
Emery becomes a hollow caricature of herself, a 2 dimensional human, sleepwalking through life.
Till she meets Noah, but even then she can't stop hiding.
OR with Tim, the cop
“No, there’s not, because I’m dead inside.”
“I walk around and don’t experience anything. I don’t have anything I want to do because I can’t imagine feeling anything. If I let myself feel anything, I’m afraid I’ll…”
A debilitating and eroding journey through the disfigured soul of a trapped teenager, who simply couldn't survive any better. It's power lies in the soulful and angsty treatment in the expert hands of Griffin, she's now become my fave. I'll be going through her back list meticulously cause I can't get enough at this point
4.5 stars for broken hearts and Inhabitable heads
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Psychological thrillers seems to be the Griffin-zone. She's very comfortable and flawless in her narration. She maintains the pace and the dread steady and fast. Her twists and turns are perfectly inserted, hence as a reader my gaze never strayed from the story. The subject matter is a bit dark and controversial. In the sense that there's a heinous crime being committed in the background and we see the scars and scabs of it in the forefront. Those alone made my stomach churn and the monster hiding in plain sight reminded me that I've personally heard of such sins committed in real life too.
So that being one of the reasons this story resonated with me and the fact that Griffin writes with a lot of heart, makes her my new fave author.
Sweet, adorable, nubile & Perfectly Polite Emery Shaw is a girl living in constant fear
"Fear was her constant companion. It drove her decisions, her withdrawal from life, and filled her nights."
She's logging her Days of Torture in her scarred soul #156. She's been robbed of One hundred and fifty six days from her life. I could only imagine her anguish and indescribable pain, wish I could have alleviated some of it. Maybe some prayers might've worked cause her saviour comes from unexpected quarters in an unexpected place.
Rachel Helms is a girl with a heart of gold. (I'm dying to read her story, Griffin) they both just click at their first meet.
"I’m talking about a click. Where you meet someone right away and know that person is going to mean something to you—lover, friend, whatever. You click.”
I was in awe of her unconditional support and steadfast loyalty towards Emery. She goes above and beyond in being a steadfast rock in her chaotic life.
Emery is in perpetual run for her life, her nemesis close on her heels
I have to mention something here, although I had a hard time understanding her flight rather than fight stance, I can somewhat understand why Emery ran from city to city with fear biting her ankles throughout the book. I wish she'd have trusted herself and some people in her life more, but hindsight is 20:20 so I allow that, albeit reluctantly.
Her anonymous life has more impact on her as a human being than what I realized at first. Her Armour is her cloak of lies she hides under, where she drifts with a borrowed name, can never be close to anyone, with a warrant on her heart which is never allowed to feel.
"She was a pile of lies on top of deceit with a cherry bullshit on top"
That is the most pathetic existence a person can live and THAT is the highlight of the story. Her changing of identities is as uneventful as change of clothes and the fact that she gets very comfortable doing it, is scary. What damage it leaves behind in its wake is catastrophic.
It simply made me cry! 😭
Emery becomes a hollow caricature of herself, a 2 dimensional human, sleepwalking through life.
Till she meets Noah, but even then she can't stop hiding.
OR with Tim, the cop
“No, there’s not, because I’m dead inside.”
“I walk around and don’t experience anything. I don’t have anything I want to do because I can’t imagine feeling anything. If I let myself feel anything, I’m afraid I’ll…”
A debilitating and eroding journey through the disfigured soul of a trapped teenager, who simply couldn't survive any better. It's power lies in the soulful and angsty treatment in the expert hands of Griffin, she's now become my fave. I'll be going through her back list meticulously cause I can't get enough at this point
4.5 stars for broken hearts and Inhabitable heads
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
November 20, 2014
I am one of the few lucky little pitches that won a ARC copy of this book.... Razorblade Kisses!!!
I LOVE IT!!!!! I can't say it enough. I'm smiling now but last night I found myself crying and smiling... and smiling some more and them son of a bitch.... I'm sad again. WTF???? Really this book is GREATNESS!!!! I'm not just saying it... I mean it. My 5 star reads are not as easy to come by now days.... this is a 5+ star for me. Thank you RL.... Thank you for your talent and for sharing this with us. I'm happy and sad.... everyone was right.... my emotions are still all over the place.... I can't stop thinking about this book.
And not only is it a great book but it really kept my interest. I don't know how long it's been since I haven't been able to put a book down and this book was hard to put down... damn you last chapter.
This book starts with a broken girl and not only does she stay broken but it seems like she breaks even more as she gets older. Life hands her horrible situations and she some how finds it in her to keep living... maybe the help of her super amazing friend helps her.
She finally meets Tim and he helps her even if she tries hard not to let him in. Noah and Lucas also get in her heart.
I don't know how but this book did tear me up a little and even at the end I found myself crying a little.
I try not to say too much about what a book is really about because I'm always afraid to give out too much info... but I will say one thing.... I LOVE this book. Not sure how RL comes up with these people...how do they get in her brain. This has to be one of my top 3 books this year. Glad I was lucky enough to have a chance at reading it before it's release. I LOVE IT!!!! and I'm not just saying this... but it truly is a work of art. Yes, people words, stories can be art... and this is a masterpiece.
Thank you and keep doing your thing RL, I think you found your calling. ;)
I LOVE IT!!!!! I can't say it enough. I'm smiling now but last night I found myself crying and smiling... and smiling some more and them son of a bitch.... I'm sad again. WTF???? Really this book is GREATNESS!!!! I'm not just saying it... I mean it. My 5 star reads are not as easy to come by now days.... this is a 5+ star for me. Thank you RL.... Thank you for your talent and for sharing this with us. I'm happy and sad.... everyone was right.... my emotions are still all over the place.... I can't stop thinking about this book.
And not only is it a great book but it really kept my interest. I don't know how long it's been since I haven't been able to put a book down and this book was hard to put down... damn you last chapter.
This book starts with a broken girl and not only does she stay broken but it seems like she breaks even more as she gets older. Life hands her horrible situations and she some how finds it in her to keep living... maybe the help of her super amazing friend helps her.
She finally meets Tim and he helps her even if she tries hard not to let him in. Noah and Lucas also get in her heart.
I don't know how but this book did tear me up a little and even at the end I found myself crying a little.
I try not to say too much about what a book is really about because I'm always afraid to give out too much info... but I will say one thing.... I LOVE this book. Not sure how RL comes up with these people...how do they get in her brain. This has to be one of my top 3 books this year. Glad I was lucky enough to have a chance at reading it before it's release. I LOVE IT!!!! and I'm not just saying this... but it truly is a work of art. Yes, people words, stories can be art... and this is a masterpiece.
Thank you and keep doing your thing RL, I think you found your calling. ;)
November 17, 2015
Beautiful. Uplifting. Raw.
This story is dark. This story is unpredictable. You don’t really read it, it reads you, and simply takes you along for the ride. You won’t have the chance to think of where you are going, or if you want to go. You only know that you are a passenger in this ride. You are a witness to the tragic and poignant events that shape a young woman’s life, as she courageously dares to run, walk, and sometimes crawl through the circumstances that shape her world. She is heroic, she is broken, she is damaged, she is strong, she is beaten, she is brave, she is scared, she is pure, and she is ruined. She is a survivor.
Once again, RL Griffin transports you into another world with her writing. She creates the most incredible characters, full of such depth and emotion. Her characters are perfectly flawed and strong. Then, she surrounds them with equally full, vibrant characters, and moves each of them along a chess board, in a manner completely hidden to you, the reader, in the most exquisitely, emotionally jarring journey. This story is about love. Em is a child, a woman, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a lover, a victim, a survivor. She is weak, and she is strong, and she is beautiful. This story is about love. How love can heal, how love can destroy, how love can forgive, and how love can save you, even from yourself. Even when you don’t think you want it to.
I cannot boast enough, or explain how much the rawness of this story will stay with you.
I can tell you that I will read anything this author puts in print. Period. She is amazing, and if you have not already had the absolute pleasure of reading her other books, I highly recommend doing so.
This story is dark. This story is unpredictable. You don’t really read it, it reads you, and simply takes you along for the ride. You won’t have the chance to think of where you are going, or if you want to go. You only know that you are a passenger in this ride. You are a witness to the tragic and poignant events that shape a young woman’s life, as she courageously dares to run, walk, and sometimes crawl through the circumstances that shape her world. She is heroic, she is broken, she is damaged, she is strong, she is beaten, she is brave, she is scared, she is pure, and she is ruined. She is a survivor.
Once again, RL Griffin transports you into another world with her writing. She creates the most incredible characters, full of such depth and emotion. Her characters are perfectly flawed and strong. Then, she surrounds them with equally full, vibrant characters, and moves each of them along a chess board, in a manner completely hidden to you, the reader, in the most exquisitely, emotionally jarring journey. This story is about love. Em is a child, a woman, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a lover, a victim, a survivor. She is weak, and she is strong, and she is beautiful. This story is about love. How love can heal, how love can destroy, how love can forgive, and how love can save you, even from yourself. Even when you don’t think you want it to.
I cannot boast enough, or explain how much the rawness of this story will stay with you.
I can tell you that I will read anything this author puts in print. Period. She is amazing, and if you have not already had the absolute pleasure of reading her other books, I highly recommend doing so.
January 11, 2015
I wish I could give more than 5 Stars. This deals with a hard subject matter. It is not for the faint of heart. Emery is dealt a crappy hand in life. She is trying to survive the only way she knows how...By shutting herself off, feeling nothing. She soon meets Rachel, who will become her staunchest supporter, trusted ally, and best friend. . A friendship can best be thought of as two people side by side looking forward toward a common goal.Rachel and Em's goal is Em's survival. Rachel is an intregal part of Em's survival. She is the ultimate BFF. We cannot leave out Derrick who help Em in so many practical ways. But then there is Noah...sigh. Noah is the one who teaches Em it's ok to feel again.
Then Tim, Oh Tim, Be still my heart. I think I need a Tim for myself. "I know I can't save you. I don't want to save you, but I want to be there when you save yourself. I want to be the one you run to when you realize who you really are. Me. I want you. All of you." That to me is love at it's purist form, knowing you can't fix something for someone, but still wanting to be there.
We won't even talk about Lucas.
Em's story is hard to read. I won't lie. It tears you up from the inside out, then somehow RL manages to put you back together agin. I thank you RL from the bottom of my heart, for allowing us, your faithful readers to see inside your heart and soul. It is breathtakingly beautiful. Go Read this book!
Then Tim, Oh Tim, Be still my heart. I think I need a Tim for myself. "I know I can't save you. I don't want to save you, but I want to be there when you save yourself. I want to be the one you run to when you realize who you really are. Me. I want you. All of you." That to me is love at it's purist form, knowing you can't fix something for someone, but still wanting to be there.
We won't even talk about Lucas.
Em's story is hard to read. I won't lie. It tears you up from the inside out, then somehow RL manages to put you back together agin. I thank you RL from the bottom of my heart, for allowing us, your faithful readers to see inside your heart and soul. It is breathtakingly beautiful. Go Read this book!
November 3, 2014
This Book... Oh... This Book.
Let me just tell you what an amazing book hangover I have.
I loved/hated/loved this book so much. RL leads us immediately into where we are going in the story and you are waiting for it at every turn. *EDGE of your seat. *Biting your nails. *Waiting and hoping.
The heroine in the story is the most stong and resilient character in the world. The way she survives and overcomes the challenges and struggles she endures is simply incredible and she makes you proud to know her for all 400 pages.
This is a book that you will without a doubt not be able to put down.
I seriously LOVED the story so much, even though it ripped my heart from my body at every turn.
Let me just tell you what an amazing book hangover I have.
I loved/hated/loved this book so much. RL leads us immediately into where we are going in the story and you are waiting for it at every turn. *EDGE of your seat. *Biting your nails. *Waiting and hoping.
The heroine in the story is the most stong and resilient character in the world. The way she survives and overcomes the challenges and struggles she endures is simply incredible and she makes you proud to know her for all 400 pages.
This is a book that you will without a doubt not be able to put down.
I seriously LOVED the story so much, even though it ripped my heart from my body at every turn.
January 9, 2020
5+++ Stars
If there's one book you have to read during 2015 it's Razorblade Kisses. This story is emotive, it's painful, it's stunning, it's hopeful but most of all it's beautifully told. From pain and desolation comes love and happiness but not without hurdles and cruelty beyond words.
Emery is 16 and living a life you'd never want a child to live. After getting arrested, she meets Rachel and they "click" and for the first time in 4 years, Emery has hope.
Escaping her home life, she turns her back on her sister and hopes that she too won't experience the horrors that she endured almost daily. With Rachel and Derrick's help and support, she leaves and becomes someone else, someone without a past and someone with the chance of living an abuse free life.
Emery becomes Emily and heads to Nashville to live a new life with Rachel's cousin Noah she soon finds some semblance of happiness and also love; love for a man who doesn't hurt her but who she know she will hurt.
Life is simple for a while and Emily finds peace that is until she is found and flees again, this time to Savannah and into a new life this time as Emma. It's in Savannah that she finds true happiness and true love and the man that tries to show her that she can find her HEA even though Emma knows that her heart will be broken once again and that living a life of deception with Tim isn't possible.
When tragedy strikes again Emma is forced to run once more but this time from herself and the pain she has inflicted on so many people who have helped her and trusted her. All she wants is to be forgotten and creating yet another persona for herself she waits to die. Erika has no-one, wants no-one and is no-one but will the first man she came to trust be able to save her from herself and her past?
I loved his story. It did portray horrors and sadly realistic truths but it was told sensitively and had obviously been well thought out. The bond between Rachel and Emery was truly heartfelt:
I was so glad I took a chance on is book and its author. I've not read such a rewarding story in a while and whilst it was a painful read at times there was always hope and trust but most of all love.
Reviewed on behalf of Jezabell Girl & Friends....
http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com
If there's one book you have to read during 2015 it's Razorblade Kisses. This story is emotive, it's painful, it's stunning, it's hopeful but most of all it's beautifully told. From pain and desolation comes love and happiness but not without hurdles and cruelty beyond words.
Emery is 16 and living a life you'd never want a child to live. After getting arrested, she meets Rachel and they "click" and for the first time in 4 years, Emery has hope.
Escaping her home life, she turns her back on her sister and hopes that she too won't experience the horrors that she endured almost daily. With Rachel and Derrick's help and support, she leaves and becomes someone else, someone without a past and someone with the chance of living an abuse free life.
Emery becomes Emily and heads to Nashville to live a new life with Rachel's cousin Noah she soon finds some semblance of happiness and also love; love for a man who doesn't hurt her but who she know she will hurt.
Life is simple for a while and Emily finds peace that is until she is found and flees again, this time to Savannah and into a new life this time as Emma. It's in Savannah that she finds true happiness and true love and the man that tries to show her that she can find her HEA even though Emma knows that her heart will be broken once again and that living a life of deception with Tim isn't possible.
When tragedy strikes again Emma is forced to run once more but this time from herself and the pain she has inflicted on so many people who have helped her and trusted her. All she wants is to be forgotten and creating yet another persona for herself she waits to die. Erika has no-one, wants no-one and is no-one but will the first man she came to trust be able to save her from herself and her past?
I loved his story. It did portray horrors and sadly realistic truths but it was told sensitively and had obviously been well thought out. The bond between Rachel and Emery was truly heartfelt:
The click that sounded so long ago when they’d been arrested was for life; they belonged together like chocolate and peanut butter. It’s true what they say, sometimes the monsters win, but she’d battled hers and she’d survived.
I was so glad I took a chance on is book and its author. I've not read such a rewarding story in a while and whilst it was a painful read at times there was always hope and trust but most of all love.
Reviewed on behalf of Jezabell Girl & Friends....
http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com
January 10, 2015
I have had the pleasure and honor of being a BETA reader for this book. It is exceptional and will tug at not only your heart but your gut! It is about survival and will show you how strong some people can be even if they don't feel strong. It is a MUST READ!
Now that this has been published (which I know was a real feat for the author)...I can say more about it.
There are not easy topics addressed in this book. It is tough to go through but that is what makes this book so beautiful...you don't read it, you FEEL it. I went through so many emotions reading Emery's story. My gut was wrenched out so many times. There were moments where Emery could have made better decisions but I think she was just trying to figure out how to live, let alone do the right thing.
She is so lost and then...THE CLICK. This is where you meet Rachel, wow, everyone needs this person. Their "click" person. I think the relationship between Rachel and Emery is the one I love the most in this book.
Noah is Emery's knight in shining armor. Even though neither one really notice it at the time, he is the anchor.
Tim...I cannot say enough about Tim. Between his beliefs and his patience, he is what Emery needed in the end. Really, he was her anchor too. I think Rachel, Noah and Tim all three become an anchor for Emery. God knows she needed it.
Emery has to find herself while being so many other people. I think we would be surprised to find out how many women do this on a daily basis.
Please read Emery's story. Do it to find out about strength. Do it to find out about friendship. Do it to find out how to survive. Do it for a really good cry. Do it because you want to FEEL every word RL Griffin puts on the page.
I loved this book so much...I do believe I am about to start my 5th time reading it. You won't regret the purchase!
Comment | Permalink
Now that this has been published (which I know was a real feat for the author)...I can say more about it.
There are not easy topics addressed in this book. It is tough to go through but that is what makes this book so beautiful...you don't read it, you FEEL it. I went through so many emotions reading Emery's story. My gut was wrenched out so many times. There were moments where Emery could have made better decisions but I think she was just trying to figure out how to live, let alone do the right thing.
She is so lost and then...THE CLICK. This is where you meet Rachel, wow, everyone needs this person. Their "click" person. I think the relationship between Rachel and Emery is the one I love the most in this book.
Noah is Emery's knight in shining armor. Even though neither one really notice it at the time, he is the anchor.
Tim...I cannot say enough about Tim. Between his beliefs and his patience, he is what Emery needed in the end. Really, he was her anchor too. I think Rachel, Noah and Tim all three become an anchor for Emery. God knows she needed it.
Emery has to find herself while being so many other people. I think we would be surprised to find out how many women do this on a daily basis.
Please read Emery's story. Do it to find out about strength. Do it to find out about friendship. Do it to find out how to survive. Do it for a really good cry. Do it because you want to FEEL every word RL Griffin puts on the page.
I loved this book so much...I do believe I am about to start my 5th time reading it. You won't regret the purchase!
Comment | Permalink
January 17, 2015
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange of Honest Review *
Between 3.5 and 4 stars
First: This is a well written story.
Razorblade Kisses is a story with with heart and soul.
This is a book about demons. How one sick man has the power to destroy one soul, one body, one family.
Em is a 16 years old girl with a big monster in her life, so she does what she thinks is the right thing, and for me this was the moment when I was like " No, you have a sister. Think about her". I understood what the author was thinking when she wrote this part but I can't imagine myself doing that. So my indecision about the rate of this book.
Sometimes we are too broken to think about the consequences of our actions and decisions.
I felt like poison
In her journey through every emotion and stages of growing up, she has Rachel.
Rachel is the best friend. Her only friend.
This girl did everything for Em. Maybe she was her real Hero. More than Noah or Tim.
Noah - the amazing friend. The patient guy and her first real experience with feelings.
I loved him.
Tim with his honesty was everything she needed. He never saw her as victim. No, for him she was a real woman. ♡
Razorblade kisses is a story about rebirth, bad decisions and consequences. But, and most import, Hope
Between 3.5 and 4 stars
First: This is a well written story.
Razorblade Kisses is a story with with heart and soul.
This is a book about demons. How one sick man has the power to destroy one soul, one body, one family.
Em is a 16 years old girl with a big monster in her life, so she does what she thinks is the right thing, and for me this was the moment when I was like " No, you have a sister. Think about her". I understood what the author was thinking when she wrote this part but I can't imagine myself doing that. So my indecision about the rate of this book.
Sometimes we are too broken to think about the consequences of our actions and decisions.
I felt like poison
In her journey through every emotion and stages of growing up, she has Rachel.
Rachel is the best friend. Her only friend.
This girl did everything for Em. Maybe she was her real Hero. More than Noah or Tim.
Noah - the amazing friend. The patient guy and her first real experience with feelings.
I loved him.
Tim with his honesty was everything she needed. He never saw her as victim. No, for him she was a real woman. ♡
Razorblade kisses is a story about rebirth, bad decisions and consequences. But, and most import, Hope
January 14, 2015
A 2015 MUST READ!!
16 year old Emery Shaw is what every young girl wishes she could be... beautiful, spoiled and rich, but she is empty inside. Emery has been sexually abused since she was 13 by none other than a man she should trust... her stepfather.
After being arrested the day after her 16th birthday, Emery meets Rachel, the only person she has ever told her story to.
Nine weeks later with the help of Rachel and Rachel's bad boy crush Derrick, Emery runs away from her nightmare.
Now living in Nashville as Emily Sanders, she hopes to begin a new life.
Can she truly start over? Does the past ever really stay in the past or is Emery just kidding herself.
I have no other words to describe this book, other than beautifully, tragic! It is brilliantly written. I felt like I truly had an emotional connection to the characters. I admire Emery's courage and strength.
I enjoyed the suspense, the characters, the humor, the heartache.. I just L-O-V-E-D this book!
This is the first book I have ever read by R.L. Griffin, but I will definitely be checking on more books by this author.
This book contains some sexual consensual situations, rape, language, drug use and other criminal activities.
**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
16 year old Emery Shaw is what every young girl wishes she could be... beautiful, spoiled and rich, but she is empty inside. Emery has been sexually abused since she was 13 by none other than a man she should trust... her stepfather.
After being arrested the day after her 16th birthday, Emery meets Rachel, the only person she has ever told her story to.
Nine weeks later with the help of Rachel and Rachel's bad boy crush Derrick, Emery runs away from her nightmare.
Now living in Nashville as Emily Sanders, she hopes to begin a new life.
Can she truly start over? Does the past ever really stay in the past or is Emery just kidding herself.
I have no other words to describe this book, other than beautifully, tragic! It is brilliantly written. I felt like I truly had an emotional connection to the characters. I admire Emery's courage and strength.
I enjoyed the suspense, the characters, the humor, the heartache.. I just L-O-V-E-D this book!
This is the first book I have ever read by R.L. Griffin, but I will definitely be checking on more books by this author.
This book contains some sexual consensual situations, rape, language, drug use and other criminal activities.
**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
May 1, 2015
4.5 stars
This book was an intense read with difficult subject matter concerning abuse. Emery/Emma/Emily/Erika is on the run; damaged, wounded and feeling worthless. Em has left behind her younger sister which is a risk but she could not stay at home another day. Em doesn't share anything of herself with the people she meets. In fact, she keeps people at a distance but both Noah and Tim break through some of her walls at different times in her life.
Some portions of the storyline are difficult to read in terms of the subject matter but those parts are small and feel appropriate in their believability and realism. The characters are well developed and RL Griffin makes the sexual relationships that develop not only acceptable but full of tension and enjoyable to read about. I admire the author's ability to tackle this subject, my only criticism would be the occasional jump in the timeline that took a little time to grasp.
This book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog
This book was an intense read with difficult subject matter concerning abuse. Emery/Emma/Emily/Erika is on the run; damaged, wounded and feeling worthless. Em has left behind her younger sister which is a risk but she could not stay at home another day. Em doesn't share anything of herself with the people she meets. In fact, she keeps people at a distance but both Noah and Tim break through some of her walls at different times in her life.
Some portions of the storyline are difficult to read in terms of the subject matter but those parts are small and feel appropriate in their believability and realism. The characters are well developed and RL Griffin makes the sexual relationships that develop not only acceptable but full of tension and enjoyable to read about. I admire the author's ability to tackle this subject, my only criticism would be the occasional jump in the timeline that took a little time to grasp.
This book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog
November 17, 2014
***I was lucky to win an ARC of Razorblade Kisses.***
WOW!! R.L. Griffin did it again. She is an extremely gifted author who, in my opinion, doesn't get enough recognition. I LOVED her By a Thread series & tell everyone I know that they should read it. Now I will be screaming at everyone to read Razorblade Kisses. It is such a great story. Ms. Griffin caught my attention on page one and never lost it. I found myself snapping at my husband and kids when they rudely interrupted my reading. I couldn't put the book down. I was NEEDING to know what would happen next. I loved Emery, Ashley, Rachel, Noah, Tim, and Derrick. This book made me feel so many emotions and I hated when it came to an end. I wanted more, but in my heart I knew everyone involved had already been through enough and the story ended the way it should. I am looking forward to when the book releases and everyone will get to experience this amazing story.
WOW!! R.L. Griffin did it again. She is an extremely gifted author who, in my opinion, doesn't get enough recognition. I LOVED her By a Thread series & tell everyone I know that they should read it. Now I will be screaming at everyone to read Razorblade Kisses. It is such a great story. Ms. Griffin caught my attention on page one and never lost it. I found myself snapping at my husband and kids when they rudely interrupted my reading. I couldn't put the book down. I was NEEDING to know what would happen next. I loved Emery, Ashley, Rachel, Noah, Tim, and Derrick. This book made me feel so many emotions and I hated when it came to an end. I wanted more, but in my heart I knew everyone involved had already been through enough and the story ended the way it should. I am looking forward to when the book releases and everyone will get to experience this amazing story.
September 17, 2015
If you want to read the best emotion evoking book of 2015 this is THE book for you. RL Griffin is an amazing storyteller, I have loved all of her books, but this one...this one had so many parts that gutted me!! I had to put it down and walk away to reel my emotions back in. Your heart will break for Emery, you WILL cry for her, her story is definitely not something you will soon forget!! Rachel is the best friend everyone should wish for! Thank you for tearing my heart out RL and for giving us a happy ending to Emerys tragic story!!
January 9, 2015
This is my first taste of writing by R.L.Griffin I'm ashamed to say but happily I can say it won't be my last. This book is a perfect work of art. A book so well crafted you feel inside the pages. Characters so wonderfully portrayed that you live each moment with them. I cried and I smiled but above all I adored this amazing book. Well done R.L Griffin on writing a book which deals with such difficult issues in a realistic and compassionate manner. I look forward to reading more from you and following you on social media!
June 10, 2014
This book is brilliant. A heartbreaking and heartwarming tale of a shattered girl and how she mends. The gut twisting emotions you will feel will bring your to your knees as RL Griffin crafts a story you won't be able to put down. Page turner seems like an understatement. Grab it as soon as possible and be prepared to have a serious case of the 'feels'.
January 19, 2015
Emotional story of abuse. Tears,romance and fear. The story was so well written, I felt for Em. Her letters were heart wrenching and I'm so glad I read this book. Highly recommended. I've read other books by this author, her writing never disappoints. Big fat five star read.
November 1, 2014
I read as an ARC. Loved this story. It's definitely not all roses and fluff, it's gritty and raw and will rip your heart out in unimaginable ways. Very well written.
January 14, 2015
Definitely an emotional read, and right from the beginning.
January 21, 2015
Stories like this are difficult to read because of the nature of the subject matter and the reality of the fact that this scenario is all too real for far too many and for that alone they should come with a label that states “I demand your full attention” emblazoned on the front.
The story is Emery’s, an abused teen who finally finds the courage to escape, to run from her tormentor no matter the fact that despite the distance she puts between them and the measures that she takes to keep herself safe, she will never truly be free from him.
Abuse is like a scab that no matter how hard you try you never completely escape, it wears you like a coat on the coldest winter’s day, wrapping you in its clutches and refusing to let you go.
Emery’s life is far from one that is lived, it is existed in and she is a merely an unwilling participant in the events that fill her day.
She is an empty shell of a girl with little to look forward to and no friends as such to share her life with.
But her life changes when she meets Rachel, unfortunate circumstances mean that the girls are thrown together but this little firecracker is just the antidote to Emery’s malaise, and before she even realises what she has done, Emery has divulged her greatest secret.
It is true when Rachel says- sometimes there is just a “click” you meet someone and your soul knows that this person is meant to be in your life.
Rachel was Emery’s “click” and to be honest it is probably more than that – she was her saviour.
Because for the first time ever she has someone to confide in, someone who doesn’t judge her, someone to believe not only what she is saying but in her as a person.
Rachel gave Emery the confidence to accept that despite her reticence, she has to save herself and walk away.
Emery has one worry, one threat that has always been held over her, that if she ever left or told, he would just transfer his attentions to her little sister Ashley but as it is at the moment what good is Emery to Ashley, fear is crippling her.
So with Rachel and her partner Derrick’s planning and assistance, she leaves in the dead of night and heads to Nashville to stay with Rachel’s cousin Noah.
New identity in hand, Emery is no more – Emily is her new name and she has to begin to learn that life will give her happiness if she lets it.
I liked Noah, it was obvious that he had feelings for her but he respected what he knew of her past and never pushed. The attraction was not one sided but how do you give love to someone when you know that you are living a lie and that at some point down the line you are likely to break their heart.
So when things get too much and it looks like she may not only have gotten too close to Noah but also that she might have been traced, she steals away in the night again, this time to Savannah.
So yet another new town and another new name, Emery arrives in Savannah and her new identity is that of Emma.
So with a new flat to live in and a new persona to live up to she sets about achieving that one thing that she wants more than anything, to be able to help kids.
Working in child protection, she finds that even helping just one kid is not easy when there are hundreds out there in desperate need of assistance.
But what she does find is someone that she truly loves, and that she knows loves her but again knowing that he deserves better than her deception, she struggles to balance what she wants and what she needs with what she should do.
Feeling unworthy yet again, she runs but this time it is her last run, her last escape because settling in Florida, she determines that she will just wait to die alone!
My heart was confused by the logic that she employed in many of the situations that she was in but I understood that she was as confused as I was, she felt that she was not worth loving and that as a liar she would never be worth loving. But Tim was an absolute gentleman who was prepared to worship the ground she walked on and despite what she said, I felt as if she truly was running scared not of what she could do to him but of what she was doing to herself.
She had been damaged for so long she had no idea how to normal.
The final few chapters were intensely emotional and I cried at the pain she found herself experiencing yet again but I was proud of her resolve to finally put the situation right and even prouder of the step taken by her mother when she finally opened her eyes and saw the truth before her, too late I know but her sacrifice was the ultimate resolution and I think would cross the minds of many mothers if they found themselves in that position.
Emery’s story was rollercoaster where getting off was not an option. It covered every emotion humanly possible and that include joy in the end but it was a painful read to get to the happy ever after.
Subjects such as child abuse are difficult to comprehend but this author created a first class piece of work and a master class in how to from the depths of humanity, one tiny slither of hope, one minuscule act of kindness can allow the light that is life into your heart and eventually to permeate your soul.
Emery never deserved what happened to her but she did deserve the happiness that she suffered for so many years to find, the happiness that brought Rachel, Derrick, Noah and eventually Tim into her life and allowed them to stay.
This book was a beautifully crafted, emotionally astute journey through one girl’s journey from hell to happiness.
The story is Emery’s, an abused teen who finally finds the courage to escape, to run from her tormentor no matter the fact that despite the distance she puts between them and the measures that she takes to keep herself safe, she will never truly be free from him.
Abuse is like a scab that no matter how hard you try you never completely escape, it wears you like a coat on the coldest winter’s day, wrapping you in its clutches and refusing to let you go.
Emery’s life is far from one that is lived, it is existed in and she is a merely an unwilling participant in the events that fill her day.
She is an empty shell of a girl with little to look forward to and no friends as such to share her life with.
But her life changes when she meets Rachel, unfortunate circumstances mean that the girls are thrown together but this little firecracker is just the antidote to Emery’s malaise, and before she even realises what she has done, Emery has divulged her greatest secret.
It is true when Rachel says- sometimes there is just a “click” you meet someone and your soul knows that this person is meant to be in your life.
Rachel was Emery’s “click” and to be honest it is probably more than that – she was her saviour.
Because for the first time ever she has someone to confide in, someone who doesn’t judge her, someone to believe not only what she is saying but in her as a person.
Rachel gave Emery the confidence to accept that despite her reticence, she has to save herself and walk away.
Emery has one worry, one threat that has always been held over her, that if she ever left or told, he would just transfer his attentions to her little sister Ashley but as it is at the moment what good is Emery to Ashley, fear is crippling her.
So with Rachel and her partner Derrick’s planning and assistance, she leaves in the dead of night and heads to Nashville to stay with Rachel’s cousin Noah.
New identity in hand, Emery is no more – Emily is her new name and she has to begin to learn that life will give her happiness if she lets it.
I liked Noah, it was obvious that he had feelings for her but he respected what he knew of her past and never pushed. The attraction was not one sided but how do you give love to someone when you know that you are living a lie and that at some point down the line you are likely to break their heart.
So when things get too much and it looks like she may not only have gotten too close to Noah but also that she might have been traced, she steals away in the night again, this time to Savannah.
So yet another new town and another new name, Emery arrives in Savannah and her new identity is that of Emma.
So with a new flat to live in and a new persona to live up to she sets about achieving that one thing that she wants more than anything, to be able to help kids.
Working in child protection, she finds that even helping just one kid is not easy when there are hundreds out there in desperate need of assistance.
But what she does find is someone that she truly loves, and that she knows loves her but again knowing that he deserves better than her deception, she struggles to balance what she wants and what she needs with what she should do.
Feeling unworthy yet again, she runs but this time it is her last run, her last escape because settling in Florida, she determines that she will just wait to die alone!
My heart was confused by the logic that she employed in many of the situations that she was in but I understood that she was as confused as I was, she felt that she was not worth loving and that as a liar she would never be worth loving. But Tim was an absolute gentleman who was prepared to worship the ground she walked on and despite what she said, I felt as if she truly was running scared not of what she could do to him but of what she was doing to herself.
She had been damaged for so long she had no idea how to normal.
The final few chapters were intensely emotional and I cried at the pain she found herself experiencing yet again but I was proud of her resolve to finally put the situation right and even prouder of the step taken by her mother when she finally opened her eyes and saw the truth before her, too late I know but her sacrifice was the ultimate resolution and I think would cross the minds of many mothers if they found themselves in that position.
Emery’s story was rollercoaster where getting off was not an option. It covered every emotion humanly possible and that include joy in the end but it was a painful read to get to the happy ever after.
Subjects such as child abuse are difficult to comprehend but this author created a first class piece of work and a master class in how to from the depths of humanity, one tiny slither of hope, one minuscule act of kindness can allow the light that is life into your heart and eventually to permeate your soul.
Emery never deserved what happened to her but she did deserve the happiness that she suffered for so many years to find, the happiness that brought Rachel, Derrick, Noah and eventually Tim into her life and allowed them to stay.
This book was a beautifully crafted, emotionally astute journey through one girl’s journey from hell to happiness.
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