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The Darkest Sunrise #2
You Fix Me
Vielleicht hat er recht. Wir sind durch die Hölle gegangen - wenn es zwei Menschen gibt, die ein Happy End verdient haben, dann sind das wir.
Charlotte kann es nicht glauben: Sie steht ihrem Sohn Lukas gegenüber, der vor zehn Jahren als Baby spurlos verschwand. Jahre voller Selbstvorwürfe, Trauer und Leid liegen hinter ihr - doch wie soll es jetzt weitergehen? Für Lukas ist sie eine Fremde, kennt und liebt er doch nur die Familie, in der er aufgewachsen ist. Zugleich muss Charlotte einsehen, dass sie ausgerechnet von dem Mann hintergangen wurde, dem sie zum ersten Mal seit Jahren ihr Herz geöffnet hat. Sie dachte, dass Porter und sie einander verstünden - war alles für ihn wirklich nur ein Spiel?
"Mit Abstand der beste Roman, den ich 2017 gelesen habe!" Brittainy C. Cherry über "Broken Like Me"
Charlotte kann es nicht glauben: Sie steht ihrem Sohn Lukas gegenüber, der vor zehn Jahren als Baby spurlos verschwand. Jahre voller Selbstvorwürfe, Trauer und Leid liegen hinter ihr - doch wie soll es jetzt weitergehen? Für Lukas ist sie eine Fremde, kennt und liebt er doch nur die Familie, in der er aufgewachsen ist. Zugleich muss Charlotte einsehen, dass sie ausgerechnet von dem Mann hintergangen wurde, dem sie zum ersten Mal seit Jahren ihr Herz geöffnet hat. Sie dachte, dass Porter und sie einander verstünden - war alles für ihn wirklich nur ein Spiel?
"Mit Abstand der beste Roman, den ich 2017 gelesen habe!" Brittainy C. Cherry über "Broken Like Me"
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2017
939 people are currently reading
3069 people want to read
About the author
Aly Martinez
53 books8,117 followersOriginally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,210 reviews
July 23, 2017
3 Stars
Soooooo...I've been putting off reviewing this.
I went back and forth on my rating.
I told myself that maybe I needed to read it again.
That reading it while in the midst of PMS was like pouring piss in my Cheerios on purpose.
That I was just missing something.
But you know what?
Because that would be me lying to myself.
And then to you.
Which - even at the risk of pissing people off, getting trolled in my comments, not getting future ARCs...whatever the case may be - I just don't do.
That said, after reading book one, I have to say, I just didn't like this one as much as I thought I would.
Which isn't to say this wasn't totally decent, because it was.
And - again - I will most likely be in the minority on this one.
Shocking, I know.
Why, you say?
Quite frankly, Porter was walking milk toast (which I found to be kind of unattractive) and Charlotte and her passive-aggressive spinelessness drove me batshit.
Their interactions, sex scenes, and conversations in general just didn't resonate with me.
In fact, some felt awkward - and even just plain inappropriate at times - (placement-wise) within the framework of the larger plot.
Add to that the blame parade that marched itself throughout the entire story and I was left feeling somewhat detached from what should have been - and probably WILL be for most others - an "all the feels" reading experience.
And I mean that in the best way possible.
This story will definitely be the book two that most people are hoping to get.
And while I liked it well enough in general, it just fell a little flat for me, personally.
I hope this review doesn't discourage anyone from reading this duet - and those who read my reviews know I don't actually spell that out very often.
I truly do think that the majority of readers will find the amazing emotions that I myself was just not able to connect with here.
All in all, I think the premise of this duet was really original and smartly done and, as I said, I think most readers will really enjoy it.
I can't wait to see what Aly gives us next.
And with that,
Soooooo...I've been putting off reviewing this.
I went back and forth on my rating.
I told myself that maybe I needed to read it again.
That reading it while in the midst of PMS was like pouring piss in my Cheerios on purpose.
That I was just missing something.
But you know what?
Because that would be me lying to myself.
And then to you.
Which - even at the risk of pissing people off, getting trolled in my comments, not getting future ARCs...whatever the case may be - I just don't do.
That said, after reading book one, I have to say, I just didn't like this one as much as I thought I would.
Which isn't to say this wasn't totally decent, because it was.
And - again - I will most likely be in the minority on this one.
Shocking, I know.
Why, you say?
Quite frankly, Porter was walking milk toast (which I found to be kind of unattractive) and Charlotte and her passive-aggressive spinelessness drove me batshit.
Their interactions, sex scenes, and conversations in general just didn't resonate with me.
In fact, some felt awkward - and even just plain inappropriate at times - (placement-wise) within the framework of the larger plot.
Add to that the blame parade that marched itself throughout the entire story and I was left feeling somewhat detached from what should have been - and probably WILL be for most others - an "all the feels" reading experience.
And I mean that in the best way possible.
This story will definitely be the book two that most people are hoping to get.
And while I liked it well enough in general, it just fell a little flat for me, personally.
I hope this review doesn't discourage anyone from reading this duet - and those who read my reviews know I don't actually spell that out very often.
I truly do think that the majority of readers will find the amazing emotions that I myself was just not able to connect with here.
All in all, I think the premise of this duet was really original and smartly done and, as I said, I think most readers will really enjoy it.
I can't wait to see what Aly gives us next.
And with that,
July 22, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 STARS!!!
This duet completely blew me away. I don’t even know what to say about these books, but I guess READ THEM is a good place to start! Seriously- you need to read these books!!!
The Darkest Sunrise left us with one heck of a cliffhanger, and I wasn’t sure how this book was going to go. Honestly, I had no idea how Aly would make this all okay. I was so nervous starting this book. What both of these characters have been through now… I can’t even imagine it.
This story gave me so many feels. Both of these books. The first book, I bawled like a baby. This book, I teared up a few times, but it wasn’t as emotional in a way that made me cry. It was heart wrenching in other ways, though. My poor Porter. He’s an incredible character through this book. Even during the times most people would have fallen apart, he somehow managed to keep it together. He and Charlotte were there for each other in their times of need. They had each others backs even when it seemed impossible and I loved that about them.
This story had such a tragic start, I didn’t know how these characters could overcome, but they did. They persevered, they healed, and out of the darkness came light. The Brightest Sunset, along with The Darkest Sunrise are top favorites of mine this year. If you’re looking for a read full of emotion, heart, and healing, pick these up! You don’t want to miss this beautiful story!
5 STARS!!!
This duet completely blew me away. I don’t even know what to say about these books, but I guess READ THEM is a good place to start! Seriously- you need to read these books!!!
The Darkest Sunrise left us with one heck of a cliffhanger, and I wasn’t sure how this book was going to go. Honestly, I had no idea how Aly would make this all okay. I was so nervous starting this book. What both of these characters have been through now… I can’t even imagine it.
Maybe he was right. We’d been through hell. If ever there were two people who deserved a happily-ever-after, it was us.
This story gave me so many feels. Both of these books. The first book, I bawled like a baby. This book, I teared up a few times, but it wasn’t as emotional in a way that made me cry. It was heart wrenching in other ways, though. My poor Porter. He’s an incredible character through this book. Even during the times most people would have fallen apart, he somehow managed to keep it together. He and Charlotte were there for each other in their times of need. They had each others backs even when it seemed impossible and I loved that about them.
When I broke, Porter was there to pick up the pieces. And, when Porter lost sight of the light, I was there to hold him in the darkness. No questions. No judgments. No faking it. No apologies.
This story had such a tragic start, I didn’t know how these characters could overcome, but they did. They persevered, they healed, and out of the darkness came light. The Brightest Sunset, along with The Darkest Sunrise are top favorites of mine this year. If you’re looking for a read full of emotion, heart, and healing, pick these up! You don’t want to miss this beautiful story!
June 25, 2020
Spoiler
*Taps nails on keyboard* *eye roll*
Sigh.
.
.
.
.
Sigh.
.
.
.
.
Oh how I waited and yearned for this book. I readily offered my last viable egg for the opportunity to know how that #shockingbutnotsurprising plot twist would play out.
.
.
.
.
But really, at the end of it all I simply wanted Porter, Charlotte and the whole lot of them to just:
1. stop talking
2. stop making stupid decisions
3. stop the ridiculous in-fighting and put Travis's/Lucas's interests first
4. stop having cringeworthy sex
Basically, I wanted this concluding duet to just die.
July 24, 2017
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
The sun still hung bright in the sky, but midnight fell all the same. And, in that moment, I feared I’d never escape it again. The darkness was going to be my executioner.
It was going to crush me, suffocate me, and then devour me.
This series is definitely one of Aly Martinez’s best to date! The story held me captive from beginning to end. What I love about Aly’s stories are that her characters are not perfect but they manage to rise above their adversities. There is something so beautiful and equally haunting about Porter and Charlotte’s relationship and let me just add that normally I am one who lives for the romance in my books but with this story, I was consumed with the plot. Aly took an impossibly heartbreaking situation and gave it an exquisite ending. I am truly in awe of Ms. Martinez’s talents!
Porter and Charlotte were delivered the most shocking news of their lives at the end of book one. It was both a blessing and what could be considered someone’s worst nightmare coming to fruition. Even though Travis is not Porter’s biological son, the two share a love and bond that goes beyond blood. That boy is his life and Porter is Travis’ entire universe. Travis is taken from the only home and family he’s ever known. Being that he’s only ten-years-old Travis is not able to fully grasp the situation. All he knows is that he is being kept from his father and sister and forced to stay with Charlotte—she may be his biological mother but she is nothing more than a stranger to him. The situation is adding more stress on Travis which doesn’t bode well for his heart condition.
I felt my heart breaking for everyone in this story. There were so many layers to the complexity of the situation that I often wondered how the author would be able to resolve it all while still keeping her readers satisfied. There was literally one heart stopping moment when I almost threw my iPad against the wall and was going to rate this a two but luckily it was just my jumping to the wrong conclusion too quickly.
Porter and Charlotte were able to put aside their fears which in and of itself was a true miracle because I highly doubt that if this were to happen in real life that anyone would be able to ignore their own needs and really consider what the best approach would be for all parties involved. But will their love be able to survive the challenges that lay ahead of them? Can they save each other from the darkness that is always threatening to pull them into despair?
THE BRIGHTEST SUNSET releases on July 27th! This is one series you will definitely want to get your hands on.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sX0Yo9
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2tG4oJ9
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2u9VhU1
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/22u0aVAI
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
The sun still hung bright in the sky, but midnight fell all the same. And, in that moment, I feared I’d never escape it again. The darkness was going to be my executioner.
It was going to crush me, suffocate me, and then devour me.
This series is definitely one of Aly Martinez’s best to date! The story held me captive from beginning to end. What I love about Aly’s stories are that her characters are not perfect but they manage to rise above their adversities. There is something so beautiful and equally haunting about Porter and Charlotte’s relationship and let me just add that normally I am one who lives for the romance in my books but with this story, I was consumed with the plot. Aly took an impossibly heartbreaking situation and gave it an exquisite ending. I am truly in awe of Ms. Martinez’s talents!
Porter and Charlotte were delivered the most shocking news of their lives at the end of book one. It was both a blessing and what could be considered someone’s worst nightmare coming to fruition. Even though Travis is not Porter’s biological son, the two share a love and bond that goes beyond blood. That boy is his life and Porter is Travis’ entire universe. Travis is taken from the only home and family he’s ever known. Being that he’s only ten-years-old Travis is not able to fully grasp the situation. All he knows is that he is being kept from his father and sister and forced to stay with Charlotte—she may be his biological mother but she is nothing more than a stranger to him. The situation is adding more stress on Travis which doesn’t bode well for his heart condition.
I felt my heart breaking for everyone in this story. There were so many layers to the complexity of the situation that I often wondered how the author would be able to resolve it all while still keeping her readers satisfied. There was literally one heart stopping moment when I almost threw my iPad against the wall and was going to rate this a two but luckily it was just my jumping to the wrong conclusion too quickly.
Porter and Charlotte were able to put aside their fears which in and of itself was a true miracle because I highly doubt that if this were to happen in real life that anyone would be able to ignore their own needs and really consider what the best approach would be for all parties involved. But will their love be able to survive the challenges that lay ahead of them? Can they save each other from the darkness that is always threatening to pull them into despair?
THE BRIGHTEST SUNSET releases on July 27th! This is one series you will definitely want to get your hands on.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sX0Yo9
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2tG4oJ9
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2u9VhU1
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/22u0aVAI
July 18, 2017
5 STARS
How do you even begin to review a book that touched you on such a visceral level that you don't think you'll ever forget it? How do you put those feelings into words that can even begin to do a book the justice it so deserves? How do you attempt to relay everything that this book was without giving anything away? You don't. Because it's impossible.
The Brightest Sunset concludes The Darkest Sunrise duet and man did it go out with a bang. Prepare for a story that will keep you up well into the night and I hope you have plenty of tissues handy because Aly Martinez will not just tug at your heart strings, she'll rip them to shreds like the sadist that she surely is.
I won't tell you what happens, because if you haven't read the first book, my review will be one giant spoiler. But what I can tell you is that Porter Reese stole my heart and I never want it back. Here was a hero that had none of the typical frills. He wasn't an overbearing alpha. He wasn't intense or demanding. He was just an amazing man. A man that loves fiercely. A man that will make any sacrifice for the ones he loves. A man that isn't afraid to feel and show those feelings. A man that's an alpha but not in the obvious way.
If you were on the fence with Charlotte in book one, you won't be in this one. You really get to see the soft beneath the cold front exterior. You get to see a woman that finally finds her voice and the way to use it. A woman that finally discovers what love means and how to fight for it. A woman that's every bit deserving of an incredible man like Porter.
Aly puts this couple through hell and back. I was in hell right along with them. I have never had so much anxiety reading a book. I bit my nails to shreds. I sobbed my way through the entire last third. I was a sobbing, sniveling pile of goo and I loved every devastating second of it.
The Brightest Sunset was a stunning, emotional, unforgettable story of second chances and love beyond all odds. It was phenomenal. It was beautiful. It was everything.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
he’s shown me that there doesn’t have to be light for something to be beautiful. Love can grow in the darkness
How do you even begin to review a book that touched you on such a visceral level that you don't think you'll ever forget it? How do you put those feelings into words that can even begin to do a book the justice it so deserves? How do you attempt to relay everything that this book was without giving anything away? You don't. Because it's impossible.
The Brightest Sunset concludes The Darkest Sunrise duet and man did it go out with a bang. Prepare for a story that will keep you up well into the night and I hope you have plenty of tissues handy because Aly Martinez will not just tug at your heart strings, she'll rip them to shreds like the sadist that she surely is.
I won't tell you what happens, because if you haven't read the first book, my review will be one giant spoiler. But what I can tell you is that Porter Reese stole my heart and I never want it back. Here was a hero that had none of the typical frills. He wasn't an overbearing alpha. He wasn't intense or demanding. He was just an amazing man. A man that loves fiercely. A man that will make any sacrifice for the ones he loves. A man that isn't afraid to feel and show those feelings. A man that's an alpha but not in the obvious way.
If you were on the fence with Charlotte in book one, you won't be in this one. You really get to see the soft beneath the cold front exterior. You get to see a woman that finally finds her voice and the way to use it. A woman that finally discovers what love means and how to fight for it. A woman that's every bit deserving of an incredible man like Porter.
Aly puts this couple through hell and back. I was in hell right along with them. I have never had so much anxiety reading a book. I bit my nails to shreds. I sobbed my way through the entire last third. I was a sobbing, sniveling pile of goo and I loved every devastating second of it.
The Brightest Sunset was a stunning, emotional, unforgettable story of second chances and love beyond all odds. It was phenomenal. It was beautiful. It was everything.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 27, 2017
4.5 -
Out of the darkness. And into the light.
Stars!
ITs LIVE!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sX0Yo9
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2tG4oJ9
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2u9VhU1
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2u0aVAI
The Brightest Sunset picks up Parker and Catherine’s story right after the explosive conclusion of the The Darkest Sunrise.
Again, for risk of posting spoilers, there isn’t a huge amount I can say about where the story-line goes in this half of the duology. You 100% need to have read The Darkest Sunrise to get the full impact of the events as they play out in this, as well as the emotional depth of each and every situation that Porter and Charlotte go through. Friends to enemies, enemies to allies this book had it all… And then some.
I think after what happened between them and everyone else in the first book the author set it up well enough that you can see pretty quickly which direction things are going to go. I loved that she then added a little further twist towards the end, and if you hadn’t shed a tear by that point this one is guaranteed to have you sniffling into your tissue.
It felt like a nightmare in the middle of the sweetest dream…
This series was my first experience with the writing of this author, I’m not one for overly angsty and drama filled reads, and this story-line definitely falls into that category. But for this anti-drama-llama it really worked. I think mainly because of the fact that although the subject matter in general is heavy, the story-line was beautifully paced, and everything that happened wasn’t dragged out or overplayed.
"I’m starting to think I don’t know how to be happy…"
The dual POV played a huge part in this, and I also think that the fact that both Porter and Charlotte, even when they were acting out of character were both so deeply developed in the telling of their story that you could not help but root completely for them because you understood their motivations, and hope that they got the perfect resolution to everything that happened. You can be assured that I will definitely be looking to read more from Aly Martinez in the future!
ARC generously provided by the author, via InkSlinger PR in exchange for the above honest review.
**My review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews -
https://straightshootinbookreviews.com
ITs LIVE!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sX0Yo9
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2tG4oJ9
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2u9VhU1
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2u0aVAI
The Brightest Sunset picks up Parker and Catherine’s story right after the explosive conclusion of the The Darkest Sunrise.
Again, for risk of posting spoilers, there isn’t a huge amount I can say about where the story-line goes in this half of the duology. You 100% need to have read The Darkest Sunrise to get the full impact of the events as they play out in this, as well as the emotional depth of each and every situation that Porter and Charlotte go through. Friends to enemies, enemies to allies this book had it all… And then some.
I think after what happened between them and everyone else in the first book the author set it up well enough that you can see pretty quickly which direction things are going to go. I loved that she then added a little further twist towards the end, and if you hadn’t shed a tear by that point this one is guaranteed to have you sniffling into your tissue.
It felt like a nightmare in the middle of the sweetest dream…
This series was my first experience with the writing of this author, I’m not one for overly angsty and drama filled reads, and this story-line definitely falls into that category. But for this anti-drama-llama it really worked. I think mainly because of the fact that although the subject matter in general is heavy, the story-line was beautifully paced, and everything that happened wasn’t dragged out or overplayed.
"I’m starting to think I don’t know how to be happy…"
The dual POV played a huge part in this, and I also think that the fact that both Porter and Charlotte, even when they were acting out of character were both so deeply developed in the telling of their story that you could not help but root completely for them because you understood their motivations, and hope that they got the perfect resolution to everything that happened. You can be assured that I will definitely be looking to read more from Aly Martinez in the future!
ARC generously provided by the author, via InkSlinger PR in exchange for the above honest review.
**My review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews -
https://straightshootinbookreviews.com
July 22, 2017
What a conclusion!!
From the minute I read those last few words at the end of “The Darkest Sunrise”, I was literally chomping at the bit to get to this one. This was not a easy story to read to read at times and I No one was praying harder than me for Charlotte and Porter to get the happily ever after that they deserved. It was emotional, heartwrenching, and you couldn’t help but feel everything that these characters were going through good or bad.
“The day I’d met her, I’d told myself that people entered our lives for a reason,and I was determined to figure out why she had come into mine”.
If you’ve read book one, good for you. You know exactly how it ends and you probably can’t wait to dive into this one. For those that haven’t, don’t worry I won’t be the spoiler chick so you can relax because I’m just going to talk about how I felt while reading this.
I haven’t fell so hard for a fictional character in a long time as I did for Porter Reese. He was smart and genuine and just a trustworthy guy in the “The Darkest Sunrise” but for this book? He was a fighter, he was a lover, and he was strong. This man had everything stacked against him and he refused to give up and it just goes to show you that when you really love something, you find a way to keep it.
Charlotte went through something that no one should ever have to go through. But she moved as best as she could and with that she found Porter Reese. She was a shell of a person before she met him and now she’s doing something she never thought she would do again and that’s being happy and smiling. But you know what they say: A good things must come to an end.
How will Charlotte come back from the shock that her life will never be the same again?
What started out as a rough beginning with an unknown ending, became a journey into finding love and trying your best to hold on to that love. With every tear, heartache, anger and frustration, Charlotte and Porter held on and I loved that they were able to make it through something that some people can never come back from. If you’re looking for a deeply emotional duet series,, this one is for you.
July 19, 2017
Sticks and stones will break my bones,
but words will never harm me.
Bullshit.
Words destroyed me.
Like all previous bloggers reading this before me I inhaled this, my emotions were all over the place
😀 HAPPY, 😞 TO NEARLY CRYING, 😢 TO CRYING, 🙂 TO HAPPINESS WHEN I REACHED THE ENDING, TO THAT BITTERSWEET FEELING THAT THIS HAS COME TO AN END ☹️ I LOVED THIS SERIES ❤️..
This is the kind of outstanding book that you could imagine unfolding in life, it could happen to any one of us, it has happened.
One child stolen to replace one that had died
One lady mourning the abduction of her child and living in darkness for ten years only to briefly step into the light again. To be plunged back into the darkness.
A roller coaster of epic proportions when told he was dead, only to be told in the next breath hold on a minute he's alive, a custody battles ensues, fighting over a confused, scared boy. The emotional upheaval for all involved. A truly raw, gut wrenching, emotional read.
Out of the darkness and into the light
I'm always chasing those books where the author can bring out all those feels that I wouldn't necessarily feel in life and this author delivered them all on a bitter sweet silver platter. I was all over the place reading this, normally in life I'm not a crier but this author had me crying more times than I want to admittedly count. At one point in the story I didn't think I could go on, that's when the floodgates opened up and I had to go back and reread what I'd read because it didn't make sense, and I was elated with the outcome and beyond happy that I'd sucked it up, pulled those big girls undies up and carried on PHEW because the other outcome even threw me into darkness.
I highly highly recommend this series. I'm sorry for this no frills review but you'll thank me in the end when you take the plunge and one click this come release day.
July 24, 2017
This story was the emotional journey of two broken people finding their way to each other's hearts and their beautiful love. At times a little melodramatic, but overall I thought this was a good story. I loved how far Porter and Charlotte had both come by the end of the book. Porter has had a pretty rough go of it and it was time that he found true love. It was totally perfect for him to fit in with Charlotte. The romance and relationship between them was satisfying and sweet.
The author’s writing is easy to read. I love her voice. She takes real characters and makes me just fall in love with them. This is a great story, mature and honest, with great characters who breathe and feel and felt realistic to me. I was an emotional wreck while reading this book! Awesome read that I recommend without hesitation.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
The author’s writing is easy to read. I love her voice. She takes real characters and makes me just fall in love with them. This is a great story, mature and honest, with great characters who breathe and feel and felt realistic to me. I was an emotional wreck while reading this book! Awesome read that I recommend without hesitation.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
August 2, 2017
I was nervous going into this second book in this duet series. I've read some fantastic reviews and some not so good reviews. After the ending in the first book, I couldn't wait to get started.
I wanted the story to end happily. I got that. And as a mother, this story tore me up. I can not physically or mentally imagine this happening to me. Not only was this about a child with a heart condition, it was about a kid napping/child abduction. Not only was this story about finding the light and experiencing the greatest love of all, it was about finding the person who could calm you and love you as you are.
I've read a lot of strong characters, but holy shit, I don't think I've found a character as strong as Porter Reese. What he has endured, what he has went through, his losses, his gains, and dang it, what else I want for him, I love him❤️ and I love Charlotte. There is no manual as to how to handle what she has went through but this author does an amazing job writing her story and how she conquers the process to healing.
I was expecting a little more in this book, maybe wanting things to happen differently and absolutely needing resolution, which I got. I am greedy in my book needs lately, however ultimately, I really liked this one. I adore this author and I am happily in love with this series!
I wanted the story to end happily. I got that. And as a mother, this story tore me up. I can not physically or mentally imagine this happening to me. Not only was this about a child with a heart condition, it was about a kid napping/child abduction. Not only was this story about finding the light and experiencing the greatest love of all, it was about finding the person who could calm you and love you as you are.
I've read a lot of strong characters, but holy shit, I don't think I've found a character as strong as Porter Reese. What he has endured, what he has went through, his losses, his gains, and dang it, what else I want for him, I love him❤️ and I love Charlotte. There is no manual as to how to handle what she has went through but this author does an amazing job writing her story and how she conquers the process to healing.
I was expecting a little more in this book, maybe wanting things to happen differently and absolutely needing resolution, which I got. I am greedy in my book needs lately, however ultimately, I really liked this one. I adore this author and I am happily in love with this series!
July 28, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This felt a little anticlimactic tbh. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but I definitely built it up to be more than I felt it was. Don't get me wrong! I didn't hate it. I just didn't love it either. I got a little emotional, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. I had a little bit of that "that's it?!" feeling at the end, and I think it was because I was expecting more at the end after all the stuff we went through with this couple! It might also be that I actually had to wait for this one to be released. I hardly ever do that anymore! I usually wait for the duet/series/trilogy to be done before jumping in, and I made the mistake of thinking this was completed and ended up waiting for a week for this one to come out. So...it very well could be me just getting my hopes too high here 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: Ths will be super short and vague in hopes of not ruining the story. This is the conclusion of Charlotte and Porter's story. It continues right after the first book ended. There were some big reveals that happened, and they have to adjust to their new realities. There are a good bit of sad scenes, a few sexy times, some sweet moments… and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Charlotte and Porter's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well. Again, both of these books are on the shorter side of what I prefer to read -- but read together they were good.
Instalove: No, but strong feelings were already developed when this story began.
H rating: 4 stars. Porter. I liked him. I appreciated how he chose to be the bigger man with Brady.
h rating: 4 stars. Charlotte. I liked her. I appreciated how she saw that the child was the main priority and made him that.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears, but no tissues were needed.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good/low. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story, and not as many scenes as the first book.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but not in the typical way
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure and what I would call a HEA ending. I would have liked more though! I would've loved to have a farther jump into the future...but again, I might just be being greedy.
How I got it: I got this with my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This felt a little anticlimactic tbh. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but I definitely built it up to be more than I felt it was. Don't get me wrong! I didn't hate it. I just didn't love it either. I got a little emotional, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. I had a little bit of that "that's it?!" feeling at the end, and I think it was because I was expecting more at the end after all the stuff we went through with this couple! It might also be that I actually had to wait for this one to be released. I hardly ever do that anymore! I usually wait for the duet/series/trilogy to be done before jumping in, and I made the mistake of thinking this was completed and ended up waiting for a week for this one to come out. So...it very well could be me just getting my hopes too high here 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: Ths will be super short and vague in hopes of not ruining the story. This is the conclusion of Charlotte and Porter's story. It continues right after the first book ended. There were some big reveals that happened, and they have to adjust to their new realities. There are a good bit of sad scenes, a few sexy times, some sweet moments… and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Charlotte and Porter's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well. Again, both of these books are on the shorter side of what I prefer to read -- but read together they were good.
Instalove: No, but strong feelings were already developed when this story began.
H rating: 4 stars. Porter. I liked him. I appreciated how he chose to be the bigger man with Brady.
h rating: 4 stars. Charlotte. I liked her. I appreciated how she saw that the child was the main priority and made him that.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears, but no tissues were needed.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good/low. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story, and not as many scenes as the first book.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but not in the typical way
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure and what I would call a HEA ending. I would have liked more though! I would've loved to have a farther jump into the future...but again, I might just be being greedy.
How I got it: I got this with my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
August 3, 2017
I've got to say that book one really got me interested. Even with some predictability, it really delivered when it came to execution. I couldn't wait to delve into this installment. This story dives in to answer to some of the bait left on the hook.
I liked the characters as individuals and they had good chemistry but they didn't come through as connected as they did in book one. The humor that made them so likeable seemed to have dimmed as well. However Porter and Charlotte still had some tender, passionate, and sexy moments.
"Sweetheart, our road has never been smooth. Not for a single second since you brought me that fucking pickle jar at the spring fling. And yet you think me loving you is going to change when the road gets bumpy?"
The plot takes Porter and Charlotte on a journey that is quite sensitive, even as it is a bit unlikely in real life. It's creative and the writing did it credit. Its pacing, imagery, and prose really hold up consistently throughout.
Definitely one to pick up if you're in the market for an emotional ride.
"It's like I've been programmed for the darkness and I'm lost in the light."
Completely safe read. No rape/abuse. No sharing.
Complimentary copy voluntarily reviewed.
I liked the characters as individuals and they had good chemistry but they didn't come through as connected as they did in book one. The humor that made them so likeable seemed to have dimmed as well. However Porter and Charlotte still had some tender, passionate, and sexy moments.
"Sweetheart, our road has never been smooth. Not for a single second since you brought me that fucking pickle jar at the spring fling. And yet you think me loving you is going to change when the road gets bumpy?"
The plot takes Porter and Charlotte on a journey that is quite sensitive, even as it is a bit unlikely in real life. It's creative and the writing did it credit. Its pacing, imagery, and prose really hold up consistently throughout.
Definitely one to pick up if you're in the market for an emotional ride.
"It's like I've been programmed for the darkness and I'm lost in the light."
Completely safe read. No rape/abuse. No sharing.
Complimentary copy voluntarily reviewed.
August 8, 2017
Aly Martinez never disappoints me. I loved this duet so much. :)
And I'll never get tired of saying this but I highly recommend her books! Trust me, you're missing too much... <3
"When I broke, Porter was there to pick up the pieces. And, when Porter lost sight of the light, I was there to hold him in the darkness.
No questions.
No judgements.
No faking it.
No apologies.
Our lives were far from perfect, but the fact that we were living and not standing still as the world turned beneath our feet made it perfect to us."
May 26, 2020
4.5 stars
BEAUTIFUL. TENDER. HEART-WARMING. EMOTIONAL. RAW.
This book - this series - had my heart going like CRAZY!!!
I fell in love with Porter and Charlotte in The Darkest Sunrise. Their connecting was palpable and incredibly touching. Their journey was heart-breaking and beautiful. And now, in The Brightest Sunset it came to a stunning ending.
Did I want this series to end? NO!!!
The Darkest Sunrise and The Brightest Sunset have been more than just entertaining. Aly Martinez wrote two novels that were loaded with raw emotions and deeply touching dialogues. Her story telling was outstanding and profoundly captivating. I read deep into the night, without realizing it - deeply engrossed in Porter and Charlottes one of a kind love-story.
Porter was truly magnificent. His steadfast faith, love, and strength was incredibly attractive. The way he treated Charlotte made my heart go BOOM!! I don't think I've ever met a hero like Porter before. He was utter perfection! I swooned with every word that came out of his mouth. Actually, the word perfection doesn't even do him justice. He was so much more than that.
And Charlotte, that woman had the strength of ten. Her willpower and love gave her the power to conquer everything and anything that life threw at her. I was in awe!!
But what I loved the most was Porter and Charlotte's connection. It was EPIC!! It was like their souls recognized each other and from their on there was no going back. They knew each other inside and out - it was INCREDIBLE!!!
The Brightest Sunset was an emotional roller coaster ride of epic proportions. I felt anguished and jubilant from one paragraph to the next. Tears and laughter went hand in hand. I felt like I was part of this family, part of their journey. I felt their joy and sorrow, as well as hope and despair. The emotions were tangible with every word I read.
This series was UNFORGETTABLE!!!
BRAVO!!!!!
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
BEAUTIFUL. TENDER. HEART-WARMING. EMOTIONAL. RAW.
This book - this series - had my heart going like CRAZY!!!
I fell in love with Porter and Charlotte in The Darkest Sunrise. Their connecting was palpable and incredibly touching. Their journey was heart-breaking and beautiful. And now, in The Brightest Sunset it came to a stunning ending.
Did I want this series to end? NO!!!
The Darkest Sunrise and The Brightest Sunset have been more than just entertaining. Aly Martinez wrote two novels that were loaded with raw emotions and deeply touching dialogues. Her story telling was outstanding and profoundly captivating. I read deep into the night, without realizing it - deeply engrossed in Porter and Charlottes one of a kind love-story.
Porter was truly magnificent. His steadfast faith, love, and strength was incredibly attractive. The way he treated Charlotte made my heart go BOOM!! I don't think I've ever met a hero like Porter before. He was utter perfection! I swooned with every word that came out of his mouth. Actually, the word perfection doesn't even do him justice. He was so much more than that.
And Charlotte, that woman had the strength of ten. Her willpower and love gave her the power to conquer everything and anything that life threw at her. I was in awe!!
But what I loved the most was Porter and Charlotte's connection. It was EPIC!! It was like their souls recognized each other and from their on there was no going back. They knew each other inside and out - it was INCREDIBLE!!!
The Brightest Sunset was an emotional roller coaster ride of epic proportions. I felt anguished and jubilant from one paragraph to the next. Tears and laughter went hand in hand. I felt like I was part of this family, part of their journey. I felt their joy and sorrow, as well as hope and despair. The emotions were tangible with every word I read.
This series was UNFORGETTABLE!!!
BRAVO!!!!!
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
July 27, 2017
3.75 Stars
August 11, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 2of 2 from The Darkest Sunrise duet
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Just as Charlotte Mills thought her nightmare finally over, a new one emerged from the horizon bringing in a new set if heartache. With her relationship with Porter Reese in jeopardy, she must decide what's best for everyone and herself.
At the end of book 1, I knew there'd be a lot of heartache in this book. With the situation they were thrown in everyone was bound to get hurt, especially those who were innocent.
Both of them had their hands tied down one way or another. It was both sad and frustrating seeing how they were helpless in fixing the situation.
I like the story overall with how it played with my emotions. However, I felt like the plot was too linear. I was hoping for something more... dramatic.
The Brightest Sunset is a story of a couple thrown into a difficult situation they couldn't control. The fast pace series would appeal to readers looking for an engaging family drama romance.
Books in the series:
⛅️ 💢 ⛅️ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ⛅️ 💢 ⛅️
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 2of 2 from The Darkest Sunrise duet
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Just as Charlotte Mills thought her nightmare finally over, a new one emerged from the horizon bringing in a new set if heartache. With her relationship with Porter Reese in jeopardy, she must decide what's best for everyone and herself.
I was falling apart. But I was also the only one left to pick up the pieces.
At the end of book 1, I knew there'd be a lot of heartache in this book. With the situation they were thrown in everyone was bound to get hurt, especially those who were innocent.
"This is our life and you know it. We’ll figure out the details later, but for now, all I need from you is a promise that we are going to do this. No matter what. We’re in this together.”
Both of them had their hands tied down one way or another. It was both sad and frustrating seeing how they were helpless in fixing the situation.
Without her, I’d still be lost in the hate and pain.
I like the story overall with how it played with my emotions. However, I felt like the plot was too linear. I was hoping for something more... dramatic.
The Brightest Sunset is a story of a couple thrown into a difficult situation they couldn't control. The fast pace series would appeal to readers looking for an engaging family drama romance.
Books in the series:
⛅️ 💢 ⛅️ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ⛅️ 💢 ⛅️
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 12, 2017
In The Brightest Sunset, the timeline continues without interruption as the circumstances between Charlotte and Porter become further complicated due to new information about Charlotte’s missing son. Instead of moving forward as planned, Charlotte must come to terms with the past and how it intersects with her recent choices. For Porter, he cannot believe how much worse the situation has become but he is committed to his family and letting the facts reveal the truth.
"I don’t want to be a part of his life. I want to be there every fucking day.”
From the outset, the tension is high and the conflict is a constant reminder of how these characters have been pulled apart for years, yet coming together for the one common factor of love for a little boy is still tearing everyone apart. Being pushed in a certain direction, Charlotte tries to find her voice and slowly overcomes her guilt as she takes a stand for herself and for the love of her son. While Porter is the target of the majority’s derision, he remains determined to fight and will do anything in his power to protect what is his.
“Everything’s going to change, Charlotte. And I swear to you, no matter what happens, we’re going to do that together, okay?”
In starting this conclusion, I was expecting a good amount of angst, conflict, discovery and growth between the characters. While those elements did exist and there were certainly moments when I wanted to strangle two characters, I still wanted a little more from Charlotte and Brady. Though these two never had a true foundation, for years Brady blamed Charlotte for what happened, and while I understand his emotion, it was time for Brady to confront the present and really embrace the second chance he was given. Therefore, I was hoping Brady would have redeemed himself in a more meaningful way.
In focusing the progress between Charlotte and Porter, it seemed to me that Porter was really the impetus for communication and forging ahead to the next level. Without such a strong character as Porter, Charlotte’s growth would have been quite different. With his love, respect and decency, Porter proved to be an anchor in this plot and it was abundantly clear that he would place his children above his needs at any given moment, but with the possibility of having it all, he wasn’t about to surrender.
The relationship between Porter and Travis was a truly heartwarming. Additionally, Travis and Hannah proved to be have such an adorable sibling dynamic that it really showed the importance of their connection to the adult characters in this plot.
Overall, while I did want a bit more from certain characters and felt parts were a little too perfect toward the end, the author’s writing kept me engaged and I was completely invested in the storyline.
For those who are looking for a romance with an emotional side and also some suspense, I recommend The Brightest Sunset!
The Darkest Sunrise Series:
This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 13, 2017
*** NOT ENOUGH STARS IN THE WORLD***
"But, damn it, Charlotte, we will find a way to make this work. This is my life. This is your life. This is his life. And her life. This is our life and you know it. We'll figure out the details later, but for now, all I need from you is a promise that we are going to do this. No matter what. We're in this together"
I don't even know where to start. I don't even know what to say. This book, man! Just perfect! Amazing, all the stars, all the freaking feels! As soon as I got this in my kindle, I devoured it. Just couldn't stop until I was done. It's that good!
I don't think words will do it justice. This is hand down one of the best I've read. This entire duet is perfection. Aly has done it again! Completely hooked, completely captivated, this story is unlike anything I've ever read. These two main characters were amazing. Charlotte and her strength and Porter with his love and resilience. They truly went through the darkness and finally stepped into the light together. And what a ride it was!
The thing is I can't talk about it anymore, AT ALL! Can't say too much, can't spoil anything. You need to read The Darkest Sunrise and then immediately jump into this one. And please go in blind, you will appreciate this! Absolutely amazing! Trust me, you need these 2 books in your life!
I'm so honored to have been able to read this one early. It's definitely one of the things that make this blogging thing worth it.
I can't freaking wait for whatever Aly will bring next!
"When I broke, Porter was there to pick up the pieces. And, when Porter lost sight of the light, I was there to hold him in the darkness.
No questions.
No judgements.
No faking it.
No apologies.
Our lives were far from perfect, but the fact that we were living and not standing still as the world turned beneath our feet made it perfect to us."
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
"But, damn it, Charlotte, we will find a way to make this work. This is my life. This is your life. This is his life. And her life. This is our life and you know it. We'll figure out the details later, but for now, all I need from you is a promise that we are going to do this. No matter what. We're in this together"
I don't even know where to start. I don't even know what to say. This book, man! Just perfect! Amazing, all the stars, all the freaking feels! As soon as I got this in my kindle, I devoured it. Just couldn't stop until I was done. It's that good!
I don't think words will do it justice. This is hand down one of the best I've read. This entire duet is perfection. Aly has done it again! Completely hooked, completely captivated, this story is unlike anything I've ever read. These two main characters were amazing. Charlotte and her strength and Porter with his love and resilience. They truly went through the darkness and finally stepped into the light together. And what a ride it was!
The thing is I can't talk about it anymore, AT ALL! Can't say too much, can't spoil anything. You need to read The Darkest Sunrise and then immediately jump into this one. And please go in blind, you will appreciate this! Absolutely amazing! Trust me, you need these 2 books in your life!
I'm so honored to have been able to read this one early. It's definitely one of the things that make this blogging thing worth it.
I can't freaking wait for whatever Aly will bring next!
"When I broke, Porter was there to pick up the pieces. And, when Porter lost sight of the light, I was there to hold him in the darkness.
No questions.
No judgements.
No faking it.
No apologies.
Our lives were far from perfect, but the fact that we were living and not standing still as the world turned beneath our feet made it perfect to us."
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
July 27, 2017
***IT'S ALIVE!!!***
A partnership is about sharing the burden.
You know the drill, if you want to skip the waffling and head straight to the book stuff, start at the paragraph that begins with ***
This is going to sound really silly but try and bear with me a sec. I finished The Brightest Sunset and was struggling with what I would write in my review. I was trying to think of ways to describe the emotional journey without telling all the good and bad bits. I would describe this duet as like wearing transition lenses. You know, the ones that look like normal lenses inside, but when you step into the sunlight they change to sunglasses. At times, you can see everything really clearly. You’re moving along, living your life and your path is clear. Then, you step into the bright light and feel disorientated. It’s too bright, you can’t see, and you have to wait for things to clear. The sunglasses adjust and give you that vague feeling of protection, almost like a shield. Eventually, you step out of the light…and into the dark. So dark, you’re scared to move. One step in the wrong direction could be dangerous. Sometimes, when the lens becomes clear, it's scary and you want to go back to the dark. Clear isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and you almost prefer your dim outlook.
Does that make sense?
I, myself, always struggled with transition lenses. I don’t like adjusting to change. If I have sunglasses on, I’m wearing protection for a reason. If I choose to wear my glasses, I’m ready to face things front on. I don't like things to change without warning. Sometimes it's hard to adjust to the light and sometimes it's hard to adjust to the dark.
Anyways…so, I really enjoyed this duet. It was bloody emotional and had me crying like a baby one minute and then screeching at the kids for laughing too loud the next. Of course, I later apologised, but they’re so used to me that they asked what was wrong with my book. Which of course sent me on a path of lecturing them about appreciating each day and living their lives to the fullest. My poor boys.
***Have you ever felt like stepping into the pages of your books? Well, in the beginning, I soooo wanted to go in and have Porter’s back that it was making me a little frustrated that I couldn’t. There are two particular blokes in this book that I would have loved to have the opportunity to sit down and lecture for an hour or two. Bloody hell! Those bloody numbnuts made my blood boil. Eventually, they settle down, but they really didn’t redeem themselves in my eyes, to be honest.
I’m not sure if you will get this, but sometimes I can be reading along and something monumental happens and it doesn’t shock me as much as it should. It’s not because it was predictable, it’s just because you don’t actually believe what you are seeing. I had one of these moments. I even questioned myself a few times as to why I wasn’t reacting. I felt wrong because I wasn’t popping eyeballs or shaking and shivering. Do you get me? Turns out…I just knew.
The one thing that made this duet outstanding for me, was seeing the couple share their burdens. When one was feeling low, the other would prop them up. When one was feeling high, the other was waiting to share the glow. When they were both feeling down, they took each other’s hands and shared the burden. That is what a good and realistic relationship looks like.
The Darkest Sunrise duet was emotionally packed and amazing. Plenty of highs and lows mixed in with sweet and steamy scenes too. The characters were amazing, the storyline original and the chemistry between Porter and Charlotte jumped off the pages. I definitely recommend checking it out if you don’t mind…crying, shaking with rage, laughing like a loon and swooning. It’s got it all.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
September 27, 2017
Jesus fuck this author knows how to write an emotional book.
I’ve lost count how many fucking times I’ve cried reading this duet. I was either crying happy tearing or crying ugly tear. More so the latter.
It gave me that Mia Sheridan and Corinne Michaels kind of feeling when you go through every emotion possible and get your heart broken but healed in the end.
I never really knew what to expect going into this book. I read a few amazing reviews but they didn’t give anything away so I kind of went in blind.
Looking back now I wish someone would have advised to have tissues with you at all times – trying to sleep in a pool of your own tears is not my
idea of a good time.
This duet was by far one of the most beautiful stories I have EVER read.
It was so different and fucking devastating.
You literally feel what every character is feeling, and not just the Hero and Heroine but all the side characters too. It’s like something out of a nightmare and you’re really experiencing it like it’s actually happening to you. You felt their pain and took it on as your own.
It’s a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
If you love a book that cuts your heart out but will stick it back together again then you NEED THIS BOOK!
Stunning and Poetic. I loved it.
I’ve lost count how many fucking times I’ve cried reading this duet. I was either crying happy tearing or crying ugly tear. More so the latter.
It gave me that Mia Sheridan and Corinne Michaels kind of feeling when you go through every emotion possible and get your heart broken but healed in the end.
I never really knew what to expect going into this book. I read a few amazing reviews but they didn’t give anything away so I kind of went in blind.
Looking back now I wish someone would have advised to have tissues with you at all times – trying to sleep in a pool of your own tears is not my
idea of a good time.
This duet was by far one of the most beautiful stories I have EVER read.
It was so different and fucking devastating.
You literally feel what every character is feeling, and not just the Hero and Heroine but all the side characters too. It’s like something out of a nightmare and you’re really experiencing it like it’s actually happening to you. You felt their pain and took it on as your own.
It’s a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
If you love a book that cuts your heart out but will stick it back together again then you NEED THIS BOOK!
Stunning and Poetic. I loved it.
July 18, 2017
6+ stars
Hello, Book Hangover, my old nemesis. I have no idea how you improve upon perfection, but The Brightest Sunset is even better than the first book in the Darkest Sunrise duet. That’s really saying something because The Darkest Sunrise was a 6-star read for me. This book? This book deserves all the stars in the universe.
I’m not gonna lie. I’m glad I had a brand new bottle of red wine on hand because I was guzzling that bad boy like nobody’s business. 99% of the book is tension filled, and I loved every single second of it, but only because it comes from an authentic place.
The complexity of all the characters continues to grow in this conclusion as the stakes increase to catastrophic levels. The Brightest Sunset is devastatingly heartbreaking, poignant, flawlessly paced, and exquisitely written. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and forgiveness. I defy you to put it down.
This is, unquestionably, one of the most haunting stories I’ve read this year. I already have a space reserved for this emotional duet on my 2017 Top 5 list.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Hello, Book Hangover, my old nemesis. I have no idea how you improve upon perfection, but The Brightest Sunset is even better than the first book in the Darkest Sunrise duet. That’s really saying something because The Darkest Sunrise was a 6-star read for me. This book? This book deserves all the stars in the universe.
I’m not gonna lie. I’m glad I had a brand new bottle of red wine on hand because I was guzzling that bad boy like nobody’s business. 99% of the book is tension filled, and I loved every single second of it, but only because it comes from an authentic place.
The complexity of all the characters continues to grow in this conclusion as the stakes increase to catastrophic levels. The Brightest Sunset is devastatingly heartbreaking, poignant, flawlessly paced, and exquisitely written. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and forgiveness. I defy you to put it down.
This is, unquestionably, one of the most haunting stories I’ve read this year. I already have a space reserved for this emotional duet on my 2017 Top 5 list.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
July 24, 2017
I cried almost cover to cover while reading this book. The Brightest Sunset is, without a doubt, a series that will stick with me for years to come. The intense emotional connection I have with the story is unmatched. As a wife and mother, the story resonates on a deeply personal level. Porter and Charlotte have the type of relationship all couples should aspire too. The difficult situation they face with Travis would bring any parent to their knees. I was breathless, speechless and finally smiling at the end. Aly Martinez takes her readers on an amazing journey in this stunning piece of work.
Here's the breakdown: Here's where I'd normally try to sum up the story in a neat little package, but I'm going to forego that this time around. I'd hate to post spoilers for those who haven't yet read book 1. I'll just say, we pick right up where the events of book 1 leave off. Feelings and dramatics are at an all time high. You'll get sucked right into the action and won't be able to put the book down until the very last page.
What I loved: The deeply impactful emotional storyline. I don't typically seek out ugly cry books, but when one this fantastic lands on my kindle, I thank my lucky stars. Gah, this book gets you right in the gut! I wanted to hold and console Porter, support Charlotte, and simultaneously knock Brady upside the head. The raw feelings each character display endears the reader to them. I certainly enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions.
The love story is sheer perfection. Charlotte and Porter are keenly aware of the difficulties they face, yet they manage to nurture their relationship throughout. They're frank and earnest with each other, never holding back from the tough conversations. They are brave and fearless in the pursuit of open and honest communication. It was truly amazing to experience.
The storyline and ending are both fantastic. Things didn't go quite as I expected, but it was sheer perfection. A stunningly beautiful and poignant tale of the human condition.
With all that said, this duet has my highest recommendation! I couldn't possibly love it more. 5+ Stars!
December 4, 2019
This series was such an emotional roller coaster. The beginning of the second book of this duet was insane. My heart was in my throat and my stomach in knots. I was pissed at Charlotte and I felt so sad and horrified for Porter but it was also understandable. Thankfully she didn't let things to on for too long.
Aly Martinez is an amazing storyteller and the angst pours out of her books but it's never OTT.
Aly Martinez is an amazing storyteller and the angst pours out of her books but it's never OTT.
July 29, 2017
First let me start off by saying that I enjoyed the ending of this duet but I struggled some to get there. Like its predecessor I overall liked The Brightest Sunset but again I'm still a little disappointed. At times I was bored with the story cause I felt nothing extraordinary happened. The story continued on a loop and that only caused my frustration to rise. My connection to Porter and Charlotte wasn't the same as in book 1 - The Darkest Sunrise and maybe that's to blame for my lack of interest in the story.
The family aspect of the story was great and I loved Porter's family and Charlotte's mother. They definitely showed what a family is and consists of when it really mattered.
Aly Martinez has a gift for telling stories and her prose is flawless . That's something that is always a given with this author. I know that since I've experienced plenty of her work. I'm still an eternal fan even though this duet wasn't a favorite of mine.
3 BadAssDirtyDarknessAndLightStars
The family aspect of the story was great and I loved Porter's family and Charlotte's mother. They definitely showed what a family is and consists of when it really mattered.
Aly Martinez has a gift for telling stories and her prose is flawless . That's something that is always a given with this author. I know that since I've experienced plenty of her work. I'm still an eternal fan even though this duet wasn't a favorite of mine.
3 BadAssDirtyDarknessAndLightStars
July 29, 2017
Damn I loved this duet from the first word to the last. I can't even put into words how much I loved Porter. I will not put one spoiler in my review because this story just needs to be experienced. I loved how Charlotte really came into her own in this book. Porter helped her find her strength and become the woman she was meant to be. There were moments while reading this duet that I was gutted. But the ending was so worth it.
July 25, 2017
No questions.
No judgements.
No faking it.
No apologies.
I am totally blown away by this conclusion. It was not just highly emotional, but also raw and deep. Few pages in and my heart was ripped into two. I was bleeding all over and was left drowning in tears. Kudos Aly Martinez, you managed not just to make me cry, but you moved me with your beautiful words and inspiring story.
The Brightest Sunset was one of the books I am looking forward to read. With that cliffy in the first book, I am excited and at the same time scared to read this conclusion after the state I was in with The Darkest Sunrise. Emotionally drained, puffy eyes, a mess, etc..etc.. you get the idea but it did not deter me from reading it. Instead, I was so thrilled to start the book and prepared myslef for what's in store for me. But who was I kidding? Nothing prepared me for the rawness and realness the story brings. I was struck straight in the heart and few pages in I could not contain my sob. I was pained and I hurt all over and really I was touched and moved big time.
I wasn't a mother yet but reading Aly's words as she portrayed the characters and the story, it felt like it was me being thrown heaven and hell. I could not imagine the pain they went through yet at the same time while reading, I could not help myself to be in awe on how Aly Martinez find a way for the complications and complexity of the situation gratifying and satisfying until the very end. More than that, I admire the strenght and the bravery of the characters. Their connection too made me fall in love with them even more rooting until the very end. The glutton of punishment that I am, I was basking all these feels, devouring it, inhaling it and letting it in my system because no matter how intense the pain was, I could not deny the fact that it's still the most beautiful and wonderful feeling I have ever felt. Pain? Sadness? Gut wrenching moments? Man, it's part of our lives. Couple that with this story and everything just felt so real and alive.
But you know what? What I love about this book too is the fact that I did not just cry tears of sadness, I did not just felt those painful heart wrenching feels, I did laugh and cried tears of joy. My heart was in knots because of happiness and that's why I love Aly Martinez' writing. She could make me sob and at the same time laugh and read with a smile painted on my face and more than that she could make me feel all these freaking feels inexplainable yet one of the best feeling ever.
So, without too much giving away, I will just say... Stop what you are doing and read this duet. If you haven't read The Darkest Sunrise read it and then immediately read the conclusion. You will thank me later. For this book? This story? It's EPIC in all proportions. Trust me, with all the curveballs and bumps in the road thrown at these characters, in their lives, you too will admire how Porter and Charlotte fought with bravery and strenght the road to their HEA. In the end, they proved it,
"there doesn't have to be light for SOMETHING TO BE BEAUTIFUL.
LOVE CAN GROW IN THE DARKNESS."
July 27, 2021
This one turned out far better than I anticipated. While reading the first one, I didn't feel a great attachment to the characters and felt their words contradictory to their actions. (This one is serving as a review for the first one too, I think)
In the first book as I read about the characters, their story I understood their words and their pain but I didn't feel them. I didn't feel any emotion towards their conditions. But when I read this one, I felt every single emotion and that was what set this one far higher in my perspective. Maybe my expectations weren't high and that's why this one felt better but, I don't think so 🙈. This one was actually really good, it tied up everything pretty well and had the perfect balance of pain and laughter. It stood well on both logical and emotional grounds.
The build-up of relationship seemed a little soon to me in the first book, but in this one it was perfectly paced. The progress of their relationship and the way they handled their really complicated situation seemed realistic, even if the situation didn't. But that is what fiction is. It's not supposed to be real, it's supposed to make whatever unrealistic situation there is to be dealt with as if it were real.
Though there was one incidence where I very nearly cried, and that you're not forgiven for dear author, but (I didn't give away anything in the spoiler lmao, idk why I put that tag).
I loved this one and I am really looking forward to reading more by this author.
In the first book as I read about the characters, their story I understood their words and their pain but I didn't feel them. I didn't feel any emotion towards their conditions. But when I read this one, I felt every single emotion and that was what set this one far higher in my perspective. Maybe my expectations weren't high and that's why this one felt better but, I don't think so 🙈. This one was actually really good, it tied up everything pretty well and had the perfect balance of pain and laughter. It stood well on both logical and emotional grounds.
The build-up of relationship seemed a little soon to me in the first book, but in this one it was perfectly paced. The progress of their relationship and the way they handled their really complicated situation seemed realistic, even if the situation didn't. But that is what fiction is. It's not supposed to be real, it's supposed to make whatever unrealistic situation there is to be dealt with as if it were real.
Though there was one incidence where I very nearly cried, and that you're not forgiven for dear author, but (I didn't give away anything in the spoiler lmao, idk why I put that tag).
I loved this one and I am really looking forward to reading more by this author.
July 28, 2017
5 stars
5 stars for Porter Reese
5 stars for the writing
5 stars for this emotional, gut wrenching story
5 stars for Charlotte standing up for herself and finally fighting for the people she loves
5 stars for the intense love Porter and Charlotte had..i LOVED that they fought for everything together. I LOVED that it was Porter who made her smile and laugh again. He did it so lovingly, so playfully... i could only hope this family that was thrown into unimaginable heartache would find the light together.
The line that broke my heart completely - When Porter says "i need it to stop"...
The best duet this year so far, a definite winner!
5 stars for Porter Reese
5 stars for the writing
5 stars for this emotional, gut wrenching story
5 stars for Charlotte standing up for herself and finally fighting for the people she loves
5 stars for the intense love Porter and Charlotte had..i LOVED that they fought for everything together. I LOVED that it was Porter who made her smile and laugh again. He did it so lovingly, so playfully... i could only hope this family that was thrown into unimaginable heartache would find the light together.
The line that broke my heart completely - When Porter says "i need it to stop"...
The best duet this year so far, a definite winner!
July 31, 2017
I enjoyed this more than the first book, and for me The Brightest Sunset didn't suffer the dreaded second book syndrome that I expected. I inhaled this in one sitting, and is why Aly Martinez is an auto buy author. This time I got the feels from all the characters that were missing in The Darkest Sunrise. I felt their pain, their anguish, how torn they were. I definitely got all the feels in this one, though I do wish Charlotte had stood up to that arsehole Brady sooner than she did even though the way she did it was total class.
Porter didn't let me down, I loved him even more in this one and love that AM gave us more of those sweet kiddoes.
Loved it!
Porter didn't let me down, I loved him even more in this one and love that AM gave us more of those sweet kiddoes.
Loved it!
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