Desolate

Grace Trilogy #1

by Autumn Grey

There are angels and demons at war inside my head.

I had it all figured out: finish high school, attend seminary and finally answer my calling of becoming a priest. What I hadn’t counted in the equation was her.

Grace Miller.

The girl who was always out of my reach. The girl who still makes me lose my breath with just a look.

Little did I know she would become my temptation and vice, and quite possibly, my ruin.

Now I’m standing at a crossroads, and my head is a battlefield. How do I choose sides when it means losing a part of who I am?

*This story has some content that may be sensitive for some readers.*

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn, Forbidden Love

300 pages, ebook

First published September 21, 2018

About the author

Autumn enjoys writing angsty romance, featuring flawed and quirky characters and hard-won happy ever afters. When she’s not working as a nurse assistant, you’ll find her behind keyboard writing stories, or curled up on the couch with a book. Her work has been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After.
She lives with her two children and one fur baby, enjoys good wine and binge-watching TV shows whenever she can.

Follow her on Instagram @autumngreywrites
Facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorAutumnGreyAG
Newsletter signup http://eepurl.com/gN0M7H

Reviews

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

➳An author filled with so much hidden potential that I did not see coming in this compelling and forbidden romance, Autumn Grey has made me question my definition of "angst"...



➳Everyone who knows my novel preferences knows that forbidden romances are those kind of romances that are very rare for me to say "wow! This was one HELL of a story." The reason being is because they are so rare to find. There is a certain extend, a certain level that author must acquire and write about when it comes down to the forbidden "fruit" of romance characters. For me, Autumn has outdone herself when it comes down to Sol and Gracie. Oh god, I needed help standing up after reading that intense, first, make out scene because of how heated everything was, how perfect it all just seems to be because Sol and Gracie are just meant to be. And because in every forbidden romance, there needs to be an obstacle that makes it the forbidden, Sol is the one who encounters himself in a situation that he so desperately wants to elevate and and let the temptation of Gracie be something he can get over. But sinful thoughts are what makes this want-to-be priest turn into the very wrongful but at the same time, rightful path of being emotional for Gracie;

"I'm not sure whether I love her or hate her. I don't know if it's myself I should hate for allowing her occupy my mind, or if I should thank God for giving me the ability to love her so much that I've made an altar in my head of the memories we shared..."

➳Honestly, when it comes down to Sol my heart cannot stop swooning at how romantic he is. He is that one male character that you read about, and he has a past that makes you want to cuddle said character, never let it go and just spoil him with lots of love and beautiful babies and orgasms...



➳I'm just saying, there is so much tender love when it comes down to Solomon. Than Gracie comes into the picture, a smart girl who has had a past of her own that only can seem to decipher. The beauty behind that is that Gracie has this wall blocking her heart, but she slowly breaks it down because of Sol. His mind, actions, and feelings towards her are what makes this forbidden romance so ideal to the eye of a romance reader as one that MUST be read. Not many can agree, but in my opinion there I no denying that this is one heck of a story that has to be given at least a chance.

➳The pure innocence that is portrayed from Sol and Gracie is one that also had me curious as first, but slowly made me fall head-over-heels for Sol. His heart just seems to have the ideal combination of pure manhood, and also a possessive alpha that only wants what is best for his mate and one true love. There is a serious power of chemistry between these two individuals, making their romance so palpable and undeniable to the eye of the reader.



➳Overall, Autumn has out-done herself with this captivating and thrilling romance novel. Can you tell that my hands are itching for book two? And there is a book three as well... May the lord be with me because I cannot wait long to see what happens next!

➳ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review...

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[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars



Desolate was my first book by Autumn Grey and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love a good forbidden love story and this had just the right amount of angst. I’m not sure what direction the second book will take me, but I can’t wait to find out!

I’m standing at a crossroads, and my head is a battlefield.


Solomon Callan made some pretty big decisions at a young age and he never thought he’d question them. He also never thought he’d meet someone like Grace Miller. Grace is the girl he can’t get off his mind. He’s not sure he can resist her, even though he knows he should.

Sol and Grace had a beautiful friendship above all else, and you can tell they both love each other so much. Things are complicated between them. And there is no easy way out of this situation. Either vows will be broken or hearts will… maybe both.

I listened to the audio book of Desolate and Teddy Hamilton as Sol… Gah! He did such an incredible job. Morae Brehon did a great job voicing Grace as well. The audiobook was addicting and I didn’t want to stop listening.

After reading this book, I definitely want to check out more from Autumn Grey and I especially can’t wait to read the next book in this series. If you love angsty reads, forbidden romances, first loves, and swoony heroes you need to check out this book!

[Malene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desolate is the first book in a trilogy and what a first book it is. Desolate is a strong character driven story. Solomon and Grace are fabulous characters with so much heart. His path and goal in life is to become a priest but his connection and feelings for Grace makes it more than complicated to achieve that goal. I appreciate the reader learns the reason why Sol wants to take on such a responsibility. I truly felt that his choice to become a priest what was he was destined to do with his life but Sol hadn’t taken Grace into consideration and how she would impact him.
Grace is a wonderful and strong young woman who has an amazing friendship and relationship with her mother who had her really young.
Grace and Sol have known each other for eight years but haven’t talked a lot. It all consisted of hidden glances at one another but even there I could feel their interest and admiration for one another.
Before they form a friendship they’re both people who have a few friends and keep to themselves. Sol finally takes a chance and talks to the girl he’s been fascinated with for eight years and it changes them both irrevocably.

I really enjoyed how their friendship slowly blossomed and evolved into more. It’s not one sided. They’re both so infatuated with one another and it was intoxicating watching them struggle with their feelings and just wanting to give in. The connection, heat and chemistry between them is intoxicating. I got goosebumps just being in their presence.
They become each other’s confidants, best friends and most of all they fall head over heels in love. It’s a beautiful yet frustrating story because I felt and understood Sol’s dilemma. His faith in God, the path he’s chosen and how much both he and Grace struggled with it and tried to accept it.
Grace evolves so much throughout their relationship and voices her opinion about their relationship. She loves Sol and just wants to support him even if it breaks her heart.
Ivan and MJ aka Mary Jane are their friends and they’re an incredible support when it really matters. Especially MJ brings out a lighter side to Grace.

Autumn Grey has created an intense and captivating story about love, friendship and faith. Her characters carry the story beautifully. It’s exciting and intense following Sol struggle with his decision and with Grace wanting him so much and again just wanting to do the right thing. Their love is all consuming. It’s compelling and flawless storytelling. I just wanted more of Sol and Grace. More words from Autumn Grey.
Desolate is just the beginning of this enthralling and emotional story of Sol and Grace. The ending only left me wanting so much more. I’m beyond ready for Disgraceful.

5 Sin With Sol Stars

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |


TEMPTATION & SIN!

Book 1 in trilogy
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
There are angels and demons at war inside my head.
I had it all figured out: finish high school, attend seminary and finally answer my calling of becoming a priest. What I hadn’t counted in the equation was her.
Grace Miller.
The girl who was always out of my reach. The girl who still makes me lose my breath with just a look.
Little did I know she would become my temptation and vice, and quite possibly, my ruin.
Now I’m standing at a crossroads, and my head is a battlefield. How do I choose sides when it means losing a part of who I am?

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

DESOLATE Is the first romance novel in the (Grace #1) trilogy by Autumn Grey. In this we meet Solomon and Grace.

Where God appeases me, makes my soul lighter, Grace is like an electric shock jump-starting my dormant body.

First off the feels hit me straight away, I’m a sucker for novels that go from ‘Past to Present’ always have been, always will be.

Solomon first noticed Grace when he was ten years old, orphaned due to a tragic accident, taken in by his uncle who was a pastor of the local church, Sol knew that this vocation was also his calling, but Grace sparked something up within him, furtive glances were stolen year by year, never having the courage to talk to her, approach her. Too shy to get the words out, her beauty astounded him, her soul called to his soul, forbidden fruit never to be tasted.

Forgive me father.
For I have sinned
Again..
And again..
And again..
God these two put me through the wringer, my heart went out to them, I could empathise with their situation, their story brought me to my knees, my heart was in turmoil, pulled in all directions, a taboo kind of love, a boy that could lose so much but could gain the love of his soulmate, he was pulled in two directions, my heart was gutted..

I'm not sure whether I love her or hate her. I don't know if it's myself I should hate for allowing her to occupy my mind, or if I should thank God for giving me the ability to love her.

Sol had my heart in the palm of his hands as soon as I started reading his story..He had me swooning like no other, his gentleness had me lapping up the pages, I couldn't get enough of him.
BUT he also had me questioning his morals, temptation should not have gotten it's hooks into him and Grace should've known her worth, BUT I still connected with their dilemma, the angst, the feels, the injustice of it all had me devouring this.



This author fast became one of my favs with two of her books last year so I knew that I wanted to get my grabby little hands on this goody, forbidden stories always get me jumping up and down, Completely wanting, needing, craving the next book in this series. I need to know where their journey takes them..

* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *

     

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've seen a lot of great reviews for this book, which I clearly don't understand after thinking about this story and discussing it with two friends, one of whom actually knows a Catholic priest and the process and hurdles it takes to become one.

Initially I thought this story was cute and held my interest. There were character inconsistencies that became more and more obvious and started to rub me the wrong way. Sol was a pushy bastard to be frank. He was so confused about his feelings and couldn't stay away from Grace which should have been the first sign for him that he's not fit to walk the path of becoming a man of God.

A week before he started his seminary he started to sleep with Grace. They had sex whenever they could, even after he started priest school. I was told that in the real world he would have a confessor he would have to talk to pretty much on a daily basis who would guide him on his path and recommend for him to leave school if he wasn't fit to be a priest. He would trust this confessor and tell him about temptations and the confessor would guide through the struggles. There wouldn't be secrets. Clearly that's not the case with Sol and his advisor.

The next hint should have been his sneaking around, having sex with Grace during seminary. His decision to become a priest never wavered. Why? How? How can he lie and sneak around, have sex and never think "no, that's not my calling because I shouldn't do this." I tell you how. He can't. Or shouldn't have been able to.

The book starts with a prologue, in which Sol sits at a dinner table on Thanksgiving with Grace, her mother and his uncle, inner-monologuing (yeah I made that word up) how his advisor told him to avoid temptation. Yet, he corners Grace afterwards (see? pushy) and they meet in secret the next day. They arrange another meeting in a hotel room to have sex. From then on it's them meeting frequently to have a tumble between the sheets. In secret. While Sol is at priest school. These chapters do nothing for the story. They don't contribute anything to the storyline because the way the books ends it could have ended on Thanksgiving. It only cements the impression that Sol is nothing but a horny young guy who shouldn't even think about becoming a priest.

At no point I felt that Sol's reason to become a priest were solid and that his wish was so a part of him that he'd resist temptation. In my opinion the author cheapened the struggles a real priest candidate goes through by making Sol a hormonal liar who couldn't keep it in his pants. Grace was a bit of a doormat but showed at least a little backbone in the end.

In Sol I saw zero growth throughout the story. His questionable morals stayed questionable. See, there are heroes with dubious characters but are good to the core but this is a wolf in sheep's clothing. A guy who is supposed to be good and has a more than broken moral compass. 

Look, I love my angst like the next person but if you write about such a difficult topic it's essential to do thorough research. Candidates for priesthood are diligently vetted. Sol would never have been accepted in the seminary. There are a lot of inaccuracies about the Catholic Church, and yeah, most of them *I* didn't even figure out despite being Catholic myself. 

Conclusion? This book is for people who eat angst up and don't want to think about the story beyond what is being told.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***

5 KISS ME IN THE RAIN CROWNS

Could Autumn Grey write a better slow burn romance that tortured my soul? Nope. The answer is no. Sol and Grace’s story had me aching for them. My heart is in a million pieces, and I need book two immediately.

Sol is the sweetest hero. Every single time he does that shy half smile just about kills me. What makes you hurt for him though is how torn he is between his love of a God and Grace. Each moment he spends with Grace is laced with pleasure and pain, as he is torn to follow his calling or follow his heart. Seriously. This good and honest boy deserves the world and the happiness in the world, and his torment and indecision will cut readers to the core.

Grace is an interesting character, a temptation of sorts. She fully challenges Sol and his plans but never in a vicious way. She, similar to Sol, is trying to find who she is and become her own person as most teens who are transitioning from high school to college. What makes readers sympathize with her character is that she has truly found her best friend and struggles to give him up, but she is good, just as good as Sol. There is a strength to her character in staying and in walking away.

These two are the epitome of a young couple consumed by the passion of love. They tempt each other, make reckless choices, and destroy each other. The struggle they endure to avoid each other
is torture, and they passion they feel for one another is consuming. Readers will be wrecked by this journey, because Autumn Grey writes in a way that makes you live the journey with them. Readers feel the attraction, the attempt to resist temptation, the eventual fall from grace, and the destruction of what was once pure as a result. It is a hard journey, but it isn't over, and I have faith in these two to find their way. Their love is too great not to have it come back together..

Autumn Grey is such a phenomenal writer. Her character epitomize light and goodness. Their love is earth shattering. Their heartbreak feels real. Her words make you feel every single bit of it. Sol and Grace are just EVERYTHING! I couldn’t be more in love with these two if I tried! I need the next book immediately!

Beta read

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever finish a book and you just know it's going to stay with you forever - that's this book for me. I've read it twice now and I still cried, swooned and laughed just as hard as I did the first time. I know I will read it again, probably more than once.

While this is a NA read - Sol & Grace are not your average teenagers. Both have endured more than most adults and this has shaped who they are and what they want out of life. Their experiences and their histories have irrevocably changed the paths they have chosen for themselves. It's not a sweet young love story, it's so much more.

I cried a lot in this one, Autumn's writing is spectacular and she created seemingly simple sentences, no more than 7 word put together, that ripped my heart from my chest and had me sobbing like a baby. Her dialogue, her imagery, her ability to make the character's feelings bleed from the page is some of the strongest writing I have read in a very long time. Perfection!

For me this book just about broke my heart at the same time it filled me with everything I love about NA stories - the amazing things that young love is all about - the butterflies, the bad decisions and a love so big you think you'll die. Sol & Gracie are EVERYTHING ❤️

“In another life, would you choose me?”

Beta read

[Heather❀Kiss The Pages❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn Grey delivers spectacularly with this breathtakingly beautiful forbidden love story!

"I try so hard to stay away from you, but like a boomerang, I keep coming back to you. What have you done to me, Gracie?"

Solomon Callahan has a calling. From a very young age, he decided to take a certain path. When he befriends Grace, who is in a dark place, Sol faces a very real battle and I struggled right along with him. Grace is the girl that he has never forgotten. She has always been in the back of his mind even though they were never close. I felt his pain and his longing and his indecision. Sol and Grace have a huge barrier preventing them from being together but you cannot ignore the strength of their love. Their relationship seems so innocent and pure despite the forbidden factor and you can't help but root for them despite how wrong their love may seem to others.

Anticipation is an understatement when it comes to Sol and Grace's relationship. The sexual tension and craving was like a living breathing thing that felt like it was going to consume them. There is a lot of back and forth and hiding at times as they attempt to end their relationship but the pull is just too strong and they keep running back to each other.

My heart broke so much for these two because at the end of the day they were just two kids who hopelessly fell in love with each other.

I'm nothing more than heartbreak. Desolation smiles sadly as she opens her arms, welcoming me. I throw myself into her waiting embrace. This isn't just a goodbye. This is our end.

There was so much yearning and angst in this romance story and you can't help but be pulled in deeper and deeper. These are characters who are still trying to find their path and purpose in this world and their love story will enchant and captivate you!

BTW- Who knew waffles and ice cream were a thing? Now I have to try it! ｡◕‿◕｡

4 Stars
Contemporary Romance
New Adult
Series: Grace Trilogy, #1
Heat Level: Moderate to Hot
POV: Dual
Cliffhanger



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[Selma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desolate is the first emotionally-charged, gut-wrenching and soul-stirring book in the highly anticipated Grace Trilogy by Autumn Grey. It's a rollercoaster of epic proportions that will leave you breathless and begging for more. Autumn's great talent shines brightly from the pages. I have highlighted so many beautiful, favorite quotes. She managed to deliver a well-paced story where she introduces the intriguing main protagonists -
Solomon Callan and Grace Miller - to us as kids who grow up to become remarkable young adults facing important life decisions for the first time.
Desolate is a story that grabs you from the very beginning, resonates deep within you and doesn't let go. This book is going to be your undoing - mark my words. But all the ache is so worth it!

Grace and Sol are two well-written, multi-layered characters. Autumn put a lot of effort into letting us readers inside their hearts and minds thus making it quite easy to connect with them and to understand their motives and actions better. The hero and heroine are 18 years old during most part of the book. Although they are very mature for their age they still need to learn a lot - which of course leaves enough room for character growth for the next two books to follow.

Solomon is the picture perfect torn hero who you can't but love with every fiber of your being. As a small boy the weight of his loss was crushing him and he was angry and tired of everything searching for something to take away the pain. And he found it in God. He saw his calling in serving him. Sol has always admired Grace from afar convinced that such a beautiful, funny and spontaneous girl like her is out of his reach. She is terrified of anyone getting close to her but this doesn't stop him from befriending her. They will open up to each other and share their thoughts and feelings, their innermost hopes and fears. This will of course create a special, deep bond between them that only soulmates share and they will soon realize to their both dismay that they are desperately in love with each other. It truly takes a strong and fearless woman to love a man you know you can't ever have. I didn't find it selfish that Grace wanted Sol to choose her over God, on the contrary. But in the end it's been up to him to decide which loss is more bearable.

Desolate has of course some religious aspects but first and foremost it's a story about love - love for your family, your friends, your partner and God. It's also about growing up, finding yourself and your purpose in life. And while figuring out which path is the right one, you make mistakes along the way. We all do, because we are only humans and have our flaws and imperfections.

Autumn did a fantastic job with laying the groundwork for Sol and Grace's story. Difficult decisions have been made on both sides that will bear consequences and undoubtedly change the course of their destiny. But I'm sure that love is going to prevail in the end. Because love is hope. Love is salvation. Love is absolutely everything!

I strongly encourage you to pick up this book. It's a must read for all forbidden romance fans who appreciate an angsty and very emotional story. This author will not only win your heart over with a well-matched, swoon-worthy couple that is Sol and Grace but also with the wonderful family bonds between Grace and her mom and Sol and his uncle as well as their friendships with Ivan and MJ. I'm giving Desolate 5 bright, shiny stars.

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 "We're gasoline. We're fire." Stars

Desolate is an emotional story that takes the reader on a journey of love, loss, and difficult choices. I loved, loved, loved this fantastic New Adult coming of age story. Autumn Grey impresses with this forbidden love story. Sol and Grace stole my heart and I cannot wait to read more of their story. <3

Here's what I loved:
The forbidden nature of the story and the angst. Angst junkies will absolutely love it.
The characters - Sol is Bae! He could not be more perfect. I want him to be real and older and MINE. LOL
The writing is exceptional. The storyline and plot are well crafted. It was exactly what I wanted it to be. It left me longing for more. I'm feening for so much more.

If new adult, emotional reads tickle your fancy, this is not to be missed.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my angst-filled heart! Desolate has left me completely gutted as Autumn Grey gives us some of her best work to date. This book is overflowing with emotion as Solomon and Grace are drawn to each other in a way that is simply meant to be. With the overwhelming desire to become a priest also at the forefront of his heart, it is true conundrum whether or not Sol can fairly choose between the girl of his dreams and his Lord.

As the author masterfully guides us through the young lives of Grace and Sol, there is that inexplicable tether that ties each of them to the other. I was drawn to both of them as they desperately try to find their way in the world, struggling with adult decisions that oft-times seem to overwhelm them. But the resolve that they cannot resist each other provides both solace and turmoil over and over again and tangled my own heart up in knots as well!

The slow burn that is their love has some lighter moments provided by besties Ivan and MJ. Their common sense advice paired with the push both Sol and Grace often needed to even just speak to one another (!) was well-timed and full of mirth. It was the outlet they both craved when they just didn't know what to do or how to feel. And I adored the fact that the author perfectly conveyed just how hard it is to converse with your crush and how words are often misconstrued or said in haste. That for sure brought me back.

And let me tell you, this book is all about the feels! I went from enjoying a seemingly easy kind of young love to reeling with surprise revelations and the non-stop want Sol and Grace had for each other. Not to mention the heat between them. Holy hell, when these two throw caution to the wind and let go, watch out. The passion is ripe for the taking and when they finally take it after waiting for what seems like an eternity, it is nothing less than lovely.

As the ending neared I have to say I loved that Grace began to find her voice, realizing she has a life outside of her small town and her beloved mother. She deserves all the light and the darkness she and Sol are currently wading in may truly not be enough after all. I so want them to be together but how will Sol reconcile his feelings for his Gracie and the commitment he made to God? Autumn Grey has her work cut out for her but the woman can write and I'm convinced she'll find a way to make sure both Sol and Gracie find their happy no matter what. At least that is my hope.

This is angst done right! A beautifully-told story of young love that is never easy and full of strong thoughts and emotions. Expertly written twists and turns that had me grasping every word and always keeping me wanting more. I cannot wait for books two and three of this wonderful journey. It is not to be missed.

5 big stars!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I know people really love this book, but I really didn't like it. Our hero, Sol, has determined when he was 13 that he is going to be a priest. The only problem, though, is that Sol can't seem to get Grace out of his mind. He's always been intrigued by her, but he knows nothing can ever happen because he's going to become priest. The summer after high school, though, things change. Grace and Sol struggle with their attraction and Sol's determination to become a priest. I got that conflict for the first half of the book, but this is dragged all the way until the end, AND IT'S A CLIFFHANGER. I guess the trilogy follows the same couple, so there isn't even an HEA at the end. And the decisions these characters make is so annoying and frustrating. The only reason these two are not together is because of themselves and their inability to change their futures. They're only 18 and don't think they can change their minds about things? Especially when they're sneaking around and going against everything else their future stands for? I just didn't get it by the end and didn't care for the romance anymore. Also, the characters are 18 and this felt so YA to me. A mature YA, but still YA. I had a hard time connecting with these charters or caring about their romance by the end.

[Rochelle ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels as if it has been a long time since I read a very good book.

In reality, that’s false, judging by some of my recent ratings and reviews. But there’s something extraordinary about this story that gripped me from the very beginning. It begged me to read faster before pulling me back to take my time.

Desolate explores friendship, falling in love, forbidden romance, religious devotion, familial bonding, love and loss. Autumn Grey, a new to-me author, touches on these topics with attention and fluidity, making the first installment of this trilogy an enrapturing and compelling all-rounded narrative.

I adore this author’s writing. Her clarity and attentiveness is awe-inspiring, with every scene flowing together wonderfully. It made it difficult to stop reading and instead leaves you desperately wanting more of Grace Miller and Solomon Callan.

When you read the kissing scene, you’ll understand what I mean about this author’s writing.

There are angels and demons at war inside my head.

I love a good forbidden romance. Watching the characters attempt to ignore each other’s attraction, or give into temptation creates this delightfully delicious and sinfully wicked narrative difficult to resist.

Solomon and Gracie’s apparent innocent relationship is complicated by Solomon’s long-term goal to finish high school, attend seminary and become a priest. But the sexual tension and craving between them is palpable, the temptation all consuming and the passion destructive. They are each other’s downfall and irresistible vice, creating an incredible complex and explosive relationship. .

I’m standing at a crossroads, and my head is a battlefield.

Despite seeming “young, foolish teenagers in love”, both Sol and Gracie are multi-faceted characters with so much dimension, complexity and reality.

They share something in common - uneasy, damaged backgrounds. Sol, having lost both parents at the age of ten; Gracie, a victim of teenage bullying that ostracises her.

Sol is devoted to religion, but that doesn’t make this character prudish. With a caring heart and surprising naughty nature, he is an ideal combination of innocent teenager and possessive young adult. Each encounter with Gracie is laced in pain and pleasure, torn between following his calling and chasing the girl he loves.

Gracie has carefully constructed walls surrounding her fragile heart, but once Sol carefully dismantles them she’s open, loving and selfless. No matter her feelings towards Sol, he’s her best friend before everything else, a true testament to Gracie’s kind, sweet nature.

"I try so hard to stay away from you, but like a boomerang, I keep coming back to you. What have you done to me, Gracie?"

I implore you to read Desolate.

It is beautifully written; Autumn Grey’s a fantastic story-teller, an author who’ll leave you experiencing a multitude of emotions as you follow Solomon and Gracie’s heart-warming and heart-wrenching story.

I also just want to mention it is so refreshing reading about an interracial couple, because it is such a rare occurrence in romance.



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[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my aching heart!

“Grace is my undoing. Hearing her name makes me feel like I’m coming down with a fever only her touch can cure.”

This book has totally obliterated my heart. Grace & Sol are so perfect! Childhood friends to lovers. Forbidden because Sol wants to be a priest, but is in love and lust with Grace. He’s at war inside, and doesn’t know how to make it stop. This book was so complex, and I loved the emotions it evoked within me.

I loved the depth of this story so much. This is my first Autumn Grey book, and it definitely won’t be my last.

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that touches you deep down and has you thinking about the characters and stories, days, weeks after you've finished the book? Well, Desolate is one of those books.

Autumn Grey gives us wonderfully human characters in Grace and Sol that you can't help but bond with and root for instantly. Their story is beautiful and poignant and definitely something you don't want to miss out on.

I highly recommend this book!

[Sejla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn Grey is back with Desolate, book 1 in the Grace Trilogy, an emotionally charged young adult meets new adult story about forbidden love between a young girl and a boy on his way to priesthood. From the moment she posted the blurb, my excitement to read it skyrocketed. Having read all of her previous books, I know that Autumn has a talent for writing beautiful stories with a special touch. No matter if she writes about sensitive topics or forbidden liaisons, she always keeps it classy and authentic. Dosolate was a prime example for that. It's a book that will make you question your believes, cursing fate and hoping for things to be different. I loved how credible Autumn portrayed Sol's dilemma. I could feel his agony like it was my own. It's hard to decide when you love two things equally but can only have one.

After loosing his parents at a very young age Solomon Callan was devastated and lost. But religion helped him and gave him comfort. Especially the guidance of his uncle who was a priest and only family he had left. All Sol wants is to finish high school and attend seminary to  become a priest too. Always being sure about his calling, he will start question everything when he meets her: Grace Miller. The beautiful girl from school that attends his uncle's masses at church with her mother and smells like vanilla waffles. The girl who was always out of his reach. But when suddenly a friendship starts to bloom between them, Grace will become Sol's biggest temptation and vice. Will he be able to resist her? Or will she end up being his ruin?

Oh wow, this story gave me a hell of a book hangover. I was invested from page one. I loved how Solomon and Grace met as children and connected right away. But it took them a couple of years of watching each other from afar before they became friends. There was a pull between them that was undeniable and grew stronger, the more time they spent together. I loved how the slow burn between them turned into a blazing inferno!

Sol was a wonderful young man with a beautiful and pure heart. He decided very young to become a priest in order to serve God and help others. Befriending Grace he never saw it coming that their friendship will turn into love and make him start questioning his calling. He was constantly at war with his feelings, knowing he needs to choose between her and God. I really felt sorry for him and just wanted him to be happy!

Grace was such a sweet and funny girl. She often blurted things out that made me laugh. Like many young people she was trying to find her purpose in this world. Some things from her past have made her a little withdrawn, but once she befriended Sol and his friends Ivan and MJ, she opened up again. Grace respected Sol's wish to become a priest but silently hoped he would choose her.

Since Desolate is book 1 in the Grace Trilogy you can guess that it leaves us with a huge cliffhanger at the end. I was shocked and speechless and my feelings were all over the place. All I can say is that Autumn gave us a very well written and poignant book about love and the many shapes and forms it exists. Love for family, friends, lovers and religion. And how  sometimes sacrificing or losing one of them can give you others. Love should be simple. Love should always win. But yet, it sometimes doesn't.

Aside from writing two amazing and lovable main characters Sol and Grace, Autumn once again showed her exceptional talent of writing the best secondary characters. Ivan and MJ just cracked me up! They were funny and loyal friends and truly were a great addition to the story!

All I can say is that I loved Desolate with all my heart and soul and highly recommend it. I'm so looking forward to book 2 in order to see how the story of Sol and Grace continues. Great job Autumn Grey! 5 Sin with Sol stars.

[-S♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★5 Stars! Desolate... A compelling, moving and forbidden romance about friendship, faith, love, heartbreak, jealousy and self discovery! It’s angst, it's sweet, it’s innocent and sinful, it's young and refreshing!
“I see you everywhere, even when i’m on my knees praying to God. I see you.”




Desolate is NOT a love story that will be easy, it's the very definition of Angst and heartbreak but so sweet and heartwarming that it makes you look forward to something.
Grace and Sol story is going to be a journey and a complete whirlwind and I can't wait to read the rest of their story because it's only just begun!


Here are my favorite quotes from Desolate


1.“My gaze falls on her mouth, and I literally stop breathing because that mouth, God help me. It’s like a gateway to a whole new galaxy where secrets and wishes are waiting to be unveiled.”

2.“This moment feels sacred. Like a blessing. It feels blasphemous and holy all at once. It scares me.”

3.“I need to kiss her. I want to discover the universe beyond those full lips.”

4.“Love makes us stupid. Love makes me stupid. What does that make me? A sinner, a woman in love, or both?”



I am so excited to read Disgraceful in 2019!

[chan ☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'm not gonna write out my feelings on this one i'm just gonna let my video review speak for me

click here if you wanna see my sexy mashed potato thoughts on it

[♂️Must Have Book Boyfriends ♂️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"she would become my temptation and vice, and quite possibly, my ruin."

YOU GUYYYYYYS!!! THIS BOOK!!! Forbidden romances are EVERYTHING, and I just knew this love story was going to be EPIC!!! And it SO was!

I fell in love with this beautifully written forbidden love story and was utterly and completely captivated with Sol and Grace. A friendship that blossoms into more, my love for Grace and Sol grew stronger and stronger with every page I turned, and well before the end of the book I was completely invested in their Happily Ever After. I NEED book two now!




DESOLATE by Autumn Grey is LIVE for 99cents and #FREE in #KU!

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2IhMC6j

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My whole body sighs at the sight of her, but whether from relief or losing a battle I've been fighting with my heart and mind, I can't tell."

Desolate was my first book by Autumn Grey even though I have a lot of her books on my tbr list for a while now. And I can't believe I haven't read this author before.

"The way he watched me with rapt attention sitting across from me, those blue eyes made me feel like I was free-falling into the wide-open sky."

At the beginning I had some trouble to get into the book. Maybe the slow burn was a little too slow for me or I simply wasn't in the right state of mind to start such an intense book. However, it took me about 30% and the first magical moment between Grace and Sol, that I got hooked on Desolate.

"My heart speeds up as I watch her move. She dances as though she's made from wind and water, effortlessly and gracefully."

After the second beyond magical moment between Grace and Sol I was already drunk on them. Addicted even. Passing the 50% line I found myself in a frenzy and from then on everything went so fast. I suddenly reached the end finding my self disappointed that this book was over yet.

"My gaze falls on her mouth, and I literally stop breathing because that mouth, God help me. It's like a gateway to a whole new galaxy where secrets and wishes are waiting to be unveiled."

Desolate is intense and deep. It's incredible how the author found a way to write such young characters that appear so much grown up than others their age and it still feels natural. Both shy of life, shy of other people. Both marked by life for very different reasons.

"Kissing Solomon Callan was like being swept away by an unexpected storm."

Grace, trying to find her way in life. Unsure of what she really wants, looking for a goal to reach.
Sol, seeing his future and path ahead so clearly. Determined to become what he thinks is his purpose in life.

"The rapid beating of his heart mirrors mine, and I wonder, for just one second, if our hearts are telling each other what our mouths can't."

Neither of them expected to fall in love. Which complicates things for both of them. Grace and Sol, both not able to deny their attraction and keeping their hands from each other have to fight a war of their inner demons. The inner turmoil between what their hearts want and what their minds tell them is right, is what makes this book suddenly so angsty.

"Love is when two hearts recognize each other's heartbeat, producing a beat sweeter than any music known to man."

Sol and Grace are like lady sunshine and mister moon: They dream of a fairy tale, about a couple they can never be. They can only dream lovers' dreams of each other.

"I'm falling, shattering into pieces. I'm nothing more than heartbreak. Desolation smiles sadly as she opens her arms, welcoming me."

Desolate is a story about two friends, two star-crossed young lovers that will rip your heart apart, written with beautiful words that touch your soul deeply.

"There are angels and demons at war inside my head, and I'm not sure which side is winning."

[Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ack, I am so upset. I wrote a review for this... and the Goodreads Gremlins ate it! Oh well... here we go again. Must be *someone* was telling me that my review sucked and it needed work. Haha!

I received an ARC of this book from a giveaway on Jeannine Allison's Facebook page and this is the first book I have read of Ms. Grey.

Ok, the very first line of this book. "There are angels and demons at war inside my head, and the demons are winning." Why, hello, Ms. Grey, you certainly had my attention. I know we're all familiar with this trope... but there is a bit of a difference with this one. Forbidden love...gah, I loooovessss it! Nope, no spoilers, go some place else for that. I don't subscribe to that method of reviewer-ism... ha, there's a new word for a Saturday morning...

Music! Yes! SCORE! Oh yeah, baby, there's a stellar playlist with this one, I played it for a couple days after I finished the book...I even added a couple of the songs to my own personal playlist because I liked them so much, so thank you for that.

The writing: it's solid, the push and pull between the characters is there. There were a few little proofy things I saw, but I had an ARC, so I'm sure they were fixed in the final copy. You'll get pulled in.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

But sometimes a hopeless heart is just that-desperate to feel like it belongs to someone, beating in the same rhythm as someone else's.

...sometimes hunger overrides all thought.

Love is when two hearts recognize each other's heartbeat, producing a beat sweeter than any music known to man.

My mind is chaos, and my heart is on a warpath, fighting heartbreak.

There are angels and demons at war inside my head, and the demons are winning.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Is there a cliffy? A bit. It hurt a little, I mean, it wasn't bad enough that I want to cyber stalk the author and camp outside her house or anything... but I am going to be interested to see what Sol and Grace are up to... because... you'll *want* to know what they're up to. I would like to thank the author for not going the straight up predicability path... I'm sure she knows what I'm referring to! And no one else does, haha!

4 stars! Again, thank you to Jeannine Allison for the e-copy of the ARC, I apologize the gremlins ate my review, but I think this one was better anyway, haha! And congratulations to Autumn Grey on her release.

*Reread 4/19/2020 to prepare for reading of Disgraceful

[Maïwenn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Beta Read*

This series is going to be the end of me. I might have cursed Autumn once or twice but this book guys, THIS BOOK is AMAZING.

Forbidden and extremely emotional, I just couldn't stop reading this beautifully written story. Nothing will prepare you to the heartbreaks and soul wrecking reality of Gracie & Sol's lives. Choices are to be made, decisions are to be taken and promises are to be kept. But sometimes love is just stronger than anything, isn't it?

Grace & Solomon 's journey will be staying with me for a long long time. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[• Island Queen Reads • Ofa • · Rating 4 out of 5]

✯✯✯ BOOK BLOG REVIEW ✯✯✯

Title: Desolate (Grace Trilogy)
Author: Autumn Grey
Reviewed by: Ofa from Tongan Book Lover
Rating: 4.5 Stars

-----------------------------------------------------------

The first book in a three-part story, Desolate by Autumn Grey is exactly that, desolate. The English Oxford living dictionary defines the desolate as a feeling or showing of great unhappiness or loneliness. I'm telling you, desolate was the perfect title for this book. I can't even begin to explain the range of emotions that consumed me so intensely over the course of reading this book. I knew from the moment that I read that blurb, that I was in for another heart-achingly devastating ride.

This book is more than I thought it would be. It's a story that lingers on your soul long after you finish it. A story that my heart is desperately crying out for, longing to know what happens between these beautiful souls. I've always been an avid admirer of this author, her words have the ability to transport me to a world I never want to leave. Every character, a lost soul that makes me want to reach through the screen and squeeze the shit out of them.

Solomon is such a strong character. Strong in mind, in heart & strong in faith. He's the poster child for every parent's perfect child, having moved to live with his Uncle the priest, after his parent's unfortunate demise. To tame his anger, he invests in the church and answers his calling from the Lord. On the outside, he's perfect. But nobody knows the struggle he suffers through when it comes to his own personal temptation, Grace. He's torn between his faith and the undeniable attraction he's had for Grace from the moment he set eyes on her. Before going off to the seminary, he decides to take the leap and go for it. But all the while knowing that nothing good will come out of it. Watching this poor guy's internal struggle broke my heart.

Grace is a beautiful girl. Beautiful on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside. She's only just beginning to discover who she is as a person. Raised by a single mother, she had to build walls to protect herself. She's been attracted to Sol since she laid eyes on him but has avoided him for personal reasons. She has a bit of a traumatic past, one she only just finds out about and her friendship with Sol is what helps her through it. Watching her blossom as a young woman with Sol, watching her light up and fight her fears is a beautiful thing to watch. But watching her fall for Sol and then have her heart ripped to shreds is something I couldn't bear to read about. How do you fight for someone when your rival is God? How do you make someone choose? And watching her struggle with how deep her feelings are for Sol, drove me crazy.

This book is a heartbreaker. It's a slow burn kind of love that will end badly before it even begins. It's like watching a car crash, it's horrifying but you can't help but watch. That's basically how I'd describe this whole book. It'll blow your mind, it'll make you feel emotions you haven't felt in a while. My heart yearned for these two to get together, for them to just sort themselves out and give into their love and tell everyone to fuck off. It didn't click to me at first that this was a trilogy so you could say that that cliffhanger kinda shocked me. Defintely get this baby, it's a beautiful story of young love and fighting for that love.

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Desolate is a beautiful,emotional and forbidden story.Sol and Grace's story is intense, I was hooked from the beginning and I just loved the writing so much.



The connection between Sol and Grace is so strong.They just make my heart ach each time they were together.

Overall, it was a beautiful story and I'm looking forward to see what else Autumn Grey has for us!


 

  

[Chelé-----4 The Love of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Vanilla Waffle Stars!!!

I am utterly wrecked, ruined and deeply emotional over this book. I won't recover from this. YOU won't recover from this. This story completely OWNED me!!

WICKEDLY TEMPTING
SINFUL
ALLURING
PURE
INDULGENT

Desolate is a beautifully written, painful, powerful, heart breaking, pulse pounding, emotionally driven story that ravaged my soul and dominated my heart. A TOP 5 READ FOR 2018!

"I have a feeling given time, Grace could be the kind of woman men make sacrifices for. She has the power to make a man forget his dreams and help her pursue hers just to see her happy. Just to be near her. I want to be near her."


Sol. Solomon Callan is all things. ALL. THE. DAMN. THINGS!! I had SUCH a visceral reaction to him immediately and the connection is deep rooted. Sol has a calling. He'll be attending seminary school to fulfill his dream of becoming a priest just like his uncle Luke. Sol is such a special character because he's very complex. He's beautiful inside and out, respectful, positive, kind and caring. He's also extremely protective, conflicted, and bares the weight of past tragedies that forced him to grow up quickly.

"And it hits you that someone has been missing in your life all along without you even knowing it."

Grace Miller. She's been through a lot and keeps people at arms length. She's tough and strong. I loved her instantly. She's bent but not broken. She has the biggest heart and is absolutely brillant. She's also Sol's one weakness.

 “Whenever you and I are in the same room, you have my complete, undivided attention, Grace. You always have.”

The connection between Sol and Grace is so intimate and fierce that you feel like you're spying on something private but you just can't look away. They first meet when they're ten years old and that's where "it" begins.

 “I try so hard to stay away from you, but like a boomerang, I keep coming back to you. What have you done to me, Gracie?”

If you close your eyes can you remember the feeling of falling in love for the first time? This story brought back all those feelings in full force. Being with Sol and Grace kept me in a constant dream like euphoric state.... constantly pinching myself to remind myself that they're not real.....constantly swooning.....constantly experiencing goosebumps. FALLING.....Falling so hard with them. Desperate for them to be together, desperate for their love to soar. When you're in a situation like they are, being separated from the one you want has seconds feeling like minutes and minutes feeling like hours. Their kind of love is IRRATIONAL, ADDICTIVE AND ILLICIT.

 "It’s not love. It’s more than that. More lethal. Potent. It flows through my veins, infecting my blood with its poison. I’m not even sure how I’m still breathing. I should be dead. Instead, I’m sitting here, looking over my shoulder at the main entrance every few seconds like a forlorn lover waiting for her love to return home from war."

I will NEVER forget the way Autumn described a specific kiss. A first kiss that ends any and every other first kiss. It was written and described so sensually and intensely I swear I died a little.

“You coming apart like this for me is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing, Grace,” I finally tell her. Thank you. "

This story will absolutely obliterate you, lay you bare, make you weak in the knees, strip you of EVERYTHING and shatter you to your core. Sol is a lion.....pure of heart and sexy as sin.

[m.]

Not rating it as usual when I work on a book as an editor. But I'm super excited for people to meet Sol and Grace, they're the cutest!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*


“My mom once told me tears are like rain for our souls. They wash away the pain and sadness in our hearts so we don’t drown.”

Not only was I drowning in tears while reading desolate, I was drowning in the angst and the anticipation and in the torment, and did I say angst? My chest is still tight thinking about Sol and Grace. And I’m just as conflicted as they are. This book is the definition of an emotional roller coaster. Ms. Grey had my heart reeling, then she’d send it soaring just to have it drop right back down into my stomach. I’m not sure I’m going to survive this trilogy.

Sol is the sweetest and the dearest and the swooniest young man. My heart ached, literally ached, for him from the moment he was introduced until I closed the last page on this book. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt quite like I did when I was reading from his point of view- it was as if I was living and breathing Sol, feeling his turmoil and confusion, as he tried to come to terms with his feelings for Grace, while still holding steadfast to the plan he’s had since he was a child. Grace was the ultimate temptation, but she was so much more than that for Sol. Their love was powerful and forbidden and beautiful. And oh God, the feelings of desperation and hopelessness just consumed me!

"It's like a gateway to a whole new galaxy where secrets and wishes were waiting to be unveiled."

What do you do when your heart and your mind are working at cross purposes? When everything you thought you knew and wanted comes into question? When your life’s path isn’t quite so clear? These are the questions facing our sweet Sol, and I will be here every step of the way as he works through the answers, even though I'm not sure my heart is up for the pain I'm sure will be inflicted upon it.

[Jayne {aka cupcakesandbookshelves} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, breathtaking, astonishing ....just PERFECTION, one of the BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ! I can't recommend this story enough, it's DEFINITELY one you have to read and experience for yourselves.

*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much.*

[CLEO · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received this Arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💖
OMG!! I'm at a crossroads right now! Autumn does this to me with her beautiful books.

Sol has the conflict between two loves. God and Grace. It's such a difficult situation to be in at his age. Especially after experiencing his great lost. Grace on the other hand, has this beautiful aura about
herself that Sol is gravitated to. She's suffering internally with her own issues. When they finally reach a point in their life to become friends, what Grace finds in Sol changes everything for her and brings her life and happiness. Sol is in a bad situation having to choose between the love for Grace and the sacrament for God.
Once again Autumn has written a beautiful book that has left me wanting more. Can't wait for Disgrace!



Autumn Grey