“I loved her since I was seven years old.” Alanna was my first friend. Family in every sense of the word. A guardian angel, if you believe in such things. Every time I fell, she was there, helping me up with an open hand. Through the years, I’ve made some mistakes… and I’m trying like hell to fix them. With Alanna, though, there was a profound knowledge that no matter what I did, she’d love me – no matter what, her loyalty to me was unwavering. It was an unconditional love like none I had ever experienced. This time is different, though. I got mixed up in the wrong crowd. They aren’t just coming after me, though. They attack the people you love. Well, all of South End knows that I don’t love anybody, save for one. Alanna. Now she’s in trouble, and it’s entirely my fault. Her fate rests in my hands, and I’m running out of time. I love her. I love her and I don’t know if I can save her.
A.C. Williams is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author who pens mystery, thriller and romantic suspense novels. She resides in Pennsylvania with her family. She is the wife of an Army Veteran and the proud mom of their three sons. When she is not writing, she is immersing herself in music, reading to her heart's content, and traveling with her family.
She previously wrote under the pen name Addison Kline and is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association. While she loves to write in a variety of genres, A.C. always says "mystery is her game." Some of her other favorite sub-genres to write include romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, crime, MC and mafia thrillers.
Some of her greatest influences to date include Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Harper Lee, Gillian Flynn, Emily Dickinson, Jane Austen & James Patterson.
We rejoin Alanna and her friends as they're trying to heal from the events in Phoenix. There is so much emotion and the writing has you feeling everything along with each of the characters. My heart hurt for all of these kids and the situations they find themselves in. The story grabbed me right away and it was nearly impossible to put down as it had my heart in my throat while I kept hoping for everyone to catch a break.
Peck was one of my favourites in Phoenix, I was intrigued and wanted more of him. In this one we get a lot more of him and my heart aches for his inner turmoil and home situation. Just like the first book, I absolutely love the bond between all of the characters. They're fiercely loyal and would do anything to protect each other.
Cris is still so sweet and i'm glad Alanna has his support as she's dealing with so much more than anyone her age should have to. There are some heavy issues dealt with and it's portrayed in a realistic manner.
The ending though! Oh my! I am absolutely dying for the next book to see what happens. I can't recommend this enough, it's well written and will have your emotions all over the place.