Grief. Nothing is predictable about grief. Intimately unique, a kaleidoscope of evolving emotions. Distinctive, yet also universal. The pain of loss somehow binds us all- the shared experience with the others who loved. This is the theme that brings Aggro to life- the story of people who shared the love of a murdered girl and the complex, twisted spiral that is their grief. Aggro is not at all what you think it’s going to be- it’s so much more. Gripping, emotionally resonant, achingly beautiful. This is a touching, bittersweet, and beautiful exploration of the impact of grief, loss, and love. Beautifully crafted, tenderly told. Emotional and moving. It is so fresh, so bold. I am obsessed with this book.
Don’t worry- we’ve got all the things you love about a CLJ and CG book. Like always, I was entertained by a tightly woven and fast paced narrative. Like always, I was struck by the nuanced, emotional character development. Anchored by a suspenseful murder mystery, we’ve got a hot, angsty and emotional romance, a vividly imagined setting, danger and secrets, and so many jaw dropping twists and turns that I need to see a chiropractor (#worth it). I can’t say much about the actual plot, or even characters, without spoiling anything. Expect the unexpected, this story has you on the edge of your seat. And, expect all the emotions- this book will tug on each and every one.
This is some masterful writing- beautiful use of imagery and metaphors, the interesting juxtaposition of the vibe of the setting with the dark tone of the book- I could go on for days about the creativity, the brilliant technical skill used to weave this tale. The character arcs end up being profound allegories about the experience of grief. This story just feels so intimate- you feel raw and exposed yourself. Truly, Aggro represents everything the romance genre has the potential to be - more than steam, more than plot- but a clear point view, a provocative and meaningful commentary on the lived human experience, an emotive journey. There are so many layers of meaning, you could peel it back piece by piece for days and still find more to ruminate on and admire.
These two authors are always master character writers, and the Aggro characters feel so distinct, so special among their cannon. These characters MAKE this story. They are rich, so fascinating and complex. Breeze is TOTALLY unlike any other CLJ heroine, and she’s my new favorite. She’s calm, grounded and steady, an understated wallflower who is also strong, kind, and determined. She knows who she is- she’s so comfortable in her own skin, in her own vulnerability- even though her world, her trust has been destroyed. The story is mostly from her POV-and we really get inside her hurt- I had such empathy, felt her emotions so vividly. I can’t comment on Chase and Kai too much without revealing my fav- but they are both FANTASTIC- and at times I loved them both for Breeze. Their emotions often contrasted one another- as both struggle, too, with their grief and guilt.
For those of you naysayers who don’t like love triangles, don’t let that deter you. The triangle aspect isn’t that consuming, isn’t even really the emotional center of this story. In fact, it isn’t even really a triangle between three people. Sure, we have one girl and two boys who she’s initially torn between, but the triangle is reinvented here- the real tension is between a girl and two warring emotions- grief vs. happiness. Guilt vs. peace. The unclear coupling doesn’t last too long, and when she chooses and the romance strikes? CHILLS. GOOSEBUMPS. EXPLOSION. This is my favorite CLJ couple of all time (WOAH!)- this romance is SO deep, earth-shatteringly emotional and beautiful. Sweet and SO sexy. You won’t imagine Breeze with anyone else- they are each ½ of one soul. The chemistry is epic.
Grief doesn’t just change our characters, it unleashes them. Like I said, Aggro is really a character study on the impact of grief- how loss influences your identity. We find that grief isn’t an emotion but a fluid lived experience, while our characters find themselves. Aggro shows us there can be beauty in the face of loss, healing even in tragedy.
This book is not a gentle wave- it is a hurricane. Unpredictable, a roaring crash, hauntingly beautiful. You’ll spend most of this book in the eye of the storm, but when the clouds clear, the view is breathtakingly beautiful. My words can never encapsulate my adoration for Aggro- so please, just read it and bask in its beauty. Weeks later I’m still thinking about it, unraveling its beautiful mosaic as I find new and exciting meaning to explore. That is what a great book does- it crawls inside your mind and never leaves. Aggro will indelibly be written in mine.