What a rush!
One of the of more captivating books I've encountered. There was tragedy, heartache, tenderness, ferocity, pain, pleasure, passion, and undeniable attraction. This story follows a bad boy alpha, Art, meeting an unassuming yet charming girl, Cin, who is drawn to him, compelled to soothe his inner turmoil. Only problem? She has a boyfriend, Trevor. This tale unfolds in an intensity of encounters, escapades, and some misadventure experienced by the two main characters, the boyfriend, and a divergent match of side characters culminating into an explosive part 1.
The storyline was amazing, intriguing, savory. I read leisurely not wanting the tale to end, yet unable to put the book away. I could feel Art's pain and rage, Cin's empathy, and Trevor's trust blended in one complex, drama and suspense-filled tale. The story was unique, the characters while in some ways traditional, were unconventional. Art was the rich bad boy with a depth of range in feeling — anger, passion, pain, apathy. Was he merely troubled or untenable? Cin was a good girl who while unassuming in her physical appearance, even her attire, was largely irresistible; and while empathetic, sweet even, she was no naive wallflower. Trever, loving, warm and seemingly trusting, was not above displaying alpha tendencies and brawling with the rest. He was a great foil to Art's personality. The friends and family added to the dynamic of the relationships in the story from the sheriff to the best friends to the cousins, and immediate family.
The book was dark, psychologically dark, and there were topics some might find disturbing, even a little taboo. There was destruction but also healing. These contributed to the creativity and dynamics of the storyline — often an uncertainty surrounding what is about to transpire, yet a curiosity to see it to the end, unable and unwilling to change course. The book weaved a compelling and emotionally-charged tale that left me a little breathless, disquieted, and pleasantly shocked. Part 2 can't arrive soon enough.