Saturday, January 18, 2014

Book Review: "The Grace in Darkness" by Melissa Andrea





The Grace in Darkness
(Darkness Duet #2)

Synopsis:
Every part of me yearns for Ryland and there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by that I don’t question if I made the right decision. Adjusting is something I should be used to by now but how can I do that when life has other plans?

When darkness consumes you, only true light can free you

Remembering how I existed before Araya came into my life and turned everything upside down has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I can’t stand to be round anyone and the feeling is mutual. But I’m ready to take back what’s mine. I’m ready to be whole again. But every decision has a choice and every choice has a consequence.

To find the grace in darkness, you must:

Dare to be BRAVE
Dare to be STRONG
Dare to be ALIVE





Review:
5 Stars!

Holy crap, Batman! As soon as I finished reading book 1, The Edge of Darkness, I one-clicked this sequel IMMEDIATELY. I had absolutely fallen in love with Rayland and Araya, so I needed to read this book. Desperately. If you haven't read the first book, go buy it now. Trust me. Just buy it. It's amazing!!!! And you have to read it before this one.

"New surroundings, new people, a new life...but moving on was impossible when my heart wasn't on my side, and I was starting to wonder if you truly loved someone, can you ever really move on?"

The Epilogue from book one left me heartbroken. Like I mentioned in that review, it was an ending that needed to happen, but still, I felt sad. So I dove into this book. Once again, Melissa Andrea captured my full attention with the Prologue!!! My God, this lady can sure write Prologues!!! I was hooked. From the very beginning, I knew this would be another page turner for me.

"I struggled to breathe. Struggled to do the simplest thing -- survive. But most of all, I struggled to live without her." 

This time around, we got 'new versions' of Araya and Rayland. Their separation had definitely changed both of them. Araya was heartbroken, but more independent and sure of herself. Whereas Rayland was just angry and moody. He missed her too much and took out his anger on those closest to him. Deep down they were both still the same, though, and madly in love with each other. 
Rayland's father, J.D., still played a huge role in keeping Araya and Rayland apart. That man was pure evil. But you see, unlike in book one, this time, J.D.'s plan backfired. When Rayland came face to face with Araya, there was no way he would lose her again...despite J.D.'s best efforts.

"Don't you get it, Araya? You are my life now. I meant it when I said you saved me." 
-Ryland

Once reunited, the passion between Rayland and Araya was intense...and HOT! I swear, there might have been fireworks!! I felt their chemistry in my bones. It was amazing seeing how much they loved each other. All the things they went through to be together......... 
Queue the angst!!!! 
I was once again anxious to see how everything would unfold! Melissa Andrea gave us a few more twists, turns, and bumps in their story. Rayland and Araya did not have it easy, that's for sure. Their journey towards their happy ending was beyond tough, but never impossible.

"You don't need anyone to pick up the pieces for you. I don't want to take care of you because you need it. I want to take care of you because I love you." - Ryland

Towards the end, my heart was about to burst with happiness. Such a beautiful ending! Seriously! I could not have asked for a better conclusion to their story. Amazing! I could finally let go of the breath I was holding since starting book one! Sheesh! 

"With Ryland, I had found my grace in darkness."

Yet again, I can't end this review without saying....I love Sebastian!!!! I really enjoyed seeing him play an even bigger role in the plot. Melissa Andrea, can he get his own book??? Please??? I feel like he deserves his happy ending!! Especially after everything he went through during this book. Sigh. Oh and Cara too!!!! Yes!! They both need their own books! :)

Okay, really. Go buy this book!!! Truly an amazing conclusion to a fantastic and different story! I highly recommend this book!

"I promise to give you nothing less than everything I am, Araya."
"Forever and always, Ryland."
"Damn, I love you Hummingbird."



Purchase links:




Darkness Duet



The Edge of Darkness
(Darkness Duet #1)

Synopsis:
After a tragic accident, Araya Noelle is left with a constant reminder that nothing is forever.

She is forced to give up her chance to be the youngest dancer accepted into Julliard & taking over their high society school by a graceful storm of determination is no longer an option. Instead of dwelling over her loss, she accepts the new future she’s been dealt. In a world as black as hers, there's no room for bitterness, no time for regret. Sheltered from the outside world, Araya has become suffocated by a life she has no control over. Until Ryland Dare comes crashing into her life.

You don’t know true darkness until you've felt light…

Like a firecracker, showering her with colorful sparks of freedom, Ryland quickly sweeps Araya away from her grey existence. For the first time since the accident, living in darkness is no longer something Araya wants to do willingly. Unleashed by the shadows of her reminder, being with Ryland, Araya touches light. Together they will learn what it’s like to feel alive for the first time.

At the edge of darkness, a ray of light, will dare them both to HOPE. 

DARE them to LOVE
DARE them to LIVE



Purchase links:


Read my review  here


About the author:
Melissa Andrea

Melissa started reading in high school when she found her mom's romance book collection and has been hooked on books every since. She became a complete book-a-holic, starting her own collection and improving her reading skills. Most of the time she could finish a book walking around the store, while her mom shopped.

She wrote her first short story in high school for a competition in her writing class. It was a child's book called 'Arnold' - it was about an ant who believed he could do anything. Oh by the way, she won!

She has written many stories since then, but this will be her first YA paranormal/fantasy and the first book she will have published.

She lived in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of six years, and her 3 beautiful daughters. They are her biggest fans and they inspire her everyday. She enjoys spending time with her family, weekend dates with her mom & taking vacations. Hawaii anyone??

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