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Darkness Duet #1
The Edge of Darkness
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover for ASIN B00D4AAU08
I loved to dance, but I don’t anymore.
I was in an accident I don’t remember… or maybe I don’t want to remember.
Either way, every day since, has been… an adjustment and I’m left with a constant reminder that nothing is forever.
Now, my life is a tangled web of darkness filled with deceit, hate, betrayal and lies. I don’t dwell on the past, I don’t regret and I don’t remember… I survive. But then I met Ryland Dare and he changed everything. He reminded me that life’s worth living and that remembering isn’t always a bad thing.
You don’t know true darkness until you've felt light…
On the outside looking in, some would say my siblings and I have had a pretty easy life. But beyond the fancy cars, the huge house and endless social events, is where the truth really lies. Power hungry father, defeated mother and fake friends? Yeah I have one of each. Then Araya Noelle comes along and shows me what I’ve been missing. She thinks I changed her life, but really, she saved mine.
At the edge of darkness, you must DARE to HOPE. DARE to LOVE. DARE to LIVE
I loved to dance, but I don’t anymore.
I was in an accident I don’t remember… or maybe I don’t want to remember.
Either way, every day since, has been… an adjustment and I’m left with a constant reminder that nothing is forever.
Now, my life is a tangled web of darkness filled with deceit, hate, betrayal and lies. I don’t dwell on the past, I don’t regret and I don’t remember… I survive. But then I met Ryland Dare and he changed everything. He reminded me that life’s worth living and that remembering isn’t always a bad thing.
You don’t know true darkness until you've felt light…
On the outside looking in, some would say my siblings and I have had a pretty easy life. But beyond the fancy cars, the huge house and endless social events, is where the truth really lies. Power hungry father, defeated mother and fake friends? Yeah I have one of each. Then Araya Noelle comes along and shows me what I’ve been missing. She thinks I changed her life, but really, she saved mine.
At the edge of darkness, you must DARE to HOPE. DARE to LOVE. DARE to LIVE
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2013
About the author
Melissa Andrea
29 books820 followersI find it hard to sum up my life in a paragraph, but I'll try.
Reading has always been a passion for me and writing is as instinctive as breathing. Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. Flutter, The Discover Series was my debut release and since then I have written a contemporary romance, The Edge of Darkness. The only thing I do better than writing? Making beautiful, sassy and independent, girls. My daughters will always be my greatest accomplishment, my biggest fans and my every inspiration. I live, breath and would die for them! I've been married to one of the greatest men in my life for 7 years and I love him more than chocolate (you know shit just got real :), Justin Timberlake and Friday's. Without him my website would be a mess and I would probably be paying more taxes than I should. He is a jack of many trades and this is just my opinion but I like to think besides my daughters, I'm his second biggest accomplishment. (Does anyone else hear a horn tooting?)
I was born in Denver, Colorado -but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don't have a big family, but I'm close with my sister, brother & my mom. My mom is my hero, my inspiration, and I couldn't have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by. She has supported me throughout this crazy adventure and I'm lucky to have her on my side!
6 things you should know about me:
1. I'm a tornado with lipstick! Translation: I'm very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them.
2. I adore the color pink!
3. I love things that sparkle (including vampires!)
4. I like even numbers (hence 6 things about me, not 5)
5. I'm loyal to a fault but I like to see the good in everybody. Don't mistake my kindness for weakness though because my bark is not always bigger than my bite :))
6. I don't like calling readers 'fans'. When it come down to it, I am all YOUR biggest fan! MWAH!
I will never be able to thank every reader, every blogger or every author who has helped me in one or a million ways since I published but I will try every chance I get. Y'all are the reason I am here and every comment, every message, every review makes me feel like I have a reason to be. So to the moon and back, THANK YOU!
Okay, so this was a little longer than a paragraph.
Reading has always been a passion for me and writing is as instinctive as breathing. Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. Flutter, The Discover Series was my debut release and since then I have written a contemporary romance, The Edge of Darkness. The only thing I do better than writing? Making beautiful, sassy and independent, girls. My daughters will always be my greatest accomplishment, my biggest fans and my every inspiration. I live, breath and would die for them! I've been married to one of the greatest men in my life for 7 years and I love him more than chocolate (you know shit just got real :), Justin Timberlake and Friday's. Without him my website would be a mess and I would probably be paying more taxes than I should. He is a jack of many trades and this is just my opinion but I like to think besides my daughters, I'm his second biggest accomplishment. (Does anyone else hear a horn tooting?)
I was born in Denver, Colorado -but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don't have a big family, but I'm close with my sister, brother & my mom. My mom is my hero, my inspiration, and I couldn't have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by. She has supported me throughout this crazy adventure and I'm lucky to have her on my side!
6 things you should know about me:
1. I'm a tornado with lipstick! Translation: I'm very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them.
2. I adore the color pink!
3. I love things that sparkle (including vampires!)
4. I like even numbers (hence 6 things about me, not 5)
5. I'm loyal to a fault but I like to see the good in everybody. Don't mistake my kindness for weakness though because my bark is not always bigger than my bite :))
6. I don't like calling readers 'fans'. When it come down to it, I am all YOUR biggest fan! MWAH!
I will never be able to thank every reader, every blogger or every author who has helped me in one or a million ways since I published but I will try every chance I get. Y'all are the reason I am here and every comment, every message, every review makes me feel like I have a reason to be. So to the moon and back, THANK YOU!
Okay, so this was a little longer than a paragraph.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
October 25, 2013
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE, EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE. SO FORGIVE OFTEN, LIVE FREELY & LOVE DEEPLY
5 beautiful stars !!! ❤ I LOVED THIS BOOK !!!
It reminded me of an incredible song "Deep inside of you" by Third Eye Blind
When we met light was shed
Thoughts free flow you said you've got something
Deep inside of you
A wind chime voice sound, sway of your hips round rings true
Echo's deep inside of you
ARAYA
"I lost the only person who loved me and went blind all in a matter of minutes. I'd lost everything in that car accident. The day the accident happened I stopped living, making a point only to survive life."
She lost her mom and her dream of dancing at Julliard...in the blink of an eye....IT WAS ALL GONE
RYLAND
"If you could see what I see...then you'd understand why-. Why I wouldn't change a thing about you and you shouldn't want to either. you're original and that's my favorite thing about you."
Ryland is the down-to-earth all-American middle son, heir to a family fortune but he hates the trappings of his home life, wishing he could escape....
Friends say I've changed
I don't listen cause I live to be
Deep inside of you
Slide of her dress, shouts in darkness
I'm so alive I'm
Deep inside of you
"I wish I could see you though...." she admitted softly
I realized then how dangerously easy it would be to fall for this girl if I let myself get to close. It would never be about looks or money for Araya. When she fell in love, any guy would know where her heart really lay. He would know with everything he had that she was in love with him
❤
You said boy make girl feel good
But still...deep inside...STILL!
I've never felt alone
Till I met you
I'm alright on my own
Till I met you
Imagine if all you could see was just shadows.......
Araya's story was so heartbreaking ! But despite all of the hardships life threw her way she never became the bitter, hateful girl....she was so sweet and kind. Let me say this for the record when I rise to power people like her aunt and uncle will have to answer to ME!!
This story of this perfect boy who seemed to have it all, falling in love with this mouse of a blind girl who had absolutely nothing.... It melted my heart. I was committed to finding this happily-ever-after for these unique characters and I held my hand to my heart, tears falling and fell in LOVE with them FALLING IN LOVE.
❤❤❤❤ "She is falling in love for the first time and she's going to fall hard. Do her a favor and don't make love her enemy" ❤❤❤❤
This story is by no means over. Of course creepy evil has to take place to jack up my happily-ever after..... I do agree with how the story had to unravel. I was actually crying my eyeballs out but still so glad of the choices both of them made.....in order to preserve this once in a lifetime type of love. This just means that.....the next book is going to be bigger than life because they were both on the EDGE of solitary greatness....they just had to find themselves....separately.....so that they can be whole TOGETHER
I need book 2 NOW. Please and Thank You.
I mean it.....I needed this like yesterday....❤❤❤❤❤
Well hello beautiful new book cover :
And again another new book cover I love it !!
Newest book cover
June 19, 2013
4.5--DARING--Stars!
I'm gutted.....literally! Heart-broken! Devastated! How could it have ended like that?!?! *sobs* *sobs*
No really?!?! WTF?!?! Why?!?!
I knew going in to the book that this was a series, but honest to gawd I thought the story was just going to continue. I thought it would end in a happy place! I haven't felt like this since Rebecca Donovan's Breathing series.
So perhaps I'm being a bit dramatic. But this was a very heart-breaking yet heart-warming tale. In the prologue we are introduced to Araya through two scenes that are entertwined....Araya's final dance performance and the wreck that will change her life forever. Araya was accepted to Juilliard at the age of 15. But a devastating car wreck leaves Araya completely in the dark. Not only does she lose her mother but her dreams of dancing.
After the wreck, Araya is forced to live with her aunt and uncle, Nina and Carl. Here is how I felt about Nina and Carl....
Nina and Carl were just awful to Araya....forcing her to live a life in the dark. Rarely allowing her to leave the house, forcing her to believe that she can't do anything on her own, that she's not worthy of love or affection.
On a rare outing to the park, Araya meets Ryland Dare. He's sees something different in Araya but he can't figure out what it is. This makes her even more intriguing. He asks her out and she accepts, knowing that she will never actually show up for the date.
Evil 1 and Evil 2 (Nina and Carl) are up to no good and decide Araya needs to be tutored. As a result of the accident, Araya never finished school. Her tutor is none other than Cara Dare (Careless), Ryland's younger sister. Coincidence?
Ryland and Araya start to spend more and more time together. Every day Ryland brings Araya closer and closer to the light and out of the darkness. He believes in Araya. He forces Araya to see past the darkness and to not give up on the dreams she had before the accident. And in the process Araya shows Ryland how to live every day like it's your last. How to love, when he thought he wasn't capable.
Gawd...I LOVED Ryland. He was willing to give up everything for Araya. To love and protect her, keep her safe. It was so heart-warming. But Araya wanted to be Ryland's equal. She didn't want him to give up his life to take care of her. Ryland changed her life in so many ways....
"You dared me to hope when I thought I had none left. You dared me to love when I thought I couldn't, and you dared me to live again." ~~Araya
This is where things take a turn for the heart-breaking. Secrets are revealed that are devastating to both Ryland and Araya. I couldn't believe that the people that were supposed to love and care and protect them could be capable of such horrible things. It forces Ryland and Araya to make decisions about their relationship.
If I am being completely honest with myself, a very teeny-tiny part of me understands that the story needed to end the way it did. For Araya to fully give herself to Ryland she needed to learn to live on her own, not just survive. My heart broke for Ryland and Araya. I pray that we haven't see the last of Ryland and Araya and that they can find their way back to each other.
I'll repeat....this is a series....and it did have a cliffhanger ending....FML!
Listen Melissa Andrea....regarding Brightest Kind of Darkness
I'm gutted.....literally! Heart-broken! Devastated! How could it have ended like that?!?! *sobs* *sobs*
No really?!?! WTF?!?! Why?!?!
I knew going in to the book that this was a series, but honest to gawd I thought the story was just going to continue. I thought it would end in a happy place! I haven't felt like this since Rebecca Donovan's Breathing series.
So perhaps I'm being a bit dramatic. But this was a very heart-breaking yet heart-warming tale. In the prologue we are introduced to Araya through two scenes that are entertwined....Araya's final dance performance and the wreck that will change her life forever. Araya was accepted to Juilliard at the age of 15. But a devastating car wreck leaves Araya completely in the dark. Not only does she lose her mother but her dreams of dancing.
After the wreck, Araya is forced to live with her aunt and uncle, Nina and Carl. Here is how I felt about Nina and Carl....
Nina and Carl were just awful to Araya....forcing her to live a life in the dark. Rarely allowing her to leave the house, forcing her to believe that she can't do anything on her own, that she's not worthy of love or affection.
On a rare outing to the park, Araya meets Ryland Dare. He's sees something different in Araya but he can't figure out what it is. This makes her even more intriguing. He asks her out and she accepts, knowing that she will never actually show up for the date.
Evil 1 and Evil 2 (Nina and Carl) are up to no good and decide Araya needs to be tutored. As a result of the accident, Araya never finished school. Her tutor is none other than Cara Dare (Careless), Ryland's younger sister. Coincidence?
Ryland and Araya start to spend more and more time together. Every day Ryland brings Araya closer and closer to the light and out of the darkness. He believes in Araya. He forces Araya to see past the darkness and to not give up on the dreams she had before the accident. And in the process Araya shows Ryland how to live every day like it's your last. How to love, when he thought he wasn't capable.
Gawd...I LOVED Ryland. He was willing to give up everything for Araya. To love and protect her, keep her safe. It was so heart-warming. But Araya wanted to be Ryland's equal. She didn't want him to give up his life to take care of her. Ryland changed her life in so many ways....
"You dared me to hope when I thought I had none left. You dared me to love when I thought I couldn't, and you dared me to live again." ~~Araya
This is where things take a turn for the heart-breaking. Secrets are revealed that are devastating to both Ryland and Araya. I couldn't believe that the people that were supposed to love and care and protect them could be capable of such horrible things. It forces Ryland and Araya to make decisions about their relationship.
If I am being completely honest with myself, a very teeny-tiny part of me understands that the story needed to end the way it did. For Araya to fully give herself to Ryland she needed to learn to live on her own, not just survive. My heart broke for Ryland and Araya. I pray that we haven't see the last of Ryland and Araya and that they can find their way back to each other.
I'll repeat....this is a series....and it did have a cliffhanger ending....FML!
Listen Melissa Andrea....regarding Brightest Kind of Darkness
August 11, 2016
Overall this was an enjoyable read....I did have a few issues but I can't really go into them without giving away part of the story so I will put my questions in a spoiler.
Araya is living with her aunt after her mother passed away. Her aunt is the equivalent of
she along with the uncle treats Avaya like a burden as well as a slave.
Araya meets handsome rich hottie Ryland at the park one day.
And then meets him again after going to be tutored by his sister, Careless. They develop a relationship even after his sister warns him not to get involved...Of course Ryland's parent's are awful, controlling, have big egos and do not want him with a lowlife like Araya....
Cue a little bit of nonsense drama and Araya needing to grow some balls....and finally she does and we get our cliffhanger...
Good thing I can go straight to book 2....
Questions I had aboutt book
Araya is living with her aunt after her mother passed away. Her aunt is the equivalent of
she along with the uncle treats Avaya like a burden as well as a slave.
Araya meets handsome rich hottie Ryland at the park one day.
And then meets him again after going to be tutored by his sister, Careless. They develop a relationship even after his sister warns him not to get involved...Of course Ryland's parent's are awful, controlling, have big egos and do not want him with a lowlife like Araya....
Cue a little bit of nonsense drama and Araya needing to grow some balls....and finally she does and we get our cliffhanger...
Good thing I can go straight to book 2....
Questions I had aboutt book
February 7, 2014
5 Stars
The Edge of Darkness is a gripping tale of overcoming fears and finding love
I’ve never read anything like The Edge of Darkness and I simply LOVED IT! Gah, I can’t convey my feelings and emotions on this BEAUTIFUL, Heart-Warming tale.
Araya lives in the dark. Her car accident killing her mother haunts her every day. Araya lives in a tiny apartment with her aunt and uncle. She hasn’t lived her life since that tragic day and she has nothing to look forward, until one day she meets Ryland. Ryland is rich, handsome and his family doesn’t mesh with people like Araya, but Ryland is captivated by Araya’s beauty and innocence. Ryland may be the light in Araya’s dark world.
I had no idea what this book was about and the summary that I read was really vague. I was told I would love this book and darn it, that person was right. You need to read this, you need to jump in head first and get consumed the way I did.
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN
Araya is a fragile nineteen year old who hasn’t lived since she was fifteen. She has to stay with her mean aunt and drunken uncle. She doesn’t do anything, but stays in her room and thinks about the past. Her situation is VERY SAD! I am not giving everything away, there’s a HUGE factor that comes into play with this book and once you find out what it is…
I WAS STUNNED, SHOCKED and I WANTED TO READ MORE
Ryland is your rich boy with a chip on his shoulder. He lives in a dysfunctional household with a mentally abusive father. Ryland’s father wants Ryland to work for the company, but Ryland doesn’t want anything to do with his father. When Ryland sees a pretty red hair girl one day at a park, everything changes.
Ryland and Araya’s relationship forms beautifully. I loved the conversations they had and the underlying innocence of it all. In a way it remind me how much I love reading YA books (not that this is a YA book). Ryland and Araya are adorable. Araya is cagy, shy and kind of on the defence. Ryland is strong, persistence and sweet. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was just seeing two hurt souls using each other to heal.
Both have dark deep rooted issues, but both deal with it differently.
IT’S REALLY A GREAT BOOK
The father comes into play many times in the book and true to form; he’s a villain you love to hate. It’s evil, he’s mean and he will stop at nothing to push Araya out of Ryland’s life. I love these plots, because it’s always about the couple verse the world.
As for the ending, I have to say it, there’s a HUGE OPEN CLIFFY. I nearly died when I got to the last sentence because it will gut you, shock you and make you cry tears, but no worries, book 2 is already out.
READ THIS
AMAZON
More reviews - > http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
The Edge of Darkness is a gripping tale of overcoming fears and finding love
I’ve never read anything like The Edge of Darkness and I simply LOVED IT! Gah, I can’t convey my feelings and emotions on this BEAUTIFUL, Heart-Warming tale.
Araya lives in the dark. Her car accident killing her mother haunts her every day. Araya lives in a tiny apartment with her aunt and uncle. She hasn’t lived her life since that tragic day and she has nothing to look forward, until one day she meets Ryland. Ryland is rich, handsome and his family doesn’t mesh with people like Araya, but Ryland is captivated by Araya’s beauty and innocence. Ryland may be the light in Araya’s dark world.
I had no idea what this book was about and the summary that I read was really vague. I was told I would love this book and darn it, that person was right. You need to read this, you need to jump in head first and get consumed the way I did.
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN
Araya is a fragile nineteen year old who hasn’t lived since she was fifteen. She has to stay with her mean aunt and drunken uncle. She doesn’t do anything, but stays in her room and thinks about the past. Her situation is VERY SAD! I am not giving everything away, there’s a HUGE factor that comes into play with this book and once you find out what it is…
I WAS STUNNED, SHOCKED and I WANTED TO READ MORE
Ryland is your rich boy with a chip on his shoulder. He lives in a dysfunctional household with a mentally abusive father. Ryland’s father wants Ryland to work for the company, but Ryland doesn’t want anything to do with his father. When Ryland sees a pretty red hair girl one day at a park, everything changes.
Ryland and Araya’s relationship forms beautifully. I loved the conversations they had and the underlying innocence of it all. In a way it remind me how much I love reading YA books (not that this is a YA book). Ryland and Araya are adorable. Araya is cagy, shy and kind of on the defence. Ryland is strong, persistence and sweet. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was just seeing two hurt souls using each other to heal.
Both have dark deep rooted issues, but both deal with it differently.
IT’S REALLY A GREAT BOOK
The father comes into play many times in the book and true to form; he’s a villain you love to hate. It’s evil, he’s mean and he will stop at nothing to push Araya out of Ryland’s life. I love these plots, because it’s always about the couple verse the world.
As for the ending, I have to say it, there’s a HUGE OPEN CLIFFY. I nearly died when I got to the last sentence because it will gut you, shock you and make you cry tears, but no worries, book 2 is already out.
READ THIS
AMAZONMore reviews - > http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
Shelved as 'to-read-i-own'
June 9, 2013
GIVE ME!
June 8, 2013
I finished this book yesterday, and...WOW!!! It wasn't what I expected. This story slowly unravels itself to reveal its beauty. It's a story of love, pure and true, but also very complicated. (You'll see why.) It will tug at your heart strings, keep you turning pages, and then leave you wanting more. All I can say is...add this book to your list. It is a definite must read. I will be anxiously awaiting book 2. HURRY, MELISSA!!! ;) ;)
May 30, 2013
Araya's life is that of darkness. There is no light to shine upon her as she is forced to live a life that was never supposed to be her future. Araya has recognize that this is as good as it will get for her: picking up after her aunt and uncle...2 people who couldn’t care less about her. But one day while at the park she meets Ryland Dare. For the first time in 4 years, something goes right. Something gives her hope. Something brings light to her dimly lit, disheveled life.
I just loved this story. If it wasn't for trying to get our house ready to sell, I would have had this book finished within a day…day and a half max. It was just that good. I loved the characters and the whole scheme. But I am not going to tell you what it is exactly...oh no…that is a surprise. That is something the author wants everyone to experience firsthand without a third party telling you all about it. Trust me though, you will love not knowing what is going on until it happens. It makes the story that much sweeter.
Ok, moving on. Lets talk about Ryland Dare. I love that he is honest about who and what he is: a Class A User of women. But he is upfront about that fact and it doesn't seem to have hurt him in the past. But his sister wants him to not be that way with Araya. While his sister is tutoring Araya, she wants him to stay far, far away. She knows that he will crush her in the end and knows that Araya doesn't need that in her life right now. But Ryland is bound and determined to get to know her more and find out her secrets. Secrets that could send him running if she allows him close enough.
This is where I introduce you to Araya. She is one of the most sweetest, most kindest characters you will ever come across. For all that she has been through and going through, you'd expect her to be mean and nasty and resentful. But you will not find any of that lurking within her. She is as good as they come. I just adored her. And bless her heart for all the things that she has never, what so ever, experienced in her life. That girl has seriously missed out on some fun. You will see what I am talking about once you read the book.
THE EDGE OF DARKNESS was one of my favorites to read this year. I love that there will be another book...because after that ending…us readers have to know what will happen to these guys. I am dying to know if they will find their happily ever after. I am itching to see where life takes them. Trust me when I say you will want to read this one. Yes, it is a definite must read.
I just loved this story. If it wasn't for trying to get our house ready to sell, I would have had this book finished within a day…day and a half max. It was just that good. I loved the characters and the whole scheme. But I am not going to tell you what it is exactly...oh no…that is a surprise. That is something the author wants everyone to experience firsthand without a third party telling you all about it. Trust me though, you will love not knowing what is going on until it happens. It makes the story that much sweeter.
Ok, moving on. Lets talk about Ryland Dare. I love that he is honest about who and what he is: a Class A User of women. But he is upfront about that fact and it doesn't seem to have hurt him in the past. But his sister wants him to not be that way with Araya. While his sister is tutoring Araya, she wants him to stay far, far away. She knows that he will crush her in the end and knows that Araya doesn't need that in her life right now. But Ryland is bound and determined to get to know her more and find out her secrets. Secrets that could send him running if she allows him close enough.
This is where I introduce you to Araya. She is one of the most sweetest, most kindest characters you will ever come across. For all that she has been through and going through, you'd expect her to be mean and nasty and resentful. But you will not find any of that lurking within her. She is as good as they come. I just adored her. And bless her heart for all the things that she has never, what so ever, experienced in her life. That girl has seriously missed out on some fun. You will see what I am talking about once you read the book.
THE EDGE OF DARKNESS was one of my favorites to read this year. I love that there will be another book...because after that ending…us readers have to know what will happen to these guys. I am dying to know if they will find their happily ever after. I am itching to see where life takes them. Trust me when I say you will want to read this one. Yes, it is a definite must read.
May 29, 2013
More, more and more please!!!! I received this copy for my honest review. So thank you!!!
I did not want this story to come to an end!! How can we just stop with an ending like that? This book took me to an all new life. The way I view things and people. I love how Araya things about the situation she was forced into. My heart breaks for her, and happy for her all at the same time. How do you see light in the darkness?
Ryland, oh Ryland!! He didn't have a chance. Yeah maybe he thought he would never fall in love, But he was SO wrong. I loved every part of this book. The ending took me by surprise, but what a good way to end book 1 and to start book 2. Knowing how cruel and hateful people can be is hard, but actually reading it in you head, and your heart. It takes you to a whole new level. Seeing Araya in the beginning and how she changed all the way threw made me happy! I cried and laughed and cried some more. lol My heart hurt when the Dare's treated her like an animal! Even her own family. How can somebody be so cruel? Ryland became her light. He changed so much threw out the book as well. Going from a player who can not love, to a man who found what he wanted and what he was willing to fight for.
This is a must read!!!!!!!! And looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.
I did not want this story to come to an end!! How can we just stop with an ending like that? This book took me to an all new life. The way I view things and people. I love how Araya things about the situation she was forced into. My heart breaks for her, and happy for her all at the same time. How do you see light in the darkness?
Ryland, oh Ryland!! He didn't have a chance. Yeah maybe he thought he would never fall in love, But he was SO wrong. I loved every part of this book. The ending took me by surprise, but what a good way to end book 1 and to start book 2. Knowing how cruel and hateful people can be is hard, but actually reading it in you head, and your heart. It takes you to a whole new level. Seeing Araya in the beginning and how she changed all the way threw made me happy! I cried and laughed and cried some more. lol My heart hurt when the Dare's treated her like an animal! Even her own family. How can somebody be so cruel? Ryland became her light. He changed so much threw out the book as well. Going from a player who can not love, to a man who found what he wanted and what he was willing to fight for.
This is a must read!!!!!!!! And looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 4, 2020DNF at 36%
Not sure if it's the book or me, but I was just not feeling it. The writing was okay, the story was okay, but I didn't feel very drawn to it. I think this just wasn't the right time. Maybe I'll try to pick it up later, who knows? I definitely wouldn't discourage anyone else from reading it.
Not sure if it's the book or me, but I was just not feeling it. The writing was okay, the story was okay, but I didn't feel very drawn to it. I think this just wasn't the right time. Maybe I'll try to pick it up later, who knows? I definitely wouldn't discourage anyone else from reading it.
June 5, 2013
The Edge of Darkness had me on the edge of my seat through the whole book. I loved every bit of it. Melissa Andrea is amazing with words, and I can't wait to read book 2 of this series. Melissa took two people from two different worlds both dealing with their own issues that have made them broken and different from the rest of the world.
Arayda has lost everything but still comes out strong and fierce, however, there are some circumstances that makes her rely on others beyond her capability but don't let that confuse you with her independence. Then Ryland shows up and forces her to reach outside her boundaries and shows her the love and care she has been missing for so long. Only Ryland doesn't realize Arayda is saving him as much as he is saving her, that is until their families get involved and forbid them to be together and are sure to keep them apart no matter the cost.
Arayda has lost everything but still comes out strong and fierce, however, there are some circumstances that makes her rely on others beyond her capability but don't let that confuse you with her independence. Then Ryland shows up and forces her to reach outside her boundaries and shows her the love and care she has been missing for so long. Only Ryland doesn't realize Arayda is saving him as much as he is saving her, that is until their families get involved and forbid them to be together and are sure to keep them apart no matter the cost.
August 2, 2014
5 WOW STARS!!!
Ryland
Araya
Right from the start... I was instantly pulled into Araya and Ryland's world. It was really hard to put this book down. Araya and Ryland are instantly attracted to each other. They meet at a park accidentally...but fate really had other plans for them.
Araya lives in a world full of darkness, yet she has the warmest heart. She is pure, sweet and timid. She accepts what has happened to her and doesn't really complain about it. She's sort of the modern Cinderella. She lives with her crazy bitchass aunt and uncle (Nina and Carl). She is a burden to them, and they do not mind constantly telling her. They treat her like complete crap!! And it really amazed me how much Araya put up with Nina! Araya was accepting the fact that she was hopeless, until Ryland came into her life!
Ryland live in a world full of power, greed and money. He lives to survive each day, and to protect his beloved baby sister Careless (Cara). His father J.D. expects Ryland to take over the family business. Ryland's brother Sebastian is a drunk! Ryland's mother is an attention whore, who will never be loved by her own husband. He lives in a cold household. He feels the need to escape. Ryland does not commit...until he meets Araya.
It was insta-love for Araya. Ryland was her first in everything. I really loved how Ryland actually pushed Araya to be independent. He pushed Araya to learn. He pushed Araya to live her life! Ryland was protective and supportive at the same time. Ryland really was the missing spark in Araya's life.
I really loved how pure and honest Araya was with Ryland. She did not deny her feelings. There was no angst or drama between them.
But of course nothing is ever that perfect....
The last 20% of the book pissed me off!!!
I was shocked!!!!! I really wanted to punch everyone!
This is for NINA, J.D... and
I was glad that Araya really stood up for herself towards the end of the book...but I just wish she didn't have to make a heartbreaking decision...
I'm going to read the second book now!
It's a must after that epilogue!!!!!
Ryland
Araya
Right from the start... I was instantly pulled into Araya and Ryland's world. It was really hard to put this book down. Araya and Ryland are instantly attracted to each other. They meet at a park accidentally...but fate really had other plans for them.
Araya lives in a world full of darkness, yet she has the warmest heart. She is pure, sweet and timid. She accepts what has happened to her and doesn't really complain about it. She's sort of the modern Cinderella. She lives with her crazy bitchass aunt and uncle (Nina and Carl). She is a burden to them, and they do not mind constantly telling her. They treat her like complete crap!! And it really amazed me how much Araya put up with Nina! Araya was accepting the fact that she was hopeless, until Ryland came into her life!
Ryland live in a world full of power, greed and money. He lives to survive each day, and to protect his beloved baby sister Careless (Cara). His father J.D. expects Ryland to take over the family business. Ryland's brother Sebastian is a drunk! Ryland's mother is an attention whore, who will never be loved by her own husband. He lives in a cold household. He feels the need to escape. Ryland does not commit...until he meets Araya.
It was insta-love for Araya. Ryland was her first in everything. I really loved how Ryland actually pushed Araya to be independent. He pushed Araya to learn. He pushed Araya to live her life! Ryland was protective and supportive at the same time. Ryland really was the missing spark in Araya's life.
I really loved how pure and honest Araya was with Ryland. She did not deny her feelings. There was no angst or drama between them.
But of course nothing is ever that perfect....
The last 20% of the book pissed me off!!!
I was shocked!!!!! I really wanted to punch everyone!
This is for NINA, J.D... and
I was glad that Araya really stood up for herself towards the end of the book...but I just wish she didn't have to make a heartbreaking decision...
I'm going to read the second book now!
It's a must after that epilogue!!!!!
May 30, 2013
I could not put this book down....
From start to finish I was so captivated, so engrossed in this story that Araya and Ryland are forever pieces of my heart...
This book is beyond amazing and 5 stars don't do it justice...
Full Review:
Ok, I hope I have gathered myself enough to provide a review that encompasses just how much I loved this book....
After opening up to the first page and reading the prologue, I was completely immersed and knew that this tale was going to be one that kept me hanging on by tooth and nail as well as keeping my insides in complete knots. I mean, immediately, you are crippled with the event you are witnessing. Your heart is reaching out and wanting to pull this young girl in and hold her for all its worth.
But, that is the beginning and as we jump in and find out the how's and why's, we get to meet the most special and compassionate person ever, Araya. Living in a world of darkness with an aunt and uncle that is just plain horrid, you find Araya's outlook on life refreshing. Although when we are introduced to her world, we find that she is only surviving and not really living; until we meet Ryland.
I wanna say that Ryland has the life we all dream of, big fancy house, money, family...but that is how it all seems on the outside. Once you walk through the doors of the Dare house, you find not a trace of love from the biological side but from the housekeeper who throughout this story imparts the love and wisdom that the Dare children need.
Now, there are some major events and details that I am not going to reveal. Which also hinders in me giving you all of how I felt...
But, I can say this...
Melissa Andrea wrote a beautiful piece of art. It is one of those that becomes a part of you. She captured me with creating two people who had so much wrong in their lives yet together were the rays of sunshine to each other. I fell head over heels for Ryland. The romance that Araya and Ryland shared was electric in the beginning and slowly built to be one of epic proportions.
My heart was carried through so many emotions while reading The Edge of Darkness. From the steamy moments....causing your heart to race, to the twisted evil events...that cause your blood to boil with rage. You FEEEEEL and experience all of this right along with Araya and Ryland; solidifying your connection to these two. *sighs heavily*
A true masterpiece, a love story that will transcend all time...From start to finsh...you heart is held captive by the pure beauty found within these pages. ANNNND....the ending...OMG Melissa Andrea...I can't even comment...All I need to know...When is book 2 coming????
GO...Get this book...it releases May 31...I highly recommend you pick this book up...
From start to finish I was so captivated, so engrossed in this story that Araya and Ryland are forever pieces of my heart...
This book is beyond amazing and 5 stars don't do it justice...
Full Review:
Ok, I hope I have gathered myself enough to provide a review that encompasses just how much I loved this book....
After opening up to the first page and reading the prologue, I was completely immersed and knew that this tale was going to be one that kept me hanging on by tooth and nail as well as keeping my insides in complete knots. I mean, immediately, you are crippled with the event you are witnessing. Your heart is reaching out and wanting to pull this young girl in and hold her for all its worth.
But, that is the beginning and as we jump in and find out the how's and why's, we get to meet the most special and compassionate person ever, Araya. Living in a world of darkness with an aunt and uncle that is just plain horrid, you find Araya's outlook on life refreshing. Although when we are introduced to her world, we find that she is only surviving and not really living; until we meet Ryland.
I wanna say that Ryland has the life we all dream of, big fancy house, money, family...but that is how it all seems on the outside. Once you walk through the doors of the Dare house, you find not a trace of love from the biological side but from the housekeeper who throughout this story imparts the love and wisdom that the Dare children need.
Now, there are some major events and details that I am not going to reveal. Which also hinders in me giving you all of how I felt...
But, I can say this...
Melissa Andrea wrote a beautiful piece of art. It is one of those that becomes a part of you. She captured me with creating two people who had so much wrong in their lives yet together were the rays of sunshine to each other. I fell head over heels for Ryland. The romance that Araya and Ryland shared was electric in the beginning and slowly built to be one of epic proportions.
My heart was carried through so many emotions while reading The Edge of Darkness. From the steamy moments....causing your heart to race, to the twisted evil events...that cause your blood to boil with rage. You FEEEEEL and experience all of this right along with Araya and Ryland; solidifying your connection to these two. *sighs heavily*
A true masterpiece, a love story that will transcend all time...From start to finsh...you heart is held captive by the pure beauty found within these pages. ANNNND....the ending...OMG Melissa Andrea...I can't even comment...All I need to know...When is book 2 coming????
GO...Get this book...it releases May 31...I highly recommend you pick this book up...
June 9, 2013
I was provided with a free copy of this book for the blog tour. Thank you, Melissa!
Reading ‘The Edge of Darkness’ felt like riding a roller coaster of emtions. This book made me sad, happy, angry or even in love. The best thing about this book is that it makes you feel. It makes you feel like you are one of the character. It makes you feel alive in the book.
I have to recognize that I’ve always wanted to read one of Melissa’s books and when I signed up for this blog tour I was fangirling inside. And when I received my copy of ‘The Edge of Darkness’ I was so happy that I jumped in my bed.
Oh my, let me cry a little. I am sad and happy at the same time. Happy because I read such an outstanding book and sad because I finished too early. I read it in 2 days and I wasn’t reading to say Goodbye to the characters. I really need a sequel right now! *Ryland,I’mGonnaMissYou*
I feel in love with Melissa’s writing style from the start. It has something so beautiful and poetic that it made me jealous. I’ve always wanted to write like this. To be able to bring my characters alive, to make my readers fall in love with my writing. Melissa did it. She made me fall in love with her book from the start. It’s easy to read her books- her writing style is fluent and has an outstanding musicality.
Her characters? Bring it on! Oh, I loved their personalities, how alived they felt to me. I love how different they are from each other and how easy it’s to love them. My favortie character? I can’t decide between Araya and Ryland. They are just… flawless and so good for each other!!
Let me say that as a violinist, Julliard is one of my dreams. So one I saw it mentioned there, in ‘The Edge of Darkness’ I felt joy. I’d love to study there, but I think this will remain a dream.
The story is so sad in the beginning! I felt so sorry for Araya and for her situation that, even though I wasn’t very linked with her I wanted to cry! I can’t even imagine how horrible it must be to lost your dream.
In the scenes when both Araya and Ryland were present my heart melted and I even laughed. I loved how funny Ryland is, how caring and lovely his peronality is.
Let me go back to my corner and cry over this book. I.WANT.MORE.!
This is a book that definitely teaches you something: Never give up!
Everything about ‘The Edge of Darkness’ it’s outstanding: the cover, the characters, the story, the talent of the author… this is a book that should be published by the biggest publishers around AND turned into a movie!
Definitely one of the best reads 2013 brings to us. 6 stars out of 5!
Reading ‘The Edge of Darkness’ felt like riding a roller coaster of emtions. This book made me sad, happy, angry or even in love. The best thing about this book is that it makes you feel. It makes you feel like you are one of the character. It makes you feel alive in the book.
I have to recognize that I’ve always wanted to read one of Melissa’s books and when I signed up for this blog tour I was fangirling inside. And when I received my copy of ‘The Edge of Darkness’ I was so happy that I jumped in my bed.
Oh my, let me cry a little. I am sad and happy at the same time. Happy because I read such an outstanding book and sad because I finished too early. I read it in 2 days and I wasn’t reading to say Goodbye to the characters. I really need a sequel right now! *Ryland,I’mGonnaMissYou*
I feel in love with Melissa’s writing style from the start. It has something so beautiful and poetic that it made me jealous. I’ve always wanted to write like this. To be able to bring my characters alive, to make my readers fall in love with my writing. Melissa did it. She made me fall in love with her book from the start. It’s easy to read her books- her writing style is fluent and has an outstanding musicality.
Her characters? Bring it on! Oh, I loved their personalities, how alived they felt to me. I love how different they are from each other and how easy it’s to love them. My favortie character? I can’t decide between Araya and Ryland. They are just… flawless and so good for each other!!
Let me say that as a violinist, Julliard is one of my dreams. So one I saw it mentioned there, in ‘The Edge of Darkness’ I felt joy. I’d love to study there, but I think this will remain a dream.
The story is so sad in the beginning! I felt so sorry for Araya and for her situation that, even though I wasn’t very linked with her I wanted to cry! I can’t even imagine how horrible it must be to lost your dream.
In the scenes when both Araya and Ryland were present my heart melted and I even laughed. I loved how funny Ryland is, how caring and lovely his peronality is.
Let me go back to my corner and cry over this book. I.WANT.MORE.!
This is a book that definitely teaches you something: Never give up!
Everything about ‘The Edge of Darkness’ it’s outstanding: the cover, the characters, the story, the talent of the author… this is a book that should be published by the biggest publishers around AND turned into a movie!
Definitely one of the best reads 2013 brings to us. 6 stars out of 5!
June 5, 2013
Once again I am in complete awe of Melissa’s ability to paint a picture with her words and shatter my soul into a million pieces from the emotion she brings fourth from her characters.
Araya looses everything in the blink of an eye. After being in a tragic accident there is no light in her dark world. She is moved in with her aunt who despises her and treats her like garbage. Araya is not living she is only getting by that is until a chance encounter with Ryland. Ryland is the all American boy he has lives in a fancy house, has money, nice cars, etc. But once you look through the doors you see his world is anything buy perfect. His parents don’t love him or his siblings and the only person who does care for them is the house keeper Annie. When two people are living in darkness start to fall in love and see the light will it be enough when secrets come out and lives are shattered all over again.
I know I can’t due this book justice but I am going to try. I loved everything about this book and the emotional turmoil that I was put through thanks to Melissa and they way she writes. She just has a way with pulling you in from page one that has you on the edge of your seat the whole time you’re reading her books. Araya has become my favorite female character of the year and yes I know it’s only June. But once you meet her you will understand why I am making this statement. She is so much stronger then she knows and she made me laugh, cry, and fall in love right along with her. Ryland is just amazingly awesome. He is everything I love in a hero even when he doesn’t think he’s the hero. He is strong, smart, protective, sweet, and loves so fiercely that he had me holding my breath just waiting for the moment he would finally tell Araya that he loved her. When they both moved out of the darkness into the light with each other it just grabbed my heart and soul. I can honestly say that this is my favorite read of 2013. The story and characters will stay with me long after today as they have touched me down into very soul. All I can say is I desperately need book two now! Please Melissa write faster so I can see what happens because that ending literally shattered my soul something no author has ever done. If I could I would give this more then 5/5 Bloody Fangs wait this is my blog so I can and I will. 10/10 Bloody Fangs
Araya looses everything in the blink of an eye. After being in a tragic accident there is no light in her dark world. She is moved in with her aunt who despises her and treats her like garbage. Araya is not living she is only getting by that is until a chance encounter with Ryland. Ryland is the all American boy he has lives in a fancy house, has money, nice cars, etc. But once you look through the doors you see his world is anything buy perfect. His parents don’t love him or his siblings and the only person who does care for them is the house keeper Annie. When two people are living in darkness start to fall in love and see the light will it be enough when secrets come out and lives are shattered all over again.
I know I can’t due this book justice but I am going to try. I loved everything about this book and the emotional turmoil that I was put through thanks to Melissa and they way she writes. She just has a way with pulling you in from page one that has you on the edge of your seat the whole time you’re reading her books. Araya has become my favorite female character of the year and yes I know it’s only June. But once you meet her you will understand why I am making this statement. She is so much stronger then she knows and she made me laugh, cry, and fall in love right along with her. Ryland is just amazingly awesome. He is everything I love in a hero even when he doesn’t think he’s the hero. He is strong, smart, protective, sweet, and loves so fiercely that he had me holding my breath just waiting for the moment he would finally tell Araya that he loved her. When they both moved out of the darkness into the light with each other it just grabbed my heart and soul. I can honestly say that this is my favorite read of 2013. The story and characters will stay with me long after today as they have touched me down into very soul. All I can say is I desperately need book two now! Please Melissa write faster so I can see what happens because that ending literally shattered my soul something no author has ever done. If I could I would give this more then 5/5 Bloody Fangs wait this is my blog so I can and I will. 10/10 Bloody Fangs
July 2, 2013
5 beautiful stars!!!
I don't review often - mainly because I'm lazy and too anxious to dive into the next book, but I felt this one deserved it.
I can't begin to explain how refreshing this book was. Despite all the heaviness it was seriously a breath of fresh air! And it only make me happier to know there will be two more books to come.
First, I refuse to give away any spoilers. The synopsis is vague for a reason, I went into this book not really knowing anything and I feel like that is the effect the author is trying for (and accomplished). However, I will say that I absolutely loved the prologue - as heartbreaking as it was. And the beginning is... Disorienting? But once the proverbial veil is lifted you literally gasp with realization!
Although Araya and Ryland come from completely different worlds, they're each facing their own struggles and dealing with life's circumstances.. And your heart will ache for them both.
I absolutely adored Araya. After everything that was thrown at her, she never allowed herself to wallow in self-pity. Araya remained strong, while retaining her innocence and not giving in to bitterness or becoming jaded. And you can't help but admire her heart and determination.
I fell head over heels for Ryland. Honestly, it was so flawless I don't even know when happened, so I have to believe he had me at 'hello'. He's charming, witty, compassionate, and protector to a fault. Despite his upbringing, Ryland not only remained grounded, but grew to be extraordinary person.
Ryland's and Araya's love for each other? I'm envious. They have this easy love that grew seamlessly. It's refreshing to see two characters develop a natural bond that comes before and goes beyond physical love. These two people, while beautiful on their own, brought me to tears.
Their story reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Edgar Allan Poe..
"Beauty of whatever kind, in it's supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears"
So yes, if you're a sensitive reader, you will go through a whirl of emotions and you will definitely cry happy tears and gut-wrenching-from-your-soul tears.
I have my eyes wide open for The Grace of Darkness!!!
I don't review often - mainly because I'm lazy and too anxious to dive into the next book, but I felt this one deserved it.
I can't begin to explain how refreshing this book was. Despite all the heaviness it was seriously a breath of fresh air! And it only make me happier to know there will be two more books to come.
First, I refuse to give away any spoilers. The synopsis is vague for a reason, I went into this book not really knowing anything and I feel like that is the effect the author is trying for (and accomplished). However, I will say that I absolutely loved the prologue - as heartbreaking as it was. And the beginning is... Disorienting? But once the proverbial veil is lifted you literally gasp with realization!
Although Araya and Ryland come from completely different worlds, they're each facing their own struggles and dealing with life's circumstances.. And your heart will ache for them both.
I absolutely adored Araya. After everything that was thrown at her, she never allowed herself to wallow in self-pity. Araya remained strong, while retaining her innocence and not giving in to bitterness or becoming jaded. And you can't help but admire her heart and determination.
I fell head over heels for Ryland. Honestly, it was so flawless I don't even know when happened, so I have to believe he had me at 'hello'. He's charming, witty, compassionate, and protector to a fault. Despite his upbringing, Ryland not only remained grounded, but grew to be extraordinary person.
Ryland's and Araya's love for each other? I'm envious. They have this easy love that grew seamlessly. It's refreshing to see two characters develop a natural bond that comes before and goes beyond physical love. These two people, while beautiful on their own, brought me to tears.
Their story reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Edgar Allan Poe..
"Beauty of whatever kind, in it's supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears"
So yes, if you're a sensitive reader, you will go through a whirl of emotions and you will definitely cry happy tears and gut-wrenching-from-your-soul tears.
I have my eyes wide open for The Grace of Darkness!!!
June 7, 2013
Review 4.5 stars
Review 4.5 stars
I thought I knew what this was about, I watched the trailer, read the blurb, and at 25% in wow, my jaw is dropped and I am totally surprised. I did not see this story line coming. To say surprised isn't even a strong enough word, I was dumbstruck with awe at the carefully crafted way Melissa Andrea laid the pieces. As the bomb is dropped all of those clues come crashing together in sheer brilliance.
Araya and Ryland have an unmistakable chemistry. He wants to protect and love her. He is at war within himself over how he is allowed to feel for her.
You feel for Araya in her home environment. In so many ways though you feel for Ryland just as equally. It is not often that as much merit is given to the male character as the female. This story has both points of view, from Ryland's and Araya's but you truly feel like it is both of their story.
"I didn't think I would ever fall in love, but I did and it didn't matter if he loved me too. He gave me something much more and there was nothing that I could give him that was half as amazing, but I could love him. I would love him always and then I would reach beyond that and love him until forever. My life would never be as bright as it was when he was in it, and that's what I was going to take with me."
There is a uniqueness to this story. It is different from so much out there. As much as this is about love, it is also about healing, faith and beauty.
Review 4.5 stars
I thought I knew what this was about, I watched the trailer, read the blurb, and at 25% in wow, my jaw is dropped and I am totally surprised. I did not see this story line coming. To say surprised isn't even a strong enough word, I was dumbstruck with awe at the carefully crafted way Melissa Andrea laid the pieces. As the bomb is dropped all of those clues come crashing together in sheer brilliance.
Araya and Ryland have an unmistakable chemistry. He wants to protect and love her. He is at war within himself over how he is allowed to feel for her.
You feel for Araya in her home environment. In so many ways though you feel for Ryland just as equally. It is not often that as much merit is given to the male character as the female. This story has both points of view, from Ryland's and Araya's but you truly feel like it is both of their story.
"I didn't think I would ever fall in love, but I did and it didn't matter if he loved me too. He gave me something much more and there was nothing that I could give him that was half as amazing, but I could love him. I would love him always and then I would reach beyond that and love him until forever. My life would never be as bright as it was when he was in it, and that's what I was going to take with me."
There is a uniqueness to this story. It is different from so much out there. As much as this is about love, it is also about healing, faith and beauty.
June 2, 2013
The way Melissa writes is genius. She has a way of keeping secrets from you, and has you find them out along with the characters. I am usually pretty good with books that do that, and figure it out before the characters. But with this book, I was constantly wanting to read more because that was the only way I was going to find the answer. I love that, because it kept my interest! I read it in 1 day because of that! The story itself is beautiful. I can't help but feel sympathy for Araya. She is a beautiful character. I want a character like this in every book! It just brings more to the story I find. Getting further in the book, there were a lot of juicy moments, and the most shocking ending ever. I definitely did not expect that. I cannot wait for Brightest Kind of Darkness, book 2 in the Darkness Trinity! I have to give this book 5 out of 5 book-a-saur paws!
June 11, 2013
Truth… This book deserves more than 5 stars
Dare… I Dare you to argue it’s not one of the best books you’ve read.
If you haven’t read this book, stop what you’re doing and read it! It has been a few books since I found one that completely consumed me & this one definitely did that. It annoyed me that my life got in the way & I couldn’t stop the world from spinning so I could read this book in one sitting. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. I wish that this book could be turned into a movie. Not the ripped off versions of books to movies we get in the theaters but a movie that was page by page, word for word this exact book. I’d sit 5+ hours just to watch the lives of these characters unfold. The story that plays in my mind while reading is so beautiful, I wish I could see it on the big screen.
I think the best part of the book for me was how much I feel for the characters. I loved all the characters. Even the evil ones because without that evil we wouldn’t see what strong people the main characters are. It was almost like a really twisted Cinderella story & that totally captivated me. I was lost in this book. I laughed & cried & felt like I was living each moment with them. I truly enjoy when books go back & forth between the girl & guy’s pov. I feel like I get 2 stories in one. For me it makes the story more whole because I know what everyone is thinking.
“Blow their minds, Araya, and dance like it’s the last time…” And that’s exactly what I did.
Our screams were the last thing I heard.
Araya Noelle went through a horribly tragic accident at the age of 15. She lost her mom & her life changed forever. She moved with her Aunt & her husband & spent the next four years of her life locked away from the world & trapped in the dark. She was so beautifully written. I admired her for the cards she was dealt & how she handled her new reality. She had a few weak moments but I didn’t think less of her for it. She totally redeemed herself in more than one occasion that I was verbally cheering for her. Even though her mother died, I totally felt like I got to know her. She was actually a big part of the story. I looked forward to the flash backs of their conversations & I feel in love with her memory.
Araya’s Mom “Dance because it makes you happy and when it doesn’t, stop.” She said as we sat there waiting to open my letter form Julliard, “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, baby girl. No matter what this letter says, you will always be number one in my book.”
Ryland Dare was amazing. Sure he tried to label himself as someone who couldn’t love but Araya changed everything for him. She was his hummingbird. From the moment they met he was so sweet with her. It wasn’t instant love or lust it was something more. He thought she deserved so much more than him but really he was just what she needed. She was different for him & he made an effort to be different for her. He didn’t see her disability as an issue rather something that made her an original. He was more than the guy that fell for the girl. He was a wonderful brother. He loved his siblings. He cared about them & wanted their future to be better than their past.
Ryland “Because you’re too damn addicting Hummingbird. Everything about you… I’m always left wanting more. I want all of you, all the time, every day, and the more I’m with you, the stronger the craving gets.”
As for the other characters in the book they completed the story. Sebastian Dare (older brother to Ry) & Careless Dare (younger sister Ry) were just as important to me as Ryland & Araya. In the beginning I didn’t think much of Sebastian but he soon turned into a favorite of mine. He had his issues but he loved his little bro & that came off very clear throughout the story. I felt sorry for Careless. She had to deal with a lot from her family & she comes off as a “careless” person but she seems to warm up to Araya more than I expected her to. As for Mr. & Mrs. Dare what a joke as far as parents go. Its goes with the saying, “money can’t buy you everything” because even though they have more money anyone could spend in a lifetime their children hated them. They are so cold & nothing like parents should be. Luckily for the Dare kids they had Annie. Their live in maid for the family. She was the mother they never had & they loved & respected her so much for that reason. Araya’s Aunt Nina & her husband Carl are literally 2 of the worst people I think I’ve came across in a really long time. When reading I remember thinking what a monster Nina is. Two very selfish people & I can only hope karma finds her way to them in the upcoming books.
Annie “ Pish-posh. I’m not saying to do anything crazy right now. You’re both still young. I’m just saying don’t let this one getaway. Girls like that, well, sadly, they’re few and far between. Know a good thing when you have it, fight like hell to keep it, and love like it’s the only thing you know how to do.”
I am so excited for book 2 & 3! There is so much left to be told about this story. So much stuff was left opened end. It’s like the story has only just begun! This is definitely a book hangover situation! I need to know what is going to come of all the characters! Usually I’m more focused on the main characters but this time I need to know what is going to happen with everyone & all the different relationships.
Book 2 in The Darkness Trinity series is titled, Brightest kind of Darkness.
To me this book had a similarity to, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. For the simple fact that they had an obstacle to overcome & it was handled beautifully.
Dare… I Dare you to argue it’s not one of the best books you’ve read.
If you haven’t read this book, stop what you’re doing and read it! It has been a few books since I found one that completely consumed me & this one definitely did that. It annoyed me that my life got in the way & I couldn’t stop the world from spinning so I could read this book in one sitting. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. I wish that this book could be turned into a movie. Not the ripped off versions of books to movies we get in the theaters but a movie that was page by page, word for word this exact book. I’d sit 5+ hours just to watch the lives of these characters unfold. The story that plays in my mind while reading is so beautiful, I wish I could see it on the big screen.
I think the best part of the book for me was how much I feel for the characters. I loved all the characters. Even the evil ones because without that evil we wouldn’t see what strong people the main characters are. It was almost like a really twisted Cinderella story & that totally captivated me. I was lost in this book. I laughed & cried & felt like I was living each moment with them. I truly enjoy when books go back & forth between the girl & guy’s pov. I feel like I get 2 stories in one. For me it makes the story more whole because I know what everyone is thinking.
“Blow their minds, Araya, and dance like it’s the last time…” And that’s exactly what I did.
Our screams were the last thing I heard.
Araya Noelle went through a horribly tragic accident at the age of 15. She lost her mom & her life changed forever. She moved with her Aunt & her husband & spent the next four years of her life locked away from the world & trapped in the dark. She was so beautifully written. I admired her for the cards she was dealt & how she handled her new reality. She had a few weak moments but I didn’t think less of her for it. She totally redeemed herself in more than one occasion that I was verbally cheering for her. Even though her mother died, I totally felt like I got to know her. She was actually a big part of the story. I looked forward to the flash backs of their conversations & I feel in love with her memory.
Araya’s Mom “Dance because it makes you happy and when it doesn’t, stop.” She said as we sat there waiting to open my letter form Julliard, “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, baby girl. No matter what this letter says, you will always be number one in my book.”
Ryland Dare was amazing. Sure he tried to label himself as someone who couldn’t love but Araya changed everything for him. She was his hummingbird. From the moment they met he was so sweet with her. It wasn’t instant love or lust it was something more. He thought she deserved so much more than him but really he was just what she needed. She was different for him & he made an effort to be different for her. He didn’t see her disability as an issue rather something that made her an original. He was more than the guy that fell for the girl. He was a wonderful brother. He loved his siblings. He cared about them & wanted their future to be better than their past.
Ryland “Because you’re too damn addicting Hummingbird. Everything about you… I’m always left wanting more. I want all of you, all the time, every day, and the more I’m with you, the stronger the craving gets.”
As for the other characters in the book they completed the story. Sebastian Dare (older brother to Ry) & Careless Dare (younger sister Ry) were just as important to me as Ryland & Araya. In the beginning I didn’t think much of Sebastian but he soon turned into a favorite of mine. He had his issues but he loved his little bro & that came off very clear throughout the story. I felt sorry for Careless. She had to deal with a lot from her family & she comes off as a “careless” person but she seems to warm up to Araya more than I expected her to. As for Mr. & Mrs. Dare what a joke as far as parents go. Its goes with the saying, “money can’t buy you everything” because even though they have more money anyone could spend in a lifetime their children hated them. They are so cold & nothing like parents should be. Luckily for the Dare kids they had Annie. Their live in maid for the family. She was the mother they never had & they loved & respected her so much for that reason. Araya’s Aunt Nina & her husband Carl are literally 2 of the worst people I think I’ve came across in a really long time. When reading I remember thinking what a monster Nina is. Two very selfish people & I can only hope karma finds her way to them in the upcoming books.
Annie “ Pish-posh. I’m not saying to do anything crazy right now. You’re both still young. I’m just saying don’t let this one getaway. Girls like that, well, sadly, they’re few and far between. Know a good thing when you have it, fight like hell to keep it, and love like it’s the only thing you know how to do.”
I am so excited for book 2 & 3! There is so much left to be told about this story. So much stuff was left opened end. It’s like the story has only just begun! This is definitely a book hangover situation! I need to know what is going to come of all the characters! Usually I’m more focused on the main characters but this time I need to know what is going to happen with everyone & all the different relationships.
Book 2 in The Darkness Trinity series is titled, Brightest kind of Darkness.
To me this book had a similarity to, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. For the simple fact that they had an obstacle to overcome & it was handled beautifully.
January 18, 2014
What a daring, intriguing, and refreshingly different story line!! I am so angry with myself because it took me so long to be able to read this book!!! Ahhh!!! Shame on me! And that Prologue!!!??? Whoa, you guys! I LOVE it when books have phenomenal Prologues that capture my attention from the get go, and The Edge of Darkness was definitely one of those. From that very first page, I knew this book would be full of surprises. Melissa Andrea sure knows how to pull the rug from under you, let me tell you! There were a lot of twists I did NOT see coming….at all.
Now, there is one main surprise that basically shapes up the plot and I can’t really discuss it because it would most definitely ruin the book for you. I will however, do my best to talk around it…if that makes sense.
Sigh. Where to even begin. My heart ached for Araya all throughout the book. I seriously wanted to cry for her from beginning to end. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be okay...because it had to! For my sanity, I had to believe everything would work out in the end!!! Life kept slapping her over and over again and I just wanted her to be finally happy….
At just 15 years old, her world crumbled around her. Araya learned the hard way that nothing lasts forever. Four years later, she was living with the world’s worst and meanest aunt. I just want to say, I HATE her….and her uncle. They both were just scum. The way they treated Araya, the things they made her do, the circumstances they had her living in!!!! Ugh! They were horrible people! Poor Araya….
Then, there was Ryland. The very first moment he was introduced, I found myself swooning for him. He was naturally witty, down to earth, and just the kind of guy that it would be easy to fall for. Like Araya, he also came from a very unhappy household. The difference was, his family was filthy rich. Ryland and his siblings, Sebastian and Cara, hated their parents. They wanted nothing more than to get away from them, but things weren’t that easy.
Once Rayland and Araya met, they were instantly drawn to each other. They didn’t understand why, but they couldn’t help it either. They sure as hell never expected to see each other again the way they did…through Cara. You see, Araya was supposed to spend a few hours every day with Cara for tutoring purposes. Little did Araya know, the house she had to go to was Rayland’s. From that very first day, Cara basically threatened Rayland to stay away from Araya, but really, that only made him want her even more.
Rayland and Araya’s relationship was passionate and beautiful. They believed in each other…saw the best in each other. Seeing them grow together and slowly fall in love was amazing. As a reader I could tell their feelings ran deep and were pure.
This was definitely an angst-driven book. Everyone wanted to keep Araya and Ryland apart. Things just kept happening to them constantly. I felt like I was at the edge of my seat, all throughout the book. I was super curious to see how it would all unfold. Talk about twists, turns, and surprises! There were a lot of things I didn’t even imagine! Loved the fact that I was kept on my toes. Towards the end, I have to say there is a relationship cliffhanger, but it’s one that needed to happen. Even though my heart was broken, I understood it.
I can’t end this review without mentioning how much I loved SEBASTIAN!!!! He was so hot and funny!! Although his decision making wasn’t always the smartest one, I loved how he was his own person. He did what he wanted and owned up to it. I literally laughed out loud with some of his smart-ass remarks and sarcastic comebacks. I hope we get more of him in book two OR I wouldn’t mind reading a book about him. Hint, hint! ;)
Go buy The Edge of Darkness! I highly recommend it!
***A copy of "The Edge of Darkness" was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!! ***
Now, there is one main surprise that basically shapes up the plot and I can’t really discuss it because it would most definitely ruin the book for you. I will however, do my best to talk around it…if that makes sense.
“Araya?”
“Yes?”
“You’re beautiful.”
Sigh. Where to even begin. My heart ached for Araya all throughout the book. I seriously wanted to cry for her from beginning to end. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be okay...because it had to! For my sanity, I had to believe everything would work out in the end!!! Life kept slapping her over and over again and I just wanted her to be finally happy….
At just 15 years old, her world crumbled around her. Araya learned the hard way that nothing lasts forever. Four years later, she was living with the world’s worst and meanest aunt. I just want to say, I HATE her….and her uncle. They both were just scum. The way they treated Araya, the things they made her do, the circumstances they had her living in!!!! Ugh! They were horrible people! Poor Araya….
“How do you live? It was a simple answer – I wasn’t, I was surviving.”
Then, there was Ryland. The very first moment he was introduced, I found myself swooning for him. He was naturally witty, down to earth, and just the kind of guy that it would be easy to fall for. Like Araya, he also came from a very unhappy household. The difference was, his family was filthy rich. Ryland and his siblings, Sebastian and Cara, hated their parents. They wanted nothing more than to get away from them, but things weren’t that easy.
Once Rayland and Araya met, they were instantly drawn to each other. They didn’t understand why, but they couldn’t help it either. They sure as hell never expected to see each other again the way they did…through Cara. You see, Araya was supposed to spend a few hours every day with Cara for tutoring purposes. Little did Araya know, the house she had to go to was Rayland’s. From that very first day, Cara basically threatened Rayland to stay away from Araya, but really, that only made him want her even more.
“I’m going to kiss you. Stop me now if it’s something you don’t want, Araya.” – Ryland
Rayland and Araya’s relationship was passionate and beautiful. They believed in each other…saw the best in each other. Seeing them grow together and slowly fall in love was amazing. As a reader I could tell their feelings ran deep and were pure.
“Thank you for changing my life, hummingbird.” - Ryland
This was definitely an angst-driven book. Everyone wanted to keep Araya and Ryland apart. Things just kept happening to them constantly. I felt like I was at the edge of my seat, all throughout the book. I was super curious to see how it would all unfold. Talk about twists, turns, and surprises! There were a lot of things I didn’t even imagine! Loved the fact that I was kept on my toes. Towards the end, I have to say there is a relationship cliffhanger, but it’s one that needed to happen. Even though my heart was broken, I understood it.
I can’t end this review without mentioning how much I loved SEBASTIAN!!!! He was so hot and funny!! Although his decision making wasn’t always the smartest one, I loved how he was his own person. He did what he wanted and owned up to it. I literally laughed out loud with some of his smart-ass remarks and sarcastic comebacks. I hope we get more of him in book two OR I wouldn’t mind reading a book about him. Hint, hint! ;)
Go buy The Edge of Darkness! I highly recommend it!
“I love you too. Now and forever, Araya.”
***A copy of "The Edge of Darkness" was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!! ***
September 13, 2013
5 Mind-blowing, Brilliant, Beautiful Stars!!
One night that's all it takes..One night can change your life..
One night can destroy you..One night can leave you with scars you carry around all your life..
Please tell me that this book did not end like that? I'm missing a couple of chapters right?!!? Ahhhhh why did it have to end like that?
Bring me the next book..NOW!!!
What an amazing book filled with so much pain, love, sacrifices and much much more..
Araya Noelle is a beautiful, strong, shy, selfless girl.She is a survivor. As a little girl she dreamed to be a dancer but that one night destroyed it all. A tragic accident occurred causing Araya to never be able to dance again, she lost so much that night..Her mum who was her only family left who cared about her and her sight.. All in one night her life is turned upside down.
"I lost the only person who loved me and went blind all in a matter of minutes. I'd lost everything in that car accident. The day the accident happened I stopped living, making a point only to survive life."
She is made to live with her bitch of an auntie and uncle, both of them I wanted to kill, strangle, punch..did I mention kill? A slow torturous death they deserve pfttt!
They made Araya feel like she was worthless and useless due to her being blind. They made her stay inside their house and feel like a freak she was made to believe she wasn't normal. She feels suffocated and longs to be let out and then she gets her chance..
That's when her life collides with Ryland Dare's..
"If you could see what I see...then you'd understand why-. Why I wouldn't change a thing about you and you shouldn't want to either. you're original and that's my favorite thing about you."
Ryland Dare is an incredible guy, down to earth,rich and heir to a family fortune which he doesnt want. Some people say if you are rich you have it all..they are so wrong. Ryland has the materialistic stuff but he doesn't have parents who care and love him. He hates how everyone is more interested in money and getting richer rather than their family.When he meets Araya there is an instant connection they simply click.
When Araya's aunt and uncle (the two twats)Nina and Carl decide that Araya need to get tutored as she never finished school due to the incident well somethings not right..
They made her live in the dark and do all their housework and hardly ever let her out but now they want her to be tutored?!
And guess who the tutor is none other than Cara Dare (Careless), Ryland's sister.
Ryland and Araya become closer and start spending more time with each other.He teaches her to live life and not be scared.He slowly pulls her out of the darkness she has been engulfed in and shows her the light.
I traced my thumb over her bottom lip, and she sucked in a sharp breath.
"Why do you wear these glasses?" I traced her cheek below the rim of the lens.
"Who are you hiding from?"
I loved how much he believed in her, how he helped her and made her see that her blindness doesn't limit her to achieve her dreams. That she deserves to be loved and cared for.
They both needed each other, they both need the love and affection they never received.
What a brilliant, captivating, unexpected book which left me reeling!
Oh how I hate cliffhangers but okay I get it it took a while but I am over it..I just need the next book real fast!!
Secrets are revealed, heart-break is inevitable, families are destroyed but this isn't the ending..its a beginning of something new..
*ARC provided by the lovely author for an honest review*
Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zakirr...
One night that's all it takes..One night can change your life..
One night can destroy you..One night can leave you with scars you carry around all your life..
Please tell me that this book did not end like that? I'm missing a couple of chapters right?!!? Ahhhhh why did it have to end like that?
Bring me the next book..NOW!!!
What an amazing book filled with so much pain, love, sacrifices and much much more..
Araya Noelle is a beautiful, strong, shy, selfless girl.She is a survivor. As a little girl she dreamed to be a dancer but that one night destroyed it all. A tragic accident occurred causing Araya to never be able to dance again, she lost so much that night..Her mum who was her only family left who cared about her and her sight.. All in one night her life is turned upside down.
"I lost the only person who loved me and went blind all in a matter of minutes. I'd lost everything in that car accident. The day the accident happened I stopped living, making a point only to survive life."
She is made to live with her bitch of an auntie and uncle, both of them I wanted to kill, strangle, punch..did I mention kill? A slow torturous death they deserve pfttt!
They made Araya feel like she was worthless and useless due to her being blind. They made her stay inside their house and feel like a freak she was made to believe she wasn't normal. She feels suffocated and longs to be let out and then she gets her chance..
That's when her life collides with Ryland Dare's..
"If you could see what I see...then you'd understand why-. Why I wouldn't change a thing about you and you shouldn't want to either. you're original and that's my favorite thing about you."
Ryland Dare is an incredible guy, down to earth,rich and heir to a family fortune which he doesnt want. Some people say if you are rich you have it all..they are so wrong. Ryland has the materialistic stuff but he doesn't have parents who care and love him. He hates how everyone is more interested in money and getting richer rather than their family.When he meets Araya there is an instant connection they simply click.
When Araya's aunt and uncle (the two twats)Nina and Carl decide that Araya need to get tutored as she never finished school due to the incident well somethings not right..
They made her live in the dark and do all their housework and hardly ever let her out but now they want her to be tutored?!
And guess who the tutor is none other than Cara Dare (Careless), Ryland's sister.
Ryland and Araya become closer and start spending more time with each other.He teaches her to live life and not be scared.He slowly pulls her out of the darkness she has been engulfed in and shows her the light.
I traced my thumb over her bottom lip, and she sucked in a sharp breath.
"Why do you wear these glasses?" I traced her cheek below the rim of the lens.
"Who are you hiding from?"
I loved how much he believed in her, how he helped her and made her see that her blindness doesn't limit her to achieve her dreams. That she deserves to be loved and cared for.
They both needed each other, they both need the love and affection they never received.
What a brilliant, captivating, unexpected book which left me reeling!
Oh how I hate cliffhangers but okay I get it it took a while but I am over it..I just need the next book real fast!!
Secrets are revealed, heart-break is inevitable, families are destroyed but this isn't the ending..its a beginning of something new..
*ARC provided by the lovely author for an honest review*
Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zakirr...
July 24, 2013
Love hard and when it's worth it, risk it all.
Know a good thing when you have it, fight like hell to keep it, and love like it's the only thing you know how to do.
This book was okay. It was just plain awful during the first half of the book. Then, a little after half way, it improved a bit. It was definitely a depressing read filled with some really cute bits of wisdom.
The problems I had with the first half of the book definitely resided in the romance. Ryland acted very forward with Araya, and it was just off. He supposedly respected women, but I couldn't see it. With the way he acted, getting all up in her face, presuming he had the consent to touch her whenever he damn well pleased, it came across just the opposite of respect. And I really didn't see Araya being comfortable with it, especially because she wasn't used to dealing with strangers, let alone boys. These scenes really cheapened the romance between them. One that really rubbed me the wrong way was how he backed her into a wall after she stood him up. You'd think he'd tread lightly because he wouldn't be sure how she felt about him, not force himself on her...and of course, this doesn't faze Araya one bit.
I found most of these scenes to be awkward and not fitting to the circumstances.
"You're sister is just teasing you, darlin'"
Needless to say, there were a ton of editing issues.
I was curious as to how Araya smelled liked sunflowers while she was wearing fruity perfume.
Even though the little mission impossible operation of getting Araya alone was cute, it didn't make a lot of sense. Before Ryland knows who is at the door, he is trying to get out of the house before he would have to make small talk with Cara's guest. But somehow, because it is Araya, he's not even allowed to look at her? More puzzling though, is why the fuck would Annie care? She was like a mother to those kids, I just don't see her making an attempt to keep Ryland from anyone who comes to his house. I sure don't see her making sure he cannot talk to her.
So, how exactly did Araya learn to hide her blindness? She was couped up in her aunt's apartment...when would she have had the experiences she'd need to learn to keep her disability hidden? The things Araya could and couldn't do contradicted her condition and circumstances--often. It was a cute idea, but I'm not sure Andrea actually read her book? All of her characters were contradicting themselves left, right, and center.
"I'm not beneath begging." Uh...? Was that supposed to mean that begging was not beneath him?
"I can make a really good sandwich."..."I can't promise they'll be very good." ....Yeah...
and decided not to tell him I had an errand to run. He already told Sebastian that he was running an errand....
Who were "all these people" telling Ryland that he was falling in love with Araya? The only one I saw was Cara... This type of thing just made me roll my eyes. How are you supposed to relate to a high strung person who exaggerates everything?
Then there was Araya who had never eaten anything in her life. She didn't know if she liked turkey...Turkey! She's American! How had she not had turkey? I just don't understand how being blind meant she couldn't remember how things tasted...Again, although these scenes were cute, they didn't belong.
The ending was cute, I thought. I don't want to read the next one, and I don't think I would ever recommend this book to anyone, but there were some cute scenes if you left out the bones of the book. I also liked the twist that came about. It answered a few of my other questions.
Know a good thing when you have it, fight like hell to keep it, and love like it's the only thing you know how to do.
This book was okay. It was just plain awful during the first half of the book. Then, a little after half way, it improved a bit. It was definitely a depressing read filled with some really cute bits of wisdom.
The problems I had with the first half of the book definitely resided in the romance. Ryland acted very forward with Araya, and it was just off. He supposedly respected women, but I couldn't see it. With the way he acted, getting all up in her face, presuming he had the consent to touch her whenever he damn well pleased, it came across just the opposite of respect. And I really didn't see Araya being comfortable with it, especially because she wasn't used to dealing with strangers, let alone boys. These scenes really cheapened the romance between them. One that really rubbed me the wrong way was how he backed her into a wall after she stood him up. You'd think he'd tread lightly because he wouldn't be sure how she felt about him, not force himself on her...and of course, this doesn't faze Araya one bit.
I found most of these scenes to be awkward and not fitting to the circumstances.
"You're sister is just teasing you, darlin'"
Needless to say, there were a ton of editing issues.
I was curious as to how Araya smelled liked sunflowers while she was wearing fruity perfume.
Even though the little mission impossible operation of getting Araya alone was cute, it didn't make a lot of sense. Before Ryland knows who is at the door, he is trying to get out of the house before he would have to make small talk with Cara's guest. But somehow, because it is Araya, he's not even allowed to look at her? More puzzling though, is why the fuck would Annie care? She was like a mother to those kids, I just don't see her making an attempt to keep Ryland from anyone who comes to his house. I sure don't see her making sure he cannot talk to her.
So, how exactly did Araya learn to hide her blindness? She was couped up in her aunt's apartment...when would she have had the experiences she'd need to learn to keep her disability hidden? The things Araya could and couldn't do contradicted her condition and circumstances--often. It was a cute idea, but I'm not sure Andrea actually read her book? All of her characters were contradicting themselves left, right, and center.
"I'm not beneath begging." Uh...? Was that supposed to mean that begging was not beneath him?
"I can make a really good sandwich."..."I can't promise they'll be very good." ....Yeah...
and decided not to tell him I had an errand to run. He already told Sebastian that he was running an errand....
Who were "all these people" telling Ryland that he was falling in love with Araya? The only one I saw was Cara... This type of thing just made me roll my eyes. How are you supposed to relate to a high strung person who exaggerates everything?
Then there was Araya who had never eaten anything in her life. She didn't know if she liked turkey...Turkey! She's American! How had she not had turkey? I just don't understand how being blind meant she couldn't remember how things tasted...Again, although these scenes were cute, they didn't belong.
The ending was cute, I thought. I don't want to read the next one, and I don't think I would ever recommend this book to anyone, but there were some cute scenes if you left out the bones of the book. I also liked the twist that came about. It answered a few of my other questions.
June 7, 2013
Araya Noelle loses everything dear to her in one moment when she is fifteen years old. A gifted dancer, Araya has just been accepted to prestigious Julliard, when an accident will rob her of her gift and her future. Four years later, Araya lives with her aunt and uncle secluded from the world outside.
Ryland Dare is the middle son of the outrageously wealthy Dare family. Many people would love to trade places with him and enjoy the trappings of the rich, but those people don't see the price of being a Dare. Ryland, brother Sebastian and sister Cara know all too well what having that last name means. When Ryland meets Araya at the park, a chain of events are set in motion that will change both people in ways they never imagined.
This book blew me away! It's one of those stories that completely sucked me in, but I couldn't put my finger on the part that did it. Because it wasn't just one part. The storytelling was so powerful yet subtle that it just took over. I was so invested in the characters by the end of the book that my heart physically hurt for them.
Araya's story is so heart breaking. The fact that she refuses to be bitter about her circumstances just made it harder. She is so innocent, hidden away from the real world, but she still has moments that the spunky girl from before breaks through. Ryland Dare is such a great character. Melissa made him such a complex character. I figured he would be that self professed wealthy playboy that I constantly read about in books. What I found was Ryland is written as so much more than that.
The muli-layered plot was something else I loved. This wasn't just Araya's and Rylan's story. This was a book where I came to see how every character from the maid to the next door neighbor had a hand in making these two the way they were. The author simply wove a story of two people and their families that slowly grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go.
Ryland simply made my heart melt. He's not over the top trying to make Araya fall for him. He is genuine and sweet (with just enough arrogance), without being mushy and sappy. Even his nickname for her and the reason for it made me sigh. Don't think he walks around like a lovesick puppy, though. When he is with Araya, he turns into a very self assured, strong, man who says exactly what he wants. Such a turn on!!
"If I feel you beneath me, I won't be able to stop, Araya," he rasped against my mouth. "I want you too damn much! I want you, all of you. I want to be buried so deep inside of you, you won't know where I end and you begin."
I really can't explain to you all of the complexities of the characters in this book. Little things the author included, like why everyone calls Ry's sister Careless instead of Cara, made understanding this family and their dysfunction easy. Everything about TEoD felt personal to me instead of just a fictional story.
Before I wrap this up, I will say this.Some of the parts (not telling which ones) will have you frustrated and wanting to throw your kindle! Just felt like I needed to warn you...
I cannot tell you how fabulous I thought this book was. Melissa tells me she's working on the second book now (which you get a sample of at the end of this one), and I hope she writes really fast. Edge of Darkness will move you, gently suck you in, and keep you there until it decides to let you go.
The Edge Of Darkness (Darkness Trinity) is a 5 Hooker book!
June 12, 2013
Edge of Darkness was an extremely great read, literally from the first page. I love the mystery of Araya’s handicap that I couldn’t immediately figure out. It added an immediate connection and interesting plot point to the story that only got better as it went on.
Araya used to have a great life. One day life as she knew it changed and she’s been struggling to continue living since then as best she can. She lives with an aunt, who deserves an evil step-mother award because she is lacking any sort of goodness basic or otherwise. How Araya has put up with it for so long just proves what an amazing character she is.
Meeting rich, popular and handsome Ryland was never in Araya’s cards. In fact the reality of much of Ryland and his world escapes her because she literally can’t see it. Somehow Araya is able to change Ryland into a meaningful person and she’s all his motivation. It was thrilling to watch Ryland try and sneak in visits with Araya and slowly fall in love. He became a better person for her and turns himself around into someone who is not only loyal and worthy of her but a plain old good guy. Ryland may be rich but he is not willing to let his parents and their money dictate who he is or will become.
My only complaint-THE END…. WTF… Books need to come with warning labels, seriously. This book had one hell of a cliff-hanger and with no release date or any info on book #2 it makes it really annoying and impossible to rate 5 stars. On one hand I’m super glad, stoked and excited that Araya and Ryland’s stories are not over but I cannot get over the letdown I felt at the end. It was such a great buildup and though it did not end flat, I felt like I was at the top of a mountain with no way down.
Araya used to have a great life. One day life as she knew it changed and she’s been struggling to continue living since then as best she can. She lives with an aunt, who deserves an evil step-mother award because she is lacking any sort of goodness basic or otherwise. How Araya has put up with it for so long just proves what an amazing character she is.
Meeting rich, popular and handsome Ryland was never in Araya’s cards. In fact the reality of much of Ryland and his world escapes her because she literally can’t see it. Somehow Araya is able to change Ryland into a meaningful person and she’s all his motivation. It was thrilling to watch Ryland try and sneak in visits with Araya and slowly fall in love. He became a better person for her and turns himself around into someone who is not only loyal and worthy of her but a plain old good guy. Ryland may be rich but he is not willing to let his parents and their money dictate who he is or will become.
My only complaint-THE END…. WTF… Books need to come with warning labels, seriously. This book had one hell of a cliff-hanger and with no release date or any info on book #2 it makes it really annoying and impossible to rate 5 stars. On one hand I’m super glad, stoked and excited that Araya and Ryland’s stories are not over but I cannot get over the letdown I felt at the end. It was such a great buildup and though it did not end flat, I felt like I was at the top of a mountain with no way down.
November 13, 2013
WOW! 5 AMAZING UNIQUE STARS!!!
This story is unique but still has the same things I love in romance books.
So I can't say too much without giving the uniqueness away so I'm going to keep it very short.
This book had me swooning, crying, gasping, laughing, death staring my ereader, saying WTF! & biting my nails.
You will be addicted to the characters right from the beginning. The writing flows beautifully, you never get lost or get confused it all just goes together really well and it had me from the very first page to right now rushing through my review so I can get to book 2!
Araya - OMG! I'm VERY PROTECTIVE OVER HER!!! and you will be too. The way Araya had me read this story was unique and I loved it!
Ryland just stampeded his way to my top 5 hero's!!! I didn't stand a chance at not falling for him. *sigh*
Yes there is a cliffhanger... Thank the lord though book 2 is out, phew!
This story is unique but still has the same things I love in romance books.
So I can't say too much without giving the uniqueness away so I'm going to keep it very short.
This book had me swooning, crying, gasping, laughing, death staring my ereader, saying WTF! & biting my nails.
You will be addicted to the characters right from the beginning. The writing flows beautifully, you never get lost or get confused it all just goes together really well and it had me from the very first page to right now rushing through my review so I can get to book 2!
Araya - OMG! I'm VERY PROTECTIVE OVER HER!!! and you will be too. The way Araya had me read this story was unique and I loved it!
Ryland just stampeded his way to my top 5 hero's!!! I didn't stand a chance at not falling for him. *sigh*
Yes there is a cliffhanger... Thank the lord though book 2 is out, phew!
June 13, 2013
The Edge of Darkness by Melissa Andrea was such a moving read. It focuses on Araya, a young woman who was blinded in an accident when she was a young teen. Not only did the accident take her eyesight but it also took her mother. Araya is living with her aunt and uncle, but it is obvious that they don't care about her and they treat her miserably. Araya's life changes when she meets Ryland Dare. The relationship between Araya and Ryland was sweet and beautiful and passionate.
I fell in love with this book and the characters in it. The author managed to write with
such emotion and realism...I was totally sucked into the story. I cannot wait for the
next book in this trilogy to be released.
I fell in love with this book and the characters in it. The author managed to write with
such emotion and realism...I was totally sucked into the story. I cannot wait for the
next book in this trilogy to be released.
July 1, 2013
OMG...definitely not only the best book I have read in months but one now one of my favorites. Araya and Ryland both have fascinating stories of their own, their story together is beautiful. Its not the tired old will they or won't they til the last page or a YA c*ckblock, it's a story with all the facets of their developing relationship. Love. Can't wait for the next one.
January 29, 2017
Wow! I don't usually read new adult, but this was worth it. Good story, lots of angst, it was very soapy. The H was amazing, and the h had me bawling with her strength. It's hard to review this book without giving even the slightest of spoilers so I'll just say this, for someone who rarely finds luck in this genre, this is a good one. On to book 2.
September 25, 2013
I gave The Edge of Darkness five freaking amazing leaves! Gahhh there are seriously no words to describe this book, but I will do my best to do this book justice with my review. First, I’d like to say that this book was MIND-BLOWING. Everything from the prologue to the writing style to the flow to the characters to the twists and turns and to that damn cliff-hanger ending made me want to cry from an emotional overflow. Second, the writing style captivated me from the beginning. It’s very unique and Melissa Andrea does a fanfreakingtastic job conveying emotion into every single sentence. Not to mention, it was in dual POVs, which we all know by now is my favorite. Third, I already knew I was going to have to do some serious author stalking to do once I finished The Edge of Darkness. This book was my motivation to study the day I read it. I ended up staying up till 2 in the morning finishing it, and then I couldn’t go to sleep till about 4:30 because I was still in shock over how amazing this book was. One of the things I love most about being a reviewer is finding books like these. The next best thing is writing a review to spread the word about said book.
The prologue was set the tone for the book as intense and intriguing. I was already hooked by this point. Fast forward four years and we get to see Araya’s POV first. She is innocently sitting in the park when she gets hit in the head by a football. Suddenly, Ryland comes out of nowhere to make sure she’s okay. There is an instant, off the charts attraction between the two of them. Ryland almost immediately asks her on a date. Araya reluctantly *cough, cough* agrees to meet him at the same place later, but she already knows she won’t do it. Araya’s mom died in the car accident and she now lives with her uncaring aunt and uncle who treat her like Cinderella. She has to cook and clean for them. She isn’t really allowed out. Araya is basically a shell of a person, her life and soul died in the accident with her mother. She has nothing to look forward. Until her world collides with Ryland’s. When we switch to Ryland’s POV we see that he cannot stop thinking about Araya. We learn that he has a crappy home life where his family pretends to be perfect. His dad, J.D., is a billionaire a**hole who is trying to control all their lives, including grooming Ryland to take over the company. His mom is a puppet to his dad and she doesn’t know how to be a mother. His older brother drinks and fights in the underground. The only reason Ryland is still there is to try to shield his younger sister, Careless, from his dad. So, Araya stands Ryland up and the next day her aunt informs her out of nowhere that she is going to start tutoring with a girl named Cara. She is dragged to Cara’s house who *dun, dun, dun* turns out to be Ryland’s sister, Careless. Careless is adamant against Ryland and Araya becoming. However, Ryland and Araya’s chemistry is undeniable. I’m talking angst and sexual tension to the max. Around 25% we get our first mind-blowing moment and at that point I was definitely in stupefied awe of Melissa Andrea’s power.
From this point, it just gets even better and better. I really can’t spoil it for you, but trust me, this book is a MUST-READ. The plot is new adult but definitely unique. It is poignant, sexy, healing, funny, heart-warming, and just plain amazing. Araya has been to hell and back, but her inner goodness is unbelievable. She is sweet and innocent, but she is strong as hell and surprisingly independent. With everything she has been through, I am amazed that she continued to keep going even after losing so much. She gives Ryland credit for bringing her to life, and however that may be true, she always had it in her. And, oh god, Ryland *swoon*. I can’t blame Araya for falling fast and hard for this man. He is definitely not a womanizing, bad-boy to me. We don’t get much of a glimpse into that side of him. In fact, it all but disappears after he meets Araya. He is a great brother. He looks out for his family. He is strong against his parents and perfect when it comes to Araya. The way he called her “Hummingbird* made me die on the inside each time. He seems a bit unsure of himself for the first 50% off the book when it came to Araya because he didn’t want to ruin Careless’ only friendship. However, when he’s with Araya he gives off the sexy confidence that makes my panties melt. He pushed her to redefine her limits and not resort to living in the conditions she was told she can handle. I was suffering with them the more they tried to deny their connection. I loved that Ryland just understood Araya, no questions asked. Araya never backed down, and she brought Ryland back to life as well. Together they were one of the most beautiful couples I have ever met.
This book is more than just a New Adult romance. It is a story about learning to live again. It is a story about moving forward, It is a story about family. It is a story about betrayal. It is a story about trust. It is a story about fighting for what you want. And most of all it is a story about the power of love and how it goes beyond what can be seen. I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up The Edge of Darkness, but it is a plunge I will gladly take again. I need the sequel like yesterday. Off to go bother Melissa about The Grace of Darkness…
“I don’t want to fight it anymore. I thought I was doing the right thing by resisting you, but I don’t know what the right thing is anymore, but I do know that I want you and I mean more than just like this. You’re a ray of light in my life that’s full of shadows, hummingbird. I want you as long as you want me and I hope that’s a really long time”
See full review here http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com/201...
9/11/13: Received ARC for blog tour. Coming soon to Falling In Fall blog
The prologue was set the tone for the book as intense and intriguing. I was already hooked by this point. Fast forward four years and we get to see Araya’s POV first. She is innocently sitting in the park when she gets hit in the head by a football. Suddenly, Ryland comes out of nowhere to make sure she’s okay. There is an instant, off the charts attraction between the two of them. Ryland almost immediately asks her on a date. Araya reluctantly *cough, cough* agrees to meet him at the same place later, but she already knows she won’t do it. Araya’s mom died in the car accident and she now lives with her uncaring aunt and uncle who treat her like Cinderella. She has to cook and clean for them. She isn’t really allowed out. Araya is basically a shell of a person, her life and soul died in the accident with her mother. She has nothing to look forward. Until her world collides with Ryland’s. When we switch to Ryland’s POV we see that he cannot stop thinking about Araya. We learn that he has a crappy home life where his family pretends to be perfect. His dad, J.D., is a billionaire a**hole who is trying to control all their lives, including grooming Ryland to take over the company. His mom is a puppet to his dad and she doesn’t know how to be a mother. His older brother drinks and fights in the underground. The only reason Ryland is still there is to try to shield his younger sister, Careless, from his dad. So, Araya stands Ryland up and the next day her aunt informs her out of nowhere that she is going to start tutoring with a girl named Cara. She is dragged to Cara’s house who *dun, dun, dun* turns out to be Ryland’s sister, Careless. Careless is adamant against Ryland and Araya becoming. However, Ryland and Araya’s chemistry is undeniable. I’m talking angst and sexual tension to the max. Around 25% we get our first mind-blowing moment and at that point I was definitely in stupefied awe of Melissa Andrea’s power.
From this point, it just gets even better and better. I really can’t spoil it for you, but trust me, this book is a MUST-READ. The plot is new adult but definitely unique. It is poignant, sexy, healing, funny, heart-warming, and just plain amazing. Araya has been to hell and back, but her inner goodness is unbelievable. She is sweet and innocent, but she is strong as hell and surprisingly independent. With everything she has been through, I am amazed that she continued to keep going even after losing so much. She gives Ryland credit for bringing her to life, and however that may be true, she always had it in her. And, oh god, Ryland *swoon*. I can’t blame Araya for falling fast and hard for this man. He is definitely not a womanizing, bad-boy to me. We don’t get much of a glimpse into that side of him. In fact, it all but disappears after he meets Araya. He is a great brother. He looks out for his family. He is strong against his parents and perfect when it comes to Araya. The way he called her “Hummingbird* made me die on the inside each time. He seems a bit unsure of himself for the first 50% off the book when it came to Araya because he didn’t want to ruin Careless’ only friendship. However, when he’s with Araya he gives off the sexy confidence that makes my panties melt. He pushed her to redefine her limits and not resort to living in the conditions she was told she can handle. I was suffering with them the more they tried to deny their connection. I loved that Ryland just understood Araya, no questions asked. Araya never backed down, and she brought Ryland back to life as well. Together they were one of the most beautiful couples I have ever met.
This book is more than just a New Adult romance. It is a story about learning to live again. It is a story about moving forward, It is a story about family. It is a story about betrayal. It is a story about trust. It is a story about fighting for what you want. And most of all it is a story about the power of love and how it goes beyond what can be seen. I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up The Edge of Darkness, but it is a plunge I will gladly take again. I need the sequel like yesterday. Off to go bother Melissa about The Grace of Darkness…
“I don’t want to fight it anymore. I thought I was doing the right thing by resisting you, but I don’t know what the right thing is anymore, but I do know that I want you and I mean more than just like this. You’re a ray of light in my life that’s full of shadows, hummingbird. I want you as long as you want me and I hope that’s a really long time”
See full review here http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com/201...
9/11/13: Received ARC for blog tour. Coming soon to Falling In Fall blog
January 4, 2023
4.5
OMG! THE ENDING NEARLY KILLED ME!
This book had been on my TBR list for years, and I had no idea what it was about...OMG, this book was attempting to make me cry🥺🥺
Ryland Dare has just pushed and shoved his way onto my BBF list🥰
"You said forever, Araya." "Nothing lasts forever, Ryland." "Then, damn it, let me be your nothing, Araya."🥺🥺🥺🥺
OMG! THE ENDING NEARLY KILLED ME!
This book had been on my TBR list for years, and I had no idea what it was about...OMG, this book was attempting to make me cry🥺🥺
Ryland Dare has just pushed and shoved his way onto my BBF list🥰
"You said forever, Araya." "Nothing lasts forever, Ryland." "Then, damn it, let me be your nothing, Araya."🥺🥺🥺🥺
June 22, 2019
I found this book randomly, I didn't know of its existence until today. Read it in one sitting, it's a beautiful and sweet love story. The ending was so heartbreaking and I wasn't aware that It was a duology, but I'm really curious to see how it ends! I recommend it to all romance lovers
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