Emotional and gripping romantic thriller!

This was my first H.L. Day novel but it definitely won’t be my last! When gentle and friendly Austin falls for quiet Alex, he doesn’t realise that Alex has been through incredible trauma, mistaking his withdrawn nature for shyness. The budding relationship is tender, in contrast to the slow reveal of the brutal events that have left Alex suicidal. This is an incredibly well written and paced story, the tension carefully ratcheted up. It was deeply moving and utterly gripping!

1 person found this helpful

Deeply moving

Prepare your heart! Day’s deeply emotional and heartfelt story make so many emotions flow. A story within a story, I found myself completely engrossed in this book. March’s narration is riveting and kept me locked into this book. Truly not for those who are sensitive to this subject matter, it is a book that will make you feel.

1 person found this helpful

Emotionally harrowing

What an emotional gut punch the author has delivered with this story.
Ahh, my heart broke for poor Alex and I feared for his life.
He suffered a horrific tragedy and it left an indelible stain upon his soul, one he very well likely will never erase.
He barely has a tenacious grip on reality, he's not living, simply existing and going through the motions.
Austin was such a gentle giant who sensed how timid and desperately on the edge Alex was.
So he initially befriends him in the hopes of it becoming more.
He stealthily snuck in past all of Alex's defenses before he even knew what hit him, leaving him bewildered.
He was so kind, understanding and infinitely patient with Alex, never pushing for more than he was willing to give.
In spite of all of Austin's best efforts, Alex finally makes the decision to simply be done with the exhausting process of life and his secrets very nearly have fatal consequences.
Fortunately, Austin is able to swoop in and save the day.
The author's portrayal of emotional and psychological damage were spot on,unflinchingly realistic, and left me in a shambles, utterly devastated before ever so tenderly restoring me and rendering me whole one again with their oh so very hard fought for and very well deserved HEA.
Aldrich March is a new narrator for me and he did an incredible job.
His narration was spot on and absolutely put me in the right frame of mind for this wonderful book.

1 person found this helpful

A tight grip and a gentle caress to the soul

It's a little strange to say - regarding the theme of the book - but I enjoyed the listening and loved the book! H.L has a great sense to grab my heart by the emotions and don't let it go until the last sentence. I was really curious about Alex's past though I knew deep down it was horrible and I was really concerned about his mental well-being until the very end even though I know it will be a happy ending. The dosage of information was perfect, I haven't got bored even for a minute. I adored Austin even if at some point I could slap him (I think it's my kink with one of the MC's in every H.L book XD) by being too patient with Alex and not adding two and two together earlier.
Aldric March was a new to me narrator and it took a while until I used to his voice and style but he did a good job with the narration.
In overall I highly recommend this book.

P.s. I love the cover!

1 person found this helpful

Best kind of torture

Story: When you encounter a story that makes you hold your breath 80% of the time, for me that’s perfection. This amazing story kept me on edge all the time! I loved the characters, but most of all I love how emotionally charged and challenging it was! It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s not for people easily triggered by trauma, but it is definitely a perfect book hangover inducer. The best kind!
Narration: I really liked the narrator’s voice and characters differentiation. It was easy to follow the story.

1 person found this helpful

Fabulous listening

I make no secret that this is my favourite book from this author, heartbreaking I listen to this and was surprised at how Aldric March delivers this he has made it his own ( its great to have a English man to listen to) Alex is a carefree young man until the night everything changes. That's all I'm posing because of spoilers but when he meets up with Austin who is like a dog with a bone Austin is by his side at every opportunity, this author takes you on a heartbreaking ride. Definitely one that I would recommend.

1 person found this helpful

Emotional story, fantastic audio performance.

Why did I wait so long to listen to this?? I received a free code for this audiobook nearly two years ago and I have no idea why it took me so long to listen to it. It’s a bit heartbreaking in places but so worth the angst and there is an HEA.

The story is told in first person, alternating between the two MCs, Alexander and Austin. There are periodic flashbacks for Alexander that are necessary for the story to work. His backstory is revealed in bits and pieces but I never felt like it was dragged out too long; HL Day did a wonderful job writing this.

The subject matter is dark in places and there is a TW for suicidal ideation. If you’re looking for light and fluffy this is probably not the book for you. But if you are looking for an emotional, well-developed story, with a good outcome, this is a book that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

Sad but beautiful!

I really enjoy this audiobook. I'm normally not so keen on drepressed characters but the back story of Alexender made it more interesting (which is a bit terrible to say thinking about it).
Even if Alexender's story doesn't come as a surprise the suspence is real all along the way. The caring character of Austin brings sweetness in the stragic story of Alexender's life.

It's my second book from H. L Day. Really different from the first one (Exposed, I highly recommend) but good as well.

Really nice narration! At some moments it wasn't really clear which character was talking but not often and the emotion and pace were here. It's a bit confusing but I think the narrator is Chris Humphreys as indicated on the cover and not Aldric March. In any case I'll gladly read other of his narrations.

All together that was a really nice audiobook! I give it 4 stars only because it's not my favorit book theme but this is personal and doesn't reflect on the quality of the book itslef.

as good as the ebook

The story is always 4-5 stars, because if I wouldn't like the story as ebook, I wouldn't listen to the audiobook. I can't listen to an audiobook without knowing the book, that's not possible for me.

The performance from the narrator is also very important for me. I can't listen to a lot, because my English as a non-native-speaker isn't so perfect to follow a whole story over hours, when the narrator speaks too fast or too sloppy. Normally I have to SEE the person, who is talking to me in English. It took me a little bit, to come into the narrator, but at the end, it worked. I only have to take a few breaks between. I'm just not yet finish with the book, I’m over the half, but I listen enough to give a review.

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often re-listening
it's like an A

3* - it's more then a one-time-listening.
it's like a B

A must listen

Omg I love this! It ripped me apart and put me back together!!!! I didn’t cry but I never do. I’m sure it’s a crying book. I loved it soooo much. It was perfect.