If you did not read book one then stop, read it NOW and grab book 2. Why five stars? Well it is the kind of book that you finish and think about for weeks after. I totally read through and loved book one. This is a continuation. It is a very tough subject. So many times I held the book in my hand and spoke out loud “Why Lacey” or “Run away from him” It is a battered woman who has friends and family, she hides her fears. I was totally on the edge of my seat through about 40% of the book. It takes Lacey a long time to heal physically. The mental issues, memories, and depression are told brilliantly.

The story for Lacey is a very dark one, but I think it is all to familiar to a lot of people. The fear of loving someone who is honestly a monster sparks something inside the character. She has to pull the strength from deep down in order to survive. She now has a child to worry about. That was the worst part for me. When Lacey has this internal dialogue, all I was thinking was she is now a mom.The fact that she loves Caine so much, for most people is too hard to relate to. She still has thoughts of being with Caine and holding hope he will change.

Lacey meets Devon from book 1 again. NOW had it not been for Devon with the caring approach, Lacey would not have gotten better. Her grieving the loss of her marriage, left her with such a desperate longing, she felt unworthy. Then comes the bright light. He holds the hope for her.

I recommend this to everyone. I will even say that you will be thrust into it, not only page by page, but it will seriously make you think.There are the familiar faces of  from book one. I totally want to hang with Becca. She made the light parts of this book so fun to read. Her mannerisms and especially her dictionary. She has a language like no other!

The new characters that really had an impact for me was Dr. Crane, who seems very familiar to me. There was Alicia who was a therapist and Mindy. Poor Mindy was the brunt of jokes. I laughed when they called her “Smurfette” and “Easy Mindy”.  Even when Lacey is in a fog going in and out of consciousness but she can recognize “Intern Hunkalicious”. Hell I can too for that matter. He can come poke me anytime.

 Last of all I love Grandma Pain. She is like a breath of fresh air. Honest and loyal to those she loves. I know she was Caine’s Grandma with the deep wallet, but she loved Lacey and there was no stopping her when she wanted something.

What I loved about the writing was the realness. I felt that Lacey’s descriptive scenes were very real. In fact at times, seemingly an accurate account of trauma. There are also a few BIG reveals. Holy **** when the bomb is dropped I was shocked. It all comes together so perfectly. The past, the future, enjoy it all.

Bravo LU Ann! I can not wait for more from this impressive author!

 

 

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