Book Details
Format: eBook/Paperback, 254 pages
Publication: Independently published on January 9, 2020
Series: The Darlington Elite, Book One
Synopsis: Patrick
Everly is lying to me about my sister’s death. I don’t know what she’s hiding, but I’ve made it my mission to break her down until I know every last detail. Our broken pieces will match, and she’ll know the soul-crushing agony I feel when I look at her. I hate that I want her. Unequivocally, the need I feel for her is stronger than I’ll ever be. If she thinks she isn’t still mine, she’s lying to herself, too.
She used to look at me like I was everything to her.
She’ll look at me that way again.
I can promise you that.
Everly
My best friend is dead, and I can’t tell anyone her secret. Patrick thinks I’m protecting myself. But really, I’m protecting him. He’s in pain, and knowing I’m the reason is utter torture. The truth will cut him far deeper than losing whatever it is we had. I’ll give him what he needs, even if it means he’ll hate me forever.
He wants to break me.
He’s too late.
My world shattered the day I chose to lie to him.
My Thoughts
Rating: ★★★★★
When first starting this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to finish it. It didn’t seem like something I would enjoy at all. However, once I gave it another shot, I found that I actually really liked it. In fact, the day or two after I finished it, I was tempted to reread it.
All of the characters were written well, with amazing redemption and development. Patrick starts off seeming like a character that you’ll hate throughout the entirety of the book, but he begins to redeem himself about halfway through – he can still be a horrible person, but he’s aware of it and wants to change it. Everly is a sweet, patient girl, and it’s hard to not love her. Most of the characters are extremely likable; the characters who aren’t meant to be liked are written so well that you actually do dislike them, which is typically an issue I have.
Waverly Alexander does a wonderful job of making everything feel real. The banter between the hockey guys is funny, and it actually seems realistic. Compared to my experience with high school boys, I’d say she nailed their friendship.
The drama was intriguing and well-written, though some of it did seem a bit exaggerated. However, it still fits the storyline and keeps everything moving and interesting.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and Waverly. This did not influence my opinion in any way.
Buy the Book
*Available on Kindle Unlimited
Meet the Author
Waverly Alexander lives on a farm with all of her rescue horses, donkeys, dogs, and a cat named Fairydust. She can’t pick her favorite trope, so she writes them all. When she isn’t watching 90’s dramas, she’s writing angsty college romance.
My Fictional Oasis 