When I started this book, I nearly put it down. I seemed like I was reading a sequel to a previously written book.I understood why we kept going back and forth in time, but still felt that there were things I should already know and it was almost too much for me to try to sort out.That being said, I am glad that I kept going in this book. I knew why the "bad guy" was pretty early on, though, that is not the fault of the writer. I just kind of felt where Ms. Gray was trying to take me.I think the story was good in regards emotion and plot. I liked almost all the characters and felt they were written honestly and were realistic.I usually read books several times (over time, not back to back) and I am sure I will read this one again, but I don't think it will be for a while. It was hard to get through the first time.I can't say that I have ever read any other books by this author, but I do look forward to seeing what else has been put out there for us to read! This book started out as a four star for me, but as I read it just kept getting better. No way I could just leave it at 4, or even 4.5. It's too damn good for that.I'll admit that I was prepared not to enjoy this when I hit the first chapter and was immediately thrown into a flashback. Flashbacks are a killer for me, because I think there's so many better ways to introduce backstory, but in this case it really was necessary and was amazingly well done. I found myself fully invested in both storylines, past and present, right up until the moment they finally collided.This book was an absolute emotional roller coaster. Every time I thought things were starting to look up, something else busted through the door to screw up Brandon and Nick's lives. To some people this book probably comes across as way too angsty, but I find a lot of cathartic relief in it. Sometimes life just throws everything at you, and it sucks. And watching their journey from such broken people to a brilliant hope of something better and stable and healthy was just beautiful.The first part of the book is really just an emotional journey, discovering the characters and revealing all their flaws and quirks. The second part focuses in on the mystery and ramps up the tension that had been there the whole time, but they weren't capable of coping with yet. Who is behind the whole mess? The answer shocked me. At one point I even thought, maybe.... But no, no way, couldn't possibly be him. Even with that inkling, I still could hardly believe it. Yet it fit so right. Felt like I should have known all along!Basically, if you're the type to want to smack a character because, my gosh, he cries all the freakin' time, then don't read this book. But if the healing process and all the trauma and hurt that comes with it doesn't bother you, please read it. You won't regret it.I will say, I'd love to see a quick snippet set a couple years in the future, just because seeing how much they've grown and recovered as a couple, and the whole cast as a family, would be amazing. But the epilogue still wrapped things up nicely and shows that even if things aren't perfect now, they're still striving for their happy ending and they're never going to let anything get between them this time.Oh! I don't normally do this, but this song fits so perfectly for this book, especially Brandon. So if you ever find yourself reading this, check out Demons by Imagine Dragons, as well.
What do You think about A Red-Tainted Silence (2006)?
I loved the story. However, editing for continuity and content could have improved this quite a bit.
—shainy
Excellent! A very gripping, emotional story with great characters and hot sex. Loved it!
—hasnima
A really really good story, couldn`t stop reading it and wiil so again, I am sure !
—Areeba
I love this book. Makes me cry and laugh. Highly recommend.
—Kathleen
