Perhaps it was the pull of reading about a newly minted adult in a rather old world that made this story hard to resist. Or maybe it was the immense differences between Emma and Breck made obvious from their POVs. Or maybe, just maybe, it was this insane need in me to see them find completion in each other.I don't know how to accurately describe what I felt as I read this story. It wasn't an easy read. Some parts were dark and crude, harsh and damaging. But other parts were redemptive, shards of hope shining bright in the dismal blackness surrounding these two. Emma's light to Breck's darkness flickered in the chaos of their relationship, but it never died, never faded. It was like a beacon of hope for Breck. It gave him something to hold onto as he wrestled with feeling unworthy of Emma and of all she offered him.I don't read a lot of NA novels. The few I have read use the bad boy/good girl trope to their advantage. Larger than life heroes sweep into the lives of innocent heroines, playing havoc with their emotions, and generating negative and positive responses from them. The heroes are men damaged and bitter by life and relationships. They fight their battles with words and fists. They command with just their presence or a look.But they are not infallible. They are, after all, still human. It's amusing to watch such a man fall at the feet of a woman they weren't ever expecting to meet. I like to think women like Emma are salvation to men like Breck, but that'd be wrong. They are each other's salvation, bringing an end to what was and a beginning to what is. They exist and live in perfect harmony because love enables them to see past scars and faults and shortcomings to the person underneath all that: a person who is worthy of their love.***Received from Pump Up Your Book for an honest review*** Oh wow, this was such a good book. I had to take a few days after finishing it to let it just all sink in. It has been a while since a book actually made me so emotional and I loved it!Emma is the daughter of a preacher, living in a small town and dating her high-school boyfriend who she has known most of her life. Her life is pretty much mapped out - marry the high-school football star, live in the town you grew up in, become a mum, etc. But Emma has a passion for painting and a drive to see the world, so she packs up and moves to Boston.Her friend, Jess, asks her to come down for a fun night out at the bar she owns and it's there she meets Breck - well more like sees him walk out with a girl clearly post-hook-up. Breck comes over and runs his mouth off so they instantly dislike each other. Being the classic bad-boy, jerk with a dark past that he is, he basically tells her that he'll be in her pants next time he sees her. Very romantic!As the daughter of a preacher, Emma is cautions of Breck at first and they try to keep their distance. Breck sees that Emma deserves better than a bad-boy with a past but he really wants what he can't have.Meanwhile, Emma is receiving calls daily from her now ex boyfriend who won't come to terms with the fact that she has left him. And with everyone Emma meets and what she experiences she begins to question whether she can believe in God without agreeing with the strict teachings of her father.This isn't one of those 'falling in love in 5 days' kind of books. It's really amazing to read and I will read it again for sure. I love that even though Breck is a womanizer, he really protects his friends and he is there for them anytime.There are a few times you think the secret has been revealed, but then something else happens and OMG! I literally had my mouth gaping open, cried, laughed, yelled at my tablet even. haha.So I give this book an obvious 5+++ rating and it is now my all time favorite book.
What do You think about Ash To Steele (2014)?
This was so beautiful.. Breck is so sweet and rough that i loved him with just his first line.!!
—vic
This book was extraordinary. I will be writing the review asap!
—keziah
