2.5 stars. it was okay. I almost DNF'd this one but since i was half way done I just bit the "bullet" and finished it. pun intended. I was not a fan of these characters at all. I think that was why I just couldn't get into this book. They all annoyed the crap out of me. I also couldn't get into the story, the flashbacks just kept jacking everything up for me. I understand what the author was trying to do, but it did not work for me. Perhaps I just had something in mind when I started this one and it didn't deliver what I was expecting. Writing wasn't bad, but I was just not a fan of the story or the characters. This was tough to read at times but at some others it was sweet and kind Moving on to book 2.As for the book, yes it was great. The characters were really good for me in their real factor. What I loved was that they all grew up in the same low income areas, fought to stay alive and didnt get fame and fortune thrown their way. The author does an absolute service to the reader in the description of drug use, showing the consequences, and the basic cause and effect. I think I liked Dizzy and his sister Lace more because they were not at each others side at all times. I also liked how Dizzy knew the bad things Lace was doing and let her do them. Too many books show sort of unreal relationships. His was better because he knew she was doing drugs and also too the chance that she would eventually hit rock bottom and do it on her own. As with other vices you sure cant come between an addict and her needle.The main characters Bryan and Warren were friends who shared a few events as kids that leads to Bryan having the utmost loyalty to Warren.The miss here for me is slight. The first is the time frame and one flashback was 2 years and one was 6 years. I think I would have loved it had it been alternating chapters of time framed references or a solid book starting with the past. The past explains the future pull between the characters so it would have been greater for me to read it that way. A little confusion with the names too Bry & Bryan and Warren or War were bad enough but then add the character of Dizzy and a nickname of bullet and I was lost at times. Last on my list which, like I said was slight, is an aids test. Using needles and no threat or questions was a little strange. If you love REAL and RAW this is for you. I loved it!
What do You think about Irresistible Refrain (2013)?
Really loved this book and the characters! ready for book 2!
—ngocanh273
SWOON!!!! I need more. This book was awesome.
—lollleystinks
