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Tristan & Danika #2
Rock Bottom
Librarian's note: An alternate cover edition can be found here
Their love had the power of a runaway freight train, and the potential to be just as destructive.
The tempestuous sequel to Bad Things picks up where the first book left off. Reeling from a profound loss, Tristan and Danika struggle to pick up the pieces and build a life together, but the hard habits of a lifetime are not so easy to escape.
Rock Bottom takes us on a dual point of view journey through addiction and desire, through love and agony, and answers the question we’ve been asking since these characters were introduced in Grounded: “What happened between Tristan and Danika?”
DANIKA
Even love couldn’t cushion a fall like ours. My love for Tristan was so big that I felt consumed by it, and even so, it was not enough to overpower our combined demons.
I struggled. I yelled and screamed. I scratched and kicked.
I fought like hell, but even the most determined fighters have to stop before they break.
No one could say I didn’t fight for him.
“I love you,” I spoke softly into his ear.
He gripped me harder. “I can’t ever lose you, Danika. I’m not sure I’d survive it.”
“You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.”
I meant the words when I said them, but life had other plans for us.
I’d have given my life for that fight. In fact, I very nearly did.
TRISTAN
She was the one.
If I’d ever had a doubt, I didn’t now. She was the one I’d be thinking about, longing for, until I took my last breath. If I lost her tomorrow, I’d pine for her like a lovesick fool.
This was the kind of love that only hit you once in your life.
This book is intended for readers 18 and up.
Their love had the power of a runaway freight train, and the potential to be just as destructive.
The tempestuous sequel to Bad Things picks up where the first book left off. Reeling from a profound loss, Tristan and Danika struggle to pick up the pieces and build a life together, but the hard habits of a lifetime are not so easy to escape.
Rock Bottom takes us on a dual point of view journey through addiction and desire, through love and agony, and answers the question we’ve been asking since these characters were introduced in Grounded: “What happened between Tristan and Danika?”
DANIKA
Even love couldn’t cushion a fall like ours. My love for Tristan was so big that I felt consumed by it, and even so, it was not enough to overpower our combined demons.
I struggled. I yelled and screamed. I scratched and kicked.
I fought like hell, but even the most determined fighters have to stop before they break.
No one could say I didn’t fight for him.
“I love you,” I spoke softly into his ear.
He gripped me harder. “I can’t ever lose you, Danika. I’m not sure I’d survive it.”
“You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.”
I meant the words when I said them, but life had other plans for us.
I’d have given my life for that fight. In fact, I very nearly did.
TRISTAN
She was the one.
If I’d ever had a doubt, I didn’t now. She was the one I’d be thinking about, longing for, until I took my last breath. If I lost her tomorrow, I’d pine for her like a lovesick fool.
This was the kind of love that only hit you once in your life.
This book is intended for readers 18 and up.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
468 people are currently reading
9398 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Lilley
39 books12.7k followersR.K. Lilley has been a writer since she can remember, but has held down some interesting jobs to pay the bills. For several years she was a first class flight attendant, and she always swore that she just had to write a book about it. Mixing her love of romance and all things BDSM, the Up In the Air Trilogy is her debut into the world of contempary romance and erotica. She is currently working on the final installment in the series.
You can contact R.K. at Authorrklilley@gmail.com
Visit her Facebook page to keep up-to-date on what she's working on
https://www.facebook.com/authorrklilley
And check out her website http://www.rklilley.com/
R.K. also writes urban fantasy under the pseudonym: Rebecca K. Lilley
You can contact R.K. at Authorrklilley@gmail.com
Visit her Facebook page to keep up-to-date on what she's working on
https://www.facebook.com/authorrklilley
And check out her website http://www.rklilley.com/
R.K. also writes urban fantasy under the pseudonym: Rebecca K. Lilley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,723 reviews
January 14, 2014
***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.***
…What
…The
…Fuck
…HAPPENED?
To say that I was waiting for this book’s release is a VAST understatement. I mean, I love R.K. And we’re talking major-swooning here, okay? Especially with Tristan and Danika’s story because it’s been hinted at and hinted at and hinted at. And *FINALLY* I was going to find out what happened!
Well, I did.
And I ain’t happy.
Sorry, Rock Bottom fans because…
--> PROBLEM #1 <--
First off, I knew that it was going to be intense. And emotional. And that I was probably going to spill my vodka on my Kindle because of the emotional trauma of the story. I get that, okay?
I was prepared! I was LOOKING FORWARD TO IT! But I think what the problem was is that I was kind of… I don’t know, expecting this huge and epic and powerful and severe *scene*.
And what I got was an entire book like that.
I wanted a train wreck and instead, I got a 20-car pileup.
Basically.
--> PROBLEM #2 <--
Danika.
I think… that if Danika was blind, deaf, and mute; she would have been an awesome character.
And that’s all I’m going to say about that.
So.
Do I recommend this book? YES. Because you do get to find out what happens. And you’ll need to read this one in order to read the third book. :)
Do I still LOVE R.K.? HELL YES! And I can’t wait for the next one!
How steamy is this book on a scale of 1 to Christian Grey? Eh. I’d give it a 4. It wasn’t that steamy at all, actually.
That’s all.
This ARC was kindly provided and *very* happily received in exchange for an honest review.
…What
…The
…Fuck
…HAPPENED?
To say that I was waiting for this book’s release is a VAST understatement. I mean, I love R.K. And we’re talking major-swooning here, okay? Especially with Tristan and Danika’s story because it’s been hinted at and hinted at and hinted at. And *FINALLY* I was going to find out what happened!
Well, I did.
And I ain’t happy.
Sorry, Rock Bottom fans because…
--> PROBLEM #1 <--
First off, I knew that it was going to be intense. And emotional. And that I was probably going to spill my vodka on my Kindle because of the emotional trauma of the story. I get that, okay?
I was prepared! I was LOOKING FORWARD TO IT! But I think what the problem was is that I was kind of… I don’t know, expecting this huge and epic and powerful and severe *scene*.
And what I got was an entire book like that.
I wanted a train wreck and instead, I got a 20-car pileup.
Basically.
--> PROBLEM #2 <--
Danika.
I think… that if Danika was blind, deaf, and mute; she would have been an awesome character.
And that’s all I’m going to say about that.
So.
Do I recommend this book? YES. Because you do get to find out what happens. And you’ll need to read this one in order to read the third book. :)
Do I still LOVE R.K.? HELL YES! And I can’t wait for the next one!
How steamy is this book on a scale of 1 to Christian Grey? Eh. I’d give it a 4. It wasn’t that steamy at all, actually.
That’s all.
This ARC was kindly provided and *very* happily received in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2014
** FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED **
What an emotional roller coaster!!!
R.K. Lilley has a way of drawing you right into each book she writes and Rock Bottom tugged at every one of my heart strings.
Tristan and Danika's journey was emotional, intense, and heartbreaking but left me hopeful and eager for more. I absolutely adore this series and can't wait for the next book!!
Even before I started this book, I knew it was going to be an intense ride. This book picks up right where Book #1, Bad Things, ended and given what we knew of Tristan and Danika's relationship in the Up In The Air trilogy (see more info on the timeline below), we knew that they were going to go through some extreme heart ache. I had so many questions -- Where did Danika get her limp? What could possibly have happened to come between them??
"I love you," he rasped out. He said it all the time. He didn't hold it back, now that he'd admitted it, but it still gave me butterflies, every single time.
"I love you," I spoke softly into his ear."
He gripped me harder. "I can't ever lose you, Danika. I'm not sure I'd survive it."
Well, all our questions were answered here. It was devastating to see a couple that was as powerfully in love with each other as Tristan and Danika facing so much pain but I loved the way the story was portrayed. It was told to us in alternating POVs and the thing I've always loved about both Tristan and Danika is that, while they each had their flaws, once you got inside their heads it was easy to at least understand where they were both coming from... even if at times I just wanted to shake them.
Danika's POV especially gave a lot of foreshadowing because it was written as though she'd already experienced all the events of this book and was almost looking back warning us of which little elements would come into play in a bigger way later on and impact their future. This really set a powerful tone of anticipation and dread. Honestly, there were times when I had to just put the book down for a few minutes and go watch a fluffy YouTube video or something just to calm down.
Ohhhh Tristan. My heart just went out to him. He was this totally badass guy with a serious saviour complex and an overprotective side that was in a constant state of overdrive. A true Alpha caveman if there ever was one. But he was also just a very flawed and tortured individual who'd suffered an extreme amount of loss and bore too much guilt on his shoulders. (And just as a side note, I really liked how the author included him being a rock star into the story without actually making this a "rock star story".)
I loved Danika too. She was sassy and feisty but also deeply caring and also damaged as well. But I loved how despite her insecurities, she relentlessly kept trying so hard to make things work.
My heart really broke for them both. They were so clearly in love with each other but life just kept throwing obstacle after obstacle at them. The more I read, the greater my dread grew. I knew something horrible was going to happen and my heart was already breaking. It was like a train wreck... I didn't want the inevitable to happen but was powerless to stop it.
Now... the #1 question: Does this book end on a cliffhanger?
The answer is both yes and no. At the end of this book, Tristan and Danika have reached their breaking point. They've been crushed by the events in their lives and are collectively paying the price of various wrong decisions. They are not "together" as a couple at the end but this actually fits perfectly into the timeline of the Up In The Air trilogy in which they are estranged.
However!!!! Before you run away.... there is a Teaser for Book #3 at the end which will leave you in a much better place. It shows the beginning of their reunion and is full of emotion and hope. I have a strong feeling that Book #3 is going to be all kinds of epic :)
You should also know that this book isn't only full of heartbreak. There's so much more to it. We see Tristan and Danika fall even deeper in love and share some absolutely beautiful, joyful times together.
"This is forever for me, sweetheart. I want it all with you. You're the thing that gets me up in the morning and lets me rest easy at night…"
Ooooooh!!! Also, there was one scene from Frankie's POV in which we got to see James Cavendish five years before he met Bianca and all I have to say is OHHH. MY. GOD. !!!!!! *jaw drop* ;)
As an author, R.K. Lilley has really earned my trust. I love her writing style and I have consistently loved the direction that she's taken all her stories in and I fully trust that even though Tristan and Danika are at a low point now, that it'll make their reunion in the next book that much sweeter.
Tristan and Danika are the kind of couple who you just know are meant to be together. I can't wait to see them get their happily ever after!!
Rating: 4.5 stars (same rating as book #1)
*******************************
TIMELINE CLARIFICATION
The Tristan & Danika trilogy is a spin-off of the Up In The Air trilogy (in which we first met Tristan and Danika as side characters). Both trilogies can be read on their own though and you don't need to read them both to understand the stories. However, their timelines are interconnected.
The first 2 books of this trilogy, Bad Things and Rock Bottom take place 5 years before In Flight (the first book in the Up In The Air trilogy). Then, chronologically, come the three books of the Up In The Air trilogy.... and then finally comes Lovely Trigger (the last book in the Tristan & Danika trilogy).
Anyone who has read the Up In The Air trilogy will know that during the course of those books, Tristan and Danika had an estranged and strained relationship but what we didn't know was why. We saw Tristan and Danika fall in love in Bad Things, then in Rock Bottom we learned the full reason for their estrangement, which then perfectly set up the final book, Lovely Trigger which will be a second-chance romance.
So chronologically, this would be the order of the books:
✦ Bad Things (Tristan & Danika #1)
✦ Rock Bottom (Tristan & Danika #2) - starts right after Bad Things
✦ In Flight (Up In The Air #1) - starts 5 years after the end of Rock Bottom
✦ Mile High (Up In The Air #2)
✦ Grounded (Up In The Air #3)
✦ Lovely Trigger (Tristan & Danika #3) - starts 6 years after the end of Rock Bottom
However, the suggested reading order is to read all 3 Up In The Air books, and then the Tristan & Danika trilogy. Trust me, it all works out very clearly :)
*Lovely Trigger is expected to release early 2014.
*******************************
This is my casting for Tristan:
****************************
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
December 1, 2021
5 Painful Stars!
I loved this book, but it was devastating to read. It’s taken me an entire week to write this review. It was such a great sequel, but it seriously hurt. I’m talking rip your heart out, uncontrollable sobbing kind of hurt. There was an intensity there- even though I knew it would be intense and emotional, it put me through the ringer. Anyone who has read the Up In the Air trilogy and Bad Things, you had questions. Well, happy to say all questions have been answered. You get to see all the events that led up to where Tristan and Danika have ended up.
Rock Bottom starts right where Bad Things leaves off. Tristan and Danika are both still grieving their loss. It’s hard on them both, but they are trying to get through it together. They need each other. Tristan can’t survive without Danika. He’s lost most everything thats important to him. He can’t lose her. Not ever.
I don’t want to go much into the story. It is one you should read for yourself and would be a huge disservice to spoil anything. I will talk about the characters- Tristan and Danika.
Tristan- My beautiful broken man... Tristan takes my love for damaged guys to a whole other level. Tristan has so many demons. All the loss he endured, he coped with it the only way he knew how. I love his protective, possessive, caveman alpha side. He also had a sweet and caring side. He truly loves Danika, but he doesn’t always handle things with her the way he should.
Danika- How much devastation and loss should one person be forced to bear? Her story was brutal. Seriously brutal. She loves Tristan, she loves him unconditionally, but she also enables him. She tried so hard to fight for him and their relationship. Even with her enabling him, she had her moments where her spunky and feisty personality shined through.
Tristan and Danika’s love is all consuming. Nothing could ever tear them apart. Or so they think. Death. Drugs. Alcohol. Loss. Destruction. Everything spiraling out of control...
What will happen when this couple hits their rock bottom? Will they survive it together, intact? Or will everything they’ve built crumble....
Tristan and Danika have been through more loss and heartbreak than any two people should ever have to go through. My heart ached for the both of them. This book was so hard to read. I didn’t want to put it down, yet I had trouble continuing after certain scenes. It will draw you in, captivate you. R.K. Lilley is a fantastic writer, her books just have a flow to them. I just want to say how grateful I am that there was a chapter/sneak peek from the third book at the end. Without that, it would have been so much harder to deal with the ending. As sad as it was, there was a lot of beauty, a lot of steam, and even some humor. So even though I cried my eyes out, that wasn’t the entire part of the book. I cannot wait for the third and final installment to come out, early 2014! I need these two to have the ending that they deserve. This is an amazing series you don’t want to miss out on!
“I have many regrets, many bad things I must take credit for, but believe me when I say that the negative impact that all of my actions have had on your life is my biggest one.”
Their love had the power of a runaway freight train, and the potential to be just as destructive.
I loved this book, but it was devastating to read. It’s taken me an entire week to write this review. It was such a great sequel, but it seriously hurt. I’m talking rip your heart out, uncontrollable sobbing kind of hurt. There was an intensity there- even though I knew it would be intense and emotional, it put me through the ringer. Anyone who has read the Up In the Air trilogy and Bad Things, you had questions. Well, happy to say all questions have been answered. You get to see all the events that led up to where Tristan and Danika have ended up.
Rock Bottom starts right where Bad Things leaves off. Tristan and Danika are both still grieving their loss. It’s hard on them both, but they are trying to get through it together. They need each other. Tristan can’t survive without Danika. He’s lost most everything thats important to him. He can’t lose her. Not ever.
I don’t want to go much into the story. It is one you should read for yourself and would be a huge disservice to spoil anything. I will talk about the characters- Tristan and Danika.
Tristan- My beautiful broken man... Tristan takes my love for damaged guys to a whole other level. Tristan has so many demons. All the loss he endured, he coped with it the only way he knew how. I love his protective, possessive, caveman alpha side. He also had a sweet and caring side. He truly loves Danika, but he doesn’t always handle things with her the way he should.
Danika- How much devastation and loss should one person be forced to bear? Her story was brutal. Seriously brutal. She loves Tristan, she loves him unconditionally, but she also enables him. She tried so hard to fight for him and their relationship. Even with her enabling him, she had her moments where her spunky and feisty personality shined through.
Tristan and Danika’s love is all consuming. Nothing could ever tear them apart. Or so they think. Death. Drugs. Alcohol. Loss. Destruction. Everything spiraling out of control...
What will happen when this couple hits their rock bottom? Will they survive it together, intact? Or will everything they’ve built crumble....
Tristan and Danika have been through more loss and heartbreak than any two people should ever have to go through. My heart ached for the both of them. This book was so hard to read. I didn’t want to put it down, yet I had trouble continuing after certain scenes. It will draw you in, captivate you. R.K. Lilley is a fantastic writer, her books just have a flow to them. I just want to say how grateful I am that there was a chapter/sneak peek from the third book at the end. Without that, it would have been so much harder to deal with the ending. As sad as it was, there was a lot of beauty, a lot of steam, and even some humor. So even though I cried my eyes out, that wasn’t the entire part of the book. I cannot wait for the third and final installment to come out, early 2014! I need these two to have the ending that they deserve. This is an amazing series you don’t want to miss out on!
Tragedy never took its full chunk out of you right way. It always took a while to hit you head on, and sink in and for something substantial, some hint of the real feeling, the real reaction, to come to the surface, and this loss was not done taking its toll on us.
“I have many regrets, many bad things I must take credit for, but believe me when I say that the negative impact that all of my actions have had on your life is my biggest one.”
November 8, 2014
It's live!! >> http://amzn.to/1gGSqRo <<
6 EMOTIONALLY DEVASTATING ~ HEARTWRENCHING ~ BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN STARS!!!
.....they sure did. But was it enough?
Cheating?
Cliffhanger?
Don't try to prepare yourself for this rollercoaster and post gifs saying your body is ready. Cuz it ain't.
So a quick breakdown:
Hot, kinky sex?
Possessive, protective, caveman hero?
Sweet, compassionate, feisty, strong-willed heroine?
A twist you’ll never see coming?
Relationship cracks?
Reaches relationship breaking point?
Terrible, horrible, scared-to-flip-the-page event?
Cry your eyeballs out?
But I loved it anyway?
So did you get the story? *laugh*
*Here
It*
*Begins
This book picks up right after the events of Bad Things, and though I was ecstatic and elated to see their relationship grow, I also had this pit in my stomach because of what would occur later. If you’ve read the Up in the Air series, you know that Danika and Tristan are separated then, and Danika has a physical deformity. My biggest question I wanted an answer to, but at the same time I didn’t, was where did she get that limp from?
Rest assured, the answer to that question and so many others are all revealed here. I want to say first though, R.K. Lilley has a way, no, a talent for sucking you right into the story with her addictive writing style. I mean, I’ve never read a book so fast nor have I forgotten to pee (TMI? Sorry). I was already convinced of her work with the Up in the Air trilogy, but this series?? Completely knocks James and Bianca out.of.the.ballpark. I honestly think this spinoff is her best work to date (all of her books are fab) and Rock Bottom is by far my favorite.
Back to the book. Now that Tristan and Danika are “settled” into their relationship, it was extremely heartwarming to see their love for each other blossom even more, despite so many obstacles that try to trip them up. Tristan’s mother, Danika’s mother, Tristan’s alcoholism, Danika’s sister, Tristan’s temper, etc…the list keeps going. Yet it never stops them. They learn to divide and conquer, one step at a time. And at the same time, their love for each other only intensifies in magnitude.
“She was the one. If I’d ever had a doubt, I didn’t now. She was the one I’d be thinking about, longing for, until I took my last breath. If I lost her tomorrow, I’d pine for her like a lovesick fool. This was the kind of love that only hit you once in your life.”
Which made my heart shatter even more when I started to see cracks in their foundation. Nothing big at first, just little kinks here and there. Late night out partying, too much classwork, practicing with the band, dancing in the studio. Jealousy. Alcoholism. Groupies. Little by little, these tiny pieces built up into something explosive, until they turned the blame on each other.
“There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely.”
“I didn’t tell him that he was dragging me down with him.”
At one point, I actually just wanted them to call quits to their relationship. This couple was dysfunctional, their love starting to turn into poison in their blood. But then, it would get better. They truly are each other’s crutch and kryptonite, needing each other so, but each having the power to destroy the other.
“I can’t ever lose you, Danika. I’m not sure I’d survive it.”
“You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.”
Why can’t love ever be simple? Why must it be corrupted by outside forces that only serve to tear them apart? Why, why, why, why?
*And
The*
Thing*
*Happens
It was a trainwreck I couldn’t take my eyes off of, wanting to stop it, but helpless to do so. It was an execution, only in slow motion so that they took the full brunt of the force. You could’ve thrust a dagger in my side and it would’ve been less painful than to read about the disastrous, shocking events that ripped the couple apart. Not just their couple status. Ripped.Them.Apart.
I cried.
I cried some more.
I kept crying.
I cried even more
I couldn’t stop crying.
And then I went to go put on extra mascara because it was time for work.
As you already know, the ending devastated me, but only R.K. Lilley could weave such a story and get away with it without me hunting her down (JK!!). Just barely, by the way. If you looked at the spoiler tag in the beginning of the review, you'll see that the ending leaves you anticipating the events in book 3 (like their reunion ASAP!!!) so I'm not that worried. Okay. Maybe I am. But I'm just a natural worrier. Counting down the days for Lovely Trigger!
6 EMOTIONALLY DEVASTATING ~ HEARTWRENCHING ~ BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN STARS!!!
.....they sure did. But was it enough?
Cheating?
Cliffhanger?
Don't try to prepare yourself for this rollercoaster and post gifs saying your body is ready. Cuz it ain't.
So a quick breakdown:
Hot, kinky sex?
Possessive, protective, caveman hero?
Sweet, compassionate, feisty, strong-willed heroine?
A twist you’ll never see coming?
Relationship cracks?
Reaches relationship breaking point?
Terrible, horrible, scared-to-flip-the-page event?
Cry your eyeballs out?
But I loved it anyway?
So did you get the story? *laugh*
*Here
It*
*Begins
This book picks up right after the events of Bad Things, and though I was ecstatic and elated to see their relationship grow, I also had this pit in my stomach because of what would occur later. If you’ve read the Up in the Air series, you know that Danika and Tristan are separated then, and Danika has a physical deformity. My biggest question I wanted an answer to, but at the same time I didn’t, was where did she get that limp from?
Rest assured, the answer to that question and so many others are all revealed here. I want to say first though, R.K. Lilley has a way, no, a talent for sucking you right into the story with her addictive writing style. I mean, I’ve never read a book so fast nor have I forgotten to pee (TMI? Sorry). I was already convinced of her work with the Up in the Air trilogy, but this series?? Completely knocks James and Bianca out.of.the.ballpark. I honestly think this spinoff is her best work to date (all of her books are fab) and Rock Bottom is by far my favorite.
Back to the book. Now that Tristan and Danika are “settled” into their relationship, it was extremely heartwarming to see their love for each other blossom even more, despite so many obstacles that try to trip them up. Tristan’s mother, Danika’s mother, Tristan’s alcoholism, Danika’s sister, Tristan’s temper, etc…the list keeps going. Yet it never stops them. They learn to divide and conquer, one step at a time. And at the same time, their love for each other only intensifies in magnitude.
“She was the one. If I’d ever had a doubt, I didn’t now. She was the one I’d be thinking about, longing for, until I took my last breath. If I lost her tomorrow, I’d pine for her like a lovesick fool. This was the kind of love that only hit you once in your life.”
Which made my heart shatter even more when I started to see cracks in their foundation. Nothing big at first, just little kinks here and there. Late night out partying, too much classwork, practicing with the band, dancing in the studio. Jealousy. Alcoholism. Groupies. Little by little, these tiny pieces built up into something explosive, until they turned the blame on each other.
“There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely.”
“I didn’t tell him that he was dragging me down with him.”
At one point, I actually just wanted them to call quits to their relationship. This couple was dysfunctional, their love starting to turn into poison in their blood. But then, it would get better. They truly are each other’s crutch and kryptonite, needing each other so, but each having the power to destroy the other.
“I can’t ever lose you, Danika. I’m not sure I’d survive it.”
“You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.”
Why can’t love ever be simple? Why must it be corrupted by outside forces that only serve to tear them apart? Why, why, why, why?
*And
The*
Thing*
*Happens
It was a trainwreck I couldn’t take my eyes off of, wanting to stop it, but helpless to do so. It was an execution, only in slow motion so that they took the full brunt of the force. You could’ve thrust a dagger in my side and it would’ve been less painful than to read about the disastrous, shocking events that ripped the couple apart. Not just their couple status. Ripped.Them.Apart.
I cried.
I cried some more.
I kept crying.
I cried even more
I couldn’t stop crying.
And then I went to go put on extra mascara because it was time for work.
As you already know, the ending devastated me, but only R.K. Lilley could weave such a story and get away with it without me hunting her down (JK!!). Just barely, by the way. If you looked at the spoiler tag in the beginning of the review, you'll see that the ending leaves you anticipating the events in book 3 (like their reunion ASAP!!!) so I'm not that worried. Okay. Maybe I am. But I'm just a natural worrier. Counting down the days for Lovely Trigger!
July 19, 2014
5+ OHMYGODMYHEARTHURTS stars
We were introduced to Danika and Tristan during R.K. Lilley’s Up In The Air Series. We knew they once loved each other; that a tragedy tore them apart, and for the first time we are going to learn the truth. How a two people’s past can be the most heartbreaking and breathtaking moments of their lives.
Rock Bottom begins just were Bad Things ended. Danika is the life preserver that Tristan is clinging to. She is the only thing giving his life breath. The time after Jared’s death are the moments where they can protect their love from destruction. But life continues on and staying swept up in each other’s arms ignoring the world around them isn't going to magically make the grief disappear.
The outside world is just waiting for the moment to come crashing down, testing them, testing just how much love can endure before it’s just not enough.
This is the story of what tore Tristan & Danika apart.
The missing pieces.
The part of the story where we learn the answers to the questions.
And this is the part of the story that will fracture our hearts as we watch them shatter.
The reconstruction of Tristan & Danika’s story was one of the hardest things I've endured as a reader. Learning how they fell in love and how deeply they loved, knowing that they did not make it and having to watch that unfold was utterly heartbreaking.
This was not just about what unraveled and what ultimately broke two people who loved so deeply. This was about the fight to save the one person you would give your life for and facing the reality of having to let go to save yourself. A complete emotional breakdown kind of read. Danika’s urge to enable and Tristan’s demons that had him in a death grip.
I think I felt my first tear drop around the 70% mark and by the time I reached the end I was a complete mess. There are eye opening moments that I never even imagined being brought into the story-line, making it ultimately that much more heartbreaking.
Tristan’s constant struggle with his own demons was hard to read, Danika’s constant need to appease his behavior did not annoy me as I expected. It saddened me. R.K. Lilley did a brilliant job creating the abuser/enabler relationship between these two, often a side to a story that is hard to relate to without experiencing it personally.
R.K. Lilley absolutely amazed me with the way she told their story. I am so pleased that she decided to take this two book series and turn it into a trilogy. You see, although Rock Bottom untangles the mystery of what we saw in Grounded, it in no way completes the story.
We are taken back to the very first hello and led to the very last goodbye. We are not given closure.
Now, some may call this a cliffhanger… I’m not sold on that concept. Lovely Trigger will pick up in present time and will be the conclusion of their story. A story that will be read by us, knowing the highs and the lows and allowing us to watch what I hope is a devastatingly beautiful second chance at love.
We were introduced to Danika and Tristan during R.K. Lilley’s Up In The Air Series. We knew they once loved each other; that a tragedy tore them apart, and for the first time we are going to learn the truth. How a two people’s past can be the most heartbreaking and breathtaking moments of their lives.
Rock Bottom begins just were Bad Things ended. Danika is the life preserver that Tristan is clinging to. She is the only thing giving his life breath. The time after Jared’s death are the moments where they can protect their love from destruction. But life continues on and staying swept up in each other’s arms ignoring the world around them isn't going to magically make the grief disappear.
The outside world is just waiting for the moment to come crashing down, testing them, testing just how much love can endure before it’s just not enough.
“Every misstep that led us down the path to our destruction was our own doing, but to this day, I still hated that guitar.”
This is the story of what tore Tristan & Danika apart.
The missing pieces.
The part of the story where we learn the answers to the questions.
And this is the part of the story that will fracture our hearts as we watch them shatter.
The reconstruction of Tristan & Danika’s story was one of the hardest things I've endured as a reader. Learning how they fell in love and how deeply they loved, knowing that they did not make it and having to watch that unfold was utterly heartbreaking.
This was not just about what unraveled and what ultimately broke two people who loved so deeply. This was about the fight to save the one person you would give your life for and facing the reality of having to let go to save yourself. A complete emotional breakdown kind of read. Danika’s urge to enable and Tristan’s demons that had him in a death grip.
“I lay down on my bed and did not get back up.
Not for hours.
Not for days.
What was left of a woman when she gave a man everything?
The answer was easy.
Impossible to deny, even for me.
Nothing.
Had I given too much? Was there enough of me left to even try to move on from this?”
I think I felt my first tear drop around the 70% mark and by the time I reached the end I was a complete mess. There are eye opening moments that I never even imagined being brought into the story-line, making it ultimately that much more heartbreaking.
Tristan’s constant struggle with his own demons was hard to read, Danika’s constant need to appease his behavior did not annoy me as I expected. It saddened me. R.K. Lilley did a brilliant job creating the abuser/enabler relationship between these two, often a side to a story that is hard to relate to without experiencing it personally.
R.K. Lilley absolutely amazed me with the way she told their story. I am so pleased that she decided to take this two book series and turn it into a trilogy. You see, although Rock Bottom untangles the mystery of what we saw in Grounded, it in no way completes the story.
We are taken back to the very first hello and led to the very last goodbye. We are not given closure.
“He was too callous, too far gone to realize that I’d never be free of him, and that he’d really done was set me adrift. I never left that bed.”
Now, some may call this a cliffhanger… I’m not sold on that concept. Lovely Trigger will pick up in present time and will be the conclusion of their story. A story that will be read by us, knowing the highs and the lows and allowing us to watch what I hope is a devastatingly beautiful second chance at love.
August 11, 2016
4 Gut-Wrenching Stars
I waited until book three was released before starting this story and, boy, am I glad I did. This book gutted me and left me with very mixed emotions. I loved it and hated it equally. The drama became over-the-top, gut-wrenching, and too much for one couple to find their way to a believable, albeit eventual HEA. Still, I never felt like abandoning the story. In fact, quite the opposite; I couldn't put it down. I have never read a romance couple that has intrigued me or captured my attention quite like Tristan and Danika have. I really hope the author can make me a believer of their eventual HEA in book three.
Now, off to read book three. Eek!
September 15, 2013 Pre-Review Comment
I was very disheartened to find out this couple's story WILL NOT end with this book like originally planned. It makes me sad I'll have to wait until book three (and pay more money) to get Tristan and Danika's HEA. I'm tired of romance trilogies!
I waited until book three was released before starting this story and, boy, am I glad I did. This book gutted me and left me with very mixed emotions. I loved it and hated it equally. The drama became over-the-top, gut-wrenching, and too much for one couple to find their way to a believable, albeit eventual HEA. Still, I never felt like abandoning the story. In fact, quite the opposite; I couldn't put it down. I have never read a romance couple that has intrigued me or captured my attention quite like Tristan and Danika have. I really hope the author can make me a believer of their eventual HEA in book three.
Now, off to read book three. Eek!
September 15, 2013 Pre-Review Comment
I was very disheartened to find out this couple's story WILL NOT end with this book like originally planned. It makes me sad I'll have to wait until book three (and pay more money) to get Tristan and Danika's HEA. I'm tired of romance trilogies!
March 4, 2020
This book was a
HEART BREAKING,
GUT WRENCHING,
SOUL ACHING,
EMOTIONAL TRAIN WRECK.
Reading the book:
The end:
Finishing the book:
I think what made this book 100 times harder to read was the fact that we all knew something bad was coming. Along with the clever way the author wrote this book in past tense, with little monologues at the end of chapters, the sense of dread that fills you while reading this book was like a full grown elephant sitting on your chest. Hindsight is a bitch.
Tristan and Danika are one of my all-time favourite book couples. To this day, they hold the number one spot for the best chemistry on my book shelves. Reading the first book, I couldn’t help but thing how good they are together, no matter how dysfunctional, they are meant to be!
In every way that the first book was witty, light, sweet and sexy, this book was the complete opposite. It broke my heart with every page and it was so hard seeing characters that I loved so much, become so bad for each other. The first half of the book was mostly slowbuiling tension between the two and they dealt with insecurities and trying to maintain a doomed long distance relationship. Slowly but surely, their relationship just became so unhealthy. At so many times I just wanted to shake them both! It was hardest watching Tristan, a character I love and feel so invested in, deal with so many problems: depression, self-hatred, and his addiction. Danika became the one thing she swore she'd never come back to —she became his enabler.
With the little titbits of their story we got from grounded, I assumed that the worst that happened to Danika and Tristan was probably just some drunk driving incident… boy was I wrong. This book absolutely GUTTED me. … clearly RK Lilley had no mercy for our beloved Danika and Tristan. it was brutal, absolutely brutal.
Reading this book a second time made me appreciate the writing even more! The way RK Lilley wrote this book was pure freaking genius. It was written in past tense, but not just using past participles... It's hard to explain because there really were no flash backs. The entire book takes place 'in the moment' but the author would end chapters with short monologues or put little comments here and there within Danika and Tristan's thoughts that made you feel like they're telling their story from another time or another place. An example was this scene that absolutely tore my heart out and ripped it in two:
All said and done, it was an amazing book. It was so well written and fiercely emotional. I was torn between finishing the book as fast as I could and never wanting to read the ending. RK Lilley still holds her spot as one of my favourite authors and I think it was a very smart move turning this series into a trilogy. With the readers having seen every aspect of Danika and Tristan's relationship, Lovely Trigger will be a whirl wind of emotions.
THANK GOD for that teaser (which I have already read, re-read and cried over a good 10 times) at the end because I have no clue how I'd get through the next few months without having that to hold on to... I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on Lovely Trigger. I look forward to seeing where Danika and Tristan are in 6 years and seeing them get the HEA they deserve!
Book 1 review
Book 3 review
HEART BREAKING,
GUT WRENCHING,
SOUL ACHING,
EMOTIONAL TRAIN WRECK.
Reading the book:
The end:
Finishing the book:
“There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely. I didn’t tell him that he was dragging me down with him.”
I think what made this book 100 times harder to read was the fact that we all knew something bad was coming. Along with the clever way the author wrote this book in past tense, with little monologues at the end of chapters, the sense of dread that fills you while reading this book was like a full grown elephant sitting on your chest. Hindsight is a bitch.
“She smiled that smile where I saw myself and forever in her eyes, and gave me everything. She was selfless, my Danika, keeping nothing for herself.”
Tristan and Danika are one of my all-time favourite book couples. To this day, they hold the number one spot for the best chemistry on my book shelves. Reading the first book, I couldn’t help but thing how good they are together, no matter how dysfunctional, they are meant to be!
In every way that the first book was witty, light, sweet and sexy, this book was the complete opposite. It broke my heart with every page and it was so hard seeing characters that I loved so much, become so bad for each other. The first half of the book was mostly slowbuiling tension between the two and they dealt with insecurities and trying to maintain a doomed long distance relationship. Slowly but surely, their relationship just became so unhealthy. At so many times I just wanted to shake them both! It was hardest watching Tristan, a character I love and feel so invested in, deal with so many problems: depression, self-hatred, and his addiction. Danika became the one thing she swore she'd never come back to —she became his enabler.
“She was the one. If I’d ever had a doubt, I didn’t now. She was the one I’d be thinking about, longing for, until I took my last breath. If I lost her tomorrow, I’d pine for her like a lovesick fool. This was the kind of love that only hit you once in your life.”
With the little titbits of their story we got from grounded, I assumed that the worst that happened to Danika and Tristan was probably just some drunk driving incident… boy was I wrong. This book absolutely GUTTED me. … clearly RK Lilley had no mercy for our beloved Danika and Tristan. it was brutal, absolutely brutal.
“You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.”
I meant the words when I said them, but life had other plans for us.
I’d have given my life for that fight. In fact, I very nearly did.
Reading this book a second time made me appreciate the writing even more! The way RK Lilley wrote this book was pure freaking genius. It was written in past tense, but not just using past participles... It's hard to explain because there really were no flash backs. The entire book takes place 'in the moment' but the author would end chapters with short monologues or put little comments here and there within Danika and Tristan's thoughts that made you feel like they're telling their story from another time or another place. An example was this scene that absolutely tore my heart out and ripped it in two:
All said and done, it was an amazing book. It was so well written and fiercely emotional. I was torn between finishing the book as fast as I could and never wanting to read the ending. RK Lilley still holds her spot as one of my favourite authors and I think it was a very smart move turning this series into a trilogy. With the readers having seen every aspect of Danika and Tristan's relationship, Lovely Trigger will be a whirl wind of emotions.
THANK GOD for that teaser (which I have already read, re-read and cried over a good 10 times) at the end because I have no clue how I'd get through the next few months without having that to hold on to... I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on Lovely Trigger. I look forward to seeing where Danika and Tristan are in 6 years and seeing them get the HEA they deserve!
Book 1 review
Book 3 review
July 26, 2016
★★★★ 4 'Rock Bottom' stars!
Whew, this book was devastatingly tragic, especially the last 30% of the story and it left me feeling a little like this...
Series reading order:
AMAZON
REVIEW / AMAZON
REVIEW / AMAZON
This series can be read both as a standalone-series or together with the Up in the Air series.
Whew, this book was devastatingly tragic, especially the last 30% of the story and it left me feeling a little like this...
First of all, Tristan:
I understood his conflicted and tortured feelings but the way he handled them was all wrong. That's all I'm going to say about that. I still liked him most of the time though and well, his possessive streak makes him:
And then there's Danika...
BUT a lot of trouble could have been avoided if T & D would have just communicated a bit more instead of keeping so many secrets.
To Twatalie and Dean:
Special credit to Frankie who was a great friend to both Tristan and Danika!
Except for those few random scenes told in her POV, she was a fun character and a great addition to the story.
Despite all the angst, or maybe even because of it, this was still a highly enjoyable, captivating read and if you haven't read this series yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try! Now I'm off to the final chapter of this story!
Series reading order:
AMAZON
REVIEW / AMAZON
REVIEW / AMAZONThis series can be read both as a standalone-series or together with the Up in the Air series.
November 29, 2013
"Heart in tatters, but will intact, I went on with my life."
R.K. Lilley, all I can say is...
And all I can do is...
To sum up Danika & Tristan's second installment I think the following gif does it nicely...
That was pretty much the entire book. I knew that it was going to be a really difficult read and I knew I was going to need tissues and be upset but I had no idea just how heart breaking it would all be. By the time I got to the last 15 or 20 percent of the book I wasn't sure if I was going to make it or not. This was absolutely fantastically done. I'm also so very thankful that she put the first chapter of the next book at the end. It helped bring me out of that time frame and back to the nearer present. I will say that R.K. apparently has a knack for being able to rip your heart out and crush it while you're still alive and do it in a way that you can keep reading. I definitely did not read it as quickly as I could have, but I could not put it down either. Every tragedy was a train wreck and I could not look away for even a second. I am going to have to stick to the lighter side of things for the next few books just to get over this one. I'm glad Lovely Trigger is out early 2014... I am absolutely eager to see where this story goes.
FUCKING FANTASTIC!!!!
R.K. Lilley, all I can say is...
And all I can do is...
To sum up Danika & Tristan's second installment I think the following gif does it nicely...
That was pretty much the entire book. I knew that it was going to be a really difficult read and I knew I was going to need tissues and be upset but I had no idea just how heart breaking it would all be. By the time I got to the last 15 or 20 percent of the book I wasn't sure if I was going to make it or not. This was absolutely fantastically done. I'm also so very thankful that she put the first chapter of the next book at the end. It helped bring me out of that time frame and back to the nearer present. I will say that R.K. apparently has a knack for being able to rip your heart out and crush it while you're still alive and do it in a way that you can keep reading. I definitely did not read it as quickly as I could have, but I could not put it down either. Every tragedy was a train wreck and I could not look away for even a second. I am going to have to stick to the lighter side of things for the next few books just to get over this one. I'm glad Lovely Trigger is out early 2014... I am absolutely eager to see where this story goes.
FUCKING FANTASTIC!!!!
November 27, 2013
My Thoughts:
Beware!! this book is one HUGE train wreck after another.....
but we all knew it had to be!! And I definitely agree with having three books.
So, let's break things down...
The Good:
✦ The sex....
"I" even got shivers when Tristan would say "Ride me."
✦ Frankie - I loved her with Danika but... (*check the "ugly" section for more*)
✦ Bev!! I never warmed up to her much before but she stole the show in this book!
✦ Sakura from Naruto - that was hilarious!
✦ Dual POVs! love that!
✦ The weekend getaways especially the one! I loved Danika's reaction in the restaurant!
The Bad:
✦ Dean...
Karma, baby! But, I need answers! (and he definitely fits under "ugly" too!)
✦ Twatalie...that was disappointing! Even though she's disgusting, there could've been some good drama there.
✦ Marta (Danika's mom) and Bert. 'Nuff said.
✦ Dahlia...I'm lumping her into the "bad" section but I was worried several times that things could turn ugly. That being said, I think things are improving.
✦ "Boo" - just no.
✦ "Yanno" - just stop.
✦ Bronson Giles - will anything come out of that?
✦ What happened to the letter?
The Ugly:
You sure you want it? because...
it's rough, baby, rough!
Well, let's get to it...
✦ The groupies...especially the last two although I must say it could've been much worse! It did make me feel better about Tristan's reaction.
✦ The drinking and the drugs...never a good thing.
✦ The distance just added to the toxic cocktail.
✦ Danika having to go through that TWO times was horrible. That alone would be enough to take down anyone but the part about the picture...ugh!
✦ Leticia...why not add more things?
✦ The ending part with Dean...I know this sounds bad but I much rather have that happen than what he planned.
* While these fit in the "ugly" category, they are also "WTF?" *
✦ The Frankie chapters...WTF were those about? And I need some eye bleach after reading the scenes with James...did we really need those?
✦ The Epilogue...the part with Tristan killed me.
✦ The Crossover bonus scene...??? I guess we'll get answers later.
Final Thoughts:
This book is depressing and I felt like it had to be but...it was a little too much. How much can two people take and survive? How much can a relationship take and recover? After reading the excerpt for Lovely Trigger, I have some concerns. I don't want things to get fixed too easily!
Thanks Melissa for the buddy read!!
Favorite quotes:
❥ "This is all yours right here. All of me. No one else gets a thing from me, you understand? I wouldn’t do that to you. I wouldn’t make all these promises if I didn’t intend to keep them.”
❥ “Two cops Tasered me at the same time once, and it barely phased me.”
❥ “Everything you promised, and everything I need. What I’m willing to give to you is what I want from you. Can’t you do that for me, Tristan? Isn’t there enough of you left?”
❥ "My dear, this is what's called family."
❥ “I have many regrets, many bad things I must take credit for, but believe me when I say that the negative impact that all of my actions have had on your life is my biggest one.”
Beware!! this book is one HUGE train wreck after another.....
but we all knew it had to be!! And I definitely agree with having three books.
So, let's break things down...
The Good:
✦ The sex....
"I" even got shivers when Tristan would say "Ride me."
✦ Frankie - I loved her with Danika but... (*check the "ugly" section for more*)
✦ Bev!! I never warmed up to her much before but she stole the show in this book!
✦ Sakura from Naruto - that was hilarious!
✦ Dual POVs! love that!
✦ The weekend getaways especially the one! I loved Danika's reaction in the restaurant!
The Bad:
✦ Dean...
Karma, baby! But, I need answers! (and he definitely fits under "ugly" too!)
✦ Twatalie...that was disappointing! Even though she's disgusting, there could've been some good drama there.
✦ Marta (Danika's mom) and Bert. 'Nuff said.
✦ Dahlia...I'm lumping her into the "bad" section but I was worried several times that things could turn ugly. That being said, I think things are improving.
✦ "Boo" - just no.
✦ "Yanno" - just stop.
✦ Bronson Giles - will anything come out of that?
✦ What happened to the letter?
The Ugly:
You sure you want it? because...
it's rough, baby, rough!
Well, let's get to it...
✦ The groupies...especially the last two although I must say it could've been much worse! It did make me feel better about Tristan's reaction.
✦ The drinking and the drugs...never a good thing.
✦ The distance just added to the toxic cocktail.
✦ Danika having to go through that TWO times was horrible. That alone would be enough to take down anyone but the part about the picture...ugh!
✦ Leticia...why not add more things?
✦ The ending part with Dean...I know this sounds bad but I much rather have that happen than what he planned.
* While these fit in the "ugly" category, they are also "WTF?" *
✦ The Frankie chapters...WTF were those about? And I need some eye bleach after reading the scenes with James...did we really need those?
✦ The Epilogue...the part with Tristan killed me.
✦ The Crossover bonus scene...??? I guess we'll get answers later.
Final Thoughts:
This book is depressing and I felt like it had to be but...it was a little too much. How much can two people take and survive? How much can a relationship take and recover? After reading the excerpt for Lovely Trigger, I have some concerns. I don't want things to get fixed too easily!
Thanks Melissa for the buddy read!!
Favorite quotes:
❥ "This is all yours right here. All of me. No one else gets a thing from me, you understand? I wouldn’t do that to you. I wouldn’t make all these promises if I didn’t intend to keep them.”
❥ “Two cops Tasered me at the same time once, and it barely phased me.”
❥ “Everything you promised, and everything I need. What I’m willing to give to you is what I want from you. Can’t you do that for me, Tristan? Isn’t there enough of you left?”
❥ "My dear, this is what's called family."
❥ “I have many regrets, many bad things I must take credit for, but believe me when I say that the negative impact that all of my actions have had on your life is my biggest one.”
December 1, 2021
Re-read: 11/30/2021
Listening Length: 11 hours and 04 minutes
Audiobook source: Audible
Rating as of today: 3 stars.
I'm definitely a different reader today than I was when I originally read this 7 years ago .
I had forgotten how toxic Danika and Tristan's relationship is.
I'm going to leave my original star rating.
______
INTENSE!!!!
Danika and Tristan are struggling to keep their relationship together as their worlds spiral out of control. Tristan is getting messed up with drugs and alcohol and Danika is fighting her tendencies to be an enabler.
Two songs kept cycling through my mind as I was immersed in this love story:
Love The Way You Lie by Enimen
The Monster by Enimen
TRISTAN!!!
DANIKA!!!
March 11th seems so far away. Grounded gives me some hope as I wait for Lovely Trigger because Tristan and Danika have a conversation that contain all three titles.
Tristan & Danika series is interconnected with Up in the Air series. Each series can be read as a standalone series.
Timeline between the two series:
{#1 T&A} Bad Things | My review
{#2 T&A} Rock Bottom
{#1 UitA} In Flight | My review
{#2 UitA} Mile High | My review
{#3 UitA} Grounded | My review
{#3 T&A} Lovely Trigger
SERIES:
Continuing story.
I was pleasantly surprised to be gifted this book from Feifei Le. Thank you again. :)
Listening Length: 11 hours and 04 minutes
Audiobook source: Audible
Rating as of today: 3 stars.
I'm definitely a different reader today than I was when I originally read this 7 years ago .
I had forgotten how toxic Danika and Tristan's relationship is.
I'm going to leave my original star rating.
______
INTENSE!!!!
Danika and Tristan are struggling to keep their relationship together as their worlds spiral out of control. Tristan is getting messed up with drugs and alcohol and Danika is fighting her tendencies to be an enabler.
Two songs kept cycling through my mind as I was immersed in this love story:
Love The Way You Lie by Enimen
The Monster by Enimen
TRISTAN!!!
DANIKA!!!
March 11th seems so far away. Grounded gives me some hope as I wait for Lovely Trigger because Tristan and Danika have a conversation that contain all three titles.
"I'm nothing without it and you were my lovely trigger for me. (...) I knew if you looked at me again, I'd hit rock bottom, and this time I wouldn't come back from it. -Tristan*********************************************************
(...)
"No, bad things happen when we get together, Tristan." -Danika
Tristan & Danika series is interconnected with Up in the Air series. Each series can be read as a standalone series.
Timeline between the two series:
{#1 T&A} Bad Things | My review
{#2 T&A} Rock Bottom
{#1 UitA} In Flight | My review
{#2 UitA} Mile High | My review
{#3 UitA} Grounded | My review
{#3 T&A} Lovely Trigger
SERIES:
Continuing story.
I was pleasantly surprised to be gifted this book from Feifei Le. Thank you again. :)
March 12, 2014
5 Devastating Stars
Sweet mother of angst. THIS BOOK. Gah! This fucking book. I knew it was coming. I prepared myself...at least I thought I did. But nothing, I mean nothing could have prepared me for the full emotional roller coaster that was the last 40% of this book. I can tell you one thing; thank FUCK I waited for book 3 to be out to finally read this, because I'm pretty sure I would have gone from batshit straight into crazyville after that ending.
Rock Bottom starts where Bad Things left off; Tristan and Danika are dealing with the grief after Tristan's brother died. They both have their own demons that they're fighting, but they're fighting them together. You can feel the connection that they have through the pages. You want so bad for them to be happy and be okay, but in the back of your mind you know that there's a darkness that's looming over their relationship. You know it's coming, you know it will be bad, but you have no idea when. I swear, I think I was holding my breath in anticipation through the whole book.
The odds were stacked against them from the beginning and as much as you're dreading for that moment to come, you know it's inevitable. I think that's what made this book so good, in a sadistic sort of way. That anticipation of not if but when.
Slowly you see Tristan spiral out of control more and more. Danika tries to help him, and your heart breaks along with her watching him sink deeper and deeper into darkness.
I finished this in one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down. I knew that whatever goes down between them is going to be bad. I just don't think I was prepared for just how bad it would be. My god! That ending! Everything that happens! Danika! Tristan! Gah!!
Damn that ending. Damn it!!!
Now if you'll excuse me, my sleep deprived ass will diving into book 3, which I've been told has some major groveling. And you all know how much I love me a good grovel. And I thank you
For more reviews visit
There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely.
I didn’t tell him that he was dragging me down with him.
Sweet mother of angst. THIS BOOK. Gah! This fucking book. I knew it was coming. I prepared myself...at least I thought I did. But nothing, I mean nothing could have prepared me for the full emotional roller coaster that was the last 40% of this book. I can tell you one thing; thank FUCK I waited for book 3 to be out to finally read this, because I'm pretty sure I would have gone from batshit straight into crazyville after that ending.
Their love had the power of a runaway freight train, and the potential to be just as destructive.
Rock Bottom starts where Bad Things left off; Tristan and Danika are dealing with the grief after Tristan's brother died. They both have their own demons that they're fighting, but they're fighting them together. You can feel the connection that they have through the pages. You want so bad for them to be happy and be okay, but in the back of your mind you know that there's a darkness that's looming over their relationship. You know it's coming, you know it will be bad, but you have no idea when. I swear, I think I was holding my breath in anticipation through the whole book.
He gripped me harder. "I can’t ever lose you, Danika. I’m not sure I’d survive it."
"You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever."
I meant the words when I said them, but life had other plans for us.
The odds were stacked against them from the beginning and as much as you're dreading for that moment to come, you know it's inevitable. I think that's what made this book so good, in a sadistic sort of way. That anticipation of not if but when.
Slowly you see Tristan spiral out of control more and more. Danika tries to help him, and your heart breaks along with her watching him sink deeper and deeper into darkness.
I finished this in one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down. I knew that whatever goes down between them is going to be bad. I just don't think I was prepared for just how bad it would be. My god! That ending! Everything that happens! Danika! Tristan! Gah!!
Damn that ending. Damn it!!!
Now if you'll excuse me, my sleep deprived ass will diving into book 3, which I've been told has some major groveling. And you all know how much I love me a good grovel. And I thank you
For more reviews visit
November 28, 2013
"She was the one. If I’d ever had a doubt, I didn’t now. She was the one I’d be thinking about, longing for, until I took my last breath. If I lost her tomorrow, I’d pine for her like a lovesick fool. This was the kind of love that only hit you once in your life. "
This book was definitely worth the wait!
From the first time we started reading the Inflight series we were looking for answers...
What happened to Tristan
and
Danika?
Why does she have a limp?
Why does she hate Tristan?
Does she even hate him?
So many questions, finally...
We get answers.
Now we know that Tristan and Danika have one of those forever loves:
Passionate, intense and all consuming....
Their love is like a drug. Tristan is still battling with his loss and only Danika can fill the void in his heart.
When an opportunity strikes Tristan and his band he is forced to make a decision, one that he didn't know would effect so many lives.
And this is the beginning of the end.
Some parts are painfully hard and sad to read and I don't blame Danika for feeling this way in the end.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series because when you have that forever kind of love, you will never find anything which comes close to it and it's worth the wait and worth fighting for!
This book was definitely worth the wait!
From the first time we started reading the Inflight series we were looking for answers...
What happened to Tristan
and
Danika?
Why does she have a limp?
Why does she hate Tristan?
Does she even hate him?
So many questions, finally...
We get answers.
Now we know that Tristan and Danika have one of those forever loves:
Passionate, intense and all consuming....
Their love is like a drug. Tristan is still battling with his loss and only Danika can fill the void in his heart.
When an opportunity strikes Tristan and his band he is forced to make a decision, one that he didn't know would effect so many lives.
And this is the beginning of the end.
Some parts are painfully hard and sad to read and I don't blame Danika for feeling this way in the end.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series because when you have that forever kind of love, you will never find anything which comes close to it and it's worth the wait and worth fighting for!
September 2, 2016
4 (Dysfunctional Relationship) Stars
Rock Bottom is a ROCKY, CRAZY, You-Do-Not-Know-What-To-Expect Ride
Danika and Tristan are moving forward in their relationship. Tristan is taking Jared’s death as best as he can and luckily he has Danika to lean on. Tristan decides to rejoin the band and the band lands a record deal which brings Tristan to stay in LA five days of the week.
Danika can see slight changes in Tristan, but is so consumed by love, she’s coping as best as she can.
Thoughts….Feelings…Emotions
Rock Bottom is EMOTIONAL. Be mentally prepared. I would almost say it mirrors the tension and angst of the Breaking Nova series by Jessica Sorensen. There is something about the way Lilley writes where she creates a couple that is just so raw, gritty and destructive, you can’t help, but love and cringe at the same time.
As much as I hate couples being separated in book 2 of series, Lilley did it the right way. There was hardly a separation, meaning, she wrote it when they were together, even though Tristan was away a good portion of the week.
In the beginning you can see Tristan internally struggle with Jared’s death and I would even say that Tristan and Danika kind of used their love and sex as a crutch to not deal with it. What I love most about the Tristan and Danika’s relationship is their intensity. Tristan takes the relationship to another level. I love his cave-man ways and reactions. Yes, many times Tristan reacts over the top by getting super jealous if Danika speaks to another guy, but to me, it made me fall in love with him more.
I love a damaged heroes and I knew Rock Bottom wouldn’t be an easy read. As Tristan stays in LA, over time, his period of stay is longer and he starts to change. It’s no surprise because his band mate, Dane is kind of bad influence and instigates a lot of issues.
As much as angsty this book was for me and as much as I do not like angst, there weren’t any annoying or frustrating moments. Yes, Tristan was out of control and sometimes Danika’s reactions weren’t agreeable, but to me, it just made me like the story more.
Also, there are no obvious moments. To me, I never knew what would happen next. Just when I think Lilley is setting up for a typical issue, she blows my mind and turns it into something else. I was shocked at the 50, 70, 90 and 99 percent mark. Crazy right?
I think I really enjoyed this book a lot because how crazy, messed-up, intense love Tristan and Danika have for each other. It was a yummy journey.
Is there HEA?
Is there a cliffy?
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
For more reviews, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
Rock Bottom is a ROCKY, CRAZY, You-Do-Not-Know-What-To-Expect Ride
Danika and Tristan are moving forward in their relationship. Tristan is taking Jared’s death as best as he can and luckily he has Danika to lean on. Tristan decides to rejoin the band and the band lands a record deal which brings Tristan to stay in LA five days of the week.
Danika can see slight changes in Tristan, but is so consumed by love, she’s coping as best as she can.
Thoughts….Feelings…Emotions
Rock Bottom is EMOTIONAL. Be mentally prepared. I would almost say it mirrors the tension and angst of the Breaking Nova series by Jessica Sorensen. There is something about the way Lilley writes where she creates a couple that is just so raw, gritty and destructive, you can’t help, but love and cringe at the same time.
As much as I hate couples being separated in book 2 of series, Lilley did it the right way. There was hardly a separation, meaning, she wrote it when they were together, even though Tristan was away a good portion of the week.
In the beginning you can see Tristan internally struggle with Jared’s death and I would even say that Tristan and Danika kind of used their love and sex as a crutch to not deal with it. What I love most about the Tristan and Danika’s relationship is their intensity. Tristan takes the relationship to another level. I love his cave-man ways and reactions. Yes, many times Tristan reacts over the top by getting super jealous if Danika speaks to another guy, but to me, it made me fall in love with him more.
I love a damaged heroes and I knew Rock Bottom wouldn’t be an easy read. As Tristan stays in LA, over time, his period of stay is longer and he starts to change. It’s no surprise because his band mate, Dane is kind of bad influence and instigates a lot of issues.
As much as angsty this book was for me and as much as I do not like angst, there weren’t any annoying or frustrating moments. Yes, Tristan was out of control and sometimes Danika’s reactions weren’t agreeable, but to me, it just made me like the story more.
Also, there are no obvious moments. To me, I never knew what would happen next. Just when I think Lilley is setting up for a typical issue, she blows my mind and turns it into something else. I was shocked at the 50, 70, 90 and 99 percent mark. Crazy right?
I think I really enjoyed this book a lot because how crazy, messed-up, intense love Tristan and Danika have for each other. It was a yummy journey.
Is there HEA?
Is there a cliffy?
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZONFor more reviews, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
July 11, 2014
5 
Stars
”My hold on him became weaker and weaker, and eventually, every finger broken, my hands opened, and I let him go.”
Call me a sucker for heartbreak, but I liked this book SO much better than the first! Perhaps it was the author’s ability to truly rip Danika, Tristan and my heart out slowly page by page in this second installment.
The first book was complete chaos and total drama for me and I had a hard time being invested in Tristan because I had an underlying feeling that he would in fact betray or destroy Danika. I wasn’t swooning over him, but I did enjoy their chemistry together and in this second book the chemistry was still off the charts but life throws this couple PAIN in the form of one hurdle after another and I truly felt that the author brought it in this book.
”What do you want from me?” His voice, at least, was animated now.
“Everything!” I shouted, enraged, heartbroken.
“Everything you promised, and everything I need. What I’m willing to give to you is what I want from you.”
Old characters are just as despicable and evil, while new ones were better off lost and sadly, our couple hits rock bottom.
I’m onto the last installment and looking forward to even more growth for both of these characters while holding out hope for an great hea!
Stars”My hold on him became weaker and weaker, and eventually, every finger broken, my hands opened, and I let him go.”
Call me a sucker for heartbreak, but I liked this book SO much better than the first! Perhaps it was the author’s ability to truly rip Danika, Tristan and my heart out slowly page by page in this second installment.
The first book was complete chaos and total drama for me and I had a hard time being invested in Tristan because I had an underlying feeling that he would in fact betray or destroy Danika. I wasn’t swooning over him, but I did enjoy their chemistry together and in this second book the chemistry was still off the charts but life throws this couple PAIN in the form of one hurdle after another and I truly felt that the author brought it in this book.
”What do you want from me?” His voice, at least, was animated now.
“Everything!” I shouted, enraged, heartbroken.
“Everything you promised, and everything I need. What I’m willing to give to you is what I want from you.”
Old characters are just as despicable and evil, while new ones were better off lost and sadly, our couple hits rock bottom.
I’m onto the last installment and looking forward to even more growth for both of these characters while holding out hope for an great hea!
March 8, 2023
I've already read this book in 2015, just listened to audio-book for the first time.
So this book2 shows what I had known all along. Tristan Vega is an overgrown man- child. He's stayed single and tangle free too long and that has changed his composition and maturity. He lives to party and loves to get into one night stands or casual hookups, partakes in alcohol and maybe substances.
Dani a morkova is the complete opposite. Old soul, responsible and VERY sorted.
Except when it comes to Tristan.
Their toxic relationship comes to a crashing & devastating end and my heart just broke. Hope she NEVER gives him a second chance
4.5 stars for wedding pictures
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So this book2 shows what I had known all along. Tristan Vega is an overgrown man- child. He's stayed single and tangle free too long and that has changed his composition and maturity. He lives to party and loves to get into one night stands or casual hookups, partakes in alcohol and maybe substances.
Dani a morkova is the complete opposite. Old soul, responsible and VERY sorted.
Except when it comes to Tristan.
Their toxic relationship comes to a crashing & devastating end and my heart just broke. Hope she NEVER gives him a second chance
4.5 stars for wedding pictures
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
January 3, 2014
"R.K. LILLEY, YOU ARE EXTRAORDINARILY TALENTED!! FIRST CLASS WRITING"
Tristan and Danika kicks off from Bad Things perfectly. After the lost of Jared, they both are battling with their emotions. It made them stronger and closer.
" Want me to pull your hair and give you a rough ride, sweetheart? Fuck the angst out?"
"That man is shameless"
Tristan, as usual, still the sexy beast with those delicious bulging and tatted up body. The boys are getting busy with their recording and show, hence he meets Danika in the weekend. They managed it well.
As a couple, there are ups and downs... little little fight with hot make up sex, thumbs up!
"It's just hit me that you're awfully mine. It makes sense I'd want to test out my property, right?"
"Test your property, huh?"
"Thoroughly testing out my property"
"Test away, I'm all yours. Do your worst"
Then, these two have a good news to celebrate but the good news is taken away because Danika lost her common sense to think to act quickly. Instead, she decided to wait like a fool for him to return..... I seriously at that point really wanted to kick her for the stupidity.
Everything afters that, takes a turn. Tristan losing hope again, Dean being a sod......From 70% it just became double emotional and nerve wrecking!
Gosh, the emotions was just too much and finally I broke my heart!!!
Tristan, my darling.....
THAT WAS EVERYTHING!!!!
Thank you so much R.K. Lilley for that teaser for Lovely Trigger!!!
Please come fast! *counting days*
April 2, 2020
Honestly, the whole book peed me off but if I would've had a paperback of this book instead of it being on my kindle I would have thrown it across the room. *SPOILER* Okay so we start off coming from him grieving his brother's loss in the first book. She's there for him and does all she can. So after that, his band gets back together and gets accepted by a label. So with this comes drinking, drugs, and groupies (but he never cheats on her). They get married. She is still going to school and dancing. He is getting worse on drugs. She gets pregnant. Since his mother has hated him and blames him for his younger brother's death Danika tells her about her expecting and how she needs to become a better mother who is sober and a better person for her grandchild. Danika reconciles with her sister and finds out her sister is also expecting so she decides not to tell her about her own pregnancy. When she is 5 months along she falls in the shower and begins to spot. After calling a "nurse hotline" and them telling her about Braxton hicks she decides not to go to the hospital. After bleeding more she tries to call Tristan over and over but since he is wasted and doesn't answer she ends up losing the baby. He's an idiot. After she tells the mother in law about losing the baby the mother in law drinks herself to death. So they fall apart to come back together and fall apart again. Then they end up divorcing. Again he's an idiot. A couple of months after signing the divorce papers she finds that she is pregnant again. She decides to dress up and surprise him with the good news. Unfortunately, his house is filled with drugs and groupies. He manhandles her, tries to have sex with her and when she tells him no he gets groupies to go to his room and wait for him. He's an idiot and an a**hole. So after drinking a roofied orange juice that an a**hole band member "Dean" gives her. She tries to tell Tristan that she's not feeling well and doesn't feel like she can drive herself home. So being the a**hole that he is he says that since they are divorced she's not his problem and tells Dean to go drive her home. So, of course, Dean has the intention of date raping her but before he gets to the location that he wants to take her They are hit by a car and Dean is killed and she is injured. After arriving at the hospital she finds out that not only has she lost another child there was so much significant damage that she can never have children again. Oh, and she also has injuries to her legs and will never be able to have a career in dancing. Tristan comes to the hospital days later and apologizes. She says it's over she wants to be left alone, oh and then he decides its a good time to check himself into rehab. Then the book ends. So I am angry and disappointed. I don't understand why the poor girl had to lose TWO children, not be able to have any other children again and LOSE her dancing career!?! Where the hello is this series going? What does she have to live for now?! This isn't even real and I feel sorry for her! And it makes me feel depressed as heck! SMH
October 20, 2014
4.5 Stars
Tragedy never took its full chunk out of you right way. It always took a while to hit you head on, and sink in and for something substantial, some hint of the real feeling, the real reaction, to come to the surface, and this loss was not done taking its toll on us.
I really enjoyed this one, but it was devastating. Tristan and Danika are both still grieving from the loss suffered in Bad Things. Only finding solace in each other, but the world keeps spinning. And, they find themselves drifting, no matter how hard they try to hold on.
The hits just kept coming for Tristan and Danika.
R.K. Lilley really puts this couple through the ringer - one thing after another. This was heart breaking to experience something so beautiful fall apart.
There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely. I didn’t tell him that he was dragging me down with him.
I am an angst whore, so I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to the next book, this couple deserves some happy!
Tragedy never took its full chunk out of you right way. It always took a while to hit you head on, and sink in and for something substantial, some hint of the real feeling, the real reaction, to come to the surface, and this loss was not done taking its toll on us.
I really enjoyed this one, but it was devastating. Tristan and Danika are both still grieving from the loss suffered in Bad Things. Only finding solace in each other, but the world keeps spinning. And, they find themselves drifting, no matter how hard they try to hold on.
The hits just kept coming for Tristan and Danika.
R.K. Lilley really puts this couple through the ringer - one thing after another. This was heart breaking to experience something so beautiful fall apart.
There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely. I didn’t tell him that he was dragging me down with him.
I am an angst whore, so I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to the next book, this couple deserves some happy!
March 23, 2017
If I didn't love Tristan so much, I would hate him after everything he puts Danika through. This was way too tragic. It just speaks of Tristan's charm that I can still like him after this book. This is not a safe read at all.
November 28, 2013
My heart hurt over and over again. However I can't get enough of them! Need book 3 Now!!!
March 21, 2014
"Every heartbeat. Every breath, Tristan. Yours."
April 1, 2014
This book....OMG, this book. There is no other way to describe it as intense and majorly heartbreaking. The struggle of these two and the pain they go through is almost to much to read. I stayed up until 1:30am, at least and found myself wanting to hit something, throw the kindle or something. It hurt, so so bad. As much as I thought I was prepared for something bad to happen in this book, I found out, in the end, I was nowhere near as prepared as I thought I was. MUCH. MORE. HEARTBREAKING. The whole book seemed to rip me apart, and I can only hope that the next in the series puts me back together.
10/15/2013
PROLOGUE Released, DAMMNNN I can't wait for this book...
http://rklilley.com/blog/2013/10/15/c...
Please, oh please, oh please, tell me we don't have to wait a long time for more of Tristan and Danika.
What about kitties??
Lots of kitties...?
[image error]
Well you can't blame a girl for trying...Seriously I can't wait. :/
10/15/2013
PROLOGUE Released, DAMMNNN I can't wait for this book...
http://rklilley.com/blog/2013/10/15/c...
Please, oh please, oh please, tell me we don't have to wait a long time for more of Tristan and Danika.
What about kitties??
Lots of kitties...?
[image error]
Well you can't blame a girl for trying...Seriously I can't wait. :/
February 5, 2015
4 ½ Addictive, Frustrating, Heartbreaking stars – Contemporary/Erotic Romance
I both hated and loved this book. I thought I was prepared for the angsty continuation of Tristan and Danika’s love story after Bad Things, but this still eviscerated me. Rock Bottom was emotional, intense, devastating, gut-wrenching, exasperating, and extremely melodramatic, but I was enthralled by their passionate, all-consuming, tumultuous, addictive, and tragic romance and couldn’t swipe my finger across the screen fast enough.
So many times I wanted to scream my frustration over their repeatedly bad, destructive choices and actions and the lack of communication and misunderstandings that caused so much needless pain, suffering, misery, and heartbreak. After so much anguish and tragedy...everything these two have gone through together and done to each other, I honestly don’t know how they could possibly ever find their HEA. But I’m already reading Lovely Trigger to find out!
Some things that really upset/frustrated/gutted me:
**********Spoilers and venting ahead**********
Okay, I must read Lovely Trigger faster!
I both hated and loved this book. I thought I was prepared for the angsty continuation of Tristan and Danika’s love story after Bad Things, but this still eviscerated me. Rock Bottom was emotional, intense, devastating, gut-wrenching, exasperating, and extremely melodramatic, but I was enthralled by their passionate, all-consuming, tumultuous, addictive, and tragic romance and couldn’t swipe my finger across the screen fast enough.
So many times I wanted to scream my frustration over their repeatedly bad, destructive choices and actions and the lack of communication and misunderstandings that caused so much needless pain, suffering, misery, and heartbreak. After so much anguish and tragedy...everything these two have gone through together and done to each other, I honestly don’t know how they could possibly ever find their HEA. But I’m already reading Lovely Trigger to find out!
Some things that really upset/frustrated/gutted me:
**********Spoilers and venting ahead**********
Okay, I must read Lovely Trigger faster!
June 26, 2015
""I love you," I spoke softly into his ear. He gripped me harder. "I can't ever lose you, Danika. I'm not sure I'd survive it." "You've got me. And I'm not going anywhere. Not ever." I meant the words when I said them, but life had other plans for us. I was, by nature, a fighter, and no one could say I didn't fight for us. I'd have given my life for that fight. In fact, I very nearly did."
Wow, this book was intense and highly emotional. I though the angst would kill me. I actually have chest pains and I still feel like crying. Oh, how my beloved Tristan has fallen. This book shows how addiction not only destroys you, but the ones you love most, as well. This book contained one tragedy after another. I really didn't know if my heart could take it. I have so many emotions swirling inside of me... hatred for that scum of the earth Dean, sorrow for their unimaginable loss, sadness for all that was destroyed, grief over loved ones lost, aggravation for their lack of communication, piety for Danika, great frustration for Tristan, and heartbreak for them both. I have thought up many plots and scenarios on what could have happened to Danika and Tristan's relationship since I read Grounded and in my wildest imaginings I never came up with what actually happened in the end. That ending was, wow, so tragic, so gut-wrenching, so good. I thought the Up In The Air books were really good and memorable, but this series is so beyond compelling and addictively good that I highly recommend it!
"There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely. I didn't tell him that he was dragging me down with him."
Wow, this book was intense and highly emotional. I though the angst would kill me. I actually have chest pains and I still feel like crying. Oh, how my beloved Tristan has fallen. This book shows how addiction not only destroys you, but the ones you love most, as well. This book contained one tragedy after another. I really didn't know if my heart could take it. I have so many emotions swirling inside of me... hatred for that scum of the earth Dean, sorrow for their unimaginable loss, sadness for all that was destroyed, grief over loved ones lost, aggravation for their lack of communication, piety for Danika, great frustration for Tristan, and heartbreak for them both. I have thought up many plots and scenarios on what could have happened to Danika and Tristan's relationship since I read Grounded and in my wildest imaginings I never came up with what actually happened in the end. That ending was, wow, so tragic, so gut-wrenching, so good. I thought the Up In The Air books were really good and memorable, but this series is so beyond compelling and addictively good that I highly recommend it!
"There was an anchor, tied around both of his ankles, and it was taking him deep, into black fathomless depths, drowning him slowly but surely. I didn't tell him that he was dragging me down with him."
January 6, 2015
This book.....THIS FUCKING BOOK!!!
See the thing is, you know what's coming. It's out there....waiting for you. You're heading for it no matter what. You don't know when. You don't know where. You don't know how. But it's there....patiently waiting for you to arrive......and then it blows your heart and soul up into tiny little pieces.
In agonizing slow motion, you watch addiction consume Tristan. Little by little, day in and day out, he loses a little piece of himself while trying desperately to hold onto the one thing that can actually save him.
What do you do when the one person you love the most is slowly disappearing right in front of you? When you scratch and claw with every ounce of fight you have to try and save them? Only to find out in the end, that you're not helping at all. There's nothing you can do. And somehow during this epic war, you've begun to lose yourself.
By the end, it's not a question of love, or endurance or even faith.....but of survival.
There really aren't any words I can come up with to showcase the rollercoaster of emotions you go through during the last 25-30% of this book. It will make you cry, it will leave you gasping and oddly enough, it will have you hoping. Hoping that the storm has passed, the destruction complete and that, maybe, it was time to clean up and rebuild again.
See the thing is, you know what's coming. It's out there....waiting for you. You're heading for it no matter what. You don't know when. You don't know where. You don't know how. But it's there....patiently waiting for you to arrive......and then it blows your heart and soul up into tiny little pieces.
"I was, by nature, a fighter, and no one could say I didn't fight for us. I'd have given my life for that fight. In fact, I very nearly did."
In agonizing slow motion, you watch addiction consume Tristan. Little by little, day in and day out, he loses a little piece of himself while trying desperately to hold onto the one thing that can actually save him.
"She was the one. If I'd ever had a doubt, I didn't now. She was the one I'd be thinking about, longing for, until I took my last breath. If I lost her tomorrow, I'd pine for her like a lovesick fool. This was the kind of love that only hit you once in your life."
What do you do when the one person you love the most is slowly disappearing right in front of you? When you scratch and claw with every ounce of fight you have to try and save them? Only to find out in the end, that you're not helping at all. There's nothing you can do. And somehow during this epic war, you've begun to lose yourself.
By the end, it's not a question of love, or endurance or even faith.....but of survival.
"My hold on him became weaker and weaker, and eventually, every finger broken, my hands opened, and I let him go. No one could say I didn't fight for him. No one could say I didn't lose."
There really aren't any words I can come up with to showcase the rollercoaster of emotions you go through during the last 25-30% of this book. It will make you cry, it will leave you gasping and oddly enough, it will have you hoping. Hoping that the storm has passed, the destruction complete and that, maybe, it was time to clean up and rebuild again.
November 20, 2015
Wow! This story is easily one of the best I've read, and I read a lot! Reading this was like watching 2 trains heading for one another on the same track. You know it will end in disaster, but you can't bear to look away as it unfolds. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. I couldn't put it down.
July 8, 2017
Why ruin stories with effed up drama that's not needed??
Why in the hell does she so easily get manipulated by Tristan, her mother, Tristan's mother AND GODDAMN EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD?!
Why in the hell does she so easily get manipulated by Tristan, her mother, Tristan's mother AND GODDAMN EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD?!
July 7, 2020
This series has gotten me by the throat, It is so awesome, exciting, sad, hot and a lots more adjectives. Tristian & Danika story had a love like no other their connection was off the charts.
I love you," I spoke softly into his ear. He gripped me harder. "I can’t ever lose you, Danika. I’m not sure I’d survive it." "You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever." I meant the words when I said them, but life had other plans for us.
Only 1 person was jealous of Tristian & Danika relationship, his so call best friend Dean. Dean did everything to separate the two because he missed the old Tristian and wanted fame over anything. So thats how Tristian & Danika relationship continued to be a train wreck always giving Tristian every part of her not considering what she needed going down an endless rabbit hole. As Tristian started to spiral out of control Danika always responded by asking him "What do you need from me, how can I help you" "What is left from a woman when she has given everything to a man...Nothing" So about time Tristian hit rock bottom it was too late, Danika had lost everything that matter to her, nothing else matter, so she gave up on the only man she loved, she let it all go so she could piece her life back to some normalcy without Tristian... UGLY CRY love this series prepare to read in one setting, prepared to go through the journey this author will take you through!!!
I love you," I spoke softly into his ear. He gripped me harder. "I can’t ever lose you, Danika. I’m not sure I’d survive it." "You’ve got me. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever." I meant the words when I said them, but life had other plans for us.
Only 1 person was jealous of Tristian & Danika relationship, his so call best friend Dean. Dean did everything to separate the two because he missed the old Tristian and wanted fame over anything. So thats how Tristian & Danika relationship continued to be a train wreck always giving Tristian every part of her not considering what she needed going down an endless rabbit hole. As Tristian started to spiral out of control Danika always responded by asking him "What do you need from me, how can I help you" "What is left from a woman when she has given everything to a man...Nothing" So about time Tristian hit rock bottom it was too late, Danika had lost everything that matter to her, nothing else matter, so she gave up on the only man she loved, she let it all go so she could piece her life back to some normalcy without Tristian... UGLY CRY love this series prepare to read in one setting, prepared to go through the journey this author will take you through!!!
July 18, 2018
OMG OMG OMG SQEEEEEE SOO FREAKING EXCITED BE CALM KATY BOOK TWO's OUT END OF OCT/BEG OF NOV FOLKS
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